EGGINGTON DESTROYS THEOPHANE AND LOOKS TO A BIG 2021

Redditch, UK (11 December 2020) Sam Eggington smashed Ashley Theophane in the sixth round tonight in Redditch with one final body shot to get back on track towards championship contention in 2021.

From the opening bell, Eggington used his size and strength advantage and set a relentless pace to break down Theophane who had some remote success.

Eggington mixed his punches up well throughout the contest from a solid jab to a hard right hand then going downstairs to land some very heavy body shots to slow down the Theophane.

The Birmingham beast kept Theophane trapped in the neutral corner and giving him very little opportunity escape as he unloaded his big shots.

In the sixth Eggington landed a hard right to Theophane’s ribs under the elbow that dropped the Paddington man. He was up at nine but referee John Latham had seen enough and waved it off at 2:58.

Egginton was coming off a questionable loss to Ted Cheeseman in August, but he firmly put that behind him with his commanding performance tonight and showed that he still has plenty to give.

He said, “I’m over the moon with the result. I felt I was hard done by against Cheesman and I needed to get back with a good win and prove that I’ve got plenty left in the tank. I know Theophane would be tricky from the start and hard to it. It was hard to get through at first and I just had to keep the pressure on and breaking down and I knew I’d get to him eventually.”

“I’m not shouting anyone out, I’ll fight anyone put in front of me and I can’t wait for a big 2021. I’d like to thank Mick Hennessy and Channel 5, it was a great set up here tonight.”

On the undercard, Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch, son of the former British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion, Scott, made an impressive start to the pro ranks with a second round stoppage of Matt Gordon in his debut. Heavy handed Welch pummelled Gordon in the corner with the referee stepping to halt the onslaught at 2:56.

Sevenoaks middleweight Michael Hennessy Jr. returned to winning ways with a complete shut-out of Dale Arrowsmith to win 60-54. Hennessy produced some great work with variations to head and body and fast combinations, Arrowsmith stuck with Hennessy and pushed him all the way, but the younger man’s classier work stood out.

Undefeated Monaghan super-welterweight hot-shot Aaron ‘Silencer’ McKenna destroyed the more experience Jordan Grannum in the second round with a perfect left hook to the body. Although Jordan had not been stopped in 79 fights, he couldn’t handle the power of the hard-hitting 21-year-old who appeared on the show courtesy of his promoter Golden Boy Promotions.

Signing his new promotional agreement with promoter Mick Hennessy earlier today, middleweight ace Idris Virgo outpointed the vastly experienced Kevin McCauley over four rounds. The bright young star worked well behind the jab and showed some excellent body punching in the impressive showing.

Aaron’s older brother Stephen McKenna also signed a long term promotional deal with Hennessy yesterday and maintained his 100 percent win and KO record. It was the first time McKenna had gone beyond the second round and had to venture into the fifth to get the stoppage against MJ Hall, but the extra rounds will give the 23-year-old talent more ring experience. Although McKenna set a blistering pace from the opening bell, looking to bomb out Hall with huge shots, he pursued Hall throughout until he got him in the corner and laded some hard shots in the sixth and the referee stepped in.

In the only Championship contest of the evening, Kaisee Hall claimed the Midlands Area Welterweight Championship with a points victory over local rival Ben Fields by a score of 97-95. Benjamin boxed well showing fast hands and holding the centre of the ring, but Fields was pushing the action throughout.

COMPLETE FIGHT RESULTS

FIGHT #1
4 x 3 Heavyweight Contest
Tommy Welch WTKO2 (Time: 2:56) Matt Gordon

FIGHT #2
6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest
Michael Hennessy WPTS6 (60-54) Dale Arrowsmith

FIGHT #3
6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest
Aaron McKenna WTKO2 Jordan Grannum

FIGHT #4
4 x 3 Middleweight Contest
Idris Virgo WPTS4 (40-36) Kevin McCauley

FIGHT #5
6 x 3 Super Lightweight Contest
Stephen McKenna WTKO5 (Time: 1:56) MJ Hall

FIGHT #6
The Midlands Area Welterweight Championship
10 x 3 Minute Rounds at 10st 7lbs (147lbs)
Kaisee Benjamin WPTS10 (97-95) Ben Fields

FIGHT #7
10 x 3 Super Welterweight Contest
Sam Eggington WTKO6 (Time: 2:58) Ashley Theophane

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

EGGINGTON AND THEOPHANE WEIGH-IN RESULTS FROM REDDITCH

London, UK (9 December 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy is pleased to announce that all the boxers’ featuring on his event tomorrow night (Friday 11th December) at the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch have passed their COVID-19 tests and are cleared to fight.

The boxers’ weighed in today, with the main event Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane both coming in under the super-welterweight 11st (154lbs) limit before they collide tomorrow night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.

Eggington, who weighed 10st 13lb 2oz (153.2lb), said, “I can’t wait for it, I’m ready to go now. Tomorrow night’s it’s on the big stage, live on Channel 5 on free terrestrial TV. I’m feeling strong and I made the weight comfortably so I’m going to perform really well for the viewers. This isn’t going to the judges, I’m not letting that happen again after my last fight.”

Theophane, who came in at 10st 13lb 2oz (153.2lb) said, “I’m really looking forward to a great fight with Sam. It will be a great night of action, live on Channel 5 so tune in to see one of the fights of the year. This fight is not going to points. Theophane to win inside the distance.”

In the build up the show, promoter Mick Hennessy enforced stricter shielding measures for the boxers’ and camps featuring on the card to adhere to and minimise the risk and exposure to the cornavirus. Some of the boxers’ also feature on Hennessy’s event next Friday (18 December) and it was crucial to protect their health to ensure they could still compete on the next event.

4 x 3 Heavyweight Contest
Tommy Welsh 16st 3lb 8oz (227.8lb) vs. Matt Gordon 17st 10lb 10oz (248.10lb)

6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest
Michael Hennessy Jr 11st 2lb 3oz (156.3lb) vs. Dale Arrowsmith 11st 2lb 3oz (156.3lb)

6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest
Aaron McKenna 11st 4lb 4oz (156.2lb) vs. Jordan Grannum 11st 7lb 8oz (161.8lb)

4 x 3 Middleweight Contest
Idris Virgo 11st 9lb 1oz (163lb) vs. Kevin McCauley 11st 7lb 12oz (161.12lb)

6 x 3 Super Lightweight Contest
Stephen McKenna 10st 7lb 12oz (147.12lb) vs. MJ Hall 10st 7lb 9oz (147.9lb)

The Midlands Area Welterweight Championship
10 x 3 Minute Rounds at 10st 7lbs (147lbs)
Kaisee Benjamin 10st 6lb (146lb) vs. Ben Fields 10st 6lb (146lb)

10 x 3 Super Welterweight Contest
Sam Eggington 10st 13lb 2oz (153.2lb) vs. Ashley Theophane 10st 13lb 2oz (153.2lb)

Bouts are subject to change without prior notice.

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland against Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) takes on Islington’s Jordan Grannum over six rounds at light-middleweight; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. meets Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith; the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo faces Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley in a four-round middleweight contest; Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch makes his pro debut against West Bromwich’s Matt Gordon.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

EGGINGTON AND THEOPHANE ARRIVE AT FIGHT HOTEL FOR COVID-19 TESTS

London, UK (9 December 2020) Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane and their respective teams arrived today at the fight hotel in Redditch for their mandatory COVID-19 test before heading to their rooms to quarantine and await the results ahead of their super-welterweight showdown on Friday night.

Hennessy Sports appointed the world leading genetics testing and digital health testing company Prenetics to undertake the integrated testing. Prenetics have successfully provided their services to the Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ and The England and Wales Cricket Board.

The fierce clash between Birmingham’s Eggington and London Theophane

takes place this Friday night behind closed doors at the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 across the UK.

Other boxers featuring on the undercard Kaiser Benjamin, Ben Fields, Stephen and Aaron McKenna, Michael Hennessy Jr., Idris Virgo and Tommy Welch and their opponents also took the mandatory test before quarantining in their hotel rooms.

EASTENDERS STAR JAKE WOOD PUMPED UP FOR EGGINGTON AND THEOPHANE DOMESTIC DUST UP

London, UK (9 December 2020) Eastenders bad boy Jake Wood might be preparing for life away from Albert Square, but he’s found another square to enter – the squared circle!

Whilst his character Max Branning is involved in a tense Christmas storyline in the soap, Wood found time to make his debut as the Hennessy Sports press conference host between Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane who collide this Friday night in Redditch in their own eagerly awaited domestic dust up.

Wood, a big boxing fan and host of the hugely popular boxing podcast Pound For Pound, fronted the press conference for Seconds Out YouTube channel admirably in his debut as he pushed and probed both combatants ahead of the fight for their options and verdicts.

Albert Square has seen a few epic scraps over the years, but the Eggington-Theophane showdown is set to be more explosive than any storyline in the soap. Eggington, the tough and hungry young Birmingham warrior, is looking to bump off Theophane, the flash and experienced London veteran, and advance towards a World title shot, for the loser it will be a painful and dramatic show exit.

Watch all the big fight drama unfold this Friday night live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK from 10pm.

FORMER BRITISH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION SCOTT WELCH’S SON, TOMMY, MAKES PRO DEBUT THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

London, UK (8 December 2020) Heavyweight Tommy Welch sets out on the road to emulate his father Scott and become a British Champion when he makes his professional debut this Friday night in Redditch on the undercard of the Sam Eggington-Ashley Theophane showdown, live on free-to-air in the UK on Channel 5.

The 25-year-old from Brighton is trained by his dad and he’ll be in the corner on the momentus night when his son begins his pro career in a four-round contest against West Bromwich’s Matt Gordon.

In the amateurs, Tommy had 38 fights with 29 wins and won a plethora of titles, including four National titles, a Junior ABAs, Three Nations titles on three occasions, two NABCs and the Haringey Box Cup.

He had a period of disillusionment after leaving the amateur code, but with his head and heart now firmly set in the pro-ranks, he’s ready to make a big impact in the fight game.

“I can’t wait to finally do this on Friday,” Said Tommy. “It has been a lifetime dream to go professional and of course become a champion like my father. The first things I put on were a pair of boxing gloves before a pair of shoes so that was a sign I knew I’d follow in my dad’s footsteps into boxing.”

“Of course there are going to be comparisons between me and my dad and what he’s achieved. If I can achieve half of what he’s done then I’d be a proud man, but I’m in this sport to be the best I can be so I’m aiming for the British title and beyond and if I can go that one step further and win the world title then I’ve done great.”

Scott “The Brighton Rock” retired in 1999 after a seven-year career that saw him win the Southern Area, WBO Intercontinental, British and Commonwealth Titles and challenge for the WBO World title against Henry Akinwande.

He’s well know for his appearance in film director Guy Ritchie’s hit movie Snatch in 2000, when he played bare knuckle fighter Horace ‘Good Night’ Anderson and had a famous fight scene against Hollywood star Brad Pitt. A successful businessman, Scott also dedicates his time as the Chairman of the WBC Cares UK initiative.

Scott said, “I’m mighty proud of Tommy for getting in the ring, he needs to be his own man and do his own thing now, but I’m I’ll always be there one hundred percent for him.”

“I know how hard this sport is and I’ve given him the best advice and support to steer him, but he’ll experience this along the way for himself,”

“He’s been around the sport all his life and travelled with me and he’s met all the greats like Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, who’ve all given him words of advice,”

“He’s got himself into incredible shape with the help of Ben Pringle, who’s part of our team, and I’ve never seen him so focused and determined so I can’t wait to see him get on his first step on the pro ladder,”

“He’s got all my attributes, but I believe he’ll be better. I’ve always believed he’s something special now it’s down to him to achieve.”

ASHLEY THEOPHANE: “FLOYD MAYWEATHER LIKED MY ‘GIVE IT ALL’ BRITISH WAY, HOW I WORKED MY ARSE OFF!”

London, UK (3 December 2020) Fight fans get a rare opportunity to savour the skills and savvy of arguably the most unsung domestic fighter of this millennium when Paddington warhorse Ashley Theophane makes his long awaited return to these shores, live on free-to-air Channel 5 on Friday 11th December.

The former British Super-Lightweight Champion and one-time world title challenger, now a 40 year old super-welter, returns to the UK from an eight year hiatus to square up to Stourbridge hardman Sam ‘The Savage’ Eggington in a clash of ages and styles that is sure to salivate.

Known as ‘Treasure’, the 5ft 7in Theophane owns one of those incredible life stories that boxing so regularly throws up. Born to a single teenage mother, he was twice expelled from school and later served six months on the remand wing of Feltham Young Offenders, accused of stealing jewellery whilst armed with a gun. His release, he hints, had more to do with prosecutional incompetence than innocence!

A moderate amateur at the famous All Stars gym in Paddington, in 2008 basher Ash sought out an aunt in upstate New York and, through sheer graft and determination, hauled himself to a top five world ranking. In US rings, based first at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn then the Mayweather facility in Michigan, Theophane tested his smarts against the elite of the 140-147lb divisions such as DeMarcus Corley, Danny Garcia, Delvin Rodriguez, Pablo Cesar Cano, culminating in an abortive April 2016 WBA world title tilt to Adrien Broner – the only stoppage reverse on his 58 fight resume.

In between, he returned to Britain to capture the domestic 10st crown by steamrolling Morden’s Lenny Daws in 2011 on promoter Mick Hennessy’s show. He retained twice – both by stoppage – but has not been seen on these shores since conceding his crown to Bristol’s Darren Hamilton in May 2012.

For the past three years, the man whose life story is heavily inked across his frame has embarked on something of a world tour, featuring nine times in nine different countries across four continents. Despite his advancing years, he remained undefeated (one No Contest) with six victims failing to last the course. It’s been a heck of a journey.

‘I’m very content with what I’ve achieved in the sport, far more than I ever dreamed after turning pro as an average amateur 17 years ago,’ says Theophane who is now based back in Edmonton, north London and coached by Dave Brown and Steve Palmer.

‘I’ve 50 pro wins – there’s two that boxrec have missed – I’ve boxed in 12 countries, headlined in Vegas, fought for a world title, competed with the who’s who of my division.

‘And I trained alongside the greatest pound for pound fighter of our era for five years. I sparred with Floyd (Mayweather Jr) five times for his camps with (Andre) Berto and ‘Canelo’ (Alvarez) and I did alright. While he had all the skill, Floyd liked my ‘give it all’ British way, how I worked my arse off.

‘In the US gyms, I got great sparring against so many rated contenders and world champions, had contact with so many coaches with different strengths, who added so much to my game. In the UK, talents can get ‘blocked out’ if they’re not with a certain promoter. The US route worked out great for me. I realised my childhood dream of fighting for a world title. The one thing remaining was a final fight back home.’

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland against Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) takes on Islington’s Jordan Grannum over six rounds at light-middleweight; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. meets Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith and the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo faces Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley in a four-round middleweight contest.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

SAM ‘THE SAVAGE’ EGGINGTON READY FOR WAR AGAINST ASHLY THEOPHANE

London, UK (25 November 2020) Stourbridge warlord Sam Eggington seemed a cert to advance to world honours after claiming domestic, Commonwealth and continental welterweight Championship honours at the callow age of just 23.

However, five years on, this industrial tough, crowd pleasing, pressure fighter is still to debut on the world stage. Twice he has squandered lofty world rankings after opting to operate up at 154lbs. In September 2018, with an eliminator with Brandon Rios in the offing, ‘The Savage’ was overwhelmed in just over four minutes in his home city by Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo in a huge upset.

And last time out, having redeemed himself with an audacious second round KO of 31-2 Orlando Fiordigiglio in Florence, Italy, the Smethwick-born father of three conceded his number five listing with the IBF, when narrowly nudged out by south Londoner Ted Cheeseman over 12 in a brutal Fight of the Year contender.

‘It would be very sad if I retired without fighting for a world title, having won the European so young,’ says the softly spoken 28 year old ex-Young Boxer of the Year (2017) who boasts 28 (17)-7 stats.

‘I’ve never really had a plan. I just play it by ear, If the phone rings and it’s a decent opportunity, I always say ‘Yes’.

‘I’d happily fight any of the three current champions (US Charlo twins Jermell and Jermall plus Brazil’s Patrick Teixeira), I’m not picky and half the intrigue would be travelling overseas to make a challenge. Winning abroad would just make the achievement taste even better.’

Trained and managed by Midlands fight face Jon Pegg, Eggington emphatically passed a test of temperament when levelling world rated Fiordigiglio for the full count in Tuscany 14 months ago.

He recalls: ‘Italy was a weird one. It happened in the blink of an eye; flew their Wednesday, weighed-in Thursday, fought Friday, flew back first flight Saturday morning. But had I not gambled, and upset the applecart, it’d have been a long road back.’

Warrior to the core, smasher Sam has never been one to shirk a fighting challenge so few were surprised when he gambled his IBF ranking and International belt against the ever-dangerous Cheeseman.

‘My only regret is the decision. It left a bad taste. The fight went great. I boxed well and I thought I won. I’m not one to moan. I’m always happy to concede if a better man beats me on the night,’ says Sam who joined the profession aged just 18 after being made redundant as a forklift driver.

‘People say it was a fight of two halves but I clearly won two of the first six rounds and at least four or five of the last six.

‘If Ted wins his title shot, I’d love a chance at another British title. In my mind, I’ve beat him once already and I’ll beat him even better if we do it again.’

To force that fight and edge ever closer to the elusive world title crack, the fighter renowned for his raking right hands and incessant body assaults will need to triumph in style against Paddington’s Ashley Theophane – a 40 year old who’s already made it into a world title ring – at the Fly By Nite TV production studio in Redditch on Friday 11th December, live on free-to-air Channel 5. Commendably, the time-proven pugilists are content to debate supremacy in the ring on fight night without the need for pre-fight pretence.

‘If running their mouth makes them feel better, crack on. To me, it’s water off a duck’s back. Slag me off or shake my hand beforehand, you’re still getting bashed up. It’s my job,’ explains Eggington.

‘Me and Ash is a great fight that’ll be eagerly watched on both sides of The Pond (Atlantic).

‘Covid is new to everybody. I suppose it’s a minor advantage having already fought under these conditions but Ashley’s been through the game. It really shouldn’t matter.

‘Like every opponent I face, I’ve honestly never seen Ashley fight, spar, throw a single punch. All opponents look great on the Internet so I never bother. I’ll just go off what my coaches tell me.’

Now into his 29th year, ‘The Savage’ knows there can be no more slips if he is to scale the sport’s summit. He predicts victory will be early and emphatic.

‘I’m told Theophane isn’t a super mover but boxes well – decent jab and left hook. He’s been round the block so, early on, I expect it’ll be cagey with him trying to box. But we’ll have to ‘get at it’ at some stage, and when that happens, I’ll have him out of there,’ warns Eggington who has previously halted top talents such as Johnny Garton (round two), Denton Vassell, Frankie Gavin, Paulie Malignaggi (all round eight) and Ceferino Rodriguez (round 10).

‘I badly need this win. With Ash starting out at light-welter, I expect to be naturally bigger, stronger. He’ll not last against my pressure at his age.’

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

BENJAMIN-FIELDS MIDLANDS DERBY ALSO PITS BROTHER-IN-LAW TRAINERS HEAD-TO-HEAD

London, UK (19 November 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy has added a fiery Birmingham derby title clash between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields to his Friday 11th December fight night as chief support to the Sam Eggington-Ashley Theophane showdown, live on free-to-air Channel 5.

Chelmsley Wood’s Benjamin (10-1-1, 2 KO’s) defends his Midlands Area Welterweight title against Digbeth’s Fields (10-8-2) in a 10-round clash that has also pits their families head-to-head.

Benjamin is trained by father and son team Paul and Louie Counihan, while Fields is trained by Paul’s brother-in-law Shaun Cogan which will add even more spice to the fight.

The boxers are managed by renowned Birmingham fight figure Jon Pegg, who didn’t want to pit his two men against each other, but following some explosive and over-heated sparring sessions, both trainers then approached Pegg to make the fight.

Pegg, Hennessy Sports Matchmaker, said, “I don’t say it often, but I really believe it could be one of the Fights of the Year. I’ve seen them spar and they go at it hammer and tongs and then some more after the bell. It’s a real fierce local derby with plenty of animosity between them and bucket loads of pride and honour at stake. I manage both lads, but I won’t be cheering for either of them on 11th December. I didn’t want to make the fight, but both trainers came to me after a particularly heated session when they had to yanked apart and said they wanted it to happen. Throw in the family ties between Paul and Sean who are brothers-in-law and you’ve got a real barnstormer on your hands. I’m thrilled it’s on Mick’s show and I hope they settle it once and for all.”

Benjamin, 25, has made three defences of the Midlands title, but says he’ll deal with Fields in quick time to press his English title shot as he’s the mandatory challenger to Champion Ekow Essuman. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Essuman has an impending British title shot, but won’t release the English title until that is confirmed.

“I’ll deal with Fields easily,” Said Benjamin. “He gives it large during sparring but lets see if he can do it for real in the ring. I’ll shut him up and then focus on bigger things like my English title which I’m long overdue a shot at. I’m not involved in the Paul and Sean situation, that’s between them. This is between me and Fields. It won’t go the distance with Fields, he’s getting taken out early.”

Fields, 31, has incredibly turned his life around through boxing. The former drug addict was down and out but found salvation in boxing at 23 and in his last fight defend the odds and won the Midlands Area Super-Lightweight title.

“I’ve dealt with harder stuff in life that Benjamin,” Said Fields. “I’ve fought my way back from rock bottom and I’m not letting anything get in my way. It’s been sparring up until now, lets see how he does for real. Remember, we spared with big gloves and headguards and now it will just be the little gloves.”

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

Adrien Broner vs. Ashley Theophane delivered knockout ratings for Premier Boxing Champions on Spike on Friday, April 1.

Adrien Broner
The main event drew 1,141,000 viewers (10:36pm-11:21pm) peaking with an impressive 1.3 million viewers at 11:11pm
(with +3 DVR playback). This is the most watched PBC fight ever on Spike.

The entire card delivered 955,000 viewers, also a record for the PBC on Spike.

Also of note, 48 minutes of the broadcast were seen by 1 million or more viewers.

Broner stops Theophane in 9; Calls out Mayweather following the fight

Adrien Broner stopped Ashely Theophane in round nine of their scheduled 12-round Super Lightweight bout at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

Broner was in control of the bout as he landed some hard shots and had Theophane in trouble several times. Each time Theophane was able to dodge serious damage until round nine, Broner landed a body shot (replays showed the punch was low) that sent Theophane across the ring. Brone stalked and landed two more power punches and then referee stopped the bout at 1:10 of round two.

Broner, 140.4 lbs of Cincinnati, OH lost his title on the scales at Thursday’s weigh in. Broner was wanted on charges back home in Cincinnati for an alleged assault that took place in January. Broner is now 32-2 with 24 knockouts. Theophane, 140 lbs of London, England is now 39-7-1.

After the bout, Broner called out Floyd Mayweather for a potential fight.

“When people fight me, they come with their ‘A’ game, and he came with his ‘A’ game. But even his ‘A’ game wasn’t enough tonight.

“As you know, I’ve been going through a lot and for me to come in here and bottle everything up and do what I did, I want to give myself a pat on the back.”

Theophane was disappointed and didn’t agree with the stoppage.

“I thought the stoppage was premature because I thought I was in the fight. Me and Broner were going at it. It looked like he was starting to get tired because he started to move around and wasn’t able to stay there with me as much.

“I thought the fight was back and forth and I think the next four rounds would have been the same. No way should the fight have gotten stopped. It’s a shame the referee did that. I was telling the referee, ‘I’m okay, I’m okay.’ Then he waived it off. I don’t know what he was thinking.”

Broner and Mayweather, who promotes Theophane, have been engaged in a war of words throughout the promotion. Broner challenged the 11-time world champion immediately following his victory.

“I’m a man, but at the end of the day, somebody that I look up to, someone that I admire took the chance to do an interview and talk bad about me. I’m a man – Floyd has got to see me.

“I come from nothing. I’m talking about water and Cornflakes. And I would never let a man disrespect me like that. So you gotta see me. I don’t care if we’re sparring or if we’re fighting, let’s get it on.

Mayweather did not address the comments.

Robert Easter remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over former world champion Algenis Mendez in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight fight.

In round five, Easter landed a booming right that sent Mendez to the canvas. Mendez got up but was wobbling and his eyes were glazed and the bout was stopped at 2:43.

Easter, 133 lbs of Toledo, OH is 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Mendez, 134.2 lbs of San Juan, DR is 23-4-1.

“My performance was okay. I could have done better, but I’m happy. I got touched more than I expected. Once I settled down, I knew I was going to catch him. I had to stay patient.

“Two boxers makes for a boring fight. I wanted to go in there and brawl, but be smart. I knew when I stepped on the gas I would put him to bed and that’s what I did. He was definitely the toughest opponent I have faced in a shorter fight. He is a former champ and he came in ready.

“This was a huge opportunity for me and I’m just happy I got the knockout. For what it’s worth, I feel good…at least physically I do. I’m pretty disappointed because of the way things turned out, but boxing is a difficult sport.

“I don’t have any excuses. I’m glad that I feel fine physically, that’s the most important thing right now. Robert Easter is a good fighter, he did really well and I wish him the best in his career.”

Gervonta Davis remained perfect by stopping Guillermo Avila in round six of their scheduled of their ten round Super Featherweight bout.

In round three, Davis landed a blistering right hook that opened up a big cut under the left eye of Avila. At the end of round five, Davis dropped Avila with a right hook.

In round six, Davis opened up with heavy power shots that were highlighted by flush uppercuts that rocked Avila to the ropes and referee Michelle Myers stopped the bout at 29 seconds.

Davis, 131.2 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 15-0 with 14 knockouts. Avila, 130.6 lbs of Jamay, MEX is 15-6.

“I knew he was a strong opponent. He kept bouncing back and I actually thought he was going to get up at the end too. He is very experienced and I thank him for taking the fight. He brought out the best in me.

“There is always room to get better and better, but this is another step toward my dream. I’m happy with my performance and it is even more special to have done it where I made my pro debut, so close to home.

“I’m happy I could get this victory for my team, Floyd Mayweather and everyone that supports me.”

“We prepared really well and think we did well,” said Avila “The cut came from a head-butt which complicated the situation for me as it didn’t let me see properly from that point forward. But it is what it is -he won. He’s good, and he hits hard.

“I appreciate everyone who was supporting me and my team. This is not the end of my career. I’m young and this is the type of sport where you just have to bounce back. We’re going to move on with our head up. There’s no other choice.”

Adrien Broner vs. Ashley Theophane PBC on Spike Final Press Conference Quotes

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 30, 2016) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and 140-pound contender Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane went face-to-face Wednesday for the first time since their heated press conference in February as they near their Premier Boxing Champions on Spike world title showdown taking place Friday, April 1 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

Also in attendance Wednesday was unbeaten rising star Robert Easter Jr. and his opponent, former world champion Algenis Mendez, who meet in a 10-round lightweight battle, plus rising undefeated prospect Gervonta “The One” Davis and his opponent, Mexico’s Guillermo Avila, who discussed their 10-round super featherweight battle that opens PBC on Spike coverage at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

Additionally, local lightweight contender Anthony Peterson and 168-pound contender J’Leon Love were on hand ahead of their respective bouts taking place Friday night.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visitwww.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

ADRIEN BRONER

“Anything is tough when you have a lot of things coming your way. I have tunnel vision. It’s fight time. I’m locked-in until I get the job done.

“Right now I have to focus on this fight. I’m keeping my mind in the right state. I’m not just doing this for me. It’s for my family. It’s bigger than just me.

“There’s no beef between me and Floyd. I do my thing. At the end of the day, I’m just being me. I do this in front of Floyd. Me up there saying ‘Hateweather Promotions,’ I’m just having fun. I hope no one takes it personally. At the end of the day, me and Floyd are close.

“The relationship that me and Floyd have, it is obvious that we wear our feelings on our sleeves, anything we say about each other, we don’t care who hears it. At the end of the day it doesn’t affect anything.

“I will be putting on a show on Friday night. And I’ll go again on Saturday night if you want to get up and do it again.

“Friday night is going to be a big night. I’m going to keep my promise. I will stop Ashley Theophane. I don’t care which round it is, but I will stop this man.

“I love DC. The crowd and the love on Friday night is going to be crazy. I took this camp to the max. I am going to exploit and showcase all of my talent.

“This is a big night for my little brother and protégé, Robert Easter Jr. He doesn things that amaze me. I know what he’s capable of. I’m happy for him to get this chance against a former world champion. It’s going to be a heated matchup. This whole card is stacked from the top to the bottom.

“I stepped up early in my career. I stepped up earlier than others. When I fought (Daniel) Ponce De Leon, I was 19 and I fought in front of a crowd of 12,500 against me.

“I just want to get home to Cincinnati and hold my baby daughter for the first time. I want to hold and hug my kids and be the family guy. Right now I’m at work. I have to do what I have to do, but after pain its pleasure.”

ASHLEY THEOPHANE

“It’s been a journey. But we’re here now. Just two days away. We’ve got two days and then the champ and me are going to go to war.

“I’m here to make this happen. Broner can play games, it’s all good. I’m here on a mission.

“I’m ready. We’re so close and I really just can’t wait to hear that bell.

“Adrien says he’s going to stop me. I don’t think he has the attributes to do that. But it does mean it’s going to be a great fight. I’m looking forward to it.

“The hard work is done. We’ve been training for months. My trainer Nate Jones has helped to get me into great shape. We have a great game plan and we’re ready to go.

“I want this man to live up to his words that he’s going to stop me before round four. Because that means he will be standing and fighting instead of running around the ring.

“A win means everything to me. It changes my life. This is my boyhood dream. This could lead me to all the other big names.

“I’ve trained for 12 hard rounds. We’re going to do this.”

ROBERT EASTER JR.

“Everyone should be ready for a lot of action. I’m going to keep this speech short, just like the fight will be.

“He’s a former world champion and a big test for me. I feel like I’m supposed to be here. He has a big head, so I’m not planning on missing at all. It’s going to be a short fight. I hope he’s prepared to go to sleep.

“I know it’s a big step up. I just hope he’s trained hard for this one. I’m aiming to stop him. Most of my fights are short and that’s what I’m looking for.

“I’m going to use all my skills, my ability and my brains to get this win. I’m not going for the knockout, but it’s going to happen. We trained so hard for this fight.

“I feel like this is where I should be. As the co-main event of a world champion, my big brother Adrien Broner. This is what I was born for. It’s only getting bigger from here.

“My whole team has pushed me so hard for this fight. This is going to be a quick fight. He’s going ‘night night.'”

ALGENIS MENDEZ

“Robert Easter has not faced the same kind of competition that I have. I’m very confident heading into this fight. I was very happy when I got the call about this fight.

“This is going to be the kind of fight that the fans will really enjoy. We wish Easter well and I hope everyone is ready for Friday night.”

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m happy to be fighting at home. I know I’ve got a strong opponent. He’s a great fighter who’s going to be ready to fight from the first bell.

“I don’t want to rush in there. That’s how you lose. We’re going to work out jab. Go in and out and execute a game plan.

“It means a lot to fight at the DC Armory because I had my first professional fight there. I’m looking forward to getting in the ring again.

“I’m ready to put on a show April 1. My team is strong and ready to great things in this sport.

“This has been a really good camp. We’ve been working very hard. I started in Washington, D.C. at HeadBangers and finished up at home in Baltimore. It’s another day out here in the lights.

“I know my opponent is strong and will be ready. This is another step on the way to a world title. April 1 will be an epic night.”

GUILLERMO AVILA

“This training camp has been very good and we did the best work that we could. I am a warrior in the ring. I’ve faced very tough fighters and I’m ready for this.

“I’ve been waiting for this fight for a very long time and I’m ready for a war.”

ANTHONY PETERSON

“I have phenomenal genetics. A lot of guys tend to move up in weight, but I’m a natural lightweight. I have big plans for this division.

“I had some injuries that really held me back from doing what I wanted to do. But now I’m completely healed and Friday night I’m going to show everyone that this the best Anthony Peterson ever.”

J’LEON LOVE

“This is a great card and I’m blessed to be on it. I’m looking to put on a good performance and make a splash in this great fight city.

“I feel like the way I’ve been training, my talent will take over and be the difference. I’m hungry to make a statement.

“I’m versatile. I can go forward and I can box. I won’t limit myself to one style. We have a great game plan and we’re focused on doing what we need to do to get the victory.”

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports,@MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

About Camp Notes: Four-Division World Champion Adrien Broner Talks Training Camp, Ashley Theophane Showdown & More

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 24, 2016) – Super lightweight world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner gave a training camp update and discussed his world title defense against Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Spike on Friday, April 1 from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features two exciting undercard fights as unbeaten rising star Robert Easter Jr. takes on former world champion Algenis Mendez and top prospect Gervonta “The One” Davis faces Mexico’s Guillermo Avila.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.

Broner took time during training to discuss his camp in the nation’s capital, his relationship with Easter Jr., his showdown with Theophane and more:

ADRIEN BRONER

“I love training camp in D.C. because it takes me out of my element. I can get rid of the distractions and focus on boxing. The team we have down here brings the best out of me.

“Every fight I tell young guys like Robert Easter Jr. to train like it’s the last fight of your career and the biggest fight of your career. For this fight, the main thing is that it’s just a bigger stage, no other difference.

“I know it’s going to be an electrifying atmosphere with a huge crowd. I’m coming to put on a show. I know that Ashley Theophane is coming to win. He’s not coming to lay down, but we’re ready for anything he can bring.

“Everybody has bad nights. The Porter fight was just one of my bad nights. But we’re back on track, we’re back to being a world champion and I will stay champion after April 1. It’s going to be a fantastic show.

“Floyd knows I can beat his fighter. At the end of the day, he’s doing what’s best for his fighter and that’s getting him a title shot. Boxing is always a punch away from a victory. Everybody has a chance to win but I know I will be victorious. We will put on a great show.

“When I’m not training I’ve been working on a lot of stuff outside of the ring with About Billions including my new app that just launched and our About Billions merchandise we’ll have on sale at the DC Armory fight night.

“The more I win, the more successful I am. I just have to do my thing in the ring and everything will come together.

“All I can say is is don’t blink. Don’t go to the concession stand. It’s going to be an exciting show.”

Ashley Theophane & J’Leon Love Media Workout Quotes

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LAS VEGAS (March 18, 2016) – 140-pound contender Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane and super middleweight contender J’Leon Love hosted a Las Vegas media workout Thursday as they prepared for their respective showdowns on Friday, April 1 from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

Theophane takes on super lightweight world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Love will compete in a non-televised undercard attraction.

Theophane and Love held court at the Mayweather Boxing Club as they went discussed their upcoming showdowns with media.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ASHLEY THEOPHANE

“The focus is to go in there and outwork him on fight night. At the end of the day I have to set the pace. I can’t go out there and outbox him because he’s got tremendous skill and speed. So I have to be able to go out there and outwork him and make it a war.

“When he sees that I’m still there in round 5, he’s going to start to get worried. My whole thing on fight night is to work and bring a war.

“As a boxer, you want to fight the best, and you want these big nights. For me, it’s been a hard road to get to this point, and I’m actually looking forward to fight night because I know it’s going to be a very hard fight, and I know in order for me to win I have to be at my best, and that’s what I have prepared for.

“I’ve been sparring a lot of strong young men in camp; a lot of guys who many believe will be future stars of boxing, and I’ve been doing very well, so I’m more than ready. It’s just a matter of counting down the days now.

“My career shows that if you believe in yourself and never give up, you will get your opportunity. At that point, it’s just up to you to take it.

“I feel I will be able to match him come fight night. I know I’m the big underdog, I know I’m not being given the chance to win, but I really believe we are going to prove the doubters wrong and be world champ come April 1.

“It just became real to be in the same place with him [Broner] at the press conference. It was more motivation to come back in the gym. Once we got back, the guys here at the gym saw me sparring the next day and said they can tell he had motivated me. He can talk, but on fight night, we have to fight. He said he’s going to stop me in 4 rounds, so I’ll be looking forward to seeing that because I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be there for the whole 12 rounds.

“Mayweather Promotions believed in me from the very start and they flew with me in the deep end. I have improved from being around Floyd, and watching him. You have to improve with being around him-the best fighter of all time-you have to improve.”

J’LEON LOVE

“Training has been great; I’m healthy, I’m focused, my weight is not bad, I can’t complain. I actually took a week off in September of last year, and have been right back in the gym. We’ve been training ever since for 5 or 6 months now, so we were already ahead.

“This guy [Gbenga], despite his record, has been in the ring more times than me, so he is a lot more experienced. He can survive, or do little things that can upset my game plan, but at the same time, I’ve been there done that, and just ready to showcase my talent.

“Every fight is important, whether it’s the first couple of fights, or now. To me, this is a stay busy fight-stay busy, showcase my talent, look impressive, and show that we’re ready for a world title. Not just fight for a world title, but win a world title. Be a world champion. Continue to reach different levels in the game.

“I’m hungry, I feel like this is already written for me. I didn’t make it this far for nothing, or to be a contender. For a world championship fight, I’m going to definitely seize the moment so I’m going to go out there and do what I do best, and that is to fight.

“I’m a pretty slick fighter, very smart fighter, so I’ve dissected him already and he makes a lot of mistakes. I think he’ll fall into the trap, and I feel like I will get him out of there. I’m very confident in my training and my ability.”

# # #

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE ADRIEN BRONER VS. ASHLEY THEOPHANE PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 29, 2016) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and 140-pound Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane hosted a press conference at the W Hotel in Washington, D.C. to announce their world title showdown on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike taking place Friday, April 1 at the D.C. Armory.

Mayweather Promotions President Floyd Mayweather was on-hand along with representatives from About Billions Promotions, HeadBangers Promotions, Spike and the D.C. Boxing and Wresting Commission to talk about the exciting night of fights coming to our nation’s capital. Also on the dais, was platinum recording artist Rick Ross, a friend of both Mayweather and Broner.

Also featured on the PBC on Spike telecast is rising star Robert Easter Jr. against former world champion Algenis Mendez,plus top prospect Gervonta “The One” Davis in a super featherweight showdown against Mexico’s Guillermo Avila. In addition, local undercard fighters Anthony Peterson, Kareem Martin, Patrick Harris and Demond Nicholson were in attendance to discuss their hometown bouts.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000. The event is sponsored by Corona.

Here is what the participants had to say Monday:

ADRIEN BRONER

“This is really a big fight for me. I know that Ashley Theophane is going to come to fight, because he has something to prove. He’s going to try to take my world title.

“A lot of people told me I wouldn’t be here. I come from nothing. Like cereal and water nothing. I’m very fortunate to have someone like Floyd to look up to. I don’t want to be like Floyd though, I don’t want to be like any man. I admire him and respect him, but I’m creating my legacy.

“At the end of the day, Floyd and Ashley aren’t on my side. I’m against them. They’re coming to dethrone me. They’re my enemy right now and I’m going to beat Ashley down.

“This training camp, I’ve really been perfecting my craft. This is going to be the best performance of my career. It’s going to be a highlight reel performance. I’m not coming to just get a win.

“This fight isn’t going four rounds. That’s too many. This is going to be quick. I’m not playing.

“There’s nothing Floyd can teach [Theophane]. At the end of the day, it all goes out the window. The trainers and entourage can’t help. They can’t help Ashley Theophane.

“I want everyone to come out. Big brother Floyd Mayweather is gone, everyone else is too boring, so I’m taking over the sport.”

ASHLEY THEOPHANE

“There are many different thing we’re working on to neutralize Broner and keep up with his quickness. I’ve sparred with a lot of young guys who imitate him and I believe I can match him.

“He does a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong. Adrien Broner can be beat and he has been. We’re working hard. At the end of the day this is my career-defining fight.

“We all turn pro to become a world champion. I’ve been in the gym for months, working on things and staying in shape.

“I’ve watched Adrien Broner in the past. I was at the John Molina and Shawn Porter fights and I know he’s got talent. But he can be beat. He’s vulnerable, very vulnerable.

“It’s not just about what you do in the ring, but it’s also about being a mature fighter. He’s going to do what he does and as a grown man, I just have to stay calm. Being the more experienced fighter is a position I like.

“I’m representing Floyd Mayweather. He has my back and he believes in me. He believes I can win and that’s extra motivation.

“I want to be the best I’ve ever been. I want to fight the fight of my life on April 1. I don’t want to turn the clock back. I want this to be the best performance of my career.

“It’s been a long journey as a professional and I have to thank Floyd for giving me this chance. April 1 is going to be a war. Adrien is a warrior and I know he has no quit in him. If you have a dream, you have to work hard to make it come true and that’s what I’m here to do.”

ROBERT EASTER JR.

“I’m thankful to everyone who put me in this position. I will give everyone a shot like I always do.

“I consider D.C. one of my hometowns and I’m coming to give everyone a show. This is a blessing and a tremendous opportunity.

“I want a world title and this is another big step on my way towards that goal. To be able to do it on Adrien Broner’s card just guarantees it’s going to be a big night.

“I’m just ready to show off my skills and make a name for myself so that I can continue to grow in this sport.”

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m definitely excited to fight in DC. This is where my first professional fight was. I’m so thankful to Barry Hunter for letting me train with him and helping me toward this opportunity.

“I have a great team. Especially Floyd Mayweather, who has taken me in and taught me so much about boxing but also about everything outside of the ring. I’m blessed to have his support in my career.

“April 1, it’s going to be an action-packed fight. I will be a world champion one day. You don’t want to miss this one.”

ANTHONY PETERSON

“This is my 38th fight, going for my 37th victory and fourth knockout in a row. Boxing isn’t something you talk about, you just do it. That’s what I’m going to do April 1st. It’s going down.

“I made my pro debut on a Roy Jones card, which was another big stage. So I’m very ready and blessed.

“I’m coming to give my hometown fans the knockout. Boxing is like jazz, the better it is, the less it’s appreciated. A knockout will get you praise.

“I’m targeting everybody in the division. I want a belt. The first one to step up, I’m going to take care of him.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“I’m happy to be here and I truly believe this will be a very exciting fight. Adrien is a very young and explosive fighter. He’s a force in boxing right now.

“Ashley Theophane is a guy that came from the UK with a dream. His dream was to be world champion one day. Same dream I had. He’s a very humble, hungry and dedicated fighter.

“I don’t think this is going to be an easy fight for Adrien. I’ll tell both guys to push themselves to the limit and give fans what they want to see.

“Gervonta Davis is someone I look at like a son. I met him in 2014 and they said this is the next big thing. Broner brought him to my gym to let me see him work. He’s a very explosive kid. He’s exciting and he will be fighting for a world title soon after a couple more bouts.

“I want to thank Adrien for giving him the chance to make his dream come true. I believe Adrien will continue to put on exciting fights and a good show. You’re still learning, it’s all a process.

“Adrien and Gervonta have great teams. The Baltimore and D.C. area has some extraordinary talent and the trainers are unbelievable. I’m not biased, I feel like whatever a fighter is comfortable with, that’s whom a fighter should be with.

“Mayweather Promotions isn’t rushing, we’re taking it one step at a time. I would love to see some of these guys break my records. Records are meant to be broken. I’ve done everything I can do in the sport. I’m blessed to share the stage with these young guys.

“Ashley is working with a great trainer in Nate Jones. He’s a former Olympian and a guy who has a great boxing mind.

“DC isn’t a good city, it’s a great city. We couldn’t choose a better place to have the fight. I believe that this will be a sold out event. I’m going to work to make sure everywhere you look in the city, you will see Adrien Broner and Ashley Theophane.”

RICK ROSS, Platinum Selling Record Artist

“I’m not only a friend of the boxers, but I’m also a friend of the sport. This is my favorite sport. I believe this is the sport of gladiators. This is where men, with ambition and sheer will stand-alone.

“Me and my friend Adrien Broner, will be doing some exciting things in 2016. I’m here to let everyone know on behalf of the hip-hop community, that we’re supporting this fight. April 1, ‘The Boss’ will be in the building.”

# # #

FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER RETURNS TO TAKE ON LONDON’S ASHLEY THEOPHANE ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, APRIL 1 FROM THE DC ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 24, 2016) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (31-2, 23 KOs) defends his 140-pound world title against Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane (39-6-1, 11 KOs) Friday, April 1 on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

At 26-years-old, Broner is one of the most accomplished, and outspoken, young stars in the sport today. After picking up world titles at 130, 135 and 147-pounds, Broner earned a belt in a fourth weight division last October when he defeated tough Russian Khabib Allakhverdiev via a stoppage in the 12th and final round. Broner has spent portions of his training camp in Washington, D.C. for several years and now he will be fighting for the first time in the nation’s capital.

“Ashley Theophane is a world class fighter and this is going to be a tough fight for me,” said Broner. “I’m very excited to fight in Washington, D.C. My following is huge in D.C., it’s my second home, and I think we’re going to give the fans what they’re looking for. I want to fight the best in the 140-pound weight division and Ashley Theophane is one of the best.”

London’s Theophane enters this fight on a six-bout winning streak and has had a long road towards his first world title opportunity. A former British world champion at 140-pounds, Theophane signed with Mayweather Promotions in 2013 and has enjoyed success stateside training out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.

“I’m excited to face Adrien Broner for a super lightweight world championship,” said Theophane. “It’s been a long, hard road to get here. Thanks to Floyd Mayweather and everyone at Mayweather Promotions for their support over the last two and a half years. I get to have my career defining fight against a four-division world champion. It gets no bigger than that. I will be leaving the ring on April 1 as the new world champion.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale Friday, February 26 at 9 a.m. ET. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.

“After an incredible 2015, Spike is thrilled to welcome the PBC back with a bout headlined by Adrien Broner – one of boxing’s biggest personalities out of the ring and one of the best fighters in the ring,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports & Specials, Spike TV.

“The DC Armory is synonymous with championship boxing in Washington, DC” stated Erik A. Moses, Events DC senior vice president and managing director for sports and entertainment. “Events DC is proud to work with HeadBangers Promotions, About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions to showcase PBC in the nation’s capitol.”

Broner boasts a 9-1 record in world title fights on his way to picking up belts in four weight divisions. The Cincinnati-native owns victories over Paulie Malignaggi, Daniel Ponce De Leon, John Molina Jr., Antonio DeMarco and Gavis Rees. Broner compiled a 300-19 amateur record under the guidance of his trainer Mike Stafford, who continues to train him throughout his pro success.

Theophane has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. He started his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mahonri Montes in April and followed it up with an easy decision over Steve Upsher in September. He won his British title with a win over Lenny Daws and would go on to successfully defend against Jason Cook and Ben Murphy.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Mayweather goes 49-0 and gets the last laugh in what he says is his last fight

LAS VEGAS – Floyd Mayweather Jr. said it was his last dance. If it was, he also got the last laugh.

In what he promised was his farewell fight Saturday night, Mayweather mocked Andre Berto. Beat him. too, for most of 12-one-sided rounds for a unanimous decision that put him alongside Rocky Marciano in the historical ledger at 49-0.

Everything, including his body language, said he would not fight again. He hugged and kissed his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., on the cheek before the start of the 12th and perhaps his final round.

After the 118-110, 117-110 and 120-108 scores were announced, he knelt at the center of the ring, pointed one of his green-gloved hands toward the ceiling and look up as if he were saying a goodbye prayer.

“My career is done,’’ Mayweather said.

After the ninth, he complained to his father about an injury to his left hand.

“It doesn’t matter whether I hurt my left hand or my right hand,’’ said Mayweather. who collected another $32 million guarantee in the sixth and final fight on his Showtime contract. “My career is over.’’

As definitive as his statement was in the wake of his victory over Berto, speculation will continue about whether he will pursue a 50th victory sometime in the spring, perhaps at a brand new Las Vegas arena scheduled to open next spring.

His decision to face Berto had been mocked the day it was announced. In the end, Mayweather managed to mock Berto, if not the mismatch, himself.

Sometimes, he moved robotically as if to mimic a tiring and clueless Berto. Sometimes, he moved as if had been hurt. He wasn’t. Mostly. He just made fun of Berto. At the strta of the 10th, Mayweather talked non-stop at Berto. Finally, referee Kenny Bayless called timeout and warned both.

“Just trash talk,’ said Mayweather, who hasn’t knocked anybody in eight years.

Berto was cheered for just about anything he attempted from the 13,395 in a crowd that began to fill a Grand Garden Arena that about 90 minutes before opening bell appeared to be nearly half empty.

In the early rounds, however, Berto must have felt like he was playing dodge-ball with a target always close enough to hit, yet always elusive enough to make him miss.

“He a great fighter,’’ said Berto, who didn’t call him greatest when as if he thought Mayweather was The Best Ever.
Berto will let history decide that one.

The rematch was supposed to settle the argument. It didn’t.

Instead, Orlando Salido and Roman Martinez have more to fight about after battling to a draw Saturday night in junior-lightweight bout on the Floyd Mayweather Jr .-Andre Berto card at the MGM Grand.

“I won this fight,’’ said Martinez (29-2-3, 17 KOs), a Puerto Rican who scored a unanimous decision over Salido in April

Salido (42-13-3, 29 KOs) was credited with a knockdown in the third. Martinez complained to no avail. Turns out, Martinez was right and referee Vic Drakulich wrong in ruling it a knockdown. Video replay showed that Salido stepped on Martinez’ foot, knocking him off balance and onto the canvas.

Later in the third, Martinez scored a legit knockdown, landing a big right that sent Salido back on his heels and onto his rear end. Salido was clearly hurt. But he was able to survive and then managed to drag the fight into the kind of bruising exchange he so often wins. He threw 1,037 punches. Martinez threw 691.

“I should have won,’’ Salido said. “That’s not fair.”

Anybody for a trilogy?

Badou Jack scored a first-round knockdown that proved to the key to a split-decision over George Groves in the first defense of his WBC super-middleweight bout.

“I should have knocked him out,” said Jack (20-1-1. 12 KOs), a Jamaican who lived in Stockholm and has moved to Las Vegas to train at Mayweather’s Gym. “But he was tough. George Groves is a tough fighter.”

A right to the temple put Groves (22-3, 16 KOs) onto a knee with 25 seconds left in the first round. The popular UK fighter recovered and forced Jack into a grind-it-out affair that was often hard to score.

What’s next for Jack?

“I’ve heard (Julio Cesar) Chavez Jr. is interested,” he said. Maybe, Lucian Bute. But first, mon, a vacation in Jamaica.”

Jonathan Oquendo of Puerto Rico and Johnny Gonzalez of Mexico opened the PPV part of the card in a super-featherweight bout that began with fireworks and then settled down into a battle of wits, survival and some blood. In the end, Oquendo (254, 16 KOs), prevailed, winning a 10-round majority decision after suffering a knockdown in the first round, knocking down Gonazlez (58-10, 49 KOs) in the second and sustaining a nasty cut on his legs ye;id in the sixth.

The Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto show opened Saturday during the noon hour, or probably before Mayweather rolled out of bed.

In an empty MGM Grand Garden Arena, Atlanta junior-welterweight Trakwon Pettis didn’t waste any time in his pro debut. Pettis stopped Devante Seay (0-1) of Martinsville, Va., at 2:24 of the first round. He was done in time to catch a late lunch.

In the afternoon’s second matinee, London junior-welterweight Ashley Theopane (39-6-1, 11 KOs) outworked Steven Upsher (24-5-1, 6 KOs), winning a one-sided decision over the Philadelphia fighter who lost to Berto last year.

Then, Baltimore lightweight prospect Gervonta Davis (12-0, 11 KOs) took over with a fast and furious beating of Filipino Recky Delay (8-2, 5 KOs), who was down twice in the first and signaled to referee Russell Mora that he was done at 1:34 of the round.

In another afternoon beating, Romanian super-middleweight Ronald Gavril (13-1, 9 KOs) punished Scott Sigmon (25-7-1, 14 KOs) before the ringside physician ended it before the ninth.

A disciplined, patient Vanes Martirosyan waited as if he knew Ishe Smith would leap and lunge. Smith did. Not once, but twice. Martirosyan (36-2-1, 21 KOs), a middleweight from Glendale, Calif., capitalized both times, scoring knockdowns with well-timed counters late in the third round and again in the eighth for a majority decision over Smith (27-8, 12 KOs), a Mayweather-promoted fighter.

Dayton middleweight Chris Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) rocked Canadian Janks Trotter (9-2-1. 9 KOs) repeatedly in the sixth and finally floored him in the seventh for a stoppage at 2:59 of the round.

In the last fight before the pay-per-view portion of the card, Uzbekistan junior-welterweight Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (2-0, 1 KO) rocked an overmatched, yet durable Farkhad Sharipov (4-5, 1 KO) of Kazakhstan repeatedly in scoring six-round unanimous decision.

Smith decisions McCalla

Former world champion Ishe Smith won a 10-round unanimous decision in a Jr. Middleweight bout over Cecil McCalla at the Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas.

In round two, Smith Rocked McCalla with a hard right. Smith opened up but the bell rang to end the round.

Smith, 155.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 27-7. McCalla, 154.6 lbs of Baltimore, MD is now 20-2.

Ashley Theophane hung on to win a 10-round split decision over Mahonri Montes in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

In round eight, Montes showed the effects of Theophane’s jab as he was bruised on the right side of his face. In the last thirty seconds of the fight, Montes landed a perfect right hand that sent Theophane to the canvas.

Theophane, 143 lbs of Las Vegas won on two cards 96-93 and is now 38-4-1. Montes, 142.8 lbs of Los Mochis, MX took a card 96-93 but he falls to 29-5-1.

Ashley Theophane talks journey to Las Vegas

Life can be made so much harder by people going out of their way to belittle your dreams. I’ve heard “you can’t” and “you won’t” over the last 12 years far too many times. I used this to energise my efforts and “I can” and “I will” is what I told myself and I did.

They say that many successful people often have to go it alone as their journey is not one that is normally trodden.
I understand this. For years I’ve believed in myself. For years I believed I would get to the top of the mountain. I’ve always believed I was good enough.
My talent wasn’t really recognised in the United Kingdom. I went to New York City in 2005, and they instantly loved me. Many telling me that I was good enough to be world champion. I instantly felt at home, it was such a positive environment. Not like in London, where I felt I was hitting dead end after dead end.
My dream was laughed at there, but in America they believed in me. They believe in dreams.
Sometimes that’s all it takes is for someone to believe in you. I always pushed hard. Relentlessly! I wasn’t afraid of coming up short. I just had to give my best. That’s all I ask from myself, all the time.
Even when it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I kept on digging.
After becoming world number four, British champion, International champion three times, fighting in five different countries and winning. I met and joined forces with René Carayol.
This man believed in me and saw something in me I never quite did. He helped me to dream bigger. Four years strong. Despite some ups and downs, we are still on course. His vision has come true. A vision I never saw, but I believed in him, and stayed true to the script.
I’ve been in hundreds of magazines across Great Britain. I’m currently on billboards in the United Kingdom. Whenever I’m in London, I’m privileged to be a guest on Boxnation, and recently was invited by Sky Sports to provide expert opinion and insight on boxing matters, on their ‘Toe to Toe’ podcast. This is the most watched boxing program in the world.
This coming week will see me being interviewed by CNN’s Ben Wyatt in Las Vegas, for a special piece on my upcoming fight and being in “The Money Team”.
Training this week has been hard. I’ve assembled my team of sparring partners to push me every minute of every round. All talented fighters based in Las Vegas.
For the next three weeks I’ll be using the Sub-zero recovery system in Las Vegas. Best cryotherapy in town. I have got to have my body performing at its best.
Training camp is not cheap, but to get the best out of your body you have to give it the best.
“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do” – Floyd Mayweather.

ASHLEY THEOPHANE LAS VEGAS BLOG: GETTING ON WITH IT

This is my twelfth year as a professional boxer. I’ve shared the ring with some accomplished boxers in that time; world champions Danny Garcia and DeMarcus Corley, world title challengers Delvin Rodriguez and Pablo Cesar Cano, European champion Jason Cook and British champion Lenny Daws. Anyone would say, some of the best of my era.
Fighting and winning in five different countries. St Lucia, USA, Germany, Luxembourg and England. It’s easily said, but believe me, seriously hard to accomplish. Many might say that these achievements are worthy of recognition, and some might even applaud.

It is a sad fact that very few British fighters come to America and hold their own, they tend to drown! The Americans don’t yet respect British fighters, but I’m one of a select few that has won their very hard earned respect.
Most fighters prefer the comforts of staying at home. I’ve found out that by going out to alien territory, with none of my fans in the arena, has brought the best out of me. Behind enemy lines!
When I started boxing in 1988 my dream was always to fight in America.
To fight the very best and to be at my best. As an 8 year old kid my dream was unthinkable. How was I going to do this? I’m from a poor and neglected part of London, CRIME filled, with low ambitions and opportunities very few and far between.
I’m living my childhood dream now. The number one fighter in the world is my boss.
Very few people set a goal and actually achieve it. THROUGH THE YEARS the dream has gotten bigger and bolder. At first the naysayers laughed at me but now many cheer me, and to my surprise and pleasure, some even take the time to inform me “just how great I am doing and how far I’ve come”.
I have to say that I’ve done nothing in my life that has surprised me, as I’ve always pushed myself despite the lack of financial backing, I’ve found a way.
A kid from Paddington, England witnessing greatness on a day to day basis. The brilliant private workouts I get to witness AND I get to see Floyd Mayweather at work. I get to pound the streets of Las Vegas with him. He gives me advice and tells me he’s got my back.
The years of sacrifice, determination and hard work have got me here. Don’t ever tell me I can’t do something. I’ve already made the impossible possible, and HERE WE GO AGAIN.
It still amazes me just how many people appear to ‘dislike’ Floyd Mayweather, it’s usually because they do not know him, and they will never know him because they dislike him.

ASHLEY THEOPHANE BLOG: BEWARE OF THE UNDERDOG

“To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule.
To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing.” – René Carayol

2014 is coming to a close. It’s been a testing year, but a good one that has seen me beat Angino Perez and Daniel Calzada in Las Vegas, Nevada. Next up is the tough and durable Miguel Zuniga in San Antonio, Texas. To end my first full calendar year with Mayweather Promotions with a 100% win ratio will be a fantastic achievement.

Fight week is at last now upon us. Some of the best fighters in the world will be battling it out in America this weekend; Erislandy Lara v Ishe Smith is the main event in Texas. My friend Ishe has had a great camp and is in a very winnable fight to become a two time world champion. He’s already in the record books as the only Las Vegas born fighter to win a world title.

I’m within days of my 37th victory. 40 will be my target for next year, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves – it’s important to focus on one fight at a time. I’m getting close to 12 years as a professional fighter. I have five more years to continue winning and inspire the next generation in the process. 50 professional wins is a record I’ll be proud to finish with. Very few reach that incredible milestone.
I’ve always believed in myself and I’ve always been the underdog. I’ve always benefitted from proving doubters wrong. It’s normal for me to do everything the hard way. Where I’m from, only the strong survive.

I’ve fought in America, Luxembourg, Saint Lucia, Germany and England. Winning in all those countries.
This is my tenth fight in the United States of America. A childhood dream kick started my journey but that dream did not know just how tough this would really be. The route available to me has been brutally hard and many have fallen by the wayside trying to get to where I am at the moment. It has been incredibly hard and quite lonely at times. It took a long ten years before a promoter backed me.

My determination and perseverance has been worthwhile and paid off when the number one boxer in the world saw my potential, believed in me, and put me on the biggest most lucrative boxing show ever.
I’ve always had to walk the untrodden path to fulfil my destiny. I’ve always had to go against the grain.
Many love me, a few hate me, but most I hope just respect me across the world of boxing.

Being the best I can be is what I demand from myself – every day. Pushing myself into the unknown, and be what people believe is not possible or available to me. I’m not in the business of doubting myself, in fact it’s the complete opposite – I must back myself every minute in that ring and I’ve become used to backing myself in all I attempt. It’s the only way to achieve anything in this tough life we have chosen.

It certainly helps when you have a great team behind you and I’m blessed to have that.
Come this Friday I’ll be looking to end my year with a sound victory and move on to a bigger, better and more lucrative 2015.

CHASING YOUR DREAMS IN LAS VEGAS

Floyd Mayweather claimed his 47th win against Marcos Maidana at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
“Mayhem” was a massive event just like all Floyd Mayweather’s fights have become. It’s not just a fight but an event, and a global event at that.

Stars from the world of sports, film, music and fashion fly into Las Vegas just to watch Floyd fight.
Fight week started with fighter arrivals on Tuesday, Floyd had his final press conference on Wednesday. Thursday was the undercard press conference, with fan workouts and autograph signing, and a screening at Bleacher’s madhouse for the fans in the evening. Friday was the weigh in, where Rick Ross took the stage to entertain the 10,000 strong crowd before Floyd and Marcos Maidana took centre stage.
new ashley two I was seated next to Badou Jack and Ishe Smith, just behind Danny Garcia and Adrien Broner. I was surrounded by world champions and boxing legends. Danny Jacobs, Peter Quillen, Evander Holyfield and Paul Williams, who is now disabled after a motorcycle crash, and boxing legends Erik Morales and Sergio Martinez.
Who would have thought that I’d be rubbing shoulders with these guys who now know me by name, and show me respect. That makes me so proud. “Work so hard that your idols become your rivals” comes to mind.

Rival, the Canadian based boxing equipment provider, had a shop opening in Las Vegas. I headed down there with Badou and former world champion, Lou DeValle. Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis, Hasim Rahman, Roy Jones, Jean Pascal, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad all turned up for the opening. Great company once again.
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On Saturday morning I went to the Boxing Fan Expo to sign autographs and take photos with the fans. The event was jam packed with boxing legends and champions; Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Evander Holifield, Roy Jones Junior, to name but a few of them.
At 4:30pm I was at ringside to do a live interview with Steve Illis for BoxNation who are televising the Mayhem card in the UK. I was asked for my views and predictions for the fight – I believed Floyd could get a knockout win. I was also asked what it was like to be signed up by Floyd Mayweather.
I’m a kid from a neglected part of London where crime is sky high, unemployment numbers keep rising and the aspirations of the tenants are gutter high. I’m not supposed to be in Las Vegas. I’m not supposed to be with Floyd Mayweather. My life, my journey has hopefully inspired kids from similar backgrounds to myself to chase their own dreams. Some people criticise me for achieving this. Some people are just never happy regardless of what you achieve.
Successful and important people from sports, media, music, fashion, business and politics have commended me on my journey to date, and that is pleasing. It’s easy to be just a statistic from where I’m from but I have the huge pleasure and privilege of having an employer by the name of Floyd Mayweather.
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Mike Tyson inspired me to become a boxer, watching him on TV as a five year old. Roy Jones Junior astonished me with his ‘special effects’ talents as a teenager. Floyd Mayweather showed me that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. Floyd’s motto has gotten me to be where I am in life.
I’m not a champion yet, but no one ever believed I would even be a contender. I appreciate every day that I spend in Las Vegas under the guidance of Floyd. I won’t hear a bad word said about him. This is a man who gets nothing from seeing me do well. He’s told me if I need anything just ask. He gave me my highest grossing fight purse and put me on the biggest PPV boxing show ever. I see day in day out during camp the lives he touches and the people in need he helps. Everyone I know who knows him values him as a person, it’s people who don’t know him that make ill-judged comments regarding him.
You can’t please everyone but everyone who knows him, appreciates him.
Floyd mentioned both Manny Paciquao and Amir Khan in his post fight press conference. Maybe one of them will fight him next May or September.
Mayweather promotions got its second world champion on Floyd’s “Mayhem” card. Mickey Bey beat the number one lightweight champion. Miguel Vasquez held the title for five years and had only lost to Saul Alvarez and Timothy Bradley. That was a great win and I’m proud of Mickey.
I finished fight week with Floyd at his mothers’ house. Celebrities, family and friends attended. Great atmosphere with good people.
Another Floyd Mayweather training camp is over. In 12 months’ time he’ll be having his last fight. He will be missed when he’s gone. There’s never been an athlete to do the numbers or make the amount of money he has.
They criticise you when you’re active but they will miss you when you are gone.
Long Live Floyd Mayweather!

Ashley Theophane talks 36th victory and Mayweather Promotions

I turned professional back in the autumn of 2002, but I didn’t make my professional debut until the following summer of 2003. I had to wait 8 long months for the opportunity. The four big promoters in the UK at the time were not interested in taking a chance on me; Mick Hennessey, Frank Warren, Frank Maloney and Barry Hearn all passed on me.

Years later it would make me feel good when it was pointed out to me that I had surpassed all the British fighters in my weight category that they had signed.

Serendipity would strike again when they would all offer me a promotional deal after I had climbed the world ladder, getting ranked fourth in the world and becoming British champion.

Determination, hard work and dedication got me signed by Mayweather Promotions. Whatever I go on to achieve, it will mean that much more to me as I know I did it against the odds.

Floyd Mayweather, the number one boxer in the world and the world’s richest sportsman gave me the platform I’ve dreamt about my whole life. As a 7 year old kid I watched Mike Tyson fight in Las Vegas, now I rub shoulders with the fighters I looked up to then. Roy Jones Jr. and Mike Tyson are two of my favourite fighters – they are now associates of mine.

43 fights, 36 victories, 6 loses and 1 draw. By the end of next year it is possible that I’ll have 40 victories. That is a landmark I am chasing as much as the big pay checks and world title fights. In life you have to have goals that keep you focused and hungry.

The third richest person in the world, Warren Buffet, worth a staggering $56 billion and John Landis, producer of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ were in the gym this week to watch Floyd work out. Every training camp that Floyd has, a who’s who of business, sport and entertainment walk through the doors of the Mayweather Boxing Club.

You always have to remember who believed in you when no one else did. Everyone believes in you or wants to be your friend when you’re “The Man”. The people who are there for you and believe in you when you have nothing are the people to truly cherish.

What someone regards as success and achievements is different for all of us. You have your personal goals that you are pushing for. You know what you are capable of or what you feel you can achieve. It’s can be a very negative world, where people thrive on other people’s sadness and unhappiness. Imagine what people could achieve if they actually helped someone worse off than them? I’ve met people in my life, who helped me when I was expelled from high school, showed me kindness and all they wanted was for me to achieve my potential. Then I’ve met René Carayol who believed I could go from British Champion to the world scene and in the process inspire a generation of forgotten kids, who just like me where and are not supposed to achieve anything in life. Who are just supposed to be statistics on the government’s database?

I told René Carayol, I wanted to be part of The Money Team. I told him I believed I was good enough to get signed by Mayweather Promotions. He gave me the resources to make my dream a reality.

I pushed myself day in and day out to make the grade. 18 months have now passed from that moment and I’ve now been signed to Floyd Mayweather’s promotional outfit for 13 months. I feel blessed and humbled to be a part of Floyd’s team.

I still remember what my goals where as a 22 year old professional fighter. I’ve now achieved it! Now the dream has become bigger. There is no limit on what I can achieve.

Being around men like Floyd Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe and René Carayol has made me see that. They all believe in me and have helped me push myself to greater heights. I will continue to push myself into unknown and uncomfortable environments. That is where your greatness can be found.

Everything I achieve is a reflection of the hard work my mum instilled in me. She gave birth to Ashley Treasure on August 30th and
Winning on my birthday. The 36th time as a professional is very gratifying indeed.

Every day away from home is one day closer to my goal.

Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me on my journey.

ASHLEY THEOPHANE BLOG: CITY OF DREAMS

The stage is set at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, with just four weeks to go until the biggest boxing event of the year happens.

Floyd Mayweather vs Marcos Maidana, Amir Khan vs Lou Collazo, Adrien Broner vs Carlos Molina, JLeon Love vs Periban and of course, yours truly. It will be the biggest and ‘baddest’ show on the planet this year by far.
Another hard week’s training completed. The ‘Doghouse’, (which is what the Mayweather Boxing Club is known as) is full of talented fighters. Sparring is always intense and can lead to much soul searching! If you can’t improve and up your game among such talented fighters, you are in the wrong profession.
The Money Team have been in training camp for five weeks now. The pounds are dropping off as we train hard in the unforgiving Las Vegas heat. All our fitness levels are increasing in these high altitude conditions.
This city is well known for being full of sin, but it is also full of dreams. I’m living my dream, and whilst being out here, the dream has gotten bigger. The pressure has become seriously intense, but I really believe in my dream. I believe in myself. The doubters come towards you, especially when big dreams are close to becoming reality, but proving people wrong and transforming non-believers into believers, is what I have come to do best.
I give my all and I lay it all on the line, as Mike Tyson famously said “Destroy or be destroyed” and Marvin Hagler stated “Destruct and destroy”. You can’t play at boxing. We are Spartans, barbarians, gladiators, warriors – all rolled into one. We risk our lives for glory and monetary gain. Many ask is it really worth it? I definitely believe so!
This week I completed my physical, blood work and eye test for my Nevada State Athletic commission license. I passed with flying colours!
So much goes into preparing for a fight and making the big fights happen. Boxing fans and boxing writers will never truly know how it all comes together. Being part of the world’s number one boxer’s team, I am privileged and blessed with the added knowledge and thinking of Floyd Mayweather. He generously shares how he breaks down the business, and how we as fighters can achieve the highest heights in and outside of the boxing ring. Thank you Floyd!
Floyd wants us to be the greatest that we can all be. Being the British representative in Mayweather Promotions; it is an honour and a privilege to represent The Money Team and Great Britain on the biggest stage in the world. I’m benefitting from being backed by a powerful and supportive team.
The stakes are high but hey, we are in Las Vegas. It’s the gambler’s paradise; so it’s all about rolling the dice and taking the chances as they appear.
Let the games begin!
I was born ready for these great days.

Ashley Theophane: The Long journey to the Top

It is week three in Las Vegas and the work load is increasing week by week. My team truly do work hard.
My friend Ishe Smith is already the first and only Las Vegas born fighter to win a world championship. On May 2nd he aims to win his second world title. I believe he will!

I’ve come a long way. From York Hall in Bethnal Green to the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Who says dreams don’t come true? I’ve fought on the biggest stage in the world of boxing.

I push myself day in day out to get the best out of my body. I’m a fighter, a spartan, a barbarian in the ring. That’s my job. To fight, to give my best and to win. But to reach for the stars and be one myself. It would not be possible without guidance from three great men. I’m able to be here because of a great team around me. Floyd Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe and Rene Carayol.

Rene Carayol walked into my life three years ago. A chance meeting at Andy’s barber shop in Paddington, West London. Rene came to my British title challenge to the dominate British champion Lenny Daws to support me and see if I was as good as my barber, Andy believed I was. I crushed Lenny, dropping him twice in a unanimous decision that ripped the British crown from him and bestowed the crown on my head. I was now the King of the 140lb division in Great Britain. Only Amir Khan has achieved more than me in the British 140lb division, in recent years. I believe we will fight one day. It’s just a matter of when.

Rene saw the talent and charisma I had. He believed I had all the attributes to become a star. He backed me and gave me the resources to set up shop in Las Vegas. I met the number one boxer and highest paid sportsman in the world, Floyd Mayweather and CEO of Mayweather promotions, Leonard Ellerbe, they also believed I had the attributes to become something special. They respected my attitude and the hard working person I am. They have also backed me.
I have three men who have achieved so much in the world of business and sport. I am in safe hands. With a team with so much experience. I can not fail.

I’m closing in on my 35th win. I’m just a couple wins away from a landmark battle with Lamont Peterson or a rematch with the number one 140lb fighter in the world, Danny Garcia. We thought four years ago. Many boxing fans believe I won. The only people who really matter are the three judges sitting around the ring. Two of the three judges believed he won by one round. It was that close. Nothing in it. We will battle again. This time the world will be watching.

A success attitude…? A mindset, a lifestyle, a journey..but NEVER a destination
Too many people see one or two goals as capable of completing their lives. Well, no, in my opinion – as when you factor in the twists and turns of what can be a long hard life road then ALL you can have is the right mentality to see you through – Brian James

Ashley Theophane: Underdog Spirit

This week saw our boss, Floyd Mayweather, along with the rest of ‘The Money Team’ (TMT) make the time to hand out food and water to homeless people around Las Vegas. It’s something I strongly believe in, taking the time out to assist those less fortunate than ourselves. One homeless person commented how it was nice to see the champ down here.

I’m in preparation and anticipating my next fight in Las Vegas in seven week’s time. It will be my second appearance in this city of glitz and glamour.

I’m pushing harder and harder each week, getting additional inspiration and motivation from Floyd Mayweather. The hard work he puts in is remarkable, but he also has time for his roster of fighters. There is always personal and team advice on how we can improve as fighters. His words are always appreciated, as it’s the best anyone can get in the professional boxing game, taking time out to address us on how he feels we can be better and improve – priceless stuff.

Floyd is already in great shape and as ever walking around at his fighting weight. He is a great example to all athletes worldwide on how to take your career seriously, he is always incredibly hard working and dedicated. I’m privileged and delighted to be part of his team and representing The Money Team in the United Kingdom and across the world.

My next fight is my 42nd and I’m closing in on my 35th win, world champions, Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia are my targets. I’m just two wins away from being in a ring with them. I believe it’s my destiny, so I’m doing all that is possible to make it possible.

Danny just struggled at the weekend against a tough, determined and skilled fighter in Mauricio Herrera. Herrera is very much like myself, an experienced and talented fighter with wins and losses against the world’s elite. Danny won a tight majority decision in Puerto Rico that many thought he lost, just like many believe I beat him back in 2010. There’s not a month that doesn’t pass that a fellow boxer or boxing fan comes up to me and express their disappointment that two of the judges ruled against me at the time. Setbacks and bad decisions happen in life, you have to continue to move forward. If you want to be the best and fight the best, then there is no risk free approach – you just have to lay it all on the line – every time.

The team started back up Mount Charleston this week. 9000ft above sea level, and 6 unforgiving miles uphill. It is no joke, but it is another reason why I’m always in frightening shape.

I’ve had another productive week in Las Vegas, I completed 24 hours training this week. I put in work; in the fitness centre, boxing gym, running up the mountain, drills and sprints on the track. No stone is left unturned.

With CEO Leonard Ellerbe and Floyd Mayweather guiding my boxing career, I’m in experienced and accomplished hands. I truly have a super team backing me.

As they do all they can for me outside of the ring, I’m laser focused on delivering inside the ring – another week of focus, drive and determination ahead and I can’t wait.

“Little Creek Brawl” featuring Ashley Theophan

London’s Ashley ‘Treasure’ Theophane returns to the ring on Friday 6th December, after his thrilling fight with two time world title challenger Pablo Cesar Cano at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Ashley has fought some of the world’s best in Junior Welterweight king Danny Garcia, who knocked out Amir Khan, two time world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez, who recently fought three weight world champion Miguel Cotto and former WBO world champion Demarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley who previously went twelve rounds with the number one boxer in the world, Floyd Mayweather.

The triple header which is televised by showtime will see JLeon Love, Badou Jack and Mickey Bey looking for wins after setbacks in their last contests.

This is a Mayweather promotions card which will see their talented roaster on show. Lanell Bellows, Andrew Tabiti, Luis Arias and Chris Pearson also showcasing their skills.

Only the money team’s boss Floyd Mayweather and Ishe Smith won’t be part of the event. There is a lot of talk of who Mayweather will fight next May and Smith will be looking to bounce back big next year after dropping his IBF world title on September 14th against Carlos Molina.

The “Little Creek Brawl” telecast on SHOWTIME will begin at 11:50 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) following the SHOWTIME theatrical premiere of Sinister.

Tickets priced at $100, $50 and $30, plus applicable taxes, fees and service are available for purchase by calling 1-800-667-7711 or online at www.little-creek.com.

Ashley Theophane reminisces about #TheOne in Las Vegas

The dust has started to settle after my appearance on the biggest boxing event the world has seen in a generation.

There was a record 22 million Mexicans tuned into ‘The One’ boxing event featuring Floyd Mayweather, Saul Alvarez, Danny Garcia, Lucas Matthysse, Ishe Smith, Carlos Molina, Pablo Cesar Cano and of course, yours truly. The American PPV audience was over 2 million viewers, and that’s not counting the people watching in movie theatres and on closed circuit in hotels across Las Vegas.

The significant worldwide audience in Europe, Africa, South America, Oceania and Asia is yet to be totalled.
Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather was guaranteed 41.5 million dollars for his performance against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. His pay looks to be near an unbelievable 100 million dollars when all the figures are finally counted up. He has been the highest paid sportsman in the world for the last two years, and unlike any other global sports superstar, none of that is from endorsements.
Floyd Mayweather is a phenomenon.
I opened up this colossal show against two time world title challenger, Pablo Cesar Cano. Three world title fights followed. Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions handed me this huge and life changing opportunity. It gets no bigger than the stage I was given.
Fight week was breath taking and nothing short of superstar stature. From the fighter arrivals, to the media workout, autograph signing, press conference, to the 12,000 fans at the weigh in and the 16,000 fans at the fight in the MGM Arena. This was so special and something I will never ever forget.
I also got to spar with Floyd Mayweather in the lead up to his fight. I’ll always be able to say I helped him get his 45th win. It was an honour and a privilege.
From when I walked into the Mayweather Boxing Club in 2011, Floyd Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe have always shown me love and respect. All I can say is a deeply felt Thank You. They are two of the greatest guys!
To have a British fighter opening this big a stage, is something that has never been done before. Britain’s three most successful active fighters are Amir Khan, David Haye and Carl Froch, and they have never fought on a stage this big. They are British fighters I have respect for, and in the case of Carl and David, I’m inspired by.
My fight with Pablo was a back and forth, see-saw fight. He hit me with everything he had, and I hit him with my best shots. He buckled my knees and I wobbled him. It was a tough and entertaining fight, and one close enough to have the judges split.
Since the fight, boxing fans have stopped me in Las Vegas, New York and London and told me what a performance I put on and that they believed I won. That is worth hearing. My “granite” chin now has won its own fan club.
The best of UK’s media showed me love in the lead up to the biggest show of my life – The Sun, Daily Mail, The Mirror, Metro, The London Evening Standard, The Daily Star, TalkSport, Zoo, Nuts and Sport magazine all ran articles on me. BoxNation televised my fight, and the British fans were so supportive. I can only say Thank You. It was very much appreciated.
I am due to fight later this year in Las Vegas. I have the backing of Floyd Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe. My life shows that with hard work, dedication and perseverance that anything is possible.
Two of the most important men in boxing, believe in my talent. Now believe me – the best is still yet to come.

Theophane talks being part of Mayweather/Canelo’s The One show

I’ll never forget this week for the rest of my life.

A dream that started long ago as a five year old kid, was realized as a 33 year old man. I always wanted to fight on a super boxing event and I finally have.
I remember watching Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard in the 1980s and thinking I’d love to be part of that one day. Well that day happened on Saturday 14th September 2013.
A Floyd Mayweather fight is now so much more than just an event, it’s simply the biggest boxing show in the world.
The week started on Tuesday, when we had the ‘Grand Arrivals’ at the MGM Casino. That was unreal! It finally dawned on me then that this was really about to happen.
I train hard all the time regardless of the proximity of a fight. I thrive on it and enjoy it, so I push myself to be the best that I can be. Being in the gym training with great fighters can only get the best out of you.
Seeing the thousands of faces waiting in anticipation for the fighters at the Grand Arrival was crazy. That unique feeling of seeing my opponent, face to face for the first time – is unexplainable. You can’t prepare yourself for an event like this. You can watch it as a spectator, but actually being in there is another thing completely. There’s a heck of a lot of pressure to perform, but I feel like I was born for the big stage.
Pablo Cesar Cano had fought on a Floyd Mayweather card before against the legend, Erik Morales. He has fought Paul Malignaggi at the Barclays Centre in front of over ten thousand people. He has fought boxing legend, Shane Mosley in Mexico. He’d been part of big events before, so he knew the feeling. For me, this was both new and exhilarating.
I knew that I had fought and beaten better fighters than him, but occasions like this test the true character of a man. It can be daunting and nerve racking, or you can love the attention and thrive on the pressure. I loved the pressure and the attention!
Floyd told me later that day in the locker room, that all I have to do is win and he would get me a world title shot. He looked at me and said “you know I can make it happen”. He has presented me with a life changing opportunity, because he believes in me. I’ve waited and worked my whole life for this moment. I’m very grateful to him and Leonard Ellerbe.
On Wednesday the undercard fighters had the autograph signing, and a workout at the MGM Grand. It was again incredible. Everyone had their time slot to sign gloves, and take pictures with the fans. Following this, each fighter was given a chance to show off their skills in the ring in the lobby of the MGM Grand. World champions Ishe Smith and Danny Garcia followed myself and two time world title challenger, Pablo Cesar Cano.
Thursday was the press conference! Leonard Ellerbe introduced me, and summarized the story of how and why I was signed by Mayweather Promotions. Listening to him talk about me, made me feel proud of what I had accomplished. Being signed by the number one boxer in the world isn’t easy, but I achieved it with hard work, perseverance and resilience.
As I walked to the stage. I was surrounded by some of boxing’s top men; Richard Schaefer, Bernard Hopkins and Leonard Ellerbe. These are memorable and unforgettable times, they will last with me forever.
Hundreds of the world’s media were in attendance, patiently listening to me. I started by thanking Leonard and Floyd for this incredible opportunity, because without them, it would not have been possible.
I told my story of how I fell in love with boxing from watching Mike Tyson in the 80?s. Turning professional ten years ago in Britain with no one in Britain’s boxing establishment believing in me. But somehow I had become British champion, and beaten former world champion Demarcus Corley, two time world title challenger, Delvin Rodriguez, who fights Miguel Cotto next and dropped a split decision to world champion, Danny Garcia who had knocked out Amir Khan.
It feels good knowing that I’ve faced some very good fighters on the world stage.
I was told that I stole the show at the press conference, one reporter told me that my story is reminiscent of the “American dream”.
The weigh in at the MGM Garden Arena was filled with 12,000 fight fans, with by far the majority being Mexicans. I was the first to walk out with Notorious B.I.G’s song ‘Juicy’ banging out around the Arena. I signed t-shirts, stopped for pictures and shook hands on my way to the stage to weigh in.
I’ve obviously watched these things so many times on TV over the years, but to be part of it was truly amazing and something I’ll remember to my dying day. This week was the best week in my ten year boxing career.
I got to the stage and Richard Schaefer and Bernard Hopkins were already there. The Commissioner, and the most respected of boxing’s media were below watching and reporting on the proceedings. Some of the Golden Boy and Mayweather Promotions fighters were lined up on stage watching; Shane Mosley, Devon Alexander, Amir Khan, Abnar Mares, Badou Jack, to name but a few.
Pablo Cesar Cano came to the stage after me. The crowd was electric, and we could feel them pulse through our veins as the world’s cameras focused on us. We both weighed in below the 143lb weight limit which was stipulated in the contract. The great modern day champion, Bernard Hopkins stood between us. We did the traditional stare down, no one blinking, no one showing fear. We both so much wanted and needed this win.
Danny Garcia, Lucas Matthysse, Ishe Smith, Saul Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather all weighed in after me. What a gathering to be part of. The bill had already broken the record for ticket sales, and Floyd Mayweather had also broken the record previously held by Mike Tyson, for the highest guaranteed purse of 41.5 million dollars. Which could rise to 100 million after PPV has been added to it.
I was playing my part in the biggest boxing show in history. Ashley Theophane from London. Who would have dared to think that ten years ago when I turned professional. Coming from where I’ve come from, I’m a winner already. I followed my dream and I made it a reality. From London to Las Vegas! But now I was here, I wanted so much more, on a platform like this – I so wanted to win.
Saturday 14th September 2013. Two time world title challenger Pablo Cesar Cano and I went at it, no quarter asked for, and believe me, none given. The Mexican fans were making a deafening roar for their man. Many of the fans in the arena were gripped to their seats.
It was a hell of a fight, it went back and forth. No respect was given, it was full on every minute. We both gave our all and both had to dig deeper than we ever had before. It was a relentless pace, and we felt each other’s blows again and again. The momentum changed quickly from one to the other, we called on our reserves and battled all the way to the final bell. It was tough, very tough indeed.
We waited anxiously for the scorecards, boxing judges Richard Houck and Patricia More seeing the fight different to Richard Ocasio, who scored the fight to me 96-94. He had his strong moments and I had mine. Just like my fight with future world champion Danny Garcia, it was a fight that could have gone either way.
British boxing legends, Ricky Hatton and David Haye both sent me positive messages after the fight. Ricky told me “what a great performance at world level”. David, who has inspired and motivated me with his performances over the years, gave me words of encouragement. “It’s good to be officially ‘world class’, so you never know what title shot may arise.”
Thank you gentlemen, you taking the time to share your supportive words with me will never be forgotten.
Floyd Mayweather told me after the fight that I’d be okay and that he still had love for me. When he was doing his post-fight press conference he told the world’s media “Ashley fought like a champion, I’m still proud of you”.
René Carayol flew from the UK to watch me take part in a historical event. He was proud of my performance and told me “The dream continues”.
Very few people are able to follow their dream and make it a reality. It takes hard work, dedication, and you have to be very mentally strong as you’ll come across many non-believers who, if allowed to, can suck your energy and self-belief. I have not given them the pleasure of seeing me wilt on my special journey.
I only have very good things to say about Floyd Mayweather. He’s obviously a great elite athlete, but he’s an even greater person. Floyd, the most sincere thanks for believing and investing in me.
CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Leonard Ellerbe gave me this extraordinary opportunity, and also believes in my talent.
On the long and arduous road to success, set backs are a necessary part of the process. I have the best team in the world behind me. We will get there!
Some succeed because they are destined to. But most succeed because they are determined to.
I have learned loads, I gave loads and took loads from this unbelievable experience – winners never quit, and quitters never win. I’m no quitter.

Mayweather wins big according to everybody but one judge

LAS VEGAS – Floyd Mayweather Jr. did the expected. One judge didn’t.

It was brilliant. It was bizarre. It was boxing all over again.

Mayweather didn’t have to explain himself for fulfilling the promises he made in dancing around and all over Canelo Alvarez Saturday night at the MGM Grand. It was called The One. For once, the promoters got it right. Two great fighters didn’t show up. Only Mayweather did in a one sided-display of brilliance that further embellished his undisputed claim on being the best of his generation.

Canelo never had a chance. Not one.

Still, a judge gave him one. C.J. Ross scored it 114-114. Maybe, nobody should be surprised. Ross was also one of two judges who scored it for Timothy Bradley in the controversial split-decision over Manny Pacquiao on Dec. 8.

When Ross’ score was announced, there were gasps from a capacity crowd that was dominated by Canelo fans from Mexico. They also had seen what everybody other than Ross had witnessed.

Two other scorecards ensured that Mayweather had a victory by majority decision. On judge Craig Metcalfe’s card, it was 117-111. Dave Moretti scored it 116-112. On the 15 Rounds card, Mayweather scored a shutout. Outgunned and out-classed, Canelo didn’t win a round on this card.

“I can’t control the judges,’’ Mayweather (45-0, 26 KOs) said after moving in and out while landing punches with sniper-like speed and accuracy.

It was the right answer from Mayweather, who collected a record-setting guarantee of $41.5 million. Still, it didn’t explain Ross’ score. There had been plenty of talk before opening bell about a rematch. A buzz for the junior-middleweight fight was in the air for days. Money was being made. A pay-per-view record for the Showtime telecast was a real possibility. At the MGM Grand’s sports book, one of the popular bets was a draw. Odds on a draw were 10-1 on Thursday and Friday. Early Saturday, they had dropped to 8-1.

Mayweather’s dominance of the fight might have eliminated any appetite for a rematch, despite what Ross’ score might say.

Canelo (42-1-1, 30 KOs) entered the ring 13 pounds heavier than the 152 pounds he recorded at Friday’s weigh-in. He was bigger and looked it, especially in the upper body. The 165-pound Canelo out-weighed Mayweather by about 15 pounds. But that was no advantage for the young Mexican. It only meant he was a bigger target for Mayweather. A stationary one, too.

“I couldn’t connect,’’ said Canelo, who could wind up with a career-high $12 million once he gets his undisclosed share of the television money. “He was just too elusive, too smart and too experienced.’’

Canelo did not dispute the loss. He said he knew he had been beaten.

It’s strange that C.J Ross didn’t.

Danny Garcia said it was his job to take away Lucas Matthysse’s power.

Mission accomplished.

Garcia (27-0, 16 KOs) employed patience and smarts to nullify that proven power for a unanimous decision over Matthysse (34-3, 32 KOs).

Matthysse was the early aggressor. The junior-welterweight dictated the pace as he stalked Garcia, who retained the 140-pound title.

In moving forward, however, Matthysse stepped into a trap set brilliantly by Garcia. First, Matthysse walked into body shots. Then, there were repeated right hands. Not long after a head butt in the fifth round, an ugly mouse appeared below Matthysse’s right eye. It wasn’t clear whether the butt caused the bruise. From the seventh through the 11th rounds, swelling began to close the eye as he continued forward and straight into Garcia’s right.

In the 11th, Matthysse knocked out Garcia’s mouth piece with a right hand. But Garcia still took the round, knocking down Matthysse with a sucession of puches along the ropes.In the 12th, Garcia was penalized a point for a low blow,

By then, however, it wasn’t enough to take the victory away from the Philadelphia fighter.

There was only one way to score the Ishe Smith-Carlos Molina fight: Dull and duller. Molina (22-5-2, 6 KOs) won it, scoring a split decision and taking the International Boxing Federation’s version of the junior-middleweight title from Smith (25-6, 11 KOs). But there weren’t many cheers or boos about the scoring. There were only yawns for zero action in a fight that went to Molina, who prevailed with some aggression in the early rounds.

Mexican welterweight Pablo Cesar Cano (27-3-1, 20 KOs) bloodied Ashley Theopane’s nose, rocked him with a left in the third, nearly knocked him down with a right in the fifth and backed him up for eight of the 10 rounds, yet had to wait and wonder whether he won the first televised fight. Cano did, scoring a split decision. But he didn’t do enough to convince judge Richard Ocasio, whose score was the first announced on a curious card that favored Theopane (33-6-1, 10 KOs), a Mayweather-promoted fighter.

Luis Arias (7-0, 3 KOs), a super-middleweight from Milwaukee, wore Packer green-and-gold into the ring. Then, he made James Winchester (16-9, 6 KOs) of Reidsville, N.C., look like the Jacksonville Jaguars. Arias scored a shutout, winning every round in a six-round unanimous decision in the final bout before the pay-per-view telecast began. Arias was the fourth Mayweather fighter to win.

Ronald Gavril (7-0, 5 KOs) , a super-middleweight from Romania, made it 3-0 through the card’s first three fights for Mayweather Promotions with a unanimous decision over Shujaa El Amin (12-5, 6 KOs) of Flint, Mich. Gavril suffered a bloody nose early in the bout, but he was the busier fighter throughout the eight-round bout.

Chris Pearson, a Mayweather-promoted middleweight from Dayton, followed Bellows’ first-round TKO with an even quicker stoppage. In the opening seconds, Pearson (12-0, 9 KOs) threw a jab that landed like a baseball bat, leaving Joshua Williams (9-6, 5 KOs) of Westerly, R.I. with a badly bloodied nose. About a minute later, it was over. Referee Russell Mora ended it at 1:14 of the opening round.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s promotional company got things started with a victory.

“Easy Money,’’ was the chant from one of the few fans seated Saturday in a chilly, empty Grand Garden Arena two-and-a-half hours before Showtime’s pay-per-view telecast was scheduled to begin for the card featuring Mayweather-Canelo Alvarez at the MGM Grand.

Lanell Bellows (6-0-1, 5 KOs), a Mayweather-promoted super-middleweight, made it easy with a first-round TKO of Jordan Moore (3-1) of Logan, W.V.

Bellows put Moore onto his knees with a paralyzing body shot, a right-handed hook, 2:30 after opening bell.

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