LONDON (27 Nov) – Sky Sports has secured the rights to show Amir Khan’s pivotal fight with Devon Alexander exclusively live from the MGM Grand in December.

Khan tops the bill in Las Vegas as he goes head-to-head with Alexander on Saturday 13 December, live on Sky Sports 1, with the winner set to throw their name into the sweepstakes to face WBA Super and WBC welterweight world champion Floyd Mayweather Junior.

Khan’s first fight at 147 pounds came in May when he overcame Luis Collazo on points, and the Bolton fighter returns to Las Vegas again to face the former two-weight world champion from St. Louis.

As part of a huge night of boxing from the US, Sky Sports will also show the mouthwatering fights from the undercard, including Keith Thurman against Leonard Bundu, Abner Mares taking on Jose Ramirez, and Jermall Charlo against Italian Lenny Bottai.

Khan said: “It’s great to be back on Sky Sports once again for what is one of the biggest fights of my career so far against Devon Alexander. I have had a great training camp and have no doubts it’s going to be a very special night for me on December 13th, headlining at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. I look forward to putting on a spectacular performance for everyone tuning in on the night, against a very tricky and respected opponent in Alexander. I can’t wait to step in the ring again and am raring to go.”

Adam Smith, Executive Producer of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “This is a great fight, and fabulous night of action from Las Vegas. Boxing fans are in for a momentous week with all the build up and live action on Sky Sports.

”It’s a vital fight for Amir and for British boxing, with both fighters desperate for the chance that could come their way in 2015 it really is winner takes all in Las Vegas.”

The fight from Las Vegas is yet another outstanding contest in a year of great boxing on Sky. 2014 has seen Froch v Groves II from Wembley Stadium, the return of Cleverly v Bellew and Kell Brook overcoming Shawn Porter in Los Angeles.

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 25, 2014) – With the holiday season fast approaching, boxing fans will have plenty to celebrate at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 13, as the star-studded “ROYAL BATTLE: Khan vs. Alexander” has grown to a quadrupleheader. Added to the previously announced SHOWTIME telecast will be a 10-round featherweight bout featuring former three-division world champion Abner Mares (27-1-1, 14 KOs) against Mexico’s Jose Ramirez (24-3-2, 15 KOs), and opening the live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING portion of the event at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT will be a 12-round IBF Title Elimination bout between unbeaten Jermall Charlo (19-0, 15 KOs) and Italy’s Lenny Bottai (22-2, 9 KOs).

Headlined by the high-stakes 12-round welterweight matchups between British superstar and former unified super lightweight world champion Amir “King” Khan and former two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great,” and featuring the interim WBA Welterweight World Championship 12-round title fight between Keith “One Time” Thurman against Leonard “The Lion” Bundu, the live SHOWTIME event will offer a full night of boxing action.

SHOWTIME EXTREME viewers will also be treated to outstanding live action beginning at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), with top 154-pound contender Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo(24-0, 11 KOs) putting his unbeaten record on the line in a 10-round bout against Mario Alberto Lozano (28-5, 20 KOs) and undefeated 2012 United States Olympian Errol Spence Jr. (14-0, 11 KOs) taking on longtime contender “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (24-10-1, 11 KOs) of Greece in an eight-round junior middleweight contest. Plus, the return of former welterweight world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (29-5-2, 22 KOs) against Denver’s Manuel Perez (21-10-1, 4 KOs) will be aired during the SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast.

Rounding out the non-televised card, in an eight-round cruiserweight bout featuring Beibut Shumenov (14-2, 9 KOs) versus Robert Thomas Jr. (14-2-1, 9 KOs) and Tokyo’s Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-2-1, 21 KOs) will face off against San Jose’s Oscar Godoy (13-3, 6 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight showdown.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Facing off against former world champion Abner Mares will beMazatlan, Mexico native Jose Ramirez, (24-3-2, 15 KOs), who can put himself in the running for a world title shot at 126 pounds with a win on Dec. 13. A professional since 2006, the 27-year-old former WBO International Featherweight World Champion is 3-2 in his last five bouts, a stretch that includes a victory over veteran contender Rey Bautista. Ramirez now makes his home in Oxnard, Calif., where he’s put in an intense training camp for the biggest fight of his career.

Former amateur sensation Jermall Charlo (19-0, 15 KOs) of Houston, Texas has made his presence known in the professional game with all but four of his wins coming by way of knockout. The 24-year-old Charlo is ready to continue to make a statement that he is one of the best junior middleweights in the world when he opens the Dec. 13 telecast against Lenny Bottai. His most recent win, a seventh round technical knockout over Norberto Gonzalez in September has given Charlo the drive to close out the year with a victory and head into 2015 with a world championship in his sights.

On a quest to bring a world championship home to Italy, Livorno’s Lenny “Mangusta” Bottai (22-2, 9 KOs) is a seasoned veteran of European rings, where he has won the Italian, IBO International, IBF International, IBF Intercontinental and WBC Mediterranean Junior Middleweight titles. The only thing missing for the 37-year-old warrior is a world title belt and following seven consecutive victories, four by knockout, he can move one step closer to glory should he upend Charlo.

Winner of nine of his last 11 fights, 27-year-old Mario Alberto “Aguila” Lozano (28-5, 22 KOs) will be a stern test for unbeaten Jermell Charlo on Dec. 13 in Las Vegas. A stellar welterweight contender for several years, the Chihuahua, Mexico native is now putting his skills on display at 154 pounds, where he has recently battled respected contenders Vanes Martirosyan and Charles Hatley. But to set the stage for a title run, Lozano must dispatch Charlo from the ranks of the unbeaten and end 2014 with a bang.

2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. (14-0, 11 KOs) has been making a steady climb up the divisional ranks since turning professional. After a shutout win over rugged veteran Ronald Cruz in June and a dominating technical knockout victory over the experienced Noe Bolanos in September, the 24-year-old from Desoto, Texas is primed to take his next big step.

Fresh from his first fight as a professional in his native Greece, a second round knockout of Andrei Staliarchuk in May, Athens’ “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (25-10-2, 12 KOs) will see if 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. has what it takes to move to the next level when they collide. A veteran of nearly 14 years in the pro game, the 35-year-old Arnaoutis has battled the likes of Josesito Lopez, Chris Algieri, Danny Garcia and Victor Ortiz in his career, and he still feels he gas plenty left his as he tackles one of boxing’s brightest prospects.

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

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

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 5, 2014) – Accomplished and widely recognizable former world champions still in the prime of their careers — Amir Khan and Devon Alexander — participated in a Golden Boy Promotions press conference on Tuesday at The Conga Room at L.A. Live to formally announce “ROYAL BATTLE” on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas; live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Former world champion Victor Ortiz was also in attendance as he prepares for his undercard bout against an opponent to be named.

An important welterweight battle for both fighters, British superstar and former unified super lightweight world champion “King” Khan (29-3, 19 KOs) of Bolton, England will take on former two-division world champion Alexander “The Great” (26-2, 14 KOs) of St. Louis, Mo., in the 12-round main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.

Four more talented boxers, all unbeaten, will compete in two world title fights on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast: undefeated interim WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (23-0, 21 KOs) of Clearwater, Fla., will defend against a consensus top-five ranked welterweight Leonard “The Lion” Bundu (31-0-2, 11 KOs) of Lazio, Italy, and WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) of Providence, R.I., will risk his 154-pound belt against tough undefeated up-and-coming star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (24-0, 11 KOs) of Houston, Texas, who’ll be getting his first crack at a world title.

Ortiz (29-5, 22 KOs), of Ventura, Calif., and former three-time, three-division world champion Abner Mares (27-1-1, 14 KOs) of Downey, Calif., by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, will fight on the undercard in separate bouts against opponents to be announced.
Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Here’s what the boxers as well as trainers Virgil Hunter (Khan) and Kevin Cunningham (Alexander), and Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions, Eric Gomez, had to say on Tuesday:

AMIR KHAN, Former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

“This fight means a lot to me. At the end of the day it’s going to be a tough fight against an A-class opponent who I really believe I can shine against. This is a big fight for me. I’m one of those fighters that loves a battle and that’s exactly what this fight will be. I really want people to tune in and enjoy the show.

“I look at this as a make or break fight for me. I am focused 100 percent on this fight. [Floyd] Mayweather is motivation for me, makes me work harder, but my main goal is to get past this fight. If I win this fight it will take me onto bigger and better things. This is a statement fight for me and if I beat [Devon] Alexander, then I believe I have secured my position in a super fight, but it’s all about winning this fight and looking good.

“My last fight [against Luis Collazo] helped me because he was a southpaw and Devon Alexander is also a southpaw. I can take the experience I had in the last fight into this fight and hopefully we will get the job done. Devon [Alexander] is a very good and skilled fighter like myself. It’s going to be a game of chess to find out who is the bigger and more skillful fighter.

“This fight’s been brewing for a long time, a lot of people want to see this fight. We’ve had this fight in the works for a couple years now, but now it’s time. It’s a fight that the fans are going to love. You’ve got two fighting styles, two young fighters that are hungry and also two fighters that are at the peak of their career.

“Virgil [Hunter, trainer] has taught me to spend more time in the gym, which I’ve been doing the last two the last two years to become a better fighter. Going into this fight I’m going to be a different fighter.

“I feel like my style, with speed, power, hand and foot movement, would give someone like Floyd Mayweather problems. Floyd’s a great fighter, but first we have to look good and shine against Alexander and then I think the fight with Floyd will be secured.

“I’ve noticed with Alexander that when he wants to fight he can fight and when he wants to box he can box. The thing about Alexander is he’s quick and has good movement, but he needs to develop his power and sit down on his shots a little more. He is getting better as a fighter and I know that he’s going to be ready for this fight.

“Alexander is fighting a big name and is also fighting in Las Vegas for the first time, so it’s only going to motivate him to train harder. When it comes down to the fight he knows that if he wins there will be a bigger prize at the end of this.

“I like fighting in Las Vegas in front of an entire crowd. We are looking at having a lot of Brits turn up from the UK to Las Vegas. It’s going to be one hell of a show and I want the fans to know that. It’s going to be an exciting and explosive fight.”

DEVON ALEXANDER, Former Two-Division World Champion

“It’s going to be a huge fight, everyone’s talking about it and everyone knows what it means. This fight can catapult me to the top level. I’m ready to fight; it’s going to be awesome. Two guys with speed that are both determined not to lose. We have both tasted defeat and don’t want to taste it any longer, so that makes for a great fight.

“We’ve been working exclusively on speed and movement during this training camp. I’m making sure my reflexes are there so I can come off how I want to. It’s all going to come together and it’s going to be an awesome night for me.

“As far as me being underrated, I do believe that I am. I’ve been in with top-notch guys and people are quiet about those things. But it’s OK because I’m going to continue to prove myself and earn my respect.

“I don’t believe his hand speed is going to give me problems. I’ve fought them all, I’ve been fighting since I was seven-years-old, so I’ve seen it all. I am going to utilize whatever he does to my advantage and that’s how I’m going to get the victory.

“It’s a dream come true for me to fight in Las Vegas. Every time that I was supposed to fight there during my professional career it always fell off. I said to myself that whenever I do fight in Las Vegas it’s going to be the right time, and there’s no better time for me then on Dec. 13.

“All Khan does is hit, hit, hit and move out in every fight. I’m a versatile boxer who can stand in the pocket but also be a smart fighter. I fight differently in each fight.

“I’ve come from some very rough times. When I was seven I never thought that I would become champion, but here I am under the big lights of MGM Grand. You just have to stay true and believe in yourself.

“Ever since I was seven I believed that I could be a champion and Kevin [Cunningham, trainer] instilled that in me. He stuck with me and I needed that. He started the gym and I never looked back because that was the opportunity for me to get out.

“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career because this fight determines who goes to the elite level and who has to start back over again. This fight determines who the cream of the crop is and I plan on showing people that I belong at the top.”

VICTOR ORTIZ, Former Welterweight World Champion

“I’ve fallen a few times in my career, it happens. I don’t care what career you choose to do, you’re going to fall. You get up and shake it off and move forward.

“Two years ago I broke my jaw in a fight, but I didn’t sit around feeling sorry for myself. I immediately took on Dancing with the Stars and six weeks in I was eliminated. From there I get a call from Sylvester Stallone to do Expendables 3. Why not? I can’t fight and my jaw is still shattered, so I went to Eastern Europe for three months.

“I had the opportunity to fight on the Mayweather-Maidana undercard in May but I didn’t want to risk my boxing career because I was still injured.

“No one is forcing me to keep boxing, but I’m only 27 and I have a lot left in me. I’m in my prime and at the end of the day I’m back in the ring. It’s in me to fight and I have a lot of unfinished business in the ring. I will, mark my words, be one of the greatest.

“This is a fight that I’m taking very seriously. I can’t afford to fall. I’m fortunate to have options, but right now my option is to be world champion.

“I’ve put two films aside to fight on Dec. 13. I could’ve trained and acted at the same time but I knew that I had to focus completely on this fight.

“Not having an opponent doesn’t affect my current training. I’m finally with a team that I feel confident with and at home with.”

VIRGIL HUNTER, Khan’s Trainer

“The training is going quite well. Where we are six weeks out, we feel real good about that. The stakes in this fight are enormous. A lot of people are talking about this fight being an elimination fight to fighting Mayweather. I’m not sure how true that is, but we’re not paying attention to it because we’ve been down that road before.

“The focus is on fighting Devon [Alexander]. It’s mixed emotions for me because I’ve known Devon since he was 10-years-old. But I knew inevitably that a day like this would probably come so I’ve put that aside to go about the business.

“Amir [Khan] is going to have to be completely focused to beat a two-time world champion. Both of these guys have been to the top of the mountain and have proved that they know how to get back there.

“Whoever has the most focus and implements their game plan consistently is the one who will emerge victorious.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Alexander’s Trainer

“Training is going well so far, everything is going as planned. It’s a great fight for both fighters, both fighters need this fight. It’s a huge opportunity for both guys, two of the best welterweights in the division. Both have good accomplishments and have fought all the top guys.

“As far as my guy, I think that this is the perfect fight for him. Devon has the skill set, ability and timing that you need when you fight a guy like Amir Khan with his style.

“Timing is the key. Amir is fast, but he’s not quick. Devon’s going to expose a lot of the mistakes that Amir makes, like coming in and pulling out with his chin up.

“Devon has had opportunities to prove to people that he was everything they thought he was, but he has come up short in the past. We accept that, but this opportunity here will propel him right back into that situation and the scenario he was once in going into the Tim Bradley fight.

“Right now, this is the biggest fight of Devon’s career. If he gets past [Amir] Khan, he puts himself right back in the mix with Mayweather. Anything else than a Mayweather fight for us after beating Amir Khan would be a major disappointment.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions

“We’re excited about this fight card. The main event really is a toss-up. It is two guys going at it in their prime. It’s a 50-50 fight where the winner is going to be in a great place. This is the type of fight that fans want to see, where they see that guys are risking something. You can’t clearly see who is going to win this fight, and that’s exactly how this entire card is.

“The winner of this fight is going to earn a shot at fighting Floyd [Mayweather]. They aren’t necessarily going to get Floyd because he decides who he wants to fight, but they would have earned it.

“You’ve got four fighters who are undefeated fighting in the two world title fights so it’s going to be a great night of boxing.”

# # #

“Royal Battle: Khan vs. Alexander,” a 12-round welterweight bout for the WBC Silver Welterweight Title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and The Great Promotions and is sponsored by Corona Extra, AT&T and Mexico – Live It To Believe It! The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Keith Thurman defends his WBA Interim Welterweight World Title against Leonard Bundu, and in the televised opener, Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against Jermell Charlo in a bout promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Banner Promotions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

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

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2014) – The stars of boxing’s present and future will be out in full force at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 13, when Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and The Great Promotions present a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader featuring a pivotal welterweight showdown and two world championship fights, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

In a pair of must-see, high-stakes welterweight matchups, British superstar and former unified super lightweight world champion Amir “King” Khan of Bolton, Englandwill take onformer two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” of St. Louis, Mo., while undefeated interim WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman of Clearwater, Fla., will defend against Leonard “The Lion” Bundu of Lazio, Italy.

Rounding out an action-packed night on the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will be WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade of Providence, R.I., who risks his 154-pound belt against tough undefeated young star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo of Houston, Texas. Charlo will make his first attempt at world title glory in a battle of unbeaten junior middleweights.

Featured on the undercard will be two separate 10-round bouts featuring former three-time, three-division world champion Abner Mares and former welterweight world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz. Mares, who will fight in a featherweight bout against an opponent to be determined, will look to build on his recent victory over Jonathan Oquendo. Ortiz is looking to make a comeback statement in a welterweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“Getting back in the ring is all I’ve been looking towards these last few months,” said Khan. “I want to show everybody that I’m a major force at 147 pounds and I’m ready to take on the best. This fight with Alexander has been on the table for a while, but it is finally happening and I plan on winning impressively to show that I am truly one of the best welterweights in the world.”

“I’ve wanted this fight for a long time and I’m ready to show that I’m worthy of this opportunity and the opportunities ahead after I win on Dec. 13,” said Alexander. “I’ve worked hard my entire life and now the pressure is on to really show what I can do.”

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and defend my title,” said Thurman. “I’m going to give all my fans the performance of a lifetime and prove why my name should be at the top of the welterweight conversation.”

“December 13 is going to be the biggest night of my professional career thus far,” said Bundu. “To be fighting in the United States, in the fight capital of the world — Las Vegas on SHOWTIME against one of the most promising American prospects is a dream come true. But Keith Thurman doesn’t scare me. I know that I have what it takes to win and truly make a name for myself throughout the boxing world.”

“There is no way I’m letting go of my belt,” said Andrade. “Jermell Charlo is a good fighter, but nothing is going to stop me from defending my belt and raising my hand in victory on Dec. 13. I am confident that this will be a fight fans won’t want to miss.”

“I am beyond excited to finally get a shot at a world title,” said Charlo. “This is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m ready to be a world champion. Nothing is going to stand in my way. Andrade is the champion and I’m not looking past him at all, but this is my time. I know it. The title will lead to bigger and better things and that is what I’m all about.”

“I am so happy to be back at MGM Grand after my recent win in July,” said Mares. “My ultimate goal is another shot at a world championship and a win on December 13 will help me get there. I plan on putting on a great performance and showcasing my skills once again.”

“I’m excited to get back into the ring,” said Ortiz. “I got caught in my last fight, but I’m ready to get back to work and improve my game. I know what it takes to win and that is what I plan on doing on December 13. I’m thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to giving fans a great show.”

“A huge main event with two former champions looking to take a major step back towards a title shot; undefeated fighters going head-to-head on the undercard; our last big show of the year -Dec. 13 at MGM Grand will have it all,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Golden Boy Promotions is finishing 2014 strong and will move into 2015 continuing to make good on our promise to make the most exciting fights for boxing fans.”

“The Dec. 13 edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING delivers on our promise to televise stacked fight cards featuring big name fighters in meaningful fights,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “The main event, Amir Khan versus Devon Alexander, is a matchup between two renowned former world champions, each at a critical juncture in his career. In the co-feature, Keith Thurman, one of the brightest young stars in boxing, faces perhaps his toughest test to date in the highly regarded and undefeated Leonard Bundu, as each boxer battles for position in the ultra-competitive welterweight division. The opening bout on the telecast features two very talented undefeated rising stars, champion Demetrius Andrade and No. 2-ranked challenger Jermell Charlo. Each fight on the telecast will have a significant impact on the top-10 divisional rankings.”

Khan(29-3, 19 KOs), a 2004 Olympic Silver medalist who turns 28 on Dec. 8, has won his last three contests, all against former world champions. In his most recent outing, he scored three knockdowns en route to a lopsided 12-round decision victory over Luis Collazo in the co-main event on May 3. Before that, the popular, lightning-quick Brit defeated Julio Diaz via unanimous decision in April of 2013 and Carlos Molina in Dec. of 2012. A victory against Alexander would put Khan in a position to become a two-division world champion in 2015.

The 27-year-old southpaw Alexander (26-2, 14 KOs), is a former welterweight and junior welterweight world champion and is coming off of a 10-round unanimous decision over the tough Jesus Soto Karass last June. Fighting with a newfound passion and aggressiveness, Alexander was victorious by the scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93. A winner of five of his last six bouts, a stretch that has seen him defeat the likes of Lucas Matthysse and Marcos Maidana, Alexander believes that his technical artistry will put him back in the world title hunt soon.

Thurman (23-0, 21 KOs) has always been feared for his knockout power, but when he won the WBA Interim Welterweight World Title with a 10th round knockout over Diego Chaves in July of 2013, he was put in a position where the elite of the fight game would have to square off with him eventually. The 25-year-old Thurman has since made two successful title defenses with knockouts over Jesus Soto Karass and Julio Diaz, and he will attempt to achieve the same result against Bundu.

Bundu(31-0-2, 11 KOs), who represented Italy in the 2000 Olympic Games, is making his United States and SHOWTIME debut. The European and Commonwealth Champion, is coming off a hard-earned 12-round decision over previously undefeated contender Frankie Gavin on Aug. 1. Bundu was born in Sierra Leone before moving to Italy, where he has fought the majority of his fights since turning pro in 2005. He is ranked No. 3 in the WBC and No, 4 in the WBA and IBF.

A decorated amateur, Providence, Rhode Island’s Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) turned professional in 2008 after representing the U.S. in the Olympic Games in Beijing. In November of 2013, the talented southpaw won the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Title with a 12-round decision over Vanes Martirosyan and this past June, the 26-year-old successfully defended his title for the first time with a seventh-round technical knockout over Brian Rose.

Charlo (24-0, 11 KOs), 24, is the younger-by-one-minute brother of identical twin, Jermall, who is also a world-ranked undefeated contender at 154 pounds. A tall fighter for his division, Charlo has stepped up in class in some recent fights and is coming off two consecutive terrific points’ victories against Charlie Ota in a 12-round fight on May 24 and against Gabriel Rosado in a 10-round battle on Jan. 25. Charlo, also a top-notch amateur, won the bronze medal at the 2005 Junior Olympics. December 13 marks a milestone in Charlo’s career as he will do everything he can to capture his first world title.

Mares (27-1-1, 14 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and fighting out of Downey, Calif. is coming off of a unanimous decision victory over Johnathan Oquendo at MGM Grand in July. Prior to his impressive win, Mares suffered the first loss of his professional career to the hands of Johnny Gonzalez, but has since bounced back and is ready to fight. Mares found himself on the pound-for-pound list in 2013 after winning the WBC Featherweight title, adding to his accomplishments as he already held world championships at bantamweight and super bantamweight.

Ortiz (29-5, 22 KOs) is ready to show the boxing world that he still has what it takes to be great. The 27-year-old Ventura, Calif. native has made headlines in and out of the ring, not only as a fighter, but also an entertainer. A former welterweight world champion who has engaged in memorable battles against the best in the boxing business including Floyd Mayweather, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Josesito Lopez. He has also crossed over into the bright lights of Hollywood as a member of the cast of ABC’s hit series “Dancing With The Stars” and most recently as part of the film “Expendables 3.” Now Ortiz will return to the ring for the first time since his knockout loss against Luis Collazo in January and looks to show the boxing world he’s serious about another run at a world title.

“Royal Battle: Khan vs. Alexander,” a 12-round welterweight bout for the WBC Silver Welterweight Title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and The Great Promotions and is sponsored by Corona Extra, AT&T and Mexico – Live It To Believe It! The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Keith Thurman defends his WBA Interim Welterweight World Title against Leonard Bundu, and in the televised opener, Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against Jermell Charlo in a bout promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Banner Promotions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

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

Former world champions will collide when Amir Khan takes on Devon Alexander on December 13 in Las Vegas that will headline a tripleheader on Showtime, according to Dan Rafael of espn.

“There are just little details that we are finishing but Khan and Alexander are going to fight,” said Golden Boy Promotions De La Hoya told ESPN.com on Monday.

“Amir Khan looked good against my boy Collazo, but I have a feeling he wants to make a statement against Alexander, and Alexander is coming off a good win in a good action fight with Soto Karass,” De La Hoya said. “What’s happening here is they realize they have to prove themselves if they want to get a really big fight, like against Mayweather.”

“It came right back around,” Alexander told ESPN.com. “It looks like it will happen, and I’m excited about it. Should be a big win for me. He tried to just wait to get the Mayweather fight and he didn’t get it, and now he has to fight me. So it is inevitable we get in the ring and see who’s best and who is catapulted to the next level.

“He’s a good fighter. He has some speed. I can hit and not get hit, and I’m faster. He stands there. He’s a good, solid fighter, but he don’t do anything special. He hits and jumps back. That’s how he lost; he got timed jumping in and got caught. People know me as a good counter puncher, and I’m fast so of course I will be able to catch him and catch him good, and my boxing will be there, too. So I think I have the ability to outshine him in this one.”

Alexander is also excited to have the first fight of his 10-year career in Las Vegas.

“Every time I was scheduled to fight in Vegas, it always fell through,” Alexander said. “This is my dream to fight in Vegas. That’s one of my goals, to fight in Vegas, and what better fight than to do it for the first time on a big stage.”

“It matters [that there’s no title], but I want to beat a good name and let people know I’m one of the best at welterweight and that I am still the future of the welterweight division and I am still here, and I’m not going anywhere,” he said.

De La Hoya also confirmed a previous ESPN.com report that one of the other bouts on the card would be junior middleweight titleholder Demetrius Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs), 26, of Providence, Rhode Island, defending his title for the second time when he faces Golden Boy fighter Jermell Charlo (24-0, 11 KOs), 24, of Houston.

The third bout is likely to pit interim welterweight titlist Keith Thurman (23-0, 21 KOs), 25, of Clearwater, Florida — one of boxing’s most exciting rising stars — against European welterweight champion Leonard Bundu (31-0, 11 KOs), 39, of Italy. Bundu, who recently signed with Haymon (who also handles Thurman), is unknown in the United States and has no wins of serious note on his record except for his last fight, a split decision against then-undefeated prospect Frankie Gavin of England in European title defense.

LONDON (12 Sep) – Former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan has tipped Floyd Mayweather to come through his challenge with Marcos Maidana as he eyes a potential future fight with boxing’s pound-for-pound star.

The Bolton native was highly impressive in his last outing against Luis Collazo at his first fight at welterweight, and will now be ringside in Las Vegas after resolving Visa issues that meant he was unable to travel on Thursday morning.

Khan lands on Saturday afternoon and will be on-hand to cast his eyes over Mayweather and fully expects the current two-weight world champion to outsmart and outthink his way to victory over the hard-hitting Argentine, live this Saturday night on BoxNation.

“The first fight surprised a lot of people, no one expected Floyd to be in such a tough fight with Maidana. Maidana did himself a lot of credit in that fight and gave Floyd problems that not many people expected to see,” said Khan.

“Nevertheless, I think this fight Floyd will be a lot more composed and will know what he’s getting when he faces Maidana. The thing with Maidana is he tends to throw shots from weird angles and it can take you out your stride at first.

“Having shared the ring with him now, I think Floyd is going to be smart, box from the outside and maybe leave Maidana chasing his shadow,” he said.

The 31-year-old Maidana gave Mayweather his toughest fight in years when they first clashed in May.

Despite partial success for Maidana in his gameplan of pressurising the 11-time world champion first time around, Khan believes you have to have more than one trick when taking on a fighter of Mayweather’s calibre.

“Maidana made it a very rough and rugged fight and showed Floyd no respect first time around. His gameplan was to go in there and treat him like he was a nobody. In a way it definitely worked for him because he gave Floyd a tough fight especially early on.

“But against Floyd you can’t go in there with one strategy and think it’s going to see you through the fight because he is very clever, very smart and makes adjustments,” said Khan.

“He’ll do something different and ask you questions and poses different problems round by round. So you might win the first, second and third round but it’s about seeing it through and in the end Maidana just couldn’t do it.”

Many within boxing circles have tipped the 27-year-old Khan himself to be the one fighter who could give Mayweather a real run for his money.

With a plan to be out again at the end of this year Khan is hoping to throw his name into the sweepstakes to take on boxing’s biggest draw.

“It’s a fight that many want to see happen just because our styles would make a very interesting clash. If I keep winning then I think it’s a fight that could definitely happen in the future. Floyd has said the same thing to me in the past,” said Khan.

“For now, I’m out again in December so I’m looking to get my opponent named for that and putting on a great performance in my next fight. But if it makes sense for both sides then it will be a fight that could happen.

“I don’t want to put a timescale on it but I got into this sport to fight the best and at the moment Floyd is ahead of everyone so it would be great to test myself against him,” he said.

It is the speed of the Olympic silver medallist which he deems the key component in overcoming the unbeaten Mayweather, who has a flawless 46-0 record.

“I really believe speed is one of the key components in beating Floyd. Speed of hand and speed of foot – even speed of mind. It’s not the only thing but it’s very important, as is having a good jab and being able to answer the questions he poses,” he said.

“You can’t be one dimensional against Floyd because over and over in his career he has shown that he makes changes to whatever style his opponent comes with.

“Yet, when you look at it up until Maidana the people who have troubled him the most have been people with speed and good movement, those are things I possess,” Khan told BoxNation.

Many believe a Mayweather-Khan superfight at Wembley Stadium could exceed anything seen before at the home of English football.

Khan, however, would happily welcome a bout on home soil but is aware any decision would ultimately be Mayweather’s.

“I would love to bring a fight of that scale back home but I think it would be very difficult. Floyd tends to have all his fights at the MGM Grand. I know he has spoke about coming over here and fighting so you never know.

“He has a big fanbase here and I have a big fanbase so it would make sense. To fight Floyd at Wembley would be an unbelievable experience but at the end of the day Floyd is in the position where he decides who and where he wants to fight,” said Khan.

Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 525) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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

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

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

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For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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(MANCHESTER, 15 Aug) – Last night at the Hilton Deansgate Hotel in Manchester, boxer Amir Khan hosted a glittering fundraising dinner for the launch of the Amir Khan Foundation, raising a staggering £218,000, for the new charity (Charity Number 1158078).

A number of well-known faces, as well as 500 guests from across the country joined Amir at the sell-out event, including much-loved stand-up comedian, actor and co-host, Omid Djalili, ex-Bolton Wanderers star, Kevin Davies, TV presenter, Charlie Webster and basketball star, John Amaechi.

Set up by Amir to enable him to be even more hands-on with his charity work, the Amir Khan Foundation will provide crucial support to disadvantaged young people in the UK and worldwide. It will help communities and charities in need of support, from a local football club needing a new kit, to communities abroad hit by a natural disaster or a crisis.

The Amir Khan Foundation will work with international delivery partner, The Penny Appeal, and use the funds raised to support numerous projects including the building of a new orphanage, school and well in the deprived Gunjur region of Gambia.

Highly emotional speeches from Amir and the Amir Khan Foundation team brought to life the aims and aspirations of the new charity. Amir also shared details of his recent trip to Gambia where he visited communities in desperate need of support and the site where his orphanage will be.

The evening was packed with entertainment from Omid and his comedy sketches, as well as high energy performances from a Britain’s Got Talent dance group from Manchester, the Shockarellas. Guests also dug deep for rare auction items, which included a signed pair of Mo Farah’s running spikes, Muhammad Ali signed shorts, and a signed Lewis Hamilton racing suit.

Amir explained: “We’ve been working on plans for the Amir Khan Foundation for a long time, so I’m extremely proud to have raised so much on our first ever event.

“The total amount exceeded all of our expectations and I’d like to thank everyone who came along – it was a fantastic night.

“My recent trip to Gambia with the Amir Khan Foundation team really helped bring my dreams for the charity to life and I hope the money raised will help to make a real difference to communities over there.”

Aamer Naeem, CEO of Penny Appeal added: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Amir and the Amir Khan Foundation to help facilitate their great plans for the charity. The evening was a huge success and it’s great to work with someone who is so passionate – and this is just the start of great things to come for the partnership.”

To keep updated with all Amir Khan Foundation news, follow @AKFoundation – and to donate please visit www.pennyappeal.org/AmirKhanFoundation

-ENDS-
Notes
The Penny Appeal aims to transform lives through the collection of small change to help tackle poverty.

A penny may be small and insignificant to many people living in the developed world, but to those in extreme poverty a penny, combined with a handful of other pennies, genuinely equates to life-changing money.

All Penny Appeal projects and campaigns are carefully constructed and designed with affordability and high impact at their heart. Constantly striving to reach out and benefit the maximum number of poor and needy people it can, in ways that cost donors no more than a pocketful of pennies a day.

For more information please visit the Penny Appeal website www.pennyappeal.org/

BOLTON (7 July) – Amir Khan was arrested during the early hours of Friday 4th July on suspicion of common assault against two youths. Shortly thereafter he was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

This was a minor incident involving a misunderstanding between Amir Khan and two other youths.

On Monday 7th July Amir was notified by the police that the allegations against him had been withdrawn and the matter would not be pursued any further.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – It was supposed to be easy. It wasn’t.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. got the victory that oddsmakers, pundits and just about everybody not from Argentina thought he would. But it was less than dominant. At times, it was just ugly. Marcos Maidana made sure of it in an exhausting, carpet-bomb style of punching that pushed Mayweather onto the ropes and even through the ropes.

There were few moments, it seemed, when Mayweather wasn’t on the ropes, literally and figuratively. Mayweather got the decision. But there was a qualifier. It wasn’t unanimous. It was a majority decision, meaning it fell one judge short of Mayweather’s predicted dominance.

It was a draw, 114-114, on Michael Pernick’s scorecard. Burt Reynolds had it 117-111 and Dave Mortetti 116-112, each for Mayweather. The draw on Pernick’s card opens the door for a debate about just how good the unbeaten Mayweather was in winning his 46th fight and the third in a rich Showtime contract worth a potential $250 million.

“I’d describe this as a tough, competitive fight,’’ said Mayweather (46-0, 25 KOs), who collected at least $32 million. “Normally, I like to box, but I couldn’t.’’

He couldn’t because of the inexhaustible Maidana, who walked forward in a dogged pursuit of the mythical pound-for-pound champion.

After it was all over, Maidana walked and talked like the winner. In some ways, he even looked the winner. He was unmarked, unlike Mayweather, who was left with a cut above his right eye.

“He never hurt me with a punch,’’ said Maidana (35-4, 31 KOs), who was guaranteed $1.5 million. “I thought I won the fight.’’

Maidana seemed to fight as if he were angry. Perhaps, he was, especially after a glove controversy that wasn’t settled until early Saturday. Maidana was not allowed to wear custom-made gloves that bore Argentina’s blue and white colors. The Mayweather camp objected to them, arguing they lacked the requisite padding along the knuckles.

“He doesn’t fight like a man,’’ Maidana said in Spanish translated into English for the MGM Grand’s crowd, which included a lot of jeering fans from Argentina.

Mayweather escaped with the decision by scoring with precise punches in the later rounds. From the seven through the 12th, Maidana couldn’t quite sustain the pace he had at the beginning. That left him open for counter shots and an effective uppercut. Still, Maidana had enough energy to bull-rush Mayweather in the 11th, pushing him half way through the middle ropes.

Mayweather sustained a cut above his right eye late in the fourth.

“I couldn’t see out of the eye for two rounds,’’ Mayweather said.

A left hook from Maidana appeared to cause the wound, although Maidana’s furious pace made it hard to tell exactly what landed. At times, it looked as if Maidana was trying to land just about everything, all at once.

Maidana wasted no time. In the first, the Maidana whirlwind began, dropping shots from countless angles and at a machinegun rate. Everything was a target. Mayweather’s head and hips. Even Mayweather’s left shoulder was under a sustained assault. Mayweather rolls the shoulder in what is his best-known defensive tactic. Early on, however, the roll was rare, if there at all. There was no time to initiate, much less complete the trademark roll. Mayweather was too busy ducking and leaning back on the ropes.

Mayweather didn’t eliminate the possibility of a rematch. Maidana talked as if he deserved one.

“I’m not scared of him,’’ Maidana said. “Why not do the rematch?’’

It might be in the cards.

Amir Khan restores credibility with tactical decision over Collazo

Amir Khan added pounds to his body and hope to his future.

Kahn restored some lost credibility with a poised, tactical decision over Luis Collazo in a welterweight bout Saturday night before the main event featuring Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana at the MGM Grand.

There will always be doubts about Khan’s notoriously fragile chin. Against the rugged Collazo, however, the former junior-welterweight seemed to fight as though he knew he couldn’t leave it exposed. For the most part, he used his quick feet to stay a step away from Collazo.

Byt the 10th round, his superior athleticism just proved to be too much for Collazo. He knocked down Collazo twice in the round. The first knockdown came at the end of a left uppercut as short as it was beautiful.

For Khan, the inescapable question revolved around what was next. Mayweather? Mayweather had bypassed Khan for Maidana.

“Absolutely,’’ Khan (29-3, 19 KOs) said when asked if he wanted to be next in the Mayweather sweepstakes. “Absolutely.’’

In the fourth, Khan’s hand speed exercised some Mayweather-like superiority with a short right hand that knocked Collazo off-balance and onto the seat of his trunks. Seconds later, Khan staggered him. But the tough Collazo (35-6, 18 KOs) is nothing if not resilient. That’s the story of his long career.

The knockdown seemed to embolden him. He stubbornly moved forward in an evident attempt to draw Khan into a brawl. Khan instinctively moved away, almost as if he knew he couldn’t win the kind of street fight Collazo wanted.

But the stubborn Collazo kept moving forward and kept taunting Khan in the late seconds of each successive round. It was if he was trying to wear down Khan, wear off the slick veneer on the Brit’s versatile skill set. In the eighth, it looked as if Collazo might succeed. He was penalized a point for a low blow. For a fleeting moment, Khan looked fatigued. Collazo staggered him with a right. Khan held on and was penalized a point for holding Collazo’s head.

Broner Big Winner on Cards, Big Loser with Fans
Adrien Broner talks about boos as though they were terms of endearment.

He says he loves to hear them.

He must have been happy Saturday night. Boos filled the MGM Grand Garden Arena for how he won and how he talked about it after scoring a unanimous decision over Carlos Molina, a Mexican-American from Norwalk, Calif.

“I’m the Can Man,’’ Broner (28-1, 22 KOs) told Showtime broadcaster Jim Gray at the center of the ring. “I just beat the bleep out of a Mexi-Can.’’

On a night billed as a celebration of Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo holiday, the patrons were angry enough at the slur to collectively kick Broner’s can. They couldn’t. Neither could the resolute Molina (17-2-1, 7 KOs). But somebody else will if Broner continues to fight with more showmanship than skill.

He mocked Molina in the late rounds, he looked at the crowd in almost every round and threw Molina onto the canvas with a wrestling hold in the third round. There wasn’t much time left for punches and, sure, enough he didn’t throw many. He mixed in just enough to collect a points’ victory in a junior-welterweight bout, his first since Marcos Maidana embarrassed him in December.

“It was a sparring session on national television,’’ said Broner, who showed he can insult pay-per-view customers too

Too Much Love for Periban
J’Leon Love’s story is about learning how to survive. Out of the ring. And in it.

It was a lesson Love (18-0, 10 KOs) put to good use against Marco Antonio Periban (20-2-1, 13 Kos) in the first fight of the pay-per-view portion of the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Marcos Maidana card. Love, a Mayweather-promoted super-middleweight, survived the fifth round.

A straight right from Periban turned Love’s head violently from one side to the other and eventually put him on the canvas. Periban, of Mexico City, fell back and down in the wild round, apparently from over-exerting himself in an attempt to finish Love. But Love would not go away. First, he regained his equilibrium and then the momentum with careful and precise shots from several angles and enough abundance to win a 10-round unanimous decision.

OFF TV: The non-televised portion of the card was consistent, if not exactly perfect. It went six-for-six. Six fights, six stoppages. The sixth came from Las Vegas cruiserweight Andrew Tabiti, who scored a fourth-round TKO of John Shipman (3-2, 2 KOs) of Amarillo, Tex.

Las Vegas super-middleweight Ronald Gavril (9-0, 7 KOs) remained unbeaten with a fourth-round TKO of Tyrell Hendrix (10-4-2, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles.

British middleweight Anthony Ogogo (6-0, 2 KOs) kept the KO streak going. He scored the card’s fourth straight stoppage, finishing Jonuel Tapia (8-5-1, 5 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY, in the third round.

Ashley Theopane (35-6-1, 10 KOs) of Las Vegas employed speed and precision to overcome a bigger Angino Perez (15-5, 13 KOs) for a fourth-round stoppage of the Miami welterweight. Theopane finished the bout with a succession of punches that drove Perez into the ropes.

Lanell Bellows (7-1-1, 6 KOs), a Las Vegas super-middleweight, scored two knockdowns en route to a second-round stoppage of Thomas Gifford (2-2-1, 1 KO), an Arkansas fighter who went down in the second round as though he had been hit by runaway truck.

More than three hours before Showtime’s pay-per-view telecast began, junior-welterweights Ladarius Miller of Memphis and Richard Colas opened the show. Their punches echoed throughout the empty arena. The biggest echo came from Miller (2-0, 1 KO), who scored a third-round TKO of Colas (11-3, 1 KO).

Follow all the action live as Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana meet in a WBA/WBC Welterweight unification bout. A big 3-fight undercard will take place beginning at 9 PM ET that will see Former world champions Amir Khan and Luis Collazo squaring off in a Welterweight bout. Former world champion Adrien Broner battles Carlos Molina and the night kicks off with a Super Middleweight elimination bout between J’Leon Love and Marco Antonio Periban

12 ROUNDS–WBA/WBC WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–FLOYD MAYWEATHER (45-0, 26 KO’S) VS MARCOS MAIDANA (35-3, 31 KO’S)

Round 1 Righgoot to body from Maidana…Jab from Mayweather..Maidana lands a left..Mayweather getting hit on the ropes…Mayweather lands a right at the bell…10-9 Maidana

Round 2 Maidana landing shots on the ropes…Mayweather lands 2 hard lead rights..19-19

Round 3 Jab to body from Mayweather..Hard counter right…Hard rights on the ropes from Maidana…Left and right from Mayweather..Lead right…29-28 Mayweather

Round 4 Mayweather lands a good body shot and left hook..Mayweather is cut over right eye…Left to body from Mayweather..39-37 Mayweather

Round 5 Cut caused by headbutt…Right from Maidana…right…Mayweather lands a right..jab..right..Right from Maidana..Body fromMayweather…body/head from Maidana..48-47 Mayweather

Round 6 Right and left from Mayweather…counter right.. Maidana lands a few rights..jab///uppercut from Mayweather..lead left hook..righlt…jab to the body..staright right..right to body from Maidana..right and uppercut…left from Mayweather..58-56 Mayweather

Round 7 Lead left from Mayweather…left to body..2 left hooks…double jab…2 rights..right and 2 lefts from Maidana..68-65 Mayweather

Round 8 Maidana lands 2 over hand right…right from Mayweather..double jab from maidana..right from Mayweather…Jab and right from Maidana..lead left from Maywetaher..chaopping left…lead left and counter left…78-75 Mayweather

Round 9 Mayweather lands a right…left..left from Maidana..lead right and left hook…big right..right and blistering combination…jab…88-84 Mayweather

Round 10 Mayweather lands a jab and right..combination..right to body..jab..Lead right..lead left from Maidana..2 right from Mayweather..good right from Maidana..98-93 Mayweather

Round 11 Mayweather lands a left hook…trading jabs..right from Mayweather..right from Maidana..108-102 Mayweather

Round 12 Left from Maidana..counter combo from Mayweather…Maidana landing hard bod pucnhes..lead right from Mayweather…right…counter right…118-111 Mayweather

114-114; 117-111, 116-112 winner by majority decision Floyd Mayweather

12 ROUNDS WELTERWEIGHTS–AMIR KHAN (28-3, 19 KO’S) VS LUIS COLLAZO (35-5, 18 KO’S)

Round 3 1-2 from Khan…Left from Collazo..Khan gets in a right..Body..30-27 Khan

Round 4..RIGHT TO THE CHIN AND DOWN GOES COLLAZO..Khan landing combiation..Collazo trying to comeback..40-35 Khan

Round 5 Right and left from Khan…Left from Khan..Combo from Collazo..lead left..50-44 Khan

Round 6 Right and left from Khan..Left from Collazo…right from Collazo…Khan lands a straight right…660-53 Khan

Round 7 lead left and jab from Collazo..Hard right from Khan..quick combination..70-62 Khan

Round 8 Collzao docked a point for Low Blows…Big left from Collazo..Khan being warned for holding the head..1-2 from Collazo..lead left from Collazo…point deducted from Khan..right from Khan..78-71 Khan

Round 9 Good combo from both..body and head from Khan..straight right..88-80 Khan

Round 10 Hard left hurts Collazo…right..left..left to jaw..LEFT AND DOWN GOES COLLAZO..HARD COMBINATION AND LEFT AND DOWN GOES COLLAZO..Hard combo on ropes…98-87 Khan

Round 11 Good combo from Collazo..right from Khan..2 jabs..left hook to body and head..good right and left from Collazo..3 jabs from Khan..straight left and uppercut from Collazo..108-96 Khan

Round 12 Low blow from Collazo…118-106 Khan

117-106, 119-104 twice for Amir Khan

10 ROUNDS–SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS–ADRIEN BRONER (27-1, 22 KO’S) VS CARLOS MOLINA (17-1-1, 7 KO’S)

Round 1 Molina works the body..10-9 Molina

Round 2 Combination from Molina..Broner lands a right behind the jab..Molina lands a left to the body..Good right..20-18 Molina

Round 3 Broner takes down Molina..Molina landing on the ropes..Over hand right and jab from Broner…Left hook from Molina..30-28 Molina

Round 4 Right from Molina..Combination to head from Broner..good body from Boner..Combo from Molina..uppercut from Broner..quick combiantion…39-39 Molina

Round 5 Combinatu…48-48

Round 6 Broner lands a short right…body..58-57 Broner

Round 7 right and left to body from Broner..right to head…right cross..right from Molina..big right and left hook..68-66 Broner

Round 8 Uppercut from Broner..overhand right from Molina..Both landed rights..right from Broner..78-75 Broner

Round 9 Jab From Broner…88-84 Broner

Round 10 Right from Broner..left to body from Molina..left hook from Molina..Jab from Broner..Molina lands a left hook..right from Broner..Good exchange at the bell...98-94 Broner

99-91, 98-92, 100-90 for Adrien Broner

10 ROUNDS–SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS–J’LEON LOVE (17-0, 10 KO’S) VS MARCO ANTONIO PERIBAN (20-1-1, 13 KO’S)

Round 1 Periban lands a right to the body..Love lands a jab.right to body..10-9 Love

Round 2 Double jab from Love..Periban right to the body..Periban bleeding from the nose..counter right to body from Love..20-18 Love

Round 3 Periban backing Love on the ropes with a flurry..2 jabs from Love..Periban lands a left to the body…combination..left from Love..jab..Nice combination..Combination..29-28 Love

Round 4 Love lands a jab to the body…5 jabs…39-37 Love

Round 5 Periban lands a combination..Huge Right..hurts Love..love is eating about 25 punches to the face…Love in real trouble..HUGE RIGHT AND LEFT AND LOVE TAKES A KNEE…Love eats a hard right…47-47

Round 6 Jab from Periban..Big left..Jab from Love..right to body from Periban..Good left from Love..body..Cut over left eye of Periban..Love landing an uppercut…Periban looking tired..2 jabs from Love...57-56 Periban

Round 7 Left to body from Love..Left from Periban..67-66 Periban

Round 8 Triple jab from Love..good jab..Counter right from Periban..exchange rights to the body..76-76

Round 9 Body from Periban…2 jabs from Love..Good right from Periban..86-85 Periban

Round 10 double jab from Love…Left to body from Periban….95-95

95-93, 97-92, 96-93 all for J’Leon Love

LONDON (May 2) – Boxing’s star attraction Floyd Mayweather has vowed to give fans an edge-of-the-seat thriller against Marcos Maidana this Saturday night.

The pound-for-pound kingpin faces the rugged Argentine at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live and exclusive on BoxNation, with the promise to stand and engage with the renowned knockout artist when they clash at the iconic boxing coliseum.

‘Money’ Mayweather has predicted that this fight will play out different from his last two bouts, against Robert Guerrero and Canelo Alvarez respectively, with the superstar looking to stand in the pocket and make it an all-action affair.

“I may have three fights after this, I’m really not sure. I don’t know what I’m going to do. But I can promise you this: Saturday, I’m going to give you guys what you want to see,” said Mayweather.

“It’s not going to be the same fight that I fought with Canelo; it’s not going to be the same fight that I fought with Robert Guerrero. It’s going to be a totally different fight. No gameplan at all. I’m going to be right there.

“I think styles make fights. I’m looking to win and I’m looking to win very impressively. I’m pretty sure he’s coming straight ahead and we’ll see how the fight plays out,” he said.

Mayweather is used to the biggest nights having been involved in the highest grossing event of all time when his bout with Oscar De La Hoya generated a stunning $136m in 2007, before shattering that record last year when his battle with Alvarez raked in $150m.

The record-breaker has proved that he is able to handle the biggest of occasions, a level which will be new to the iron willed Maidana.

“I’ve been here before and know what it takes to win a fight of this magnitude. When the best fight the best, it takes more than just power. It takes more than just a great heart. You have to dig deep. You have to be mentally strong, not just physically strong, to win a fight like this,” said Mayweather.

“As of late, Marcos Maidana has been making a lot of noise. Is he one of the best in the sport? Yes he is. But I am the best. And that’s the difference.

“He’s tough, he’s rugged, he’s a champion. I respect him as a man, but come Saturday you have to earn my respect as a fighter,” he stated.

Though the favourite going into the fight, the pride of Grand Rapids, Michigan, knows he can’t underestimate the fierce Argentine.

“I never go in a game with a game plan. My game plan is to win and be first,” said Mayweather. “I can’t overlook this guy. He earned it. Argentina is a great country and you all have a true champion. He’s a true champion, he’s a warrior, and he got here somehow, someway. He represents his country real well. I’m a worldwide figure, but I bleed the red, white and blue first.”

The stardom for one of sport’s most recognised faces comes at a price, however, with Mayweather not too keen on some of the trappings that fame presents.

“When I just sit back sometimes in my bed and I turn on the TV and just look, I think ‘I miss doing that by myself’. I want to go places by myself; I want do things by myself. You think I always want to go to the movie theatre and take security?

“I want to go to the casino by myself and play blackjack by myself. If I have a wife I want to be able to travel with just me and her. I want to be able to do one-on-one things,” said Mayweather.

“But, guess what? It’s a gift and it’s a curse because God could easily have put someone else in this position. So I say, it’s me and I got to take it for what it’s for and just be thankful I’m one of the chosen ones,” he said.

It will be the unrelenting and hardened Maidana, though, who hopes he is the one chosen to hand the majestic Mayweather his first loss.

The 30-year-old from the rough streets of Santa Fe in Argentina was unapologetic ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

“No one has given anything to me,” said Maidana. “The opportunity, I earned it myself. I know this is a very difficult fight. That’s why I trained like never before. Mayweather is a great fighter, but I don’t give a f*** about this guy. It’s very important to land the combos and keep at him.

“I’m prepared for whatever he brings. If he wants to trade blows, we’ll trade blows. If he wants to run, we can handle that, too. We’re prepared for everything. I’m relaxed. We’re good. I talk a little trash because it gets me mad, gets me ready,” he said.

The card this weekend also sees British star Amir Khan back in action for the first time since his close victory over Julio Diaz in April of last year.

The former unified light-welterweight world champion takes on Brooklyn’s Luis Collazo for WBC silver welterweight world title.

“The time is here and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Khan. “This is my chance to make a big statement in what is my first fight in the welterweight division and I’m ready to grab that chance. It’s going to be a fight full of excitement and action and I’m going to show that I’m better than I’ve ever been before.”

His 33-year opponent was in an equally upbeat mood stating he’s going to make it an inhospitable welcome to the 147lb division.

“This is the highest of the high for a boxer and I’m humbled by the opportunity. It’s been a tremendous ride. I’m blessed to be here and soak this moment in,” said Collazo.

“Khan, welcome to the welterweight division. I’m going to give the fight fans what they want; make sure you tune in and don’t miss it. It’s going to be a special night,” he said.

Brash-talking Adrien Broner is also set to appear on the card as he steps down to light-welterweight to face Mexican-American Carlos Molina following his loss to Maidana last December.

Mayweather vs. Maidana/Khan vs. Collazo is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday midnight. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

LONDON (April 29) – British boxing star Amir Khan has vowed to look his best yet despite spending the past year out the ring.

The former unified light-welterweight world champion has endured a frustrating 12 months having seen his chances of fighting Floyd Mayweather disintegrate when the pound-for-pound ace opted to fight Argentine bruiser Marcos Maidana instead.

Despite the setbacks, which saw Khan pass up the opportunity to take on Devon Alexander last December for the IBF welterweight title following assurances he would land ‘Money’ Mayweather, the Bolton pugilist is upbeat about his upcoming fight with the tricky southpaw Luis Collazo.

“It was a difficult time,” said Khan. “But the fact is I moved on fairly quick when I knew the Mayweather shot wasn’t happening. It was just about refocusing my mind on the next opponent and luckily we were able to announce Luis Collazo straight away which allowed me the chance to get back in the ring as soon as possible.

“I wanted a tough challenge at welterweight and not just to go in there against some average guy. Collazo is a legitimate welterweight who is very confident after his win against Victor Ortiz but I know I have the tools to beat him,” said Khan.

The Olympic silver medalist goes into the fight having not been in the ring since he overcame Julio Diaz in Sheffield last April.

Yet, Khan is confident he will be much improved having spent the last year locked away in the San Francisco gym of his esteemed American trainer Virgil Hunter.

“You’re going to see an improved Amir Khan, the best Amir Khan, there’s no doubt in my mind about that,” he said.

“Over the last 12 months I’ve been in camps with Virgil and we’ve been working on certain aspects of my game that I never really got the chance to work on because I just didn’t get the time as I was fighting so often.

“Through the last few months I’ve been focusing on improving myself and adding certain things to my game. Because I didn’t have an opponent lined up and I wasn’t fighting I had the time to look at myself and work on things I wanted to work on.

“On May 3rd I’m going to put that all into practice on the biggest stage and not only beat Collazo but look to beat him in real style,” said Khan.

The 27-year-old is also refusing to look past the Brooklyn banger as talk of a showdown with Mayweather later this year, should he prevail, constantly being mooted.

“I’m not thinking about other possible fights, my mind and my attention is solely on Luis Collazo. To overlook him would be foolish, he needs to be respected and I give him that respect,” said Khan.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me, all I know is I have to get through Luis Collazo to see what that might be. It’s a tough fight but one I’m ready for and very confident about.

“I can’t wait to get in the ring on Saturday because it’s been so long – I wish it was tomorrow,” Khan said.

The 33-year-old Collazo is also well aware of how big a fight this could be in his career.

The Puerto Rican-American has shared the ring with a number of top fighters, including a closely contested bout with fan favourite Ricky Hatton back in 2006.

Now, however, he is at a crossroads in his career, with a win over Khan propelling him into a shot at even bigger fights.

“This fight [against Khan] is my whole career right in front of me,” said Collazo. “I believe if I beat Amir Khan I have a bigger future in boxing and if I don’t, I have to start from the bottom again. I am not looking beyond Amir Khan. He is my main focus. From here whatever happens happens, but Amir Khan is all I’m thinking about right now.

“A win over Khan does put me in the Mayweather sweepstakes, but my sights are set on Khan,” he said.

Khan and Collazo’s bout will act as the chief support on a packed bill at the MGM Grand this Saturday, which also sees the brash talking Adrien Broner back in action against Carlos Molina, before the headliner Mayweather looks to make it 46-0 against the rugged Maidana.

BoxNation viewers will be able to see a special hour long countdown show previewing the respective Mayweather and Khan fights this Friday at 7pm, with the final ‘All Access: Mayweather v Maidana’ show premiering on Saturday at 7pm.

Mayweather vs. Maidana/Khan vs. Collazo is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday midnight. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

FLOYD “MONEY” MAYWEATHER, 10-Time Five-Division World Champion & WBC Welterweight World Champion

“On May 3, I’ve got to go out there and take my time, keep my composure and be me. Everybody thinks he’s just going to be a pushover, but I don’t think so. That’s why I’m training hard and I’m pushing myself to the limit every day.

“I know Maidana is going to come and bring his best, so I know that I cannot overlook him. I’m in training every day and dedicating myself.

“I think Maidana is more confident now than he was when he faced the kid from St. Louis, Devon Alexander. I think he’s more confident now, so I think he’s more ready and tough. If you have more confidence it’s going to make you fight harder.

“Of course I want my name to go down in history as the best, but also making smart business moves to be very lucrative and build your portfolio is important.

“I’ve been in so many career-defining fights I can’t really choose one particular that defines my legacy, but all of them played a major role.

“We must realize that I am the bigger guy even though I walk around at 150. I go no higher than 152. I’m naturally the bigger guy because I’ve been at 147 almost 10 years now, so I’m naturally the bigger guy.

“I can feel when a guy’s gonna punch. I can feel it. I don’t even have to see it; I can feel it.

“Maidana punches extremely hard if he has an 80 percent knockout ratio. That’s obviously his best attribute, but a lot of times when a guy’s swinging a lot of big shots and they’re not landing, you get fatigued like that.

“I haven’t been hit by Maidana yet, so I can’t really say if he’s the hardest puncher I’ve faced. I may be the hardest puncher he ever fought. He hasn’t been hit by me yet, so we’ll just have to see if he’s the hardest puncher.

“Boxing is always very, very important to me and always will be because this has put me in a position to have everything that I have. I want to help this sport live on. I want to help this sport continue to grow. That’s what it’s about.

“I think that I don’t get my credit that’s due because I think that I make A-level and B-level fighters look ordinary, but that comes from just having a sharp mind and just really pushing myself in training

“When I was young I always loved to entertain, I always loved to promote. We’ve done house parties when we were young teenagers, 13, 14. I know how to promote and make sure the party was packed, so promotion has always been something I am good at.

“It’s about being a smart. I don’t go into a fight thinking about losing. It’s about winning at life. The most important thing is winning at life.

“Before I became a champion, I worked hard. Now that I am a champion, each fight I have to work harder and harder to stay in this position.”

MARCOS “EL CHINO” MAIDANA, WBA Welterweight World Champion

“I’m very happy to be part of this event. I have prepared myself for the best part of my career.

“I’m going to go out to win it. Others haven’t been able to do it, I’m training to do it. I’m training to be the first one to do it.

“All I’ve got to say for people doubting me is to order the fight because they’re going to enjoy a good fight. They’re going to see me beat Floyd Mayweather.

“I feel better now that I’ve been working with Robert Garcia. I feel much better. My punches are connecting even stronger now because the punches are being thrown in a better location and with precision.

“I’m fighting and beating great fighters, most of them have the same style, very similar style and defensive, but I already beat Broner the way I did and I think I can do the same with Mayweather, but until I’m in the ring we’ll look for things that no one has seen.

“With Broner, everybody thought I had to knock him out and I beat him with a decision. I am preparing myself to go 12 rounds if it’s necessary. I’m preparing to hurt him every time I throw punches and if a knockout comes, then great, but I am preparing myself to win after 12 rounds.

“This is the most important part of my career. The fight with Broner gave me a lot of exposure, but this fight itself is the biggest fight of my career and it would be a tremendous upset and that’s what I’m training for, to upset the world and to do it for my country. It would be huge for my country.”

AMIR “KING” KHAN, Former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

“I’m looking forward to the big fight against Luis Collazo. It’s my first fight at 147. I’m excited, I really believe that I belong in the welterweight division; it’s going to be my division for my future career.

“I really believe we can steal the show, and that’s all we want to do. Whenever I fight I want to give it 100 percent. I want to give the fans what they want to watch, and I really believe that this fight could be the one that could steal the show on the night.

“We’ve been working on just being patient, being smart, using the feet and the hands at the right time, using the defense and the offense at the right time, and my trainer Virgil Hunter has been changing me up. He’s making me understand the sport of boxing.

“This is a tough sport when you go into the ring with the likes of these tough guys like Collazo, and the fighters that you’re going to be facing, you have to be 100 percent ready. So I really believe I’ll be a better fighter at 147, I’ll be stronger, and I’ll keep a lot of my energy and strength and power in the shots.

“You’ll definitely see a different Amir Khan coming into this fight because I’ve had a lot of time to work on things, and work on new strategies, and also work with my trainers, Virgil Hunter and also my strength conditioner, Tony Brady. So, I know I’m going to be ready in this division, and I can’t wait to step in the ring.

“Collazo’s a one-of-a-kind fighter. He has his own style. I respect the way he fights and he always causes big problems to his opponents, and he does really well in the ring. I’m not going to compare him to any opponent I’ve faced before.

“Physically I think I’m a better fighter, and like I said, moving up to the next weight category is only going to make me a better fighter. We don’t want to go in and take easy fights, we want to fight the best out there, and it shows that Luis Collazo is one of the best out there by knocking out Victor Ortiz in his last fight, and proving himself.

“I really believe that I needed a long break off, and taking that time off sometimes makes you metaphysically and mentally a better fighter. I expect time will tell; we’ll see how much I’ve become a better fighter on the night of the fight.

“[On Collazo’s knockout of Victor Ortiz] It shows that he’s got power, he’s got speed, he’s got great movement. This is going to be a good fight, it’s going to be a tough fight. We’re going to be up against a tough Collazo; even the fights he’s lost, Collazo’s been very, very close.

“It’s all about putting a great performance on, putting a great fight on and giving the crowd what they want. The fans want to see a good fight, the fans want to see an exciting fight, and I think us two, the two styles we have will make this fight very exciting, and very good to watch.”

LUIS COLLAZO, WBA International Welterweight Champion

“This is a fight that could take me to another level in the welterweight division, and I’m just very humbled by the opportunity. May 3 is going to be a great night of boxing.

“Khan’s got great speed, but I think he might be a little bit slower than Andre Berto was, and that was a big fight for me. Come fight night we’ll definitely see if his speed is going to be a factor or not.

“If he takes me lightly, more power to him. But come fight night I’m just going to try to capitalize on all his mistakes. That’s my main thing, and I’m just working my butt off. I’m working hard to give all fans what they want, a great and exciting show.

“Sometimes all fighters are vulnerable. We all make mistakes. We’re not perfect, but that’s why different styles make beautiful fights and I’m just going to try to capitalize to the best of my ability.

“Khan is a great fighter, he’s been on top of the game quite some time now, and to be able to get this fight, it’s great. This is just getting me closer to where I really want to be, at the top of the welterweight division.

“I’ve been the underdog all my life, all my fights I was the one trying, the next fighter to step up. He’s coming to the welterweight division. I’m more than happy to welcome him to this weight class.

“You’ve got to go in there to take care of business, and you’ve got to be careful with how you’re taking shots. If you know you’re taking shots and the refs think you’re hurt, keep it moving, don’t stay there and keep getting those shots, and just be smart. I learned a lot from my previous fights and I’m just grateful for all the experiences that I have.

“From the Ricky Hatton fight I learned that anything could happen. And from the Victor Ortiz fight, I learned don’t leave it to the judges. I learned a lot and I’m just very excited and humbled by this opportunity. And come May 3 I’m just going to keep giving the boxing fans what they want, some more excitement.”

ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER, Former Three-Division World Champion

“At the end of the day, everybody is looking for Adrien Broner to be this new humble guy. Well, if you’re looking for Adrien Broner to be this new humble guy, you won’t get it. I’m still the same fresh, flashy, young, rich and famous guy. I’m a young man, and I respect every fighter, but I’m ready to fight.

“Molina is a hell of a fighter. Like I said, I don’t disrespect any boxer. It takes a lot to get inside that square circle and I don’t take any boxer lightly. I just want him to be on his A-game May 3.

“Anybody taking a loss that I did, it would probably break them. But coming from where I come from, I’m strong mentally and physically so I’m OK. I’m personally proud of myself and I don’t care that a lot of people are looking for me to just go in here and walk over this guy, but at the end of the day they’re forgetting that he’s not just somebody to walk over, he’s a top-class fighter.

“After this fight they will see that I’m still ‘The Problem.’ Anybody can get it in the ring. I’m still the same guy.

“I know there’s a lot of people that dislike the things that I do, but there’s a lot of people that love the things that I do and they want to see Adrien Broner back on top and I will not disappoint them and anybody who wants to see me.”

CARLOS MOLINA, Junior Welterweight Contender

“We’re working hard for this fight. We’re very humbled to get this opportunity to fight on the big fight, on a Mayweather undercard, against Adrien Broner. We’re excited and we’ll be ready come May 3.

“I know the whole world is seeing me as an underdog, but that just motivates me even more. I think I’ve got a lot to prove in this fight. I’m coming off a loss with Amir Khan, so I’m going to go in there and I’m going to give it my all come May 3rd. I’ve been working extremely hard for this fight.

“I’m just going to continue to work hard and give you guys a great show come May 3. I know what’s on the line. I’m fighting a world-class fighter, so I’m going to give it my all.

“He’s a three-time world champion. He’s the one that’s supposed to put on a show, so I’m right here, just working hard and getting ready for May 3.”

J’LEON LOVE, Undefeated Super Middleweight Contender

“Periban is a tough fighter. I know he’s going to come with his A-game. I’m definitely going to come with my A-game, and that’s what’s makes fights right there.

“I’ve been training extremely hard. I’m definitely focused. It really comes down to May 3. I’m going to put my heart and all my determination into this fight.

“His talent is respected, but we’re definitely going to come in there and give it our all and make sure we come out victorious. I know that he’s trying to make history for his country. I’m trying to make history for my family and me and do what I have to do to win this fight.

“I am young. I’m still learning. I’m definitely there mentally and physically. We made the right decisions for our career and I have the best team behind me.

“I have a job to do and my job is to be in the best shape possible, be mentally focused and physically focused for these fights and this is a big opportunity. I’m making a name for myself, from small time Eastern Michigan; I’m putting all that on the map
and this is what I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.

“With Periban, he has a great skill set. He’s tough, strong, he’s tall and he’s a rangy fighter. He has a lot of skill and he has a good jab. Anything can happen in this fight and you can’t look past anybody and a guy like him. He can upset a lot of people.

“I’m just being myself. I don’t want to be like Adrien Broner or Floyd Mayweather. I want to be like J’Leon Love. I’m just a cool guy. I’m laid back. I’m silly at times. That’s just me. I’m not angry. I’m blessed. I’m just happy to be alive. I’m healthy and these opportunities are coming and I’m happy for it.”

MARCOS ANTONIO PERIBAN, NABF Super Middleweight Champion

“I understand that Mr. Love is in the way of me capturing my dream of fighting for the world championship. It’s very important for me to become world cChampion because by doing so I will be the first Mexican in history at 168 pounds to ever hold the championship for the WBC.

“It’s a fight that I must take the opportunity and be successful in and I can’t let Mr. Love beat me because basically it derails my opportunity to become world champion and to make history for Mexico.”

“I’m very focused. I want that title. I want that title for Mexico, so you can expect a very focused and determined fighter on May 3..

“Love is a very dangerous fighter and he has a lot of technical skills to him, so basically my training is no longer focused on my strength, but basically on the tactics that I’m going to use to fight Love.”

# # #

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

Six MGM Resorts Properties will host live closed circuit telecast of THE MOMENT: Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Monte Carlo. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $75, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711 or at www.mgmgrand.com. Select properties also will sell tickets through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or by purchasing online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE MOMENT” will also be broadcast on nearly 520 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at
www.FathomEvents.com.

LAS VEGAS (April 24, 2014) – In preparation for what will be a matchup for the ages between undefeated 10-Time World Champion and current WBC Welterweight World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and current WBA Welterweight World Champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana, Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Leigh Simons Productions will present “Countdown to THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana.” This primetime special 30-minute preview show will air on various FOX Sports platforms and will feature in-depth profiles and analysis of Mayweather vs Maidana and the televised undercard fights including Amir “King” Khan vs. Luis Collazo, Adrien “The Problem” Broner vs. Carlos Molina and J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban.

“The Moment: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” will take place Saturday, May 3 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME PPV®

Tune into any of the FOX Sports Network channels, FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2 FOX Deportes and Televisa (check your local listings) for a behind-the-scenes look at the stars of this highly anticipated pay-per-view event.

The countdown show, brought to life by producer and creative director of Golden Boy Promotions Leigh Simons, will provide audiences with exclusive analysis and commentary leading up to the mega-event.

“This show features some of the best analysis and insight from writers, promoters and television executives that we have ever had the privilege of including in a countdown show,” said Simons. “Mayweather and Maidana are on a collision course and as evidenced by this show, neither fighter plans on taking a backward step.”

Below please find a bevy of links, which preview various parts of the special and fight highlights:

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana – Segment 1 May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana- Segment 2 May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana – Segment 3 May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana – Segment 4 May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

– Countdown to Mayweather vs. Maidana – Undercard May 3 live on SHOWTIME PPV

ABOUT “THE MOMENT”: MAYWEATHER VS. MAIDANA”:
THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

Six MGM Resorts Properties will host live closed circuit telecast of THE MOMENT: Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Monte Carlo. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $75, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711 or at www.mgmgrand.com. Select properties also will sell tickets through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or by purchasing online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE MOMENT” will also be broadcast on nearly 520 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

NEW YORK CITY (April 22, 2014) – Former WBA Welterweight World Champion and current WBA International Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo spent the afternoon of his birthday speaking with reporters about what he calls the “highest plateau that one can fight on.” Collazo, who turned 33-years-old today, will face former unified world champion Amir “King” Khan in the co-main event of “THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana” on Saturday, May 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

Collazo opened up about his spirituality, work ethic and excitement for this chance of a lifetime taking place in less than two weeks. Below is a selection of Collazo’s thoughts ahead of his fight against Khan.

LUIS COLLAZO, WBA International Welterweight Champion

“This fight [against Khan] is my whole career right in front of me. I believe if I beat Amir Khan I have a bigger future in boxing and if I don’t, I have to start from the bottom again.

“I am not looking beyond Amir Khan. He is my main focus. From here whatever happens happens, but Amir Khan is all I’m thinking about right now.

“[What has changed between when he first held a world title and now] Back then, I was giving glory to myself, but now I give all glory to God. Wherever I go today is because of Him. Before I was on my time, now I’m on God’s time and I believe that God has given me the motivation to perform the way I’m performing. I’m going to keep performing at the elite level.

“A win over Khan does put me in the Mayweather sweepstakes, but my sights are set on Khan.

“[On Khan wanting to fight Mayweather] When Khan looks across the ring, he isn’t going to see Floyd Mayweather. He is going to see Luis Collazo. I am the best.

“On May 3rd, THE MOMENT is going to be my moment.

“Being born and raised in Brooklyn means everything to me. To be able to go out there and perform at an elite level, coming from Brooklyn is everything. To see the transformation of where I’m from to where I am is tremendous.

“I believe this is the most exposure that I have seen in my career.

“When Floyd fights, everybody watches. Now to be able to fight in the fight right before he steps into the ring is tremendous.

“This is the highest plateau that one can fight on. You have to go out there and perform.

“Now that I am living a spiritual life, I am a different person. Yes I’m older, but spiritually I feel like I’m 22.

“We are supposed to go through trials and tribulations. That is what shapes our personality.

“Yeah I have five losses, but a lot of people remember you for your last outing, and my last outing was tremendous. If my last fight was a defeat, people would keep bringing it up.

“[On the Ortiz fight] On that night Ortiz looked like the old man. If you are taking care of yourself and have faith you can overcome any obstacle.

“The water in Brooklyn is just breeding great fighters. We have great guys coming out of Starrett City Boxing Gym. These kinds of gyms are the best kinds of gyms. That is what creates fighters in the ring that are going to give 110 percent every time they go out.

“I hope Khan is ready on May 3 to fight me, not someone else. It’s going to be an explosive night not just for me, but for the boxing fans in general.

“Khan is going to fight the best Collazo on May 3. Whatever he said he said. Talk is cheap.

“At this point in the game 75 percent is mental and the other 25 is physical. Mentally it is easy to breakdown. You have to go into the ring and be smart.

“Fighting for my first title was my hardest fight. I came out of it with a fractured rib. The last three rounds I was exhausted, but I gave it my all and I made sure that I left everything I ever fought for in that ring.

“My prediction for this fight is that I am going to be victorious.”

NIRMAL LORRICK, Collazo’s Trainer

“I think Luis has been one of the luckiest fighters through his ups and downs. He has had the option to fight fighters from all of the different promotional companies. He never sold out. I think to me Luis is one of the top three fighters in the world and he’s been like that for a long time. He has just been overlooked.

“Luis is guiding us, God is guiding him and we are doing the work together. He is enjoying this. I am very proud of him.”

# # #

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

Six MGM Resorts Properties will host live closed circuit telecast of THE MOMENT: Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Monte Carlo. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $75, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711 or at www.mgmgrand.com. Select properties also will sell tickets through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or by purchasing online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE MOMENT” will also be broadcast on nearly 520 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2014)— Former WBA Welterweight World Champion boxer Luis Collazo will once again demonstrate his support for The NephCure Foundation when he meets Amir Khan in a critical confrontation May 3 as the co-featured bout on the blockbuster Floyd Mayweather card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

When he knocked out Victor Ortiz before his hometown fans Jan. 30 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Collazo entered the ring with NEPHCURE.ORG emblazoned on his robe and on the back of his trunks in support of the kidney disease patient advocacy group and his teenage friend, Allie Genatt, who suffers from the debilitating kidney disease FSGS. Collazo will sport similar NEPHCURE.ORG identification in the ring on May 3, when he takes on Khan, the popular, British, multi-sanctioning body junior welterweight champion who is moving up to the 147-pound welterweight division.
The winner of the 12-round battle for the WBC Silver Welterweight title will be positioned to possibly meet Mayweather, boxing’s biggest star, in a lucrative pay- per-view fight later this year or in 2015. The unbeaten Mayweather is favored to defeat Marcos Maidana in the main event of the May 3 card, which is expected to sell out the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas and generate an audience of millions on pay-per-view.
Media Assets for Download: https://clients.box.com/collazo-khan-boxing
A two-time New York City Golden Gloves Champion (35-5, 18 KO’s), Collazo returned to the ranks of elite fighters with his spectacular second round knockout of Ortiz, the younger, more prominent favorite, on Jan. 30. When he landed the perfectly-timed right-hook knockout punch, the NEPHCURE.ORG was easily recognizable in video and still photos seen via media outlets around the world. Collazo embraced NephCure for that fight when learning of the kidney disease afflicting 15-year-old Genatt, whom he met during training sessions at Competitive Edge Athletics in Port Washington, Long Island.
NephCure launched an awareness campaign around the Super Bowl-week Collazo- Ortiz card, specifically targeting New York City’s Latino population centering on the popular Collazo, a New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent who grew up in Brooklyn and lives in Queens. That campaign will continue around the Collazo-Khan fight as the May 3 Las Vegas date approaches. Genatt is a 15-year-old Long Islander who was first diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at age two. The disease was later confirmed as FSGS and she endured years of medications with risky side effects
before receiving a kidney transplant (from her mother) at age 11. Collazo has also spent time with eight-year-old Nephrotic Syndrome sufferer Manuel Casado of The Bronx and 11-year-old FSGS sufferer Matthew Levine of Long Island.
“The challenge with FSGS is that there is a very high rate of reoccurrence when the disease attacks the new kidneys,” stated Henry Brehm, Executive Director of The NephCure Foundation. ”We have much work to do raising awareness and funding for research so people with FSGS can avoid the road to dialysis and transplant. “
Collazo has a tough opponent in Khan (28-3, 19 KOs), the former unified world light welterweight champion who won the Silver Medal for Great Britain at the 2004 Athens Olympics. The first ever British-Pakistani and Punjabi boxing world champion, Khan has been inactive since defeating Julio Diaz last April in Great Britain.
FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis), which afflicted the late actor Gary Coleman and interrupted the NBA career of Alonzo Mourning, is a disease that damages the kidney function, often requiring dialysis or transplant. The NephCure Foundation is the only organization committed exclusively to support research seeking the causes of FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome, improve treatment and find a cure.
The Collazo-Khan fight is part of a SHOWTIME PPV® event entitled “THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana.” Also scheduled are 10-round bouts featuring super middleweights J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban and junior welterweights Adrien Broner vs. Carlos Molina.
Media Contacts: Tim Davis, NephCure Foundation, tdavis@NephCure.org, 610 585 4610 Steve Griffith, NephCure Foundation, sgriffith@NephCure.org, 484 433 7757

Former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan is pleased to announce that he has signed a deal to work with influential boxing advisor Al Haymon.

Haymon currently works with a number of leading boxers including Floyd Mayweather, Adrien Broner, Danny Garcia and others.

Speaking on the agreement, Amir Khan said: “I am very happy to have signed with Al Haymon who has not only shown that he is a very astute businessman, but is extremely knowledgeable of the fight game and always has his fighters’ best interests at heart. I’m looking forward to building a long and successful relationship during this exciting stage of my career.”

LONDON (April 2, 2014) – Leading boxing channel BoxNation is packing a real punch this April and May with the fight games top names including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao set to feature live and exclusive in a jam-packed schedule.

‘The Channel of Champions’ has pulled no punches in its attempt to line up the biggest and best names in the world of boxing, proving categorically that it is the undisputed pound-for-pound home of boxing.

Rising Irish sensation Carl Frampton’s world title eliminator against Mexican Hugo Cazares this Friday kicks-off a string of back-to-back world class fights on the channel.

Fan-favourite Frampton will attempt to blast his way past the sturdy Cazares in front of his adoring Belfast crowd with the hope of setting up a world title shot against WBC super-bantamweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz.

The undefeated 27-year-old will be looking to make easy work of Cazares at the Odyssey Arena with a winter showdown against the torpedo-like Santa Cruz representing an explosive matchup that could be a potential ‘Fight of the Year’ contender.

The following night, live from Germany, veteran Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli makes one last stab at the world title as he attempts to wrestle the WBA light-heavyweight belt away from the grasp of the dominant Juergen Braehmer.

The German will be looking to ensure Maccarinelli’s ‘Rocky story’ ends in tears, but the chance to seize world title glory at the latter stages of his career offers a unique opportunity for the Swansea star who will leave it all in the ring this Saturday night.

The action just keeps getting better on BoxNation, when, on April 12th, one of boxing’s biggest icons Pacquiao makes his latest ring splash when he takes on another pound-for-pound star in Tim Bradley.

Having met for the first time in 2012, amid a controversial split decision victory for the American Bradley, the rematch presents the chance for Filipino hero Pacquiao to settle an old score.

Such a task, however, will be no easy feat with Bradley having grown tremendously as a fighter following momentous wins over WBO light-welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov and Mexican superstar Juan Manuel Marquez.

With Bradley’s WBO welterweight world title on the line, the bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is certain to produce fireworks with the ever-exciting Pacquiao, the first and only eight-division world champion, eager to show that time is still very much on his side.

Earlier that evening, there is great domestic action when rising star Frank Buglioni defends his WBO European super-middleweight title when he takes on Sergey Khomitsky at the Copper Box Arena in London.

The unbeaten Buglioni, who is fast making a name for himself as one of the fight game’s hottest prospects, will be looking to continue his march towards a world title shot, with Commonwealth champion Tony Conquest and starlet Bradley Skeete also on the card.

It’s back across Stateside on April 19th when, at 49 years of age, the legendary Bernard Hopkins, the current IBF world champion, will look to unify the light-heavyweight division when he faces WBA Super champion Beibut Shumenov.

The Hopkins story is unlike any other in sport, let alone the sweet science, with the Philadelphian turning his life around following a lengthy prison stint before reigning supreme in the world of boxing, becoming the oldest champion in history.

His bout with Shumenov offers the skilled technician the chance to reach another landmark in his illustrious career by unifying the belts and achieving another remarkable feat just before he hits the age of 50.

Also on the bill that night will be welterweights Shawn Porter and Paulie Malignaggi, as they battle it out for Porter’s IBF crown, with the winner set to face British ace Kell Brook in a mandatory defence.

Middleweight menace Peter Quillin will be another one starring on the night when he takes on Lukas Konecny with Quillin’s WBO world title on the line.

Then, on May 3rd, BoxNation viewers will be in for a real treat when the undisputed pound-for-pound king of boxing Floyd Mayweather takes on Argentine knockout artist Marcos Maidana in a world title unification fight.

WBC welterweight champion ‘Money’ Mayweather will be looking to extend his renowned unbeaten record against WBA champion Maidana who shocked the boxing world by blasting past rising superstar Adrien Broner last December.

A Mayweather event is not fitting without a stacked undercard, and that’s just what fight fans get when former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan makes his eagerly anticipated ring return when he steps up to welterweight to face the skilled Luis Collazo.

Collazo is coming off a stunning victory over the tough Victor Ortiz, having ran Ricky Hatton extremely close in 2006 in a fight many felt belonged to the Brooklyn banger.

Khan will have his work cut out in a bout that could well steal the show on a card which also sees Broner step back between the ropes when he faces Carlos Molina.

The Cincinnati native will be looking to bounce back in style and silence the critics following his crushing defeat to Maidana.

It’s non-stop on BoxNation, with further exciting action on May 24th when The Ring Magazine’s ‘Fighter of the Year’, Adonis Stevenson, looks to blitz his way past another contender for his WBC light-heavyweight crown.

‘Superman’ Stevenson does battle with Andrzej Fonfara live from Montreal with the aim of making the Polish pugilist his 11th knockout victim in a row.

Further good news for the channel is that BoxNation will be the only place to see Tyson Fury’s impending matchup with Dereck Chisora on July 26th.

The heavyweight hitmen lock horns for the second time in their careers when they regain hostilities at the Phones4U Arena in Manchester later this summer, in a bout that will leave no stone unturned.

BoxNation has grown rapidly since its launch in 2011, and is now the recognised as the home of boxing for British fight fans who wish to see the very best action live and exclusive.

The upcoming schedule, packed with competitive world title fights, offers viewers the biggest bouts over the coming months, with a host of leading names, for only £12 a month (plus a one-off registration fee).

To subscribe to BoxNation, and make sure you don’t miss out on all this live and exclusive action, visit www.boxnation.com to join.

-Ends-

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

Kelly Swanson
I’m going to go ahead and call this media conference call today the second moment of “THE MOMENT” for a fight that was announced this week. We have Amir “King” Khan and also Luis Collazo joining us today, along with Richard Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Boy Promotions, and Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Showtime. So, very exciting, and I’m going to turn it over to the participants and start with Richard Schaefer, who will make the introductions.

Richard Schaefer
I am truly excited to host this first conference call, which will be a part of a series of conference calls leading up to May 3rd. This is obviously not just an undercard fight. Khan and Collazo could headline by itself any main event, any SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, and, frankly, without any question would fill up Barclays Center on its own.

The same can be said about Adrien Broner and his return. A lot of question marks there, how is he going to be? What affect will that fight have over what Maidana can bring to the table? Any? None? What kind of affects will it have when he returns to the ring on May 3? Clearly a main event on its own, and J’Leon Love and Marco Periban is a 50/50 fight, so just a great card.

I want to thank Floyd Mayweather for making this card happen. It’s the most expensive pay-per-view card we have ever put together, and I believe the most expensive card ever put together in the sport of boxing. I want to thank Floyd, I want to thank Stephen Espinoza and Showtime for making this happen, and, most importantly, I want to thank all the fighters to be on that card, because sometimes fighters-their ego gets into the way, and they’re going to say, “Well, you know, I know I’m a main event, and I know I can headline, and I know I can fill up the venue.” So, it takes special fighters who understand what benefit this brings to them to be on an event like this, and that’s exactly what Mayweather cards have become; they have become the events, they have to become must see TV. This is our sport’s version of the Super Bowl, and I think to be part of that, part of that event shows you that Amir Khan and Luis Collazo and Broner and Maidana and all those guys, they understand that, and they’re happy to be part of this big event on May 3rd.

So, thank you to Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions, but I want to thank the sponsors as well, Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and AT&T, and I want to make you aware there are very few tickets left. As of yesterday, the gate number was just $100,000 shy, shy of $15 million; $14.9 million worth of tickets have been sold. A total sell-out will be $15.4 million; I think we have 283 tickets at $1500 left. There are none left, or it’s actually two left, at $1000, and there are 188 left at $750. The $550 ones are gone and the $350 ones are gone, so I anticipate any day that we are going to announce a complete sell-out.

I do want to announce that because it is virtually a sell-out now, but on Friday with the closed circuit seats in Las Vegas. We will have 35,000 closed circuit seats available in all of the different MGM Resorts properties and the closed circuit seats will be $75. So that will go on sale on Friday.

Now, before I’m going to introduce the fighters, I want to turn it over to the man behind SHOWTIME Sports and he is the main guy. He’s the Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
I’d like to echo Richard’s remarks. With this undercard it’s clear that we are continuing the tradition that we started with Mayweather/Guerrero, and that is the commitment by Richard, by Mayweather Promotions, by Showtime PPV that we will put on high-quality undercards; two undercards, honestly, that far exceed what we, what is normally expected for an undercard. In particular I’ve got to thank Floyd for making the investment, and truly it is a financial investment, because as Richard said, this is the most expensive undercard that we, that we are aware of, you know, possibly in history, and that money has to come from somewhere. So this truly is an investment in the sport.

Last, but not least, I’d like to obviously thank Amir and Luis. It is no surprise that they took this fight. Both Amir and Luis have always taken on all comers. I’m very excited. I think this is the fight that may actually steal the show on the entire night of May 3. Amir, as you all know, is an aggressive, fan-friendly fighter. There’s never been a boring Khan fight. He is always in exciting fights.

You also know Luis Collazo very well. He’s faced the elite in his weight class, namely Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley and Andre Berto. On my scorecards he beat at least two of the three of those guys. He is a very aggressive, fan-friendly fighter, and so I expect fireworks in this one. I can’t wait.

R. Schaefer
Indeed, I believe this to be a 50/50 fight. I can give you ten reasons why Collazo is going to win, and I can give you ten reasons why Khan is going to win. Luis Collazo has been waiting for this opportunity; he knows what it takes to get there. He is the current WBA International Welterweight Champion, and he’s a former WBA Welterweight Champion, has been fighting at 147 his entire career, he is strong, big, dangerous, and comes off most recently an amazing, huge victory with his blistering second round knockout victory over favorite former world champion, Victor Ortiz.

It’s the moment Luis has been waiting for. He knows it’s a big fight, he knows it’s a big fight on the biggest stage of the sport, and I know that he is going to be ready. I know he is going to be well prepared, and I know that he is going want walk away with that victory over Amir Khan on May the 3rd.

He is a terrific guy, he’s known, as well, as “THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP,” and I’d like to turn it over now to Luis Collazo, with a record of 35-5, 18 knockouts, of Brooklyn, New York.

Luis Collazo
I’m excited, you know, I’m stoked. This is a fight that could take me to another level in the welterweight division, and I’m just very humbled by the opportunity. And May 3 is going to be a great night of boxing.

R. Schaefer
Thanks, Luis. Then, he is going to be fighting one of the most popular fighters in the sport, a big star in the United Kingdom who has gained a huge fan base here in the United States, as well. Why? Because he is very committed to the sport, he’s always exciting. I’ve never seen Amir Khan in a bad fight.

I mean, the guy’s got balls, you know? And in the ring and outside of the ring, taking on somebody like Luis Collazo, moving up in weight, not just taking some sort of a tune up, but he wants to go in the welterweight division with a bang. And he and his team, they picked somebody who is clearly bigger, is more experienced, and Amir Khan is going to want to make a statement on May the 3.

He is the former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion, blistering speed, has entertained us over the years, has solidified his claim as being one of the best fighters in the world by unifying a couple of years ago with 140-pound titles with the fifth round knockout over former world champion Zab Judah. He had a dramatic win, 12 round, unanimous decision win over Marcos Maidana; a fight which was voted as Boxing Writer’s Association of America 2010 Fight of the Year.

So, he is coming back in a big fight, on the biggest stage, and I’m very happy for Amir to be able to perform from Las Vegas and show the world what he is all about. It is a pleasure now for me to introduce to you Amir “King” Khan.

Amir Khan
Yeah, it’s going to be wonderful to be on the huge card, you know, the Floyd Mayweather card, and it’s going to be a big show for us. I’m looking forward to the big fight against Luis Collazo. You know, it’s my first fight at 147. I’m excited, I really believe that I belong in the welterweight division; it’s going to be my division for my future career.

We’ve been training hard, working hard. It’s a pleasure to be here, I’m in America and I’ve been enjoying every minute of training, and I’m looking forward to the fight. I really believe, you know, this fight between me and Luis Collazo, who I believe is a very dangerous opponent, he’s a tough, he’d be there with the best, and fought the biggest names. I really believe he can steal the show, and that’s all we want to do. Whenever I fight I want to give it 100 percent. I want to give the fans what they want to watch, and I really believe that this fight could be the one that could steal the show on the night.

R. Schaefer
Great. Thank you, thank you, Amir. We are going to open it up now to the media members to ask questions of any of the participants on the call.

Q
Amir, could you talk a little bit about the things that Virgil Hunter, specifically, has done to make you a better fighter?

A. Khan
Yeah, we’re working on a lot, being more patient and picking the right shots at the right time. I’ve always been an exciting fighter, and I think that’s always going to be there, you know, it’s in my blood. But we’re just working on new things, you know, making sure that-we got back to this year for the stance, we don’t have the defense low, we have a high defense. We’ve had great sparring partners helping us, you know, in the past few months, just to kind of keep me sharp.

Overall we work on everything, really. We’re working on the mistakes I used to make, I used to take silly shots, I used to jump onto a lot of the shots, which I believe are probably twice as hard as when you do get hit, when you jump into a shot. So, we’ve been working on just being patient, being smart, using the feet and the hands at the right time, using the defense and the offense at the right time, and he’s changing me up. You know, he’s making me understand the sport of boxing.

Q
Are you finally past the fact that Floyd did not agree to fight you? I know that you were very upset at the time.

A. Khan
It is upsetting. Yeah, I was upset, but look, I’ve got someone else in front of me now, Luis Collazo, who is going to be giving 100percent in there. So, all of my focus is on that fight now. Whatever happened in the past I just let it go, and, you know, I’m just focusing on this next fight now.

Q
Stephen, does Floyd plan to be at the Final Four to promote the fight, like he did last year?

S. Espinoza
I haven’t, I haven’t spoken to him about that. That was sort of a spur of the moment decision. So, as usual you can’t really predict what Floyd will do, he sort of may decide the night before that he’s jumping on a jet and going to the game. We, we do have to plan when he gets an idea like that, and we scramble and, and cover for it. So we’re prepared for the eventuality. You know, but regardless if he attends the, the finals or not, CBS will be fully supporting this through a, through a range of different promotional vehicles.

Q
Amir, so you’re a really big guy, even though this is your first time at 147. Can you talk about the benefits of not having to lose weight, and to be able to train at a higher weight before this fight, in terms of the energy you expect to have on fight night?

A. Khan
I mean, it’s not like, you know, a couple of years ago when I did kind of make my mind up to go up a weight. I used to have trouble making the 14-pound division. It was after the Judah fight, and it was never easy to make 140, you know, I was big, I’ve got a big body frame and I’m a tall fighter. So, it was always hard to get the 140 division, but, you know what, I still made it. I mean, even if I have to make 140 now, I’ll still kill myself and make the weight.

But it’s not the right way of doing it. You know, this is a tough sport when you go in the ring with the likes of these tough guys like Collazo, and the fighters that you’re going to be facing, you have to be 100 percent ready. So I really believe I’ll be a better fighter at 147, I’ll be stronger, and I’ll keep a lot of my energy and strength and power in the shots. I see a huge in difference in my fighting style and also when I spar. I mean, even though we wear head guards and, you know we wear bigger gloves, when we spar, I feel so much stronger. I spar with guys who are a lot heavier than me, and this is at my natural weight, and I do really well.

So when you cut down and you kill yourself and make your weight, and you cut down to about 140 pound division, it used to kind of make me really weak, I couldn’t hold energy, the power wasn’t there, and I used to walk into the fight literally, very weak. You can always tell how your body is, how is, how your body’s feeling.

I’m a big 140-pound fighter. I was, even at 147 pounds, I’m not going to be a small 147 fighter. So, I think this weight is going to be perfect for me. I’m going to be exactly where I need to be, I’m going to be nice and strong, and, you know, I’m going to be nice and fresh. You’ll definitely see a different Amir Khan coming into this fight because I’ve had a lot of time to work on things, and work on new strategies, and also work with my trainers, Virgil Hunter and also my strength conditioner, Tony Brady. So, I know I’m going to be ready in this division, and I can’t wait to step in the ring.

Q
Style-wise, who compares most favorably to Collazo? I know you fought two southpaws back-to-back in McCloskey and Judah. Would they rank as being favorable, in terms of his style and his ability to, to box?

A. Khan
No, Collazo’s a one-of-a-kind fighter. You know, he has his own style, I respect the way he fights and he always causes big problems to his opponents, and he does really well in the ring. I’m not going to compare him to any opponent I’ve faced before. I’ve not faced a Collazo before, so I need to work on a new strategy and to work on a new game plan, and my trainer Virgil is helping me to overcome that.

Q
Do you expect to box more, and be more patient in this fight, given that you’re facing a bigger guy?

A. Khan
We’re going to see how the fight turns out, really, and we’re going to see what goes down while we’re in the ring. I think everybody in the world knows we can box and we can fight. So, we’ll just see how it all goes.

Q
Luis, who would you compare Khan to on your record?

L. Collazo
He’s got great speed; but I think he might be a little bit slower than Andre Berto was. And that was a big fight for me. Come fight night we’ll definitely see if his speed is going to be a factor or not.

Q
My last question for you, he talked about-and I talked to Virgil about this, about him jumping into shots and being available for some of those shots like the one that Danny Garcia caught him with, and obviously earlier in his career against Breidis Prescott. Do you see him being able to change that in the last couple fights that you’ve seen? Or do you expect this, and maybe take advantage of that kind of opportunity again?

L. Collazo
Oh man, to be honest, I don’t know. You know, he’s his own fighter, and if he takes me lightly, more power to him. But come fight night I’m just going to try to capitalize on all his mistakes. That’s, my main thing, and I’m just working my butt off. I’m working hard to give all fans what they want, a great and exciting show.

Q
Can you just explain that a little more, about how your mindset has changed over the period where you felt you were going to be fighting Floyd Mayweather, and you didn’t in the end, and what you’ve gone through, and how it’s hardened you?

A. Khan
Okay, it has been tough, mentally. Then just-we kind of turned that around, and we worked it towards our advantage by working in the gym, spending time with Virgil and Tony and coming to America early, having mini camps in between. Because in the last 12 months I’ve gotten more fit. I’ve been spending a lot of time in the gym, I’ve been sparring, I’ve been hitting the mitts. I’ve been working on different techniques and stuff, and I think sometimes it’s good, it really worked for me, not having an opponent in the back of my mind who I’m going to be fighting. At least that way, then, I’m not focusing on that one style; I can box in different styles and different ways of improving my style.

So, I didn’t have that pressure. But, overall there was a disappointment but like I said earlier, that was a mental thing, I got over that. You know, I’m a mentally strong fighter, I’ve proven that numerous times, I will come back from a defeat, which not many fighters would come back from.

Physically I think I’m a better fighter, and like I said, moving up to the next weight category is only going to make me a better fighter. We don’t want to go into and take easy fights, I mean we want to fight the best out there, and it shows that Luis Collazo is one of the best out there by knocking out Victor Ortiz in his last fight, and proving himself. I think he’s earned his, he’s earned a big fight, and so that’s the reason that we want to fight, him, because we really believe that he is one of the dangerous guys at 147, and that’s a fight that I need, and to get me up there, and get me back in the ring again.

Q
When you go in against Luis Collazo, is it not just the victory that’s important, but the manner of the way you fight, your performance that you put on, on the night?

A. Khan
Yeah, I mean it’s all about performing in a good fashion, really, putting a great fight on, and you know putting a great performance on and a great fight for the fans. You always have good days and bad days in office, and I really believe that you know I needed a nice break after the Diaz fight. I hadn’t had a long break for such a long time.

So, being a young fighter I was always active. I think that break’s done me a world of good, and also killing myself making the 140 pound division, I won’t be doing that anymore. So, I’ll be going into the fight really healthy and very happy.

Q
Luis, you mentioned that you want to capitalize on Amir’s mistakes. Do you believe he’s a vulnerable fighter in defense?

L. Collazo
Sometimes all fighters are. We all make mistakes, so absolutely. We’re not perfect, but that’s why different styles make beautiful fights and I’m just going to try to capitalize to the best of my ability.

Q
Do you take something from that fight against Ricky Hatton? Do you use those other fights in your advantage, when you give everything against Khan?

L. Collazo
Absolutely, I think everybody learns from their mistakes. You just don’t want to make them again. Before I was on my time, now, I’m on God’s time. Like you said, May of 2006 I fought Hatton, and now it’s May 2014 and I’m fighting Khan. It’s amazing.

Q
When Floyd made the decision finally to fight Marcos Maidana were there any back-and-forths with yourselves and Floyd Mayweather, and was it a very difficult decision for him in the end? Did he come very close to choosing Amir rather than Marcos? Can you kind of just spell out the last few days of how it went down?

S. Espinoza
It was a tough decision, and I can see why because you know, from my perspective, and from the Mayweather team’s perspective, both Amir and Maidana have a lot of advantage, a lot of benefits in the matchup. You know, Floyd was-from the network perspective, both would make very interesting fights, very competitive fights from what we believe. From the network perspective, both would be approved.

So, it was ultimately, you know, up to the Mayweather side to choose between the two, and you know he did ruminate on it for, for a while, and it was a tough decision, I’ve heard him say that. But, you know, he obviously went with Maidana, while acknowledging that Amir has a lot to offer, and could be a potential opponent in the near future as well.

Q
My question for you Luis is, when you beat Victor Ortiz, and now you wind up with this fight with Khan on this big card, was this what you had in mind to gain from a victory against Ortiz?

L. Collazo
Absolutely. Khan is a great fighter, he’s been on top of the game quite some time now, and to be able to get this fight, it’s great. This is just getting me closer to where I really want to be, at the top of the welterweight division.

Q
I know you have to fight each other, but do you also view this essentially as your audition to fight Floyd in the fall? Luis?

L. Collazo
Well, for me, to be honest, like I said before, Victor was doing the same thing. Right now my main focus is Amir Khan, my radar is on him, and in the future, tomorrow has its own worries. But today I’m just dealing with today’s worries, today’s reality and with this fight here. This is all I’m focused on.

Q
Of course, you called out Floyd, too, like anybody else would in that weight class. So it’s got to be in the back of your mind a little bit, no?

L. Collazo
Oh, absolutely, but I’m not thinking about it. I don’t go to sleep thinking about, oh, I might get the Floyd fight. Of course not, my main focus is Khan, and May 3is going to be the night.

Q
Do you see this as a chance to put yourself in position to get that fight in the fall that you didn’t get for May?

A. Khan
Well, yeah, first of all, I mean, the whole focus is going to be on Luis Collazo, and I’m not really going to get into all that, the hype about it happening in the future. I mean, if it happens, it happens. I’m just going to be focused on one thing, and what I need to do is keep winning. I know will be in Floyd’s eye, even though it didn’t happen last time, you know, it’s not going to , it’s not going to affect me any, in anyway. I’m just going to be focused for my next fight, really. I know I’m up against a tough guy.

I really believe that this fight can steal the show on the night, because you’ve got two young, hungry fighters, you know, who, who want to prove it, prove themselves.

Q
Do you think that the layoff will hurt you at all? Is there a chance that maybe you’ve been over-trained?

A. Khan
I mean, time will tell. We’re just going to see what happens. I really believe I’ll be in a great state, I’ll be in a great position, and I’ll be perfect. So, I don’t really see any problems, I’m just going to be nice and fit and strong for the fight, you know, we’ll be ready no matter what.

Q
Do you have regrets for not fighting over the last year, for maybe not taking that fight that was on the table against Alexander? Is there a regret, or are you good with the decision?

A. Khan
Look, God does things for a reason, and I really believe that I needed a long break off, and taking that time off sometimes makes you metaphysically and mentally a better fighter. I expect time will tell; we’ll see how much I’ve become a better fighter on the night of the fight. It’s not really affected me. Whatever happens, and whatever happened in the past has happened, and I’m just going to be focusing on the next fight, really, and I’m not going to let anything get in between that.

Q
Luis, do you think you’re going to have a fair shot to win this fight, and they didn’t ask you to take this fight in order to bring up Khan for future fights?

L. Collazo
It’s okay, you know, I’ve been the underdog all my life, all my fights I was the one trying, the next fighter to step up, and I’m more than welcome, you know. He’s coming to the welterweight division, I’m more than happy to welcome him to that weight.

Q
I know that there was some talk about this fight with Khan. Were you surprised that the agreement came relatively quickly for you?

L. Collazo
Well, this is what makes this sport so amazing. Anything can happen, and I’m just humbled by the opportunity and I’m very grateful.

Q
How do you think you will react rust-wise, since it’s been so long since you’ve been in the ring?

A. Khan
We’ve had a lot of the hard sparring, we’ve had a lot of hard work we’ve been doing in the gym behind closed doors. So, yeah, I really believe I’ll be okay. But like I said, time will tell. We know we’re going to be ready, and I’m not going to have no excuses. I could have just stopped, and not do anything, just go take a holidays or just relax, but I didn’t. I was working on becoming a better fighter. So, I think I’m in a better position than I’ve ever been in.

Q
Were you a little surprised by the power that he showed against Victor Ortiz, as Victor is known to have a pretty solid chin.

A. Khan
Yeah, I mean, look, we all know Collazo’s a strong fighter, he’s a big fighter. He hits hard and when he hit Victor with that hook, I mean it was a great hook, and I know he was going to give up. I mean Victor you know, really gets caught with a good shot. He doesn’t really want to sometimes exchange or get involved. He normally just takes a knee and stays down, and that’s what Collazo did. I mean Collazo caught him with a good clean shot, and Victor couldn’t continue.

So, it shows that he’s got power, he’s got speed, he’s got great movement. This is going to be a good fight, it’s going to be a tough fight. We’re going to be up against a tough Collazo, even the fights he’s lost, Collazo’s been very, very close. So, I mean, I’m excited. You know, it’s going to be a tough fight for me but it’s going to be a good fight for us.

Q
It’s been I guess 12 years since you fought last in Las Vegas, and you fought against Edwin Catiani, and the referee at that time was Jay Nady, and he stopped that fight, I think, very quickly. And I was wondering if you have any apprehensions about returning to Las Vegas, and what you would say if they select Jay Nady as the referee?

L. Collazo
I’m excited, to be honest with you. You know, that wasn’t my last fight in Vegas, but I just hope Jay Nady’s not the ref. But I’ll be honest, I learned from that, you’ve got to go in there to take care of business, and you’ve got to be careful with how you’re taking shots. If you know you’re taking shots and the refs think you’re hurt, keep it moving, don’t stay there and keep getting those shots, and just be smart. I learned a lot from my previous fights and I’m just grateful for all the experiences that I, that I have.

Q
Can you just tell us a little bit how a guy from Brooklyn, New York winds up training at Fort Jackson down in South Carolina, and kind of how that all came to be?

L. Collazo
I’ve been coming up here since-wow, maybe 2004? You know, my camp coordinator, Andrew Stokes is up here and he lives here. He’s an ex-military guy, and we’ve got access to the biggest army base in the United States. The running, the atmosphere, it just an amazing place to get ready for a fight.

Q
Do you guys bring in sparring partners? Or who, who are you sparring with?

L. Collazo
Absolutely, we bring in sparring partners everywhere we go, even if it would be back home in Brooklyn. We bring guys out that could be kind of the opponent’s style.

Q
Is this the first time you really have sort of felt you’ve had two fights back to back that can get you back to where you want to be?

L. Collazo
Everything happens for a reason, like I said before. I was, back then, I was on my time, I thought I was on top of the world. But, hey, God said it wasn’t my time, and now I’m on His time. May 2006, I fought Ricky, and now in 2014 I’m fighting Amir Khan.

So, it just shows you the growth, and when you have faith, how your life gets transformed. Last year I was nowhere; I didn’t even know where my career was heading. And look a year later; since I’ve been following Christ, I’m here. I’m just, I feel blessed, and I’m very excited for, for May 3.

Q
Do, do you think you’re a much better fighter than in those days, with the experience you’ve had since?

L. Collazo
Absolutely. I’m growing, I’m still learning in boxing. If you think you know everything, you’re wrong. I actually learned from a little kid you know? I feel like I’m a better fighter and come May 3 I’ll show it.
Q
What are the odds from your opinion when you were being linked with the Mayweather fight to actually be fighting on the undercard of one of these shows?

A. Khan
I never thought I’d be an undercard. It was a bit of a surprise when they said, I’d be on the undercard. I thought it would be a good idea, because for the millions of the people that would be tuned in to watch the fight-as we all know, Floyd does get a huge crowd of people, plus he gets a lot of viewing figures-I think it would be good to showcase my skills. But yeah, it was a bit of a surprise. But like, we’re here now, so I’m going to grab it with both hands.

Q
What have you learned from those fights against top competition, going into this fight with Amir?

L. Collazo
From the Ricky fight I learned that anything could happen. And from the Victor Ortiz fight, I learned don’t leave it to the judges. You know I learned a lot and I’m just very excited and humbled by this opportunity. And come May 3 I’m just going to keep giving the boxing fans what they want, some more excitement.

Q
Do you think you need more than a win on May 3 to get the Mayweather fight?

A. Khan
In the last fight we didn’t do that well and I did have a lot of things that affected that fight, where like the weight making I think was a huge big problem in that fight, but now I’m going to be going into this fight very happy, and I’ll be fighting at my natural weight, which is probably 147 there for me.

But, it’s all about putting a great performance on, putting a great fight on, and giving the crowd what they want. The fans want to see a good fight, the fans want to see an exciting fight, and I think us two, the two styles we have will make this fight very exciting, and very good to watch.

Q
Do you think that since you work with Andre Berto, have you guys collaborated and talked about how to fight Collazo?

A. Khan
I was working with Berto a couple of months back when I came from the U.K., that’s before the fight with Collazo was announced. So we’ve not spoken about anything, we’ve not seen each other since the announcement.

So, I know that Collazo fought him [Berto] and it was a close fight and stuff, but at the end of the day it’s me who’s going to be going in the ring with Collazo, and I don’t think I need to ask anyone what it’s going to be like. I do my own homework and I have my own style.
Q
How does it feel being back on the big stage after all of these years, and can you tell me what that time away was like? And how have you become a better boxer?

L. Collazo
To be honest, not being offered big fights was bringing me down. I was literally depressed. But times change. Last year was a tough one, but 2014 is turning out to be a blessed year. When you leave it in God’s hands, anything is possible. He can resurrect you from the worst position.

I’m a getting a little emotional. But I’m just grateful for this opportunity, and to be able to be back on top of the boxing world, it’s just amazing to me, just humbling to me, and I’m just very grateful for this opportunity.

Q
Do you feel that Amir Khan is overlooking you at all?

L. Collazo
Yes, he is. At least hat’s what I’m hearing. On May 3, I’m going across the ring once that bell rings, you know, and he’s just got to get ready. I know I’m getting ready, and I hope he’s getting ready the same way, because we’ve got to give the boxing fans what they want, some excitement.

R. Schaefer
Okay, thank you to all the media members. Thank you to Luis and to Amir, I really can’t wait for this fight. I think it’s a terrific matchup, it’s a 50/50 fight, and can’t wait to see both of you soon. I wish you all the best in training camp, and before you know it, it’s going to be May 3, and “THE MOMENT” will be upon us where we are going to see one of the best cards we have ever put together.

# # #

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC Silver Welterweight World Championship. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).
Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets priced at $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

FORT JACKSON, S.C. (March 27, 2014) – WBA International Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo arrived this week at Fort Jackson Military Base in South Carolina to prepare for his upcoming WBC Silver Welterweight World Championship bout against former unified world champion Amir “King” Khan. The bout was officially announced earlier this week as the co-main event of “THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana” which will take place on May 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

“I love coming down here, it’s a great place to focus before a big fight,” said Collazo. “The atmosphere in Fort Jackson is great. It’s simply an amazing place to train. The troops inspire me. They are disciplined and loyal, and they push themselves to the limit.
I admire them. I always gain inspiration from being around them.”

Collazo has trained at Fort Jackson for the majority of his fights since 2008, most recently, prior to his Sept. 2013 unanimous decision victory against Alan Sanchez, when he earned the vacant WBA International Welterweight Title. He decided to train locally in Brooklyn for his Jan. 30 fight against Victor Ortiz, but for his upcoming fight against Khan, he’s back to his favorite training spot with two of his trainers – Andrew Stokes and Willy Vargas.

“It’s nice to get away from some of the distractions at home and to just be here staying focused with my team,” said Collazo.

“The first thing about Fort Jackson is the weather is very accommodating,” said Stokes. “The atmosphere is very conducive to the atmosphere that Luis likes to train in. But I think that one of the most important things about setting up camp here is that Luis really enjoys training with the soldiers, and this is the largest army training facility in the U.S.”

“Khan is a good fighter, he’s fought some good guys, but he better be ready for me,” said Collazo. “I’m going to bring something he hasn’t seen before.”

Collazo will return to New York City to complete the last stage of his training with his longtime Head Trainer Nirmal Lorrick. Collazo and Lorrick have been working together since the early 1990’s, for more than 20 years.

# # #

THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC Silver Welterweight World Championship. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 1
10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets priced at $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

LONDON (March, 25) – Boxing’s biggest draw Floyd Mayweather will make his ring return live and exclusive on BoxNation in a stacked May 3rd card from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Long recognised as the number one pound-for-pound king in boxing, Mayweather has continuously broken records, with his previous clash against Mexican star Canelo Alvarez, screened on BoxNation, becoming the highest grossing pay-per-view boxing event of all time.

The fight games biggest star, and the best dedicated boxing channel around, join forces once again as Mayweather puts his undefeated record on the line against Adrien Broner conqueror Marcos Maidana.

The relentless and spectacular punching Maidana is coming off an excellent win against Mayweather clone Broner last December and will be looking to prove lightning can strike twice as he aims to penetrate the so far impregnable defence of the five-division world champion.

The world title unification bout, which sees Mayweather’s WBC welterweight title and Maidana’s WBA equivalent up for grabs, pits two of the world’s very best 147 pounders up against one another in what will be a momentous occasion.

“Marcos Maidana’s last performance immediately brought him to my attention,” said Mayweather. “He is an extremely skilled fighter who brings knockout danger to the ring. I think this is a great fight for me and he deserves the opportunity to see if he can do what 45 others have tried to do before him – beat me.”

Argentine Maidana has cemented himself at the top of the welterweight division, earning himself a growing reputation not only as a knockout artist but one of the most entertaining fighters around today.

“I am extremely happy to be facing Floyd Mayweather because it will give me the opportunity to show the world that I am the best welterweight in the division,” said Maidana, who will represent throngs of Hispanic boxing fans on Cinco de Mayo when he faces boxing’s top dog. “I just handed a great defensive fighter his first loss and plan to do the same to Mayweather. I don’t care whether he’s the best and undefeated. I will bring some real Latino power to him.”

The May 3rd event is also set to be stacked from top to bottom, with British superstar Amir Khan making his eagerly anticipated return against Luis Collazo.

The former unified light-welterweight world champion makes the move up to welterweight as he eyes a potential showdown with the very best in the division should he come through the highly skilled Collazo.

“All I am focused on is May 3rd and getting past Luis Collazo,” said Khan. “He’s a tremendous fighter that is coming off a great win against Victor Ortiz. My aim is to establish myself in the division and a fight against a full blown welterweight in Collazo offers me that chance. It’s going to be a great fight and one not to be missed.”

Collazo, who ran Ricky Hatton very close when they met in 2006, has bounced back in recent times by recording a stunning victory over Victor Ortiz earlier this year and will be looking to upset Khan when they meet.

“Defeating Victor Ortiz in January was just the beginning,” said Collazo. “Facing and beating Amir Khan on the biggest stage in the sport is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I will take full advantage of this and put myself in the best position to face the winner of the main event. I hope Khan is ready because Brooklyn is coming to take him down.”

Both Khan and Collazo will be looking to throw their names into the hat as potential Mayweather foes when they fight under the gaze of the headline act.

“Both Amir Khan and Luis Collazo have made it known that they want a shot at the winner of the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana, so what better way for them to prove that they’re next in line than by fighting on “THEMOMENT” card on May 3?” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “These are two exciting former world champions and this fight has the potential to steal the show.”

BoxNation has grown spectacularly since its inception in 2011 with the channel constantly showing the very best domestic and international fights from around the world.

A host of top level bouts including Mayweather’s impending battle with Maidana will be available from April for just £12 a month (plus a one-off registration fee).

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/490HD & Virgin Ch.546) please visit www.boxnation.com.

-Ends-

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

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

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

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LAS VEGAS (March 24, 2014) – An explosive matchup of two world-class fighters is coming to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 3, when British superstar and former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Amir “King” Khan faces Brooklyn native and WBA International Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo in the 12-round welterweight co-main event of “THE MOMENT: Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana” on SHOWTIME PPV.

A media conference call featuring both fighters is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26 at
3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. Additional details to follow this announcement.

“I’m looking forward to fighting in Las Vegas once again, and my intention on May 3 is to make a statement that I belong on this big stage,” said Khan. “Luis Collazo might be coming off of a big win, but I am in incredible shape and am ready for this challenge. A win on May 3 is what I need to prove that I truly am one of the best welterweights in the sport.”

“Defeating Victor Ortiz in January was just the beginning,” said Collazo. “Facing and beating Amir Khan on the biggest stage in the sport is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I will take full advantage of this and put myself in the best position to face the winner of the main event. I hope Khan is ready because Brooklyn is coming to take him down.”

“Both Amir Khan and Luis Collazo have made it known that they want a shot at the winner of the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana, so what better way for them to prove that they’re next in line than by fighting on “THE MOMENT” card on May 3?” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “These are two exciting former world champions and this fight has the potential to steal the show.”

“Amir Khan and Luis Collazo are aggressive boxers who deliver excitement and fan-friendly action in every fight,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “With the addition of this main event-caliber co-feature bout, boxing’s biggest night of the year has become even bigger. Mayweather vs. Maidana and Khan vs. Collazo is a spectacular one-two punch for boxing fans.”

A British standout who represented his nation in the 2004 Olympic Games, where he won a silver medal, Bolton’s Amir “King” Khan (28-3, 19 KOs) went from local hero to international star when he won his first world title at 140 pounds in 2009. After five successful defenses that included wins over Marcos Maidana, Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah, Khan lost his title by way of a controversial decision to Lamont Peterson in 2011. Winner of two straight over Carlos Molina and Julio Diaz since, the flashy, flamboyant 27-year-old boxer-puncher is now campaigning at welterweight, where he seeks championship gold once again.

Brooklyn’s Luis Collazo (35-5, 18 KOs) has long been one of New York’s finest exports, a slick boxer who isn’t afraid to get into the trenches and slug it out. Collazo is a former WBA Welterweight World Champion and currently holds the WBA International Welterweight Title. No stranger to facing the elite in his weight class, he has squared off against fighters such as Jose Antonio Rivera, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley and Andre Berto. Collazo took nearly two years off from the ring, but since returning in 2011, he has won five of six bouts, including four straight. This past January, he made the statement of a lifetime with a blistering second-round knockout victory over favored former world champion Victor Ortiz, and he has similar plans for Khan on May 3.

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for Collazo’s WBA International Welterweight title. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) and is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information go to, visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @chinomaidana, @amirkingkhan, @realluiscollazo, @mayweatherpromo, @goldenboyboxing, @ShoSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #TheMoment and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions , www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LONDON (March 4) – Amir Khan has backed stablemate Alfredo Angulo to upset the odds when he clashes with fellow Mexican star Canelo Alvarez this weekend.

The pair will meet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in front of what is expected to be a sold out arena, with Canelo being tipped as the favourite in the fight which will be broadcast live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Khan, who has trained with Angulo ever since the pair joined forces with esteemed trainer Virgil Hunter back in 2012, has rallied behind his light-middleweight companion and backed him to produce the goods this Saturday night.

“Alfredo has looked great in the gym and you can see an intensity in his eyes that he’s ready for this,” said Khan. “It’s not going to be an easy fight against Canelo because Canelo is a slick boxer and moves quite well but Angulo showed against Lara how good he is at cutting off the ring. Angulo might be seen as the underdog but under Virgil you’ve seen the progress he’s made and you can be sure he’ll force Canelo to work every minute of every round,” he told BoxNation.

“Alfredo has shown he can follow instructions and stick to the game plan and I’m sure Virgil has devised the right strategy for this fight. It’s not going to be easy but I know Alfredo is ready and can get the win,” Khan said.

The former unified light-welterweight star has seen firsthand the damage ‘El Perro’, or ‘The Dog’, can dish out having sparred with him on a number of occasions.

“There’s a close bond between everyone at Virgil’s gym and we all get fully behind whoever has a fight coming up. I’ve sparred with Alfredo to help get him ready for this one and we’ve done some great work over the last few weeks,” he said.

“Sharing the ring with him I know what he’s bringing to this fight and believe me it won’t be an easy night for Canelo. He’ll have to win Alfredo’s respect in there because this guy keeps coming forward and doesn’t take a back step,” said Khan.

Canelo is coming off a dominating points loss last September to pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather.

Nevertheless, Khan is refusing to underestimate Canelo and believes that the Mexican icon with the movie star looks will be motivated to get back to winning ways, which has seen him lose only once in his distinguished career.

“Neither of these guys will want to lose because of what is at stake with them both being proud Mexican’s. It’s going to be an excellent fight because they’re both at the top of their game. I know Canelo is coming off the loss to Mayweather but he’s still a great fighter who’s looking to bounce back and show he’s still one of the best out there,” said Khan.

Angulo also is looking to return from a loss in his last fight, which came in much more controversial circumstances against Erislandy Lara after he was unable to continue due to damage to his left eye, which Angulo’s team claimed was the result of being ‘thumbed’.

The 31-year-old had had twice floored the Cuban and was beginning to exert his will in the fight before it was stopped in the 10th round.

But this opportunity against Canelo represents one Khan believes Angulo has been waiting for since he started boxing.

“With Alfredo this is the chance he’s been waiting for his whole life. He wants to prove that he’s the best Mexican fighter out there and he has the style to make any fight he takes part in exciting to watch. I know what this means to him and I think that’s going to drive him on to prove to everyone how good he really is,” said Khan.

“I’m expecting Alfredo to be the aggressor in the fight and for Canelo to try and counter and use his boxing skills. Alfredo’s skills are underrated and you don’t really get an idea of the subtle things he does well until you get in the ring with him. He’s got serious power in either hand and has the ability to knock Canelo out,” added Khan.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfredo Angulo is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday from 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

BOLTON (Feb. 25) – Official statement from Amir Khan following the official announcement confirming that Marcos Maidana will fight Floyd Mayweather on Saturday 3rd May.

“Following the announcement by Floyd Mayweather that he will be facing Marcos Maidana on May 3rd I would like to clarify my situation for my fans and members of the media.

“Despite having signed my part of the agreement to fight Floyd in early December, I’ve been preparing myself for some time that the match up with him wasn’t going to happen, as I announced on Twitter a few days ago. Therefore, this announcement did not come as a surprise.

“I am, however, very disappointed with Floyd and his team for not providing any explanation as to why he delayed the announcement for so long and ultimately avoided the fight with me.

“Clarification, if he was not fighting me, would have allowed me to look over my options and pursue another path, rather than the ultimate delay to my career this has caused.

“It has been a very frustrating period as I’d been due to fight in December against Devon Alexander, however, I was strongly advised to not take this fight as I would be facing Floyd this May – and therefore signed my side of the contract on this belief.

“Floyd was keen to engage with the fans and so decided to let them choose who he should fight in his next bout. I clearly won his official poll, by a significant margin, but for unknown reasons he decided to ignore the fans vote and failed to keep his word. Disappointing many fight fans who took the time to vote.

“I genuinely wish Marcos and Floyd all the best for their fight – two great fighters. As a team we have now moved on and are looking at different options.

“I’ve been training very hard since my last fight. I’m a fighter who wants to face the very best out there and have never ducked any opponent.

“I’m focused and ready for my next outing – we currently have a few options on the table at the moment and my team are working alongside Golden Boy Promotions to announce my next fight within the next 10 days.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and am determined to put on a great show for my loyal fans who have waited a long time to see me back in action – and I’m very excited about what’s yet to come this year. Thank you for all your continued support.”

Polls can be as reliable as scorecards. About as scientific, too. That’s why it’s hard to know what to make of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s question to fans about his next opponent.

Marcos Maidana?

Or Amir Khan?

From this corner, Khan still looks like Mayweather’s likely foe on May 3 no matter what the poll says. The only numbers that seem to matter are summed up by Mayweather’s nickname, Money. Follow it and you can get a pretty good look at what Mayweather is attempting. Against Britain’s Khan, Mayweather has a shot at a share of the UK’s big pay-per-view potential. Against Argentina’s Maidana, he doesn’t.

That’s a theory anyway. On second thought, however, perhaps it’s too simple. Mayweather is a gambler only at Vegas’ sports books. As a boxer, he’s careful about whom he fights and when he fights. He manages the risk, which helps explain his longevity and maybe his unbeaten record, 45-0 and counting.

The Maidana-or-Khan poll is the result of an argument that emerged after Maidana’s beat-down of Mayweather wannabe Adrien Broner in December. Then, there was already public discontent about whether Khan deserved the opportunity. He has won twice, yet struggled since Danny Garcia upset him. In April, he had to get up from a fourth-round knockdown for a narrow decision over Julio Diaz. Maidana, who lost to Khan in the 2010 Fight of the Year, has done more to stake his claim. Fair enough, but this is boxing. Fair is often an illusion, if not an artful feint.

Few give Khan a chance against Mayweather. Yet despite his vulnerable chin and recent struggles, he still possesses fast hands and agile feet. Mayweather has been at his dominant best against foes he has called flat-footed. Can it be a coincidence that Robert Guerrero and Canelo Alvarez were the first two opponents on his rich Showtime contract? He called them flat-footed and he proved it with dominant victories over both.

No matter what you think of Khan, he’s not flat-footed. Add his fast hands, and Mayweather could have a problem, at least for a while. It’s simple as that old line about styles. They make fights. Few understand that quite as thoroughly as Mayweather.

The risk against Khan might look slim, but it’s bigger than the one Mayweather would face against Maidana. The Argentine has heavy-hands, but they land in a predictable, almost plodding way. Put Maidana in a foot race with Canelo and Guerrero, and you’ve got a dead heat.

Mayweather figures to beat either Maidana or Khan. But if it’s Maidana, he limits the risk. Doesn’t he always?

The poll gives him a chance to pass off the responsibility. Madiana was the poll’s early leader. Let’s assume it finishes with Maidana as the pick. If somebody accuses Mayweather of taking an easier fight in Maidana, he can simply say that he’s only giving fans what they want.

For the moment, let’s assume that Khan is Mayweather’s opponent, regardless of the poll. Then, it could become another example of Mayweather’s gamesmanship. Khan, who said weeks ago that he already has signed to fight Mayweather, appears as nervous as a politician fearful of losing an election.

Within hours of learning that Maidana was leading the poll, Khan was on Twitter, saying:

“Mayweather says he needs a easy fight and fans want to see a knock out so maybe thats the reason he doesn’t want fight me n wants Maidana ??”

“for those that hate me & think FM can KO me, then let’s see him try. Fight me! #SkillvSkill SpeedvSpeed.”

No matter what happens in this poll, the only winner is the guy conducting it.

LONDON (Jan. 24) – BoxNation kicks off its 2014 world title coverage this weekend with an intriguing clash for the IBF World Light-Welterweight title between champion Lamont Peterson and mandatory challenger Dierry Jean from the DC Armory in Washington, USA.

The 29 year old Peterson’s story will be familiar to British diehards due to the extensive coverage he received here for his hugely controversial victory over Amir Khan in December 2011.

Despite scoring an early knockdown, the Bolton lad conceded the tightest of split decisions in Peterson’s hometown of Washington DC, after having two points docked for ‘pushing’. Then, their keenly anticipated rematch had to be shelved when Peterson failed a pre-fight drugs test. The pair still has an unresolved score to settle.

Known as ‘Havoc’, Peterson and his younger brother Anthony – also a leading pro – survived a homeless childhood on the mean streets of DC, prior to finding sanctuary inside the prize ring.

A multiple US national amateur champion, he joined the pros in September 2004 and romped to victory in his first 27 gigs before colliding with formidable WBO king Tim Bradley in December 2009.

Though widely outscored, he delivered a sufficiently plucky showing to merit a second world title crack at Khan two years later.

Problems beyond the ropes confided the forceful, technically adept Peterson to just two airings over the subsequent 25 months. Whilst he retained his claim by grinding out an eight round stoppage over ex WBO king Kendall Holt last February, he was pulverised in three by Argentine bomber Lucas Matthysse in an over-the-weight non title affair in May and has been dormant since.

At just 7-5 against, 5ft 7in challenger Jean is a very live underdog. Born in Haiti 31 years ago, he is a product of the currently thriving Quebec boxing scene, having lived in Canada since the age of 10.

A late starter at 18, he posted a 54-8 amateur slate and has been victorious in all 25 contests since joining the pros in December 2006. Seventeen stoppage wins suggest there is plenty of pop in his gloves.

It’s a contest full of curiosity and who better to assess it for us than the aforementioned Khan, a former two-time 140lb world champion who spoke to boxing writer Glynn Evans from his training base in California on Monday evening.

Catch a terrific night’s boxing which also includes heavyweight David Price’s return to action plus the rematch between WBO cruiserweight king Marco Huck and Firat Arslan from Stuttgart, Germany, by tuning into BoxNation, the Channel of Champions from 6pm on Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546.

“It’ll be very interesting to see what Peterson has still got left. He’s 29 and he’s coming off a bad knockout loss to Lucas Matthysse last year. Sometimes a bad defeat can make you a better fighter, if you can learn from it and make changes. It’s happened to me against Breidis Prescott and Danny Garcia but I proved it doesn’t necessarily mean the end.

I was surprised by how Matthysse managed to put Peterson away so early and so clinically because when I fought Lamont he absorbed a lot of big shots. But then our fight took a lot out of both of us. It was brutal. Later he tested positive (for synthetic testosterone in the build up to their aborted rematch) so you don’t know if he was on something that night.

When I fought Lamont he was challenging for a world title in front of his hometown crowd and he was really up for it mentally. Fighting at home gave him a huge advantage and he came with real hunger to win. The shots he took from me proved he has a real fighting heart. He had to dig deep.

He’s quite a good technical boxer but without wanting to disrespect him or sound big headed myself, I was a bit better than Lamont, boxing wise, the night we fought. When I got him onto his back foot, his shots usually fell short.

But Lamont applied a lot of good pressure. He closed the range and cut the ring down well. He’s got a firm stance, keeps his hands tight and moves pretty well. He’s not the biggest puncher but he chugs forward, grinding away, grinding away. In Barry Hunter, he had a very good trainer who continually inspired him to drive forward. But he’s only really got the one style and I know I took a lot out of him. He’s not been the same in either of his two fights since.

After his loss to Matthysse, I’m not sure that Peterson deserves to hold a belt and, personally, I think he falls a bit short of Danny Garcia (WBC/WBA king) and Ruslan Provodnikov (current WBO boss), the other champions at 140. Still, styles make fights.

Like most people, I’ve not seen or heard a lot about Jean. But he’s the mandatory challenger and has been highly ranked by several organisations for some time. I’m told he’s a very tough and durable orthodox boxer and he’s going into his world title chance unbeaten. He should certainly be confident and up for it. He’ll provide us with a good gauge of what Peterson has left.

It’s his big chance and my advice to Jean would be to jump on Peterson from the very start. Push him back and put him under pressure immediately. Lamont’s coming off a bad stoppage defeat so there’s sure to be doubts in his mind. After dropping Peterson heavily in the first round, I made the mistake of backing off and allowing him back into the fight. I let him get his confidence back. I regret that.

Coming off that kayo (defeat), I’d expect Peterson to be very careful at the start and to keep it tight until he’s fully warmed up. It’s a big opportunity for Jean to break through and make a name for himself. It’s definitely a fight worth watching.

But I expect Peterson to win this, probably by decision. He’s got far greater experience at top level and fighting in his hometown will prove a big advantage again.”

Lamont Peterson vs. Dierry Jean is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday from 1.30am. To subscribe visit www.boxnation.com.

-Ends-

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

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

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

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

DUBAI (Dec. 27) – Boxing superstar Amir ‘King’ Khan and former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon ‘The Cannon’ Briggs will be the honoured guests for the official grand opening of Dubai’s most outstanding fitness, boxing and MMA facility – EMD Fitness.

The centre of excellence, located in Sunset Mall, is the brainchild of the UAE’s leading professional boxer Eisa Al Dah and will host the former unified light-welterweight world champion, Khan, and heavyweight hitman, Briggs, at 6pm local time on Monday December 30th.

EMD Fitness offers the very best in training and workout services, and is spread across 15,000 square feet, providing a panoramic glass view of Dubai’s stunning Jumeirah Beach.

Al Dah has a great relationship with both Khan and Briggs, and the visit of boxing royalty to the Middle East region offers the chance to help familiarise locals with some of the fight games top names.

Khan has enjoyed an illustrious career in the sport having made his mark at just 17 years of age when he captured an Olympic silver medal for Great Britain in 2004, as his country’s sole representative.

He has gone on to succeed at the highest levels as a professional having won the WBA light-welterweight world title against Andriy Kotelnik in 2009, before unifying the tough 140 pound division with a scintillating knockout performance against Zab Judah to claim the IBF world title.

Likewise, Brooklyn native Briggs stamped his mark after winning the WBO heavyweight championship when he stopped the durable Siarhei Liakhovich in the 12th round in 2006.

Eisa Al Dah, said: “It’s great to have these two superstars of boxing visit our excellent new facilities. We firmly believe that EMD Fitness is already Dubai’s premier venue for boxing, MMA and general fitness training. The staff, services and equipment at our disposal is immense and second to none. The fact we are able to attract leading names such as Amir Khan, who I have a tremendous relationship with, goes to show that we have so much to offer. I’m sure Amir and Shannon will be left very impressed with the facilities and our overall philosophy at EMD Fitness.”

Amir Khan, said: “I’m looking forward to my visit to Dubai for the official opening of EMD Fitness. It’s an area of the world I love. I have always wanted to try and do my part to help boxing grow in this region because I believe there is so much potential in Dubai and the Middle East. Boxing is a great sport which helps to teach discipline, keep people of the street and just help with general fitness. I can’t wait to see and test the facilities at EMD Fitness because I have heard many good things about it. I’m forward to seeing Eisa, his team and all the fans – it’s going to be a great experience.”

WHO: Amir Khan and Shannon Briggs

WHEN: 6pm GST on Monday December 30th

WHERE: Jumeirah 3, Level 2 Sun Set Mall, Jumeirah Road, Dubai, U.A.E., P.O.Box 183241 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

LONDON (5 Dec) – Boxing star Amir Khan believes the clash between Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah will come down to who can handle the pressure best when the Brooklyn natives battle for local bragging rights live on BoxNation.

The hometown heroes both descend from the famed borough in New York and will share the ring this Saturday night at the Barclays Center, which lies in the heart of the Brooklyn area.

After having fought, and beat, both men, Khan is well placed to assess the fight and believes that handling the unique pressure that this fight presents will be crucial for the two world class veterans.

“I think it could all come down to who handles the pressure and expectation the best,” said Khan, speaking exclusively to BoxNation. “Even though both guys are very experienced in the sport this is new to both of them. It’s rare to see, but they’re two top fighters from the same neck of the woods going at it in their own backyard. That alone gives the fight that extra edge; it adds that little bit of pressure because neither will want to lose,” he said.

“It could change, or have an impact, on their approach during the fight because if one of them gets tagged they’ll be desperate to try and get the other back because they won’t want to lose face in front of their home crowd and will always want to be on top,” he said.

“It’s a really exciting and intriguing matchup because it’s so hard to call. The atmosphere is going to be electric and both guys are going to leave it all in the ring,” said Khan.

The former unified light-welterweight world champion was quick to acknowledge the abilities of both fighters and thinks their recent outings could also play a part.

“Paulie tends to be a little underrated,” Khan said. “He’s a fantastic fighter that brings a lot to the table such as his speed and his boxing skills. I think he surprised a lot of fans in his fight with Adrien Broner because a lot felt he won that fight. That could certainly act as extra motivation for him going into this one,” he said.

“Paulie’s not the biggest puncher but he’s got many assets that mean he doesn’t really need to be. He can make you miss and counter you and because of his speed and quick thinking he’s able to do that. Over the distance he’s hard to beat because he picks up rounds that way,” Khan explained.

“One key advantage that Zab has though is he can bang a bit more and also carries speed with him. Add in his awkward southpaw style and you have a fighter that can cause anybody major problems – like his last fight with Danny Garcia showed,” Khan stated.

The 26-year-old will be ringside on the night and is expected to join both men by making his move up to the welterweight division in his next outing.

Khan, however, thinks this weekend’s showdown is going to be a close one, giving the edge ever so slightly to two-weight world champion Malignaggi.

“It will be a very close fight with some really high class boxing on display and I think it will go the distance. I’m leaning towards Paulie in the fight simply because I think he’s the fresher of both fighters and will be really keen to bounce back from the Broner defeat,” Khan said.

“But it’s a really hard fight to call because Zab is going to be equally motivated, he’s awkward and his southpaw style could cause problems. It’s great fights like this that fans want to see, where it’s hard to pick a winner – it’s a really interesting matchup,” he added.

The bill also features a stacked undercard with three world title fights taking place.

Devon Alexander faces undefeated Shawn Porter for his IBF welterweight title, Erislandy Lara goes up against Austin Trout for the WBA light-middleweight crown and Sakio Bika defends his WBC super-middleweight belt against the unbeaten and big-hitting Anthony Dirrell.

Malignaggi vs. Judah is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) this Sunday at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

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

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

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.