LAKE BALBOA, CA.(March 22, 2018) – Former world champion James DeGale arrived in Los Angeles on Saturday to finish training camp at the Team Watson Boxing Club as he prepares for his world title rematch against IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Truax Saturday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy Lara, the longest reigning world champion at 154-pounds, clashing with undefeated champion Jarrett Hurd in a highly anticipated 154-pound world title unification bout. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features Julian Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore meeting in a 154-pound world title eliminator.

DeGale is looking to bounce back from a majority decision loss to Truax last December in London, a fight he believes he rushed into after suffering a serious shoulder injury that included a 180-degree tear and damage to his rotator cuff and AC joint.

“When the doctor told me that some athletes recover from that injury in six months, I had it set in my mind that I would box again in December,” said DeGale. “No one was going to tell me otherwise. I rushed my injury and I wasn’t at my full fitness. I can only blame myself.”

Already the first fighter from the U.K. to win an Olympic gold medal and a professional world title, DeGale challenged Badou Jack in a 168-pound unification fight that turned into a back and forth war, a “Fight of the Year” candidate and eventually, a majority draw. DeGale believed that Truax would not have enough to challenge him in his first fight back from injury.

“My mindset at the time was that I can beat Truax with no hands,” said DeGale. “It was the wrong way to think. I’m an elite fighter and this is a dangerous sport. I’ve only got myself to blame.

“This time, I’m going to make it right. My training is like night and day compared to last camp. On my best day, no one in this division can beat me. No disrespect to Caleb Truax, but I’m a much better fighter. Now I’m training how I should have trained for the last fight.”

Some of DeGale’s finest moments in boxing have come in the U.S., including his title-winning fight against Andre Dirrell in May 2015 in Boston. He also defended his title against Rogelio Medina in April 2016 in Washington, D.C. before his unification showdown. Now DeGale will look to become a two-time champion in the boxing hotbed of Las Vegas.

“The U.S. is really my second home now,” said DeGale. “In the past when I’ve fought on the East Coast I’ve gone down to Miami to train heading into the fight. This time California seemed like the perfect place to go before Las Vegas.

“This is my first time training in California, but so far I’ve been really comfortable at the Team Watson Boxing Club. I’ve got some great sparring lined up, including working with Gabriel Rosado. Most importantly my body is super fit and injury free. Everything is geared to getting my title back on April 7 and leaving no doubt in the ring.”

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event will see Erislandy Lara, the longest reigning world champion at 154-pounds, clash with undefeated champion Jarrett Hurd in a highly anticipated 154-pound world title unification bout. The three-fight telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features Caleb Truax making the first defense of his 168-pound title against James DeGale in a rematch of their exciting first bout in December.

Williams and Gallimore will look to put themselves into the mandatory position for the IBF Junior Middleweight World Title currently held by Hurd.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.

The epitome of a Philadelphia fighter, Williams (24-1-1, 15 KOs) has won his last two fights after suffering the first loss of his career to Jermall Charlo in his first world title fight in 2016 on SHOWTIME. The 27-year-old Williams rebounded by stopping Joshua Conley last June before picking up a victory over former champion Ishe Smith in his most recent fight in November.

“This is going to be a really good fight on April 7,” said Williams “Gallimore has been talking a big game, but I’ve got a big chip on my shoulder, and I’ve been training like it. I think he’s going to bring out something different in me. He’s going to find out that there are different levels to this game. He’s a bit of a stalker in the ring and he’s been knocking people out. He thinks he’s a puncher, but he hasn’t really fought the level of competition that I have. I don’t care if he’s training with Buddy McGirt now, because no one can save him when he’s in that ring.”

The 29-year-old Gallimore (20-1-1, 17 KOs) has stayed active while rising up the ranks at 154-pounds and picking up four knockout victories in 2017. The Jamaican fighter, who now trains in California with Buddy McGirt, impressively stopped previously unbeaten Jeison Rosario and then once-beaten Justin DeLoach in two performances that announced his arrival as 154-pound contender.

“This is going to be my coming out year,” said Gallimore. “This is a huge opportunity to present my skills and my abilities to the world. There’s no mistaking why I’m here, and I’ll make a statement starting with ‘J-Pebbles’ Williams. I call him ‘J-Pebbles’ because he’s not a ‘J-Rock.’ He’s an average fighter. There’s nothing special about him. The best way he can prepare is to do chin pushups, because I’m going to test his chin and that’s the only thing that can protect him. I’m going to dismantle him piece-by-piece, round-by-round, and when that time comes to seek and destroy, I’m going to take him out. I’m the one they should be worried about.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (March 9, 2018) – Erislandy Lara, the longest reigning world champion at 154-pounds, will clash with IBF champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd in a highly-anticipated super welterweight title unification live on SHOWTIME (10 pm ET/7 pm PT) as part of an exciting card presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, April 7 from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb Truax will make the first defense of his IBF title against James DeGale in a rematch of one of the biggest upsets of 2017 that saw Truax wrestle the belt from DeGale on his home turf in London last December.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, will go on sale Friday, March 16 and be available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.

“This is an action-packed card from top to bottom. The televised card features boxers who all have something significant to gain with a victory,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The winner of Lara-Hurd will be one step closer to becoming the undisputed 154-pound world champion. In a rematch, Truax gets to re-affirm his position as champion and DeGale has a chance to regain his world championship status. This is the kind of show that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.”

“We take pride in promoting quality events that our audiences always want to see,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This card is going to be another line-up that the fans won’t want to miss. With Lara and Hurd looking to unify their titles and guys going head-to-head in rematches on the undercard, this is sure to be a night of non-stop action.

Lara vs. Hurd is a classic contrast in styles that could force each fighter to raise their game to another level. Lara is a crafty southpaw who relies on his superior boxing skills to confound opponents, while Hurd is a pure pressure boxer-puncher that stalks his opponents and isn’t easily frustrated.

Lara, a Cuban whose nickname is “The American Dream”, is coming off a unanimous decision victory on SHOWTIME over Terrell Gausha in October. Hurd was on the same card and defeated former champion Austin Trout when Trout’s corner stopped the fight in the 10th round. That paved the way for this unification showdown.

The 34-year-old Lara (25-2-2, 14 KOs), who lives and trains in Houston, Texas, won his world title with a TKO victory over Alfredo Angulo in 2013 and has successfully defended it seven times, which includes wins over Trout, Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.

“I’m very excited and motivated for this fight and to once again be headlining on the best network in boxing on SHOWTIME, is truly a pleasure,” said Lara. “I look forward to adding another belt to my collection on April 7 and to proving that I’m the best 154-pound fighter out there. Everyone tune-in because you don’t want to miss this unification. It’s going to be a legendary night and one for the history books.”

The undefeated Hurd (21-0, 15 KOs) is coming off a career-defining TKO victory over the former champion Trout in his last fight on Oct. 14. It was the first defense of the title for the 27-year Hurd of Accokeek, Maryland, who won the championship with a TKO victory over Tony Harrison on Feb. 25, 2017.

“I plan on being the aggressor for the entire fight, so I’ve been doing some exercises and working on techniques to improve my foot work so that I can stay on top of Erislandy Lara,” said Hurd. “We are not trying to go to the scorecards, so hopefully, I can be the first man to stop him, which I hope to do in the later rounds.

“I called him out, and now, it has come to pass that I get to become a unified champion against the man everyone considers to be the best and most feared in the division, and that’s Erislandy Lara.”

They call 34-year-old Truax “Golden”, and he punched his ticket to world title gold while on a trip to London in December, when he defeated DeGale by majority decision. Truax (29-3-2, 18 KOs) of Osseo, Minnesota was on a two-fight win streak heading into the match against DeGale. Before that his only losses came against former champions Anthony Dirrell, Daniel Jacobs and Jermain Taylor.

“They made the right call on the decision in England, and I expect to be even more dominant this time around,” Truax said. “I am planning to really just beat up James Gale and get the job done in more efficient fashion this time.’

“Fighting in Las Vegas for the first time will be a very cool experience and I expect it to be friendlier than it was in London. There is a lot of pride on the line for me, being that I’m the first boxing world champion from Minnesota in a long time. So there is a lot on the line for me and I plan to keep that going, especially as a means for supporting my family.”

The 32-year-old DeGale (23-2-1, 14 KOs) was the first British boxer to win a Gold Medal in the Olympics (2008 Beijing Games) and a world championship as a professional. He won his world title with a unanimous decision over Andre Dirrell in 2015 and made two successful defenses before fighting to a draw against Badou Jack on Jan. 14, 2017. It was a brutal standoff between two world champions, but neither man had his hand raised in victory. DeGale, who was coming off of an injury, had his home town crowd behind him but couldn’t deliver a win as Truax scored a stunning upset with the majority decision victory.

‘I’m happy to have the opportunity to rematch Truax and regain my IBF title,” said DeGale. “I am not going to make excuses for my poor performance, actions speak louder than words. I am excited to be boxing in Vegas and on SHOWTIME again. The real JD will be back on fight night!”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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NEW YORK – November 29, 2017 – SHOWTIME Sports will live stream a world-class boxing event – including two world championship bouts – free to the U.S. audience on social media platforms Saturday, December 9 to close out the network’s industry-leading 2017 boxing schedule. The digital-only offering will be exclusive in the U.S. on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (23-1-1, 14 KOs) will headline as he defends his title against former world title challenger Caleb Truax (28-3-2, 18 KOs) in DeGale’s first fight since a thrilling bout with Badou Jack in a 168-pound world championship unification match last January on SHOWTIME.

In the streaming co-feature, IBF Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby (20-1, 9 KOs) will take on undefeated contender Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-3, 7 KOs), while undefeated light heavyweight Anthony Yarde (13-0, 12 KOs) will face former world title challenger Nikola Sjekloca (32-4-1, 11 KOs). The opening fight of the live stream will feature the U.S. introduction to 20-year-old undefeated heavyweight Daniel Dubois (5-0, 5 KOs) as he takes on former Anthony Joshua foe Dorian Darch (12-5-1, 1 KOs).

Live coverage, provided by BoxNation and BT Sport, will begin at approximately 2:50 p.m. ET/11:50 a.m. PT with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling and Richie Woodhall calling all the action.

SHOWTIME is the only network to offer live streaming coverage of boxing on social media platforms in the U.S., having first done so in 2016 with the presentation of two heavyweight world championship bouts live on YouTube.

In 2017, SHOWTIME was the first network to offer live boxing on Twitter with Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados (February 18). SHOWTIME also live streamed two other boxing events in 2017: super middleweights George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov on May 27 and heavyweights Jarrell Miller vs. Gerald Washington on July 29.

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, Google, Xbox One and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Sony PlayStation™ Vue and Amazon Channels. 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.

James DeGale MBE will make the fourth defence of his IBF Super-Middleweight World Championship against Caleb Truax at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday 9th December.

On the same evening, Welshman Lee Selby will make the fourth defence of his IBF Featherweight World Championship against undefeated Mexican Eduardo Ramirez, both fights will be shown live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

‘Chunky’ has been out of the ring since January 2017, when his unification fight with WBC Super-Middleweight Champion Badou Jack ended in a majority draw. Jack was knocked down in the first round but ended strongly flooring the gutsy DeGale in the last round in New York.

DeGale underwent surgery on his right shoulder in June to repair a 180-degree tear, a rota-cuff tear and an ACJ stabilisation, an injury that had been troubling him for around two years, and is now fit and ready to defend his World Title on home soil for the first time.

Truax, a native of Osseo, Minnesota, has mixed it with World class operators such as former WBC Super-Middleweight Champion Anthony Dirrell and former WBA Middleweight Champion Danny Jacobs.

‘Golden’ got his first shot at a World Title when he faced 160-pound Champion Jacobs in Chicago in April 2015. He gave Jacobs all he could handle before being stopped in the 12th round.

Since his loss to Direll in April 2016, Truax (28-3-2 18 KOs) has bounced back with consecutive KO wins and is determined to upset the odds when he fights in the UK for the first time next month.

Undefeated Selby knows that a win on December 9th will set-up a blockbuster showdown with long-term rival and mandatory challenger Josh Warrington in 2018. Since winning his IBF crown against Evgeny Gradovich in May 2015 he has made three successful defences and is aiming to steal the show next month.

Ramirez (20-0-3, 7 KOs) is a 24-year-old southpaw from Los Mochis, Sinola, Mexico with fast hands and a solid defence. He is managed and trained by Montiel Jr., brother of the five-time World Champion and former Selby challenger Fernando Montiel.

“Truax is a good solid fighter with a top pedigree,” said DeGale. “He’s been in with some quality opponents like Daniel Jacobs, Jermain Taylor and Andre Dirrell.

“He’ll be fighting away from home so he’s going to bring it on and try to take my World title, but I’m the best Super-Middleweight in the world and I’m going into the ring full of confidence and 100 percent fit.

“I’ve not boxed in London for a few years so I can’t wait to make my return to the ring and soak up the atmosphere from the crowd and put on great show.”

“Ramirez is a very good unbeaten fighter and he comes from a good stable,” said Selby. “He’s trained by Fernando Montiel’s brother, Fernando was a former challenger of mine and his brother is a very experienced coach.

“He has a decent ranking with the IBF and you don’t get there by accident, he’s worked his way into the mix and he’s going to give me a tough test. He’s a southpaw which is another challenge for myself.

“There’s a lot of pressure on this fight, one loss will mess up my whole career. There’s massive fights to be made against Josh Warrington and Carl Frampton next year so it’s vital that I come through this fight.

“This show has everything, you have two of the best technical boxers in the country in myself and DeGale, and then you have two of the best prospects in the country in Yarde and Dubois. I’m proud and honoured to be a part of this bill.”

DeGale and Selby top a huge night of boxing in London on December 9th.

Light-Heavyweight ‘Beast’ Anthony Yarde (13-0, 12 KOs) defends his WBO Intercontinental and European belts against Nikola Sjekloca (32-4-1, 11 KOs), Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois (5-0, 5 KOs) aims to continue his KO streak when he faces former Anthony Joshua opponent Dorian Darch (12-5-1, 1 KO) in his sixth contest.

Former English Middleweight Champion Joe Mullender (10-2-0 4 KOs) fights for the Vacant IBF European Middleweight Championship while the hugely-popular former English Welterweight Champion Johnny Garton (20-1-1 7 KOs) fights for the Vacant IBF European Welterweight title.

Rising talents Archie Sharp (Welling), Sanjeev Sahota (Hornchurch), Ben Smith (Wycombe), Hamza Sheeraz (Ilford), Umar Sadiq (Ilford) and debutant Harvey Horn (Chigwell) complete an action-packed night of boxing.

Tickets for The Boys Are Back In Town priced at £40 (Upper Tier), £50 (Lower Tier), £70 (Floor), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and VIP/Hospitality £250 are now on sale via See Tickets, Eventim and Ticketmaster:

See Tickets
0871 230 7148
www.seetickets.com

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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IBF Super-Middleweight World Champion James DeGale and IBF Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby will defend their belts on a huge night of boxing at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday 9th December, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

DeGale, 31, became the first British boxer to win both an Olympic gold medal and a professional World Title when he sensationally beat Andre Dirrell for the Vacant IBF 168 pounds title in the USA in May 2015.

‘Chunky’ had previously won Gold for Great Britain at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in the Middleweight boxing event, before turning professional with Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren in 2009.

The classy hard-hitting Londoner continued his campaign across the Atlantic with the first defence of his IBF crown against Lucien Bute in Canada in November 2015 and followed that up with a win over Rogello Medina in Washington in April 2016.

His unification fight with WBC Super-Middleweight Champion Badou Jack earlier this year ended in a majority draw. Jack was knocked down in the first round but ended strongly flooring the gutsy DeGale in the last round in New York.

Southpaw DeGale will now make the first defence of his IBF crown on home soil on a blockbuster night of action also featuring rising British stars Anthony Yarde and Daniel Dubois.

Undefeated Welshman Lee Selby won the IBF Featherweight title in May 2015 when he defeated Evgeny Gradovich and has gone on to make three successful defences of his crown.

He says he is ready to give IBF mandatory challenger Josh Warrington ‘an educated boxing lesson’ once he comes through his latest defence in London on December 9.

Selby has successfully defended his title twice this year, stopping Andoni Gago at the 02 Arena in March and winning in July against Jonathan Victor Barros just four days after the death of his mother.

The Barry fighter and Warrington have been embroiled in a long-running battle of words, with Selby accusing the Leeds boxer of ‘bottling’ an opportunity to face him.

“To be defending my World Title in my home city is a dream come true,” said DeGale. “I have made my name as a road warrior but now it is time to remind everyone at home who the best Super-Middleweight in the World is.

“I haven’t showcased my skills in the UK since 2014 and I’m looking forward to putting on a memorable performance for the people of London and everyone tuning in at home on BT Sport and BoxNation.

“I’m back in full training and feeling fit and ready to go on December 9. Fans can look forward to an explosive performance, I’m itching to get under those bright lights again!”

“I can’t wait to return to the ring on a huge night of boxing,” said Selby. “There’s some terrific fighters featuring on the bill but I’ll be stealing the show and ending 2017 in style.

“I will definitely be fighting my mandatory challenger Josh Warrington after I come through this fight. To me he is just another opponent, but I think he’s got emotionally attached to me.

“I will give him an educated lesson and then move on!”

Promoter Frank Warren said: “I am delighted James and Lee are showcasing their talents on our last big show in London this year. I expect it to be a special night for James, defending his World Title in his home city for the first time. Selby is a class operator and should he come through this fight, we will be looking to make the long-awaited fight with Josh in 2018. Rising stars Anthony Yarde and Daniel Dubois will also feature on this unmissable card and I know fans will be in for a real treat.”

DeGale and Selby will face the media at a press conference in London on Monday 30th October – further details will be announced shortly.

James DeGale suffered injuries in his draw with Badou jack on January 14th, and will be out of action until this Summer according to Dab Rafael of espn.com.

“We received a letter from a doctor in the U.K. stating that DeGale was operated on last month,” IBF championship committee chairman Lindsey Tucker told ESPN. “DeGale will need until July 2017 to recover from his injuries.”

BROOKLYN (January 19, 2017) – This past Saturday, Jan. 14, Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, hosted the super middleweight unification showdown between Badou Jack and James DeGale, who fought to a majority draw in front of a lively crowd of 10,128 fight fans.

It was a fitting launch to a new year of boxing as Barclays Center played host to some of the sport’s greatest moments in 2016. Nominations and awards, given by Premier Boxing Champions, ESPN.com, RING Magazine, and the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) feature Barclays Center boxing events in a variety of categories, including Fight of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Fighter of the Year, Comeback of the Year, and Round of the Year.

“After hosting four of 2016’s best fight cards, we are proud that many of Barclays Center’s major moments have been recognized by the boxing industry,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “2017 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for BROOKLYN BOXING.”

Barclays Center will continue its momentum with Danny Garcia vs. Keith Thurman in a welterweight unification matchup on March 4.

The list of the 2016 nominations and award wins are below:

Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka (January 16, 2016)
Knockout of the Year – PBC winner; ESPN.com and RING Magazine Nominee
Wilder knocked out Szpilka in round 9 and retained his WBC heavyweight title during Brooklyn’s first night of heavyweight championship boxing since 1900.

Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter (June 25, 2016)
Fight of the Year – PBC Winner, ESPN.com Nominee, USA Today Boxing Junkie Honorable Mention, and Boxing Writers Association of America Nominee
Round of the Year – RING Magazine Nominee (round 9)
Undefeated welterweight world champion Thurman edged former world champion Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges. The showdown was the first CBS primetime boxing broadcast since Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks I in 1978.

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton (July 30, 2016)
Fight of the Year – Boxing Writers Association of America Nominee
In a bout that became an instant classic, Frampton won a majority decision against Santa Cruz to take home the WBA Super World featherweight title on July 30, 2016 at Barclays Center.

Carl Frampton
Fighter of the Year – PBC, ESPN.com, and RING Magazine Winner; Boxing Writers Association of America Nominee
Frampton won two world titles in 2016 in two weight divisions against a pair of undefeated champions, including his defeat of Santa Cruz on July 30.

Mikey Garcia
Comeback of the Year – RING Magazine Nominee
Also fighting at Barclays Center on the Santa Cruz vs. Frampton card, Garcia scored a fifth-round TKO of Elio Rojas in his first bout in 2.5 years.

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

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

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

For additional information, please visit Brooklynse.com.

After his thrilling draw with James DeGale this past Saturday night, Badou Jack has vacated his WBC Super Middleweight title as he will move up to Light Heavyweight, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“The WBC has received official notification from WBC super middleweight champion Badou Jack, who has decided to move up in weight and compete in the light heavyweight division,” the WBC said in a statement. “Consequently, the super middleweight championship of the world has been declared vacant. The WBC is extremely proud of Badou Jack, who is our Ambassador of Good Will and Peace. He has been a role model outside the ring with his exemplary behavior and his beautiful family, his wife Jasmine, and his baby daughter, Malaniyah.

“The WBC wishes Badou Jack continuous success and the best of luck in his boxing career, hoping that one day he will compete for the light heavyweight championship of the world.”

“We looking forward to a Badou Jack and an Adonis Stevenson fightin’,” Mayweather said at the news conference after the fight with DeGale. “We gonna make that fight happen. We’re not worried about that because at Mayweather Promotions we can make anything happen.”

“I never want to be remembered as a cherry-picker,” Jack said. “Give me the best guys. If I win, I win. If I lose, I lose. I want to be tested. I want the challenges. I want the big-money fights. I don’t care who’s in front of me. Anyone. … Yeah, I’m ready to fight [Stevenson].”

By Jimmy Tobin-

It was easy to look past the character being interviewed; rare are the moments when much of interest ever issues from that mouth; easier still to ignore the antagonist conducting the interview, wholly unfit as he is to speak to men almost invariably his better. Behind this charade stood the fighter, silent, sullen, like a child toeing the ground in earshot of a conversation about him that he is not allowed to participate in. When finally allowed to speak, like so many of his fraternity he offered a cliché, but one that because of its veracity boasted some charm.

“I’ll fight anyone.”

Saturday night, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Badou Jack did not fight just anyone. For the fourth fight in a row, Jack fought a man capable of beating him, and not in the empty sense that says anything can happen in a prizefight—those who follow boxing understand how often matchmaking pares the potential for the unexpected down to mere theory, empty promise, tease. His opponent, James DeGale, a former Olympic gold medalist and fellow owner of a super middleweight trinket, fought Jack on mostly even terms leading to mostly even scores of 114-112 for DeGale, and 113-113 twice.

This was the second consecutive draw for Jack, who was unable to turn back a chemically enhanced Lucian Bute last April. But these draws, however bitter, are not the past Jack need bury. No, that past was etched into his ledger in 2014, when a then-undefeated Jack was splayed in the first round by a right hand from Derek Edwards. For many, it was a moment of a delicious schadenfreude: a member of Floyd Mayweather’s Money Team humiliated in a nationally televised showcase. Jack, yet too irrelevant to warrant such animosity, was vilified, his unmaking celebrated, by people who had desired a Mayweather failure for so long they were willing to accept a vicarious one.

If any of that ill will persists, Jack is undeserving of it. He is not his promoter, he is not his advisor, and he is not typical in the derogatory sense anyone who has grown frustrated with boxing understands. “The Ripper” rehabilitated himself by beating fighters who did not simply assuage his pride but actually confirmed his merit. He did not, like too many fighters of privilege earned or otherwise, secure victories primarily through matchmaking, but by steeling himself against greater challenges and answering the call of the moment.

Jack imperiled himself again against DeGale, the fighter of greater pedigree, the southpaw with a handful of tricks and some understanding—though not a mastery—of how to employ them. Degale dropped Jack in the first round with a lead left hand; and that auspicious start carried over through the early rounds while Jack parsed the frivolities of DeGale’s style, the empty threats in his movement, in all the hitting and not hitting and moving. Over the second half of the fight, however, when it became just that, Jack revealed who he has become since a lazy jab against Edwards cost him his daylights. Jack left DeGale looking like a man jumped into a gang. He rocketed DeGale’s mouthguard, and even a tooth, out of his mouth, setting up this facial reconstruction with a committed body attack. In the twelfth, punctuating the swing of control, Jack dropped Degale with an uppercut.

This second half surge (attributable in part to DeGale’s limitations and to the quality of the matchup), was improbable considering Jack’s struggle with the scale. Typically, a weight-drained fighter’s performance resembles a tractor pull: an explosive start is followed by a quick and steady exhaustion before the finish line. That Jack was able to improve as the fight wore on bodes well for his prospects at light heavyweight, where he is headed despite the appeal of a rematch with DeGale.

Could he make 168 pounds again, most everyone would expect him to pursue his satisfaction against DeGale. Certainly, the weight is the defining factor in his leaving a Degale rematch on the table. But there is also a sense that Jack is willing to leave another bitter moment in the past because he knows greater challenges await. No one will hold a draw with DeGale against him, nor should they, since perhaps the most pronounced takeaway from those twelve rounds (and many that preceded them) is that regardless of the outcome Jack guarantees action, and the moments that birth and sustain that reputation very often outshine the results.

Like all volume fighters, Jack will have to be mindful of the power that awaits him at light heavyweight: the element of attrition in his style he will always tempt disaster against opponents who need but one clean look. Nor can you, whatever your promotional or network allegiance, ascend to the top of that division without sharing the ring with a fighter known primarily for relieving men of their senses. But Jack, the fighter who professes a willingness to fight anybody and has the daring to make good on his words, has earned the right to worry about his future. His past—or at least the moment in it that once defined him—should hound him no longer.

Badou Jack and James DeGale fought to a thrilling draw in front of 10, 128 enthusiastic fans at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York in a IBF/WBC Super Middleweight unification bout.

DeGale dropped Jack in the 1st round from a pushing straight left hand.  DeGale out boxed Jack over the 1st half of the fight as he landed quick combinations, where Jack was loading up and landing an occasional big shot on the ropes.  The effects of those punches started to show on DeGale as his face started to mark up around the 8th round.

Behind on the cards, Jack went after DeGale and landed a huge counter right hand that sent DeGale to the canvas.  DeGale was clearly hurt and it was in doubt the he would see the final bell.  Jack landed a huge combination that hurt a now very bloody DeGale.  DeGale did wise to hold on and even land a big left at the bell.

When the scores were read, it became clear that Jack needed that late knockdown as DeGale took a card 114-112, while 2 cards were even at 113-113.

Jack, 167.2 lbs of Stockholm, SWE is 20-1-3.  DeGale, 166.5 lbs of Harlesdon, UK is 23-1-1.

BADOU JACK

“He was doing a lot of running, he was throwing a lot of shit at my guard.  I thought I won the fight. I finished stronger.  His knockdown was a flash knockdown. I won the fight.

“Let’s do it again at light heavyweight. It’s time to move to light heavyweight. 

JAMES DEGALE

“I’ve got huge respect for this man, but I thought I won that.  I landed the cleanest shots.  

“Let’s do it again.  Let’s do it again in London. 

“He hit me (in the 12^th), but I was more off balance.  I respect him.  He’s a good, round fighter.  Let’s go again.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“Badou Jack has got too big for 168 pounds.  We had plans after this fight to move up to light heavyweight. This is the second time in a row Badou has gotten a bad decision.  James DeGale is a hell of a fighter, but tonight he didn’t win.  At the end of the day, I don’t know what the judges are looking at.”

Gervonta Davis won the IBF Junior Lightweight championship with a 7th round stoppage over Jose Pedraza.

Davis came out landing quick and hard shots.  He mixed up between single and hard combinations that had Pedraza’s nose bleeding by the 3rd round.

Pedraza made a brief comeback in round 4 s he landed a heavy combination to the head.  That was short lived as Davis started to turn back the tide in round five.  In round six, he started landing more heavy shots to the point that Pedraza was thoroughly examined by ringside doctors before the 7th frame.  It did not last long after that as a hard body shot doubled over Pedraza, which left him oipen for a wicked uppercut that was followed by a left that dumped the champion on his backside.  Pedraza gamely got to his feet, but the bout was stopped at 2:36.

Davis, 129 lbs of Baltimore, MD is now 17-0 with 16 knockouts.  Pedraza, 129.5 lbs of Caguas, PR is 22-1.\

Amanda Serrano won a 10-round unanimous decision over Yazmin Rivas to retain the WBO Junior Featherweight championship.

Serrano, 1208 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 97-93, 98-92  and 99-91  and is now 31-1-1.  Rivas, 121.5 lb so Torreon, MX is 35-10-1.

Immanuwel Aleem scored a stunning 6th round stoppage over Ievgen Khytrov in a scheduled 10-round middleweight bout.

Aleem dropped Khytrov in round’s three and six with powerful left hooks, and then finished him off with hard flurry on the ropes.

Aleem, 158.5 lbs of Richmond, VA is 17-0-1 with 10 knockouts.  Khytrov, 159.5 lbs of Brooklyn is 14-1.

Thomas Dulorme stopped Brian Jones in the 6th round of their scheduled 8-round welterweight bout.

Dulorme, 145.8 lbs of Carolina, PR is now 24-2 with 16 knockouts.  Jones, 144.5 lbs of Los Angeles is now 13-7.

Adam Kownacki stopped Joshua Tufte in the 2nd round of their scheduled 8-round heavyweight bout.

Kownacki, 257.8 lbs of New York, NU is 15-0 with 12 knockouts.  Tufte, 265.8 lbs of Kernerville, NC is 19-2.

Noel Murphy remained perfect with a 6-round unanimous decision over Maxito Sainvil in a welterweight bout.

Murphy, 146.4 lbs of Woodlawn. NY won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 8-0.  Sainvil, 148.8 lbs of Nyack, NY is 4-1-1.

Kenny Robles made a successful pro debut with a 4-round unanimous decision over Latorie Woodberry in a welterweight bout.

Robles, 144 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 1-0.  Woodberry, 141.6 lbs of Roanoke, VA 1-3-1.

Las Vegas (January 13, 2017) – The Popular Box Fan Expo will have a booth at Saturday nights’ much anticipated super middleweight world title unification bout between Badou Jack and James DeGale from the Barclays Center. The Jack vs Degale fight is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. Box Fan Expo will have an opportunity to greet boxing fans and pass out info on next upcoming Expo.

The booth will be located at the Main Concourse at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. We invite Boxing Fans and industry people to stop by and say hello.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…The third annual Box Fan Expo will return and take place in Las Vegas on May 6th, 2017 (Cinco De Mayo weekend) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, from 10a.m to 5pm.

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event.

Tickets for the Box Fan Expo can be purchased at: https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

The event allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next several months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

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

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

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

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

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

By Norm Frauenheim-

The James DeGale-Badou Jack fight Saturday night is a good bout and perhaps the first step in an attempt to hit the reset button after a sobering 2016.

It’s no secret that there wasn’t much to celebrate in the bygone year. It’s hard to know if the business has hit bottom and can finally embark on a long recovery.

But at least that old calendar can be tossed and replaced with one that includes inevitable hopes for a renewal.

DeGale-Jack at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in a Showtime-televised 168-pound fight represents a beginning in a January that includes a terrific rematch of featherweight Carl Frampton’s decision over Leo Santa Cruz on the 28th.

A chance at gaining some momentum is there. The question is whether that’s enough to bring back some of the fans who raced for the exits in something of an exodus during the 20 months after Floyd Mayweather’s disappointing decision over Manny Pacquiao in May 2015.

It’s impossible to overstate the damage done by Mayweather-Pacquiao. Other than time, it’s not clear what can repair it. Just follow the money, always a reliable guide.

Forbes released a list on Tuesday, a projection of boxing’s top moneymakers in 2017. From one to 10, they are:

Canelo Alvarez, Andre Ward, Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, Pacquiao, Wladimir Klitschko tied at sixth with Anthony Joshua, Keith Thurman, Deontay Wilder, Terence Crawford and Vasyl Lomachenko.

Alvarez is at the top because he reigns as the game’s biggest draw based in part on a reported pay-per-view audience of 300,000 for his knockout of Liam Smith in September at Cowboys Stadium. There’s also promoter Oscar De La Hoya’s promise that Canelo will finally fight Golovkin next September.

For now, Canelo-GGG is seen as the bout that will put boxing back at one million on the PPV scale. The number means more than money. It represents relevancy.

In the larger sports market, boxing has been sliding toward irrelevancy at a perilous rate. Again, follow the money.

In Forbes’ last ranking of the world’s top 100 athletes for earnings from June 2015 to June 2016, three boxers were included – Mayweather at No. 16 with $44 million, Pacquiao at No. 63 with $24 million and Canelo at No. 92 with $21.5 million.

The retired Mayweather, No. 1 in three of Forbes’ last four lists, is there, mostly for the $32 million he collected for his last fight, a victory over Andre Berto in September 2015.

Pacquiao got $20 million for his rematch victory over Timothy Bradley in April 2016. Canelo cracked the top 100 for his purses against Miguel Cotto in November 2015 and Amir Khan in May 2016.

Here’s the question: Will any boxer be among the next 100 on the 2017 list Forbes is expected to release in June?

Doubtful. A blockbuster would have to happen during the next six months.

Joshua-Klitschko on April 29 at London’s Wembley Stadium? Maybe. The emerging Joshua figures to beat an aging Klitschko, but he might be a year away from entering the Forbes’ rankings.

A possible Canelo-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fight in early May? It would be a moneymaker, especially among Mexican and Mexican-American fans. But it is way past due and would fall short of being Forbes’ worthy.

The best chance at restoring the relevancy defined by money appears to be in the June 2018 list, which would account for the promised GGG-Canelo showdown.

But even that hinges on bringing fans back into an increasingly empty tent. From this corner, the public appetite for a good fight is still keen.

But boxing has failed to provide it, hence all of the silly talk about Mayweather versus Conor McGregor, the mixed-martial arts megaphone who was at No. 85 on Forbes’ last list with $22 million.

If Mayweather-McGregor ever really happens, I’ll begin to believe some of those boxing obits. Mayweather-versus-McGregor would be a damning confirmation that boxing can no longer provide fights that the market place wants and will always want.

For now, the key is to show that the business can still deliver. That brings us back to the beginning, back to DeGale-Jack Saturday night in what could be the first fight in a much bigger one.

BROOKLYN (January 12, 2017) – Super middleweight champions Badou Jack and James DeGale went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their world title unification showdown that headlines action this Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.

Mayweather Promotions President Floyd Mayweather discussed the highly anticipated matchup featuring his fighter, Jack, who he has helped go from contender to the top of the 168-pound division.

Televised coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with junior lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza taking on undefeated contender Gervonta Davis, both of whom were on hand to speak to media at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan.

Fighters from the televised undercard in attendance include super bantamweight world champion Amanda Serrano who defends her title against former two-division world champion Yazmin Rivas on SHOWTIME EXTREME. Also in attendance and opening up the telecast at 7 p.m. ET/PT are undefeated middleweights Ievgen Khytrov and Immanuwel Aleem and former title challenger Thomas Dulorme, whotakes on Brian Jones.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

BADOU JACK

“I’m just happy to be here and enjoying myself. I can’t wait until Saturday night to become a unified world champion.

“I’m fighting another world champion so I know that it’s not going to be easy. No matter what, we’re getting the job done.

“On fight night, none of the talk matters. You have to back it up in the ring. I’m just excited about the fight. I’m not focused on anything else other than that. I just need to win.

“I’ve been paying attention to DeGale for a while. You have to study your opponent a little bit for a fight this big. I’m ready to do anything it takes to win the fight.

“I promise the fans it’s going to be an exciting fight. Don’t blink, because this one could be over quickly. One punch can change the fight.

“This is champion versus champion. It’s finally here. I’m going to put on a great show and become the unified champion, no matter what it takes.

“To be at Barclays Center in Brooklyn is amazing. It’s a unification fight so it doesn’t get any bigger than that. It’s boxing and anything can happen, but on fight night I’m going to find a way to get the victory.

“This is the most people that have come over from Sweden to support me. It’s fun to have a lot of support back home. I can’t wait to come home as a unified champion.”

JAMES DEGALE

“Badou doesn’t do anything spectacularly, but he does everything well. I’ve got to be on top of my game to get the victory.

“I’m prepared if the fight goes 12-rounds or one round. My training has been perfect and it’s all going to come together on fight night.

“It’s a dream come true to fight at Barclays Center. A lot of U.K. fighters have fought in New York and I’m excited to be another. It’s going to be a special atmosphere on fight night.

“I’m expecting to have a lot of support on Saturday night. My profile in America has been growing and I think there will be support in the building. As a young kid you always wanted to come to America and become a star.

“Camp is done. It’s been a wicked camp. Everything has gone well. On Saturday night you’re going to see two world class fighters go to war. I have no doubt that I will be victorious and become the super middleweight unified world champion.

“This is the moment. The time is now and we’re ready. My whole team is primed for a great performance. I’m ready to prove that I’m one of the best fighters in the world.

“I can’t wait to return to the U.K. as a unified world champion. This is a great fight for boxing and it’s going to raise my appeal all over the world.

“I think our styles are going to gel to make a great fight. But don’t be surprised about anything you see in the ring. Enjoy the fight on Saturday night.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“I want to thank everybody for coming out to support this event. The main thing I want to do is thank the fighters. Without the fighters going out there and racking up victories then we wouldn’t be here today for this explosive card.

“I commend James DeGale on his career. He’s done a great job. Badou Jack is very humble, appreciative and dedicated to his craft. These are unbelievable fighters. Saturday we’re looking for another great night of boxing. I think it will be one of the best cards of this year and this is one of the first.

“We have so many new faces at Mayweather Promotions, including Thomas Dulorme, and we look forward to taking him to the next level and back to world title contention.

“Everything takes time in the sport. Nothing happens overnight. We started Mayweather Promotions to give back and help fighters, not take from fighters. I’ve been there, so I know how these fighters feel. It takes a lot to reach this level.

“It takes a lot to get a card of this magnitude together. But I’m a man of my word. I told Gervonta Davis that he would be fighting on TV for a world title. It’s about producing, and that’s what we do at Mayweather Promotions.

“This sport is about the fighters growing and accomplishing their dreams. Helping these fighters is the greatest feeling. I’m always there to help my fighters.

“I’m so proud of Badou Jack. The first time I saw him in the gym, I was curious about him. If a guy is willing to fly overseas and take a bus to the boxing gym to accomplish his dreams, that’s what makes a great fighter.

“I gave a lot to the sport and boxing gave a lot to me. My career is over and it’s time for me to give back. I want to help them accomplish their goals.

“This is going to be a great card. Make sure you tune-in on Saturday night. Two great world title fights on SHOWTIME and another on SHOWTIME EXTREME.”

JOSE PEDRAZA

“I’m very proud and grateful to be here and represent Puerto Rico. I’m ready to get to the fight. I’ve been training for a very long time. It’s been a great camp with a lot of good sparring.

“Davis is a great fighter. He’s very young and talented. He has a good record. But I am the champion. I’m prepared for anything he might bring into the ring.

“I am excited to fight in front of the great Puerto Rican fans in Brooklyn. I think it will help inspire me to give a great performance and defend my belt.

“I’m prepared for everything. I prepare like a champion every day so that we can get into the ring and execute our game plan.

“It’s a great opportunity to share the card with a fellow Puerto Rican in Amanda Serrano and I think the fans are in for a treat. We’re going to bring the heart of the Puerto Ricans into the ring.

“I just hope that he came ready for the fight. Because if he’s not ready, I’m going for the knockout.”

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m in fight mode right now. It’s my first world title shot and I had a great training camp. I trained with top amateurs. I know Pedraza will come to fight because he’s a great champion.

“It was a big step up for me when I first signed with Floyd Mayweather. He took me under his wing and helped me do things I’ve never done before. It was new for me, coming from where I come from.

“I know that Pedraza is a great fighter and I have to be ready for anything. I believe in my abilities and the work my team in during training camp. It’s going to be exciting.

“I started fighting for the money, but I lost sight of what I really came to do. I’ve dedicated myself to this team and I’m going to bring my heart and my mind into the ring.

“I’m going to show the fans and everybody watching what I’m really about. I’m not Mike Tyson, I’m not Floyd Mayweather or Sugar Ray Leonard, I’m just Gervonta Davis. On January 14 I will become a world champion.”

AMANDA SERRANO

“It feels great to be in this position. It’s an honor. Having this spotlight is an amazing thing. I’m coming to show off. I’m not going to disappoint anybody, especially the women in this sport. I’m going to show that we need to be here.

“If you don’t know me, I’m a brawler and a big puncher. I go in there to get the job done. I love to brawl but if I have to box, I’ll box with anybody.

“I know I’m up against a tough Mexican fighter who is going to bring it. I didn’t study her too much. I let my trainers do the work to come up with a game plan. I train hard for every opponent and I train for every style.

“If Rivas stays true to her Mexican style and if I stay true to my Puerto Rican style, then there will be no need for the judges.

“Neither one of us are going to take a step back on fight night. We’re going right to the middle of the ring and we’re going to bring it. I don’t think we’ll even touch the ropes.

“It’s amazing to be fighting at home. It’s just a walk down the block for me. I’m excited to have my friends and supporters there to watch me. I hope everything comes down because it’s going to be a great night. It’s my second fight at Barclays Center and I hope to continue to fight here.”

YAZMIN RIVAS

“I’m very grateful to be fighting on SHOWTIME. I know that Amanda Serrano is going to be a very tough challenge, but I have a lot of experience.

“I am very experienced in the ring and I am going to use it to my full advantage. I’m going to work hard for every round until I’m a world champion.

“I’m here to give a great fight just like we always do when it’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico.”

IEVGEN KHYTROV

“I’m very thankful for everyone who helped get me here. This is the first step on my way to a world title. I believe one day soon I will be champion.

“I’m going to throw a lot of punches and put on a show for the fans. Most fighters can’t handle me when I’m aggressive and coming forward.

“It’s an honor to be on a card like this and to be televised. I can’t wait to hear the fans and start fighting.”

IMMANUWEL ALEEM

“I feel really good going into this fight. I was born in New York and it’s my first time fighting in New York, so I’m very excited.

“I’m taking on a good opponent with good experience and a great resume. I’m just ready to keep doing what I’ve been doing. I worked hard for this and I’m going to show what I’m capable of in the ring.

THOMAS DULORME

“I’m feeling great and very happy to be here and fighting for Mayweather Promotions. New York is my city and I love fighting here with all the great Puerto Rican fans.

“I feel more motivated than ever. Signing with Mayweather Promotions is going to put me on a new run. I have more energy throughout training camp and I’m excited.

“I’m working little by little to improve and get better. I’m coming to be victorious and no one is going to stop me.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Everyone needs to go out and buy tickets for a great night of boxing. This night will feature three world title bouts and it’s really a can’t miss night.
“SHOWTIME is leading the way when it comes to boxing. They put on the best fights by far. With the great women’s fight on this card and on SHOWTIME, I think this is the start of something great for women’s boxing.

“I can’t say enough about Gervonta Davis and Jose Pedraza. Pedraza is here to represent for Puerto Rico and Davis is here for Baltimore. It’s going to be a war. Both these men are coming to steal the show.

“Gervonta Davis is coming to knock your head off. He’s not leaving it up to the judges. If Pedraza has overlooked him, then he is in for a rude awakening. Davis has had a great camp and come Saturday night, he’s going to take that title.

“I know Badou and his team have a tremendous game plan in place. He’s worked hard to get to this moment and I believe on Saturday night he will be the unified super middleweight world champion.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“This is as good as it gets for boxing. To start the year with the best fighting the best, there’s nothing better. Badou Jack and James DeGale are terrific fighters. Badou has had many obstacles in his career, but he just kept getting better and better until you couldn’t deny he was one of the best fighters in the world. James is highly decorated and has a great personality. Both these men have the right to call themselves the best.

“You can get into the arena Saturday night for $25 and that’s good the sport. We’re expecting a great crowd on Saturday night at Barclays Center. Barclays Center is dedicated to a boxing program and they are truly committed to the sport.

“I want to thank Floyd and Leonard for everything leading up to this fight. I met Floyd when he was very young and he always believed he was going to be the best and he lived up to his word. That’s what makes a champion a great champion and now he’s committed himself to being a boxing promoter. It’s been a pleasure to work with his whole staff and I believe they’re here to say.

“The off-television undercard features three fighters who are major ticket sellers and have developed big followings. Adam Kownacki, born in Brooklyn and from Poland. He’s a Golden Glove Champion and he’s moving himself into that contender territory. There will be lots of Polish flags on Saturday night. Julian Sosa is a 21-year-old prospect who also has a big following. Plus Ireland’s Noel Murphy, who will be making his second appearance at Barclays Center. This card is sensational.

“The first fight on SHOWTIME EXTREME features Ievgen Khytrov. He’s ranked number two by the WBC at middleweight He’s fighting a young man in Immanuwel Aleem who is also undefeated and fighting to become a contender. It’s a significant fight in the middleweight division.

“The main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME is historic. This is the first time that a women’s championship fight has been on national television in almost a decade. It’s a real move by SHOWTIME to make the point that women’s boxing has arrived and it’s time to start paying attention to the ladies.

“Jose Pedraza is the only reigning world champion from Puerto Rico. I think he’s one of the best fighters in the world. He has wins over a number of excellent fighters. This is a big opportunity for him. He’s getting an opportunity to be co-featured in New York City. With all the great Puerto Rica fans, he’s not going to let them down.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“These fights are not mismatches. This isn’t a showcase fight or a tune-up fight. That’s not what SHOWTIME, Mayweather Promotions or Lou DiBella is about. This is about the best fighting the best. High quality competitive fights These are the fights fans have been asking for.

“The main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME is a matchup that’s worthy of this stage. A pound-for-pound women’s champion against a tough former champion. Top to bottom this is a high quality card.

“In the past, the sport and its fans have been spoiled. Floyd Mayweather is retired now. He’s running his businesses and it’s time for the sport to find new stars. These are the kinds of fights that launch new stars. This is where stars are born. These are the fights that the sport needs. You might see a new star born on Saturday night.”

# # #
ABOUT JACK vs. DEGALE
Badou Jack vs. James DeGale, a 12-round super middleweight world unification fight, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and takes place this Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME. Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT are junior lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza and unbeaten contender Gervonta Davis.

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BROOKLYN (January 11. 2017) – Fight week activities officially began today with media workouts at the brand new Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn before the super middleweight title unification showdown between Badou Jack and James DeGale that headlines action this Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.

Also in attendance and opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT are junior lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza and unbeaten contender Gervonta Davis.

Additional televised action will feature super bantamweight world champion Amanda Serrano defending her title against former two-division world champion Yazmin Rivas on SHOWTIME EXTREME. The telecast beings at 7 p.m. ET/PT with a matchup of undefeated middleweights Ievgen Khytrov and Immanuwel Aleem.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

BADOU JACK

“I’m just trying to stay positive and enjoy this moment. I wish that the fight was tomorrow night. But we’re showing patience and bracing for the opportunity.

“This is the biggest fight of my career and I’m ready to take it to the next level. I have the experience to be on this stage and I’m ready to show that I’m one of the best in the sport.

“I’ve seen DeGale fight a few times. His last couple of fights I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him. I want the best James DeGale to show up on fight night. There won’t be any excuses on fight night.

“I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m pretty sure he’s in the best shape of his life too. So let’s see who is the best.

“I’m going in there to break him down. I’m going to be the better fighter. If I get an opportunity to land something that can change the fight, I’m going to take my chance.

“This has been one of the best training camps of my career. My nutrition is better than it’s ever been and I have positive people around me.

“I believe I can knock anybody out who gets in the ring with me. If you don’t believe that in yourself, then you’re in the wrong sport. I’m not expecting an easy fight, but I’ll do whatever it takes to win.

“My trainer Lou Del Valle is the reason that I’ve improved so much. I brought him back in after my loss and he’s helped get me to where I am right now.

“There is no doubt we’ll know who the best super middleweight in the world is after Saturday night.”

JAMES DEGALE

“I just flew to New York on Monday after a brilliant camp. I’ve been training well and sparring hard. I’ve had some great work on the track and I’ve ran a lot of miles. I’m in fantastic shape.

“This fight has a different feel. I feel like I’m in a big fight. I feel like I’m on a different level of fitness for this one. Mind, body and soul. Everything is great.

“I’m mentally prepared. Badou Jack is an extremely good fighter. He’s a tough opponent. He gets better every single fight. The way I’m feeling right now, Badou Jack shouldn’t beat me. I’m focused on fighting my very best.

“I’ve sacrificed a lot to put myself in this position and to make sure this was a great camp. Now the time is here.

“To have a media day in Brooklyn is great. I’m in a fantastic position in my life and career. I’m more comfortable than I was years ago. Back in the day I wouldn’t know what to say. I’m a man now and I’m ready to reach my destiny.

“Movement, speed and angles are my keys. If I’m focused and take no rounds off, that should do it. It will do it. Anything can happen in boxing, but I’m too prepared for this.

“I look at Badou Jack, and even though he’s been getting better, I think I’m a much better fighter. He’s very high quality and I have to be on my game. It’s going to be a great fight, but I will be victorious.

“My loss to George Groves was a blessing in disguise. If that didn’t happen to me, I don’t know where I would be in my career. I was too big for my boots back then. I thought I was the golden boy and I was humbled. I had to rebuild and I came back.”

JOSE PEDRAZA

“I let [Gervonta] Davis do the talking. I like when people talk like that, because I get to shut them up on the night of the fight. He’s a Floyd Mayweather imitation. Just like all imitations, it’s not as good as the real one.

“I’m very happy to be here representing Puerto Rico in New York City with another Puerto Rican champion in Amanda Serrano. She’s a four-time champion who is very accomplished and it’s an honor to be on this card with her.

“I feel ready to fight. I’m anxious to get in the ring. I can’t wait for Saturday night and to show the whole world what I’m made of.

“I have the advantage in experience and in reach and height. He’s going to try to bring pressure but I’ll be ready for it.

“Not only do I have more pro experience, but more amateur experience as well. All of these years of being on the big stage is going to help me in the fight.

“I don’t think I’m underrated. People know my quality, which is why people avoid fighting me. I believe I’m the best fighter at 130-pounds.

“I’m ready for any type of fight. The question is, will Davis be ready? If Davis gets tired, he’s going to have trouble in the late rounds.”

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I feel great right now. I’m in tip-top shape. I had the best sparring available and everything went smoothly. I’m ready to go to work January 14.

“We know that Pedraza is a world champion who comes in undefeated. He does a lot of good things in the ring but we’ll be ready for them come fight night.

“It feels good to be on this stage. I feel ready to headline my own card. I’m ready to do my own thing and that comes with winning this world title.

“I haven’t watched too much of him, but my team is prepared. He doesn’t have anything I haven’t seen before. We just have to execute the game plan when the bell rings.”

YAZMIN RIVAS

“I know that I’m up against a girl who is a heavy hitter and can punch hard. I’ve been training extremely hard to prepare for this fight because I know I’m facing a dangerous fighter. I just need to maintain my weight up until fight night.

“I’ve trained with a lot of southpaws to prepare for Serrano’s style. It’s only the second time I’ve faced a southpaw. I come in with a game plan, but once you step in that ring, I know that anything can happen.

“I’m a veteran and I have the experience. Serrano will have to overcome my advantage there.

“I’m excited to be fighting in the U.S. and I know that this is a huge opportunity. Fighting on television is something I have to take advantage of. After this fight, people will really see what female boxing is all about.

“I’m very motivated and excited that I have the chance to fight in Brooklyn in the best city in the U.S. for boxing. I’m going to come to fight. I won’t back down and we will be in the middle of the ring exchanging.”

IEVGEN KHYTROV

“I’ve seen Aleem fight and he’s nothing special. He’s very fast. He does everything very quickly. But he can be hit. He has a little bit of power, but I can hit him.

“I’m going to take advantage of his mistakes. I’m ready for this fight and I’m going for the knockout. This isn’t going to be a long fight. I think I will knock him out in five or six rounds.

“I’m an aggressive fighter. I want to brawl. I want to throw a lot of punches. I’m happy if I can throw 100 punches in a round. Nobody can take that kind of punishment and it helps me get my opponent out of there.

“I’m happy to be fighting in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. It’s very important to my career. After this fight I am going to get big steps up and big names. I’m going to show what I can do on Saturday.

“I want to fight for a real world title. I’m ready for it and I just want to face good opponents and challenge myself.”

IMMANUWEL ALEEM

“This has been a great training camp. I have George Peterson in my corner and he made Paul Williams a three-time champion. He’s putting me through the same regimen that made him one of the most feared fighters in the sport.

“I don’t know too much about my opponent. We have a game plan based around him being some type of bull, but my trainer is the one analyzing that, and then we go from there.

“I bring the total package into the ring. There’s nothing I can’t do. I can box and I can brawl. Most importantly, I can make adjustments during a fight.

“A win here will really stamp who I am in this sport. We’re leading to become a world champion. I’m not a regular fighter in there. I can beat these top guys.”

JULIAN SOSA

“I can honestly say that this is one of the best training camps that I’ve had. I’m both nervous and excited. I’m nervous because I’ve never had a training camp like this and I’m excited to see how I feel in the ring.

“I’ve seen a few tapes of my opponent. He’s a very aggressive fighter who throws a lot of right hands. I have to prepare myself for that. If he wants to start early or take his time, I’m ready for anything.

“I’m very confident heading into this fight. I believe that I will put on a great performance and possibly the best of my career.

“I’m very thankful to be fighting at home in Brooklyn and I’m humbled to have the opportunity to perform at Barclays Center once again. There’s no better feeling than having your friends and family cheering you on.

# # #
ABOUT JACK vs. DEGALE
Badou Jack vs. James DeGale, a 12-round super middleweight world unification fight, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and takes place this Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME. Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT are junior lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza and unbeaten contender Gervonta Davis.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Leonard Ellerbe
Hello everyone, welcome to today’s Badou Jack versus James DeGale media conference call. Today we are going to hear from the main event participants who will be headlining next week’s main event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Our event will be live on SHOWTIME and our event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. Badou Jack, WBC Super middleweight champion, he’ll be taking on the IBF super middleweight champion – James DeGale and are meeting in a world title unification that fits the best versus the best. We’re very excited about our great event. These two fighters have been on the collision course ever since they won their world titles. They both made successful world titles defenses on last April and with the intention of this big, big moment, next Saturday, January 14th.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader begins at 9:30 PM ET/6:30 PM PT and will open our show with IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose Pedraza who’ll be battling Mayweather Promotions own rising star Gervonta Davis. In addition, there will be action on SHOWTIME that streams starting at 7 pm ET/PT and it will be headlined by Four-Division World Champion, Amanda Serrano. Which will be a very, very exciting fight. She will be defending her Junior Featherweight title against Two-Division Yazmin Rivas. This will be the first nationally televised female world title fight in nearly a decade.

First I’d like to introduce my dear friend and promotional partner Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

Lou DiBella
Thank you Leonard and it’s been a real pleasure working with you Leonard and Floyd and your team. I’ve been very impressed by the professionalism and you guys have been great to work with and it’ll be great to welcome you guys to your first major promotion in New York next week. So I look forward to seeing you here. As Leonard pointed out this is a terrific card from beginning to end and that begins even with the off TV undercard which will feature undefeated Polish heavyweight, Polish-American heavyweight Adam Kownacki against a top opponent in one of the toughest fights of his career so far. Prospect Julian Sosa who is an undefeated prospect from New York City former Golden Glove champion and a huge ticket seller in New York. Noel Murphy another local fighter from Ireland is on the card as well.

Kenny Robles who was recently signed by Mayweather Promotions from Staten Island, New York will be in action. And those guys will headline the off TV undercard. Leonard mentioned the main event Amanda Serrano who I promote one of the best pound for pound women fighters in the world against Yazmin Rivas. That’s a tremendous fight and I thank Stephen Espinoza for giving the ladies that kind of an opportunity in showcase. The SHOWTIME EXTREME card will also feature a co-feature bout between number two middleweight contenders in the WBC,Ievgen Khytrov versus Immanuwel Aleem another undefeated middleweight prospect. That will be for WBC Silver Middleweight title and the winner will be on course for an eventual shot at the WBC Middleweight Championship.

So the undercard is terrific and the main event really doesn’t need a lot of hype. It’s as good as it gets. It’s the best versus the best. It doesn’t really get any better than yet. I was lucky enough to promote early in his career Badou Jack who is a terrific, terrific fighter. He’s improved and proven himself in every test he’s faced. James DeGale is a former Olympic gold medalist on a 13 fight winning streak. One of the most talented and also one of the most interesting and charismatic fighters in all of boxing in the 168-pound division. So we have a great main event for SHOWTIME to start the year. And I’ll throw it back to Leonard to introduce the man who put this fight together with us. Leonard.

L. Ellerbe
Okay thank you Lou DiBella for those great comments. Just like Lou DiBella just mentioned we owe a great, great deal of thanks to Stephen Espinoza who worked tirelessly with our team and Lou DiBella’s team to put this great event together. He’s a very dear friend and like I said we are really, really excited again to be working with SHOWTIME and it gets no better than that. So without further or due I’d like to introduce none other than Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks Leonard. In 2016 SHOWTIME consistently telecasted the best most competitive most important fights in the sport. More fights than any other network, more title fights than any other network, more top 10 versus top 10 fights in any other network. And together with our promoter partners we’re going to continue doing exactly that in 2017. Jack versus DeGale is the first of three number one versus number two match ups that are on the SHOWTIME schedule. And that’s just the first quarter that’s highly anticipated fight a fight that we’ve been working toward for a year. So we are pleased to be kicking off the new year with the consensus to best fighters in the division. As Lou DiBella mentioned the main event has been supported by intriguing junior lightweight title fight between champion Jose Pedraza and Mayweather Promotions highly talented prospect Gervonta Davis.

Plus on SHOWTIME EXTREME we’ve got the women’s title fight featuring Amanda Serrano who it’s no exaggeration say is in fact one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world. If you haven’t seen her fight you should definitely tune for this one. And we’ve got a battle of undefeated prospects Ievgen Khytrov and Immanuwel Aleem. So really it is a stellar card top to bottom for intriguing televised fights. A bunch of high quality off TV fights plus of course the main event a world title unification fight. Once again demonstrating SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is the destination for the best fights in the sport. SHOWTIME is where the best fight the best, champion versus champion. All on SHOWTIME, no pay-per-views. No other network is as committed to the sports and together with Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment we are all committed to this sport and pushing this sport forward.

L. DiBella
I also want to point out that with this fight we’ve gotten a lot of help and assistance from one of the great venues in boxing. The greatest destination for boxing in the country right now. Brett Yormark and all the people at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, we thank them for their help in promoting this great event and hosting it. You’re going to see a lot of great boxing, a lot of great SHOWTIME boxing also at Barclays Center this year. And thanks to Brett — everyone at Barclays Center — tickets are available Ticketmaster.com through Barclays Center Box Office. The tickets are priced incredibly reasonably with the ringside, the IP ringside seats at $300 going down to a I think it’s a $25 low price. And there are while we’re selling really well there are plenty of good seats available.

So we urge people to begin the year with this great card and get your tickets as soon as you can. The ringside and the prime locations are moving very quickly. And without further ado it’s my pleasure to introduce a fighter that I have tremendous respect for. I was lucky enough to promote his victory against Andre Dirrell for the IBF belt in Boston in May of 2015. He’s made two more defenses of that belt over Lucian Bute and Rogelio Medina. Again he was running a 13 fight winning streak and definitely one of the two best 68 pounders in the world. And this event is going to determine who the man really is. So it’s my pleasure to introduce James “Chunky” DeGale.

James DeGale
Hello everyone! The big one is here, the best champ verse the champ. This is the one that I’ve been calling for. I’ve been on the case to my advisor saying hey that’s the one I want. I think this fight determines who is the number one in the division. I think Badou Jack’s a hell of a fighter, a real good fighter and an underrated fighter. He’s shown his last three, four fights that he’s the champ and that he can compete at the highest level and that he’s a quality operator. Camps gone fantastically well, I’m feeling good, sharp, on weight. I’m in fantastic shape, just go and look on my Instagram, I’m in fantastic shape. Been in camp for ten weeks, feeling great mentally and physically in fantastic position. What do I say? On the 14th of January you are in for a treat because it’s going to be a hell of a fight. It’s a lot on the line so enjoy it but should be a good one.

L. Ellerbe
Thank you James for those comments. Next up I’d like to introduce Mayweather Promotions own WBC Super Middleweight Champion. He’s from originally from Stockholm, Sweden but he trained in Las Vegas. He won his world title in 2015 by beating Anthony Dirrell in a very, very exciting fight. Later that year he faced and beat top challenger George Groves, the only man to beat James DeGale in the pros. So without further ado I’d like to introduce none other than Badou Jack.

Badou Jack
Hey what’s up? How’s everybody doing? We’re finally here, we’ve got another week and then it’s on. The best versus the best and I’m very excited. I’ve been training really hard I can’t wait until fight night thank you.

Q
James you’ve fought so many world champions and so many top fights but you’re a guy that’s been going on the road. What’s why is that?

J. DeGale
I don’t know why that is, but I actually like boxing away from home. It takes the pressure off you a little bit and this is living the American dream. Do you know what I’m saying? I’m coming over to America to box in these fantastic states. And getting a fantastic opportunity from my team. But this one is the big one, New York, Barclays Center. Unifying the division so you can’t beat it.

Q
You’re a unified world champion do you have a desire to actually go back home to England and have a world title defense?

J. DeGale
That’s the plan. To go home – to go back home. If everything goes to plan. I beat Badou Jack, next May I’m going home. I’m going home and I’m having a big fight at home. Everyone’s calling for the champ to come home. So yes that’s next in line if things go to plan.

Q
Badou, can you talk about DeGale’s ability and how he’s fought on the road over the last few fights? Not a normal thing for top fighters to do.

B. Jack
Yes, you got to give him credit for that. He comes to people’s backyard. But also I think they lost the first purse bid. He was forced to go to Boston but he’s a fighter and I have nothing but respect for him. Come Saturday night, we’re going to go to war.

J. DeGale
And let’s not forget Andre Dirrell. Let’s not forget who I beat for the world title as well. I boxed Andre Dirrell in America. Andre Dirrell is a good quality technical fighter. This belt wasn’t handed to me. I got it the hard way. All of my career I’ve learned the way. Traveled away from home, won world titles.

Q
Are you at all a little bit disappointed that the fight didn’t get done before next week? Or are you okay with the fact that you guys are both on equal footing in coming off of the nine-month layoff?

J. DeGale
Yes, if I’m being honest the only reason why this fight hasn’t happened quicker is because Badou Jack didn’t want it. After the Bute fight he probably didn’t want it. And then after the Medina fight because I boxed rubbish because Medina went full rounds on me. Badou Jack has got lot of confidence, Leonard’s got a lot of confidence. Mayweather’s got a lot of confidence of him seeing me go twelve rounds and it was lackluster performance against Medina. But you shouldn’t take too much away from that. That’s what I’m trying to say. Don’t take too much away from me fighting Medina and performing like that.

B. Jack
That is all a lie. But I’ve been ready since right after the fight, I told you guys, we could fight in June. I told you I’ve been waiting for Floyd and Leonard to let me know when the date is. I’ve been on Leonard every day for the whole summer. Like come on it’s been six, seven months I want to fight. You know what I’m saying? But whatever – whatever’s the case. If he was greedy about money, whoever’s fault it is we got the fight down right now. And, you know, I’m ready. I don’t care about old fights if he went 12 rounds with this guy and this guy. Me and DeGale have to fight so whatever happened in the past, it don’t matter. You know I lost…

J. DeGale
And you went life and death with Periban. Life and death I knocked him out in three rounds.

B. Jack
That don’t mean nothing right now. It’s me and you baby.

Q
Badou talk to us about the abilities that you see in James DeGale and how do you actually beat him?

B. Jack
He’s a good mover he’s a good fighter. Come fight night you’ll see how I’ll beat him. You’ll find out go live on Sky Sports or SHOWTIME or come live at Barclays Center, you’ll find out.

Q
Do you think James is going to be one of the trickiest opponents you’ve ever faced?

B. Jack
I don’t know, we have to wait until fight night and see. Styles make fights, so you never know, anything could happen in this big circle.

Q
Who have you faced before — James — who is similar to Badou Jack who you can compare to?

J. DeGale
Listen I would say I’ve boxed a lot of people like Badou Jack. Badou Jack he’s pretty basic but he’s good at everything. But he’s a basic fighter really but he’s good at everything he does. So I’m saying, he ain’t got no special effects, nothing fancy. Everything’s just straight forward but very, very good. He does it very, very well and in the ring I can imagine it to be very hard when I stand in front of him. He’s very technical, he’s got a good jab, works the body well, got a good defense. But I’ve got everything covered. And as I say, wait ten more days now and it’s on.

Q
Do you feel that you just have to be James DeGale at his very best to beat Badou Jack?

J. DeGale
James DeGale at his very best, fully switched on, having no time off. I can’t have rounds off against Badou Jack. So I’m saying fully fit, fully concentrated, be myself and it’s hard to beat me in general, so Badou Jack ain’t going to beat me if I’m a hundred percent.

Q
What’s the biggest change in you over the last year do you think?

J. DeGale
Every year I’m growing. I’m saying mentally and physically but I’m growing up. I turned professional when I was 22 years of age. I’m 30 years of age now. So I’ve been pro for eight years and I say I’m a man now in it. I’m a man and — yes — I look at things differently and I see things differently but these – the next couple years are my peak. I’ve got to get in there and got to get the big fights.

Q
And so the question for James, where would you rank this belt in terms of difficulty?

J. DeGale
I think it’s up there – I honestly think Badou Jack is a quality fighter. he doesn’t really get the credit he deserves. But as I say these last couple fights he’s proven, he beat Groves, Dirrell, he should have got the decision against Bute. But a lot of people thought he won. So he’s been spot on with his performances so I rank up there — listen here — if I beat Badou Jack — when I beat Badou Jack — I am number one in the division and people have to start taking note. So what I’m saying Olympic, British, European, world and unified world champ. People are going to have to start taking note but let me be ranked first and then we can talk after.

Q
Do you think this is the fight that can catapult you into the big time in terms of like the British consciousness and that?

J. DeGale
Yes, you’d think so, you’d think so. Say it’s a big fight, it’s a big arena in New York. This is what boxing at its best is about. And this is when you see the very best in me as well. I’m a big fighter I love the big arenas, the big lights, and the big fights. So it should be good next Saturday.

You mentioned obviously that you took “Porky” Medina lightly. I take you won’t be underestimating Badou?

J. DeGale
I’ve taken this seriously. I’ve took this, like, literally like the training I’ve been doing. Like just stupid little things from like making weight, like, because I make super middleweights so easy. Sometimes I lift it — like the last ten days — where I was, a couple pounds over yesterday. I’m flying, I’m in fantastic shape, I’ve gotten a strength and conditioning coach for the past six months after my last fight. Because something was missing after my last fight. Because I was fatiguing at the end. I was feeling fit but I was just feeling a bit weak. And it was because I wasn’t doing strength and conditioning. So you all are going to see a big difference from my power, to my strength, to everything. And physically and so look at me – you’re going to see me at the weigh in and go wow he looks good.

Q
Just a quick one for Badou. Same question I asked James earlier where would you rank this belt in terms of difficulty?

B. Jack
Like I say in the squared circle anything could happen so you don’t know. On paper absolutely this is probably my biggest fight. He’s an Olympic gold medalist, the world champion, the proven fighter. That’s why it’s the best versus the best. The unification play, two champions fighting each other so absolutely.

Q
Do you take any confidence form your victory over Groves and that he — James — suffered his only professional defeat to George Groves?

B. Jack
No like it’s not gonna stop me in fights, I think that was like five, six years ago since they fought. So you can’t really compare it and that was a close fight. I haven’t really seen a fight like that but a lot of people have said that it could’ve gone either way. James could have won the fight so no, not really, it’s me and him right now. So whatever happened it don’t matter.

Q
Can you both address just the different things that can happen in this fight because all those results against common opponents that you had?

B. Jack
All right first of all we got four different opponents. So I beat Groves, “Porky” Medina, Periban and Bute. My fight with Bute wasn’t a draw, plus he was on steroids when we fought. So I mean Bute said it himself that my fight with him was one I won clearly. But that don’t matter really so George Groves that was a long time ago when James fought him. I fought him two years ago. Medina, I knocked him out but you can say Medina probably was in better shape when he fought DeGale. Because he probably had a longer time to prepare because it was a title fight. Periban maybe — yes — he was in better shape for my fight. That was also a controversial draw. That’s why it’s an interesting fight. We’ve got a lot of common opponents. But come fight night it’ll be a brand-new fight.

J. DeGale
Right so let’s go through mine, listen the Bute fight – when I boxed Bute — yes — I absolutely battered him for six rounds. Battered him – well I battered him for the whole fight yes. And then Badou Jack boxed Lucian Bute and it came out he was on drugs. Do you really think Lucian Bute wasn’t on performing enhancing drugs when he boxed me? Of course he was, don’t be stupid. Did you see the way he finished the fight? Did you see how strong he was? Had a lot — listen — any fighter fatigues in a 12 round fight. Did you see how strong he finished it? Constantly on me – well Badou Jack knows but I absolutely battered Lucian Bute right? Who else is there – there’s Periban, he had life and death with Periban. I knocked him out in three rounds. Okay, he could say he wasn’t in good shape.

It don’t matter, I still hit him, I still dropped and he got knocked out and he had life and death. George Groves I was a nine fight novice. I was a nine fight novice, I was immature, I was young, I wasn’t experience, I was terrible, it was all wrong. And I was still a close draw I should have won that. Badou Jack boxed well in that fight and once again that was a close fight with him like literally very close because it went either way, but he won. And who’s the other one? Who’s the other one? Oh and Medina – oh man that guy, like, literally before I went in I was like this guy shouldn’t even last four rounds with me. But I nearly come unstuck because he was fit and he pushed me. He was strong, he was big, so yes, styles make fights. As Badou Jack says next week when we get in there it’s me and him. The best fighting the best, whoever comes out is the champ that’s it. Put them up.

Q
Lou can you address that? I mean does that add intrigue to the fight that they had so many different results against the same opponents?

L. DiBella
I don’t want to be like I don’t think it matters much to be honest with you. I think that right now, I think you’ve got two guys at the top of their game. Who are at the top of their division. I think they are focused solely on each other, styles makes fights, throw in some PEDs and throw in some other extenuating circumstances. Throw in guys that may be out of shape in one fight and particularly ready for another. I think it’s something that can lead to discussion and make for an article but I think, when we get to January 14th and you get to that main event it’s just these two men in the ring staring each other in the eyes. And who’s the better man? It’s mano, a mano and you throw it all down and put it all on the line. So honestly I really personally don’t think it matter all that much.

Intrigue is never a bad thing. And debate is a good thing and I’ll tell you, it’s probably a contributing factor because right now when you talk to people about this fight and it’s really one of the signs of making the best versus the best is that there’s a real clear split in opinion among experts and opinion among fans. And social media, pundits in social media commentary, people are really split almost right down the middle of this one on who’s going to win this fight. And I think there’s a lot of reasons for that and this is just the contributing factor.

Q
How has becoming a father changed your resolve?

B. Jack
I’ve got to provide for my daughter now so it’s not just about me and my family, my wife. It’s about her, everything I do is for her so yes, extra motivation, for sure.

Q
So what in this fight do you see are your advantages over Badou Jack?

J. DeGale
Oh there’s loads but I’m going to tell you one that stands out is just speed, movement. I’m not going to have to say I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to do because he’s going to be very shocked what I’m going to do. But speed, I’m so much faster in movement. I move my feet so much better, there’s two things there. That it’s just going to confuse him. I’m going to make things a whole lot harder for him. See I’m not Lucian Bute, who else has he boxed? I’m not Dirrell, I watched the Dirrell fight. Dirrell blew up after six rounds he was spent.

Q
Badou what do you think your advantages are in this fight?

B. Jack
I’m the smarter fighter — period. I believe I’m the more fundamentally sound fighter. I believe I’m the more technical fighter, I take nothing away from DeGale who is a good fighter as well but I believe in my skills, I believe in myself. I believe I’m the smarter fighter, it’s not just about throwing millions of combinations or looking flashy and stuff like that. It’s about winning rounds, it’s about being smart. That’s what it should mean.

Q
Lou, I’m assuming that at least for this fight this New York insurance situation has been taken care of. Can you comment on that?

L. DiBella
Yes, we have insurance for this fight. The insurance issue in New York has not been resolved there needs to be a real investigation into what’s going on here and we need to confront the fact that they there’s still no way of doing smaller shows. ShoBox level shows or Broadway Boxing, those kind of shows that other promoters in New York do a regular basis. The local grassroots boxing can’t be done under the insurance requirements that exist. But for a fight of the magnitude of this card we were able to get insurance for the show. And the major, major fights can go on in New York right now. But obviously where there once were scores, literally in the neighborhood of 100 fights in New York in a year.

You are probably now unless things changed looking at somewhere between eight and 10 in total. At all venues. So the issue is still a real one, it hasn’t been cleared up but we are fine for this great card on January 14th. And as you’ll still see big time boxing in New York the problem is going to be with the type of boxing that develops fighters that gives them regular fights. A lot of boxing series that myself and other promoters are doing in New York are still at a standstill.

Q
James you mentioned that you’ll be looking to come back to the UK in perhaps May. Is there a plan in place already for if you do prevail?

J. DeGale
Listen mate I’m just fully focused on Badou Jack — fully focused — I don’t want to worry about anything else. I’m saying everything goes to plan, I come through this, I will come back and box in London. Next fight — 100% but I ain’t spoke about it really, I ain’t spoke about it but I know my next fight will be in London after this fight if I come through.

Q
Do you think in a way though you’ve enhanced your reputation back in the UK by fighting abroad and taking these challenging fights?

J. DeGale
Well definitely I’ve become a bit more exclusive because I ain’t been at home. People can’t wait for me to come back home and obviously win my belts. What I’ve done over here in America in the past year and a half has been really good. I feel proud of myself but I’m looking forward to coming home and boxing in front of my own people man because the atmosphere’s second to none. You’ve got the best fans in the world and it’s time for me to come back home.

(Ryan Elliot): Okay thank you James. Good luck to both of you on fight night.

James DeGale: Yes.

Operator: Our last question is going to come from Dan Rafael from ESPN. Please go ahead.

I’m wondering from both of you guys have you thought about the future beyond the fight as far as whether you want to move up in weight to look for a new challenge or do like what some other top champions have done and stay and keep unifying?

J. DeGale
Yes, Dan I’m pretty easy man, I want the biggest fights, the biggest risks, the biggest money. All the titles that’s what I want so I come through this — everything goes to plan — I’m willing to fight anyone. Andre Ward – as I said before I do my weight pretty comfortably like super middleweight’s the perfect weight for me. But listen I want to be challenged. I want to be in the fights -where I’m the underdog for once. That’s what I want to be and yes with me and Jack I think I’m a big favorite. And I don’t really like that if I’m going to be honest because this is a genuine 50/50 on paper it is anyway. But yes, like, I’m willing to fight anyone after this fight.

B. Jack
I kind of agree with him whatever the money is, whatever the big plaques are. I’m a pretty big guy for my weight class so yes we’ll see what the future holds. But right now I’m focusing on him but, the future is definitely at 175.

Q
Lou DiBella, just to clarify from your earlier statement. Do you have a policy that’s actually in place for Saturday’s fight next week?

L. DiBella
We have insurance for Saturday.

Q
What is it costing?

L. DiBella
It’s certainly more of an expense than we anticipated and it’s not what we would like in a perfect world. But we have insurance for Saturday there’s no issue.

Q
I believe the UFC cost somewhere around, I forget the exact number, of a thousand dollars per fighter. What’s the costing for boxing then per fighter on the card?

L. DiBella
It’s more than – it’s more than that. I don’t want to give its exact numbers at the moment, I can have more detailed conversation when I have the stuff in front of me. But it’s more than that.

L. Ellerbe
Well everyone’s heard from both of the main event fighters. I know I’m very excited, Lou DiBella’s very excited. The fighters are very excited, Floyd’s very excited. We’re going to have one hell of an event come next Saturday night and we’d like to thank everyone for joining us on the call today. And we look forward to putting on a great event next week. Thank you everyone who joined the call.

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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 @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (January 5, 2016) – Super middleweight champion Badou Jack spoke to media in Las Vegas Thursday, just days before he travels across the country for his world title unification showdown against James DeGale on Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME®.

Televised coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with super featherweight world champion Jose Pedraza defending againstundefeated contender Gervonta Davis.

Joining him at the workout at Mayweather Boxing Club was former title challenger Thomas Dulorme, who opens up action on SHOWTIME EXTREME in an eight-round welterweight bout against Brian Jones. Televised coverage on SHOWTIME EXTREME begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by junior featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano against former world champion Yazmin Rivas and also features Ievgen Khytrov battling Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round matchup of undefeated rising middleweight contenders.

Tickets for the event promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. They can be purchased online (www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com) or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

BADOU JACK

“I feel really good mentally. I’m excited. All the hard work is done and now we’re just cruising. One more week and it’s on.

“This has been the best camp of my career. There’s been no distractions, no arguments just working hard and having fun while getting better.

“I had a better meal plan to cut weight leading up to this fight and it’s helped me out in training. I’m going to be 100 percent ready on fight night.

“The guy that wants it the most and whoever is the smartest in the ring will be the winner. I plan on being both.

“I know DeGale wants to be great too. He’s going into people’s backyards and searching for glory. But I can’t speak for him. All I can do is speak with my actions.

“I’m not expecting an easy fight. I’ve been the underdog before. People have written me off forever. It’s nothing new to me. DeGale is a good fighter, but I believe in myself.

“I’m going to have a good jab, use my range and be smart in there. I think my skillset can take away any advantage he thinks he has. Timing kills speed.

“His awkward style can make him tough to fight. He’s not by the book. He’s not very technical but he’s an excellent fighter. I don’t want any excuses from him when I beat him.

“We have a good game plan and I have a good team behind me. I won’t get frustrated in there. I believe in my team and I believe in myself. I’m not worried about anything.

“I’m going to win the fight. That’s the main thing. We’ll see how I get it done. If it’s a knockout, it’s a knockout. If I have to win a close decision, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to win no matter what.”

THOMAS DULORME

“I feel very excited to fight under the support of Mayweather Promotions for the first time. I’m happy with the decision I made and where my career is going.

“New York is my city and it’s my favorite place to fight. There are a lot of Puerto Ricans and I can’t wait to perform in front of them.

“I feel very strong physically. I had a great training camp and have worked hard every day and listened to my coaches. I can’t wait to get in the ring and break my opponent down.

“This is a very good show with a lot of exciting fights. All the fans should come out because it’s going to be a great night from start to finish.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“A lot of things have contributed to Badou becoming the fighter who he is today. I think that he’s improved as a champion. A lot of the times people don’t understand what fighters have to go through early in their careers. Badou has overcome a lot of adversity, including evolving from his loss. There are very few fighters who become better fighters after they become champions. Badou is living the American Dream and Floyd and myself are very proud of him.

“I predict that Badou is going to deliver a knockout. I envision him taking a handful of rounds to figure out DeGale’s style, while still being aggressive. In the later rounds, I think that he’s unstoppable.

“James DeGale is a tremendous fighter. I’ve followed his career for quite some time. He’s a very flashy and creative fighter. He kind of makes it up as he goes. His style is unique, but there are some things that Badou and his team have put into place to disrupt DeGale. Badou Jack has seen every style out there. He’s mentally and physically prepared to take care of his opponent.

“The advice I’ve given Badou is to stay focused and stay in the moment. Don’t worry about anything other than what is in front of you. You can’t look forward to the next fight or let anything throw you off. He’s put in the work. Most importantly, his mental state is right where it needs to be.

“Mayweather Promotions is ready to invade Brooklyn. We were able to work everything out and bring the first fight of the New Year to the city. We’re very excited to go and help Badou and the rest of our fighters put on a great show.”

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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 @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BROOKLYN (January 3, 2017) — IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale has already made his name as a road warrior and will look to put on another great performance away from his London home when he takes on fellow super middleweight world champion Badou Jack in their 168-pound unification showdown on Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.

DeGale arrived in the U.S. on Friday, December 30 and will finish up his training at the famous 5th Street Gym in Miami ahead of the matchup in Brooklyn.

“It’s great to be back in America again for the biggest fight of my life,” said DeGale. “Everything has gone fantastically in my training camp in England and now we’ll spend these last 10 days down here in Miami before heading up to New York for fight week.

“Now I’m focused on getting in the zone for Jack and priming my mind to win. I won my world title in the U.S., I’ve defended it here and now I’m going to unify it here. To do what no other British super middleweight has done — and there have been numerous greats at 168-pounds — fills me with pride and will cement my legacy in the division.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Take a look below at some interesting facts that have led DeGale to his January 14 showdown:

1. DeGale was born in London to an English mother and British-
born black father whose parents originate from Grenada. He has three siblings, all older than him — two brothers and a sister. He also has a nephew and niece.

2. DeGale was a mischievous child and would get into all kinds of
trouble especially at school. His grandfather suggested to his parents to let him take up boxing to channel his energy.

3. At the age of nine, DeGale walked into his first boxing club (Trojan in
Harlesden), took up boxing and he has never looked back.

4. He was given his nickname “Chunky” from day one when one of the
trainers looked at him (as he was a bit overweight) and said “alright Chunky” and the name has stuck ever since. Everyone in amateur boxing only knew him as “Chunky.” If someone asked about James DeGale, people would look strangely as everyone in amateur boxing only knew him as “Chunky.”

5. DeGale was a student at the renowned Barbara Speake Stage School
in London and showed promise in singing and dancing, but his bad behavior got him expelled.

6. DeGale had a tough stretch at about the age of 13-14 when he went off the
rails and did not go to the gym for months. This all changed when his parents had enough of his wayward behavior and told him if he didn’t change his ways and go back to boxing he would go to Social Services.

7. Since that day he has gone from strength to strength. He was chosen for
Young England at 14-years-old, won major amateur tournaments and after the NABCs DeGale was chosen from the England Podium Squad. He traveled the world competing in major competitions winning bronze in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and in 2006 was chosen for GB Podium squad to represent his country at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

8. He was the sole member of the 2008 boxing team to return with a gold
medal and was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty The Queen for his remarkable achievement.

9. DeGale turned professional in 2009 and quickly captured the British,
European, WBA International, WBO Intercontinental and WBC Silver titles.

10. DeGale then made British history by becoming the first British Olympic
gold medalist to win a professional world title.

# # #

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with junior lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza taking on undefeated contender Gervonta Davis.

Additional action is featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME®and headlined by junior featherweight world champion and Brooklyn-native Amanda Serrano battling former two-division world champion Yazmin Rivas. The telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT and features Ievgen Khytrov battling Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round matchup of undefeated rising contenders.

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LONDON (December 13, 2016) – IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale hosted a media workout in his hometown of London Tuesday as he prepares to face WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack in a 168-pound world title unification showdown that headlines action on Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with with super featherweight world champion Jose Pedraza taking on undefeated contender Gervonta Davis.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

DeGale worked out and answered questions for media at the Stonebridge Boxing Club as he nears his third straight fight in the United States, this time looking to return to the UK as a unified world champion.

Here is what DeGale had to say on Tuesday:

JAMES DEGALE

“This is the best fighting the best and this fight will prove who’s the best in the division — and I believe I am the number one super middleweight on the planet.

“Unification fights like this are still rare, never mind the best fighting the best, and me and Jack both wanted the fight. We both want to prove who is the best and everyone is in for a treat on January 14.

“I’ve got the best trainer in the world in Jim McDonnell; together we won the world title and now we’re going to unify the title. I’m going to win in style and do the business in the big New York City and come away with both belts to bring back to London.

“Jack’s a serious fighter, he’s a world champion, he has something I want. The winner of this will be the number in the division.

“Growing up, Joe Calzaghe, and Prince Naseem Hamed, they’re the ones I used to watch and I’d think, ‘I can’t wait to do that.’ Calzaghe’s one of my favorite fighters. He’s a bit similar to me. He’s a southpaw, throws a lot of punches. He’s another one who didn’t get the full credit he was due until after he retired. But that’s how boxing is.

“I’ve got to perform. My last couple of performances haven’t been vintage James DeGale. This is the best fighting the best, the champ fighting the champ: this is proper.

“I don’t get the respect. I made a bit of history. If I unify the division, going across the pond, no one’s ever done that from Britain.

“This is the one. I get love and support, I do have my fans, but it just feels like I look around at different fighters who haven’t done half what I’ve done and they get so much more recognition.

“I don’t get the credit: the full recognition, I don’t. But after this fight, people will start respecting me and knowing I’m the best.”

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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 @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BROOKLYN (November 23, 2016) – As a special Thanksgiving gift to boxing fans, there will be a HUGE Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale on tickets to the January 14 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, NY, featuring the WBC/IBF Super Middleweight Unification between Badou Jack and James DeGale, as well as IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Jose Pedraza defending his world title against Gervonta Davis.

Click on this link for the sale. Use the Offer Code: JAB

WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs) and IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs) will look to stake their claim as the best 168-pound fighter in the world when they meet in a title unification clash on Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME as boxing returns to New York for the first time in five months.

The telecast will also feature undefeated junior lightweight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (22-0, 12 KOs) defending his title against up-and-coming Mayweather Promotions’ undefeated contender Gervonta “The One” Davis (16-0, 15 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

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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 @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @SHOWTIMEBOXING @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BROOKLYN (November 21, 2016) – In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, super middleweight world champions Badou Jack and James DeGale,plus junior lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza and unbeaten challenger Gervonta Davis, donated and distributed Thanksgiving meals at the Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger in Brooklyn before their press conference last Wednesday to discuss their respective January 14 showdowns taking place at Barclays Center and live on SHOWTIME.

(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

The fighters handed out 100 turkeys along with other Thanksgiving foods to help aid the organization that has provided millions of meals for people in the area. Hailing from countries all around the world, the fighters got together to give back in the borough that they will be competing in come January. To learn more about the Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger visit www.bedstuyagainsthunger.org.

(Photo Credit: Tom Casino/Mayweather Promotions/DiBella Entertainment)

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

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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 @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @ShowtimeBoxing @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Callum Smith will defend his British Super-Middleweight title against mandatory challenger Luke Blackledge at the Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Smith makes a first defence of the title he won in spectacular fashion last November when he knocked out local rival Rocky Fielding in Liverpool inside a round.

The unbeaten 26 year old is looking to move to 22-0 and add to his 16 KO wins, and it represents a chance to showcase his ability ahead of a World title tilt in 2017.

‘Mundo’ is the mandatory for the winner of the unification battle between IBF champion James DeGale MBE and WBC king Badou Jack who meet in Brooklyn on January 14.

Blackledge will want to derail Smith’s plans and rip the British belt from him, and Smith expects a stiff test from the former Commonwealth champion as he awaits his World title shot.

“Luke is a good fighter, he comes to win, he’s game and durable and it promises to be a cracking fight,” said Smith. “I’m proud to be British champion and I’ll defend it until I can get a fight for a World title.

“It was good to see James and Badou finally get their fight signed. I was in Washington in April when they both defended their titles and agreed to meet in a unification and I didn’t think it would take this long for the fight to happen.

“I didn’t think I’d have three fights before getting my chance to fight for the World title but they’re ready to fight and while it’s been a bit frustrating, I’ve been active and learning all the time and it’s exciting that I will be fighting for a World title next year.

“It’s a win-win for me. If Jack wins it’ll probably be in Vegas and that’s every fighter’s dream to fight for a World title in Vegas, but if James wins, which I think he will, then that’s a massive domestic fight and we’ve seen that the British fans love those events.”

Smith’s clash with Blackledge is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as Anthony Joshua MBE defends his IBF World Heavyweight title against Eric Molina.

Dillian Whyte faces bitter London rival Dereck Chisora in an official eliminator for the WBC Heavyweight title, Scott Quigg returns to action after treatment on his broken jaw following his unification blockbuster with Carl Frampton, and the Bury star moves up to Featherweight as he looks to regain his status as a World champion.

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Heavyweight wrecking ball ‘King Kong’ Luis Ortiz fights in Europe for the second time after clashing with Malik Scott in Monte-Carlo on November 12 and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

Limited tickets remain on from http://www.manchester-arena.com/ and on 0844 847 8000 VIP tickets are £800 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

Face value tickets for December 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

BROOKLYN (November 16, 2016) – A star-studded press conference took place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday, as Floyd Mayweather, along with several New York boxing “ambassadors,” signified the return of boxing to New York by announcing the super middleweight world championship unification fight featuring Badou Jack against James DeGale that will take place Saturday, January 14 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME®.

Also announced on Wednesday and featured on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is undefeated junior lightweight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza taking on unbeaten rising contender Gervonta “The One” Davis.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available starting this Friday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The press conference signified the return of boxing to New York for the first time since a controversial insurance measure instituted by the New York State Government. Participants were on hand to discuss the exciting doubleheader on January 14 and celebrating the long awaited return of boxing to The Big Apple.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

BADOU JACK

“I think this will be an exciting fight. I’m going to give it my all and he’s going to give it his all. This is a bigger fight than anything we’ve been a part of. He’s going to turn it up and so will I.

“Now it’s me and DeGale. All the other fights are in the past. We’ve had different results against the same fighters. But none of that matters, it’s time to fight.

“A real champion can take a loss and bounce back. It shows what kind of person you are. I’ve proven I’m mentally tough.

“Boxing is not dead. It’s here to stay. There are some very good fights coming up. Probably even more next year.

“I came from Sweden, a country that has no boxing. Now I’m here headlining in New York for a unification fight. The sky is the limit. I always stay humble and never forget where I came from.

“It’s not going to matter what people think on fight night. DeGale is definitely one of the top guys in the division. He’s a road warrior. He comes over here and fights guys in their backyards. He deserves a lot of credit. That’s why this fight is so big. We both want to be great.

“I like being the underdog. If I’m the underdog in this fight, then that’s perfect for me. There won’t be any excuses when I beat him.

“I just try to stay humble win after win and keep looking forward to bigger and better things. After this fight come talk to me about who is the best in the division.

“I don’t want to compare myself to anyone else but I’ve had a couple of good years. Now we’re working to have two even better years.

“I made a mistake and got caught in my loss. I was able to bounce back and it made me a way better fighter. It was definitely a blessing in disguise. People are still overlooking me because of it. I look at it as a good thing.

“Everything happens for a reason. I’m very blessed to be here in Brooklyn. This is my second home in America. I trained at Gleason’s Gym in 2009 and now I’m headlining at Barclays Center. It’s amazing.”

JAMES DEGALE

“It’s here. The big one. The best fighting the best. Number one against number two. Badou Jack is a very good fighter. He doesn’t do anything spectacular, but he’s a compete fighter.

“I have that X-factor. I’ve lost before and I’m not going to lose again. I’ve come too far in my life to lose this opportunity.

“On January 14, Brooklyn is in for a treat. You will not want to miss this one. Make sure you get your tickets.

“My people in London can’t wait for me to fight at home. It’s coming. But first I want to take over in America.

“New York is one of my favorite cities. It’s a boxing city. I watched Santa Cruz vs. Frampton and it was a wicked atmosphere. I can’t wait to be in there.

“I’m very confident in my abilities. I believe I’m the best in the division and one of the best in the world. I’ve been waiting for this fight for a long time and I’m ready to get in there.

“I think in the last three fights I’ve shown everything. I haven’t been getting the respect that I deserve. I’ve beaten everyone put in front of me. This is what I love to do.

“I’m a natural super middleweight. I want to be in fights where people think I’m going to lose. I’ll challenge anybody.

“Me and Badou Jack are two different fighters. I think I’m going to beat him wide on the scorecards or stop him.”

JOSE PEDRAZA

“I’m thankful to everyone here and my people from New York who I know will be supporting me on fight night.

“I expect this to be a very exciting fight. I’m going to be ready for anything that Davis will bring into the ring. I’m going to take care of business.

“I’m very privileged to help with this cause and to help push boxing in New York. I’m going to represent my people on January 14 and I’m very proud of the opportunity.

“If Davis says he has to be killed to be beaten, then he’s going to have to go down.

“I’m undefeated and I will remain undefeated after January 14. I know Davis is a strong kid, but he isn’t on my level. I am looking to dominate this fight.

“Fighting at Barclays Center is really a dream come true. I know that I will have a lot of support from the Puerto Rican boxing fans and I’m going to train hard to perform for them.

“I’m sorry for Davis to be signed for Mayweather, because when I take away his undefeated record, I’m going to feel like I beat Mayweather.”

GERVONTA DAVIS

“It feels great to fight in Brooklyn for the first time. I’ve never fought in New York and it’s tremendous. I’ll have a lot of hometown fans driving up to here for the fight.

“Pedraza is a tough opponent. We’re going to work hard in camp and be ready to fight on January 14.

“My hometown has been backing me for all of these years. On January 14, I get my shot. It’s amazing. I know Pedraza is a great fighter. People will say he has more experience. But I had 206 wins in the amateurs and a lot of titles.

“There’s nothing Pedraza can bring to the ring that I haven’t seen before. I’ve been battle-tested inside the ring and outside the ring.

“He’s going to have to kill me to retain his title. I’m coming home a champion. There’s no doubt about it.

“On paper this is definitely my hardest task. We’re both great fighters. I hope he trains hard because I’m training for the fight of my life.

“I’m going to steal the show on January 14. I’m going to get Pedraza out of there and then work to unify the division against the other champs.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“We’re back. What other better city to be in, than New York City? It was always one of my dreams to fight in New York City. I’m glad I’m in a position to put fighters out there to give the fans what they want to see. New York City is the best place for boxing.

“For years and years these fighters have worked so hard and dedicated their lives to get to this point. I’m thankful for everyone who is supporting us and supporting our movement.

“The only thing we’re going to do is continue to build these fighters and help these fighters get to the highest heights. So many people have helped me get to this point, where I can give back to these young fighters.

“Lou DiBella is a guy I love to work with. The boxing business is about working together. Leonard works hard day in and day out to put these fighters in the best position, and I do the same. It’s all about working to get these fighters to the next level.

“We’re here in New York and we want to bring boxing to New York City. This is one of the meccas of boxing. The whole state has embraced me throughout my career.

“I’m very proud of Badou Jack. He’s a guy who carries himself like a gentleman. That’s what a true champion does. He’s very respectful, humble and appreciative.

“Badou Jack is such a hard worker and he’s very appreciative. I remember the position he was in. He’s still very thankful and humble now that he’s in a great position in his life and career.

“I’m just happy that I’m able to put fighters in a good position. They then have to take advantage of the position I put them in.

“We want to continue to do fights in this arena and bring championship boxing to New York City. We want to give you great shows again and again.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a tremendous platform. Coming to New York is something that Floyd has been advocating for. He’s wanted to bring a big event here and come January 14 that’s what the fans are going to get. We have a great night of fights from top to bottom.

“This is everything for Badou. This is why you lace them up when you’re a kid. This is an opportunity to be the best. He’s the best 168-pounder in the world and on January 14 he’ll have that platform to do it.

“When it comes to unification, you don’t see too many unified champions. The best fighting the best is what it’s all about. DeGale is an Olympic gold medalist and a world champion. He’s fought some very good fighters. Badou will be making his third title defense and there is no better opponent than DeGale.

“When two guys come together and they want to determine who’s the best, with everything on the line, that’s what it’s all about.

“The fans can expect to see Mayweather Promotions go back to Las Vegas with two world champions. One will be a unified champion and one will be the new super featherweight world champion.

“This is a great step-up for Gervonta. That’s what life is about, stepping up and taking risks. That’s why you get into the sport. He’ll have his full arsenal on display on fight night.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“Fans should go out and buy their tickets once they go on sale. There is going to be a show here on January 14. We have lawyers and insurance people on it and we will pay what needs to be paid.

“This announcement not only represents a fight announcement, but a call to action to all boxing fans. Boxing needs your help in New York. We need to change or repeal this law that has really shut us down. Even if we can get really expensive insurance for January 14, the small promoters and small fights and grassroots boxing have come to a standstill.

“Come out to this incredible fight card on January 14. Jack vs. DeGale is as good as it gets. Jose Pedraza is Puerto Rico’s only champion and he’s defending against Gervonta Davis. That is a great fight. The undercard is also going to be terrific.

“It also represents boxing trying to take its rightful place back. We’re not sitting back in 2017 and letting our industry be brought to a halt. We’re going ahead and announcing January 14. But we need everyone’s help with respect to making the necessary changes to allow our sport to thrive in this space again.

“I promoted Badou early in his career and he is a terrific fighter. He does everything well. He’s active in the ring and he makes good fights, and so does DeGale. He comes forward and fights. These two guys are going to throw down. This is a fan friendly main event. With huge significance.

“The opening bout features Puerto Rico’s only champion, fighting in front of New York’s huge Puerto Rican community. Gervonta Davis comes right up from Baltimore and it’s a can’t-miss fight.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“We want to reinforce our commitment to boxing. Not just from a Barclays Center perspective, but from a state perspective. Boxing is very important to the history here in New York and we want that to continue. We want to take a lead position as the sport continues to grow and thrive in the marketplace.

“We have become one of the premier venues in the country for boxing. We look forward to a very successful 2017. This fight in particular is very important to us. We haven’t had a championship event here since July. Floyd being involved brings a whole different dynamic as well and we’re excited for a tremendous undercard full of Brooklynites.

“Floyd has been here to the Barclays Center several times and we’re thrilled that he’s back. It’s a pleasure to welcomes Badou Jack and James DeGale to Brooklyn and I’m confident that you will like the Brooklyn crowd.

“There has not been a major boxing event at Barclays Center since the July 30 Santa Cruz vs. Frampton card and we’re proud to take the lead on bringing boxing back to New York. We’re excited that January 14 will be the first major boxing card in New York in 2017. We are more committed than ever before to bringing boxing to Barclays Center.

“It’s a very exciting time for the building, for the sport and it should be an electric evening for the sport.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“This card is unique, high quality and special. You don’t see cards like this every day. These four fighters have made a combined 14 appearances on SHOWTIME. We’re very proud of these four fighters.

“To create and deliver special events, it takes commitment. When you’re committed to a cause, special things happen. We’ve done special things with Mayweather Promotions and now we have this great card coming to us.

“The four young men on the stage today are some of the most talented and accomplished athletes in the sport. This is the best this sport has to offer. They’re committed to taking on other accomplished athletes. We have four of those fighters here on the televised portion and we have to salute them.

“New York City has a tremendous history in boxing. It’s hosted the biggest fights in the history of the sport. Barclays Center has emerged as the biggest and most aggressive supporter of boxing on the east coast. We’re optimistic that there won’t be any holdup getting to January 14.

“No network is as committed or as passionate about boxing as SHOWTIME is. The biggest and the best fights are on SHOWTIME. No other network is televising fights like these. Top five versus top five and champion versus champion. There is no better way to kick-off boxing in 2017 than with this great card at Barclays Center.”

ERIC ADAMS, Brooklyn Borough President

“Now is the call for action. We have witnessed what happens when the call for action is not personified and mobilized. Too many people pass legislation and are focused on the paper it’s written on, instead of the people who are impacted by it. It is clear that New York state is the Empire State where we build empires instead of destroying them and we are destroying the empire of boxing in New York.

“If we don’t do something about this piece of legislation, then these fighters will no longer have the aspiration to fight in the state that they love. That cannot happen. New Yorkers don’t follow the agenda, we lead the agenda. We must do that to make sure this is done correctly.

“We are going to mobilize and move in the right direction while protecting the fighters. We don’t want to knock out boxing in the state of New York. That cannot happen.

“This is going to be a great opportunity for these fighters and for Brooklyn and we are thankful to the team at Barclays for putting these fighters on this great stage.”

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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 @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BROOKLYN (November 16, 2016) – WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs) and IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs)will look to stake their claim as the best 168-pound fighter in the world when they meet in a title unification clash on Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME as boxing returns to New York for the first time in five months.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature undefeated junior lightweight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (22-0, 12 KOs) defending his title against up-and-coming Mayweather Promotions’ undefeated contender Gervonta “The One” Davis (16-0, 15 KOs).

“I’m expecting a very tough fight from James DeGale,” said Jack. “But I’m very confident that I’m going to win the fight and become the unified champion. This is an incredible stage to be at Barclays Center and on SHOWTIME and I’m going to take full advantage of it. I’m ready to make my mark as the best in the division.”

“I am so happy that this fight has finally been made,” said DeGale. “This is the best fighting the best. This is what boxing is all about. Badou Jack is a very good fighter and he’s underrated. I am going to have to be 100 percent on my game to beat him, but I am confident I will deliver on January 14. I have already fulfilled my dream of becoming a world champion and now it is time to unify.”

“Davis is a great young fighter with an impressive record,” said Pedraza. “He is a complete fighter and I am very happy to fight a challenger of his caliber. However, I do feel that Davis has been protected so I plan to really show off in this fight and perform at my best. Defeating Davis will be a great start to 2017, a year I would love to unify my division. I am thrilled to be back on SHOWTIME and look forward to putting on a great show for all those in attendance at Barclays Center.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to fight a respected undefeated world champion like Jose Pedraza,” said Davis. “I’m also ready to show the boxing world what I’m capable of doing. Boxing is searching for its next star and I believe that I’m the one. On January 14, I plan to show what over 200 amateur wins and 12 years of training with coach Calvin Ford looks like. Baltimore, we’re here. Brooklyn, I’m ready to shine for you. Jose Pedraza, get ready. I’m coming to kick your a**.”

“Mayweather Promotions is pleased to have the opportunity to bring this huge event to Brooklyn and Barclays Center,” said Floyd Mayweather, President of Mayweather Promotions. “Badou Jack versus James DeGale is one of the best match-ups in the sport. It’s the best fighting the best. I believe that Badou Jack has what it takes to be a unified world champion. I’m also excited to see Gervonta Davis fight for his first world title. He has the skills to be a fighter who carries the sport. He has a tough, undefeated world champion in front of him and I am looking forward to seeing him perform on January 14. These are two evenly-matched fights that will bring a lot of explosive action to the ring on fight night, you don’t want to miss it.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available starting Friday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Both Jack and DeGale retained their titles on SHOWTIME in April. Jack kept his belt via a controversial split draw against Lucian Bute, a match in which many thought Jack had prevailed, while DeGale defeated mandatory challenger Rogelio Medina. Both fighters were sharp; each landed over 60 percent of his respective power punches to set up this showdown for the top spot in the super middleweight division.

“We’re looking forward to bringing our first boxing event to Barclays Center in Brooklyn on January 14, when Badou Jack will face James DeGale in a world title unification bout live on SHOWTIME,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Badou has a tremendous work ethic and ability to stay focused and this has helped him get to where he is now in his career. He’s prepared to keep putting the hard work in to stay on top. Every time he was counted out, it just made him work harder. He’s proof that if you stay focused and dedicated to your craft, you can reach your dreams. I’m also eager to see Mayweather Promotions’ own Gervonta Davis in his first world title fight. We believe there is a bright future ahead for that young man and this could be the first step on his way to a truly special career.”

“Boxing will return to New York in 2017 with a tremendous card at Barclays Center on January 14 featuring two high caliber championship contests,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “With Badou Jack and James DeGale facing off, you have champion versus champion, the best fighting the best in what promises to be an action-packed battle in a super middleweight unification. Puerto Rico’s only world champion, undefeated Jose Pedraza, will defend his junior lightweight title against a hungry, heavy-handed challenger in Gervonta Davis.”

“Jack vs. DeGale is a terrific start to 2017,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “I want to thank Floyd Mayweather for making this fight happen and to Lou DiBella for his continued support of BROOKLYN BOXING. In our fifth year at Barclays Center, we are committed to boxing more than ever before.”

“In 2016, SHOWTIME delivered more high-quality, competitive fights than any other network and 2017 will be no different. We’re thrilled to kick off the year with a true ’50/50′ unification fight between two world champions in the prime of their career,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Badou Jack vs. James DeGale is boxing at its best – a matchup between the No. 1 – and No. 2-ranked boxers in the division – the right fight happening at the right time. And the Jose Pedraza-Gervonta Davis co-feature, which features two of boxing’s rising stars, could have been a main event on its own. There is no better way to begin the year, as well as our tremendous run of four separate SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING presentations over a seven-week span.”

Jack, who fights out of Las Vegas by way of Stockholm, Sweden, captured the WBC 168-pound crown with a 12-round majority decision over previously unbeaten defending champion Anthony Dirrelllast April 24. A former amateur standout who represented Gambia in the 2008 Olympics, Jack retained his belt against former world title challenger George Groves last Sept. 12 on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s final fight. Jack was an underdog against both Dirrell and Groves before retaining his title. The 6-foot-1, 33-year-old won four in a row leading up to his controversial draw against Bute in April.

DeGale won the vacant IBF belt in his U.S. debut last May by dropping Andre Dirrell twice on his way to a unanimous decision. The 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist from London then successfully defended it last November in a thrilling shootout with the hometown favorite and former titlist Bute. The 30-year-old, who’s only blemish came in a majority decision in his 11th bout against the then-unbeaten Groves, will make his fourth consecutive start outside his native England as he looks to become a global power and a unified champion at 168 pounds.

The switch-hitting Puerto Rican Olympian Pedraza backed up his “The Sniper” moniker against Andrey Klimov, picking apart the Russian with superior speed and accuracy on his way to a world title win last June. Pedraza earned a shot at the title in his previous bout with a career-best victory over former world title challenger Michael Farenas. The 27-year-old then went on to defend his title successfully against Edner Cherry last October and most recently against Stephen Smith in April. This fight marks the fourth consecutive time that Pedraza has fought on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

A highly regarded prospect that won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 22-year-old Davis recorded five victories inside of the distance in 2015. The Baltimore native, who Floyd Mayweather has called “the next big star in boxing,” kept his momentum going into 2016 as he recorded a sixth-round stoppage of Guillermo Avila in April and a first round knockout of Mario Macias in June. Davis enters his first world title showdown with seven straight victories by stoppage.

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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 @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.