VIDEO: ALL ACCESS: Stiverne vs. Wilder

BERMANE STIVERNE AND DEONTAY WILDER TALK TRAINING CAMP AND THEIR PLACE IN HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY BEFORE THEIR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN ON SATURDAY, JAN. 17 AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA LIVE ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

LAS VEGAS (Jan 9, 2015) – As we near the epic return of world championship heavyweight action in the United States, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Bermane Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs) and unbeaten knockout specialist Deontay Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs) are deep in training camp for their championship showdown on SHOWTIME®.

Tickets for the event are on sale and priced at $500, $350, $250, $125 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Read below for what the fighters have to say about how training is going, what their place in heavyweight history is and what the fans can expect to see on Jan. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas:

Q: Where have you been training? Who have you been training with? How has training been going?

Bermane Stiverne: I am in Vegas training at the Mayweather Gym. I have had many sparring partners, seven total and they have been alternating since it has been a very long camp. I began training camp in August because we didn’t even know when this fight was going to happen so we had to be ready for any time and we did better than ever. It has been a long, long training camp and I am in the best shape I have ever been in.

I plan to go in the ring between 238 and 242 pounds. We thought about going lower but I am a super heavyweight and that is the weight where I am best.

Deontay Wilder: Camp has been great. It’s been a long hard road but we’re here now. I had my whole team which was excellent — Jay Deas, Mark Breland, Russ Anber, Cuz Hill and my strength coach Peter Khoury, so it couldn’t have been any better.

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage as the main event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

BS: Fighting at the MGM Grand is a dream come true. I have been dreaming of becoming a champion my whole life. When I think of the MGM I think of all the history and I want to write a new chapter.

DW: I’m super excited about fighting on the big stage. The bigger the better! The more attention and people watching, the more I like it. We’ve been working towards this for a long time, and I am glad we have gotten to this level.

Q: If you could meet any heavyweight champ who would it be? Is there a heavyweight that you would say you emulate?

BS: Muhammad – he was the greatest, he called himself “The Greatest” before he even knew he was The Greatest. He worked hard every single day to fulfill it and that is what I do. No corners cut.

DW: I’ve never patterned myself after any other heavyweight, but if I could meet one from the past it would be Joe Louis. He’s part of my nickname. He was the ‘Brown Bomber’ and since I’m from Alabama like he was and I won the Bronze medal at the Olympics, I’m the ‘Bronze Bomber.’

Q: How do you feel about being in the biggest heavyweight title fight in the United States in a decade?

BS: The Heavyweight Champion is what it’s all about. It’s the King of the Jungle. It is the Champion of all the Champions. I am happy to bring it back. Boxing is alive and well.

DW: It’s time for the heavyweight division to be important again and I’m the guy to do it, so I can’t wait.

Q: Which heavyweights inspired you or did you admire on your climb to this point?

BS: Iron Mike Tyson and James Toney – I really admire the way they fought. I loved Iron Mike’s explosiveness and speed and his fast hands. Tyson could hurt you with any punch at any angle and that is my forte. When I hit somebody, I see it in their eyes and their legs and I feel their pain.

DW: My daughter is my inspiration. I always admired guys like Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes though.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting for the WBC title that has been held by so many of the greatest including Muhammad Ali?

BS: The WBC heavyweight belt has been held by many great champions. It’s the biggest prize out there.

DW: A lot of great champions have held the WBC title belt, so it’s the big one and I’m honored and excited to be fighting for it.

Q: How important is it for you to represent your home country in this fight? Do you feel any additional pressure because of it?

BS: I am blessed to have been born in Haiti and lived in Quebec, Canada and now Las Vegas and I like to think of myself as an inspiration to kids in Haiti that have suffered so much – just like me. I want them to know that if they work hard they can achieve their dreams.

DW: Like I said, I am honored and excited. A lot of greats have held the belt and I am ready to make history and be one of the greats. Representing the U.S. in a heavyweight fight, bringing it back home, it’s an honor.

Q: What do you think of your opponent, does anything he does concern you?

BS: I think Wilder is a clown. Wilder thinks this is the WWE. He acts like it’s the WWE. This is for real. It is going to hurt very bad.

DW: I have no thoughts about Bermane Stiverne. I’m just ready to fight and leave it all out in the ring.

Q: What should the fans expect on Jan. 17? Do you have a prediction?

BS: On Jan. 17 I will hurt Wilder and I will knock him out and it will be a lasting image in peoples’ minds for a very long time.

DW: Fans should expect a great night of boxing and everyone will see Jan. 17. -. Be there or tune in on TV if you can’t. You don’t want to miss it!

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SHOWTIME Sports® will present ALL ACCESS: STIVERNE VS. WILDER tonight, Friday, Jan. 9 at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

“RETURN TO GLORY”: STIVERNE VS. WILDER, a 12-round fight for Stiverne’s WBC Heavyweight Championship taking place Saturday, Jan. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions. In the 12-round co-feature, unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz defends against Jesus Ruiz and undefeated Amir Imam meets Fidel Maldonado Jr. in a 10-round super lightweight bout. The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., and will air live on SHOWTIME® (10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (8:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

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

Stiverne picks Oregon over Ohio St. In 2015 College Football National Championship Game

LAS VEGAS (January 9, 2014) – If not for a career-changing injury, World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title-holder Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) may have been a professional football player instead of becoming champion of the world in professional boxing.

The 6′ 2″, 248-pound Stiverne had a Michigan State football scholarship to play linebacker for the Spartans, but he blew-out his knee midway through his freshman year (1997) during a practice session. Stiverne remains an avid football player and he has picked Oregon to defeat Ohio State this Monday night in the College Football National Championship game.

“I like Oregon in the championship game,” Stiverne said from his Las Vegas home. “They’re consistent and have the best offense in the country. Plus, the way they beat Florida State was sweet.”

Stiverne, who knocked out Chris Arreola (35-4) this past May to claim the coveted WBC title belt vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko, makes his first title defense Saturday night, Jan. 17, against undefeated mandatory challenger Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), airing on Showtime Championship Boxing (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne.

WBC SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION LEO SANTA CRUZ L.A. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (28-0-1, 16 KOs) of Los Angeles participated in a jam-packed open media workout Thursday at Who’s Next Boxing Academy as he continues to prepare for his title defense against Mexico’s Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz (33-5-5, 22 KOs) on Saturday, Jan. 17, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The 12-round, 122-pound world title fight will serve as the co-feature of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader highlighted by the eagerly awaited heavy-duty showdown between WBC Heavyweight World Champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs), a Haitian native fighting out of Las Vegas, and unbeaten knockout specialist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

In the opening bout of the Jan. 17 telecast, promising world-ranked and undefeated super lightweight Amir “Young Master” Imam (15-0, 13 KOs), of Albany N.Y. will face hard-hitting Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. (19-2, 16 KOs) of Albuquerque N.M., in a 10-round match.

Tickets for an event co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions are on sale and priced at $500, $350, $250, $125 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Santa Cruz worked out for 45 minutes on Thursday. He shadow-boxed, hit the mitts, did calisthenics, jumped rope and did stretching exercises as live Norteño music blared in the background.

Below is what the champion Santa Cruz, his father/trainer Jose Santa Cruz and his brother/co-trainer Antonio Santa Cruz said at the workout:

LEO SANTA CRUZ, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion

“Right now I am focused on this fight. I want to get this fight over with and get the win. We trained really hard to get this fight. Ruiz is a great fighter, a tough fighter. I think he has fought for a world title already. I know he always comes prepared to win and give a great show.”

“Ruiz has fought good fighters and shown that he has talent and determination. I don’t take him lightly or any other fighter. Sometimes the fighters they say are lazier are the ones that give you a tougher fight and a loss.”

“I feel bad for all the people talking, but if they were in my shoes they would understand. I want the Rigondeaux fight, but the promoters have not come to an agreement. If it was up to me, I would fight him whenever. I am tired of people telling me that I am scared. I am looking for that fight as soon as possible, he is not invisible. I think I have a chance to beat him. I know he is a tough fighter, but that’s what we are here for, to fight the best.”

“We are going to keep pushing for a fight with Abner Mares or Rigondeaux, have the promoters make that fight as soon as possible, so all the fans can be happy.”

“I think if I can fight Mares, it will be a big pay-per-view event here at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.”

“Having my father as my trainer is the best for us. We do get into arguments, but they never last too long. Maybe one day we will get mad at each other, but then we talk as if nothing happened. I always try and concentrate and listen to him the best I can. He is the one I have always worked best with. There is more communication with him.”

“My family is small so we always went into the gym together; we live in the same house together. We have always been together. We go fishing together, bowling, everything.”

“I think because of my family support and my friends I have been able to stay calm and patient. I think of all the positive things and what I want to do to give a better fight.”

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Father and Lead Trainer

“All of Leo’s fights are always different. He never does the same thing over again. When it comes to training, there are small details we change, but nothing major. We might do weightlifting this camp, and not do weightlifting last camp, just stuff like that.”

“Leo and I have an understanding that whoever we are fighting, we train for 100 percent all the time. The fact he is not fighting Mares or Rigondeaux, those are down the road and will happen. A fight with Rigondeaux does not excite me though because I know when he feels pressure or the heat, he is going to grab hold or run. I am not interested in fighting him. I would like to fight Mares or whoever else though, no problem. I do not like Rigondeaux’s style and neither does the public. The only ones who want that fight are the Rigondeaux camp and his fans.”

“Leo is a great kid; he respects me, looks up to me and listens to me. That is why I am here training him. This is what Leo wants. I know there are better trainers than me out there, but this is what Leo likes and what he wants and it has been working out.”

“I am not surprised my sons are fighters. I knew they would all be good great fighters. What I am surprised about is how the fans and the public have received the Santa Cruz family and especially the way they appreciate Leo.”

“Since day one, when Leo started training at 8-years-old, the people and I saw that Leo had what it took. He was already beating little kids in the gym. I knew he would be something special. I knew that more about Leo than any of this other brothers. Leo is known for his volume punching but he is a good technical fighter too.”

ANTONIO SANTA CRUZ, Brother and Co-Trainer

“There is no difference in Leo’s training for this fight. He always trains the same way. He trains very hard. We will teach him more combinations, but that is really it.”

“I have been an assistant trainer for almost three years. My father has been Leo’s main trainer since the beginning.”

“My father got my brothers and me into fighting. When he first came to the United States, he went to a boxing gym and from there, he started to like it. He used to say that as soon as he had a kid, ‘I am going to put him in boxing.’ I’m the oldest, so he put me into boxing first.”

“I am not surprised at Leo’s success, but very happy. We have a good working relationship; he is very good at listening to me and taking orders.”

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SHOWTIME Sports® will present ALL ACCESS: STIVERNE VS. WILDER tomorrowFriday, Jan. 9 at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

HISTORY OF WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS: FIGHT FACTS, STATS AND A WHOLE LOT MORE

NEW YORK (Jan. 8, 2015) – In the most anticipated heavyweight fight in the United States in a decade, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs), a Haitian native fighting out of Las Vegas, will make his first defense against the confident, undefeated knockout specialist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., in the explosive main event of a televised tripleheader on Saturday, Jan. 17, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Below are some facts and stats on the WBC Heavyweight World Championship:

· When Stiverne knocked out Chris Arreola on May 10, 2014, he became the first Haitian-born prizefighter and 22nd boxer overall to capture the WBC Heavyweight World Championship.
· Wilder, if triumphant, would become the first undefeated American heavyweight to capture a world title since Riddick Bowe won the WBC, WBA and IBF titles in 1992.
· Wilder also would become the 13th U.S.-born boxer to win the WBC title and the first since August 2006.
· Hasim Rahman was the last American to hold the WBC belt. The last American to hold any version of the heavyweight title was Shannon Briggs, who captured the WBO title in November 2006 and lost in his first defense.
· At six-foot-seven, Wilder would join Vitali Klitschko as the tallest WBC Heavyweight World Champion; the tallest heavyweight world champion was seven-foot-tall Nikolai Valuev, a former two-time WBA belt-holder who is also the heaviest (323 pounds) world champion in history.
· The initial nine WBC heavyweight champions were from the United States, beginning with Sonny Liston, who in July 1963 became the first WBC champion. Following Liston were Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon and Pinklon Thomas.
· On Nov. 22, 1986, 20-year-old Mike Tyson of the U.S. became the youngest ever to capture the heavyweight title when he knocked out Trevor Berbick, who had defeated Thomas.
· Other WBC heavyweight champions from the U.S. include James “Buster” Douglas, Evander Holyfield, Bowe, Oliver McCall and Rahman.
· The only Jamaican-born boxer to become the WBC champion was Berbick, who also was the first heavyweight outside of the U.S. to capture the WBC crown.
· There have been two WBC heavyweight champions from England — Lennox Lewis, three different times and Frank Bruno.
· There was one fighter from Ukraine, Vitali Klitschko, who held the WBC belt on two occasions, one fighter from Russia, Oleg Maskaev and one from Nigeria Samuel Peter.
· Lewis is the only three-time WBC Heavyweight Champion. He made 14 successful defenses in his stints as champ.
· Ali, Foreman, Tyson, Klitschko and Rahman were two-time WBC heavyweight champs.
· Ali (two tenures) made a total of 19 successful title defenses.
· Holmes, with 16, had more successful title defenses than any one-reign champ; Klitschko had a total of 10, Ali had nine WBC world title defenses two separate times; Tyson, Lewis and Klitschko retained the title nine times once.
· Interestingly, the feared Liston had zero defenses of the WBC heavyweight title, the same number as Spinks, Norton, Witherspoon, Berbick, Douglas, Bowe, Bruno and Peter.
· Two boxers were stripped of the WBC title – Spinks (March 1978 for failing to defend against mandatory challenger Ken Norton and Bowe (December 1992 for not making a mandatory defense against Lewis).
· The WBC title was vacated twice (Holmes in December 1982) and Tyson (in September 1996).
· Two boxers retired as WBC Heavyweight Champions, Lewis in February 2004 and Klitschko twice, in November 2005 and December 2013.
· With the exception of Liston, all the U.S.-born WBC Heavyweight Champions were promoted at one time by Don King.
· Stiverne-Wilder will be 135th WBC Heavyweight World Title fight; 95 of them have taken place in the U.S., including 40 in Nevada (WBC heavyweight title fights have emanated from 20 different countries). Overall, this will be the 300th WBC title fight in Nevada.

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SHOWTIME Sports® will present ALL ACCESS: STIVERNE VS. WILDER on Friday, Jan. 9 at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

VIDEO: ALL ACCESS: Stiverne vs. Wilder Preview

WBC SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION LEO SANTA CRUZ TO DEFEND AGAINST JESUS RUIZ; TALENTED AMIR IMAM RISKS UNDEFEATED RECORD AGAINST FIDEL MALDONADO JR. SATURDAY, JAN. 17, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 2, 2015) – Crowd-pleasing WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (28-0-1, 16 KOs) puts his title and unbeaten record on the line in a 12-round bout against Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz (33-5-5, 22 KOs). Plus promising world-ranked undefeated junior welterweight Amir “Young Master” Imam (15-0, 13 KOs) will face hard-hitting Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. (19-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round fight, promising an undercard full of action on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

The Jan. 17 “Return To Glory” fight card co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions is highlighted by a heavy-duty main-event matchup that has stirred the interest of even the most casual sports fan — dangerous defending WBC Heavyweight World Champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Haiti, against unbeaten mandatory challenger Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs) of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Tickets for the event are on sale and priced at $500, $350, $250, $125 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

“2015 is going to be a huge year for boxing and Golden Boy’s opening act in Las Vegas will get things started with a bang,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions.

“In addition to Deontay Wilder looking to bring a heavyweight title back to America for the first time in a decade, longtime favorite Leo Santa Cruz and rising star Fidel Maldonado Jr. — electric fighters with significant power — will both appear in separate fights on the undercard, giving boxing fans a chance to see three top stars in action on a single card.”

All-action and two-division world champion Santa Cruz, of Los Angeles, Calif., will be making his fourth defense of the 122-pound title he won with a third-round knockout over Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (37-3-1, 21 KOs) on Aug. 24, 2013. Santa Cruz, 26, is coming off of a second-round technical knockout over Manuel “Suavecito” Roman (17-3-3, 17 KOs) on Sept. 13 at MGM Grand.

Before stepping up a notch in weight, Santa Cruz was the IBF Bantamweight World Champion, winning that belt in June 2012 and making three defenses. An excellent body puncher who is at his best when he keeps up a relentless pace, pressures his opponents and wears them down, Santa Cruz is 7-0 with three knockouts in world title fights.

Santa Cruz, who’s as personable and courteous outside the ring as he is ferocious and determined inside, said, “I feel great about my upcoming fight with Ruiz. He is a strong fighter, undefeated in the past two years and the kind of opponent I want to fight.”

“I want to put on a great show on Jan. 17,” Santa Cruz continued. “And show boxing fans that I am a strong fighter ready to go to the next level and take on the top, tough fighters in the division: Guillermo Rigondeaux, Scott Quigg, Carl Frampton and Abner Mares.”

Jesus Ruiz of, Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, retired his amateur status at the tender age of 16. He has won five in a row, including a clear 10-round decision in perhaps a career-best performance over Leonilo “Veneno” Miranda (36-7, 33 KOs) in his most recent start on Nov. 7, 2014.

A professional since November of 2006, the 25-year-old Ruiz will be getting the opportunity of a lifetime in just his third start in the United States (and third outside of Mexico). He won a lopsided eight-round decision over Enrique “Cuate” Quevedo (16-7-1, 10 KOs) on Aug. 24, 2013, in Cabazon, Calif., after losing his U.S. debut on an upset split decision in Tucson, Ariz., in July of 2008.

“I want thank Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME for this great opportunity to fight for the world title,” said Ruiz. “I know many believe I have no chance, but I am well prepared and ready to give my all. I am ready for war and ready to leave it all in the ring like a true Mexican warrior.”

Like the heavyweights in the main event, Albany, New York native, Amir Imam (pronounced “EE-mom”) and Fidel Maldonado Jr., of Albuquerque, New Mexico, are not accustomed to putting in a full night’s work. Between them they have gone the distance only six times in a combined 37 fights.

“Amir Imam is a great kid and a very exciting fighter, and this is going to be a very exciting fight,” said Hall of Fame promoter Don King. “I think Amir is going to be the next Tito Trinidad. He can both box and punch and he is going to be a bad man. I want a title for Amir and this fight with Maldonado is en route to that.”

“This is by far the biggest fight of my career and I’ve got to show the world what I’ve got,” Imam said. “I know that Maldonado is a southpaw and he comes forward and throws a lot of punches. I plan on boxing the kid for 10 rounds, but if the opportunity for a KO comes then I will go get it. I’m not letting anyone take this opportunity away from me. I have worked too hard for it.”

“Maldonado had a great amateur background, he’s very smart and he’s a very good fighter. It’s going to be a great fight,” said Imam’s head trainer Stacey McKinley. “Maldonado’s fought a better class of fighters than Amir but never fought a fighter like Amir and most have not. He’s not strong enough for Amir and Amir will walk straight through him. Amir will be Don King’s next superstar.”

Imam, an amateur standout and silver medalist at the 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials, “doesn’t get paid for overtime” in the professional ranks as 11 of his fights ended in rounds one or two.
The 24-year-old has steadily improved as his professional career has progressed and is 2-0 on ShoBox: The New Generation. In what was expected to be his toughest test, Imam knocked out Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan (17-5, 7 KOs) in the second round of his ShoBox debut on April 12, 2013.

Since the Bryan blowout, Imam’s taken a big step up in competition, most notably in his last three fights, beginning with a fourth-round stoppage of then-undefeated Jared “The Quiet Storm” Robinson (14-0) on Feb. 21, 2014, in Cleveland on ShoBox; the following May 10 on a unanimous eight-round decision over Yordenis Ugas (15-3, 7 KOs) (it was Imam’s first fight to go the distance since his pro debut in November 2011); and most recently, last Dec. 13 when he stopped Santos “El Toro” Benavides (23-6-2, 17 KOs) in the sixth round.

Maldonado Jr., 23, is a tough, hard-nosed, aggressive-minded left-hander who’d won six straight, five by knockout, before his last outing ended in a third round no contest against Fernando “Picapiedra” Silva on Dec. 20, 2014, in Cancun, Mexico.

“I have been training hard since my last fight against Fernando Silva, and have had no time off,” said Maldonado Jr. “I am ready to get the job done, and I hope he is ready. My goal is to show fans that I can put on a great show, step up the competition and get ready for a title match one fight at a time.”

The NC stopped some of the momentum Maldonado Jr. had regained in the previous 18 months, since suffering his second pro loss on a disputed 10-round split decision to fellow prospect Michael “The Artist” Perez (21-1-2, 10 KOs) on Aug. 24, 2012, on ShoBox in Indio, Calif. Maldonado Jr. was out-boxed and clearly behind on points early but rallied to floor and hurt Perez badly with the last punch of the hotly contested fight in which Maldonado Jr. felt he was robbed.

***

SHOWTIME Sports® will present ALL ACCESS: STIVERNE VS. WILDER on Friday, Jan. 9 at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

Stiverne vs. Wilder, a 12-round world championship bout for Stiverne’s WBC Heavyweight World Title, is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions. Unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz defends against Jesus Ruiz and undefeated junior welterweight Amir Imam meets Fidel Maldonado Jr. in the co-featured bouts. The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., and will air live on SHOWTIME (10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

BOXNATION ENDS 2014 WITH A BANG WITH KNOCKOUT ARTIST STEVENSON THIS FRIDAY BEFORE AN EXPLOSIVE NEW YEAR SCHEDULE

LONDON (Dec 19) – BoxNation will end 2014 with a bang this Friday night with knockout artist Adonis Stevenson’s battle with Dmitry Sukhotsky, before ushering in a blitzing start to the New Year.

‘The Channel of Champions’ is set to pick up where they left off with some mammoth fights in 2015 starting with the heavyweight world title fight between brash-talking American Deontay Wilder and WBC champion Bermane Stiverne on January 17th.

The charismatic Wilder is renowned for his hard-hitting power after dispatching of all 32 of his opponents and could potentially set up a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury in the future, who is also back in action on February 28th.

Manchester’s Fury has forced himself into a mandatory position to face Wladimir Klitschko for his WBO belt after his commanding victory over Dereck Chisora in his last outing.

February’s clash with a top 15 ranked contender will provide an appetizer before the heavyweight hitman tests himself against the world’s number one in Klitschko.

Also appearing on that card at London’s O2 Arena will be Chris Eubank Jr who will be looking to bounce back after his thrilling fight with middleweight star Billy Joe Saunders.

BoxNation will also screen what is set to be one of the greatest trilogies of the modern era when Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios step into the ring once again following their previous duels.

The welterweight aces will step into the ring at the 1stBank Center in Colorado on January 24th as they look to conclude their feud once-and-for-all, with both men sharing a win apiece.

However, before BoxNation wraps up for Christmas the world’s leading boxing channel will show WBC light-heavyweight world champion Stevenson’s clash with tough Russian Sukhotsky.

A fight with another Russian though has been mooted with WBA, WBO and IBF champion Sergey Kovalev someone on Stevenson’s radar.

“The fight that is huge is Kovalev and me because the world needs this fight. They don’t just want to watch that in Quebec City they want to watch that all over the world,” said Stevenson.

“The world isn’t interested in seeing me with Lucian Bute or Jean Pascal – the world needs Adonis and Kovalev.”

The 37-year-old, who has knocked out 20 of his 25 opponents, has hit back at critics who have said he is afraid of the ruthless Kovalev.

“They don’t know nothing about boxing. I can say I want to fight or Kovalev can say he wants to fight but we have to deal with the TV networks, the managers, the promoters – that’s the problem. I know my manager Al Haymon is working on that but all these guys have to come together to fix that and make the fight happen,” said Stevenson.

The Haitian-born pugilist has to first get past his impending challenger first, someone he insists he is not overlooking.

“This was probably the best training camp that I’ve had. We’re ready for this fight. We’re not underestimating him. I know he’s coming to fight and I will be ready.

“I know he’s a tough contender. And I know he’s training very hard for this fight. He’s going to try to surprise me, but I’m very prepared because I know the contender is always going to try to take your belt,” said Stevenson.

“I’m going to win by knockout. Emmanuel (Steward) always told me that knockouts sell, so I’m going to win by knockout. It’s going to be a short night,” he said.

Watch Stevenson vs Sukhotsky live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546 and TalkTalk 525) this Friday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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BERMANE STIVERNE, DEONTAY WILDER AND DON KING INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

(Dec. 18, 2014) — With one of the most potentially explosive, must-see heavyweight matchups in recent history less than a month away, hard-hitting WBC World Champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne and undefeated heavyweight contender Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder participated in a media teleconference call Thursday to discuss their eagerly anticipated heavyweight world title fight on Saturday, Jan. 17 live on SHOWTIME® at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The two heavyweights were joined on the call by Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King, President of Don King Productions and Eric Gomez, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions.

Stiverne-Wilder should be a gripping, intense encounter for as long as it lasts. Neither boxer is a fan of the other and, with a combined 54 knockouts in 58 fights, both heavy-handed heavyweights expect to triumph by knockout.

Since suffering his lone loss in July 2007, Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs), training out of Las Vegas, Nev., has emerged as one of the world’s most feared and destructive heavyweights. In his last 13 starts, the first-ever Haiti-born boxer to own a heavyweight crown is 12-0-1, with 10 of the victories coming inside the distance. Of his 21 knockouts, 18 came inside three rounds, with 14 of his knockouts coming in the initial three minutes.

The 6-foot-7 Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., hasn’t come close to putting in a full night’s work. He has gone four full rounds just one time since turning pro in November 2008, knocking out all of his opponents all within the four-round range. The 2008 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist and the last American male boxer to medal in The Olympics, Wilder has fought a total of just 58 rounds, an average of 1.8 rounds per outing. He’s registered 18 knockouts in the first round and eight in the second.

Tickets for the live event go on sale tomorrow, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $500, $350, $250, $125 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $50 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Here’s what both fighters as well as Don King, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions, Eric Gomez, Executive Vice President & General Manager SHOWTIME Sports, Stephen Espinoza and manager Camille Estephan (Stiverne) had to say Thursday:

BERMANE STIVERNE, WBC Heavyweight World Champion
“To be a role model to the kids & people in Haiti is all motivation to me.

“He’s fought nobody, I always train like I’m fighting the best out there.

“As far as a game plan, all I can say is ‘Don’t Blink!’. Watch the action on Jan 17. I can show you better than I can tell you.

“The belt is great, it’s meant a lot but I’m still hungry. I still want more.

“Defending my title in Vegas at the MGM Grand is a dream. Nobody will beat me. This belt isn’t going anywhere. Jan. 17 is going to be a short night and it’s going to be painful.”

DEONTAY WILDER, Undefeated Heavyweight Contender & Mandatory Challenger
“I have a chance to shock the world and I just can’t wait for it.

“I think this is the most anticipated heavyweight bout in a long time, there’s a lot of energy in my home city [Tuscaloosa, Ala.].

“This is my time. This is me! I don’t want to be compared to other fighters. I want to build my own legacy.

“I’m not your average heavyweight I go to work all day, every day as if it’s my 9 to 5 job.

“I don’t get paid for overtime so why go all the way, that’s why I finish things early in the ring.

“I don’t want anyone to make excuses to me. I don’t want people to discredit me anymore. But the time has come to change that.

“I have heard nothing but excuses for my 32 wins by KO and when I get 33, I don’t want to hear anything about it.

“I can’t let my ultimate number one fan, my daughter, down on Jan17. I’m going to fulfill my promise to her to be world champ.

“I can’t wait! I’m so passionate about this fight. I wish it were tomorrow.

“I have no doubt at the end of this fight my hand will be raised as the new heavyweight champion of the world.”

DON KING, President of Don King Promotions
“This program is a return to glory, an American return to glory in the heavyweight division.

“The WBC Heavyweight champion, Bermane Stiverne versus mandatory challenger Deontay Wilder is going to be a great event and a fight for peace.

“This is a fight to bring boxing and the country back to where it should be and being able to bring the glory back to the heavyweight division, which has been lacking for quite a while now.

“It has been about 10 years since there was a heavyweight match here in America, so we are going to celebrate this at the MGM Grand.

“I feel that Bermane will give Wilder a lesson after they meet in their heavyweight fight for peace here at the MGM Grand.

“This fight for peace symbolizes the essence of America’s creed, freedom, justice, equality, liberty and peace, which makes all Americans proud and extremely grateful. I’m looking for bringing the heavyweight championship back to America and we are doing that.

“We are bringing boxing back to the people, the people is what it is all about.

“It’s heavyweight time, it’s America’s time on January 17! Tell the world!”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions
“Deontay Wilder finally gets his chance to fight for a world title. He is the number one ranked contender.

“He has won all of his fights by knockout, and is probably the most exciting American heavyweight boxer in the last 20 years.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager SHOWTIME SPORTS
“It is an intriguing fight and the perfect way to kick off the New Year on SHOWTIME. This fight has been rumored for quite some time.

“The media demand is on par with a [Floyd] Mayweather fight. The Heavyweights are definitely back.

“This is one of the most highly anticipated fights in the U.S. in many years.

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, Stiverne’s Manager
“I want to tell you what I believe. I do not like to put things politically correct, (32-0, 32 KOs) against who? We believe this [Deontay Wilder] is a choreographed career, very well done. Good job. But I believe Wilder will quickly realize that fighting at this level is a whole different universe, but by then it will be too late for him. Bermane will make a statement.

“Don’t blink guys, I really hope all the fans on this planet get to realize who the new Mike Tyson is.

“We earned this, we paid our dues, we waited a long time, we have been dodged by many for many years and blocked for many years. The time has come for people to realize that the most beautiful talent in boxing today is called Bermane Stiverne. We will show you on Jan. 17.”

# # #

Stiverne vs. Wilder, a 12-round world championship bout for Stiverne’s WBC Heavyweight World Title, is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions. Unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz defends against a challenger to be announced in the co-main feature. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., and will air live on SHOWTIME (10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT).

About Showtime Networks Inc.:
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Bermane Stiverne To Defend WBC Heavyweight World Title Against Deontay Wilder, Jan. 17 on SHOWTIME

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

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

Ticket information for the event will be announced shortly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRYANT JENNINGS “I’m grinding everyday like a machine”

PHILADELPHIA (November 20, 2014) – Gary Shaw Productions and Antonio Leonard Promotions’ undefeated heavyweight contender, Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-0, 10 KOs) is waiting patiently as he is next in line to face the winner of Bermane Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) vs. Deontay Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs).

Stiverne, who is the current WBC champion, will battle Wilder at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on January 17, 2015. Jennings, who’s next in line, passed on a HBO date in November as he wanted to wait for the opportunity to fight for the prestigious WBC championship.

“I could have fought this month but my mind is set on fighting for the WBC world title,” said Jennings, “I worked my way to the top of the WBC rankings and now it’s time for me to make my mark in history. Stiverne or Wilder…I don’t care who it is, I’ll be ready to fight either one of them. My promoters, Gary Shaw, Antonio Leonard and I, are all on the same page. We want that WBC title!”

In his last two fights, both eliminations bouts, Jennings defeated former undefeated contenders, Mike Perez (20-1-1, 12 KOs) and Artur Szpilka (17-1, 12 KOs) to position himself as the mandatory challenger to fight for the WBC crown. While Stiverne and Wilder are getting ready for battle, Jennings is training everyday with dreams of becoming the heavyweight champion of the world.

“I’m grinding every day like machine,” Jennings continued. “I’m constantly visualizing myself with my hands raised in the air with the WBC strap around my waist. I’m hungry man! I know I can do this.”

Promoter Gary Shaw is excited about his Philadelphia born fighter. He feels he’s next in line to carry the torch for America as the next great heavyweight champion.

“Bryant is a very gifted athlete who is hungry to show the world that he’s an elite fighter.” said Shaw. “He’s got the athletic ability to have a long career in this sport. The heavyweight division needs a guy like Bryant to be the ambassador for American fighters. He has all the tools to become that guy.”

Jennings is managed by famed advisor James Prince, who also manages undefeated Olympian and WBA super-middleweight champion Andre Ward.

Stiverne – Wilder purse bid postponed

The Purse bid for the WBC Heavyweight title bout between champion Bermane Stiverne and undefeated challenger Deontay Wilder has been postponed until October 6 according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“There is no date,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement given to ESPN.com. “Both camps told me they are very close to a deal, so when I get back (from a business trip) I will assess the matter and decide.”

Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya told ESPN.com on Sunday that he and King had agreed on a financial package for the fight but De La Hoya did not close the deal because King had not provided a site and date for the fight in the paperwork.

“Don made an offer. I’m not gonna say the offer but the proper protocol is to give me a site and a date and that’s what I am waiting for,” De La Hoya said. “He didn’t tell me when and where the fight would be. We’re OK with the money. But we want to get the fight done this year. Without a site and date, what would keep Don from just changing things? So without a site and a date in a contract we have no deal whatsoever.”

Camille Estephan, Stiverne’s manager, told ESPN.com on Wednesday night that King and Haymon asked for a delay in the purse bid.

“They feel they are close to an agreement,” Estephan said. “There was an agreement but no date. That is why I believe Mauricio is being accommodating, because there’s a deal but no date. On our end we are very close to a deal with King. The money is right for everybody but we just don’t have a date or a place on the contracts I’ve seen.”

“Bermane is in camp and getting ready,” Estephan said “His injuries have subsided. He had a hand injury and a bit of a shoulder problem. The shoulder and hand have healed completely. We want to fight in December. That is goal. He is 100 percent now. We want to fight this year. We just need to get a date.”

“For the record, I ain’t afraid of nobody,” Wilder tweeted. “Ready when you are Stiverne!!”

Brook takes Welterweight crown from Porter

Kell Brook won the IBF Welterweight championship with a 12-round majority decision over previously undefeated Shawn Porter at the StubHub Center in Carson, California

Early on it was Brook looking to jab and hold on when he Porter would make a surge on the inside. In round two, Brook was cut over the left eye from an accidental headbutt. Brook was timing Porter coming with his nice jab. In round six, Porter was cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt.

Brook was able to thwart any brief momentum that Porter could muster up as he landed the more telling combinations.

Brook, 146 1/2 lbs of Sheffield, UK won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 114-114 and is now 33-0. Porter, 146 3/4 lbs of Akron, OH is now 24-1-1.

“You can tell how much it means to me by my reaction,” said Brook, who was cut over the left eye in the second round. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was nine-years old. It’s unbelievable.

“I was scrappy tonight, and not as slick as I wanted to be. But I’m the world champion now, baby. I was born to do this.

“I’m ready for a mega, mega fight next. I’ll take on Keith Thurman or Floyd Mayweather. Amir Khan should get in queue now. I’m the world champion now so they’re all going to want to fight me.”

Porter, a former U.S. amateur standout, thought he had done enough to win his second title defense despite getting cut over his right eye in the sixth.

“I think I’m still the champion,” he said. “I’m 24-1 and Team Porter will be back to the drawing board. There are no excuses. I do want the rematch.”

Anthony Dirrell wrestled the WBC Super Middleweight title away from Sakio Bika via 12-round unanimous decision.

The fight was very sloppy throughout the contest. When given distance, Dirrell was able to land the more telling blows. Bika was deducted a point in round eight for low blows. Dirrell hit the canvas several other times from Bika’s “veteran” tactics.

Dirrell, 167 3/4 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 114-113 and is now 27-0-1. Bika, 167 3/4 lbs of Australia is now 32-6-3.

“This journey has been amazing and I can’t even fathom it,” Dirrell told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray afterward. “I already overcame the biggest fight of my life by beating cancer. I can’t see anything being bigger than this. I was never close to giving up. I stuck to it and now I’m WBC world champion.

“This means the world to me, what else can I say? After beating cancer, making it back from a motorcycle accident and getting a second chance at boxing, I just knew I was going to make the best of it.

“Tonight the referee did a wonderful job. Bika is rough, he’s a helluva fighter. But I’m glad to finally have him in my rearview mirror. I’m not gonna complain about the close scores. I got a unanimous decision and I couldn’t be happier.

“The difference between this fight and our first one is that I wasn’t on the ropes this time. I came out and boxed. But I know I got his attention at the start.”

Said Bika: “I fought very hard. He was a better fighter tonight. I’m going to go back to the gym and come back stronger. This (losing) happens.”

Omar Figueroa defended the WBC Lightweight title with a 9th round stoppage over mandatory challenger Daniel Estrada.

It was a phone booth fight early with Estrada taking the early lead by landing the harder punches in close. Figueroa began to pick up in the middle rounds as he got in close and started landing combinations.

Round nine was action packed as the two traded shots in close. Figueroa was cut around the left eye from a clash of heads. Figueroa seized that moment to land a nice flurry only to see Figueroa come back just before the bell.

That did not deter Figueroa as he came out in round nine and dropped Estrada with a big right hand. Estrada got to his feet but Figueroa was all over him and landed a big combination on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:00 of round nine

Figueroa, 135 lbs is now 24-0-1 with 18 knockouts. Estrada, 134 1/2 lbs is 32-3-1.

“I don’t think I did that great and obviously felt I could be more explosive and maybe get him out of there earlier,” said Figueroa, who suffered a bad cut above his left eye from an unintentional headbutt in the ninth. “I was a little concerned that the referee or doctor would stop the fight because of the cut. I knew Estrada would be open for the right hand. I was playing a little possum when I caught him.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity,” said Estrada, who was making his U.S. debut and fighting less than three weeks after a sister and her daughter were killed in an automobile accident in Mexico. “Initially I felt good but he hurt me and I couldn’t recuperate. I had the mentality to win, but I was up against a great champion.”

Deontay Wilder tuned up for a fall title shot with Bermane Stiverne with a stoppage win over Jason Gavern after round four in their scheduled 10-round Heavyweight bout.

Wilder boxed from the outside while Gavern tried and occasionally got through with an overhand right. In round three, Wilder scored a knockdown when a right hand landed around the ear. Gavern complained that the punch was behind the head. Wilder scored a 2nd knockdown in round four from another straight right. After the round, Gavern encouraged his corner to stop the fight and they obliged.

Wilder, 224 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is now 32-0 with 32 knockouts. Gavern, 247 lbs of Kissimee, FL is now 25-16-4.

“This was fun,” Wilder said. “I wanted to go some rounds. A lot of people are still asking so many questions to me; I tried to answer some of them today.

“Of course, I could have landed my right hand more in the first couple rounds. He was leaving me openings, but I didn’t want to show off everything. I wanted to save that for next time.

“I’m ready for that world title fight. I want the WBC champ Bermane Stiverne next, hopefully in late November.”

Jorge Linares tuned up for a title shot with a 2 round demolition of Ira Terry in scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout.

Linares hurt Terry at the end of round one with a hard right that was followed by a combination. Linares finished the fight with a perfect right to the face that plummeted Terry on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:20 of round two.

Linares, 137 lbs of Venezuela is now 37-3 with 24 knockouts. Terry, 132 lbs of Memphis, TN is now 26-12-1.

“This was the kind of fight I didn’t expect but that I wanted,” Linares said. “I was able to watch tapes o him extensively so I was well prepared. I definitely want to fight for the world title next. That’s why I was here and took this fight. I’m just waiting for my opportunity.

“That was a good straight right hand I landed on him. Once I connected I knew it was over.”

Lydell Rhodes remained undefeated with a stoppage after 4-rounds over John Nater in a scheduled 8-round Welterweight bout.

Rhodes was dominant with his hand speed. He dropped Nater in round four with a four punch combination where Nater took three steps back to the ropes and took a knee. After the round, Nater decided he had enough and the bout was stopped.

Rhodes, 142 lbs of Las Vegas is now 22-0 with 11 knockouts. Nater, 144 lbs of Bayamon, PR is now 13-7.

Former Irish Olympian Jason Quigley scored a stoppage victory over Fernando Najera in a scheduled 4-round Middleweight bout.

Quigley dominated and opened up a bad cut over Najera’s left eye in round three. Iromically, Quigley was cut over his left eye as well but Najera’s openinh was much worse and Najera’s corner stopped the bout.

Quigley 160 1/2 lbs of Ireland is now 2-0 with 2 knockouts. Najera, 158 1/4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 1-4.

WBC heavyweight champion Bermane ‘B. Ware’ Stiverne Honored by Nevada Boxing HOF

LAS VEGAS (August 14, 2014) – World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) was honored this past weekend by the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) at its annual awards dinner in Las Vegas.

Stiverne was presented a Special Achievement Award by the NSBHOF for becoming the first Haitian-born World Heavyweight Champion.

“It felt great to represent Haiti,” Stiverne said, “but what really felt amazing was to receive it amongst legends like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Roberto Duran and Floyd Mayweather.”

Stiverne, who knocked out Chris Arreola (35-4) this past May to claim the coveted title belt vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko, is tentatively scheduled to defend his title for the first time later this year against mandatory challenger Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs).

During the NBHOF dinner, Stiverne spent most of the time with his head trainer, Don House, along with his long-time friend and former world champion, Kevin Kelley. However, Bermane was introduced to a few people he’s always wanted to meet.

“I had the honor to meet Evander Holyfield, the talented actress and host of the night, Rosie Perez, and Roberto Duran,” Stiverne noted. “It’s really funny how I used to watch these icons when I was a young kid.”

“I’m very happy Bermane is getting the recognition he deserves,” Stiverne’s manager Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management) added. “We’ve all worked hard to get him to this point but this isn’t our destination point. He’s gong a lot further. He has the WBC belt, the same one held by Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and so many other great heavyweights. Someday, we want Bermane talked about in the same way. We can’t wait for his next fight so he can make a major statement.”

For further information visit www.eottm.com, follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne, or Instagram @BermaneStiverne.

Wilder not a threat to Stiverne Champ plans to teach ‘little kid’ a lesson

LAS VEGAS (July 15, 2014) – Long before World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) knocked out Chris Arreola (35-4) this past May to claim the coveted title belt vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs) started talking smack about Stiverne and he hasn’t let up as the impending showdown approaches later this year.

Wilder is the mandatory, No. 1 challenger for Stiverne’s first defense. If the relatively untested fighter from Alabama believes his incessant trash talk, juvenile antics and bizarre behavior is getting to Stiverne, he has another thing coming when they step intoi the ring. In fact, Stiverne admits he’s been amused.

“He’s not going to get under my skin,” Stiverne said. “I think he’s funny. Maybe he should think about doing a comedy act after I beat him? Friends have sent me stuff he’s said and done. It’s funny. He’s like a little kid who needs attention, so he keeps opening his mouth. His trash talking doesn’t bother me at all. I saw some people who brought up what he’s said. What am I supposed to do, hand my title to him? I guess he wants to entertain his fans. If he thinks his tricks are going to bother me, he’s going to be in big trouble.”

Stiverne & Estephan
While Wilder’s chatter hasn’t fazed Stiverne, his manager, Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management), has already tired of Wilder’s act. “Wilder is a clown,” Estephan remarked. “No respect! What’s he ever done to act like this? Look who he’s fought. Bermane is going to expose him and shut him up for good. His actions are ill advised. Wilder doesn’t realize he’s in for such a rough ride and a very big surprise. We’re happy to fight him, mandatory or not.”

Some have proclaimed Wilder as the next world heavyweight champion, using his perfect professional record as evidence for his coronation. His skeptics, however, believe Wilder’s record has been built up by fighting fraudulent opponents, pointing out he’s never fought anybody as nearly as good as Arreola (Stiverne’s victim in his last two fights), never mind somebody with the rare combination of power and quickness that Stiverne possesses. Meanwhile, “B-Ware” has been basking in the glory of being a world heavyweight champion, proudly noting he is the first Haitian-born fighter to achieve that distinction.

“My life hasn’t really changed too much other than my popularity growing,” Stiverne talked about life after becoming world champion. “My Instagram followers went up from 2,000 to 13,000 from one picture. There hasn’t been one day I haven’t done something in public. I expected change but not like this. People used to look at me and ask if I played in the NFL. I’ve had people tell me they always thought I was a football player until they saw me fight Arreola. Places I used to stand in line to get in, well, I don’t stand in line anymore.

“I try to stay on the down-low. I’m not out clubbing every day, or feel that I have to do something in public. I’m available but, closer to the fight, I’ll shut down everything 4-5 weeks out unless it has to do with the promotion. I don’t think it has fully hit me, yet. It will when I go back to Haiti to meet the President (Michel) Martelly.”

Stiverne is a breath of fresh air in a division dominated by the robotic, impersonal Klitschko brothers for the past decade. Stiverne’s fan-friendly boxing style, coupled with his bubbly personality, make him extremely marketable as long as he keeps winning. Stiverne-Wilder has tremendous implications for the winner in terms of a potential mega-fight with Wladimir Klitschko for a total unification of the heavyweight belts. Stiverene, though, remains fully focused on Wilder.

“I do feel like a fresh face in the heavyweight division,” Stiverne concluded. “I’m bringing excitement back to the heavyweight division like years ago. Wilder’s not a threat but I’m taking him serious. I take all my opponents seriously but I’m going to teach that little kid a lesson. It’s a shame his promoter and manager are putting him in such a big fight like this so early in his career.”

For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne.

WBC World Heavyweight Championship is ESPN’s Highest-Rated Boxing Telecast Since 2003

ESPN’s live telecast of the Saturday, May 10, World Boxing Council (WBC) World Heavyweight Championship fight between Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs) and Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) delivered a 0.8 overnight rating according to Nielsen, making it the highest-rated fight on any ESPN network since 2003 (Monte Barrett vs. Eric Kirkland delivered a 1.3 overnight rating on October 3, 2003, on ESPN2). Stiverne defeated Arreola by TKO in the sixth round, making him the first boxer of Haitian descent to win a Heavyweight title.

Saturday’s fight is also tied for the third-highest-rated fight overall on any ESPN network (based on overnights, records date back to 2001).

Metered Markets:

· The top 5 local markets for this fight were as follows:

1) New Orleans, 4.1 metered market rating

2) San Antonio, 2.2 metered market rating

3) San Diego, 1.5 metered market rating

4) Providence, 1.5 metered market rating

5) Fort Myers, 1.3 metered market rating

· With a 4.1 metered market rating, New Orleans saw its highest local market rating for boxing on any ESPN Network (records date back to 2001).

· With a 2.2 metered market rating, San Antonio saw its highest local market rating for boxing on any ESPN Network (records date back to 2001).

Stiverne wins Heavyweight title; stops Arreola in six

Bermane Stiverne captured the WBC Heavyweight title with an explosive 6th round stoppage over Chris Arreola at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.

Stiverne hurt Arreola at the end of the first frame from a hard combination. That only seemed to wake Arreola as in round’s three and four, he had Stiverne in trouble with quick and hard combinations.

In round six, Stiverne landed a huge right hook to the temple over a Arreola jab and Arreola crumpled to the canvas. Arreola was clearly hurt and ate a huge flurry of punches and went to the deck for a 2nd time. Arreola could have been stopped there but was allowed to continue only to eat a handful more of thudding power shots and referee Jack Reiss stopped the bout at 2:06.

Stiverne, 239 1/2 lbs of Haiti is now 24-1 with 21 knockouts. Arreola, 239 lbs of Riverside, CA is now 36-4.

Amir Imam remained undefeated by scoring an 8-round unanimous decision over Yordenis Ugas in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Ugas started well over the first three rounds as he was aggressive and countered well. Imam came on in round five and landed some solid flurries over the final five rounds to win by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice.

Imam, 139 1/2 lbs is now 14-0. Ugas, 140 lbs is 15-3.

FOLLOW STIVERNE-ARREOLA II LIVE

Follow the action as it happens when Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola vie for the WBC Heavyweight title in a rematch. The action begins at 8pm ET / 5 PM PT with an intriguing Jr. Welterweight bout between undefeated Amir Imam and Yordenis Ugas.

12 ROUNDS–WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE–BERMANE STIVERNE (23-1, 20 KO’S) VS CHRIS ARREOLA (36-3, 31 KO’S)

Round 1 Arreola lands a right behind the jab..Stiverne lands a right to the body…Short right from Arreola…3 punch combo from Stiverne..right uppercut and left hook…10-9 Stiverne

Round 2 Good exchange…good left from Arreola…Hard right…left and right.19-19

Round 3 Jab and hard right from Arreola..Arreola landing hard shots on the ropes…29-28 Arreola

Round 4 Huge left hook from Arreola..Jab from Stiverne..Combination..hard uppercut from Arreola…39-37 Arrola

Round 5Stiverne jabbing..Straight right..48-47 Arreola

Round 6 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ARREOLA…HUGE COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES ARREOLA..big flURRY AMD THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

8 ROUNDS–JR. WELTERWEIGHTS–AMIR IMAM (13-0, 12 KO’S) VS YORDENIS UGAS (15-2, 8 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Uppercut from Ugas…Right from Imam..right..Right from Ugas...10-10

Round 2 Jab from Imam…20-19 Imam

Round 3 Right from Ugas…29-29

Round 4 Jab from Imam..Right…39-38 Imam

Round 5 Ugas lands a body shot…48-48

Round 6 58-58

Round 7 Good right from Imam…Ugas is wobbly and loses mouthpiece…Good right…68-67 Imam

Round 8 Imam aggressive landing hooks…78-76 Imam

79-73, 78-74, 78-74 IMAM

STIVERNE – ARREOLA FIGHT NIGHT NOTES

–First Professional Boxing Event held on the campus of the University of Southern California.

–Event is being telecast LIVE by ESPN, (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT) to over 98 million homes as well as over 140 countries world wide.

–Chris Arreola is attempting to become the first Mexican Heavyweight World Champion while Bermane Stiverne is aiming for the first Haitian Heavyweight Champion.

–Latest odds show a very close fight, Stiverne at minus 160, while Arreola is plus 135.

–Music legend Richie Sambora of the rock band Bon Jovi will perform “America The Beautiful”.

–The evening will be hosted by the internationally recognized voice of professional boxing, Hall of Fame ring announcer Michael Buffer.

–Celebrities in attendance will include legendary baseball player Pete Rose, Extra TV host Mario Lopez, former Los Angeles Laker Metta World Peace, award winning actor Morris Chestnut, singer Kaya Jones of the Pussycat Dolls, actor Victor Rasuk of The Lords of Dogtown and TV star Niecy Nash.

–Boxing stars attending include James Toney, Deontay Wilder, David Haye, Vanes Martirosyan, Sergio Mora, Josesito Lopez, John Molina Jr., Gabriel Ruelas, twin brothers Javier and Oscar Molina, Andre Berto and Hall of Fame broadcaster Larry Merchant.

ABOUT “FIGHT FOR PEACE – HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY”
On Saturday, May 10, BERMANE “B.Ware” STIVERNE, 23-1-1 (20KO’s) of La Plaine, Haiti and CRISTOBAL “The Nightmare” ARREOLA, 36-3-1 (31KO’s) of Riverside, CA will battle at “FIGHT FOR PEACE – HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY”, for the vacant World Boxing Council Heavyweight Championship at the USC Galen Center on the campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates and presented by Corona Extra (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

“FIGHT FOR PEACE — HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY”, presented by Don King Productions and Goossen Tutor Promotions is a fitting international tribute to Vitali Klitschko who stepped away from boxing officially in December 2013 to focus on the 2014 Ukrainian Presidential Election.

For fight updates go to www.GoossenTutor.comor www.ESPN.com/Boxingon Facebook at facebook.com/GoossenTutor, and on Twitter at @GoossenTutor, and @ESPNBoxing.

Also follow on Twitter, Bermane Stiverne at @BStiverne and Cristobal Arreola at @NightmareBoxing. Use the hashtag #StiverneArreola2 to join the conversation on Twitter.

STIVERNE VS. ARREOLA WEIGH-IN RESULTS

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 9, 2014) A massive crowd of media and boxing fans crowded into the Grand Ballroom at the Radisson Hotel Los Angeles at USC for the Official Public Weigh-In for “FIGHT FOR PEACE – HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY” headlined by Saturday’s World Boxing Council Heavyweight Championship between top rated heavyweights BERMANE “B. Ware” STIVERNE and CHRIS “The Nightmare” ARREOLA at the USC Galen Center.

Chris Arreola 239

Bermane Stiverne, 239.5, Chris Arreola 239

Amir Imam, 139.6 vs. Yordenis Ugas, 140

Adam Collins, 194 vs. B.J. Flores, 205.4

Eric Molina, 214.4 vs. DaVarryl Williams, 240.6

Jaxel Marrero, 124 vs. Mario Barrios, 123

Razvan Cojanu, 269.4 vs. Rodricka Ray, 217.2

Travis Davidson, 160.6 vs. Caleb Plant, 159.8

Abel Ramos, 148.5 vs. Levan Ghvamichava, 141.5

All Photos Courtesy Goossen Tutor Promotions

“FIGHT FOR PEACE — HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY”, presented by Don King Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotionsis a fitting international tribute to Vitali Klitschko who stepped away from boxing officially in December 2013 to focus on the 2014 Ukrainian Presidential Election.

For fight updates go to www.GoossenTutor.comor www.ESPN.com/Boxingon Facebook at facebook.com/GoossenTutor, and on Twitter at @GoossenTutor, and @ESPNBoxing.

Also follow on Twitter, Bermane Stiverne at @BStiverne and Cristobal Arreola at @NightmareBoxing. Use the hashtag #StiverneArreola2 to join the conversation on Twitter..

ESPN’s WBC World Heavyweight Championship Fight Coverage: Bermane Stiverne vs. Chris Arreola Live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes on Saturday, May 10

ESPN’s coverage surrounding ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ telecasts of the Saturday, May 10, 12-round World Boxing Council (WBC) World Heavyweight Championship fight between top-rated contenders Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (23-1-1, 20 KOs) and Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-3, 31 KOs) will include the Thursday, May 8, press conference and the Friday, May 9 weigh-in, both live on ESPN3. ESPN blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore will emcee the weigh-in. In addition, ESPN’s live telecast of the fight on Saturday will include interviews featuring Arreola and Stiverne. ESPN Deportes’ Golpe a Golpe will present a special live pre-fight show on Saturday, May 10 and ESPN.com will have the latest news and information leading up to and after the fight.

The fight, which was previously announced in March, will air live from the USC Galen Center at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates. Both shows will be presented by Corona Extra and will also be available on computers, smartphones, tablets, Apple TV, Xbox and Roku via WatchESPN. The card is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

ESPN will also carry the fight exclusively in Latin America, the Caribbean, Brazil, and Canada (via TSN/RDS). In addition, ESPN will televise the fight in Australia and New Zealand.

Highlights:
New Picture (1)
Commentators: Tessitore will be ringside with Teddy Atlas describing the action for ESPN, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will present the latest boxing news and highlights on site. Pablo Viruega and David Faitelson will call the fights ringside for ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates (Fight Night), while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will anchor the on-site studio with analysis from Hall of Fame referee and ESPN boxing analyst Joe Cortez. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both networks.

ESPN3 Live Coverage of Press Conference and Weigh-in: Coverage of the Thursday, May 8, press conference (2:30 p.m.) and the Friday, May 9, weigh-in (6 p.m.) live on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox and Roku via WatchESPN.

Arreola and Stiverne Interviews on ESPN: Saturday’s show on ESPN will include Atlas’ recent conversation with Arreola as he prepares for his rematch with Stiverne. View the conversation here. The show will also include an interview with Stiverne as he prepares for the fight. View the interview here.

ESPN Deportes’ Golpe a Golpe: A special pre-fight show (Saturday, May 10, 7 p.m., ESPN Deportes) will be anchored by Jorge Eduardo Sánchez, in Mexico, and will include the latest news and analysis from ESPN’s L.A. commentary team of Trejos, Gonzalez, Osuna, Viruega, Faitelson and Cortez. Golpe a Golpe will also have coverage from Friday’s weigh-in on Saturday, May 10 at 4 p.m.

ESPN.com: Comprehensive coverage including pre- and post-fight stories from ESPN boxing writer Dan Rafael. ESPN.com will also include previews and breakdowns from Making the Rounds, ESPN.com’s original boxing show.

Fight Details:

Main Event: Stiverne, a Florida resident of Haitian descent, first met California-based, Mexican-American Arreola last April for the right to challenge then-Heavyweight titleholder Vitali Klitschko for the WBC belt. Stiverne scored a 12-round unanimous decision win earning the right to face Klitschko. After Klitschko vacated his title in December to focus on his political career in Ukraine, Stiverne and Arreola were chosen to fill the vacant title. The two will not only battle for the vacant WBC World Heavyweight title, but also to become the first boxers of Haitian or Mexican descent to hold a Heavyweight title.

Co-Feature: Friday’s eight-round co-feature will pit undefeated Junior Welterweight Amir “Young Master” Imam (13-0, 12 KOs), against Yordenis “The Black Prince” Ugás (15-2, 7 KOs).

Upcoming ESPN Boxing Schedule:

Date

Time (ET)

Main Event

Location

Networks

Sat, May 10

8 p.m.

WBC World Heavyweight Championship: Bermane Stiverne (23-1-1, 20 KOs) vs. Chris Arreola (36-3, 31 KOs)—12 rounds

USC Galen Center,
Los Angeles

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

Fri, May 16

9 p.m.

Delvin Rodríguez (28-7-3, 16 KOs) vs. Joachim Alcine (35-7-1, 21 KOs)—10 rounds, Jr. Middleweight

Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

Fri, May 23

9 p.m.

Boxcino 2014 Finals

Petr Petrov (34-4-2, 15 KOs) vs. Fernando Cárcamo (17-5, 13 KOs)—10 rounds, Lightweights

Brandon Adams (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Willie Monroe Jr. (17-1, 6 KOs)—10 rounds, Middleweights

Turning Stone Casino, Verona, NY

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

*Schedule subject to change

About ESPN Boxing
ESPN is home to ESPN Friday Night Fights and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates (Spanish version), a weekly boxing series which runs between January and August and showcases some of the best bouts in the boxing industry. Friday Night Fights began on October 2, 1998 and Noche de Combates (formerly Viernes de Combates) began on January 10, 2004. ESPN began televising boxing on April 10, 1980 when weekly boxing returned to television for the first time since 1964, with the debut of Top Rank Boxing on ESPN.

BOXNATION PULLS NO PUNCHES AS IT CONTINUES TO DELIVER THE VERY BEST BOUTS OVER THE COMING MONTHS

LONDON (May 7) – A monster May continues on BoxNation, hot on the heels of a jam-packed few weeks which has seen boxing’s leading channel air the year’s biggest bouts including star names such as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

The rammed BoxNation schedule continues to deliver with a host of top fights lined up over the coming weeks which includes exhilarating world title fights and the very best domestic dust-ups.

Household names such as Juan Manuel Marquez, Adonis Stevenson, Nonito Donaire, Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora are all set to feature live and exclusive on the channel.

Following on from last weekend’s mammoth ‘The Moment’ card which saw Mayweather in his closest fight in recent memory when he overcame Marcos Maidana, and Amir Khan’s sensational return against Luis Collazo, BoxNation is back in action this weekend with a doubleheader from home and abroad.

First up, British lightweight champion Martin Gethin returns after a year out the ring when he takes on the ever-exciting Derry Matthews at The Liverpool Olympia in a clash which is sure to have fight fans on the edge of their seat.

Rising sensation Chris Eubank Junior will also take part on the night when he faces tricky Pole Robert Swierzbinski in an eight-round contest at middleweight.

Then, it’s live Stateside, with Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne set to usher in a new era for heavyweight boxing when they battle it out for the WBC world title.

The recently vacated belt, following the retirement of Vitali Klitschko, will be on the line at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, with both men looking to stake their claim as the rightful heir to boxing’s most coveted throne.

A week later, on May 17th, Mexican legend Marquez will be back in action when he faces Mike Alvarado in a bout which is guaranteed to produce fireworks.

Two of the sport’s most thrilling fighters will go at it as they look to bounce back in style following defeats in their last bouts with the aim of pushing themselves back into the world title fold.

Further world class action will be shown on ‘The Channel of Champions’ when knockout artist and WBC light-heavyweight world champion Stevenson puts his title on the line against the tricky Andrzej Fonfara on May 24th.

The Canadian superstar is eyeing a potential unification showdown with fighting legend and current IBF champion Bernard Hopkins should he come through the challenge of Fonfara unscathed.

Big-time boxing returns to Macao, China on May 31st when hotshot Nonito Donaire looks to become a four-weight world champion when he moves up to challenge Simpiwe Vetyeka for the WBA Super featherweight title.

The Filipino-American’s all-action style has made him a firm fan favourite but he will have his work cut out when he steps in against the reigning champion Vetyeka who is coming off a big win over the highly respected Chris John.

Following this, BoxNation will bring viewers two huge British cards when modern day ‘Cinderella Man’ Stuart Hall defends his IBF bantamweight title against Merseyside’s hottest prospect Paul Butler on June 7th.

The 25-year-old is tipped as one of British boxing’s rising stars and he will be put to the test as he goes for his first world title in only his 16th professional bout against a foe who has seen it all in his life.

Hall famously captured his world title late last year in an electrifying fight with South African Vusi Malinga, and will be hoping to rise to similar levels when he faces Butler at a packed Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

July 26th sees one of boxing’s most anticipated fights of the year when Chisora and Fury clash in a showdown which will determine who faces heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko.

The bout between the pair will be an eliminator for the WBO crown with the victor set to take on the formidable Klitschko later this year. Both men clashed in 2011 with Fury coming out victorious via a 12 round decision.

But a rejuvenated and motivated Chisora, who is coming off a winning streak having blasted his way past the highly touted Malik Scott, will be out to get his revenge.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) for only £12 a month (plus one-off registration fee) visit www.boxnation.com.

-Ends-

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

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

Stiverne vs. Arreola Media Conference Call Transcript

Bernie Bahrmasel: Welcome, and thanks to the media from around the globe for joining us on this international media conference call for Fight for Peace: Heavyweight History, featuring the World Boxing Council heavyweight championship between the two top-rated contenders, Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne, and Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola set for Saturday, May 10th at the USC Galen Center on the campus of the University of Southern California in downtown Los Angeles and telecast live on ESPN.

At this time, it is my pleasure to turn over to the call to Mr. Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Dan Goossen: Well thanks, Bernie. It looked like you stole my script. I don’t know how in the hell you did that, and now I’ve got nothing to say. But welcome to everybody with the media, appreciate you getting on this early time, and we’re getting closer and closer, a lot of good fights coming up in the next few weeks in our sport. And I think, quite frankly, our heavyweight fight for the WBC heavyweight championship stands up on top. You’ve got two great heavyweights that are willing to go toe-to-toe to bring back the excitement that has been stagnant for many years since Mike Tyson.

However, we’ve got to be realistic here and Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko have been great, great champions. It’s just we need to bring that title back to the United States and keep it out here. One of the other facets of this promotion and something that I think is right there side-by-side of having this heavyweight championship competed at the USC Galen Center out here in Los Angeles is the emergence of the worldwide leader in sports in ESPN stepping up to the plate and making this a reality to bring this fight to the millions and millions of viewers they have on ESPN in this special primetime Saturday night.

And one of the key people on this is Brian Kweder of ESPN. I wanted to introduce him and let him say a few words. Brian, you’ve got it.

Brian Kweder: Thanks, Dan. We at ESPN were thrilled to get the call from Dan regarding this heavyweight world-title fight. We’re happy to be airing it on ESPN. We definitely appreciate that Dan and Don King saw the value of providing this fight to the wide masses of ESPN’s audience, which reaches 98 million homes, and also on ESPN Deportes and via broadband on WatchESPN.

ESPN has a long history of carrying world-class fights through our Friday Night Fights series, but we’re definitely stepping up our game a bit here with this fight. We also feel like we’re capturing the heavyweight division like no one has in a long time by showing the Wladimir Klitschko/Alex Leapai fight on Saturday, April 26th. That fight will be used to help drive folks to the May 10th fight as well between Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne.

The two fights together working in tandem really do a great job of painting the entire heavyweight picture as it stands today in boxing, and here at ESPN we’re real excited about the heavyweight division because there’s a lot of up and coming young fighters and some established fighters who are really making a name for themselves like Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola and several other high-profile American heavyweights coming up through the pipeline.

The other reason we jumped on this fight was because of the historical significance of it. Obviously, Chris Arreola if he were to win the fight would become the first fighter of Mexican descent to win the heavyweight championship, and Bermane Stiverne would be the first fighter of Haitian descent to win the heavyweight championship, so we have that story line as well.

I just wanted to express my gratitude to Dan Goossen and Don King for all the work they’re doing to make this a great fight, and we look forward to broadcasting it on Saturday, May 10th on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and WatchESPN. Thanks, Dan.

Dan Goossen: Well, thank you very much, Brian. I’ve got to tell you, and for all you guys out there and ladies that are writing about this and covering it, hopefully you’re excited as I am just listening to Brian speak about having 98 million home out there. I just think that’s tremendous for our sport, bring a lot more eyeballs and attention to not only to boxing but to this heavyweight division which I think is greatly needed.

So, Brian, and I know from the production end we’re going to have Matt Sandulli bringing in a great, great broadcast for the viewers around the globe along with Steven McDonald who you probably have seen on a lot of the press releases, head of PR over at ESPN and spearheading it for this boxing event. But again, I think it says a lot having not only Wladimir fighting on ESPN but then coming out with this heavyweight championship fight, and we know it’s going to be a great fight between two deserving top contenders.

Speaking of that, we’ve got Bermane Stiverne on the phone with us right now along with his manager Camille Estephan. And Camille and Bermane have been a joy to work with. I know that he’s been training out of Las Vegas, Nevada out of Floyd Mayweather’s Gym, and for those of you that live out in that area we will be doing something with Bermane on an open workout next week.

We’ll get you more information on that, but I’d like to have Bermane say a few words and give a hello to the media out there. Bermane?

Bermane Stiverne: Hi guys. I’m just happy to be a part of this. Personally to me it’s a long time coming. I’ve been patient for quite a while. I’m just happy to be able to fight for the title. Obviously I believe that I will be crowned the heavyweight champion. Basically, I’m just happy. I’m just happy that ESPN was able to jump on board and surprise everybody, and I just want to thank ESPN, DKP, Dan Goossen, Brian from ESPN, Camille, my team, everybody. So I’m ready to go.

I’m to the point where I don’t want to be in the gym anymore. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to go right away. So to me it’s a great opportunity to, like Dan said, about the 90-plus million people that will attempt to watch the fight. This is great coverage, and who better to do it than ESPN? So I’m really looking forward to making history and bringing the title back to America and also being the first Haitian to be heavyweight champion of the world.

Dan Goossen: Thank you, Bermane. Now we’ll open it up for any questions you might have for Bermane or his manager, Camille, who’s also on the phone, as I mentioned, or for ESPN and Brian Kweder.

Bernie Bahrmasel: Our first question comes from Dan Rafael senior boxing writer from ESPN.com. Dan, go ahead please

Dan Rafael: Thank you, Bernie. Hello guys. Bermane, I have a question for you about this fight. After you beat Chris last year you were supposed to fight Vitali Klitschko, the reigning titleholder at the time. He retired. My question for you is, is there any sense of disappointment that you’re not fighting Klitschko for the title and that you have to fight Chris in a rematch, or are you just as happy to be fighting a rematch with Chris because the ultimate goal is to get the belt?

B. Stiverne: Right. I mean, to me personally it wasn’t about whom I was going to fight. I knew I was going to fight for the title, but I just didn’t know who would win, and to me honestly I’m just happy to fight for the title. You don’t have a lot of heavyweights that even fight for the title. Some heavyweights have been there for 20, 25 years and never fought for the title, and I’m thankful and grateful to be able to do so.

So I’m really happy about being able to fight for the title. I mean, it didn’t matter who; it was just I wanted to fight for the title and have that chance to become a champion.

Dan Rafael: Bermane, did you feel a little bit jerked around by Vitali though because they had the purse bid scheduled a few times; then said he got injured? It got put off. It got delayed by the WBC. And you know, that’s valuable time from you where you’ve been sitting there mandatory for a long time, and then he retired, and then first it had to go through the process all over again to get this fight with you and Chris set up.

Was there any sense of frustration during that period of time while you were unsure whether Vitali would fight you or what was going to happen? I guess this is going back maybe about, whatever, five, six months ago.

Bermane Stiverne: I wouldn’t say disappointed; I think it was a lack of respect because I believe that he knew what he was going to do. So he pretty much took his time, and he was babysitting the title so to speak. But it didn’t really frustrate me because I knew somehow one day I would be fighting for the title, and I also knew that nobody could take that away from me.

I just didn’t know who would win, but I never got frustrated. I just felt that at a point I was being disrespected. But we’re here today, so all that is in the past, so I’m happy about the outcome and how it was going to happen was how it was going to happen.

Dan Rafael: That’s great. Now I’ve just got one more question for you. So you’re fighting Chris again; you beat him – well I guess it was last April. You did so rather handily on the scorecards. You knocked him down. You broke his nose. It was a good fight, but you definitely were the clear winner.

My question is then do you think that do you have to change anything up, or do you think you can go to the same sort of plan and just do basically what you did the last time since you already have a clear 12-round win against him in your first matchup? How will this one be any different for you if at all?

Bermane Stiverne: Different as whatever I did in the first fight I would do it better, way better. I’m not going in the ring with that – with my last performance, so we’re getting ready for a new type of Arreola. So whatever Arreola shows up on May 10th, I’ll be able to handle that. And to be honest, I think this fight I think Chris will be in shape. That’s his excuse.

But I believe that Chris is going to bring the best out of me. That’s how I see it. The more in shape that he is, the more trouble he’s going to be in.

Dan Rafael: Alright, Bermane. Thank you very much. I wish you good luck on the fight, appreciate it.

Bernie Bahrmasel: Dan, thanks very much for joining us. Next up from the boxing capital of the world, Las Vegas, Steve Carp from the Las Vegas Review Journal. Go ahead, Steve.

Steve Carp: Two questions: one, have you thought about how winning the heavyweight title will change her life?

Bermane Stiverne: Sometimes it’s kind of scary when you think about all these great heavyweights that had the title, and I’m to the point where it’s like, wow, I’ll be able to put my hands on the title that Tyson had and Ali and Lennox Lewis. So I mean, it’s just I don’t know. It’s just a dream that’s in front of me, and just all I got to do is go and grab it. But it feels good. I just don’t know. I’m working hard for this. I’m putting everything I’ve got to this, a lot of sacrifices that half the people I know wouldn’t do.

I mean you’re talking about literally turning my back on my loved ones and kids and not being able to see them for a couple months. I’ve been gone since December, and this is the only way I do it. This is the only way I know how to do it is to leave and go to camp and kind of like be in my little cave mentally and physically. So I put a lot on the line – not a lot. I put everything I’ve got on the line for this, and it will pay off. I believe it will pay off, and this is where I’m at with it.

Steve Carp: And one other question: training at Floyd’s Gym and you see the work he puts in on a daily basis I’m wondering how much of that rubs off on you or motivates you when you see not only Floyd but his other fighters and I’m just wondering if any of that has kind of rubbed off on you and motivated you?

Bermane Stiverne: Of course. Well, I am one of the original members, the first member of the gym, and I pretty much changed my way of training in my career when I moved to – when I went to that gym and saw Floyd training. There’s something that you got to see with your own eyes from a man that has everything that he wants in the world, and basically he trains like he’s still poor, like he’s still hungry. I’m very grateful to be around him, to be able to see him training. To me it’s just a plus to be around these type of individuals and to see – to be able to see one of the best, or the best, fighter in my era.

Steve Carp: Very good, thanks.

Bernie Bahrmasel: Next up joining us from Germany, Steven Joergens from Sports Bild. Go ahead, Steven.

Steven Joergens: Good morning, gentlemen. Bermane, I was wondering in your career, three-year plan, after this fight do you think about – when you win, do you want to go after Wladimir Klitschko – because he’s considered the best at the moment – as fast as possible to get after him, and how do you like your chances in a fight with him?

Bermane Stiverne: Well, right now this is not something that’s on my mind right now. My focus is on Chris Arreola and the title. Obviously this is something that me and my team and manager would look at, but right now this is not something that I’m personally thinking about right now.

Steven Joergens: One quick follow-up: What would you say what is the state of the heavyweights in North America at the moment after all those years of Klitschko holding the title, and what can you bring to give it a shot into the arm?

Bermane Stiverne: Oh, the state of the heavyweight division right now is – or will be back May 10th. I believe that I am going to bring the excitement back. I believe that I am in my prime right now, and, like I said, I’m looking forward to May 10th because this is going to be a great fight, not only for me or for Chris, but it’s going to be a good fight for the fans, and we’ll be able to honor the sport on ESPN and be able to bring that excitement that was missed, that all the fans missed for so long.

Like Dan Goossen said, not since Mike Tyson or Lennox has there been too much excitement in that division. So I’m looking forward to bringing that back.

Steven Joergens: Okay, thank you very much.

Bernie Bahrmasel: Thank you, Steven, for joining us. Next up from Ring Magazine and RingTV.com, Lem Satterfield. Go ahead, Lem.

Lem Satterfield: Dan, are you there?

Dan Goossen: I’m here.

Elm Satterfield: Chris Arreola and actually Bermane, when I talked to Bermane in Las Vegas at one point, he said that some of the so-called younger fighters, some of the guys that are being touted out there, really aren’t as good as they are. Bermane pretty much predicted that Chris was going to do to Seth Mitchell what he ended up doing. Can you characterize these two guys as the two best guys, and do you think the right guys are fighting, and why do you think the right two guys are fighting for the vacant heavyweight title?

Dan Goossen: Well, I think they’ve been tried and tested, whereas the other young fighters you really don’t know how good someone is until they fight someone that we know is good. So Chris obviously has had that distinction, and then Bermane got a taste of it in April of last year. So those are the obstacles that anyone that we’re going to put a tag on being real contenders have to go through before they can become real contenders.

Lem Satterfield: Dan, one more question for you: Any significance do you see to the fact that this conference call is taking place 13 years ago to the day that Hasim Rahman beat Lennox Lewis, knocked him out on April 22, 2001 and brought the championship back to the United States?

Dam Goossen: Well, obviously Bernie must have relayed our inner-office conversation about that because we specifically targeted that date.

Lem Satterfield: Why?

Dan Goossen: Because we knew you’d ask about it, Lem.

Lem Satterfield: Okay. Bermane, I have a couple questions for you. How are you doing?

Bermane Stiverne: Good.

Lem Satterfield: First of all, how long have you lived in Las Vegas?

Bermane Stiverne: I’ve lived in Vegas ten years.

Lem Satterfield: And how long have you been going to Mayweather’s gym?

Bermane Stiverne: Since it opened in 2007 I believe.

Lem Satterfield: Alright, and in terms of your having been out of the ring – and Dan Rafael made a reference to you having to wait on Klitschko – it’s almost been a year since you fought Chris Arreola. What have you done to prevent yourself from getting rusty, from getting stale? I know you said you worked out. Can you characterize what you’ve done in the last year to be ready for this?

Bermane Stiverne: I mean, I’m a professional athlete, so I always make sure that I’m doing something, whether it’s running or – it can be basketball. I remember after the last fight I had with Chris last April, maybe for the next four or five months I went back to Florida, and I was on a basketball league for about three or four months. So it could be different things, and I’m still in the gym.

I just keep myself busy and so I don’t get out of shape. Like I tell you, man, I’m a professional athlete. So I have to be in some type of shape even when I’m off-season or if I’m not fighting.

Lem Satterfield: Okay. My last question for you is, as Dan Goossen made a reference, Chris Arreola was kind of a known quantity if not a proven quantity having fought Klitschko and Thomas Adamek before having faced you. Yet a lot of people I thought – and I don’t know if you heard this – felt like your one loss, they bring that up.

Were you the underdog going into that fight – correct me if I’m wrong – and also did you feel like you showed what you’re capable of against a known quantity when you fought Chris and beat him like you did?

Bermane Stiverne: Yeah, to me I didn’t feel like I was the underdog, but I knew I was. Whether you talk about the fans or the media, Arreola was a big favorite, a huge favorite. And listen, I’ve been watching Arreola for so long I knew – and I know still today – that Arreola is tailor-made for me. I have the style, and I’m able to be smart in the ring and do certain things that he can’t do. So to me I just have to prove to whoever thought that it was impossible for me to win the fight, go out there and beat him.

Bernie Bahrmasel: Lem, thank you very much for joining us. We’re going to take one more question for Bermane Stiverne from Eddie Goldman, No Holds Barred. Go ahead, Eddie.

Eddie Goldman: Thank you very much. Hello, Bermane. I have a question, but this has really been a long time coming. You’ve been fighting for a long time, and, as you know, people counted you out. Really until perhaps the Arreola fight and maybe the Ray Austin fight people weren’t giving you a lot of respect. How did you mentally stay on course and stay confident that you were going to be able to get a heavyweight title shot as you’re getting now?

Bermane Stiverne: Well, believing what I can do. I knew what I could do in the ring, so people that didn’t know me obviously would judge me from the fight with Austin, which I didn’t look too good. But I always believed in myself and believed in my skills, so no matter what people said about me I never doubted myself.

Bernie Bahrmasel: I’m going to turn it over now back to Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions. Go ahead, Dan.

D. Goossen: Thank you, Bernie and Bermane and Camille. I know you didn’t get any questions asked, but I’m sure you’ll be doing a lot of talking next week or the week of the event, but thank you for being on.

And I now want to have Chris Arreola say hello and give an opening statement to the press. Chris, you on?

Chris Arreola: Hey, guys. How are you guys doing, man? Well I’m over here in San Diego just straight training and getting ready for this fight. I know Bermane is going to get ready 100% like he always does, and now it’s my time to get ready 100% and put on a good show on May 10th for everybody live out there on ESPN.

Dan Goossen: Thanks, Chris. And we also have his trainer, Henry Ramirez on. Henry, why don’t you just give us a quick overview of how the training’s been going?

Henry Ramirez: How’s everybody doing? May 10th is rapidly approaching, and Chris is down here working like never before, and no doubt in my mind on May 10th he’s going to come out victorious because of the work he’s putting in here.

Dan Goossen: Sounds good. Let’s open it up, Bernie, for any questions for Chris.

Bernie Bahrmasel: Once again I’m going to go back to Dan Rafael, senior boxing writer for ESPN.com. Go ahead, Dan.

Dan Rafael: Chris, question for you: So this fight sort of to me has two things that would be significant for you. One, of course, is to win the vacant title; two, of course, would be to avenge your loss to Bermane Stiverne from a year or so ago. When you think about this fight, which one is most immediately important to you? Is it the title, or is it just the satisfaction of avenging your loss?

Chris Arreola: Well, as far as what’s important to me, because of the kind of person that I am and the character that I – the dude I am, the guy that I’ve grown up being – I hate losing. And the fact that I get to avenge my loss, to me that means the world, but you’ve got to add to it that I’m going to fight for the world title. Now how sweet could that be, man, avenge a loss and win the title at the same time and making history?

It all comes together, and it’s going to be a great night on May 10th. Bermane did what he was supposed to do on the first fight, and this fight now I have to do what I have to do, which means bring the fight to him and put him on his heels.

Dan Rafael: Chris, in the past you’ve had some important fights, not only always won them. I’ve covered some of them. Often times there has been excuses afterwards about you weren’t focused, weren’t in shape – whatever the case may be. Do you feel like this is the last chance that – we’ve heard those comments from you, those excuses from you – that you’ve got to either put up or be quiet after this one?

Chris Arreola: Absolutely, I have to. That’s why I’m over here in San Diego working my butt off, man, no excuses. In the past I would give myself a reason to have an excuse. I wouldn’t show up at the gym; I wouldn’t do what I’m supposed to do as a professional. And times have changed, man. I feel like I’m a mature fighter, I have what it takes between my ears and in my heart and in my balls. Now it’s time for me to let it all hang out at the boxing gym, and really that’s where the fight is won. The fight is won in the gym.

You know, I hate using excuses, I hate doing excuses. The last time, Bermane beat me. I don’t want to say that it wasn’t because I wasn’t in shape or blah, blah, blah, whatever, whatever. He beat me. He was the one that broke my nose. The fact that I wasn’t in shape doesn’t change the fact that he broke my nose. That’s the main thing.

I was still in the fight, and, like I said, I always believe in my punching ability, and I had no quit in me, and I always believed there was a puncher’s chance. But May 10th there are no excuses. There’s not going to be one, “He should’ve done this; he should’ve done that.” I’m doing everything that I’m supposed to do in the gym, and May 10th we’re going to show who is the better man.

Dan Rafael: Henry, can you speak to that, to Chris’s past excuses in losses, but now his saying how dedicated he is in the gym for this fight? You’re seeing him up close. Is he skipping gym sessions, or is everything going the way you want it?

Henry Ramirez: This camp is going according to plan. This is just like the Arizona camp and preparation for the Seth Mitchell. Obviously not comparing Bermane and Mitchell, but just the camps themselves they are exactly the same. Chris is out here busting his behind. I don’t have to sit at the gym to wonder, “Damn, is he going to show up today,” because when I walk downstairs I knock on his door, “Hey its time to go.” It’s pretty regimented.

Chris puts in two and a half to three hours at the gym, and then he does an hour of conditioning in the evenings. So right now he weighs 244 yesterday, and we’re having to slow him down. We’re having him eat a lot just so he can maintain the weight. Optimum fighting weight is about 237, 240 right in that range, and not a doubt in my mind come May 10th that Chris is going to come out victorious, because honestly he’s training like a desperate man right now – a man very desperate.

Dan Rafael: Chris, are you desperate?

Chris Arreola: Absolutely. I’m very desperate. You know, I’ve done a lot of dumb stuff in my life, and it’s time to stop. It’s time to stop the excuses. It’s time for me to man up and handle my responsibilities in more ways than one, in the boxing gym, in my fight, and life in general, man. It’s just time for me to man up and just do what I’m supposed to do as a man – work hard.

Dan Rafael: Alright, Chris, thanks very much. Henry, I appreciate it. Good luck, guys.

Bernie Bahrmasel: Next up for Chris Arreola and Henry Ramirez is Michael Amakor from FightKings.com. Michael, go ahead please.

Michael Amakor: What pains you about your loss to Bermane? Is that one of the biggest losses of your career, and why does that particular one stick?

Chris Arreola: Oh, well it sticks because it was my last loss. That’s one of the main reasons it sticks most. But it’s very simple: I hate losing. I don’t like losing, and especially when I’m the idiot that causes the loss. Yeah, Bermane broke my nose and stuff like that, but I kept trying and trying to win and win the fight, but I couldn’t. Bermane was just a better fire that night, the better-conditioned fighter.

He was able to put combinations together which I wasn’t. I was just looking for that one shot, and that’s one thing that I won’t be making a mistake this time. I’m not going to be looking for just one shot. I’m going to be on him. I’m going to be accumulating punches, and I’m going to make them work every minute of every round. I said it before, and I mean it: I’m going to make him work.

Michael Amakor: Now, you also mentioned a little about the desperation. Why the desperation at this stage of your career?

Chris Arreola: I have two losses, man. This could be my very last shot, and I’m not going to take this shot for granted. I’m not going to screw this shot up. I’m going to make sure that I make it count. I’m going to make every punch count. I’m going to make this fight count, man.

This is a do-or-die fight for me, man, because I said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m not a paycheck fighter. I’m not a fighter that’s going to be a gatekeeper. That’s not me. I don’t want to be in the sport to do that. I’m in the sport to be a champion, not to be a paycheck fighter or a crossroads kind of fight kind of guy.

Michael Amakor: Okay, and my last question: We, the media, we tend to kind of back you into a corner after you lose a fight, but you’ve actually manned up for all these fights and gone the distance. You’ve not been stopped. Would you, now that you have an opportunity, would you blame yourself for those losses, or would you blame your trainer – I hate to put the trainer on the spot – or certain things that couldn’t allow you to get to your full potential? What have you done in this camp that’s different from everything else?

Chris Arreola: My trainer, he’s a complete jerk. No, I can’t stand the guy. But I’m going to say one thing, man, I can never blame him for my loss. I’m a man. You know, I stand when I pee; I don’t sit when I pee. And I take every loss on me. Henry’s at the gym every day waiting on me. Henry was at the gym making sure that I was doing what I was supposed to do, but it was always up to me. It’s always up to me whether I do it or not.

And of course, every loss is my fault. I’m not going to blame Henry. Henry is doing everything he’s supposed to do. Henry watches fights. Henry analyzes things. I’m the one that didn’t do the work. And the difference now is that when we’re in camp there’s only one car key, and that’s Henry’s car, and we go to the gym every day, and I make sure I put in the work every day. Because, like I said, this fight my back is against the wall. I can’t lose this fight. I won’t lose this fight. I have to do it for myself and for my family.

Bernie Bahrmasel: Great. Thanks very much, Chris. Michael, thanks very much for the questions, we appreciate it. Next up we have Sean Crose from Boxing Insider. Go ahead, Sean.

Sean Crose: It’s good talking to you, sir. I have a question for you. Last time you did a great job with Stiverne the first two rounds. I really thought that you were dominating, and it looked like you might win the fight; however, he ended up asserting himself. So, Chris, how do you intend to keep Stiverne from asserting himself this time around?

Chris Arreola: Well, I’ll tell you exactly what happened in that fight. The first two rounds I was doing well. I was making sure that I was on him and that I was fighting my fight. In the third round, I kind of took it off. I went methodical. I started just throwing my punches and that’s the reason I got caught with that stupid right hand, because I threw a lazy jab.

I got lazy in that fight, and that’s the thing that I’ll make sure that I’m not going to let happen. I’ll make sure that I’m the one dictating the pace. I’m the one that’s going to be dictating the fight. And like I said, I’ve got to keep him on his heels, and right now I’m putting in the work in the gym just to make sure that I do that.

Sean Crose: Well, I wish you the best, and thank you very much. I just have one more question for Mr. Goossen. Mr. Goossen, are you there?

Dan Goossen: I’m here.

Sean Crose: I have a question for you. Whoever wins this fight – and I agree, I thought the first fight was a great fight, and I can’t wait to see this next one. And kudos to ESPN, they’re doing a really good thing with this and so are you guys. Having said all that, do you feel Wladimir Klitschko has to be defeated in order for the heavyweight division to be truly be rejuvenated?

Dan Goossen: Look, no matter who holds this heavyweight title, the Klitschkos have deserved to be recognized as the heavyweight champion, and it’ll be the duty of the winner of this fight to go out there and determine the sole heavyweight champion of the world. You can’t take anything away from Wladimir. He’s held that title for eight years, I believe, if Dan Rafael is correct. Vitali is a great champion.

Now, as you know, with the Fight for Peace a lot of that title is a direct reflection on the respect we have for Vitali and what he’s going through in the Ukraine right now. But also, we’ve got heavyweight history, and heavyweight history is going to determine one of these gentlemen to be heavyweight champion. We believe that Chris Arreola is prepared to hold that belt around his weight right now, but Wladimir Klitschko will still be standing there, and they’re big shoes to fill.

Sean Crose: Oh, all respect due. Unfortunately it’s not always entertaining, but they’re some fighters, both of them. There’s no two ways about it.

Dan Goossen: I’ll tell you, I’m looking forward to seeing Wladimir fight on ESPN because I truly believe with the emergence of Stiverne and Arreola fighting for his brothers title Wladimir is going to go out there on ESPN knowing that he’s got a big viewership possibility, and I think he’s going to go out there and try to show his greatness against Leapai.

Sean Crose: Yeah, I do too. I think he really is aiming to please on this one. Listen, if I could just throw one more question I do not want to hold anyone’s time. But Mr. Kweder, if you’re there – and you may not want to answer this – but do you feel HBO and Showtime have dropped the ball with the heavyweight division?

Brian Kweder: No. I think there’s a lot to offer out in the boxing world and each network has their own priorities, and clearly ESPN stepped up because of the value of the heavyweight division. But I wouldn’t characterize it that way.

Sear Crose: Okay, well I wish you all the best. Thank you very much, and I look forward to seeing this fight.

Bernie Bahrmasel: Thanks very much. Once again we’re going to return to Lem Satterfield from Ring Magazine and RingTV.com. Go ahead, Lem.

Lem Satterfield: Chris, the first time I met you was in August of 2006. You were up at Big Bear sparring. I walked in, and I saw you and Hasim Rahman just going at it, and I have to say you were a lot lighter. But Hasim Rahman told me that all the guys that were there that he thought you were going to be the next heavyweight champion. What do you remember about that session, and what does it mean to you now that this is 13 years to the day that Hasim Rahman upset Lennox Lewis to become an American heavyweight champion?

Chris Arreola: Well first of all, that’s an honor, man, because I never knew he said that about me, man, and that’s a big honor to hear that because honestly I was there and I was working, man, and I loved being up there in his training camp, man. That’s the first big training camp I was ever involved in, and I watched him work, and I watched him work real hard. And one thing I do remember is that every time I got in that ring I wanted to make sure I gave him my all, because I didn’t want to go home. I wanted to keep getting those paychecks every week.

But other than that, man, I enjoy boxing. I enjoy fighting. I enjoy the camaraderie that you get in a fight, and especially in a sparring session because after that you just shake hands like nothing happened and just go about your day like you guys are straight friends. Like me and Bermane, I don’t need to badmouth him. He doesn’t need to badmouth me for me, and on May 10th we’re going to come out there like beasts, like we hate each other. But I don’t hate him, and I’m sure he doesn’t hate me.

Lem Satterfield: Just to real quick touch on at what point – I know you were talking about the first two rounds of the last fight, and then you got knocked down in the third round – at what point was your nose broken, and not to make any excuses, but what kind of effect did it have on you?

Chris Arreola: First of all, when he dropped me that right hand shattered my nose. I didn’t know I had that many bones in it, but it was shattered in like four different places. And right after that I’m the kind of fighter that comes forward, that pushes the pace, that tries to dictate the pace, and that day I just couldn’t do that because every time he punched me was so painful. Even if he didn’t hit me that hard, if he hit me in my gloves or just hit me on the top of my head, I could feel my bones in my nose just grind against each other.

I couldn’t breathe out of my nose. I had to keep breathing out of my mouth and it was tough. It was tough in there. It was tough. If you watch the film, there are a couple times that we’re inside in exchanges and you can see my face just grimacing in pain.

Lem Satterfield: Okay. I just have two more questions for you. Stiverne said that obviously you were a known quality. You had some highly televised fights, including the two losses to Adamek and Klitschko. He said he felt like he was the underdog going into the last fight. Was there any element of surprise on your part – I mean, not to take anything away from his performance – but was there any element of underestimating him at all?

Chris Arreola: Not underestimating him, because I knew the kind of fighter he was, and I wasn’t thinking because of his professional career. I always say the amateur career is a very important part of a boxer’s record, and that’s one thing that I looked at. He had extensive amateur experience, international, experience representing this country, and that’s the main thing. The thing that I did is I didn’t underestimate him, but I thought of myself like King Ding-a-Ling, like my crap didn’t stink, and I don’t need to train as hard as he did because my character was just- my God-given talent would just cruise me by the fight or get me by whatever obstacle I would have to overcome.

That’s what happened. I believed too much in myself and my God-given talent instead of putting in the work that I was supposed to put in, because I knew who I was fighting. I knew that the person who I was fighting is a very good fighter, but I just always just thought that my talent was just that much more superior.

Two World Heavyweight Championship Fights in Two Weeks Live Exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes

ESPN and ESPN Deportes will televise two World Heavyweight Championship fights within two weeks, Wladimir Klitschko (61-3, 52 KOs) vs. Alex Leapai (30-4-3, 24 KOs) on Saturday, April 26 from the König-Pilsener-Arena in Oberhausen, Germany, and, as previously announced, Bermane Stiverne (23-1-1, 20 KOs) vs. Chris Arreola (36-3, 31 KOs) on Saturday, May 10 from the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, both live and exclusive in the U.S.

The 12-round fight between WBA, IBF, and WBO World Heavyweight Champion Klitschko and challenger Leapai will air at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates (Fight Night). Two weeks later, the WBC World Heavyweight Championship fight for the vacant title and rematch between top-rated Stiverne and Arreola will air at 8 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates. That fight will be presented by Corona Extra. Both fights will also be available on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox and Roku via WatchESPN.

“We are thrilled to have ESPN televise this great one-two combination of World Heavyweight title fights,” ESPN senior director of programming & acquisitions Brian Kweder said. “The winners of these two fights will be on a collision course for the potential unification of the Heavyweight title. With fighters like Deontay Wilder, Mike Pérez, Bryant Jennings and Tyson Fury all waiting in the wings, the Heavyweight division is poised for a major comeback.”

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will call Klitschko vs. Leapai for ESPN, while Delvin Rodríguez and Pablo Viruega will call the action for ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates. Two weeks later, Tessitore and Atlas will call the Stiverne vs. Arreola bout, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will present boxing news and highlights on site. Viruega and David Faitelson will call Stiverne vs. Arreola for Noche de Combates, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will anchor the on-site studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both networks.

About the Fights:
Klitschko, of the Ukraine, who will be making his 16th title defense and fighting in his 25th World Heavyweight Championship bout, scored a unanimous decision over Alexander Povetkin in his last fight. Klitschko has held a Heavyweight title longer than anyone in boxing history (IBF, 2006-present) other than Joe Louis (nearly 12 years). He has made the third-most title defenses in Heavyweight history, trailing only Louis (25) and Larry Holmes (20). His challenger, Leapai, a native of Samoa living in Australia, is coming off a November unanimous decision upset win over Denis Boytsov.

Stiverne and Arreola were chosen to fill the vacant WBC title after Wladimir Klitschko’s older brother Vitali vacated the title to pursue his political career in the Ukraine. Stiverne and Arreola will not only battle for the vacant WBC World Heavyweight title, but also to become the first boxers of Haitian or Mexican descent to hold a Heavyweight title. Read more on Stiverne vs. Arreola.

About ESPN Boxing:
ESPN is home to ESPN Friday Night Fights and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates (Spanish version), a weekly boxing series which runs between January and August and showcases some of the best bouts in the boxing industry. Friday Night Fights began on October 2, 1998, and Noche de Combates (formerly Viernes de Combates) began on January 10, 2004. ESPN began televising boxing on April 10, 1980, when weekly boxing returned to television for the first time since 1964, with the debut of Top Rank Boxing on ESPN.

BERMANE STIVERNE INTERVIEW ON ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

Las Vegas (April 10, 2014) Top rated heavyweight contender BERMANE “B. Ware” STIVERNE will make an appearance tomorrow night, Friday, APRIL 11th, leaving his training camp at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, Nevada to discuss his upcoming WBC World Heavyweight Championship fight on this weeks’ edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra (10 p.m. ET, ESPN2) and Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra (10:30 p.m., ESPN Deportes) from the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

ESPN boxing reporter Bernardo Osuna will interview Stiverne on ESPN2 and Noche de Combates studio hosts Claudia Trejos and Leopoldo González will interview Stiverne on ESPN Deportes.

Stiverne, 23-1-1 (20 KO’s) of La Plaine, Haiti will meet CHRIS “The Nightmare” ARREOLA,” 36-3-0 (31 KO’s) of Riverside, California for the vacant World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) Heavyweight Championship in “FIGHT FOR PEACE HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY” on Saturday, May 10th at the USC Galen Center on the campus of the University of Southern California which will be telecast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Stiverne and Arreola are currently ranked #1 and #2 in the world respectively by the WBC.

Alluding to Arreola comments from their first bout in April 2013, won by Stiverne, the Florida resident stated, “It’s not about being in shape as Arreola claims he wasn’t the first time. I’ve got the skills and I’m always in shape.”

Further about the bout once again being in Southern California, Stiverne continued, “I’ve fought all over the world, the ring will be the same and when the bell rings it’s just the two of us and the outcome will be the same as well.”

“FIGHT FOR PEACE HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY” presented by Don King Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotionis a fitting international tribute to the battle for the vacant World Boxing Council Heavyweight Championship of the World previously held by longtime champion Vitali Klitschko who stepped away from boxing officially in December 2013 to focus on the 2014 Ukrainian Presidential Election.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 (plus fees) for the Heavyweight World Championship night of boxing are available through the USC Ticket Office located in the Student Union, 213-740-4672 (GOSC), or www.galentix.com or www.ticketmaster.com
Doors will open on the day of the event at 3:00 p.m. PT with the first
bell at 3:30 p.m. PT.

For more information on the Galen Center visit http://www.usctrojans.com/facilities/usc-galen-center.html

For fight updates go to www.GoossenTutor.comor www.ESPN.com/Boxingon Facebook at facebook.com/GoossenTutor, and on Twitter at @GoossenTutor, and @ESPNBoxing.

Also follow on Twitter, Bermane Stiverne at @BStiverne and Chris Arreola at @NightmareBoxing. Use the hashtag #StiverneArreola2 to join the conversation on Twitter.

TICKET ALERT WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BERMANE STIVERNE VS. CHRIS ARREOLA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 10:00 A.M PT

Los Angeles, California (March 27, 2014) Tickets for “FIGHT FOR PEACE HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY”, The World Boxing Council Heavyweight Championship set for Saturday, May 10 at the Galen Center on the campus of the
University of Southern California will go on sale Tomorrow, Friday March 28 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 (plus applicable fees), advance tickets may
be purchased through the Galen Center Box-Office/USC Ticket Office located in the
Student Union, phone 213-740-4672 (GOSC) or online through www.Galentix.com and
www.Ticketmaster.com Doors will open on the day of the event at 3:00 p.m. with the first bell of the non-televised undercard at 3:30 p.m.

Stiverne, 23-1-1 (20 KO’s), of La Plaine, Haiti and now living in Miami, Florida and Arreola, 36-3-0 (31 KO’s), the Mexican-American of Riverside, California will face-off on Saturday, May 10 at the USC Galen Center on the campus of the University of Southern California for the vacant WBC Heavyweight World Championship which will be telecast live on a special Saturday primetime ESPN broadcast. The winner of this bout will become the first person of their descent, in the history of boxing, to hold the title Heavyweight World Champion.

“FIGHT FOR PEACE HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY” is presented by Don King Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

For more information on the Galen Center visit; www.usctrojans.com/facilities/usc-galen-center.html

For fight updates go to www.goossentutor.com or www.espn.com/boxing on Facebook at facebook.com/GoossenTutor, and on Twitter at twitter.com/GoossenTutor, and twitter.com/ESPNBoxing. Use the hashtag #StiverneArreola2 to join the conversation on Twitter.

BERMANE STIVERNE VS. CHRIS ARREOLA WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP “FIGHT FOR PEACE — HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY” SATURDAY, MAY 10 — LIVE ON ESPN — USC GALEN CENTER

Sherman Oaks, California (March 24, 2014) “FIGHT FOR PEACE” the highly anticipated World Boxing Council Heavyweight Championship of the World and rematch between top-rated world contenders, Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne and Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola will take place on SATURDAY, MAY 10 from the USC Galen Center in Downtown Los Angeles and telecast LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and presented by Corona Extra.

Hall of Fame Promoter Don King of Don King Productions and Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions made the announcement jointly today.

“ESPN is in it to win it…and ‘win’ in it they have…hitting a grand slam home run in public opinion in welcoming the prodigal son of the sport of boxing – The WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World Title Event back to America – Halleluiah!” said the ever-enthusiastic Don King, promoter of Bermane Stiverne.

“FIGHT FOR PEACE” is a fitting international tribute to the battle for the vacant World Boxing Council Heavyweight Championship of the World previously held by longtime champion Vitali Klitschko who stepped away from boxing officially in December 2013 to focus on the 2014 Ukrainian Presidential Election where he is seeking to become the country’s leader.

“Vitali was a great champion, in and out of the ring, and the winner of this fight will have big shoes to fill wearing the green belt around their waist,” said Dan Goossen promoter of Arreola. “Chris will definitely be going into this fight with his back against the wall. It’s that type of do-or-die situation I believe when he’s the most motivated and dangerous. To top off this history making, and what is sure to be great event, is ESPN’s participation, the home to all major sporting events, putting additional broadcast significance to this Heavyweight World Championship fight.”

Stiverne and Arreola previously battled on April 27, 2013 in Ontario, California, with the Florida resident winning a 12-round unanimous decision over the Southern California based Mexican-American who fought valiantly through a knockdown and broken nose, both suffered in the third round.

The flamboyant King went on to say, “Bermane Stiverne vs. Chris Arreola fighting for the most coveted crowning ceremony in the world of sports scheduled to take place on May 10, 2014 – as Heavyweights go…so goes boxing! Never has that saying had more relevance than now.” “Needless to say there is great joy in the land of fisticuffs creating great excitement for boxing fans around the world who will celebrate this homecoming with bated breath and great anticipation awaiting the destiny of this fantastic rematch: Stiverne vs. Arreola for the WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World broadcast exclusively via ESPN.”

The move by ESPN to telecast the Stiverne-Arreola Championship bout is unprecedented and in recent years heavyweight title bouts have been broadcast primarily on premium cable channels or pay-per-view.

“For nearly 35 years, ESPN has been the premier destination for sports fans,” Goossen said. “We’re thrilled to work with their team to allow sports fans around the world the opportunity to watch a World Heavyweight Championship on what is the undisputed Worldwide Leader in Sports.”

“FIGHT FOR PEACE” exemplifies the obstacles both Stiverne and Arreola have climbed to be in position to do what no other person of their descent have done in the 100-plus years of our sport. With a victory, Stiverne would become the first Haitian to win the Heavyweight World Championship. And for Arreola, with all the great Mexican champions throughout the history of boxing, none have ever held the most prestigious belt of them all. History will be made on this night.

“ESPN has a long history of carrying world class boxing events, but this certainly ranks up there with the best that we’ve televised,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “Dan Goossen and Don King deserve credit for having the vision to distribute this potentially historical match to as many households as possible and we are thrilled to be televising the fight.”

Assistant Athletic Director and General Manager of USC Galen Center, Carl Reed added, “We are very excited to be part of the historic Heavyweight World Championship match between Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola. We have hosted numerous national and international events; this Heavyweight Championship fight will deliver the knockout blow that will set the USC Galen Center apart from all other venues. I look forward to working with both promoters, Don King and Dan Goossen in ensuring this is a fight for the ages!”

With a record of 23-1-1 (20 KO’s), the hard-hitting Stiverne, originally from La Plaine, Haiti and now living in Miami, Florida is currently world ranked as the #1 contender in the WBC heavyweight rankings.

“The only thing I’m thinking about right now is putting my hands on that title. As a matter of fact, to me, I’m going to the ring like I’m defending my title. This title is mine. It’s my title, you know what I’m saying; they just didn’t give it to me yet. I’m going in there to defend my title. I feel like I’m ready already. I feel great. I look great and I just can’t wait man. I can’t wait to make history, so everybody lookout for that fight. It’s gonna’ be a fantastic performance and a lot of pain and a knockout,” stated top heavyweight contender Bermane Stiverne, who talked about his anticipated rematch with Chris Arreola and his own desire to be crowned the new WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World.

Stiverne’s trainer, Don House added, “I’ve evaluated this fight and we have been going at this like Bermane hasn’t fought Arreola before, as if everything is brand new. Can Arreola bring anything into this fight differently? No. He may come to fight in the best shape of his life but he doesn’t have the skills to beat Bermane. He doesn’t have the power or speed that Bermane does. Arreola will be right there, Bermane won’t have to look for him, and Bermane will be ready to fight 12 rounds.”

Ranked the #2 heavyweight by the WBC, Arreola, 36-3-0 (31 KO’s), returned to action following the disappointing loss to Stiverne with a devastating first round stoppage of top contender Seth Mitchell on September 7, 2013 in Indio, California.

“I’m very excited about fighting for the WBC Title once again and having it seen on my favorite television network ESPN. I have a great opportunity to get my revenge against Stiverne and make history in one night and I plan to deliver,” stated Arreola.

Henry Ramirez, trainer of Arreola said, “Not too many times do you get a chance to right a wrong, and on May 10 Chris will have his chance to do just that with everything on the line. I know we have a tough task but I have zero doubt Chris Arreola will be the WBC World Heavyweight Champion and first ever of Mexican descent to hold such title.”

“FIGHT FOR PEACE” from the USC Galen Center in Downtown Los Angeles will be exclusively televised Live on Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN. Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 (plus customary fees) will go on sale shortly.

King, the Hall of Fame promoter concluded, “This is a must see and you cannot afford to miss it. You just have to be there, and you can be there, live and in living color with the movie stars, the sports stars, celebrities, dignitaries and world leaders on the scene with the crowd going wild – this is history in the making. Or, you can enjoy the thrilling cheers of excitement at your own house party… in your living room watching the provocatively spectacular TV broadcast on ESPN with friends and neighbors. What a super coup this is for ESPN…seizing the time and grasping the opportunity to reestablish the sport of boxing. Give the people what they want and they will respond with the magical question – When is the next one? ESPN has done just that – give the people what they want using indomitable courage, business genius and visionary ingenuity to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat. BY ESPN’s televising boxing’s redemption, it gives the sweet science a return to glory from its fall from grace. But more importantly, it is the “Fight for Peace” symbolizing the essence of America’s creed- freedom, justice, equality, liberty, and peace which makes all American’s proud, happy and extremely grateful. Thank you ESPN.”

The network will also present comprehensive news and analysis in anticipation and leading into the fight.

For more information on Goossen Tutor Promotions, follow Dan Goossen/Goossen Tutor on Twitter @DanGoossen, @GoossenTutor, Facebook at /GoossenTutor and visit their website at www.GoossenTutor.com.

Eye of the Tiger Management Developing hidden jewels in Canada

MONTREAL (March 18, 2014) – Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) has been developing world-class boxers in Canada the past few years and now, thanks to its hi-definition network (PunchingGrace.com) and popular Fight Night Series, American fight fans may watch top contenders and prospects from North of the Border before they fight on United States-based networks like HBO, Showtime and ESPN.

The seventh installment of the popular Fight Night Series will be Friday night, March 28, featuring World-rated welterweight Antonin Decarie (29-2, 9 KOs), also airing live on pay per view from Lac Leamy Casino in Gatineau, Ontario, Canada.

Fight Club Series, presented by Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM), is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 7:00 p.m. ET – 4:00 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via DIRECTV, iN Demand, DISH, and Avail-TVN. The event may also be watched worldwide on PPV at www.PunchingGrace.com.

“We’re giving our fighters opportunities to be seen fighting outside of Canada, through PunchingGrace and PPV in the US, by expanding our borders,” EOTTM promoter Camille Estephan explained. “Their fights will be available to watch in close to 70-million U.S. households alone.”

EOTTM heavyweight Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne was virtually unknown in the U.S. until his last fight, in which he won a unanimous decision on HBO in convincing fashion against Chris Arreola. WBC #1 Stiverne and #2 Arreola will fight again May 10 on ESPN, at a site to be determined, for the WBC title vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko.

Stiverne’s stable-mate and fellow Haitian, junior welterweight Dierry “Dougy Style” Jean (25-1, 17 KOs), was introduced to the American public on ShoBox, which led to him challenging IBF world champion Lamont Peterson. Jean lost a 12-unanimous decision but proved that he belong among the elite 140-pounders in the world.

“People all over the world are going to know Bermane because of the exposure he’s going to get fighting on ESPN (not ESPN2 that Friday Night Fights is on), but the main ESPN station that shows professional football and other leading sporting events,” Estephan said. “He is fortunate to have that window of opportunity. He’s a heavyweight with power and balls who has the footwork of a lightweight. He’s deadly serious about what he’s doing. We don’t just want him to win the world heavyweight title, we want him to win and defend it many times. He’s not looking past Arreola and is preparing to fight him like they’ve never fought before. They’re the top two heavyweights in the world without a world title.

“Dierry Jean didn’t lose to Peterson because of his ability. Peterson was at his best, his experience and ability to adjust were the difference. Dierry will be fighting in late April, early May, on his way back to the top. He also has the advantage of being able to fight at junior welterweight or lightweight.”

WBC #8/IBF #13 Decarie burst on the American boxing scene on HBO, when he upset previously unbeaten Alex Perez, and the popular French-Canadian parlayed that into another high-profile appearance on HBO, albeit losing a 10-round decision to Luis Carlos Abregu.

Decarie faces former Mexican champion Pablo “Sepulturero” Munguia (19-4, 11 KOs) Mar. 28 in the 10-round main event.

Antonin Decarie vs. Pablo Munguia LIVE on Pay Per View March 28th at 7 pm EST
Antonin Decarie vs. Pablo Munguia LIVE on Pay Per View March 28th at 7 pm EST

The next EOTTM hidden jewel who most American boxing fans may not know yet is WBC #3/IBF #5 lightweight Ghislain “Mani” Maduma (16-0, 10 KOs), the reigning NABA and NABF champion. “Maduma is going to burst on the scene – the same show as Dierry fights – in an IBF eliminator,” Estephan noted. “People watching him fight are going to ask where this guy came from because he hasn’t fought on a major network yet. He is an awesome talent.”

The next wave of EOTTM fighters soon to be introduced to American fans include super middleweight Schiller Hyppolite (8-1, 5 KOs), who takes on George Beroshvili (8-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout on Mar. 28.

“Schiller has tremendous talent and the super middleweight division is big in Canada having produced Lucian Bute, Jean Pascal and Adonis Stevenson,” Estephan concluded. “He learned from his only loss and had to make an attitude adjustment. Another fighter who is going to make big news is welterweight Mian Hussian. He has two brothers who are fighters and all they do is box – sleep, eat, train — and then do it all over again the next day. He has a lot of power, plus he’s fast and mean. All he lacks is experience. And don’t forget middleweight (IBF #8, WBO #11, WBC #13) David Lemieux (31-2, 29 KOs). He came up a little too fast but now he’s back and we’ll have some big news about him very soon. And we just signed Steven Butler, a promising 18-year-old who was the youngest Canadian National Team champion.”

Other Mar. 28 undercard fights include lightweight Chris Plaitis (5-0-1) vs. Jesus “Diamante” Perez (4-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round match; super middleweight Pascal Villeneuve (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Francois “The Tank” Miville (6-1, 2 KOs) and Mitch Louis-Charles (3-1-1, 2 KOs) vs. Guillaume Coude (2-0, 1 KO), cruiserweight Samer Baraket (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Sandy Pembroke (3-7, 1 KO), and heavyweight Zack Bunce (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Steven Harvey (4-1, 2 KOs) in four-round fights.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

For further information about EOTTM and Punching Grace, as well as the Mar. 28 show, please visit www.eottm.com, www.PunchingGrace.com or www.IntegratedSportsNet.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @IntegratedPPV.

House that Don built World Heavyweight Contender Bermane ‘B.Ware’ Stiverne

OTTAWA, Canada (January 19, 2014) – The impending World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight championship fight to determine the successor of recently retired Vitali Klitschko, matching the WBC’s top two contenders, respectively, WBC Silver champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (23-1, 20 KOs) against Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-3, 31 KOs), is extra special for Stiverne’s veteran head trainer, Don House.

“First,” he explained, “I’ve been with Bermane since the first day and that’s really why this is so special for me. It’s also special for me because I’ve been part of teams for world champions – Diego Corrales, Kevin Kelly, Joan Guzman, Frankie Liles and others – but I’ve never been the head trainer of the world heavyweight champion or a WBC world champion.

“Bermane has grown a lot since the beginning (pro debut July 29, 2005). He was young and a little immature back them. The first time I saw him hitting the heavy-bag I said I could make him a champ and give him the discipline he needed. He liked to say he was a boxer but the last couple of years he has believed he’d be world champion. There’s been no stopping him since the Arreola fight.”

Last April in his second successful WBC heavyweight title eliminator, Stiverne successfully defended his WBC Silver belt, winning an impressive 12-round unanimous decision (118-109, 117-110, 117-10) over Arreola, breaking his opponent’s nose and dropping him in the third round despite a serious right shoulder injury that was aggravated during their fight.

The strong bond between House and Stiverne, who seeks to become the first Haitian World Heavyweight Champion, goes beyond a trainer-fighter relationship. “House is like a big brother to me,” Stiverne said from training camp in Las Vegas where they both live. “The relationship isn’t on a business level, it’s more like family. In my amateur days, I was more of a brawler, but House taught me how to box and be smart in the ring. I knew how to fight and go toe-to-toe back in the day but he taught me to relax in the ring, be calm, and use skills I never knew I had. With him and my conditioning coach, Victor Vargotski, I have the best team I could ever have.”

“Don House has been with Bermane from day one,” Stiverne’s manager Camille Estephan commented. “He is one helluva coach and an excellent person. He and Victor Vargotski have been by Bermane every step of the way. Together, we truly form a family. The bond is very strong and I believe this makes a difference in the sense that there is true trust established, which gives Bermane peace of mind and faith in what he is working on in the gym. This is truly priceless.”

Three scheduled purse bids for mandatory challenger Stiverne to challenge Klitschko were postponed, however, nothing can deter Stiverne and the WBC eventually mandated his world title fight versus Arreola for the vacant belt. They may not know exactly where or when, yet, but Stiverne and House are preparing as if this is not a rematch with Arreola.

“I’ve evaluated this fight and we have been going at this like Bermane hasn’t fought Arreola before, as if everything is brand new,” House noted. “Can Arreola bring anything into this fight differently? No. He may come to fight in the best shape of his life but he doesn’t have the skills to beat Bermane. He doesn’t have the power or speed that Bermane does. Arreola will be right there, Bermane won’t have to look for him, and he will be ready to fight 12 rounds.

“I never hear anything about injuries or illness from Bermane until after the fight in the locker-room. He keeps that stuff to himself and I didn’t know how badly he hurt his shoulder during training camp. And he hurt himself during the fight, too. This fight he is going to finish things. He fought sick in the Ray Austin fight (101 temperature in Stiverne’s first WBC eliminator win). It just shows how much heart and balls he has; no excuses, ever, from Bermane.”

The 34-year-old Stiverne, noted, “My injured right shoulder was the reason I had to go with plan B and why I didn’t throw a lot of right hands. I dropped him with the only right I threw with power that landed. I came out to finish him the next (fourth) round but slipped and pulled a muscle in my back. I wouldn’t let that bother me, though, despite how painful it was. I kept going and followed the plan to get a W and was rushed to the hospital right after the fight. I learned that, whatever the issue, I still fight like a warrior and that’s the real meaning of no pain, no gain.”

The WBC ordered the promoters of the two fighters – Don King Productions (Stiverne) and Goossen-Tutor Promotions (Arreola) – to negotiate but the fight is slated to go to a WBC purse bid in Mexico on Monday, Jan. 24 unless an agreement is reached prior to the already extended deadline.

“The world heavyweight title means you’re the baddest man on the planet,” House concluded, “unlike a Tiger Woods, ‘Magic’ Johnson or even Floyd Mayweather. This title brings a different twist to sports.”

For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne

Bermane Stiverne on mission to become 1st Haitian-born World Heavyweight Champion

OTTAWA, Canada (January 2, 2014) – On his mission to become the first Haitian-born heavyweight champion of the world, World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver champion Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (23-1, 20 KOs) still doesn’t know exactly when and where he will be fighting for the vacant WBC heavyweight world title.

After patiently waiting 2 ½ years as the mandatory challenger, though, the 34-year-old Stiverne understands that he will be in his first world title fight sometime during the first-quarter of 2014 – date, place and network to be determined – in a rematch with Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-3, 31 KOs).

Once Vitali Klitschko finally announced his retirement, the WBC mandated a title fight between its top two rated heavyweights, No. 1 Stiverne and No. 2 Arreola, ordering their respective promoters, Don King Productions and Goossen-Tutor Promotions, to begin negotiations. Stiverne-Arreola will go to a WBC purse bid in Mexico if an agreement is not reached by the January 17.

Stiverne knocked out Ray Austin on June 25, 2011 in the 10th round of their WBC heavyweight title eliminator to capture the WBC Silver championship. Last April in another WBC heavyweight title eliminator, Stiverne successfully defended his Silver belt, winning an impressive 12-round unanimous decision (118-109, 117-110, 117-10) over Arreola, breaking Arreola’s nose and dropping him in the third round. Also, three purse bids for Stiverne to challenge Klitschko were postponed during Stiverne’s arduous journey to his dream of fighting for the world title.

“I believe that good things happen to those who wait,” Stiverne said sounding more like a philosopher than world heavyweight title challenger. “I also believe that one of my best qualities is to be patient for things that I want and care about in life, especially if I’m putting in work at 110-percent.

“I am not disappointed that I won’t be fighting Klitschko. All I care about right now is to get my hands on that green belt and to be the first Haitian heavyweight champion of the world. I have the best team in boxing to take care of this matter. It is not my concern about where or when. My job is to be ready when the time and date comes.”

“Although we’ve been patiently waiting,” Stiverne’s manager Camille Estephan (Eye Of The Tiger Management) noted, “we have not been sitting idle. Bermane has been hard at work, perfecting his skills and abilities, and his time waiting has been an investment. We will show that the sacrifice in efforts during that time has, without doubt, produced the best heavyweight in the world. Bermane is eager to show that in his upcoming performance.”

Stiverne, who lives in Montreal and trains in Las Vegas, isn’t looking at his fight with Arreola as a rematch. “As far as I’m concerned,” Stiverne explained, “this will be the first time I fight him. My performance will be impeccable and very painful. I will knock his ass out!”

For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eottmvd and @BermaneStiverne.