WILLIAM HILL TO SPONSOR IBF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION ANTHONY JOSHUA’S NEXT THREE FIGHT NIGHTS

Anthony Joshua
William Hill have signed a deal with Matchroom Sport to be the title sponsors of IBF World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua’s next three fight nights’. The new agreement follows on from their sponsorship of AJ’s last two fights – against Dillian Whyte and his World title winning performance against Charles Martin.

Joshua (16-0-16 KO) defends his title for the first time at The O2 in London this Saturday when he faces the unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale. The Californian (17-0-15 KO) is no stranger to London having represented the USA in the 2012 Olympic Games, where Joshua won gold. Both fighters predicted an explosive knockout on ‘The Gloves Are Off’ preview on Sky Sports on Sunday night – and unsurprisingly the bookmakers agree. The sponsors are offering odds of 14/1 for both fighters to be knocked down at any stage of the fight.

The Joshua v Breazeale undercard features some other mouth-watering bouts – including the Super-Middleweight clash between Martin Murray and George Groves. Other big names on the undercard include Chris Eubank Junior, Dillian Whyte, Anthony Ogogo, Kal Yafai and Conor Benn.

The event will be watched by a 17,000 strong sell-out crowd at the O2 Arena in London, while millions more will tune in on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, Showtime in the USA and via other associated broadcasters around the world.

Alex O’Shaughnessy, Chief Marketing Officer at William Hill said “We’re delighted to sign this new deal with Matchroom Sport. Anthony Joshua is one of the most talked about boxers of our generation and it’s exciting to align our brand to this true British sporting icon.”

Eddie Hearn, Managing Director at Matchroom Sport, said “AJ is one of the biggest draws in world boxing right now and it’s fantastic to have one of Britain’s biggest brands with us on his journey to greatness. We’ve built up a really strong working relationship with William Hill over the last year and I believe it will continue for many years to come.”




Martin vs. Joshua: Approaching the Fight | IBF Heavyweight World Championship on SHOWTIME




CHARLES MARTIN vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

IBF Heavyweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Charles Martin – 245 Pounds
Anthony Joshua – 244 Pounds

IBF Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Lee Selby – 125 Pounds
Eric Hunter – 125 ¼ Pounds

NOTE: Highlight coverage of Selby vs. Hunter will air on this Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® telecast, preceding the live presentation of the IBF Heavyweight World Championship between unbeaten American titlist Charles Martin and fellow unbeaten British Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua. Martin vs. Joshua airs live on SHOWTIME® at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

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Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.




CHARLES MARTIN vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Charles Martin (640x480)
LONDON (April 7, 2016) – IBF Heavyweight World Champion Charles Martin and unbeaten British Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua faced off at the final press conference on Thursday at Four Seasons Hotel in London as they near Saturday’s heavyweight showdown, live on SHOWTIME from The O2.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME. An encore presentation will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Here’s what Martin and Joshua had to say at Thursday’s final press conference.

CHARLES MARTIN:
“I don’t consider this a risk. The O2 Arena, that’s my arena. I’m comfortable everywhere I go. When eyes are on me, I’m going to perform.

“I know how to move my head and be evasive. Real true analysts see the things I do. They can tell.

“I’m always here to prove the doubters wrong. When you doubt me, that just fuels my fire.

“We’re going to keep the tide rolling. We’re rolling.”

ANTHONY JOSHUA:
“They know when it comes to these big heavy-hitters we don’t play games. We’re here to go to war. We’ve just got two generals in the ring and the best army wins.

“You know what I’m like, I’m a fighter. I’m not going to go in there and dance around and try to evade punches. I’m going to walk through two to give him five. That’s just how it goes, I’m coming for him.

“I’m here to box, but at the same time I know I’m ready to swim through deep waters to get it. It’s not going to be easy, I know that for a fact, no fight is easy. That’s why I said to you I will box and hopefully it will be an easy night.

“It most definitely is a risk, but at the same time let’s scrap all this 15-fight, 16-fight nonsense and let’s put men in the ring together who want it. Whoever wants it comes out on top and it’s simple as that.”

When asked if he can control his emotions: “Probably not. I’ll probably go out and try to take his head off.”

Additional Fight Week Quotes (free to use):

CHARLES MARTIN:

“I don’t know how the fans will react to me knocking him out, but that’s what is going to happen. I don’t know how the fans in London will react, but I can only be myself.

“I’m world champion, but a lot of people don’t know me. After I knock him out we’ll see where that goes.

“I’m not going to go in there respecting anybody’s power. He’s going to have to respect me and my power and deal with me and my tools. I don’t care what he’s bringing to the table.

“This is my livelihood and I get real emotional with this. If you don’t take emotion into it then how are you even going to win? I’ve got to walk my own path. When I get emotional ahead of a big fight like this, I feel that I cannot be stopped. Even if I have doubt, I always have that.

“I don’t think about where he’s been. All I care about is where he’s going. I don’t care if he’s been in deep water before, or how many rounds he’s been. I want him to remember the word ‘timber’ because I’m going to make his ass hit that canvas real hard.

“This belt is mine. He’s trying to take what’s mine, take something from me. He’s trying to steal food out of my mouth, out of my kids’ mouth, out of my family’s mouth. This is my livelihood.

“I don’t want to let this go: this is never going to end. I want to be known as the greatest southpaw heavyweight that ever put on a set of gloves.

“When I get to this point now, I can’t be stopped. I’m like Lamon Brewster versus Wladimir Klitschko when he unloaded all those shots until he couldn’t throw anymore punches. And then what did Lamon Brewster do? Knock him the (expletive) out. Just that will to win, man. You can throw whatever you want, but I’ll walk through fire to get you.

“It’s controlled aggression, though, because if it’s not, you’ll run into everything they throw at you. I go in there with my antennas to the ceiling and I won’t take my eyes off him until the job is done.

“Everything is just cooking in the kitchen like I am a master chef, and all of the ingredients put together make it perfect.

“Life is all about taking risks but I don’t consider this a risk because I’m confident in what I do. It’s all about just taking that first step. You’ve got to walk out on your own and you’ve got to believe in yourself. If I didn’t believe in myself I wouldn’t have made it this far. If I didn’t believe in myself I wouldn’t be Prince Charles Martin.

“The belt is absolutely in the right hands. I didn’t want to win it the way I did – that was just crazy – I don’t even really like talking about it because it wasn’t my fault. Afterwards, he walked out of the venue – he didn’t limp or get carried out, he walked. If that was me I’d have fought on and gone out on my shield. You’d have to knock me out no matter what. I don’t care if I break my hand, if I break my jaw, I am not stopping.”

ANTHONY JOSHUA:
“I believe I am ready to win the world title. A lot of people have said that this might be too soon for me, that I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, but right now my knuckles are itchy and I just want to get in there and show the world what I can do.

“When my promoter Eddie Hearn called me up and said ‘do you want to fight Charles Martin for the world heavyweight title?’ I just said: ‘Let’s roll’.

“Opportunity knocks and you have to open the door. I have trained and prepared correctly and am ready for this. There’s no turning back. I just embrace it.

“We saw the opportunity when Martin called me out. I was like, ‘OK Mr. IBF calling me out.’ The IBF champ calling out the British champ. I’ve got the heavyweight champion of the world calling me out saying he wants to fight me. I say cool. Let’s rock and roll.

“At the end of the day, let’s strip away the heavyweight title and let’s look at the opponent I’m facing. Charles Martin is a southpaw who can box and who can punch a bit.

“Facing a southpaw always comes with different angles and different tricks. I can’t go in recklessly because you can easily get counter punched. That’s why sparring is important and having a successful camp is important. I know I’ve done all I can to prepare myself for him.

“Let’s welcome Charles into the Lion’s den. He’s coming to The O2 – this is my stomping ground. When I fight here it’s electric and it’s going to be an amazing atmosphere, the best yet. It’s going to be interesting to see how he handles it. What a night it will be if I can lift that belt above my head.

“Sometimes you got to put talent to one side and dig deep. This is the fight game; you got to prove to yourself that when tactics aren’t working, you’ve got to dig a bit deeper, go to war and find a way to win. That’s what I thought when I fought Dillian (Whyte). Certain things weren’t working, I was rushing a bit, I wasn’t in my comfort zone, but I dug deep I found a way to win and I ended the night in a spectacular knockout.

“After I do the business with Martin, a fight with (Tyson) Fury is 10 or 12 months away — providing he handles his business in (Wladimir) Klitschko rematch.

“I find Fury a bit irritating to be honest. All his antics work for him, I suppose, but I can’t wait to fight him. He’s had plenty to say about me, and it’s coming from the same guy that was singing my praises when I sparred with him when I was a complete novice.

“As time goes on, it’s going to get worse for the others because my confidence will grow, I’ll train, learn and take it into the ring.

“David Haye? Bring it on. My heart tells me I am ready. I am at championship level now. After I get Martin out of the way, David is a massive name and when we’re ready to get it on it will be a huge fight.”

# # #

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.




Video: Anthony Joshua: Knockout Highlights | Martin vs. Joshua – April 9th on SHOWTIME




CHARLES MARTIN-ANTHONY JOSHUA MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT FOR IBF HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 9, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Charles Martin (640x480)
Chris DeBlasio
Good evening, good afternoon, and good morning to everyone joining us from two countries across the world. I want to thank you for taking the time to be on. On today’s conference call, we have Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua. We’ll have Leon Margules and Charles Martin a little bit later. We want to kick off the exciting heavyweight fight that we’re going to present this Saturday. SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL presents the IBF Heavyweight World Championship fight live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/ 2 p.m. PT from The O2 Arena in London. As you all know, we will also offer an encore presentation of this telecast later that night on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 8 p.m. The SHOWTIME telecast will include highlights of the IBF Featherweight World Title Fight between defending champion Lee Selby and Philadelphia’s Eric Hunter, which will take place early on the undercard at The O2. Our presentation of the event will be hosted by Brian Custer with analysis from Boxing Hall of Fame Sportscaster, Al Bernstein, and Two Division World Champion Paul Malignaggi from our studios in New York. The live fight coverage will be provided by Sky Sports. I’d like to begin with a few words from the man who’s assembled a terrific schedule for live boxing events on SHOWTIME over the next several weeks. He is Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks, Chris. And thanks to everyone on the call for joining. Saturday begins our incredibly strong line up, really the strongest line up of any network this year. Seven live boxing telecasts, featuring at least nine world championship fights, soon to be more than that as we fill up the under cards, over a 12 week span. And among them, of course, we’re highlighting some of the most important fights in the most exciting and talent rich divisions. And case in point is Saturday’s heavyweight match-up, which, of course, is highlighting a division that has suddenly become very, very interesting. A new era of heavyweight boxing has really emerged. The landscape is changing fight-to-fight, sometimes punch-to-punch. We’ve got recently crowned champions and challengers, all looking to really establish themselves as the future of the division. And I can’t think of a better fight to kick off this strong slate that we’ve got this spring and summer than this title fight of undefeated Charles Martin, making his first title defense against the also undefeated rising star Anthony Joshua in what I’m sure will be a sold out O2 Arena. We’re also very proud to be hosting the U.S. TV debut of Anthony Joshua, so those of us here in the States can see what all the excitement over in the UK is all about. Between the two of them, they’ve got a combined record of 38-0-1 with 36 knockouts. That’s a 94 percent knockout ratio. So, of course, we are expecting a lot of excitement this Saturday night. With that, I’ll turn it back over to you, Chris.

Chris DeBlasio
I’d like to introduce from Matchroom Sport, Eddie Hearn. Eddie, you and your team have been busy selling out arenas across England this year, a couple of sellouts already. Thank you for taking the time to be with us and making time for the U.S. press. Maybe a few words and an introduction for team Joshua, please.

Eddie Hearn
Thank you, Chris. Yeah, we’ve already had some huge events this year, and the UK is absolutely thriving at the moment, but this event is on another level. Anthony Joshua has broken box office records, viewing figure records consistently since his début a couple of years ago at the same arena. On Saturday night, he looks to become the first British Heavyweight Olympic Gold Medalist to go on and win a world title. It’s a wonderful fight between two very talented, young, big punching heavyweights, and it’s the fastest selling event ever at the O2 Arena, selling 17,000 tickets in just 90 seconds. The anticipation here is on another level. You can’t walk down the street without someone asking if AJ’s going to do it. On Saturday night, as Stephen pointed out, the knockout ratio is second to none. Expect fireworks; expect anticipation, drama, absolutely everything in a wonderful O2 Arena. And, of course, our thanks always to our host, broadcaster in the UK, Sky Sports, but also to Stephen Espinoza and SHOWTIME. I’ve been telling Stephen Espinoza for a long time about Anthony Joshua, and I’m so pleased that the U.S. public will get a chance to see him in action on Saturday night, when I believe he will become the Heavyweight Champion of the World. I’m going to pass over to Anthony Joshua.

Anthony Joshua
Many thanks for you guys taking the time to join the call. Eddie mentioned some great figures and great achievements that we have accomplished from the time I turned professional, and also the fact that the excitement of the heavyweight division is back and it’s an honor to be involved in it, especially here in the UK. And sometimes in heavyweight boxing the UK’s been overlooked, but I think right now people are looking at us and starting to respect the division a lot more. Moving forward with the fight against Charles Martin, as you said, it’s a 96 percent –or 94 percent knockout ratio between us both, but the end of the game for both of us is, obviously, hit without getting hit, but someone will go and someone though has to be removed, and I’m very confident on Saturday night that won’t be me. And I think the rewards of that becoming IBF Heavyweight Champion of the World. And why I’m so content is that God willing I win this championship, I then want to go on to unify the division. So, that’s why I keep my head in the game and stay focused and just look at it as another task on my checklist.

Question
It seems that this is coming a little bit quicker than maybe you or Eddie or anybody on your team anticipated, the opportunity to fight Martin. Can you address how soon this has come in your career compared to when maybe you thought it would arrive, the opportunity to fight for one of these titles?

Anthony Joshua
Yeah, I think we were looking at 12 months’ time. And at the same time it is about my development, because you’re only as good as your last fight. So, when the opportunity came, what I was doing, I was looking at various opponents, the majority of them American opponents as well, who are some in the top 10 and some who (fought) at a world level or contending at world level. And they’re very tough opponents as well, but moving forward April 9, I wanted to get a good contender and to show that my progression from the Dillian Whyte fight. I fought a fight that I didn’t need to, but I still swam the waters, and I came out on top. So, I wanted to show I could go in with, you know, good contenders and defeat them with ease. And when Charles Martin came around, as I said, and I’ll say it again, I took away the fact that he’s IBF Heavyweight Champion of the World. And when I look at Charles Martin as an individual it’s not that I see weaknesses, but I feel that I’m the better man, and they always say the better man will win on the night, and I feel confident of winning, and I feel the fact that the IBF Championship comes with it gives it that much more kudos and why there is a lot more attention around it. But, I’ll leave the attention and, you know, all the hype and the building of the fight that’s down to Eddie, the team, but when I look at the fight itself it’s no problem. I’ll take this fight with both hands, and that’s how I kind of managed to secure my confidence moving forward with this heavyweight championship fight.

Question
Anthony, when you look at the landscape, the British boxing scene is thriving. You’ll have a heavyweight title if you win. Tyson Fury, no disrespect, is clearly the recognized champion in the weight class with two titles and the victory against Klitschko. And there’s other, big names in the heavyweight division that fight out of the UK. Would it be good for you to match up with some of these other guys over there, Fury and Haye in particular?

Anthony Joshua
It has to happen. It is a big deal, because I look at it like when you go back in history, Foreman fought Ali. Ali fought Frazier. Then you have Tyson fighting Holyfield. Holyfield and Lewis. And then, you’ve just got the UK heavyweight: so Haye, Price, Fury, myself. Every division has to mix it up. So, if moving forward I get the victory, it just adds a bit of fuel to that fire, and these fights are going to happen sooner than later. So, I can’t shy away from it. I’ve got to prepare myself. And how I look at Charles Martin is I train for Charles Martin, but I’ve got to train for 10 fights ahead of Charles Martin because it’s only going to get tougher, and that’s why I have to have the confidence. My mind says, ‘I can beat Charles Martin because I want to go to that level above as well.’

Question
Eddie, could you address that?

Eddie Hearn
Anthony Joshua against David Haye is probably the bigger of the two fights, but Joshua against Tyson Fury and a unification fight between two Brits, I mean, you know, it’s (huge).

Question
A fight between British boxers for the heavyweight championship has never happened, right?

Eddie Hearn
No, no, no, no it hasn’t. And, you know, it might never happen again. So, absolutely huge. As Anthony said, 100 percent of our eyes are on Saturday night, but at the same time we know the rewards, and the rewards come through a huge fight. And Tyson Fury is a character that would take the Anthony Joshua fight at the drop of hat, and we feel exactly the same way.

Question
How nervous are you, Eddie, about Saturday given that you brought up Anthony from day one in the pros? And I know this is a little sooner than you expected. You know, the fighter will do his job. But is it difficult for you to sit there with the nerves watching what’s unfolding in the ring?

Eddie Hearn
Yeah, I’m nervous, but I’m so excited. I mean, this is what boxing is — this is what the sport is all about. You know, we’re rolling the dice, and we’re doing it quicker than many would do it, but we’re doing it because Anthony Joshua makes the ultimate call. The team — he will get his opinions from myself and the training team, who all feel he can beat Charles Martin, but the man who has the ultimate say is Anthony Joshua, and, luckily, he’s a very bright individual who believes he can beat Charles Martin. It doesn’t matter if it’s Saturday night or 12 months’ time, when you get the opportunity to fight for the World Heavyweight title in your backyard, you have to take it and especially when you’re a favorite going into the fight. I mean, the odds are ludicrous. You know, this is a close fight. This is a close fight where anything can happen, but we believe Anthony Joshua is a special talent. It’s certainly quicker than we expected, but look at the rainbow at the end. Anthony Joshua becomes the Heavyweight Champion of the World, in my opinion, becomes the biggest star in world boxing, and you will see when it happens. You might say, “Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration.” Trust me, it’s not. This boy has got it all. But, we know how dangerous the fight is. We know how dangerous heavyweight boxing is. And the beauty of it is that these guys are fearless. They’ve not been around long enough to know about defeats, etc. You know, Charles Martin’s never been hit on the chin. Anthony Joshua has. And the Dillian Whyte fight will end up being a blessing for Anthony Joshua. So you’ve got two 6-foot-5 guys, one big, awkward southpaw with a huge backhand. Another guy with the fastest hands I’ve seen in the heavyweight division for a long time and a total disregard for what’s coming back at him. Actually so much so, I’ve never seen a man unload in front of another man like this since Mike Tyson. But, we got to be smart because this time there’s going to be something coming back.

Question
For Stephen Espinoza: From a coaching programmer’s perspective, how exciting is it that you have a heavyweight division as vibrant as it is right now? How refreshing is it to be able to say to them, “Well, hey, we have a division that is exciting; we have these fights now.”

Stephen Espinoza
It’s really the icing on the cake, so to speak, of the current boxing market. There certainly is a certain mystique about the heavyweight division, particularly for the casual fan. No matter what is going on in any of the other divisions, heavyweight boxing holds just a special attraction. There’s a magnetism and excitement about the division and it’s been a relatively dormant division for much of the last decade. I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. It’s just we have one dominant champion or a set of brothers as dominant champions and each fight was really a foregone conclusion. What we’ve seen in the last eight months is essentially an entire reinvigoration and renewal of the heavyweight division. And to see young guys, like Anthony Joshua, a newcomer on the scene who has made the kind of splash and has the kind of promise that Anthony has is something that really if the division wasn’t already rejuvenated, it certainly would have taken notice of him. But, you throw Anthony in there and some other good, young heavyweight prospects such as Joseph Parker and others, there’s a lot of excitement from the up and coming ranks all the way through the contenders and champions. It’s really an exciting time, not just for that division but for many others that are being remade in sort of a new generation of talent.

Question
Do you see the winner of this fight as being a guy that can perhaps help carry the flag for the network?

Stephen Espinoza
We’d love that to be the case. You know, as Eddie mentioned, he and I have been talking about Anthony for several fights now, and we’re thrilled that we were able to get a deal done and host this TV début. And we’d like to be his TV home for the remainder of his career, and that’s for two reasons, one because he’s obviously a very skilled and entertaining fighter, but, two, there is a wealth of good fights that can be made. That’s really the recipe for a TV programmers dream and not just to have charismatic skilled fighters, but actually have a wealth of opponents. There are a number of them, here in the U.S., starting with Deontay Wilder or other UK fighters – Tyson or David Haye, as well as internationally. There’s really fertile ground in the heavyweight division right now.

Question
Anthony, leading up to this fight, one line you keep using is that everything about your career is about development. You said that kind of in reference to your development in the ring but also personal development as a human being. What do you expect to learn in this fight with Charles Martin both about yourself and as a fighter?

Anthony Joshua
Well, as about myself, dealing with pressures, right? It’s just how to deal with fighting for the Heavyweight Championship of the World. That’s a pressure in life that you could put on any-thing and there’s a certain amount of respect that you’ll get. So, there’s pressures of life that I’m going to deal with outside of the ring. And regarding the fight, I’m looking towards the fight, in my last 10, 12 weeks in training, it’s been a great camp. We’ve been sparring like 13 rounds, 14 rounds. It’s been — that mental toughness, you know, day after day. Pushing myself has been great. And then moving into the fight is when I’ve been a watching a lot of champions and some of the champions. One thing I’ve learned from them is just composure. That’s what I’m going to take into this fight. So, not only experience and then how to deal with things, but that’s outside of the ring. But, when I am in the ring and just deal with what I’ve got to face within the ring and just stay composed, I should show people that basically anything’s possible. You know, they can say what they want, but I’m an underdog. I’m a challenger that can come in and annihilate a champion. Kind of like when Tyson fought Douglas. Just don’t give Charles Martin a chance and just outclass him, and that’s what I want to show and display on Saturday to be honest with you.

Question
Anthony, can you talk about the fact that you’re coming in–even though you got knockouts in all of your fights, you only have, I believe, a total of 32 pro rounds, and you’re fighting for world titles. Can you talk about the experience factor in this fight and how you want to overcome it? Obviously, everybody knows your Olympic and amateur record, but tell us about the experience factor as a pro fighting for a title this soon?

Anthony Joshua
I think that when the red carpet’s been laid out for you, you can only walk down it with the amount of experience that I have. I haven’t got, you know, as you said, like 200 rounds under my belt and 50 fights. I’m just the man I am. And with the cards I’ve got, I’m going to make the most of it. And that’s how I have to attack this fight. It would have been great to have 50 fights and x amount of rounds, but I feel great with having 32 rounds and 15 fights as well. So, that’s why I think it’s all a mindset. It’s how one person looks at it and how another does. And I’m confident that my rounds won’t–there won’t be another 12 rounds added onto this fight. It’s still going to stay in limited numbers, and that’s not being cocky. It’s just more of a confidence thing. It’s that the way we train in the gym, you know — and they say the fight’s a long time before the fight. And the way we train the gym that’s why I’m so confident moving forward, because I’m hungry. I’m determined. And I just want to go in there and just put on a great show. And I know they’ll crumble. I just know I’m confident in making people crumble after a few rounds.

Question
You’ve fought a number of experienced fighters before. Do you consider Charles Martin to be your toughest opponent as a pro?

Anthony Joshua
No, I don’t. Not really, no. No, not yet. Not yet. He’s not my toughest opponent yet. But, then it might be a different story come April 9. Right now looking at Charles, he’s a very (good) counter puncher. He’s laid back. He doesn’t work the full round. So, it should be a nice controlled fight. So, I don’t think it’ll be like the Dillian Whyte fight. That was a tough fight. We work. We’re both hungry. The guy was very strong to the head. That was a tough fight for sure. So, I don’t think Charles will impose those kind of threats that Dillian did.

Question
Do you want to make a prediction for the fight?

Anthony Joshua
Let me think. Six rounds, maybe six rounds.

Question
You and Eddie have both referenced the fight against Dillian Whyte. And the second round, what you think you’ve learned from that and how it can help you?

Anthony Joshua
I was thinking that he threw a haymaker of a left hook, and it kind of — it just dazzles you a little bit. And then, you just basically hold yourself together, and it just shows composure. Stay, as I said, composed, man. Just stay composed. And that’s what I’m saying over the time when I’ve been watching many fighters. It happens. It’s boxing. It does happen, but it’s how you deal with it, which is important. And I always say that it happened to me in round two. It happened to Dillian in round seven. One dealt with it better than the other, and I came out victorious. And that’s just how I dealt with it really.

Chris DeBlasio
Before we move on to Prince Charles Martin, a few words from Stephen Espinoza. Stephen?

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks, Chris. We were fortunate enough to host Charles Martin when he won the title a few short months ago. I know Charles and his team were disappointed, not withstanding the win, because they didn’t get a chance to show what Charles Martin is all about. I’ve seen him in the gym. I know him as a fighter. I know his team. He’s an exciting fighter, an aggressive all-action fighter. And I’m sure that he is intent on showing what he didn’t get the opportunity to show the first time out. So, without further ado, Chris, I’ll turn it over to you to introduce the IBF Heavyweight Champion Charles Martin.

Chris DeBlasio
So, Leon Margules, Warriors Boxing, you’re taking the champion over to the UK for a monster fight. A couple of words on the event.

Leon Margules
Well, first of all, I want to thank Stephen Espinoza and SHOWTIME. Chris, thank you very much. I want to thank Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua for accepting to agree to challenge us for our title over here. We’re very excited about this opportunity. We believe Charles is the real deal. We believe Charles may be more than Anthony Joshua bargained for. A special thanks to Mike Borao, Charles’ manager, who’s had Charles since the amateurs and who brought him up through the ranks of professional ranks, believes in him and believes he can fight the best, and be the best. So, if it wasn’t for Mike, Charles and him they wanted to seek out the best and most exciting fight and Anthony Joshua’s the guy. That’s why the fight was made. So, I’d like to thank them. And I’d like to let the champion talk to you. So, ladies and gentlemen, the IBF Heavyweight Champion of the World with the record of 23-and-0, the undefeated Prince Charles Martin.

Chris DeBlasio
Hello, Charles. How you doing? A couple of words about your journey to the UK and the impending title defense, please.

Charles Martin
My stay in the UK so far has been very good. You know, the people are very nice to me. And we’re just finishing up with the workouts and just staying sharp now, winding down, getting stronger again. And basically we’re ready to (go).

Question
Charles, when the fight came up between yourself and Anthony, what was it that made you decide to immediately, well, throw caution to the wind and go to his hometown and fight the guy that many people think is the next superstar in the heavyweight division?

Charles Martin
Yeah, because just for that reason that everybody thinks that he’s a superstar, and, you know, I know that he’s great. I know that he’s not ready. You know, I’m going to get him right now while he’s great. You know what I mean?

Question
Do you feel like when fans look at this fight they’re seeing two heavyweights that both have outstanding potential or both, good physical specimens that can punch and that have good personalities, all that, but nobody really knows that much yet about how good you or Joshua could be and maybe that this is the fight that you can begin to prove that to people?

Charles Martin
Yeah, that’s pretty good to say, but like I said, I’ve got more fights than him. So, this far in the amateurs and the pros I got more fights than him. So, I just overall got more experience and that’s what I’m basing this off of. It don’t matter about who you got in the ring with as a professional and fought because, you know, the experience and getting comfortable is what it’s all about, you know, and I don’t feel that he’s comfortable enough in the ring and especially not with me being in there. When I get in there and start doing the things that I do in there, you know, he’s gone. It’s going to be a different story. It’s going to be a whole different look.

Question
He says he’s going to knock you out inside six rounds. Your response?

Charles Martin
He’s not ready. He’s not ready, man. He’s not ready. He going to get tired like he always does. Like he normally gets tired thinking he’s going to go five rounds. He’s going to get tired, and that’s when I’m going to jump on (him), period.

Question
So, you’re predicting you’ll knock him out?

Charles Martin
Yeah, I know I’m going to knock him out.

Question
Did you watched any tapes of Anthony’s fights, or any of the other fights that he’s had recently, to give you the opinion that you think that he’s green and he gets tired?

Charles Martin
Yeah, he just — he did get tired. In the Dillian Whyte fight he got real tired and he doesn’t have any footwork. He can’t box. You know, he can’t move. The only thing he’s relying on is his power, and I got more tools than that. I’m more than just a powerful puncher. You know, I can do it all. So, that’s what I’m taking into the fight. I got more in my arsenal. If he thinks he’s going to be able to land hard punches on me and stuff like that, he’s got another thing coming. I’m very elusive. So, we’ll see when it’s time to take care of business.

Question
Do you think because of the way the fight with Glazkov ended that you’re not getting the credit that you think you deserve coming into this fight?

Charles Martin
No, not at all. You know, it is what it is. I’m the World Champion. So, you know, I’m getting respect. You know, I get credit and respect. You know, so, I’m just over here fighting him on his territory, you know, and the UK fans that’s their guy. So, I mean, of course, they’re going to be rooting for him.

Question
How do you think the crowd might affect the fight with the officials and the fact that he’ll be the fan favorite and the local hero? Do you think that’ll have any effect on the way the fight goes on?

Charles Martin
No, because I don’t plan on taking it to the judges’ hands. My judge is my left and my right.

Question
You could probably have fought anybody after winning the title. What prompted you or what was behind the decision to go to England to defend your title? Not a lot of champions in any division will do that on their first offense. What was behind your reasoning?

Charles Martin
Because probably they’re scared. I ain’t scared, man. I’m here for a reason. I’m here for a reason. And, you know, over here he’s a superstar, man. You know what I’m saying? And we want to take on all these big names. He was the biggest name that we could see this far, you know, besides Tyson Fury. Tyson Fury was already in with Klitschko, and Deontay Wilder was (busy). You know what I’m saying? All the other big names were taken. You know, I’m saying at the time he was the only one that was open, available. So, we figure why not do that? We want to make a name and make a mark on the sport. You know what I mean? That’s what I want to do. You know, I want people to know that he’s down for whatever, whenever, however. If I got to come all the way over here to do it, I’m down for whatever. I’m down for whatever, man.

Question
A lot of people are asking, you know, why did you choose Anthony Joshua? You know, why are you picking this site? Were there other names offered to you, and did you kind of specifically point out and tell your people, ‘Hey, I want to go and fight Anthony Joshua.’

Charles Martin
Yeah, you know, (there was a) small name like Chris Arreola. I don’t want to fight Chris Arreola. Why would I fight Chris Arreola? I can beat Chris Arreola. I know that’s just an easy fighter to beat. You know what I mean? I want somebody, I want the superstars. I want these guys. You know, I’m going to take his space. You know what I mean? Take everything that he thought he was (getting) and it’s going to come this way. I know exactly what I’m doing with this.

Question
Could you tell us some of the things that you’ve added to your camp for this fight?

Charles Martin
Oh, you’d have to take that up with my condition coach. Man, you know, he’s got it down to a science. He went to school for it. He knows what he’s doing. And I just feel overall stronger, you know, faster, stronger, more balanced, core strength. You know, I’m just a different person than I was. So, I’m happy that, you know, the stars were in line once again. You know, the chemistry was right from the start. We hit it off. And he just pushed me to different levels.

Question
Joshua was quite critical of your style of boxing. He said you’re a counter puncher who doesn’t work the full round. Your reaction?

Charles Martin
Yeah, see, that’s all he’s seeing is that I’m a counter puncher, but I’m a lot more than just a counter puncher. So, I’m going to let him keep thinking that that’s all that’s to my game. So, that’s fine by me. Keep on thinking that I’m just a counter puncher, if you want to.

Question
If victorious, do you ultimately want to unify the division?

Charles Martin
Yeah, absolutely. That’s what our ultimate goal is, to unify. To get all the belts that’s the ultimate goal.

Question
When Joshua was on the call, he was asked if he thought you would be his toughest opponent. He said, ‘No,’ and that he would finish you inside of six rounds. How do you respond to that?

Charles Martin
That’s fine by me. Words are words. You know, they’re nothing more than what they are. He’s saying that I ain’t his toughest opponent, fine. I’m going to — I’m not even going to say nothing about it. That’s cool, but I like that. I like that, you know? Be confident. Be very confident in what you do.

Question
What’s your prediction for this fight, Charles?

Charles Martin
Oh, I don’t have any prediction. Man, I’m not the one to predict. I’m a realist. You know, you come out talking that crap, it don’t mean nothing, you know? Predictions, I’m not a prophet. You know what I mean? I’m going to go in there and see what’s in front of me, and who knows how it goes down. You know, if I see (an opportunity), then I’m going to take the initiative. You know, hey, I’m just a technician in there, man. That’s all I can say, I’m a technician, a lot of tools.

# # #

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Video: Martin vs. Joshua – IBF Heavyweight World Championship | 4/9 on SHOWTIME




CONOR BENN SIGNS WITH MATCHROOM BOXING

Conor Benn has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing and will make his professional debut on the undercard of Anthony Joshua MBE’s IBF World Heavyweight title clash with Charles Martin at The O2 in London on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The 19 year old son of British boxing legend Nigel kicks off life in the paid ranks at Super-Lightweight under the guidance of trainer Tony Sims, and Conor says his goal is to outdo his iconic Dad’s incredible achievements as a two-weight World champion in the 90s.

“I’m Conor Benn, but I’ll always be known as Nigel’s son,” said Conor Benn. “Until I get inducted into the Hall of Fame, until I win World titles at three weights – not two, because that’s what my Dad did and I need to do more – until I’ve become the youngest World champion or won more belts, I’ll always be Nigel Benn’s son, and achieving more will be very hard.

“I’ve been boxing for about three years now, I didn’t know that fighting was made for me but I do now. I think I’ve progressed really quickly. People say it’s because of my surname – it’s because of that and that I can fight like my last name.

“My Dad didn’t really want me to fight, he thought that I would give it a try and have it as a hobby, but it escalated really quickly. He said there were a million other things to do, why do you need to fight? But I have no choice but to fight because it’s in me, it’s what I want to do, I want to be the best.

“I’m scared about my debut. I’ve come to England by myself and the pressure on my shoulders is intense. But the fans have embraced me already, I feel they are going to be behind me, but I thrive on fear. No-one understands the position I am in, to have a legend as a Dad and then move accross the world at 19, leave my family behind, walk into media pressure straight away. But once a day I have a feeling that no-one can touch me, because if anyone wants to have it with me, I’ll have it with them.

“I feel at home with Tony. I trust him 100 per cent. He looks out for my best interests and in the gym, in the space of three months he’s changed me from fighting like a boy to fighting like a man. I don’t know how, but he’s done it, and that’s why he’s one of the top trainers in boxing, he’s turned me into a fighter and an animal.”

Nigel Benn won World titles at Middleweight and Super-Middleweight in his glittering career that saw ‘The Dark Destroyer’ pack stadiums and arenas and thrill huge TV audiences with his all-action style and brutal power.

The 51 year old will be in London next week for a press conference and will attend Conor’s debut, but says he will allow Conor to forge his own path in the game under the guidance of Hearn and Sims.

“I’m really excited for Conor, he’s incredibly talented,” said Nigel Benn. “If I look at myself at 19 next to Conor, there’s no comparison, he’s so much better than I was. He has all the fighting instincts in him and he’s got so much ability, he’s going to be special and he’s going to go on and be better than me, I really believe that. He’s got the heart of a fighter.

“I’m so happy that he’s teaming up with Eddie and I just hope they can develop the sort of relationship that Barry Hearn did with Chris Eubank, and take Conor all the way as they are the new generation, being with Eddie is going to help him so much with Sky Sports backing him.

“Conor is his own man, he’s not following my footsteps, he’s making his own path and he’s completely different to me and I want him to have his own identity. Conor doesn’t need me, he’ll get to the top without me and surpass everything I achieved – I really believe that.

“I sparred with him recently and I tried to knock him out – seriously. He said ‘yeah?’ And I threw the kitchen sink at him and he threw it back at me. I was 20 kilos heavier than him and he said ‘I’ll have it with you’. He was Super-Lightweight and I’m at Cruiserweight, but I tried to bang him out and he wouldn’t budge. I’ve filmed that and when he becomes World champion I’ll show it to everyone. That’s how good he is.

“Conor works with Eddie and Tony, I’m not going to get involved. I just want Conor to know that if he needs advice, I’m on the other end of the phone whenever he needs me. We’re going to invest the money he makes from the sport so at the end of the day, he’s got a nice life and he’s comfortable when he hangs them up. I’ll be at his debut at The O2 and then afterwards, that’s it, I’ve got my own life to live in Australia, as much as I love my son, he’s going to make the decisions on his career with Eddie and Tony and he knows he can call me if he needs my help.”

Hearn added: “Sometimes you meet a young fighter that just gets you excited. Conor Benn has that look in his eye, that hunger and genes you just cannot buy.

“Watching him progress under Tony over the past few months has been a pleasure to watch, he had a style so similar to his father but is completely his own man. This is going to be a wonderful journey and fight fans need to be very excited about Conor Benn.”

Benn’s debut is part of a huge night of action in Greenwich, topped by Joshua’s World title clash with Martin. Lee Selby defends his IBF World Featherweight title against Eric Hunter, while there’s a key Middleweight battle between former World title challengers Matthew Macklin and Brian Rose, three-time World Super-Middleweight title challenger George Groves meets unbeaten Scotsman David Brophy, Ohara Davies faces Andy Keates for the vacant English Lightweight title, and another fight will be announced in the morning.




SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® CHARLES MARTIN vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA IBF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TO AIR LIVE ON SHOWTIME® AT 5 P.M. ET/2 P.M. PT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 9 FROM THE O2 IN LONDON

Charles Martin (640x480)
NEW YORK (March 29, 2016) – The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL presentation of the IBF Heavyweight World Championship between undefeated American titlist Charles Martin and fellow unbeaten British Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua will air live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on Saturday, April 9 from The O2 in London.

An encore presentation will air later that evening on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast will be hosted by Brian Custer with analysis from Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi. Coverage of the event will be provided by Sky Sports with the play-by-play call from Nick Halling, analysis from Jim Watt and Carl Froch and post-fight interviews from Andy Scott.

The SHOWTIME telecast will include extensive highlights and analysis of the IBF Featherweight World Championship between defending titlist Lee Selby and American challenger Eric Hunter.

(EDITORS NOTE: Due to a change in the bout order at The O2 in London, SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL is unable to provide live coverage of this bout.)

Martin vs. Joshua is the third of four heavyweight title bouts in five months on SHOWTIME (see details below). The scheduled 12-round matchup is the toughest test to date for both Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) and Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs), two bombers who boast a combined 94 percent knockout ratio.

Selby (22-1, 8 KOs) vs. Hunter (21-3, 11 KOs) is the second of five scheduled featherweight title bouts in 2016 (details below), a lineup showcasing many of the world’s best 126-pounders aiming to unifying one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

“The heavyweight division is experiencing an incredible resurgence, and the featherweight division is rife with compelling matchups,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports. “Martin vs. Joshua is a can’t-miss showdown between a newly minted American champion and one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars. And Selby vs. Hunter has major implications in the talent-rich division. We are proud to work with Matchroom Sport to deliver these pivotal matchups to the U.S. audience.”

“I’m the Heavyweight Champion of the World, and that’s why I have no problem traveling to England for my first title defense,” Martin said. “I only want to fight the best, and I plan on knocking Anthony Joshua out and taking his fans and the belt back with me.”

“The O2 is going to be rocking on April 9 and the U.S. fans are in for a treat when they see Charles and I clash,” Joshua said. “Credit to him for coming over after calling me out, but he doesn’t know what he’s getting himself in for. I am going to show all my power, all my speed and all my accuracy to put on the best display of my life and become the Heavyweight Champion of the World by knocking him out. I’m delighted that fans in the U.S. will be able to witness it.”

“After a great experience in my first defense in Arizona against Fernando Montiel, it’s nice to be back in front of my home fans at The O2 in London,” Selby said. “It’s going to be a crazy atmosphere with a 20,000 person sold-out arena. Hunter has talked a lot of trash and I’m looking forward to showing him what it’s like at the world championship level. He’s in for a shock.”

“He’s got a belt I want, and that’s all I know about him,” Hunter said. “My team knows more about him than I do. It’s their job to come up with a game plan. My job is train and get ready to perform my best. I can adjust to anything in the ring. I’m just here at the gym working my butt off to get the job done. I’m going to be more focused than I ever have been for this fight.”

The 6-foot-5 Martin won the IBF championship on Jan. 16 when Vyacheslav Glazkov suffered a knee injury in the third round of their vacant world title fight. In capturing the IBF belt, Martin, of St. Louis, Mo., became just the sixth southpaw heavyweight champion in boxing history and the second current American heavyweight titlist.

While Martin has stopped his last 13 opponents and was the aggressor against Glazkov, the undefeated champ remains virtually untested. His first title defense and initial start outside the U.S., will take place at what is expected to be a pro-Joshua arena in London that sold out in just 90 seconds. The 29-year-old Martin, who is trained by U.S. Olympian Henry Tillman in Big Bear, Calif., will be Joshua’s first professional southpaw opponent.

Joshua had a standout amateur career that culminated with an Olympic Gold Medal at super heavyweight in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Since turning professional in July 2013, the 6-foot-6 Joshua has steadily climbed through the ranks.

One of boxing’s most promising prospects, Joshua is coming off consecutive victories over previously undefeated opponents. In his last bout, the 26-year-old was pushed past the third round for the first time in his career. Joshua defeated Dillian Whyte via seventh-round knockout on Dec. 12. Now, Joshua returns to The O2, the site of his professional debut and five of his 15 professional bouts, in a bid to join Tyson Fury as the second current reigning British heavyweight champion.

Joshua is also looking to become the sixth super heavyweight Olympic Gold Medalist to win a heavyweight world title. If successful, he will join an impressive group that includes George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko.

Born in Barry, Wales, Selby won his world title with a dominant technical decision over previously undefeated Evgeny Gradovich in May 2015. The slick boxer made his first title defense in his U.S. debut last October, capturing a unanimous decision over former three-division champ Fernando Montiel.

The 29-year-old owns a slew of victories over previously unblemished fighters including Joel Brunker, Ryan Walsh, Viorel Simon, Corey McConnell and Stephen Smith. He has won 18 straight since the lone blemish of his career, and six of his last eight victories came over previously undefeated opponents.

Hunter, who will take a four-fight win streak into his initial start outside the U.S., has always possessed an abundance of talent. Before turning pro, the Philadelphia native was an outstanding amateur and an alternate on the U.S. Olympic team.

The fast-handed 29-year-old has scored some solid victories as a pro, and his biggest enemy in a nine-year career has been himself – the switch-hitter doesn’t always keep his composure in check and allows his emotions get the best of him. Two of Hunter’s three losses came by disqualification, the last coming via DQ in 2013 against Mike Oliver for hitting at the break. The other came against Luis Franco in 2010, when he had a point deducted in the second and was DQ’d in the eighth after repeated low blows.

If Hunter can keep his hot head from getting him in trouble, he’s confident he can upset Selby and join Leo Santa Cruz and Gary Russell Jr. as U.S.-born world champion at 126 pounds.

2016 Heavyweight Title Bouts (NOTE: all on SHOWTIME))

· Jan. 16 WBC Heavyweight World Championship Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka

· Jan. 16 IBF Heavyweight World Championship Charles Martin vs. Vyacheslav Glazkov

· April 9 IBF Heavyweight World Championship Charles Martin vs. Anthony Joshua

· May 21 WBC Heavyweight World Championship Deontay Wilder vs. Alexander Povetkin

2016 Featherweight Title Bouts (All on SHOWTIME with the exception of June 25 “SHOWTIME BOXING on CBS”)

· Feb. 27 WBA (Super) Featherweight World Championship Leo Santa Cruz vs. Kiko Martinez

· April 9 IBF Featherweight World Championship Lee Selby vs. Eric Hunter

· April 16 WBC Featherweight World Championship Gary Russell Jr. vs. Patrick Hyland

· June 25 WBA (Regular) Featherweight World Championship Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares

· Summer 2016 WBA (Super) Featherweight World Championship Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton




MARTIN VS. JOSHUA TICKETS GONE IN 90 SECONDS

Charles Martin (640x480)
Tickets for the IBF World Heavyweight title blockbuster between champion Charles Martin and Olympic gold medal sensation Anthony Joshua MBE sold-out in just 90 seconds on Friday ahead of their clash at The O2 in London on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Martin travels to England for the first defence of the title that he landed in Brooklyn in January against Vyacheslav Glazkov, and the California-based St Louis powerhouse has told Joshua that he’ll knock him out to retain his title – and take his fans in the process.

“I’m strong and I’ll be ready to KO him and win over his fans,” said Martin. “The boxing scene here is booming and I want to be a part of it.

“It’s just business – and I’ll show on the night that I mean business. I will return to the UK in April in phenomenal shape, ready for battle. He’s a pretty specimen and those muscles are fine and dandy, but when he gets tired, I get stronger, when he starts to go downhill. There’s no fear in me. I’ve been walking this earth for 29 years now, I am afraid of no man. I want what he’s got – the praise, the attention and the fans – plain and simple.”

Martin brings 21 KOs from his 23 wins to the Greenwich venue that Joshua has turned into his hometown fortress. The London 2012 Super-Heavyweight king as recorded six of his 15 KO wins at the arena, with the latest in December against Dillian Whyte – but Martin says that fight, and his own win over Glazkov, has no bearing on April’s showdown.

“People say you are only as good as your last fight, but that’s in the past,” said Martin. “When he’s in there with me I’m going to keep my eyes on him, stay sharp – it’s not him and Dillian Whyte, it’s him and Charles Martin, I’m going to study him in my camp and I’ll keep my eyes on him until the job is done.”

Tickets for April 9 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing.




HEAVYWEIGHT BOOKMAKER WILLIAM HILL TO SPONSOR IBF WORLD TITLE FIGHT BETWEEN CHARLES ‘PRINCE’ MARTIN AND ANTHONY JOSHUA

Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce that the recently announced IBF World Heavyweight showdown between Charles ‘Prince’ Martin and Anthony Joshua MBE will be sponsored by the UK’s leading bookmaker William Hill.
The eagerly anticipated bout between the two unbeaten fighters will take place on the April 9 at The O2 in London. The fight, which is expected to be one of the biggest boxing bouts on British soil in recent times, can also be viewed on Sky Sports Box Office.

Martin will be making the first defence of the IBF title that he won by TKO against Vyacheslav Glazkov in January. The 29 year old has an unbeaten record of 23-1-0 with 21 wins by KO. The self-styled ‘Prince’ speaking on Sky Sports News this week said “I don’t talk, man. I let these talk,’ he said, holding up his clenched fists. ‘I let these talk for me. No doubts, see you April 9. I will win. I will knock him out. It won’t go12 rounds, heavyweights aren’t supposed to go 12 rounds.”
Joshua, the 2012 Olympic Champion, will be looking to extend his unblemished 15-0 record (15 KO’s) en-route to winning his first world title. Joshua, who is the 1/7 favourite to win the fight with the sponsors William Hill, is excited about the world title opportunity said “It’s so soon but when the opportunity presented itself it was something we had to look at, as Charles Martin called me out. When I go out to fight I go out to fight, I go out to knock people out and that’s the same with all my opponents, that’s why they’ve always been entertaining.”
Alex O’Shaughnessy, Chief Marketing Officer at William Hill said, “Martin v Joshua is going to be one of the biggest sporting events this spring and we’re thrilled to be associated with it.”
“We’ve made Anthony Joshua a firm favourite to claim the world title but we expect the odds to contract as we get closer to fight night.”
Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, said “Martin v Joshua is going to be a mega Heavyweight title showdown and we’re delighted to have a real heavyweight global brand like William Hill on board. I think it’s 50/50 fight. I usually agree with the bookies odds – but I think it’ll be a lot closer than William Hill have it.”
** William Hill will be sponsoring an Anthony Joshua card for the second time following their association with the ‘Bad Intentions’ card at The O2 in December. The firm also announced last week they will be sponsoring next Saturday’s World Super-Bantamweight unification clash between Carl Frampton MBE and Scott Quigg which is co-promoted by Cyclone Promotions and Matchroom Boxing.
LATEST IBF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT ODDS FROM WILLIAM HILL
Bout odds: (William Hill bet) 1/7 Anthony Joshua, 9/2 Charles Martin, 33/1 Draw
Round betting: Joshua: 8/1 Round 1, 7/1 Round 2, 7/1 Round 3, 7/1 Round 4, 8/1 Round 5, 10/1 Round 6, 12/1 Round 7, 14/1 Round 8, 20/1 Round 9, 22/1 Round 10, 28/1 Round 11, 40/1 Round 12,
Round betting: Martin: 33/1 Round 1, 28/1 Round 2, 28/1 Round 3, 28/1 Round 4, 33/1 Round 5, 40/1 Round 6, 40/1 Round 7, 40/1 Round 8, 50/1 Round 9, 66/1 Round 10, 80/1 Round 11, 100/1 Round 12,
On points: 4/1 Joshua, 14/1 Martin
2/7 Joshua by KO, TKO, DQ
13/2 Martin by KO, TKO, DQ
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JOSHUA FACES MARTIN FOR WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

Charles Martin (640x480)
Anthony Joshua MBE will challenge Charles Martin for the IBF World Heavyweight title at The O2 on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Martin travels to England to make the first defence of the title that he landed in Brooklyn in January against Vyacheslav Glazkov, and the unbeaten Californian puts the belt on the line in his first fight outside the States.

Joshua’s first World title fight comes at the Greenwich venue he has quickly turned into his boxing fortress, with five of his previous fights taking place at The O2, including his last outing where he added the British title to his Commonwealth strap against bitter rival Dillian Whyte – his seventh round stoppage the 15th in a row from 15 pro fights.

“Fighting for the Heavyweight World title has been a dream of mine since I turned professional,” said Joshua. “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to turn that dream in to reality. Not only that, having the chance to fight for it in my home town at The O2 and live on Sky Sports is unbelievably exciting. Charles Martin is a great fighter and a hungry competitor so I am going to have to produce the performance of my career to claim that belt.”

“I told my Team I wanted the best challenger possible for my first defence and Anthony Joshua’s name kept coming up,” said Martin. “I’m coming to the UK to make a statement that I am the best heavyweight in the world and no-one is taking my title.

“I’m World Champion, so that doesn’t mean just sit back and make easy defences in the US, it means facing the biggest challenges out there. I respect Anthony Joshua and everything he has accomplished, but on April 9 he’s getting knocked out.”

Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua’s promoter, said: “Life is all about taking opportunities and when the chance to become Heavyweight of the world presented itself, there was no holding Anthony back.

“He wants to give the fans something to get excited about and he wants to become a great and even though the decision among the team took a week or so, I believe his mind was already made up from the moment I asked him. It’s a complete honour to promote an event of this magnitude. I believe it’s one that will go down in the history of the sport.”

Mike Borao, Charles Martin’s manager, said: “Special thanks to Eddie Hearn, Matchroom, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, and all else involved for putting this major event together so quickly. Anthony Joshua will discover that Charles Martin is a special talent on April 9.”

Sky Sports executive producer of boxing Adam Smith said: “This is a golden opportunity for our golden Olympian as he aims to join an illustrious list of Frank Bruno, Lennox Lewis, David Haye and Tyson Fury to become a British World Heavyweight Champion on Sky. But it is a major risk as Joshua steps up to tackle tall undefeated American Charles Martin. Could this be too soon, or will the timing be right for Anthony Joshua? We can’t wait to find out on another massive night on Sky Sports Box Office back at an atmospheric and packed O2.”

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday at 9am to Matchroom Fight Pass members from the Fight Pass area at www.matchroomboxing.com and O2 Priority members at www.theO2.co.uk. Thursday 9am sees the venue and AXS pre-sale before tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday.

Tickets priced between £40 to £500 will be available from www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202. VIP tickets are £1,000 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets for April 9 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ from 9am on February 19 – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.




Video: State of the Heavyweight Division | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING




New Heavyweight Champ Charles Martin Says: ‘My Time to Shine Will Come!’

Charles Martin (640x480)
Brand new IBF Heavyweight Champion “Prince” Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) should be on cloud nine.

In just his seventh year of boxing and slightly over third as a professional, Martin already finds himself the sixth southpaw to have ever won a heavyweight championship after scoring a TKO 3 over Ukrainian top contender Vyacheslav Glazkov last Saturday night, January 16, at the Barclay’s Center in New York.

Winning any world title is an amazing accomplishment that most never reach in decades of boxing. Add in that Martin took out the 2008 Olympic Super Heavyweight bronze medalist to become the second current American heavyweight champion in a suddenly rejuvenated division.

“It feels good,” admits Martin. “I wanted to do it fast. I couldn’t wait,” he explains of his quick ascension. “Some things they say take time but when you’re really determined to do something, you’ll do it as soon as possible.”

With his place already assured in the boxing history books and several lucrative possible showdowns on the near horizon, why isn’t Martin the happiest man on the planet?

It was the way he won.

“I have an empty feeling right now,” said the 29-year-old champion. “I was in front of so many people and it was my time to shine on Showtime and show the world my skills. I felt that he had no power and said to myself that he would be easy work. I knew I was going to have a great night. I was going to KO him and then everyone would love me… but it didn’t happen like that.”

Glazkov stopped fighting in round three due to torn ACL in his knee and Martin was declared the winner of the then-vacant title by way of injury-induced TKO.

“I wanted to win the belt my way,” continued the disappointed Martin. “He would have got knocked out eventually. It was coming to him. I never even got to use my uppercut on him, but it’s all good.”

Humble and extremely likeable, Martin remained polite, post-fight and expressed his condolences to the disappointed Glazkov. However, since that night, Glazkov has gone on to say he had “figured Martin out” and that the championship would have certainly been his had he not been injured.

“Oh my goodness, I’m trying to stay humble about the situation, but that’s so crazy what he said,” said Martin. “If he really thinks that, he’s tripping. Things were about to get a lot worse for him. I promise you, once he started slowing down, my combinations would have started to come out. I was throwing the one/two because he was getting out of the way pretty good in the first few rounds. I was just getting started. I thought I would box him for a while and then start going at him and whip his butt. I promise you I could have. That injury saved him. It broke my heart that I didn’t get to do what I wanted. How does that happen? I was having fun.”

Martin says his team and friends and relatives have been good to remind him the abbreviated ending was out of his control. He also says he’ll take a quick vacation and then get right back to work.

So what comes next for the new American heavyweight champion?

“Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder. I want them both. I want all the best. That’s the next move. My time to shine will come. I’m a world champion now and I can say that the belt is in the right hands. I’m not going to sit around. I want to fight.”

Martin also says that is Britain’s world champ, Tyson Fury, ever points his taunting antics at him, he won’t mind.

“It’s good for boxing for him to do that kind of stuff. I like that. It’s all business. At the end of the day he has no crazy beef with anybody. Nobody choked anybody’s mother. It’s just boxing. You got to get attention somehow. He makes people want to see a fight. We’re in the entertainment and hurt business. It’s definitely a real fight in the ring though. It’s a non-personal thing that very gets personal once they step in the ring with me. That’s two guys’ livelihood in there. That’s our income for our families.”

# # #

About Warriors Boxing

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

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

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

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




Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Steven Stoller Provides Analysis of Glazkov’s Knee Injury

Vyacheslav Glazkov
Totowa, NJ: The radiology report is in and it appears that heavyweight contender Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov suffered a more severe knee injury than originally believed in his bout with Charles Martin on Saturday night.

Dr. Steven Stoller, a, New Jersey Orthopedic Surgeon and who specializes in sports medicine, watched the Glazkov fight live last Saturday night. The doctor said that in the third round, while avoiding a punch, Glazkov’s right knee “pivot shifted,” which in layman’s terms is a partial dislocation of the knee (and is indicative of an ACL injury), when he went down the first time, which the referee ruled a slip. Glazkov continued fighting until presumably injuring his knee further when the bout was called off with 30 seconds remaining in the third round.

Dr. Stoller, with extensive experience treating professional and amateur boxers but who has not treated Glazkov, said, “Upon reviewing Glazkov’s MRI report, the injury was much more complex and serious than a straight forward ACL tear. Additional injuries consisted of a vertical tear of the medial meniscus, a grade II sprain of the medial collateral ligament as well as the lateral collateral ligament, with extensive injury to the posterior lateral complex of his knee, a large knee hemarthrosis, and he sustained bone contusions of the lateral tibial plateau and medial femoral condyle. I can’t imagine how Glazkov was able to walk out of the ring, let alone continue fighting.”

Glazkov met with Dr. Benjamin Yukhanan in Florida yesterday. Glazkov said, “The doctor says my knee is much worse than we thought. It’s not just the ACL, it’s also the meniscus and my whole knee was dislocated. They can’t do surgery right away. I’m in a cast from the bottom to the top of my leg and I’ll be in the cast for a month. After they remove the cast, I will do physical therapy for around another month. After that, they can do the surgery. Basically, we are talking 10 months in a best case scenario, but could be a year to recover.”

Glazkov continued, “This injury was very unfortunate. I will take time to heal, but then I will be back better than ever!”

According to Glazkov’s manager, Egis Klimas, “Slava lost a fight without being hit. I do not think we will ask for rematch; when the time comes for Slava to step back into ring I do not believe Martin will still be a champion.”

“We will never know what would have happened had Czar not suffered this unfortunate accident during the fight,” said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. “The score was even on the judges’ cards when the fight was stopped due to Czar’s injury. The fact that he got up and continued fighting in such a debilitated state is a testament to his courage and his desire. His knee will be repaired by one of the very best surgeons in the country and we expect that, God willing, Glazkov will return to the ring even stronger than before when he is ready.”

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Video: Charles Martin talks about winning the IBF Heavyweight title




Video: Wilder – Szpilka post fight press conference




Watch Wilder – Szpilka & Martin – Glazkov Live at 10 PM ET




FOLLOW WILDER – SZPILKA LIVE FROM RINGSIDE

WILDER VS SZPILKA-WEIGH IN-01152015-9746

Follow all the action LIVE  from Ringside as Deontay Wilder defends the WBC Heavyweight title against Artur Szpilka.  The action begins at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT / 4 AM in Warsaw and  5 AM in Kiev with a battle for the IBF Heavyweight title between undefeated fighters Charles Martin and Vyachelsav Glazkov

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12 Rounds WBC Heavyweight Title Deontay Wilder (35-0, 34 KO’s) vs Artuz Szpilka (20-1, 15 KO’s)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Wilder 10  9 9  10  9  9  10  10  76
Szpilka  9  10  10 9 10  10  9  9 76

Round 1 Wilder gets in a jab..Jab..

Round 2 Szpilka gets in a left..Jab from Wilder..Counter right from Szpilka..Left..left..

Round 3 Szpilka gets in a left on ropes..left..left..Counter left from Wilder..Counter right..

Round 4 Jab from Wilder..Jab…right..Hard right..1-2;

Round 5 Szpilka gets in 2 jabs..Right from WIlder///Left from Szpilka..Hard right from Wilder..

Round 6 Right hook from Szpilka…Right from Wilder..right hook from Szpilka…

Round 7 Big right from Wilder..Right..3 punch combo on ropes..Big right..Combo from Szpilka..left..

Round 8 Jab from Wilder..Left from Szpilka…Right from Wilder

Round 9 Counter left from Wilder to top of head..Right..COUNTER RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SZPILKA AND HE IS KNOCKED OUT

12 Rounds IBF Heavyweight title Vyacheslav Glazkov (21-0-1, 13 KO’s) vs Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KO’s)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Glazkov  9  9  9
Martin 10 10  10

Round 1 Martin lands a straight left…

Round 3 Martin lands a LEFT AND DOWN GOES GLAZKOV…THE FIGHT IS OVER




Wilder scores devastating one punch 9th round stoppage over Szpilka

DEONTAY WILDER
BROOKLYN–Deontay Wilder retained the WBC Heavyweight title with emphatic one punch 9th round stoppage over Artur Szpilka before an announced crowd of 12,608 at Barclays Center.

Wilder_Szpilka 1 (640x427)
It was a close fight throughout with Szpilka trying to score with little jabs and right hooks. Everytime he would connect, it would draw a large roar from the thousands of Polish fans in attendance. Wilder started to get going in the middle rounds as he kept landing hard right hands that Szpilka took well. That was until round nine, when Wilder unleashed a perfect right to the jaw that sent Szpilka down and out. Szpilka would be down with his eyes closed for several minutes until he regained his wits.

Wilder_Szpilka 2 (640x427)
The bout was stopped at 2:24 of round nine.

Wilder, 228.7 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is now 36-0 with 35 knockouts. Szpilka, 233.2 lbs of Houstin, TX is now 20-2.

Post fight quotes:

RONNIE SHIELDS:

“He’s doing good, He’s awake and knows exactly where he is. He didn’t want to go to the hospital but he’s going as a precaution. It’s better safe than sorry.”

DEONTAY WILDER:

I told him he was a great contender. He came to gave his all. He gave his all for Brooklyn.

“I always say two prayers,” Wilder said. “I say a team prayer and I say an individual prayer. I don’t want to hurt a man so he can’t go home to his family. We risk our lives every time we step in the ring. He’s definitely in my prayers and I hope he’s doing well.

“He was definitely a crafty guy. I haven’t competed against a southpaw in three years. He was a tough competitor, but you’re fighting for a world title. It’s not supposed to be easy. I’m surprised it took that long, but we had 12 rounds and they can’t all can’t be pretty.

“We all know Fury is just a phony. This is just an act. I’m not scared of any body. We’ll come to your back yard. This is just an act – you’re not a real fighter. I don’t play. This isn’t wrestling. This isn’t the WWE. When you do step in that ring with me I promise you I will baptize you.

“I would love to fight him next, unfortunately. I have other mandatories due. Make the date Tyson, I promise you.”

FURY:

“Any time, any place anywhere. I’ll fight you in your back yard after I beat (Wladimir) Klitschko again.

Charles Martin won the IBF Heavyweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Vyacheslav Glazkov.

Glazkov seemed to fall and hurt his knee and could not continue and the bout was stopped at 1:50 of round three.

Martin, 249 1/2 lbs of Carson. CA is 23-0-1 with 21 knockouts.  Glazkov, 218 lbs of Ukraine is 21-1-1.

Kownacki battered Kelly all over the ring for much of the fight with thudding shots that brought constant roars from the pro=Polish crowd in attendance at Barclays Center

Mike Lee remained undefeated by scoring a 3rd round stoppage over Joey Gardner in a scheduled 8-round Cruiserweight bout.

Lee dropped Gardner twice in round two and again in round three and the bout was stopped at 43 seconds in round three.

Lee, 177.6 lbs of Chicgo, Il is 16-0 with 10 knockouts.  Gardner, 178 lbs of Woonsocket, RI is 11-9-1.

Julian Sosa scored a 2nd round stoppage over Bryan Timmons in a scheduled 4-round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Sosa dropped Timmons with a left to the body in round two and finished him off seconds later with a hard flurry of shots to the head that sent Timmons down for a second time and the bout was stopped at 1:48 of round two.

Sosa, 141.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 4-0-1 with 2 knockouts.

Former Olympian Carlos Gongora scored a 3rd round stoppage over Derrick Adkins in a scheduled 4-round Light Heavyweight bout.

Gongora scored knockdowns in round’s two and three and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Gongora, 170.6 lb of Brooklyn, NY is 4-0 with 3 knockouts. Adkins, 171.2 lbs of Edmond, OK is 1-1-1.

In a battle undefeated Welterweights, Botirsher Obidov won a 4-round unanimous decision over Ramil Gadzhiev.

Scores were 39-37 on all cards for Obidov, 160.8 lbs of Kissimmee, FL and is now 4-0-1. Gadzhiev, 161.2 lbs of Boca Raton, FL is 1-1.

Ivan Golub scored an impressive first round stoppage over Juan Rodriguez Jr. in a scheduled 8-round Welterweight bout.

In round one, Golub dumped Rodriguez with a right to the body. Deconds later, it was a perfect straight left to the chin that finished off Rodriguez at 2:41 of round one.

Golub, 147 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 10-0 with 8 knockouts. Rodriguez, 146.8 lbs of Union City, NJ is 12-4.

Maciej Sulecki stopped veteran Derrick Findley in round seven of their scheduled 10-round Middleweight bout.

It was an action filled battle with Sulecki getting the better of the action. In round seven, Sulecki rocked Findley with a straight hand and seconds later the fight was stopped at 1:29 of round seven.

Sulcecki, 161 lbs of Warsaw, POL is 22-0 with 7 knockouts. Findley, 161.8 lbs of Chicagi, IL is 22-18-1.

Photos by Joe Tarlecky




Video: Czar Glazkov Prepares to Fight Martin




DEONTAY WILDER VS. ARTUR SZPILKA & CHARLES MARTIN VS. VYACHESLAV GLAZKOV MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Deontay Wilder
Lou DiBella
Thank you very much and welcome to the, final conference call for the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing show, January 16 of this new year at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The show will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME. It’s a world championship, heavyweight championship doubleheader.

These are the first two heavyweight title fights in over 100 years in Brooklyn on the same night, 115 years since the last heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn. And there’ll be two on the same night on January 16 on SHOWTIME.

The first bout will be for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Championship between Charles Martin and the highest ranked contender in the IBF, former Olympic Bronze Medalist, Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov. The main event will be Deontay Wilder, the Heavyweight Champion of the World of the WBC who is defending his title against the very colorful and exciting Artur Szpilka.

We’re going to start with Stephen Espinoza, the man who runs SHOWTIME Boxing and who has put together this great card for us.

Stephen Espinoza
Thank you, Lou. As some of you know, 2016 represents the 30th anniversary of SHOWTIME Championship Boxing. The very first fight at SHOWTIME was telecast on March 10, 1986 and featured Marvelous Marvin Hagler versus John Mugabi. We’ve had a variety of high-profile fighters and fights since.

To kick off our 30th anniversary year, I can’t think of a better way to do it than at Barclays Center in Brooklyn with a doubleheader of heavyweight title fights. There is going to be some explosive action. We have some really entertaining, interesting personalities. In fact, I can’t wait to see what the rest of this all holds.

L. DiBella
I’m going to start with the man who is the leading available contender in the IBF, and he is going to fighting Charles Martin for the IBF Heavyweight Championship. Czar Glazkov, 21-0-1, 13 KOs from the Ukraine originally, now fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He’s a 2007 Silver Medalist at the World Amateur Boxing Championship and a 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist at Super Heavyweight.

Manager extraordinaire, Egis Klimas is on the call, and he will do the translating for Czar Glazkov. Czar is promoted by Main Events and Kathy Duva of Main Events will be co-promoting this fight with us.

Egis Klimas
Hello, everybody. This is Egis, manager of Vyacheslav Glazkov. We’re very happy to have a title shot, the world title of the IBF. We wanted to thank our promoter Main Events for doing such a good job for bringing Glazkov to this opportunity. I am very fortunate to represent Mr. Glazkov. I’ve been doing it for four years, and this is a big shot for him to become the world champion.

I would like to introduce to you, Vyascheslav Glazkov, the contender for the IBF Title.

Vyaschelav Glazkov
Yes. Hello, everybody. This is Vyacheslav Glazkov. This is a great opportunity for me and a really good chance for me to win the World Championship.

L. DiBella
Charles Martin, 22-0-1 with 20 KOs, born in St. Louis, Missouri, now from Carson, California. Charles is a huge physical specimen at 6’5″. The 29-year-old knockout artist was an accomplished amateur. He won the 2012 National PAL Championship. Charles is something of an unknown commodity to a lot of people. He is the number three-ranked IBF contender and is looking forward to his opportunity and what he thinks is going to be a knockout win against Vyacheslav Glazkov.

Charles, would you like to say a few words, please?

Charles Martin
Yes. I’m so thankful to be in this position and blessed to get a world title shot, and that’s what all boxers dream of. It’s finally becoming a reality to me. I’m not going to let anything stand in front of me of receiving this IBF title. So I will be prepared on January 16th.

I’m up in high altitude right now. I’m in the snow. I’m running in the snow. I’m getting it, grinding with it, and it’s going to all show in the rings.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Charles. Charles is promoted by Warriors Boxing in Florida, so they will also be a co-promoter of this title fight.

I would open it up now to questions for Vyacheslav Glazkov and Charles Martin.

Q
Can you take me through the decision-making process of dropping out of your fight with Dominic Breazeale in December?

C. Martin
I’m glad you asked that because I wanted to do both of the fights. My team is the one that talked me out of it. I was up here making plans to do both. They’re like, yes, yes, you know, that’s right, that’s right. With the conversation with my coaches, I’m like, I can do this fight. I can get this another way. Then I’m lined up right here.

My manager and everybody else, they’re like, “Hey, this is a world title opportunity. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. You fight for a world title. So we’re pulling out. You’re going to back to camp and get this belt.” I guess after a while it sunk in and it started to make sense. And I said, “Hey, you know, whatever. Let’s just do it.” Because anything could happen.

You could get cut or something, any kind of crazy stuff that could have pulled me out of this fight. But I guarantee I was going to knock Dominic out. That’s automatic, you know what I mean? We know each other. I would have knocked him out, for sure.

Q
You’re talking about Breazeale, who you know?

C. Martin
Yes, Dominic Breazeale. I would have knocked him out.

Q
When you did make that decision to withdraw from the fight, did you stay straight through in camp. Did you at least take a couple of days off? Did you do anything over the holidays? Or did you just basically stay in camp and just work all the way through it?

C. Martin
Yes, I took a week off. I took that week off and then we got back to camp. I started back training when I was in L.A.. I live in North Hollywood, so we have a gym right there. These guys they sponsor me and I got a gym right there. Me and my coaches got in there and we were hitting pads and we’re doing workouts, doing pushups and callisthenic-type of movements.

Then we got right back up here into the high altitude, man. We are in Big Bear right now. We’ve been here for a few weeks now. We’ve been up here grinding, man. We’re getting it in. I’m in perfect shape. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life. I’m ready to fight.

Q
When you look at the record of Glazkov, does it make you think to yourself, I better really get rid of this guy because I cannot leave it in the hands of the judges?

C. Martin
I don’t even take the time to think about those kind of things because he’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me. I’m no Cunningham. I’m no Tor Hamer. I’m none of these guys that he fought.

I’m totally a different fighter than he’s ever seen. So come fight night, I’m ready to prove it to the whole wide world. I’m ready to be that superstar. We train like superstars. If you’re going to train mediocre, you’ll be mediocre, and that’s what I see out of a lot of fighters, heavyweights, especially. But we train to be a superstar and that’s what you guys are going to see.

Q
Has everything changed in the mindsets for a fighter like yourself after Klitschko’s loss?

C. Martin
It was going to open up eventually. Klitschko had a very good run. His whole career was outstanding. He’s an awesome fighter. But it’s our time now. There are new fighters on the map. We had big plans to knock him out as well. We wanted to knock him out and become superstars overnight. Everybody got the dream.

It’s here now, man. I get to fight for the IBF World Title. I can’t believe it. Every day I wake up. I think I’m freaking blessed. I’m fighting for a world title. This is crazy. Sometimes it doesn’t even sound right, but it’s real. So I’m going to seize the moment, definitely.

V. Glazkov
Well, I think right now the heavyweights are going to be very interesting because of all the titles getting a split around. There is going to be more champions, and that’s what the fan always like because for many years it was all one person. I’m looking forward to see what is going to be happening in the heavyweight division.

Q
This is for both fighters. I just want to know if one of you, unless there is a draw, wins this title next weekend, are you anxious to unify with either the WBC champion or with Tyson Fury?

V. Glazkov
Yes, of course. This is the dream of every fighter to get all the titles because I truly believe the real champion is whoever is holding all four titles.

C. Martin
Yes, I want it all. As soon as I get this belt, I want to unify. I want everything. I want all the hardware. Look out for “Prince” Charles Martin. I’m here to make a statement and you guys are going to see, finally. I’ve been under wraps a long time but now the world can see me display my skill. Yes, I can’t wait to unify. I want everything.

Q
Charles, do you think that Glazkov is a pretty decent step up in competition on paper from who else you fought? I’d like your assessment of him as a boxer and what you think he brings to the table.

C. Martin
Yes. He’s definitely a step up on paper. His resume reads well. He’s a good fighter. He’s technical, keeping his hands up and stuff like that, has a pretty nice hook. But I got to give you the ups and the downs. He’s a little guy. I’m massive, strong, powerful, elusive. He’s definitely going to be in there for the hardest fight of his life that he’ll ever have.

Q
Czar, you heard what Charles said. He called you a little guy. I’d like your reaction to and what you think of Martin technically. Have you seen tape on him? What do you think of him as a fighter?

V. Glazkov
I respect all of my opponents. Anybody who steps into the ring is doing a very good job. As far as him as a boxer, what can I say? He’s a big dude. He’s a southpaw. I soak up all of his videos. He’s not the standard guy. He’s not a normal guy, but that’s why I’m picking up my sparring partners. That’s why I’m working and preparing for the fighting.

Q
Czar, What’s your prediction for this fight?

V. Glazkov
I’m not going to be saying that I’m going to knock him out. I’m not going to be aiming to knock him out. I’m just going to be fighting and showing everybody my good skills with boxing. If it’s a knockout coming, it’s going to come.

L. DiBella
This is a significant fight. There is a belt at stake. There is an Olympic Medalist fighting a massive American heavyweight, as Charles accurately described himself, and also extremely charismatic and English-speaking American heavyweight that this fight can bring in major new player to the forefront in the heavyweight division. So it’s a very significant fight.

I thank you guys for joining us, and we’ll see you next week.

Now we’re going to move on to the main event of the evening, Deontay Wilder’s third defense of his WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World against Artur Szpilka, who is promoted by Warriors Boxing. If you’ve been following this promotion or listened to our first call, you’ll know that Artur’s English has gotten much better and he’s never at a loss for words nor is he at a loss for confidence.

I know that Deontay is looking forward to fighting a guy that’s looking to bring the fight and is this confident in his own skills and his ability.

Artur, would you like to say a few words to start?

A. Szpilka
Welcome to everybody. The new heavyweight champion is here. You’ll see. I wait for questions.

L. DiBella
Well, the man who believes he is going to be the new heavyweight champion just said a couple of words. Now we’re going to go to the Heavyweight Champion, undefeated Deontay Wilder.

Deontay Wilder
Good evening everyone. Happy New Year. We’re headed into a new year. It’s going to be a hell of a year this year for not only myself but a lot of other fighters as well. There are a lot of things going on in the heavyweight division. The division is definitely alive, and I’m looking to claim it all.

I wish all the heavyweights in the division good luck on their up and coming journeys. And I definitely wish my opponent good luck on becoming the first Polish champion. That is something that has been a hard task to complete for many Polish guys.

He’s not the first to come. It’s going to be difficult for him as well, but I wish him luck. He should be proud that he made it this far, and got this opportunity. So I’m looking forward to January 16, to conquering the world.

Q
How’s training going, Deontay? How’s camp been? How’s your training? Same question for Artur.

D. Wilder
Camp has been wonderful. We’ve had a lot of wonderful guys that come in camp. I’ve always been in shape. That’s always been my motto, that I’m never out of shape. To not have fought a southpaw in three years, and to have a great camp like I’ve had, it’s been crazy.

It reminded me of why I enjoy and love fighting southpaws. I definitely had fun in this camp. I’m looking forward to the fight. I really am. This is my statement year, the start of the year. I’m looking forward to make a statement on Szpilka’s face.

A. Szpilka
Everything is great. Everything is fine. To be honest, I cannot wait to start this whole commotion. Especially I am waiting for the moment that I will be able, for the first time, to look in Deontay’s eyes, and be in the middle of this whole fight week preparation, and fight week craziness.

Q
For each fighter, what is difficult about preparing for the other guy? For Deontay, how different is it facing a southpaw, especially one that kind of fights out of a crouch? And for Szpilka, how difficult is it to prepare for someone who is so tall, and with such reach?

D. Wilder
It’s different levels of what you look at as difficult. Southpaws are my fun people to fight. You know, southpaws are people that pressure me. They are the ones I enjoy the most in sparring and actual fights and stuff like that.

There’s nothing, difficult about the southpaw, other than you’re switching sides with fighters. What you’re used to seeing is just backwards. That’s about it. Everything else is all about your feel, your determination, your IQ in the ring, and what you’re able to do with your ability.

I could put everything I got in the bank on my abilities and skill and will, and what I’m capable of doing in the ring. There’s no other heavyweight in the division like me, especially when it comes into the athletic department. I’m the most athletic heavyweight in the division.

There comes a point in time where it’s enough talking and it’s time to fight, which is what we’re doing now. We’re in the last few couple of words here, and a couple of more days. Then it’ll be time to fight. That way, every fighter has something to say about what they’re going to do.

There comes a time when you have to put forth the action, and actually see whether you’re really just talking to promote yourself, just to sell yourself, or to build your confidence, or build confidence around you, the people that you have inside, or are you the real deal. And I’m pretty sure that I can put every penny on it that I’m the real deal, and what I talk about, I put full action in.

What I’m saying I’m going to, I’ll do it. Everybody that knows me personally knows that if Deontay says he’s going to do something, it’s going to be done. So it’s exciting times, and I can’t wait. I really can’t. I’m in love with boxing. I’m in love with the sport. I love fighting. I love every bit of it and this is just a part of it.

This is the part I hate, just the waiting. And I’ll be so anxious to beat somebody up, just look at their face. This is the part that I hate — the waiting part. I’m ready for the fight. I’m ready to fight. Training is enough. I could have taken off that last little week of training, I didn’t need it.

I’m ready. I didn’t need the last week of training. I didn’t need the last week of strength training. I don’t need that. These guys could have went home. If I wasn’t paying my sparring partners, I would have sent them home.

But I don’t believe in giving out free money, so they had to stay and they had to spar — not to the point that they didn’t give me no work, because they gave me great work. It’s just to the point where I am super-ready. I’m just done, ready.

I’m looking forward to it, and I hope everybody is and everyone who is going to be attending this fight, who all’s going to be attending it or watching it on TV. They’re in for a treat. They’re in for a huge treat, just to start the year off.

I’m excited about the new year, that we get to start it off, make a statement. I want this fight to be already the fight of the year, and this is just the beginning of the year. So that’s what excitement I’m trying to bring to this fight. I’m trying to bring a severe knockout.

I want to get back to my knockout days. My hands were still out of all this time, last year my hand was about 85% when I defended my title. Now it’s, looking back, strong as ever. It’s back to 100%, and I’m looking to go back to where I used to be — four rounds or under.

A. Szpilka
For now I’m just ready to step into the ring. I also like to fight taller fighters. All the time when I’m spending time in Houston with my trainer, this is what we train for. I understand the training is not the actual fight. But I always liked the taller fighters.

Whatever Deontay is saying just makes no sense. I don’t believe in his words, and I will be able to prove it in the ring on the 16th. But for now, it’s just talk by Deontay.

Q
Everybody was just really looking forward to 2016’s Klitschko against Wilder. How disappointed were you when Klitschko just didn’t show up?

D. Wilder
I was very disappointed that Klitschko didn’t show up and do the things that we expected of him and what he was capable of doing. It could be many reasons why that Klitschko didn’t show up, because that wasn’t him as a fighter. Klitschko as a person, his body was there, but as a fighter, something was missing. That isn’tt what we’re used to seeing out of Wladimir Klitschko.

I think Father Time has knocked on his door, and he don’t want to let him in yet. But, I think it’s knocking at his door, and that fight proved it.

There’s talk of a rematch, and I’m going to see the second time around. So some people are still in daze of belief, because they can’t believe what they’ve seen.

Just like my career, many times, people make excuses for me. They say different things; even criticize me because they can’t understand why I’m able to do what I do, and how I do it when I do it. So, it’s the same thing as Klitschko. So we’re going to see the second time around, was this real?

Q
Does it mean extra to you to be fighting in such a new arena in the borough of Brooklyn?

D. Wilder
I’m very happy and honored to be able to be able to fight in Brooklyn. Barclays Center as well with so much rich heavyweight history throughout the state of New York. I’m so looking forward to finally putting my name down in history.

I definitely want to come in in the new year, and not only put history down, but in a great fashion; make a great statement to all the others that are in the division. This is a fine time for me. 2016 is going to be a starting time as well, so just making the whole division back and exciting again.

It’s definitely an exciting time and I’m just happy to be a part of it, and bringing that excitement truly back to the heavyweight division. I may be a country boy, but I don’t think the city’s ready for this boy right here.

Q
My first question is to Szpilka. Where are you guys at right now with the drug testing?

A. Szpilka
I’m still waiting. I’m still waiting. I don’t know why.

D. Wilder
Well I don’t know what he’s talking about. I just went to LabCorp yesterday and got blood drawn for the fight. So this is a championship fight. You’re not going to have a championship fight without being drug-tested. Period. So whether the test is happening before the fight, or whether the test happens after the fight, there will be a drug test.

Q
Is this camp different compared to all the other camps that you guys went through?

D. Wilder
This camp has been one of the most fun camps for the simple fact that I haven’t been involved with a southpaw in like three years. To get my brain back in functioning how to defeat a southpaw, it has been fun. I can’t say challenging, because I had too much fun doing it.

I can’t wait to show you everything that I have to offer. Just as I developing my skill, I develop everything I’ve learned over the years, and apply them in the ring.

Like I said before, I keep saying that I want it to be embedded in you guys’ brains that 2016 belongs to Deontay Wilder, where he will unify the division. There hasn’t been one since 1999. That was Lennox Lewis. Now I must make history. I can’t let any man get in my way from that.

If any man feels that I’m just talk, like Szpilka says, he thinks I’m just talk. There’s never been anything I said that I haven’t done. But we’ve seen him, many times, talk. We’ve recently seen him say the same shit he’s talking about now. And what happened? He ended up becoming the loser.

Everything I’ve said I’ve backed up. That’s why I’m still the champ. That’s why I am a winner. And the thing about it, my 10,000 hours is coming up – of training is coming up (unintelligible). So now I’m coming up four complete fighters now. I understand my abilities and skills inside that ring, and those 10,000 hours is definitely approaching.

I’m looking forward to the world embracing me, and to continue being the heavyweight champ of the world, soon to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

A. Szpilka
Just like I said before, and just like Deontay said before, I also could have skipped the last week of training. Everything is done. Everything is prepared. Right now it’s just waiting. So we’re going to find out who is who on January 16.

Q
I wonder what you think about the fact that you’re fighting in Deontay’s home country, but chances are you’re going to be the one that everybody’s cheering for?

A. Szpilka
There is no doubt that my crowd, the Polish crowd, will be predominant on January 16 in Barclays Center. They will be like additional gloves in the ring for me. They’re going to carry me to be a winner, to be a champion, something special. I’m going to fight also for them.

Q
What would it mean to you to become the first Polish heavyweight to win a world title?

A
This is the most important part of this fight for me, not even to become a world champion. It’s not about that. It’s about to be part of the history; becoming the first Polish heavyweight champion; to be the one when, even after I’m going to be dead, people are going to say, oh, this was the Szpilka guy, the guy who was the first Polish heavyweight champion. This is what I want to do, and this is what I’m going to prove to everybody on January 16.

L. DiBella
Well thank you, Artur, and thank you, Deontay. That’ll be our last question. Once again, the Showtime telecast will begin at 10:00 ET/7:00 PT. But there are tickets still available at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and we urge people to come out.

This is a rare opportunity to see the heavyweight champion of the world defend his title, and to see another heavyweight championship contested — two heavyweight title fights in one night, Barclays Center, January 16, on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing.

Tickets again are at Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster; Barclays Center.com; by going to Barclays Center box office. We hope to see you in Brooklyn. Deontay and Artur, we’ll see you next week in Brooklyn, and we look forward to a great event on January 16. Thank you all for joining us.




CHARLES MARTIN vs. VYACHESLAV GLAZKOV ADDED TO DEONTAY WILDER vs. ARTUR SZPILKA FOR HISTORIC HEAVYWEIGHT EVENT AT BARCLAYS CENTER; LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Vyacheslav Glazkov
BROOKLYN (Dec. 22, 2015) – Four heavyweights will meet in two world title fights for one history-making night in Brooklyn.

Undefeated heavyweight challengers Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov will battle for the vacant IBF World Championship on Saturday, Jan. 16, at Barclays Center, live on SHOWTIME®. Glazkov vs. Martin joins the previously announced main event featuring undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., making the third defense of his title against confident Artur Szpilka (20-1, 15 KOs), of Wieliczka, Poland.

“There has not been a heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn in 115 years. On Jan. 16, there will be two,” said Promoter Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Purchase before January 1 and receive a 10 percent discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

?”?I’m feeling really blessed to get this opportunity,” said Martin. “I want to become a world champion so I can go down in history as a top heavyweight. Glazkov ?is a great fighter. He’s undefeated, ?so I know ?it’?s going to be a t?ough fight, ?but I’m coming in to be victorious. ?I’m getting ready and ?training hard so I can go out there and get that win.” ?

“I am looking forward to getting back in the ring and finally getting my opportunity to fight for a world title,” said Glazkov. “I want to thank everyone who helped me get to this place in my career.”

“It’s an honor to promote a dynamic young champion like Deontay Wilder against a tough threatening opponent like Szpilka,” said DiBella. “What would have been the first heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn in 115 years is now one of the first two. Martin versus Glazkov should be an extremely competitive fight and fans will be treated to the rarity of being able to see two world heavyweight championship fights on the same card.”

“I am excited to be involved in this historic event involving two heavyweight world titles fights, contested on the same evening,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Having worked with Artur Szpilka since he began his career, I know he is more than ready for this challenge. Artur and Charles Martin both have all the tools necessary to win heavyweight world title in Brooklyn on January 16.”

“January 16 will be our best card yet,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We’re excited to host two heavyweight world title fights in one night and continue to make Brooklyn the center of boxing.”

Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs), of Carson, Calif., by way of St. Louis, is 22-0-1 with 20 KOs and is rated fourth by the IBF. The Ukrainian Glazkov, the No. 1-ranked IBF contender, is 21-0-1 with 13 knockouts.

The unbeaten Martin has stopped his last 12 opponents. The 6-foot-5, 29-year-old southpaw is coming off a third round TKO of Vicente Sandez in September. Martin, a top-level amateur, has maintained a busy schedule since turning professional – he fought four times in 2015 and five times in 2014. Martin is trained by U.S. Olympian Henry Tillman in Big Bear, Calif.

The aggressive-minded, 6-foot-3 Glazkov has won seven consecutive fights, including both his outings in 2015. Glazkov, who has never been knocked down, owns victories over former champions Steve Cunningham and Tomasz Adamek. The win over Cunningham this past March earned him the No. 1 spot in the IBF. Before turning pro in July 2009, Glazkov was an amateur standout in the Ukraine – he won the bronze medal at super heavyweight at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and was a silver medalist at the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships. The 31-year-old will make his U.S. debut fighting for the IBF belt that was recently vacated by Tyson Fury.

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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter




Statement on Glazkov-Martin IBF Heavyweight Title Fight

Vyacheslav Glazkov
Springfield, New Jersey: Today the IBF held a purse bid for the upcoming battle between Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov (21-0-1, 13 KOs) and Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Title at their offices in Springfield, NJ, which Warriors Boxing won. The much-anticipated fight will take place on January 16, 2016 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The winning bid was $1,238,000 and the IBF has ordered that the split will be 65-35 in favor of Glazkov.

Glazkov won the #1 position in the IBF when he defeated Steve Cunningham back in March so the 31-year old from Lugansk, Ukraine is excited to finally get his shot at the IBF belt in his first world title fight. He said, “I am looking forward to getting back in the ring and finally getting my opportunity to fight for a world title. I want to thank everyone who helped me get to this place in my career.”

Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva added, “We are thrilled that Czar is getting his world title fight right away and in our own backyard! The turn around is quick, but both fighters will have the same amount of time to prepare so it’s fair. On top of fighting for his first world title,Glazkov is going to get more money for this fight than we were offered for any other fight and we won’t be tied to any future options. This is a great deal for everyone involved.”

Duva co-promotes Glazkov with Kirill Pchelnikov of Pushka Promotions. Pushka and Main Events put in a bid today but Pchelnikov remarked, “It does not matter we didn’t win the purse bid and it doesn’t matter where the fight will be. Maybe next time we will be able to take Glazkov to fight in Russia when he is champion!”

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