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Jermall Charlo training camp report |
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Unbeaten WBC interim middleweight titleholder Jermall Charlo hosted a media workout Wednesday as he prepares for Brandon Adams in the main event live on Showtime Saturday, June 29th from NRG Arena in Charlo’s hometown of Houston. Charlo last fought in Houston in 2012 in just his ninth professional fight and will be headlining in his hometown for the first time on June 29th. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Here is what Charlo and his trainer Ronnie Shields had to say Wednesday from Kinetix Fitness Center in Missouri City, Texas:
JERMALL CHARLO
“It’s an amazing feeling to be fighting in Houston. A lot of people think the pressure is on me, but the pressure is just there period. I'm ready to fight in Houston, I’m ready to show the world a new Jermall Charlo and I’m doing it right here at home.
“Everywhere I go people tell me they can’t wait for me to fight. I’m starting to notice more people are catching on that boxing is about to be here in Houston and it’s going to be here for a long time because I plan on fighting here a lot more often.
“I got a game opponent in Brandon Adams. He’s going to come out to fight. Everything is on me, so I have to provide and put Houston on my back. I’ve been training well so I’m ready to go out and do what I do.
“This guy is coming to my hometown to fight me, so he’s going to prepare himself well and be at the top of his game. This makes me have to train a lot harder to do what I have to do.
“Ronnie Shields has done a great job of keeping me composed and I’m ready to build my legacy up just as well as his. He has a stable full of champions and I’m one of them.
“Ronnie is like a treasure to boxing, especially in the city of Houston. He’s trained here all of his career and I’ve done the same. I’ve gotten to see Ronnie train world champions, and now getting to be the world champion that he’s training, I know I’m in good hands for sure. He’s got my back and he’s like a father, coach and teacher to me.
“My family plays a big part in my career. They put a lot of pressure on me, so if the pressure is there, it’s coming from my family. I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be in my home city, I’m happy to be fighting in front of Houstonians and giving them another world champion. We haven’t had one since the George Foreman days, so now it’s a new era of boxing and I want to be the face of it.
“I’ve worked so hard to get here from the amateurs, to winning the world title, to defending the world title. Now I’m back in the city of Houston getting the chance to put my career on the line and do it right here, it means more to me now than it ever has in my career.
“You always see me in hard fights that I dominate. I don’t take any competitor lightly. I’m out here training like I’m training for Canelo. Brandon Adams is going to be on his A-game. If he makes a wrong move, it’s going to be a short night for him. He’s going to bring the best out of me.
“The division is mine as long as I continue to do what I’m doing. I’m in a good place. I’m a force to be reckoned with in the 160-pound division.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer
“Mentally I go over the game plan every day and every night. I still watch a lot of film and a lot of different fights. I’m focusing on all of the technical stuff that I know we have to do in the ring. Although we’re close to the fight, just a week left, we are just trying to make sure we are doing all the right things that it will take to make Jermall successful.
“The routine is basically the same every day. We have different techniques we work on. We are getting ready to go to Las Vegas for a couple days because I have other guys fighting as well as his brother. So we are going to continue training in Las Vegas just like we are doing here. Nothing stops. We are going to continue going over the game plan consistently and making sure he knows every aspect of what he is supposed to do.
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Jermall Charlo training camp report
Unbeaten WBC interim middleweight titleholder Jermall Charlo hosted a media workout Wednesday as he prepares for Brandon Adams in the main event live on Showtime Saturday, June 29th from NRG Arena in Charlo’s hometown of Houston. Charlo last fought in Houston in 2012 in just his ninth professional fight and will be headlining in his hometown for the first time on June 29th. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Here is what Charlo and his trainer Ronnie Shields had to say Wednesday from Kinetix Fitness Center in Missouri City, Texas:
JERMALL CHARLO
“It’s an amazing feeling to be fighting in Houston. A lot of people think the pressure is on me, but the pressure is just there period. I'm ready to fight in Houston, I’m ready to show the world a new Jermall Charlo and I’m doing it right here at home.
“Everywhere I go people tell me they can’t wait for me to fight. I’m starting to notice more people are catching on that boxing is about to be here in Houston and it’s going to be here for a long time because I plan on fighting here a lot more often.
“I got a game opponent in Brandon Adams. He’s going to come out to fight. Everything is on me, so I have to provide and put Houston on my back. I’ve been training well so I’m ready to go out and do what I do.
“This guy is coming to my hometown to fight me, so he’s going to prepare himself well and be at the top of his game. This makes me have to train a lot harder to do what I have to do.
“Ronnie Shields has done a great job of keeping me composed and I’m ready to build my legacy up just as well as his. He has a stable full of champions and I’m one of them.
“Ronnie is like a treasure to boxing, especially in the city of Houston. He’s trained here all of his career and I’ve done the same. I’ve gotten to see Ronnie train world champions, and now getting to be the world champion that he’s training, I know I’m in good hands for sure. He’s got my back and he’s like a father, coach and teacher to me.
“My family plays a big part in my career. They put a lot of pressure on me, so if the pressure is there, it’s coming from my family. I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be in my home city, I’m happy to be fighting in front of Houstonians and giving them another world champion. We haven’t had one since the George Foreman days, so now it’s a new era of boxing and I want to be the face of it.
“I’ve worked so hard to get here from the amateurs, to winning the world title, to defending the world title. Now I’m back in the city of Houston getting the chance to put my career on the line and do it right here, it means more to me now than it ever has in my career.
“You always see me in hard fights that I dominate. I don’t take any competitor lightly. I’m out here training like I’m training for Canelo. Brandon Adams is going to be on his A-game. If he makes a wrong move, it’s going to be a short night for him. He’s going to bring the best out of me.
“The division is mine as long as I continue to do what I’m doing. I’m in a good place. I’m a force to be reckoned with in the 160-pound division.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer
“Mentally I go over the game plan every day and every night. I still watch a lot of film and a lot of different fights. I’m focusing on all of the technical stuff that I know we have to do in the ring. Although we’re close to the fight, just a week left, we are just trying to make sure we are doing all the right things that it will take to make Jermall successful.
“The routine is basically the same every day. We have different techniques we work on. We are getting ready to go to Las Vegas for a couple days because I have other guys fighting as well as his brother. So we are going to continue training in Las Vegas just like we are doing here. Nothing stops. We are going to continue going over the game plan consistently and making sure he knows every aspect of what he is supposed to do.
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Charles Martin tune-up added to FS1 show |
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Former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin will square off against Daniel Martz in a ten-round bout as part of FS1 PBC Fight Night action on Saturday, July 13th from The Armory in Minneapolis. The FS1 broadcast is headlined by welterweight contender and Minneapolis-native Jamal "Shango" James battling former title holder Antonio DeMarco and also features a heavyweight clash between Robert "The Nordic Nightmare" Helenius and Gerald "El Gallo Negro" Washington. Born in St. Louis but now fighting and training out of Southern California, Martin (26-2-1, 23 KOs) showed heavy hands in racking up 20 knockouts in 23 fights before he captured a heavyweight title with a victory over Vyacheslav Glazkov in January 2016. The 33-year-old has won three of his last four fights, most recently winning by DQ against Gregory Corbin in March on FS1. He will face West Virginia's Martz (18-6-1, 15 KOs), who has scored back-to-back knockout victories since losing to Luis Ortiz on FS1 in December 2017.
The FS1 broadcast will also have unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas against Joshuah Hernández...
FS1 PBC Fight Night Prelims will feature Bryant Perrella (16-2, 13 KOs) taking on Domonique Dolton (22-2-1, 13 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight duel beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT...
The night of undercard attractions will also see 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell (9-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round junir welterweight match-up against Mexico's Daniel Echeverría (21-8, 18 KOs)...
Bantamweight Antonio Russell (14-0, 11 KOs) takes on Mexico's Francisco Pedroza (12-8-2, 6 KOs) in a ten-round fight...
Minneapolis-native VeShawn Owens will also compete in an eight-round bout against Mexico's Juan Garces at 154 pounds...
Middleweight Marcos Hernández steps in for an eight-round fight against Mexico's Francisco Javier Castro.
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Charles Martin tune-up added to FS1 show
Former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin will square off against Daniel Martz in a ten-round bout as part of FS1 PBC Fight Night action on Saturday, July 13th from The Armory in Minneapolis. The FS1 broadcast is headlined by welterweight contender and Minneapolis-native Jamal "Shango" James battling former title holder Antonio DeMarco and also features a heavyweight clash between Robert "The Nordic Nightmare" Helenius and Gerald "El Gallo Negro" Washington. Born in St. Louis but now fighting and training out of Southern California, Martin (26-2-1, 23 KOs) showed heavy hands in racking up 20 knockouts in 23 fights before he captured a heavyweight title with a victory over Vyacheslav Glazkov in January 2016. The 33-year-old has won three of his last four fights, most recently winning by DQ against Gregory Corbin in March on FS1. He will face West Virginia's Martz (18-6-1, 15 KOs), who has scored back-to-back knockout victories since losing to Luis Ortiz on FS1 in December 2017.
The FS1 broadcast will also have unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas against Joshuah Hernández...
FS1 PBC Fight Night Prelims will feature Bryant Perrella (16-2, 13 KOs) taking on Domonique Dolton (22-2-1, 13 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight duel beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT...
The night of undercard attractions will also see 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell (9-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round junir welterweight match-up against Mexico's Daniel Echeverría (21-8, 18 KOs)...
Bantamweight Antonio Russell (14-0, 11 KOs) takes on Mexico's Francisco Pedroza (12-8-2, 6 KOs) in a ten-round fight...
Minneapolis-native VeShawn Owens will also compete in an eight-round bout against Mexico's Juan Garces at 154 pounds...
Middleweight Marcos Hernández steps in for an eight-round fight against Mexico's Francisco Javier Castro.
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Cancio-Machado presser quotes |
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Andrew "El Chango" Cancio (20-4-2, 15 KOs) and Alberto "Explosivo" Machado (21-1, 17 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Westside Boxing Club ahead of their twelve-round rematch for the WBA 130-pound regular title. Their battle will take place on Friday, June 21st at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live on DAZN. Tito Acosta (20-1, 20 KOs), the WBO light flyweight champion: Below is what today's participants had to say:
ANDREW CANCIO
"I haven't let the win [over Machado] change my lifestyle. I'm still working hard. You have to work harder to keep the belt, and we're doing everything to keep it on the night of the fight. Nothing has changed except that people stop and recognize me on the street more and want a photo with me. They say, 'What's up champ?' It's pretty cool. But we're still grinding."
"I'm very confident that I can take Machado's best punch. I feel mentally stronger this time. The first time around I came in nervous. This time around I'm ready to come in from the first round."
"He's going to try to show me that he's a different Machado, but he'll be the same. Before he lost, they said that they had a great camp and were going to knock me out. Now that they've lost, we hear all these excuses. But I'm motivated more than ever, and I'm ready to show them why I beat them the first time."
ALBERTO MACHADO
"I have had more time to prepare this time around. Now I feel great. Cancio is a great fighter, but I am ready to come back on Friday. I never underestimated my opponent. I knew he was good because that's how he earned the opportunity to fight for a world title. But I never underestimated him at any moment. It was just a situation and it ended in his favor that night."
"I wasn't surprised the fight time. I had experienced a lot before the last fight. But, what happened has happened. Now we are coming back in better condition to walk away with the victory. I have always been a dedicated fighter. This was not the exception. It was excellent. camp and we had a lot of time to train. I think that will be the difference in making sure I score the victory when I step into the ring."
TITO ACOSTA
"We've had a great preparation and we're going to give a great fight. I don't know too much about my opponent, but I want to tell him that I hope he comes prepared because I will be 100% prepared for the victory."
"I always say that I get my power from my mom. Though she is only 4'9" in height, she has a very big character. She was very strong with me and my siblings. That's why I that I get my power from her."
"I like scoring knockouts with my left hand. It seems to be more effective. But I can knock people out with my right hand too, so if I see the opportunity, I will take it."
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Cancio-Machado presser quotes
Andrew "El Chango" Cancio (20-4-2, 15 KOs) and Alberto "Explosivo" Machado (21-1, 17 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Westside Boxing Club ahead of their twelve-round rematch for the WBA 130-pound regular title. Their battle will take place on Friday, June 21st at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live on DAZN. Tito Acosta (20-1, 20 KOs), the WBO light flyweight champion: Below is what today's participants had to say:
ANDREW CANCIO
"I haven't let the win [over Machado] change my lifestyle. I'm still working hard. You have to work harder to keep the belt, and we're doing everything to keep it on the night of the fight. Nothing has changed except that people stop and recognize me on the street more and want a photo with me. They say, 'What's up champ?' It's pretty cool. But we're still grinding."
"I'm very confident that I can take Machado's best punch. I feel mentally stronger this time. The first time around I came in nervous. This time around I'm ready to come in from the first round."
"He's going to try to show me that he's a different Machado, but he'll be the same. Before he lost, they said that they had a great camp and were going to knock me out. Now that they've lost, we hear all these excuses. But I'm motivated more than ever, and I'm ready to show them why I beat them the first time."
ALBERTO MACHADO
"I have had more time to prepare this time around. Now I feel great. Cancio is a great fighter, but I am ready to come back on Friday. I never underestimated my opponent. I knew he was good because that's how he earned the opportunity to fight for a world title. But I never underestimated him at any moment. It was just a situation and it ended in his favor that night."
"I wasn't surprised the fight time. I had experienced a lot before the last fight. But, what happened has happened. Now we are coming back in better condition to walk away with the victory. I have always been a dedicated fighter. This was not the exception. It was excellent. camp and we had a lot of time to train. I think that will be the difference in making sure I score the victory when I step into the ring."
TITO ACOSTA
"We've had a great preparation and we're going to give a great fight. I don't know too much about my opponent, but I want to tell him that I hope he comes prepared because I will be 100% prepared for the victory."
"I always say that I get my power from my mom. Though she is only 4'9" in height, she has a very big character. She was very strong with me and my siblings. That's why I that I get my power from her."
"I like scoring knockouts with my left hand. It seems to be more effective. But I can knock people out with my right hand too, so if I see the opportunity, I will take it."
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Brandon Adams training camp report |
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Middleweight Brandon Adams has been working hard at The Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California as he prepares for unbeaten WBC interim middleweight title holder Jermall Charlo on Saturday June 29th at NRG Arena in Houston and live on Showtime (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Adams has been training under longtime coach Dub Huntley and Hall of Famer Freddie Roach as he prepares for this opportunity. "Everything is going good and this camp has been very solid," said Adams. "I feel good and I am very excited to get in there and fight. I know that I have a great team that are preparing me to be the best Brandon Adams possible.
“The combination of Dub and Freddie really gives me everything I could ever need for a fight like this. They teach me something new every day and I’m going to be confident in my abilities on fight night.”
Adams and Charlo went face to face for the first time on May 30th at a press conference in Houston that Adams believes will help prepare him for his surroundings on fight night. "Houston was not as hostile as I thought it would be,” said Adams. “There was a lot of mutual respect between Jermall and I. I know the fans will be rooting for him, but it’s just the two of us in the ring. I’m just focused on what I have to do to get the win. I always knew the road to the top wouldn’t be easy. Nothing in boxing has been for me. I’ve always been ready to do whatever I had to do.”
Adams knows the stakes of the fight on June 29th, and he believes that with a win, he will be considered a major player in the middleweight division. "I feel this opportunity is the biggest one in my career to this point,” said Adams. “This will set me up for much more, and I am ready to face the challenge. I couldn’t be more prepared or focused. I am very dedicated to this fight and everything it’s going to take to reach my dream. I am looking to put on a tremendous performance on June 29th."
The 29 year-old Adams out of Los Angeles, California is promoted by Banner Promotions and Tournament of Contenders.
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Brandon Adams training camp report
Middleweight Brandon Adams has been working hard at The Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California as he prepares for unbeaten WBC interim middleweight title holder Jermall Charlo on Saturday June 29th at NRG Arena in Houston and live on Showtime (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Adams has been training under longtime coach Dub Huntley and Hall of Famer Freddie Roach as he prepares for this opportunity. "Everything is going good and this camp has been very solid," said Adams. "I feel good and I am very excited to get in there and fight. I know that I have a great team that are preparing me to be the best Brandon Adams possible.
“The combination of Dub and Freddie really gives me everything I could ever need for a fight like this. They teach me something new every day and I’m going to be confident in my abilities on fight night.”
Adams and Charlo went face to face for the first time on May 30th at a press conference in Houston that Adams believes will help prepare him for his surroundings on fight night. "Houston was not as hostile as I thought it would be,” said Adams. “There was a lot of mutual respect between Jermall and I. I know the fans will be rooting for him, but it’s just the two of us in the ring. I’m just focused on what I have to do to get the win. I always knew the road to the top wouldn’t be easy. Nothing in boxing has been for me. I’ve always been ready to do whatever I had to do.”
Adams knows the stakes of the fight on June 29th, and he believes that with a win, he will be considered a major player in the middleweight division. "I feel this opportunity is the biggest one in my career to this point,” said Adams. “This will set me up for much more, and I am ready to face the challenge. I couldn’t be more prepared or focused. I am very dedicated to this fight and everything it’s going to take to reach my dream. I am looking to put on a tremendous performance on June 29th."
The 29 year-old Adams out of Los Angeles, California is promoted by Banner Promotions and Tournament of Contenders.
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Keith Hunter to face Cameron Krael in Vegas |
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Keith "The Bounty" Hunter (10-0, 6 KOs) faces Cameron Krael (16-13-3, 4 KOs) on June 28 at the Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, in Las Vegas. Hunter vs. Krael will be a scheduled ten-round junior welterweight bout. This Mayweather Promotions show will feature unbeaten 122-pound Angelo "El Chinito" Leo (17-0, 8 KOs) vs. Filipino-born Mark John Yap (30-13, 15 KOs) in the ten-round main event.Hunter is coming off his most notable win, an eight-round split decision triumph over Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (11-2-1, 5 KOs). Krael has only one defeat in his last ten bouts, a controversial split decision loss to Erick Bone (22-6, 10 KOs). "This fight with Krael is very dangerous, one I'm taking very seriously, but one I believe I can win," said Hunter who is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions. "I'm all about fighting the best opponents and Krael is risky for most. I'm going to once again show why I'm the best prospect in the super lightweight division. On June 29th I'm putting on a great show for my hometown fans."
"Although this is a tough fight for any prospect coming up, we at Prince Ranch Boxing believe Keith Hunter is the next great fighter to come out of Las Vegas," said manager Greg Hannley. "Hunter has become a better fighter since Kevin Henry has been guiding his corner. Krael is tough, but Hunter is superior."
"I see a lot of improvement since I've been working with Keith Hunter," stated Kevin Henry, who trains Hunter at the Prince Ranch Boxing gym in Las Vegas. "Keith has all the tools to beat anyone in the division. He spars with some of the best world champions in boxing, so I know what level he's on. All the insiders know this is a tough fight, but Keith will come out victorious."
"Keith Hunter is in his prime and now is the time to take on all fights, regardless of who it is," said former two-time heavyweight world champion and Prince Ranch advisor, Hasim Rahman. "I know he has the talent to win this fight in dominating fashion."
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Keith Hunter to face Cameron Krael in Vegas
Keith "The Bounty" Hunter (10-0, 6 KOs) faces Cameron Krael (16-13-3, 4 KOs) on June 28 at the Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, in Las Vegas. Hunter vs. Krael will be a scheduled ten-round junior welterweight bout. This Mayweather Promotions show will feature unbeaten 122-pound Angelo "El Chinito" Leo (17-0, 8 KOs) vs. Filipino-born Mark John Yap (30-13, 15 KOs) in the ten-round main event.Hunter is coming off his most notable win, an eight-round split decision triumph over Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (11-2-1, 5 KOs). Krael has only one defeat in his last ten bouts, a controversial split decision loss to Erick Bone (22-6, 10 KOs). "This fight with Krael is very dangerous, one I'm taking very seriously, but one I believe I can win," said Hunter who is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions. "I'm all about fighting the best opponents and Krael is risky for most. I'm going to once again show why I'm the best prospect in the super lightweight division. On June 29th I'm putting on a great show for my hometown fans."
"Although this is a tough fight for any prospect coming up, we at Prince Ranch Boxing believe Keith Hunter is the next great fighter to come out of Las Vegas," said manager Greg Hannley. "Hunter has become a better fighter since Kevin Henry has been guiding his corner. Krael is tough, but Hunter is superior."
"I see a lot of improvement since I've been working with Keith Hunter," stated Kevin Henry, who trains Hunter at the Prince Ranch Boxing gym in Las Vegas. "Keith has all the tools to beat anyone in the division. He spars with some of the best world champions in boxing, so I know what level he's on. All the insiders know this is a tough fight, but Keith will come out victorious."
"Keith Hunter is in his prime and now is the time to take on all fights, regardless of who it is," said former two-time heavyweight world champion and Prince Ranch advisor, Hasim Rahman. "I know he has the talent to win this fight in dominating fashion."
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Kazuto Ioka now a four-division champ |
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Kazuto Ioka TKO10 Aston Palicte... In Chiba, Japan, Kazuto Ioka made national history by becoming a four-division champion. Ioka claimed the vacant WBO 115-pound title via a tenth-round stoppage of Aston Palicte of the Philippines. Ioka is now 24-2, while Palicte drops to 25-3-1. Five other Japanese men have been three-division champion, and one woman, Naoko Fujioka has won titles in five weight classes. It was Ioka's second shot at the WBO 115-pound title, as he lost to Filippino boxing legend Donnnie Nietes last year. Nietes then vacated the title rather than face Palicte in a mandatory defense, a move that cleared the way for Ioka-Palicte. source: japan times and kyodo
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Kazuto Ioka now a four-division champ
Kazuto Ioka TKO10 Aston Palicte... In Chiba, Japan, Kazuto Ioka made national history by becoming a four-division champion. Ioka claimed the vacant WBO 115-pound title via a tenth-round stoppage of Aston Palicte of the Philippines. Ioka is now 24-2, while Palicte drops to 25-3-1. Five other Japanese men have been three-division champion, and one woman, Naoko Fujioka has won titles in five weight classes. It was Ioka's second shot at the WBO 115-pound title, as he lost to Filippino boxing legend Donnnie Nietes last year. Nietes then vacated the title rather than face Palicte in a mandatory defense, a move that cleared the way for Ioka-Palicte. source: japan times and kyodo
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Sulecki calls Andrade a weak middleweight |
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Maciej Sulecki has branded Demetrius Andrade as one of the ‘weakest middleweights’ as he plots to rip the WBO title from Andrade on June 29th in Andrade's hometown, Providence, Rhode Island. The fight will be streamed live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. Sulecki (28-1 11 KOs) travels to the champion’s backyard for his first world title challenge as Andrade (27-0 17 KOs) puts his strap on the line for the second time. The Pole landed the clash having seen off Gabriel Rosado in a wild clash in Philadelphia in March, where he floored Rosado in the first and eighth rounds but then hit the canvas twice in the ninth before winning on points after ten.
Sulecki, who previously went the distance with former IBF title holder Daniel Jacobs, showed he has grit as well as talent in that battle with Rosado, and the 30 year old believes that he’s the first real fighter that Andrade has faced and that the champion is in for a shock next weekend. “I am very happy I got this fight,” said Sulecki. “Daniel Jacobs was much better than Andrade – Andrade's one of the weakest Middleweights out there in my eyes. I know for sure that I'm going to put on a great fight and show it off. I know he's a great fighter but he hasn't fought anybody. He's fought Jack Culcay who is no one, and I will show the world who I am and what I can do inside that ring.
“The Rosado fight was going to plan until the 8th round, after that things changed. It was a good learning experience and now especially since I'm fighting the champion next. I watched the fight at home and I said to myself 'What an idiot. What did I do?’ It was a very good lesson, it was two rounds that made me a better man.
“I believe the fans will come out for this fight. I remember people like Adamek, who had a great following behind them. That's what I want too, I want that good feeling.
“It's only talk in the press conferences and on social media, on fight night, the fists will do the talking. Talk is cheap. He's World champion and he's very good so he's confident, but I am very confident too and I hope he's ready for what I am bringing to the ring as he's never fought anyone like me.”
Sulecki’s clash with Andrade is part of a blockbuster night of action as unbeaten Briton Kal Yafai puts his WBA 115-pound title against mandatory challenger Norbelto Jimenez and former WBO heavyweight king Joseph Parker takes on Australia's Alex Leapai.
Boston’s Mark DeLuca faces Canadian Brandon Brewer over ten rounds at 154 poundst, young talents Alexis Espino and Raymond Ford taste their third action in the paid ranks, local favorite Anthony Marsella faces Jose Aubel, with another unbeaten Providence fighter Anthony Concepcion also featuring.
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Sulecki calls Andrade a weak middleweight
Maciej Sulecki has branded Demetrius Andrade as one of the ‘weakest middleweights’ as he plots to rip the WBO title from Andrade on June 29th in Andrade's hometown, Providence, Rhode Island. The fight will be streamed live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. Sulecki (28-1 11 KOs) travels to the champion’s backyard for his first world title challenge as Andrade (27-0 17 KOs) puts his strap on the line for the second time. The Pole landed the clash having seen off Gabriel Rosado in a wild clash in Philadelphia in March, where he floored Rosado in the first and eighth rounds but then hit the canvas twice in the ninth before winning on points after ten.
Sulecki, who previously went the distance with former IBF title holder Daniel Jacobs, showed he has grit as well as talent in that battle with Rosado, and the 30 year old believes that he’s the first real fighter that Andrade has faced and that the champion is in for a shock next weekend. “I am very happy I got this fight,” said Sulecki. “Daniel Jacobs was much better than Andrade – Andrade's one of the weakest Middleweights out there in my eyes. I know for sure that I'm going to put on a great fight and show it off. I know he's a great fighter but he hasn't fought anybody. He's fought Jack Culcay who is no one, and I will show the world who I am and what I can do inside that ring.
“The Rosado fight was going to plan until the 8th round, after that things changed. It was a good learning experience and now especially since I'm fighting the champion next. I watched the fight at home and I said to myself 'What an idiot. What did I do?’ It was a very good lesson, it was two rounds that made me a better man.
“I believe the fans will come out for this fight. I remember people like Adamek, who had a great following behind them. That's what I want too, I want that good feeling.
“It's only talk in the press conferences and on social media, on fight night, the fists will do the talking. Talk is cheap. He's World champion and he's very good so he's confident, but I am very confident too and I hope he's ready for what I am bringing to the ring as he's never fought anyone like me.”
Sulecki’s clash with Andrade is part of a blockbuster night of action as unbeaten Briton Kal Yafai puts his WBA 115-pound title against mandatory challenger Norbelto Jimenez and former WBO heavyweight king Joseph Parker takes on Australia's Alex Leapai.
Boston’s Mark DeLuca faces Canadian Brandon Brewer over ten rounds at 154 poundst, young talents Alexis Espino and Raymond Ford taste their third action in the paid ranks, local favorite Anthony Marsella faces Jose Aubel, with another unbeaten Providence fighter Anthony Concepcion also featuring.
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Up and Comer Cason looks to remain unbeaten |
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Cruiserweight Muhsin Cason (4-0, 2 KOs) returns this Saturday, June 22nd at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland to face Nathaniel Copeland (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington D.C. Cason vs. Copeland is a scheduled four-round bout. "I have gotten off to a good start in my professional career," said Cason, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. "In my last bout I got a first-round knockout and I'm looking to continue that momentum in this fight. I am excited to face an undefeated fighter and make a statement as the next American cruiserweight to watch out for. My goal is to be a world champion one day and I won't stop until I accomplish that," continued Cason. "It has been my dream since I started boxing and I feel I have the team to make it happen."
"My brother is a very good fighter, and this is a great opportunity for him," said former world heavyweight champion and older brother Hasim Rahman, who also serves as a Prince Ranch Boxing advisor and co-trains Cason with Kevin Henry. "Nathaniel Copeland is a very good fighter, and this will be a test early in his career, one we believe he will pass."
Hannely said, "Cason is well coached, terrific fighter, who has all the tools needed to be a world champion. He wanted a step-up bout after making statements in his last two fights, both coming by way of knockout. Cason has been working very hard and we believe he will be successful. We are excited to see the outcome of this fight."
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Up and Comer Cason looks to remain unbeaten
Cruiserweight Muhsin Cason (4-0, 2 KOs) returns this Saturday, June 22nd at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland to face Nathaniel Copeland (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington D.C. Cason vs. Copeland is a scheduled four-round bout. "I have gotten off to a good start in my professional career," said Cason, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. "In my last bout I got a first-round knockout and I'm looking to continue that momentum in this fight. I am excited to face an undefeated fighter and make a statement as the next American cruiserweight to watch out for. My goal is to be a world champion one day and I won't stop until I accomplish that," continued Cason. "It has been my dream since I started boxing and I feel I have the team to make it happen."
"My brother is a very good fighter, and this is a great opportunity for him," said former world heavyweight champion and older brother Hasim Rahman, who also serves as a Prince Ranch Boxing advisor and co-trains Cason with Kevin Henry. "Nathaniel Copeland is a very good fighter, and this will be a test early in his career, one we believe he will pass."
Hannely said, "Cason is well coached, terrific fighter, who has all the tools needed to be a world champion. He wanted a step-up bout after making statements in his last two fights, both coming by way of knockout. Cason has been working very hard and we believe he will be successful. We are excited to see the outcome of this fight."
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Jermall Charlo workout quotables |
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Unbeaten interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo hosted a media workout Wednesday as he prepares for his title defense against Brandon Adams in the main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, June 29 from NRG Arena in Charlo’s hometown of Houston. Charlo last fought in Houston in 2012 in just his ninth professional fight and will be headlining in his hometown for the first time on June 29. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.
Here is what Charlo and his trainer Ronnie Shields had to say Wednesday from Kinetix Fitness Center in Missouri City, Texas:
JERMALL CHARLO
“It’s an amazing feeling to be fighting in Houston. A lot of people think the pressure is on me, but the pressure is just there period. I'm ready to fight in Houston, I’m ready to show the world a new Jermall Charlo and I’m doing it right here at home.
“Everywhere I go people tell me they can’t wait for me to fight. I’m starting to notice more people are catching on that boxing is about to be here in Houston and it’s going to be here for a long time because I plan on fighting here a lot more often.
“I got a game opponent in Brandon Adams. He’s going to come out to fight. Everything is on me, so I have to provide and put Houston on my back. I’ve been training well so I’m ready to go out and do what I do.
“This guy is coming to my hometown to fight me, so he’s going to prepare himself well and be at the top of his game. This makes me have to train a lot harder to do what I have to do.
“Ronnie Shields has done a great job of keeping me composed and I’m ready to build my legacy up just as well as his. He has a stable full of champions and I’m one of them.
“Ronnie is like a treasure to boxing, especially in the city of Houston. He’s trained here all of his career and I’ve done the same. I’ve gotten to see Ronnie train world champions, and now getting to be the world champion that he’s training, I know I’m in good hands for sure. He’s got my back and he’s like a father, coach and teacher to me.
“My family plays a big part in my career. They put a lot of pressure on me, so if the pressure is there, it’s coming from my family. I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be in my home city, I’m happy to be fighting in front of Houstonians and giving them another world champion. We haven’t had one since the George Foreman days, so now it’s a new era of boxing and I want to be the face of it.
“I’ve worked so hard to get here from the amateurs, to winning the world title, to defending the world title. Now I’m back in the city of Houston getting the chance to put my career on the line and do it right here, it means more to me now than it ever has in my career.
“You always see me in hard fights that I dominate. I don’t take any competitor lightly. I’m out here training like I’m training for Canelo. Brandon Adams is going to be on his A-game. If he makes a wrong move, it’s going to be a short night for him. He’s going to bring the best out of me.
“The division is mine as long as I continue to do what I’m doing. I’m in a good place. I’m a force to be reckoned with in the 160-pound division.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer
“Mentally I go over the game plan every day and every night. I still watch a lot of film and a lot of different fights. I’m focusing on all of the technical stuff that I know we have to do in the ring. Although we’re close to the fight, just a week left, we are just trying to make sure we are doing all the right things that it will take to make Jermall successful.
“The routine is basically the same every day. We have different techniques we work on. We are getting ready to go to Las Vegas for a couple days because I have other guys fighting as well as his brother. So we are going to continue training in Las Vegas just like we are doing here. Nothing stops. We are going to continue going over the game plan consistently and making sure he knows every aspect of what he is supposed to do.
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Jermall Charlo workout quotables
Unbeaten interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo hosted a media workout Wednesday as he prepares for his title defense against Brandon Adams in the main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, June 29 from NRG Arena in Charlo’s hometown of Houston. Charlo last fought in Houston in 2012 in just his ninth professional fight and will be headlining in his hometown for the first time on June 29. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.
Here is what Charlo and his trainer Ronnie Shields had to say Wednesday from Kinetix Fitness Center in Missouri City, Texas:
JERMALL CHARLO
“It’s an amazing feeling to be fighting in Houston. A lot of people think the pressure is on me, but the pressure is just there period. I'm ready to fight in Houston, I’m ready to show the world a new Jermall Charlo and I’m doing it right here at home.
“Everywhere I go people tell me they can’t wait for me to fight. I’m starting to notice more people are catching on that boxing is about to be here in Houston and it’s going to be here for a long time because I plan on fighting here a lot more often.
“I got a game opponent in Brandon Adams. He’s going to come out to fight. Everything is on me, so I have to provide and put Houston on my back. I’ve been training well so I’m ready to go out and do what I do.
“This guy is coming to my hometown to fight me, so he’s going to prepare himself well and be at the top of his game. This makes me have to train a lot harder to do what I have to do.
“Ronnie Shields has done a great job of keeping me composed and I’m ready to build my legacy up just as well as his. He has a stable full of champions and I’m one of them.
“Ronnie is like a treasure to boxing, especially in the city of Houston. He’s trained here all of his career and I’ve done the same. I’ve gotten to see Ronnie train world champions, and now getting to be the world champion that he’s training, I know I’m in good hands for sure. He’s got my back and he’s like a father, coach and teacher to me.
“My family plays a big part in my career. They put a lot of pressure on me, so if the pressure is there, it’s coming from my family. I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be in my home city, I’m happy to be fighting in front of Houstonians and giving them another world champion. We haven’t had one since the George Foreman days, so now it’s a new era of boxing and I want to be the face of it.
“I’ve worked so hard to get here from the amateurs, to winning the world title, to defending the world title. Now I’m back in the city of Houston getting the chance to put my career on the line and do it right here, it means more to me now than it ever has in my career.
“You always see me in hard fights that I dominate. I don’t take any competitor lightly. I’m out here training like I’m training for Canelo. Brandon Adams is going to be on his A-game. If he makes a wrong move, it’s going to be a short night for him. He’s going to bring the best out of me.
“The division is mine as long as I continue to do what I’m doing. I’m in a good place. I’m a force to be reckoned with in the 160-pound division.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer
“Mentally I go over the game plan every day and every night. I still watch a lot of film and a lot of different fights. I’m focusing on all of the technical stuff that I know we have to do in the ring. Although we’re close to the fight, just a week left, we are just trying to make sure we are doing all the right things that it will take to make Jermall successful.
“The routine is basically the same every day. We have different techniques we work on. We are getting ready to go to Las Vegas for a couple days because I have other guys fighting as well as his brother. So we are going to continue training in Las Vegas just like we are doing here. Nothing stops. We are going to continue going over the game plan consistently and making sure he knows every aspect of what he is supposed to do.
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Rozier talks up Commey-Beltran, keeps it real on Jacobs loss to Canelo |
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Greg Leon: How is everything going in preparation for Richard Commey's first defense as IBF lightweight champion against Ray Beltran on June 28th? Andre Rozier [Commey's trainer]: "This has been a fantastic camp as they always are when it comes to Richard. He's a joy and a pleasure to train and to direct. His work ethic is bar none and it's just going to spell a lot of trouble for Ray Beltran. He's a tough hombre and he comes to fight and that's going to be one of his biggest problems because he's going to run into something that he's never run into before, a tall African king dropping dynamite on his forehead." (laughs)
GL: How confident do you feel about Richard's hand holding up once he starts letting them things go with the small gloves on?
Andre Rozier: "That's one of the joys of having a Richard Commey because you know he's going to let those hands go and God gave him the gift of punching power, which I've been fortunate to run across many times in my training application. This is like verbatim and we're going to do what we usually do, bring the fire, bring the noise and Richard is going to do what he needs to do, which is win and win explosively."
GL: Has it been easy to keep Richard foused knowing Teofimo Lopez is right behind this?
AR: "He's a professional and he's a man of God. He's not like the rest of my nephews who mix the world of boxing and pleasure at times, he's always focused on the task at hand and you'll see that come fight night."
GL: In your opinion is Beltran more of a challenge to Commey than Isa Chaniev was?
AR: "Definitely, without a doubt. Chaniev he had momentary glimpses of good things, but I knew Richard was going to put the hammer of him, I just didn't think it was going to be so soon. You know how I feel about that though nephew, there's no need overtime pay and I don't want my guys in there any longer than they have to be."
GL: How important was it for you guys to get this kind of fight in before moving on to the A+ level fights?
AR: "This fight had to happen and I thought we were going to get a fight in before the talked about Lomachenko fight, but then after Richard won the fight they were all trying to press the issue. The injury was a blessing to Richard because it lead to things happening the way they should have to begin with."
GL: What happened with Danny Jacobs vs. Canelo? Did he leave that fight on the table?
AR: "Danny...you know what? I expected so much more out of him. I don't know, he didn't give his all as he should have. As close as the fight was, it would have only taken a bit more for him to rise to the occasion. I expected him to win the fight and I think he could have done a lot better if he would have listened to the instructions I was giving him during the fight."
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Rozier talks up Commey-Beltran, keeps it real on Jacobs loss to Canelo
Greg Leon: How is everything going in preparation for Richard Commey's first defense as IBF lightweight champion against Ray Beltran on June 28th? Andre Rozier [Commey's trainer]: "This has been a fantastic camp as they always are when it comes to Richard. He's a joy and a pleasure to train and to direct. His work ethic is bar none and it's just going to spell a lot of trouble for Ray Beltran. He's a tough hombre and he comes to fight and that's going to be one of his biggest problems because he's going to run into something that he's never run into before, a tall African king dropping dynamite on his forehead." (laughs)
GL: How confident do you feel about Richard's hand holding up once he starts letting them things go with the small gloves on?
Andre Rozier: "That's one of the joys of having a Richard Commey because you know he's going to let those hands go and God gave him the gift of punching power, which I've been fortunate to run across many times in my training application. This is like verbatim and we're going to do what we usually do, bring the fire, bring the noise and Richard is going to do what he needs to do, which is win and win explosively."
GL: Has it been easy to keep Richard foused knowing Teofimo Lopez is right behind this?
AR: "He's a professional and he's a man of God. He's not like the rest of my nephews who mix the world of boxing and pleasure at times, he's always focused on the task at hand and you'll see that come fight night."
GL: In your opinion is Beltran more of a challenge to Commey than Isa Chaniev was?
AR: "Definitely, without a doubt. Chaniev he had momentary glimpses of good things, but I knew Richard was going to put the hammer of him, I just didn't think it was going to be so soon. You know how I feel about that though nephew, there's no need overtime pay and I don't want my guys in there any longer than they have to be."
GL: How important was it for you guys to get this kind of fight in before moving on to the A+ level fights?
AR: "This fight had to happen and I thought we were going to get a fight in before the talked about Lomachenko fight, but then after Richard won the fight they were all trying to press the issue. The injury was a blessing to Richard because it lead to things happening the way they should have to begin with."
GL: What happened with Danny Jacobs vs. Canelo? Did he leave that fight on the table?
AR: "Danny...you know what? I expected so much more out of him. I don't know, he didn't give his all as he should have. As close as the fight was, it would have only taken a bit more for him to rise to the occasion. I expected him to win the fight and I think he could have done a lot better if he would have listened to the instructions I was giving him during the fight."
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Hiroto Kyoguchi retains title via wide decision |
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Hiroto Kyoguchi W12 Tanawat Nakoon... In the Chiba, Japan co-feature, WBA 108-pound champion Hiroto Kyoguchi successfully defended his belt against Thailand’s Tanawat Nakoon. Kyoguchi apologized to the crowd after winning a unanimous decision by scores of 117-112 and 117-111 (twice). He was quoted as saying, “I feel sorry for showing such a boring match. Regardless of how tough he was, it was my plan to completely outperform him. It was a poorer performance by me than the judgments showed.” Kyoguchi, a two-division champion, is now 13-0, while Nakoon heads home at 11-1. The 25-year-old Kyoguchi now wants a unification fight vs. WBC champion Ken Shiro.
Miyo Yoshida W10 Casey Morton... In a female super flyweight bout contested on the same show, Miyo Yoshida won the vacant WBO title by defeating Casey Morton of the United States via unanimous decision. Scorecards: 100-90 (twice) and 99-91. Yoshida is now 13-1, while Morton is 8-1-3. source for both results: japan times, wbo and kyodo
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Hiroto Kyoguchi retains title via wide decision
Hiroto Kyoguchi W12 Tanawat Nakoon... In the Chiba, Japan co-feature, WBA 108-pound champion Hiroto Kyoguchi successfully defended his belt against Thailand’s Tanawat Nakoon. Kyoguchi apologized to the crowd after winning a unanimous decision by scores of 117-112 and 117-111 (twice). He was quoted as saying, “I feel sorry for showing such a boring match. Regardless of how tough he was, it was my plan to completely outperform him. It was a poorer performance by me than the judgments showed.” Kyoguchi, a two-division champion, is now 13-0, while Nakoon heads home at 11-1. The 25-year-old Kyoguchi now wants a unification fight vs. WBC champion Ken Shiro.
Miyo Yoshida W10 Casey Morton... In a female super flyweight bout contested on the same show, Miyo Yoshida won the vacant WBO title by defeating Casey Morton of the United States via unanimous decision. Scorecards: 100-90 (twice) and 99-91. Yoshida is now 13-1, while Morton is 8-1-3. source for both results: japan times, wbo and kyodo
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Erislandy Lara out to destroy Canelo's brother |
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Greg Leon: What's the latest and greatest brother? What's cooking? Erislandy Lara: "Right now, as you know, I'm getting ready to fight Ramon Alvarez [28-7-3], the brother of [world middleweight champion] Canelo Alvarez, on August 31st in Minnesota. You already know that I've got a lot of history with that family and we're looking to see if this can be made an eliminator to fight the winner of Brian Castano vs. Michel Soro. I'm hoping that winning this fight will get me back into that mandatory position."
GL: Are you disappointed at all that it's not Brian Castano right back?
EL: "If you look at my resume, I don't pick my fights, I just fight. Soro stepped aside the first time and he didn't want to do it again, so I respect his decision as a fighter. I can't sit around and wait, this is my career and I'm on the last stretch of my career and if you look at my last several fights it's been one tough fight after another. I think this is a good fight for me against Canelo Alvarez's brother and I can't sleep on him because as you just saw with Andy Ruiz, anything is possible in boxing. He wants to make a name for himself too and this is going to be a very entertaining and interesting fight."
GL: If you weren't fighting Canelo Alvarez's brother, would it be impossible for you to get up for this fight?
Erislandy Lara: "That's a good question. You already know that as this stage of my career I want the biggest fights. I want to fight the best and I've been fighting undefeated guy after undefeated guy, but there is some bad blood here because I feel like I beat Canelo clearly and I didn't get the credit for it, so now his brother is going to face the repercussions a few years later. I'm hoping that a great performance will put me back in that rematch because I feel like I can beat him even cleaner this time around."
GL: Will this be a no mercy type of fight? Will you punish him a little extra to try to lure Canelo into the ring with you?
EL: "I've got to go out there and fight my hardest, whether it's Castano, whether it's Jarett Hurd, whoever it is, I'm standing in there and fighting. Y'all can expect to see me get out there and stop Ramon Alvarez, I'm stopping Canelo Alvarez's brother."
GL: Are you standing there and fighting more now because your legs are no longer the same or because you've mastered fighting in the pocket?
EL: "Realistically I think it's a little bit of both, but I think that I've mastered my distance to where I can get my shots off without having to move so much. Right now I can do a lot of different things and after six split decisions or majority decisions on my resume, I think I need to be aggressive to make sure I don't keep getting the short end of the decision."
GL: Closing thoughts.
EL: "Tune in on August 31st for a great night of boxing, and thank you G for always reaching out."
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Erislandy Lara out to destroy Canelo's brother
Greg Leon: What's the latest and greatest brother? What's cooking? Erislandy Lara: "Right now, as you know, I'm getting ready to fight Ramon Alvarez [28-7-3], the brother of [world middleweight champion] Canelo Alvarez, on August 31st in Minnesota. You already know that I've got a lot of history with that family and we're looking to see if this can be made an eliminator to fight the winner of Brian Castano vs. Michel Soro. I'm hoping that winning this fight will get me back into that mandatory position."
GL: Are you disappointed at all that it's not Brian Castano right back?
EL: "If you look at my resume, I don't pick my fights, I just fight. Soro stepped aside the first time and he didn't want to do it again, so I respect his decision as a fighter. I can't sit around and wait, this is my career and I'm on the last stretch of my career and if you look at my last several fights it's been one tough fight after another. I think this is a good fight for me against Canelo Alvarez's brother and I can't sleep on him because as you just saw with Andy Ruiz, anything is possible in boxing. He wants to make a name for himself too and this is going to be a very entertaining and interesting fight."
GL: If you weren't fighting Canelo Alvarez's brother, would it be impossible for you to get up for this fight?
Erislandy Lara: "That's a good question. You already know that as this stage of my career I want the biggest fights. I want to fight the best and I've been fighting undefeated guy after undefeated guy, but there is some bad blood here because I feel like I beat Canelo clearly and I didn't get the credit for it, so now his brother is going to face the repercussions a few years later. I'm hoping that a great performance will put me back in that rematch because I feel like I can beat him even cleaner this time around."
GL: Will this be a no mercy type of fight? Will you punish him a little extra to try to lure Canelo into the ring with you?
EL: "I've got to go out there and fight my hardest, whether it's Castano, whether it's Jarett Hurd, whoever it is, I'm standing in there and fighting. Y'all can expect to see me get out there and stop Ramon Alvarez, I'm stopping Canelo Alvarez's brother."
GL: Are you standing there and fighting more now because your legs are no longer the same or because you've mastered fighting in the pocket?
EL: "Realistically I think it's a little bit of both, but I think that I've mastered my distance to where I can get my shots off without having to move so much. Right now I can do a lot of different things and after six split decisions or majority decisions on my resume, I think I need to be aggressive to make sure I don't keep getting the short end of the decision."
GL: Closing thoughts.
EL: "Tune in on August 31st for a great night of boxing, and thank you G for always reaching out."
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DiBella signs Mexican heavyweight Elvis Garcia |
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When Andy Ruiz upset Anthony Joshua earlier this month, stunning the boxing world to become the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, it was an inspirational victory for many, including Mexican heavyweight prospect Elvis Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs). Signed by DiBella Entertainment to an exclusive promotional agreement, Garcia is determined to make his mark on the heavyweight division. The 29-year-old Garcia is coming off two wins thus far in 2019, going the six-round distance for the first time with a unanimous decision against Alejandro Garduno (2-11-2) in February then stopping Ramon Olivas (14-12) in two rounds in April. Details on Garcia's debut for DiBella Entertainment will be announced shortly.
"Elvis Garcia is a promising and hard-working heavyweight with great talent. He was born in Mexico, lives in the United States, and has fought in and for both countries, holding dual citizenship," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "The heavyweight division is thriving right now and I look forward to working with Elvis to bring him the best opportunities to fulfill his potential."
"I was speechless and emotional when I got the call from Lou DiBella saying that he wanted to sign me to a promotional contract," said Garcia. "Up to this point of my life, I've been on a long tough road, but now I am very excited for my future. I am proud and grateful to be promoted by DiBella Entertainment. I want to thank Lou for the opportunity and I trust that, with his guidance in and out of the ring, we will make a lot of noise in the heavyweight division."
Born in Nayarit, Mexico, Garcia moved with his family to Umatilla, OR, at age four. He had a strong athletic background growing up, excelling in soccer, wrestling, and jiu jitsu. Often competing in USA National Tournaments, Garcia won two gold medals as a Greco-Roman wrestler and three in jiu jitsu. Garcia also dabbled in mixed martial arts, winning three professional MMA matches by submission.
Encouraged by his jiu jitsu instructors, Garcia decided to take up boxing after graduating high school. However, the closest boxing gym to Umatilla was 260 miles away in Tacoma, WA, and Garcia was making eight-hour roundtrips five days a week to train. That dedication resulted in an impressive 85-10 amateur record, with 42 knockouts.
Garcia won the Washington State Golden Gloves tournament twice, as well as a silver and two bronze medals at the USA National Tournament, and was ranked #3 at super heavyweight in the United States amateur program. Following his last bronze medal performance, Garcia was awarded a berth on the Mexican National Boxing Team and moved to Tijuana to be closer to where the team trained. He then won the Mexican National Championships and the Mexican Golden Gloves Tournament twice.
While competing in Mexico, Garcia worked odd jobs to earn money. Rather than use his savings to pay rent, Garcia opted to live out of his car for an entire year, sending his earnings back home to help support his family.
Shortly after his pro debut in May 2017, Garcia was connected with managers who provided him with living expenses in Tijuana and a place to train in San Diego, CA, where he also worked nights as a security guard. Though, he was once again making long daily commutes between his home and gym. In late 2018, Garcia was set up with renowned trainer Joel Diaz in Indio, CA, where he relocated to focus on his boxing career full-time.
"Elvis is the hardest working heavyweight I have ever seen," said Diaz. "He trains like a featherweight. No fighter in my gym is hungrier or has a bigger heart."
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DiBella signs Mexican heavyweight Elvis Garcia
When Andy Ruiz upset Anthony Joshua earlier this month, stunning the boxing world to become the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, it was an inspirational victory for many, including Mexican heavyweight prospect Elvis Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs). Signed by DiBella Entertainment to an exclusive promotional agreement, Garcia is determined to make his mark on the heavyweight division. The 29-year-old Garcia is coming off two wins thus far in 2019, going the six-round distance for the first time with a unanimous decision against Alejandro Garduno (2-11-2) in February then stopping Ramon Olivas (14-12) in two rounds in April. Details on Garcia's debut for DiBella Entertainment will be announced shortly.
"Elvis Garcia is a promising and hard-working heavyweight with great talent. He was born in Mexico, lives in the United States, and has fought in and for both countries, holding dual citizenship," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "The heavyweight division is thriving right now and I look forward to working with Elvis to bring him the best opportunities to fulfill his potential."
"I was speechless and emotional when I got the call from Lou DiBella saying that he wanted to sign me to a promotional contract," said Garcia. "Up to this point of my life, I've been on a long tough road, but now I am very excited for my future. I am proud and grateful to be promoted by DiBella Entertainment. I want to thank Lou for the opportunity and I trust that, with his guidance in and out of the ring, we will make a lot of noise in the heavyweight division."
Born in Nayarit, Mexico, Garcia moved with his family to Umatilla, OR, at age four. He had a strong athletic background growing up, excelling in soccer, wrestling, and jiu jitsu. Often competing in USA National Tournaments, Garcia won two gold medals as a Greco-Roman wrestler and three in jiu jitsu. Garcia also dabbled in mixed martial arts, winning three professional MMA matches by submission.
Encouraged by his jiu jitsu instructors, Garcia decided to take up boxing after graduating high school. However, the closest boxing gym to Umatilla was 260 miles away in Tacoma, WA, and Garcia was making eight-hour roundtrips five days a week to train. That dedication resulted in an impressive 85-10 amateur record, with 42 knockouts.
Garcia won the Washington State Golden Gloves tournament twice, as well as a silver and two bronze medals at the USA National Tournament, and was ranked #3 at super heavyweight in the United States amateur program. Following his last bronze medal performance, Garcia was awarded a berth on the Mexican National Boxing Team and moved to Tijuana to be closer to where the team trained. He then won the Mexican National Championships and the Mexican Golden Gloves Tournament twice.
While competing in Mexico, Garcia worked odd jobs to earn money. Rather than use his savings to pay rent, Garcia opted to live out of his car for an entire year, sending his earnings back home to help support his family.
Shortly after his pro debut in May 2017, Garcia was connected with managers who provided him with living expenses in Tijuana and a place to train in San Diego, CA, where he also worked nights as a security guard. Though, he was once again making long daily commutes between his home and gym. In late 2018, Garcia was set up with renowned trainer Joel Diaz in Indio, CA, where he relocated to focus on his boxing career full-time.
"Elvis is the hardest working heavyweight I have ever seen," said Diaz. "He trains like a featherweight. No fighter in my gym is hungrier or has a bigger heart."
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Kownacki-Arreola presser quotes |
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Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki and his next opponent, Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola went face to face Tuesday at a press conference in Brooklyn as they previewed their showdown that headlines on Fox on Saturday, August 3rd from Barclays Center. Also going face to face Tuesday were former champion Andre Berto and Miguel Cruz, who meet in a welterweight attraction, and light heavyweight Marcus Browne and former world champion Jean Pascal, who kick off the brodcast in a WBA interim title contest. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:
ADAM KOWNACKI (pictured)
"This is an exciting moment for me. When I first fought at Barclays Center, I fought after the main event, so this is just an amazing feeling to be headlining.
"Arreola has been in there with everyone, so I know it's a tough test. He's coming off two knockout wins, so I know he'll be ready, but I'm more ready.
"I've worked very hard to get to this moment. This is another step toward me becoming a world champion. I'm looking to put myself in line for a world title shot.
"I can't wait for this one. It's another step in the right direction, I know it's going to be competitive because Arreola is coming off of two knockout wins. It's a do or die mood for him. I know he'll be in the best shape possible and I can't wait to show off my skills.
"Arreola is a good fighter. He has fought everybody from Deontay Wilder to Vitali Klitschko. Hopefully I will be able to do a good job and get the win.
"Chris Arreola and I are going to put on the Fight of the Year. We're going to show that the big guys can really fight.
"The heavyweight division is hot right now and this is going to add to it. With our styles being guys who come forward, it doesn't get better as a boxing fan.
"This is the third fighter I've had in common with Deontay Wilder. I knocked out Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington faster than he did, and I'm looking to do the same August 3."
CHRIS ARREOLA
"Adam and I are going to put on a great fight. I'm really excited for this one. As a fan, this is the kind of fight I'd want to watch. It's going to be a fight that's talked about for years.
"Everyone knows this is going to be a great fight. People always have something negative to say anyway, so I'm only controlling what I can. I'm really looking forward to this fight and displaying the new tricks of the trade that I'll be implementing into this fight.
"I'm nothing like the fighter's he's fought. I'm not an opponent. I'm here to fight. He's going to have a tough time trying to put me out. A lot of people underestimate me, but you'll see on August 3 that I'm a heavyweight to be reckoned with.
"The main thing that I've seen from Kownacki is that he throws a lot of punches. He throws a bunch of punches. You just keep throwing punches and one of them is going to land and that's what I see from him.
"Training camp has been going great. I'm loving it. I'm learning a lot of new tricks of the trade and working on the old things also. I'm looking forward to this fight because the things that I've been working on with Joe Goossen, are going to come out in this fight.
"I'm going to be in the best shape possible on August 3. I'm saying it now, if I lose, I'm retiring. But I'm not going to lose. I'm coming guns blazing to get this win."
ANDRE BERTO
"I started my career right here in New York after the Olympics and it always feels great to be back. This is going to be a great night of fighting. This is great event with a lot of fighters I know well, but this is going to be my show. I'm going to put on a great performance.
"Miguel Cruz I just found out is from Florida and basically my hometown. So it just got real personal and it's going to be explosive.
"At the end of the day, I've never stopped working. I'm in fight shape right now. This is a lifestyle for me. I don't care what Miguel Cruz's plans are. I have too much to fight for me to lose.
"You have to find different levels of motivation for yourself for every fight. Whether its family or whatever it is. I have my new baby girl, I lost my dad. So it's coming from a lot of different areas right now.
"I'm going to be a whole other animal on August 3. I know what's been going on in his camp and I know how his sparring is going. So I hope he just stays focused.
"I'm just looking to go out and put on a show. I'm looking forward to going out there and just making it happen. It's going to be big. I've done a lot within the last few months. Any great performance I come back with puts me in contention.
"I've had a lot happen in my life in the last year. A lot of great things and some tragedies. I believe that I'm really in a position where everything is bottled up and I can't wait to let it out on August 3rd."
MIGUEL CRUZ
"It's going to be fireworks and we're going to bring the house down. I expect both of us to have amazing performances, but especially myself.
"I'm coming for Andre Berto and then I'm looking at Keith Thurman and that world title. I'm ready to leave it all in the ring. I have nothing to lose. I'm going to show that I'm a very dangerous man.
"This is a new era of boxing. That's the nature of the game. One day I'll be the old lion. This is just what happens. It's going to happen to Andre Berto on August 3.
"I don't have any real personal feelings towards him. I'm very focused on my mission, so if he wants to get personal I believe it's going to cause him to make mistakes. I believe that it's going to be a disadvantage in many different ways. I'm going to continue my training camp in the way I've been doing it.
"We did grow up in the same area relatively so it does spark up that inner city rivalry. I think that's how he feels. And it's fine. I know a lot about him and he doesn't know much about me. I feel like I have a lot of advantages in this fight. I feel like I have the youth, the strength, and the power to do a lot of damage in this fight. I feel like he's underestimating me, he's going to make some mistakes and get emotional.
"I'm sure I've sparked a little fire in him and he's going to train harder but that's not going to change the fact that his mind isn't really prepared for exactly what's going to happen.
"I already feel like Brooklyn is my home and I'm going to make it my home going forward. I like the warmth that I feel from the fans and I especially know there's going to be a lot of Puerto Rican support for this one. There's going to be three stellar fights and I plan on stealing the show."
MARCUS BROWNE
"I just want to thank everyone for allowing me to display my talents on this stage. I'm going to be in the best shape possible. I'm coming in shape for 15 rounds.
"I am always going to be underestimated in a sense, especially to a veteran like Pascal. He has to keep himself in the fight and the only way to do that is to downplay what I do. Come August 3, I will just display my talents and take care of business.
"This is a great card. You know Adam always comes with the thunder and excitement. Andre has always been in exciting fights. But when you're watching my fight, make sure you don't blink.
"The division has no one else like me. Pascal has fought a lot of great fighters, but he hasn't faced anyone like me. It's going to be something he's never seen before in that ring.
"I am not focused on the future right now. The only thing I am focused on is Jean Pascal, because we won't get there if we don't take care of business with him the right way. It's not about just winning it's about winning the right way. We are going to focus on him right now and after that it is what it is.
"Jean Pascal always comes to fight and he comes in great shape. But he's in my way right now. I'm going to knock you out, I promise you. I'm making sure I'm ready for him. I know exactly what he possesses and we respect that. August 3 it will be my time.
"I remember sparring Jean Pascal and he said I was green. But the fruit is ripe now. He knows what time it is."
JEAN PASCAL
"This is going to be a great fight. Marcus is a tremendous fighter who's going to train very well. We both know we'll be at our best. I've been there and one that before. I'm up for any challenge.
"Marcus is the rookie and I'm the veteran. I'm going to show him who's the boss.
"This show is very special for me because you will see the two best Haitian boxers on earth in Andre Berto and myself. I hope the big Haitian community in New York shows up to see us.
"I'm one of the best in the world. I always train hard and I'm always ready for a challenge. I know it's not going to be easy. I don't take any easy fight at any point in my career.
"I love the sport and I love to display all of my talent. It's going to be technical fight and a chess match on fight night.
"I'm very happy to be here. I want to thank everyone who made this dream come true for me to fight at Barclays Center. This is a tremendous place to fight and many champions have fought here. I'm going to be part of history."
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Kownacki-Arreola presser quotes
Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki and his next opponent, Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola went face to face Tuesday at a press conference in Brooklyn as they previewed their showdown that headlines on Fox on Saturday, August 3rd from Barclays Center. Also going face to face Tuesday were former champion Andre Berto and Miguel Cruz, who meet in a welterweight attraction, and light heavyweight Marcus Browne and former world champion Jean Pascal, who kick off the brodcast in a WBA interim title contest. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:
ADAM KOWNACKI (pictured)
"This is an exciting moment for me. When I first fought at Barclays Center, I fought after the main event, so this is just an amazing feeling to be headlining.
"Arreola has been in there with everyone, so I know it's a tough test. He's coming off two knockout wins, so I know he'll be ready, but I'm more ready.
"I've worked very hard to get to this moment. This is another step toward me becoming a world champion. I'm looking to put myself in line for a world title shot.
"I can't wait for this one. It's another step in the right direction, I know it's going to be competitive because Arreola is coming off of two knockout wins. It's a do or die mood for him. I know he'll be in the best shape possible and I can't wait to show off my skills.
"Arreola is a good fighter. He has fought everybody from Deontay Wilder to Vitali Klitschko. Hopefully I will be able to do a good job and get the win.
"Chris Arreola and I are going to put on the Fight of the Year. We're going to show that the big guys can really fight.
"The heavyweight division is hot right now and this is going to add to it. With our styles being guys who come forward, it doesn't get better as a boxing fan.
"This is the third fighter I've had in common with Deontay Wilder. I knocked out Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington faster than he did, and I'm looking to do the same August 3."
CHRIS ARREOLA
"Adam and I are going to put on a great fight. I'm really excited for this one. As a fan, this is the kind of fight I'd want to watch. It's going to be a fight that's talked about for years.
"Everyone knows this is going to be a great fight. People always have something negative to say anyway, so I'm only controlling what I can. I'm really looking forward to this fight and displaying the new tricks of the trade that I'll be implementing into this fight.
"I'm nothing like the fighter's he's fought. I'm not an opponent. I'm here to fight. He's going to have a tough time trying to put me out. A lot of people underestimate me, but you'll see on August 3 that I'm a heavyweight to be reckoned with.
"The main thing that I've seen from Kownacki is that he throws a lot of punches. He throws a bunch of punches. You just keep throwing punches and one of them is going to land and that's what I see from him.
"Training camp has been going great. I'm loving it. I'm learning a lot of new tricks of the trade and working on the old things also. I'm looking forward to this fight because the things that I've been working on with Joe Goossen, are going to come out in this fight.
"I'm going to be in the best shape possible on August 3. I'm saying it now, if I lose, I'm retiring. But I'm not going to lose. I'm coming guns blazing to get this win."
ANDRE BERTO
"I started my career right here in New York after the Olympics and it always feels great to be back. This is going to be a great night of fighting. This is great event with a lot of fighters I know well, but this is going to be my show. I'm going to put on a great performance.
"Miguel Cruz I just found out is from Florida and basically my hometown. So it just got real personal and it's going to be explosive.
"At the end of the day, I've never stopped working. I'm in fight shape right now. This is a lifestyle for me. I don't care what Miguel Cruz's plans are. I have too much to fight for me to lose.
"You have to find different levels of motivation for yourself for every fight. Whether its family or whatever it is. I have my new baby girl, I lost my dad. So it's coming from a lot of different areas right now.
"I'm going to be a whole other animal on August 3. I know what's been going on in his camp and I know how his sparring is going. So I hope he just stays focused.
"I'm just looking to go out and put on a show. I'm looking forward to going out there and just making it happen. It's going to be big. I've done a lot within the last few months. Any great performance I come back with puts me in contention.
"I've had a lot happen in my life in the last year. A lot of great things and some tragedies. I believe that I'm really in a position where everything is bottled up and I can't wait to let it out on August 3rd."
MIGUEL CRUZ
"It's going to be fireworks and we're going to bring the house down. I expect both of us to have amazing performances, but especially myself.
"I'm coming for Andre Berto and then I'm looking at Keith Thurman and that world title. I'm ready to leave it all in the ring. I have nothing to lose. I'm going to show that I'm a very dangerous man.
"This is a new era of boxing. That's the nature of the game. One day I'll be the old lion. This is just what happens. It's going to happen to Andre Berto on August 3.
"I don't have any real personal feelings towards him. I'm very focused on my mission, so if he wants to get personal I believe it's going to cause him to make mistakes. I believe that it's going to be a disadvantage in many different ways. I'm going to continue my training camp in the way I've been doing it.
"We did grow up in the same area relatively so it does spark up that inner city rivalry. I think that's how he feels. And it's fine. I know a lot about him and he doesn't know much about me. I feel like I have a lot of advantages in this fight. I feel like I have the youth, the strength, and the power to do a lot of damage in this fight. I feel like he's underestimating me, he's going to make some mistakes and get emotional.
"I'm sure I've sparked a little fire in him and he's going to train harder but that's not going to change the fact that his mind isn't really prepared for exactly what's going to happen.
"I already feel like Brooklyn is my home and I'm going to make it my home going forward. I like the warmth that I feel from the fans and I especially know there's going to be a lot of Puerto Rican support for this one. There's going to be three stellar fights and I plan on stealing the show."
MARCUS BROWNE
"I just want to thank everyone for allowing me to display my talents on this stage. I'm going to be in the best shape possible. I'm coming in shape for 15 rounds.
"I am always going to be underestimated in a sense, especially to a veteran like Pascal. He has to keep himself in the fight and the only way to do that is to downplay what I do. Come August 3, I will just display my talents and take care of business.
"This is a great card. You know Adam always comes with the thunder and excitement. Andre has always been in exciting fights. But when you're watching my fight, make sure you don't blink.
"The division has no one else like me. Pascal has fought a lot of great fighters, but he hasn't faced anyone like me. It's going to be something he's never seen before in that ring.
"I am not focused on the future right now. The only thing I am focused on is Jean Pascal, because we won't get there if we don't take care of business with him the right way. It's not about just winning it's about winning the right way. We are going to focus on him right now and after that it is what it is.
"Jean Pascal always comes to fight and he comes in great shape. But he's in my way right now. I'm going to knock you out, I promise you. I'm making sure I'm ready for him. I know exactly what he possesses and we respect that. August 3 it will be my time.
"I remember sparring Jean Pascal and he said I was green. But the fruit is ripe now. He knows what time it is."
JEAN PASCAL
"This is going to be a great fight. Marcus is a tremendous fighter who's going to train very well. We both know we'll be at our best. I've been there and one that before. I'm up for any challenge.
"Marcus is the rookie and I'm the veteran. I'm going to show him who's the boss.
"This show is very special for me because you will see the two best Haitian boxers on earth in Andre Berto and myself. I hope the big Haitian community in New York shows up to see us.
"I'm one of the best in the world. I always train hard and I'm always ready for a challenge. I know it's not going to be easy. I don't take any easy fight at any point in my career.
"I love the sport and I love to display all of my talent. It's going to be technical fight and a chess match on fight night.
"I'm very happy to be here. I want to thank everyone who made this dream come true for me to fight at Barclays Center. This is a tremendous place to fight and many champions have fought here. I'm going to be part of history."
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Spotlight on Sebastian Fundora vs. Manuel Zepeda |
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Undefeated junior middleweights Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Manuel “Baby” Zepeda are ready to clash in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, June 21st at the WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa. In the co-feature, Michel Rivera (15-0, 10 KOs) from the Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron (13-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout, and to open the telecast, Yeis Solano (14-0, 10 KOs) will face former Argentine lightweight champion Elias Damian Araujo (19-1, 7 KOs) in another eight-round lightweight bout. Here is a cloaser look at Fundora-Zepeda:
Fundora, (12-0, 8 KOs), already standing at an amazing six-foot-seven inches, continues to grow with every training camp – literally and figuratively. Already believed to be the tallest 154-pound fighter in boxing history, Fundora says he has some unbelievable news coming out of training camp for this fight. “I think I grew another inch,” laughed the giant southpaw. “I get measured at every training camp and it looks like I might have gotten taller by an inch.”
Fundora, who has appeared on television before but never in a main event, is thrilled to be getting this important opportunity.
“I’m excited. Not only is it my first main event, but it’s on Showtime,” said the 21-year-old. “I’m very honored they think I’m a big enough name to headline. I will put on a great show. I don’t know much about Zepeda, other than that he’s right-handed and about six feet tall. I’m not concerned, I’ve had over 100 amateur fights and I’ve faced different sizes and styles so I’m ready for anything.”
Fundora, originally from Coachella, Calif., spent the first half of training camp sparring in Big Bear, Calif. against much heavier fighters and then closed camp in Laguna Beach. After the grueling training camp, he believes his work with strength and conditioning coach JR Corrales is paying off.
“I’m not only getting taller, I’m also getting stronger,” Fundora said. “I’m maturing, so age is kicking in. My jab will always be my best punch, but my power is increasing fight after fight. I was sparring with a lot of bigger guys and not getting pushed around by anyone. I’m already on weight too. My dad says he doesn’t want me to have to go through a fat camp and a training camp every fight so I stay in shape at all times.”
Fundora’s father Freddy, who also serves as his trainer, is happy with his son’s growth. “Sebastian is looking sharp and he’s very focused,” he said. “With every camp, he matures. He’s growing and that’s very important in the sport. From here on out, we’re just going to be sharpening the tools he already has which are his strength, power and boxing IQ. Zepeda looks like he’s going to try to box, but both of these kids are from boxing families and that always makes for fireworks. You’re going to see two guys who have come to fight and put on a show Friday.”
It’s been a remarkable ride through pro boxing for the previously unheralded Fundora. “Sebastian has grown as a fighter every time he fought,” said his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “Boxing is in his blood. Everyone in his family was a fighter. He’s going to be a world champion. I believe in him. He has worked very hard to become an overnight sensation in boxing.”
Tijuana, Mexico’s Manuel Zepeda, (17-0, 4 KOs) knows Fundora won’t be an easy fight, but he’s not worried because he’s been preparing for this opportunity his entire life. “Fundora is a big guy for the division,” said the 21-year-old Zepeda. “He’s talented, but I prepared very hard for this fight. I’m ready to give it all on Friday night. This is my first fight in the U.S. and I have been waiting my whole life for this.”
An intelligent boxer especially skilled at fighting on the inside, Zepeda has been working hard with long-time trainer Romulo Quirarte at Crea Gym in Tijuana. “I have learned a lot in this camp,” said Zepeda. “Fundora is very different to the guys that I’ve fought before. He’s a tall lefty, so I had to make a lot of changes to how I normally do things. I have been sparring with lefties and tall guys like [former world champions] Antonio Demarco and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. I’ve been working hard. I’m ready for him. I’m confident I’ll get the win.”
Zepeda, son of respected former boxer Ernesto “Baby” Zepeda, is proud to come from a family of boxers. “I come from a boxing family. My dad and my uncle were boxers. My dad fought for a [minor] world title and my uncle was a national champion. I was born with gloves on. I’ve been around boxing my entire life, that’s why I have such a passion for the sport. My father has been guiding me throughout my career, advising me, teaching me. I’m very lucky to have him. I’ve learned so much from him. I’m planning on winning on Friday night. My time has come.”
Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Tickets for the event, promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents are currently on sale at www.WinnaVegas.com.
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Spotlight on Sebastian Fundora vs. Manuel Zepeda
Undefeated junior middleweights Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Manuel “Baby” Zepeda are ready to clash in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, June 21st at the WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa. In the co-feature, Michel Rivera (15-0, 10 KOs) from the Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron (13-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout, and to open the telecast, Yeis Solano (14-0, 10 KOs) will face former Argentine lightweight champion Elias Damian Araujo (19-1, 7 KOs) in another eight-round lightweight bout. Here is a cloaser look at Fundora-Zepeda:
Fundora, (12-0, 8 KOs), already standing at an amazing six-foot-seven inches, continues to grow with every training camp – literally and figuratively. Already believed to be the tallest 154-pound fighter in boxing history, Fundora says he has some unbelievable news coming out of training camp for this fight. “I think I grew another inch,” laughed the giant southpaw. “I get measured at every training camp and it looks like I might have gotten taller by an inch.”
Fundora, who has appeared on television before but never in a main event, is thrilled to be getting this important opportunity.
“I’m excited. Not only is it my first main event, but it’s on Showtime,” said the 21-year-old. “I’m very honored they think I’m a big enough name to headline. I will put on a great show. I don’t know much about Zepeda, other than that he’s right-handed and about six feet tall. I’m not concerned, I’ve had over 100 amateur fights and I’ve faced different sizes and styles so I’m ready for anything.”
Fundora, originally from Coachella, Calif., spent the first half of training camp sparring in Big Bear, Calif. against much heavier fighters and then closed camp in Laguna Beach. After the grueling training camp, he believes his work with strength and conditioning coach JR Corrales is paying off.
“I’m not only getting taller, I’m also getting stronger,” Fundora said. “I’m maturing, so age is kicking in. My jab will always be my best punch, but my power is increasing fight after fight. I was sparring with a lot of bigger guys and not getting pushed around by anyone. I’m already on weight too. My dad says he doesn’t want me to have to go through a fat camp and a training camp every fight so I stay in shape at all times.”
Fundora’s father Freddy, who also serves as his trainer, is happy with his son’s growth. “Sebastian is looking sharp and he’s very focused,” he said. “With every camp, he matures. He’s growing and that’s very important in the sport. From here on out, we’re just going to be sharpening the tools he already has which are his strength, power and boxing IQ. Zepeda looks like he’s going to try to box, but both of these kids are from boxing families and that always makes for fireworks. You’re going to see two guys who have come to fight and put on a show Friday.”
It’s been a remarkable ride through pro boxing for the previously unheralded Fundora. “Sebastian has grown as a fighter every time he fought,” said his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “Boxing is in his blood. Everyone in his family was a fighter. He’s going to be a world champion. I believe in him. He has worked very hard to become an overnight sensation in boxing.”
Tijuana, Mexico’s Manuel Zepeda, (17-0, 4 KOs) knows Fundora won’t be an easy fight, but he’s not worried because he’s been preparing for this opportunity his entire life. “Fundora is a big guy for the division,” said the 21-year-old Zepeda. “He’s talented, but I prepared very hard for this fight. I’m ready to give it all on Friday night. This is my first fight in the U.S. and I have been waiting my whole life for this.”
An intelligent boxer especially skilled at fighting on the inside, Zepeda has been working hard with long-time trainer Romulo Quirarte at Crea Gym in Tijuana. “I have learned a lot in this camp,” said Zepeda. “Fundora is very different to the guys that I’ve fought before. He’s a tall lefty, so I had to make a lot of changes to how I normally do things. I have been sparring with lefties and tall guys like [former world champions] Antonio Demarco and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. I’ve been working hard. I’m ready for him. I’m confident I’ll get the win.”
Zepeda, son of respected former boxer Ernesto “Baby” Zepeda, is proud to come from a family of boxers. “I come from a boxing family. My dad and my uncle were boxers. My dad fought for a [minor] world title and my uncle was a national champion. I was born with gloves on. I’ve been around boxing my entire life, that’s why I have such a passion for the sport. My father has been guiding me throughout my career, advising me, teaching me. I’m very lucky to have him. I’ve learned so much from him. I’m planning on winning on Friday night. My time has come.”
Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Tickets for the event, promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents are currently on sale at www.WinnaVegas.com.
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Title defense time for Dina Thorslund in Denmark |
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Dina Thorslund (13-0, 6 KOs) and April Adams (11-1-1, 4 KOs) came face-to-face at a press conference in Copenhagen ahead of their WBO 122-pound title clash on Saturday in Horsens, Denmark. Thorslund, Denmark’s only reigning champion, makes a second defense of her title against mandatory challenger April "Armageddon" Adams from Brisbane, Australia. Both fighters appeared in a confident mood as they met with the media in the Danish capital before making the trip to Horsens for their world title contest.
"I look forward to getting in the ring on Saturday," said Thorslund. “I know Adams is an offensive fighter and I’m expecting a great fight. She comes with the storm, but it is me who brings the thunder. I will send her back down under with a bang. I believe I will win this fight by knockout.”
“It will be a great fight,” echoed Thorslund’s coach Thomas Madsen. “Adams can only box on the front foot and only knows one way, which is forward. This will give Dina some good opportunities. I believe she will knock Adams out on Saturday and show why she is the best in the world!”
“It’s great to be here in Denmark,” said Adams. “Everyone has been very welcoming and I look forward to boxing in front of the Danish fans. I’m here for one reason and that's to take the belt home to Australia. Every fighter dreams of this opportunity and this is something I have been working towards my whole career. I'm well prepared and I feel ready to become World Champion.”
“We wouldn’t have travelled all this way if we didn’t believe April could win this fight,” added Adams' trainer John Bastable. “They say they’re coming for the knockout and I hope they bring it from the first round because April is ready!”
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Title defense time for Dina Thorslund in Denmark
Dina Thorslund (13-0, 6 KOs) and April Adams (11-1-1, 4 KOs) came face-to-face at a press conference in Copenhagen ahead of their WBO 122-pound title clash on Saturday in Horsens, Denmark. Thorslund, Denmark’s only reigning champion, makes a second defense of her title against mandatory challenger April "Armageddon" Adams from Brisbane, Australia. Both fighters appeared in a confident mood as they met with the media in the Danish capital before making the trip to Horsens for their world title contest.
"I look forward to getting in the ring on Saturday," said Thorslund. “I know Adams is an offensive fighter and I’m expecting a great fight. She comes with the storm, but it is me who brings the thunder. I will send her back down under with a bang. I believe I will win this fight by knockout.”
“It will be a great fight,” echoed Thorslund’s coach Thomas Madsen. “Adams can only box on the front foot and only knows one way, which is forward. This will give Dina some good opportunities. I believe she will knock Adams out on Saturday and show why she is the best in the world!”
“It’s great to be here in Denmark,” said Adams. “Everyone has been very welcoming and I look forward to boxing in front of the Danish fans. I’m here for one reason and that's to take the belt home to Australia. Every fighter dreams of this opportunity and this is something I have been working towards my whole career. I'm well prepared and I feel ready to become World Champion.”
“We wouldn’t have travelled all this way if we didn’t believe April could win this fight,” added Adams' trainer John Bastable. “They say they’re coming for the knockout and I hope they bring it from the first round because April is ready!”
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Blair Cobbs set for action on Friday |
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Junior welterweight Blair "The Flair" Cobbs (10-0-1, 6 KOs), who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, returns to the ring this Friday, June 21st at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, CA. Cobbs will face Robert Redmon Jr. (7-1-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout shown live on DAZN as the opening bout of the telecast. In his last fight, Cobbs won via unanimous decision against Ferdinand Kerobyan (11-1, 6 KOs). After that hard-fought victory, which took place in Kerobyan's back yard, Blair is confident that he has what it takes to make a world title run.
"When I defeated Kerobyan in his hometown, I felt I took my career to the next level," said a confident Cobbs. "All the hard work is paying off and now its time to get back in the ring and continue my journey toward a world title. I'm in a tough fight against a hungry fighter in Redmon, who is coming off a win just a few weeks ago. I know he's going to be ready, so I'm prepared for a challenging fight. My path to a world title shot is shaping up nicely. With a few more fights I'll be ready for anyone."
"Since his spectacular win against Kerobyan, Blair has been in the gym getting ready for his next fight." said Cobbs' manager, Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing. "We know Redmon is coming in with a lot of confidence being that he just fought, but Cobbs is on another level and his superior talent will show this Friday."
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Blair Cobbs set for action on Friday
Junior welterweight Blair "The Flair" Cobbs (10-0-1, 6 KOs), who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, returns to the ring this Friday, June 21st at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, CA. Cobbs will face Robert Redmon Jr. (7-1-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout shown live on DAZN as the opening bout of the telecast. In his last fight, Cobbs won via unanimous decision against Ferdinand Kerobyan (11-1, 6 KOs). After that hard-fought victory, which took place in Kerobyan's back yard, Blair is confident that he has what it takes to make a world title run.
"When I defeated Kerobyan in his hometown, I felt I took my career to the next level," said a confident Cobbs. "All the hard work is paying off and now its time to get back in the ring and continue my journey toward a world title. I'm in a tough fight against a hungry fighter in Redmon, who is coming off a win just a few weeks ago. I know he's going to be ready, so I'm prepared for a challenging fight. My path to a world title shot is shaping up nicely. With a few more fights I'll be ready for anyone."
"Since his spectacular win against Kerobyan, Blair has been in the gym getting ready for his next fight." said Cobbs' manager, Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing. "We know Redmon is coming in with a lot of confidence being that he just fought, but Cobbs is on another level and his superior talent will show this Friday."
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Kieron Conway looking to grab the British title this weekend |
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Junior middleweight Kieron Conway says he is ready to make history in Northampton by becoming the town’s first British Champion when he challenges the current ruler Ted Cheeseman on this Friday’s JD NXTGEN show at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. Conway, 23, raced to 10-0 before suffering a first career defeat in the semi-finals of the Ultimate Boxxer III Middleweight tournament to the eventual winner Derrick Osaze. “The British title is the pinnacle of domestic boxing and every British fighter dreams of these opportunities,” said Conway. “Being a British champion has always been a big dream of mine as it would be great for me but also history for my town of Northampton. Winning the British title as an ‘away’ fighter would be a big statement. I believe that I belong on this stage.
“I feel like a beast at 154-pounds and I’ll be looking to make my size count on the night. Fans can expect a new champion in this fight. I’m keeping my eyes on this bout on Friday, but a win here and there are big fights after this that excite me. Winning on a big platform like Sky Sports will open up a lot of doors for me so it’s a big opportunity.”
Cheeseman endured a gruelling defeat last time out in February when he stepped up in class to face EBU champion Sergio Garcia at The O2 in his first headliner. Conway believes the punishing manor of his opponent’s defeat will have an impact on their British title showdown. “I’d say the amount of punches taken in his last fight will impact ours because I’d imagine he will be coming with a lot more head movement and less aggression, as the longer the fight goes the more his aggression will play into my hands.
“I sparred six rounds with him about two years ago, but two weeks can make huge differences in boxing let alone two years, so I can’t really take much from that. He’s fit and relentless in his work but I’m not sure how much his last fight will have taken out of him – he took a lot of damage for 12 rounds.”
Cheeseman vs. Conway features on a bumper card in East London, main event sees Conor Benn (14-0, 9 KOs) against welterweight Jussi Koivula (24-6-1, 9 KOs), light heavyweight Craig Richards (14-1, 8 KOs) takes on former Southern Area champion Andre Sterling (10-0, 4 KOs) in an intriguing all-London eliminator for the prestigious Lord Lonsdale light heavyweight belt, undefeated London light heavyweight Duane ‘Hotshot’ Sinclair (10-0, 4 KOs) meets Westbury’s Anthony Fox (7-12-4), super featherweight Charles Frankham (1-0) looks to make if two wins from two fights, fast-rising Watford bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (2-0) steps up to take part in her first six-round contest, former Commonwealth 130-pound champion Reece Bellotti (13-2, 11 KOs) steps through the ropes for the first time since his British title loss to Ryan Walsh and Ohio lightweight Otha Jones III (1-0) takes part in his second professional contest.
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Kieron Conway looking to grab the British title this weekend
Junior middleweight Kieron Conway says he is ready to make history in Northampton by becoming the town’s first British Champion when he challenges the current ruler Ted Cheeseman on this Friday’s JD NXTGEN show at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. Conway, 23, raced to 10-0 before suffering a first career defeat in the semi-finals of the Ultimate Boxxer III Middleweight tournament to the eventual winner Derrick Osaze. “The British title is the pinnacle of domestic boxing and every British fighter dreams of these opportunities,” said Conway. “Being a British champion has always been a big dream of mine as it would be great for me but also history for my town of Northampton. Winning the British title as an ‘away’ fighter would be a big statement. I believe that I belong on this stage.
“I feel like a beast at 154-pounds and I’ll be looking to make my size count on the night. Fans can expect a new champion in this fight. I’m keeping my eyes on this bout on Friday, but a win here and there are big fights after this that excite me. Winning on a big platform like Sky Sports will open up a lot of doors for me so it’s a big opportunity.”
Cheeseman endured a gruelling defeat last time out in February when he stepped up in class to face EBU champion Sergio Garcia at The O2 in his first headliner. Conway believes the punishing manor of his opponent’s defeat will have an impact on their British title showdown. “I’d say the amount of punches taken in his last fight will impact ours because I’d imagine he will be coming with a lot more head movement and less aggression, as the longer the fight goes the more his aggression will play into my hands.
“I sparred six rounds with him about two years ago, but two weeks can make huge differences in boxing let alone two years, so I can’t really take much from that. He’s fit and relentless in his work but I’m not sure how much his last fight will have taken out of him – he took a lot of damage for 12 rounds.”
Cheeseman vs. Conway features on a bumper card in East London, main event sees Conor Benn (14-0, 9 KOs) against welterweight Jussi Koivula (24-6-1, 9 KOs), light heavyweight Craig Richards (14-1, 8 KOs) takes on former Southern Area champion Andre Sterling (10-0, 4 KOs) in an intriguing all-London eliminator for the prestigious Lord Lonsdale light heavyweight belt, undefeated London light heavyweight Duane ‘Hotshot’ Sinclair (10-0, 4 KOs) meets Westbury’s Anthony Fox (7-12-4), super featherweight Charles Frankham (1-0) looks to make if two wins from two fights, fast-rising Watford bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (2-0) steps up to take part in her first six-round contest, former Commonwealth 130-pound champion Reece Bellotti (13-2, 11 KOs) steps through the ropes for the first time since his British title loss to Ryan Walsh and Ohio lightweight Otha Jones III (1-0) takes part in his second professional contest.
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Kownacki-Arreola press conference gets hot when Haitians Get Heated |
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Boxingtalk was on hand for today's Kownacki-Arreola press conference at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, New York. While the headlining big men were able to keep things civilized, former world champions Jean Pascal and Andre Berto got into heated exchanges with their younger foes, Marcus Browne and Miguel Cruz. You don't want to miss what everyone had to say in this must see footage that can only be found on Boxingtalk
Greg Leon aka G. Leon is the owner and publisher of Boxingtalk.com which has been one of the leading boxing websites in the world since 2001. It's the home of the fighters and the ONLY boxing website to ever have the world's best fighters promoting our brand by wearing Boxingtalk.com t-shirts into the ring during live HBO, Showtime and PPV telecasts. Boxers such as Floyd Mayweather Jr, Roy Jones Jr, Bernard Hopkins, Winky Wright, Shane Mosley, Cory Spinks, Antonio Tarver, Zab Judah, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Diego Corrales, Vernon Forrest, and countless others provided BOXINGTALK.COM unparalleled exclusive access for much of their careers. Boxingtalk.com has featured the writings of legendary scribes such as Academy award winner Benn Schulberg, Nat Fleischer award winners Michael Katz and George Kimball. The New York Post's George Willis, Showtime's Al Bernstein and boxing historian Bert Sugar have all worked for Boxingtalk.com and their work can be found in our archives. Boxingtalk was undeniably involved in making several historic fights such as... Roy Jones Jr Vs. John Ruiz, Antonio Tarver-Roy Jones Jr, 1 and 2, Cory Spinks vs. Zab Judah 1, Floyd Mayweather vs. Zab Judah, Floyd Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah, Winky Wright vs. Felix Trinidad and Bernard Hopkins vs. Oscar De La Hoya. The list of fighters who have worn Boxingtalk T-Shirts into the ring include: (fighter in shirt in CAPS) RICARDO MAYORGA vs. Vernon Forrest2 CORY SPINKS vs Ricardo Mayorga, Zab Judah 1 and 2, Karmazin, and Gonzalez. ZAB JUDAH vs Carlos Baldomir ANTONIO TARVER vs Montell Griffin EVANDER HOLYFIELD vs James Toney DIEGO CORRALES vs Joel Casamayor 1 and 2, Freitas KASSIM OUMA vs JC CANDELO, KOFI JANTUAH (both fighters wore those two fights) TIM AUSTIN vs Rafael Marquez SHARMBA MITCHELL vs Floyd Mayweather and Kostya Tszyu O'NEIL BELL vs Jean Marc Mormeck BYRON MITCHELL vs Joe Calzaghe VERNO PHILLIPS vs Paul Williams MONTE BARRETT vs Owen Beck and Hasim Rahman HASIM RAHMAN vs Monte Barrett and John Ruiz ISHE SMITH vs at least three opponents PAUL MALIGNAGGI vs Kevin Watts and Paul Delgado JEFF LACY vs Syd Vanderpooland Tsypko 1 SECHEW POWELL vs two opponents coming up G. Leon is the current boxing adviser to former light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal, whom Leon has decided will be his last client. Among the notable fighters he has previously represented are former world champions Zsolt Erdei, Ishe Smith, Verno Phillips, Vivian Harris, Joachim Alcine and Carlos Hernandez. Former title challengers Sechew Powell, Troy Ross, Allan Green and Edgar Santana.
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Kownacki-Arreola press conference gets hot when Haitians Get HeatedBoxingtalk was on hand for today's Kownacki-Arreola press conference at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, New York. While the headlining big men were able to keep things civilized, former world champions Jean Pascal and Andre Berto got into heated exchanges with their younger foes, Marcus Browne and Miguel Cruz. You don't want to miss what everyone had to say in this must see footage that can only be found on Boxingtalk
Greg Leon aka G. Leon is the owner and publisher of Boxingtalk.com which has been one of the leading boxing websites in the world since 2001. It's the home of the fighters and the ONLY boxing website to ever have the world's best fighters promoting our brand by wearing Boxingtalk.com t-shirts into the ring during live HBO, Showtime and PPV telecasts. Boxers such as Floyd Mayweather Jr, Roy Jones Jr, Bernard Hopkins, Winky Wright, Shane Mosley, Cory Spinks, Antonio Tarver, Zab Judah, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Diego Corrales, Vernon Forrest, and countless others provided BOXINGTALK.COM unparalleled exclusive access for much of their careers. Boxingtalk.com has featured the writings of legendary scribes such as Academy award winner Benn Schulberg, Nat Fleischer award winners Michael Katz and George Kimball. The New York Post's George Willis, Showtime's Al Bernstein and boxing historian Bert Sugar have all worked for Boxingtalk.com and their work can be found in our archives. Boxingtalk was undeniably involved in making several historic fights such as... Roy Jones Jr Vs. John Ruiz, Antonio Tarver-Roy Jones Jr, 1 and 2, Cory Spinks vs. Zab Judah 1, Floyd Mayweather vs. Zab Judah, Floyd Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah, Winky Wright vs. Felix Trinidad and Bernard Hopkins vs. Oscar De La Hoya. The list of fighters who have worn Boxingtalk T-Shirts into the ring include: (fighter in shirt in CAPS) RICARDO MAYORGA vs. Vernon Forrest2 CORY SPINKS vs Ricardo Mayorga, Zab Judah 1 and 2, Karmazin, and Gonzalez. ZAB JUDAH vs Carlos Baldomir ANTONIO TARVER vs Montell Griffin EVANDER HOLYFIELD vs James Toney DIEGO CORRALES vs Joel Casamayor 1 and 2, Freitas KASSIM OUMA vs JC CANDELO, KOFI JANTUAH (both fighters wore those two fights) TIM AUSTIN vs Rafael Marquez SHARMBA MITCHELL vs Floyd Mayweather and Kostya Tszyu O'NEIL BELL vs Jean Marc Mormeck BYRON MITCHELL vs Joe Calzaghe VERNO PHILLIPS vs Paul Williams MONTE BARRETT vs Owen Beck and Hasim Rahman HASIM RAHMAN vs Monte Barrett and John Ruiz ISHE SMITH vs at least three opponents PAUL MALIGNAGGI vs Kevin Watts and Paul Delgado JEFF LACY vs Syd Vanderpooland Tsypko 1 SECHEW POWELL vs two opponents coming up G. Leon is the current boxing adviser to former light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal, whom Leon has decided will be his last client. Among the notable fighters he has previously represented are former world champions Zsolt Erdei, Ishe Smith, Verno Phillips, Vivian Harris, Joachim Alcine and Carlos Hernandez. Former title challengers Sechew Powell, Troy Ross, Allan Green and Edgar Santana.
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Jean Pascal Vs Marcus Browne Opening Remarks Press Conference |
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Boxingtalk was on hand for the kick off press conference to announce the PBC on Fox’s awesome August 3rd triple Header. Former world light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal and Marcus Browne got a bit heated at each other today, you don’t wanna miss what they had to say in their opening remarks!
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Jean Pascal Vs Marcus Browne Opening Remarks Press ConferenceBoxingtalk was on hand for the kick off press conference to announce the PBC on Fox’s awesome August 3rd triple Header. Former world light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal and Marcus Browne got a bit heated at each other today, you don’t wanna miss what they had to say in their opening remarks!
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Glowacki left to address the unjust loss of his title |
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Krzysztof Glowacki is now a former champion, in large part due to very unfair treatment from the referee on Saturday in Riga, Latvia. Because boxing lacks any central organization, there may be no way for Glowacki to obtain fair treatment, although he is going to try. Glowacki was stopped via technical knockout in the third round by Mairis Briedis, who was not only the hometown favorite, but also is reportedly a Latvian law enforcement official. The fight was a semi-final in the World Boxing Super Series tournament, so the loss not only cost the Polish Glowacki his WBO cruiserweight championship, it also eliminated him from a lucrative unification fight and a spot in the WBSS tournament final this fall. Briedis is now the new WBO champion and will face newly minted IBF champion Yunier Dorticos sometime in the fall in the WBSS final. For those who did not see the fight on the DAZN streaming service, there were several terrible rulings by American referee Robert Byrd that led to an entertaining fight with a farcical result. It is very clear that Byrd should never be allowed to officiate a major boxing match again.
Andrew Wasilewski, who co-promotes Glowacki along with Warriors Boxing, spoke to Boxingtalk in the immediate aftermath Saturday's fights, still struggling to make sense of what happened. "These are athletes and gladiators in a sporting contest, not actors in a play or a circus. There are rules that must be followed." Wasilewski will file protests with the Latvian boxing commission, the WBO and even with the WBC, who earlier in the week sanctioned the fight for its vacant title, only to withdraw the sanction when the Latvian commission declined to replace the previously appointed officials with WBC officials in the final days before the fight.
Byrd's first error came in round two when Glowacki hit Briedis on the back of the head during a clinch. The punch, though not legal, was a garden variety punch that occurs regularly in the course of an exchange. Byrd should have reprimanded Glowacki, and his failure to do foreshadowed that he would quickly and completely lose control of the bout.
Briedis, unhappy that Byrd failed to reprimand Glowacki, decided to take matters into his own hands (into his own elbow is probably the more accurate term). As soon as the boxers were separated, Briedis threw a nasty and unquestionably deliberate elbow that caught Glowacki flush on the jaw and sent him down to the canvas. Unlike a low blow or Glowacki's prior punch to the back of the head, Briedis' elbow was not part of an exchange, and it cannot be dismissed as a punch that went astray. It was intentionally thrown, with Briedis' arm travelling in the backhand direction, meaning that it was thrown in the opposite direction that a punch would travel. Thus, there is no possible way the elbow could be dismissed as unintentional because there is no reason for his arm to move that way except to throw an illegal blow. In fact, during his post-fight interview, Briedis smilingly admitted he threw the elbow on purpose. Fighting in his home country where he is a national hero, Briedis spoke with the honesty and confidence of a man who had no fear he would suffer any consequences for a deliberate illegal foul.
So what was the first thing Byrd did after Glowacki went down from the elbow? We know Byrd saw the foul and recognized it as intentional because he penalized Briedis with a one point deduction. That was mistake number two. Although the WBSS website does not state the exact rules of combat that govern its matches, this was a WBO title fight and WBO rules call for the application of the Uniform Rules of the Association of Boxing Commissioners (the Uniform Rules).
In cases of intentional fouls, here is what the Uniform Rules state:
1. If an intentional foul causes an injury, and the injury is severe enough to terminate the bout immediately, the boxer causing the injury shall lose by disqualification; 2. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee will notify the authorities and deduct (2) points from the boxer who caused the foul. Point deductions for intentional fouls will be mandatory; 3. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury results in the bout being stopped in a latter round, the injured boxer will win by technical decision if he is ahead on the score cards or the bout will result in a technical draw if the injured boxer is behind or even on the score cards. Partial or incomplete rounds will be scored. [...]; 4. If boxer injures himself while attempting to intentionally foul his opponent, the referee will not take any action in his favor, and this injury will be the same as one produced by a fair blow and 5. If the referee feels that a boxer has conducted himself in an unsportsmanlike manner he/she may stop the bout and disqualify the boxer.
Byrd deducted one point, not two, a clear violation of the rule.
Assuming that Briedis was not immediately disqualified, which would have been an eminently reasonable ruling from Byrd-- but instead Byrd walked over to Glowacki and said, "Get up! Let's go, get up."
That is when Byrd committed his third error, and this was a serious one. Byrd is of course familiar with the rule that when a boxer is fouled, he should be allowed five minutes to recover. Instead, Byrd never informed Glowacki that he could take the five minutes to recover, and instead waved Glowacki forward to resume the combat.
Glowacki was not fully recovered when the action resumed. Briedis pressed the action and the knocked Glowacki down with about nineteen seconds left in the round. That's when Byrd's fourth miscue was committed, although it was a minor one. When Briedis landed the first hard punch of the combination, one of his cornermen jumped up on the ring apron, yelling and celebrating like a fool. Jumping up on the ring apron is grounds for discretionary disqualification but Byrd did nothing (it is possible Byrd did not see the violation).
Glowacki beat the count, but was foggy eyed, and definitely needed the minute's rest between rounds. But when the bell sounded to end round two, Byrd did not hear it.
That was Byrd's fifth error in an extraordinarily short sequence. With the timekeeper furiously ringing the bell, Byrd allowed the action to continue and the boxers engaged in a wild slugfest for ten seconds. During that time, Glowacki was hit with five hard punches, all of them clearly after the bell sounded. After the fifth punch, Glowacki went down again. The knockdown came a full ten seconds after the bell, an error or intentional omission by Byrd that should not be ignored.
In his post-fight interview, Briedis laughed and admitted he heard the bell but kept fighting. To recap round two, Glowacki was down three times: once from an illegal elbow, the before he had a fair chance to recover, he went down again from a legal blow, and he visited the canvas a third time from a punch that landed well after the bell sounded.
Byrd's sixth error was that, when he was informed he allowed the boxers to fight well past the proper end of the round, he did not allow Glowacki any extra time to recover from the second knockdown.
In round three, the boxers engaged in a wild slugfest, but it was clear Glowacki was fighting at a diminished capacity. He was knocked down again, hard, with his arms flailing, and beat the count, but was in no shape to continue. Byrd stopped the fight, to the delight of the Latvian audience.
What is not clear is which titles were at stake. The WBO and WBC both announced relatively close to fight day that their titles would be up for grabs in this fight in the wake of unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk's decision to vacate the four major titles and compete in the heavyweight division. The WBC recanted the sanction on fight day, although there are reports that its president, Mauricio Sulaiman, gave ambiguous statements leaving the issue open for later debate. This is why Wasilewski will seek redress from the WBC as well as the WBO and the Latvian commission.
After the fight, Wasilewski said what was plain to see. "The referee made a huge mistake, actually several mistakes. He did not know what to do after the elbow. It was an intentional foul and the referee saw it, Briedis even confirmed this in his interview. We will protest the result and it should be a disqualification, or at the very least a no contest. But something must be done."
So what should be done? The local Latvian commission is the obvious starting point for any protest in the United States, but is unlikely to be sympathetic to a foreigner like Glowacki. Briedis is a national hero in Latvia, and in any event, in Europe, local commissions are usually private entities hired by promoters. This is different from the United States, where the commission is a governmental entity.
The next point of protest would be to Comosa, the organizer of the World Boxing Super Series Tournament. WBSS rules are unclear about whether there is even authority to order a Briedis-Glowacki rematch prior to the finals, and based on WBSS social media, there is no indication the WBSS considers the result an unjust or even controversial one. The paying customers certainly went home happy and that is likely the WBSS' biggest concern. The Briedis-Dorticos final is likely to continue, but an interim rematch between Briedis and Doritcos could be ordered and at the very least, Glowacki should be given the "substitute" spot on the show-- the last fight prior to the main event, with a provision that he be ready to step in if Briedis or Dorticos suffers a last-minute injury.
That leaves the WBO as Glowacki's most realistic hope for a remedy. The WBO could order an immediate rematch, and if Briedis elected to go forward with the WBSS final instead of an immediate rematch, the WBO could declare the title vacant and let Glowacki fight the leading available contender (in this case Hungary's Imre Szello) for the vacancy. Alternatively, the WBO could order the Briedis-Dorticos winner to defend against Glowacki.
While Glowacki's path forward is uncertain, there were six errors committed by the referee, and to call them errors is giving Robert Byrd the benefit of the doubt by assuming he was not acting with improper intent. Glowacki was not treated fairly and deserves some form of relief.
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Glowacki left to address the unjust loss of his title
Krzysztof Glowacki is now a former champion, in large part due to very unfair treatment from the referee on Saturday in Riga, Latvia. Because boxing lacks any central organization, there may be no way for Glowacki to obtain fair treatment, although he is going to try. Glowacki was stopped via technical knockout in the third round by Mairis Briedis, who was not only the hometown favorite, but also is reportedly a Latvian law enforcement official. The fight was a semi-final in the World Boxing Super Series tournament, so the loss not only cost the Polish Glowacki his WBO cruiserweight championship, it also eliminated him from a lucrative unification fight and a spot in the WBSS tournament final this fall. Briedis is now the new WBO champion and will face newly minted IBF champion Yunier Dorticos sometime in the fall in the WBSS final. For those who did not see the fight on the DAZN streaming service, there were several terrible rulings by American referee Robert Byrd that led to an entertaining fight with a farcical result. It is very clear that Byrd should never be allowed to officiate a major boxing match again.
Andrew Wasilewski, who co-promotes Glowacki along with Warriors Boxing, spoke to Boxingtalk in the immediate aftermath Saturday's fights, still struggling to make sense of what happened. "These are athletes and gladiators in a sporting contest, not actors in a play or a circus. There are rules that must be followed." Wasilewski will file protests with the Latvian boxing commission, the WBO and even with the WBC, who earlier in the week sanctioned the fight for its vacant title, only to withdraw the sanction when the Latvian commission declined to replace the previously appointed officials with WBC officials in the final days before the fight.
Byrd's first error came in round two when Glowacki hit Briedis on the back of the head during a clinch. The punch, though not legal, was a garden variety punch that occurs regularly in the course of an exchange. Byrd should have reprimanded Glowacki, and his failure to do foreshadowed that he would quickly and completely lose control of the bout.
Briedis, unhappy that Byrd failed to reprimand Glowacki, decided to take matters into his own hands (into his own elbow is probably the more accurate term). As soon as the boxers were separated, Briedis threw a nasty and unquestionably deliberate elbow that caught Glowacki flush on the jaw and sent him down to the canvas. Unlike a low blow or Glowacki's prior punch to the back of the head, Briedis' elbow was not part of an exchange, and it cannot be dismissed as a punch that went astray. It was intentionally thrown, with Briedis' arm travelling in the backhand direction, meaning that it was thrown in the opposite direction that a punch would travel. Thus, there is no possible way the elbow could be dismissed as unintentional because there is no reason for his arm to move that way except to throw an illegal blow. In fact, during his post-fight interview, Briedis smilingly admitted he threw the elbow on purpose. Fighting in his home country where he is a national hero, Briedis spoke with the honesty and confidence of a man who had no fear he would suffer any consequences for a deliberate illegal foul.
So what was the first thing Byrd did after Glowacki went down from the elbow? We know Byrd saw the foul and recognized it as intentional because he penalized Briedis with a one point deduction. That was mistake number two. Although the WBSS website does not state the exact rules of combat that govern its matches, this was a WBO title fight and WBO rules call for the application of the Uniform Rules of the Association of Boxing Commissioners (the Uniform Rules).
In cases of intentional fouls, here is what the Uniform Rules state:
1. If an intentional foul causes an injury, and the injury is severe enough to terminate the bout immediately, the boxer causing the injury shall lose by disqualification; 2. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee will notify the authorities and deduct (2) points from the boxer who caused the foul. Point deductions for intentional fouls will be mandatory; 3. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the injury results in the bout being stopped in a latter round, the injured boxer will win by technical decision if he is ahead on the score cards or the bout will result in a technical draw if the injured boxer is behind or even on the score cards. Partial or incomplete rounds will be scored. [...]; 4. If boxer injures himself while attempting to intentionally foul his opponent, the referee will not take any action in his favor, and this injury will be the same as one produced by a fair blow and 5. If the referee feels that a boxer has conducted himself in an unsportsmanlike manner he/she may stop the bout and disqualify the boxer.
Byrd deducted one point, not two, a clear violation of the rule.
Assuming that Briedis was not immediately disqualified, which would have been an eminently reasonable ruling from Byrd-- but instead Byrd walked over to Glowacki and said, "Get up! Let's go, get up."
That is when Byrd committed his third error, and this was a serious one. Byrd is of course familiar with the rule that when a boxer is fouled, he should be allowed five minutes to recover. Instead, Byrd never informed Glowacki that he could take the five minutes to recover, and instead waved Glowacki forward to resume the combat.
Glowacki was not fully recovered when the action resumed. Briedis pressed the action and the knocked Glowacki down with about nineteen seconds left in the round. That's when Byrd's fourth miscue was committed, although it was a minor one. When Briedis landed the first hard punch of the combination, one of his cornermen jumped up on the ring apron, yelling and celebrating like a fool. Jumping up on the ring apron is grounds for discretionary disqualification but Byrd did nothing (it is possible Byrd did not see the violation).
Glowacki beat the count, but was foggy eyed, and definitely needed the minute's rest between rounds. But when the bell sounded to end round two, Byrd did not hear it.
That was Byrd's fifth error in an extraordinarily short sequence. With the timekeeper furiously ringing the bell, Byrd allowed the action to continue and the boxers engaged in a wild slugfest for ten seconds. During that time, Glowacki was hit with five hard punches, all of them clearly after the bell sounded. After the fifth punch, Glowacki went down again. The knockdown came a full ten seconds after the bell, an error or intentional omission by Byrd that should not be ignored.
In his post-fight interview, Briedis laughed and admitted he heard the bell but kept fighting. To recap round two, Glowacki was down three times: once from an illegal elbow, the before he had a fair chance to recover, he went down again from a legal blow, and he visited the canvas a third time from a punch that landed well after the bell sounded.
Byrd's sixth error was that, when he was informed he allowed the boxers to fight well past the proper end of the round, he did not allow Glowacki any extra time to recover from the second knockdown.
In round three, the boxers engaged in a wild slugfest, but it was clear Glowacki was fighting at a diminished capacity. He was knocked down again, hard, with his arms flailing, and beat the count, but was in no shape to continue. Byrd stopped the fight, to the delight of the Latvian audience.
What is not clear is which titles were at stake. The WBO and WBC both announced relatively close to fight day that their titles would be up for grabs in this fight in the wake of unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk's decision to vacate the four major titles and compete in the heavyweight division. The WBC recanted the sanction on fight day, although there are reports that its president, Mauricio Sulaiman, gave ambiguous statements leaving the issue open for later debate. This is why Wasilewski will seek redress from the WBC as well as the WBO and the Latvian commission.
After the fight, Wasilewski said what was plain to see. "The referee made a huge mistake, actually several mistakes. He did not know what to do after the elbow. It was an intentional foul and the referee saw it, Briedis even confirmed this in his interview. We will protest the result and it should be a disqualification, or at the very least a no contest. But something must be done."
So what should be done? The local Latvian commission is the obvious starting point for any protest in the United States, but is unlikely to be sympathetic to a foreigner like Glowacki. Briedis is a national hero in Latvia, and in any event, in Europe, local commissions are usually private entities hired by promoters. This is different from the United States, where the commission is a governmental entity.
The next point of protest would be to Comosa, the organizer of the World Boxing Super Series Tournament. WBSS rules are unclear about whether there is even authority to order a Briedis-Glowacki rematch prior to the finals, and based on WBSS social media, there is no indication the WBSS considers the result an unjust or even controversial one. The paying customers certainly went home happy and that is likely the WBSS' biggest concern. The Briedis-Dorticos final is likely to continue, but an interim rematch between Briedis and Doritcos could be ordered and at the very least, Glowacki should be given the "substitute" spot on the show-- the last fight prior to the main event, with a provision that he be ready to step in if Briedis or Dorticos suffers a last-minute injury.
That leaves the WBO as Glowacki's most realistic hope for a remedy. The WBO could order an immediate rematch, and if Briedis elected to go forward with the WBSS final instead of an immediate rematch, the WBO could declare the title vacant and let Glowacki fight the leading available contender (in this case Hungary's Imre Szello) for the vacancy. Alternatively, the WBO could order the Briedis-Dorticos winner to defend against Glowacki.
While Glowacki's path forward is uncertain, there were six errors committed by the referee, and to call them errors is giving Robert Byrd the benefit of the doubt by assuming he was not acting with improper intent. Glowacki was not treated fairly and deserves some form of relief.
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Yordenis Ugas plans to leave no doubt against Omar Figueroa Jr |
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Greg Leon: How's everything going in preparation for your July 20th bout versus Omar Figueroa Jr. [28-0-1]? Yordenis Ugas: "The same as always, I'm excited to be getting right back into the ring with a great opporunity like this, it's just an exciting time for me. In a month's time I'm going to be in the ring with Omar Figueroa who is a former [WBC lightweight] champion and a good fighter." GL: He's an all action fighter, are you expecting this to be another crowd pleasing fight? YU: "Figueroa is an action fighter, I'm an action fighter and I feel like this is a can't miss fight. It's a can't miss match-up of styles. On July 20th, I plan on getting my hand raised in victory and regain my spot with the WBC to fight for the title that I feel I should have won a few months ago. I'm looking to get right back in there to win it."
GL: Did the Porter decision change your mentality at all coming into fights? Will you go balls to the wall more now?
YU: "To be honest I pressed the action most of the time. I feel like I could have jabbed a bit more, I probably could have fired off a few more shots. I won the fight and I feel like Porter wasn't engaging. Sometimes it's hard to let your hands go against a guy who just doesn't want to engage. Porter just wasn't letting his hands go, I expect this fight to be different. I don't think Omar Figueroa is going to be afraid to get in there and slug it out, and that's the type of fight I like, thats the type of fight I want."
GL: How confident are you that if you win this fight the mandatory will be enforced?
YU: "It's not my job to make those kind of decisions, it's my job to go in there and win the fight when they've got the guys in front of me. I think the WBC will do the right thing by me, I feel like the referee missed a knockdown that cost me the decision and I'm very happy that the WBC is giving me the opportunity to get right into the positon to fight for it again."
GL: What do you think about Figueroa? Have you studied him at all?
YU: "Obviously I've watched Figueroa, he's a high level guy who throws a lot of punches and you know he's coming to fight. I'm going to be prepared and I'm going to bring out the best you've ever seen from me on July 20th."
GL: Who do you like in Keith Thurman vs. Manny Pacquiao?
YU: "That's a great fight and it's tough to call because you don't know which version of these guys we're getting. Are we going to get this best Thurman? That's the question. Right now if I had to pick I'd say Pacquiao, but that could change before the fight."
GL: What about Errol Spence vs. Shawn Porter?
YU: "I think that's another great fight with two great world champions and I'm leaning towards Spence to beat Shawn Porter."
GL: You feel you beat Porter and now he's in a major unification bout. Is this the move you would've made had you gotten your hand raised?
YU: "I would have wanted to make the biggest fight possible, but I can't look back now because I've been through worse in my career and worse in my life, I got to keep moving forward. I know I have to beat Omar Figueroa to get to the winner of that one so we'll see how it all plays out."
GL: Closing thoughts for the fans.
YU: "Don't miss this fight. This is going to be the best card of the year. I know it's not the main event, but I feel like it's main event material. It's going to be a great night of boxing for the fans and I can't wait!"
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Yordenis Ugas plans to leave no doubt against Omar Figueroa Jr
Greg Leon: How's everything going in preparation for your July 20th bout versus Omar Figueroa Jr. [28-0-1]? Yordenis Ugas: "The same as always, I'm excited to be getting right back into the ring with a great opporunity like this, it's just an exciting time for me. In a month's time I'm going to be in the ring with Omar Figueroa who is a former [WBC lightweight] champion and a good fighter." GL: He's an all action fighter, are you expecting this to be another crowd pleasing fight? YU: "Figueroa is an action fighter, I'm an action fighter and I feel like this is a can't miss fight. It's a can't miss match-up of styles. On July 20th, I plan on getting my hand raised in victory and regain my spot with the WBC to fight for the title that I feel I should have won a few months ago. I'm looking to get right back in there to win it."
GL: Did the Porter decision change your mentality at all coming into fights? Will you go balls to the wall more now?
YU: "To be honest I pressed the action most of the time. I feel like I could have jabbed a bit more, I probably could have fired off a few more shots. I won the fight and I feel like Porter wasn't engaging. Sometimes it's hard to let your hands go against a guy who just doesn't want to engage. Porter just wasn't letting his hands go, I expect this fight to be different. I don't think Omar Figueroa is going to be afraid to get in there and slug it out, and that's the type of fight I like, thats the type of fight I want."
GL: How confident are you that if you win this fight the mandatory will be enforced?
YU: "It's not my job to make those kind of decisions, it's my job to go in there and win the fight when they've got the guys in front of me. I think the WBC will do the right thing by me, I feel like the referee missed a knockdown that cost me the decision and I'm very happy that the WBC is giving me the opportunity to get right into the positon to fight for it again."
GL: What do you think about Figueroa? Have you studied him at all?
YU: "Obviously I've watched Figueroa, he's a high level guy who throws a lot of punches and you know he's coming to fight. I'm going to be prepared and I'm going to bring out the best you've ever seen from me on July 20th."
GL: Who do you like in Keith Thurman vs. Manny Pacquiao?
YU: "That's a great fight and it's tough to call because you don't know which version of these guys we're getting. Are we going to get this best Thurman? That's the question. Right now if I had to pick I'd say Pacquiao, but that could change before the fight."
GL: What about Errol Spence vs. Shawn Porter?
YU: "I think that's another great fight with two great world champions and I'm leaning towards Spence to beat Shawn Porter."
GL: You feel you beat Porter and now he's in a major unification bout. Is this the move you would've made had you gotten your hand raised?
YU: "I would have wanted to make the biggest fight possible, but I can't look back now because I've been through worse in my career and worse in my life, I got to keep moving forward. I know I have to beat Omar Figueroa to get to the winner of that one so we'll see how it all plays out."
GL: Closing thoughts for the fans.
YU: "Don't miss this fight. This is going to be the best card of the year. I know it's not the main event, but I feel like it's main event material. It's going to be a great night of boxing for the fans and I can't wait!"
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King's Promotions Signs Three More Unbeaten Boxers |
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King's Promotions has signed three undefeated fighters: welterweight James Martin, bantamweight Jonathan Torres and super middleweight Khainell Wheeler. All three will be in action this Saturday night at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Martin takes on Kashon Hutchinson (4-5, 1 KO) of Reading, PA in a six-round bout, Torres takes on Hugo Rodriguez (0-4) of Mexico in a four-round bout and Wheeler battles pro debuting Tywaski Hendrix, also a four rounder. "We are excited to add these three talented fighters to our roster," said Marshall Kauffman, President of King's Promotions.
"I feel that Martin, Torres and Wheeler are very talented, and have big upsides. I look forward to being able to promote them and see them grow into contenders and eventually world champions. As I have watched these young boxers, I seen tremendous growth in just a few fights, so I am excited to see what the future has for them. I am also looking forward to Saturday night where all three of them will be on display and it will be just the beginning of big things for them." I look forward to working with Jim Deoria as well who was behind the developing of both Harry Yorgey and Ronald Cruz. James Martin comes from a boxing family and I believe that with a young kid like that he can fight anyone on his level and win but it is my job to place him in fights in which he can grow into the best 147 to 154 pounder in the world.
Yet another fighter is looking to follow in the footsteps of his father. Martin, 21 years-old of Philadelphia is the son of former three-time light heavyweight title challenger, Jerry "The Bull" Martin. The elder Martin fought many top names in the light heavyweight division including those championship opportunities against Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Matthew Saad Muhammad and Dwight Muhammad Qawi.
James Martin is off to a nice start as he is 4-0 in his fledgling career. At just 21 years old, Martin still knows he has a lot to learn, and he has been working on his power since his last fight, which was a unanimous decision over Rick Pyle on March 1st. "I have been learning to sit down on my punches, and with this being my first six-round fight, I am trying to pace myself better."
With the wealth of experience that his father can instill on his son, James is very eager to learn from the former 32 fight veteran. "I don't feel any pressure being his son. He corrects me on my little mistakes, and that tightens up my style. I guess the best thing is that he tells me to move around more and box. I am now looking to make a name for myself."
Torres of Bethlehem also has an undefeated mark of 4-0 with one knockout. The 20 year-old will take on Hugo Rodriguez in a scheduled four-round bout. Before turning pro, Torres amassed a amateur record of 53-5 and was a 2018 Pennsylvania Golden Gloves winner in the 123 pound weight class. "This is a business no, and I want to thank my managers.Jimmy Deoria and Lemuel Rodriguez," said Torres. "King's Promotions will guide me in the right path and get me to where we want to get to be. I can fight in any style. I can adjust to any opponent, and am only 20 years old...I don't want to rush into anything...I Just want to fight."
Wheeler, 25 years old, started boxing after his older brother introduced him to the sport by watching fights on television. "I started liking the sport and then I wanted to show my mother that I could make her proud that I could do something before she passed away. Unfortunately she passed away before I got to show her, but my older brother is here and he is very proud of what I have done so far. I just want to thank everyone who has and will continue to support me."
Wheeler began boxing at the age of 19, and had a brief amateur career that saw him go 4-0 with two knockouts. He is managed by Jimmy Deoria and co-trained by Lemuel Rodriguez and Fernando Arroyo.
In the main event on Saturday, three-time Olympian Anvar Yunusov (7-0, 3 KOs) of Tajakistan will take on Angel Luna (11-5-1, 6 KOs) Yamasa, Dominican Republic in a eight-round featherweight bout... In an eight-round co-feature, junior welterweight Milton Santiago Jr.(17-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Ruben Lopez (12-14-4, 5 KOs) of Argentina... also seeing action will be Colby Madison (8-0-2, 5 KOs) of Owings Mills, MD takes on Robert Simms (8-3, 3 KOs) of Saginaw, MI in an eight-round heavyweight bout.
In a six-round bout, welterweight Paul Kroll (3-0, 3 KOs) battles Hector Mercado (3-10) of Fort Myers, Florida via Veracruz, Mexico.
In four-round bouts, Rasheen Brown (3-0) of Philadelphia fights pro debuting Lionell Tidwell at bantamweight and Weusi Johnson (3-12-1) of Wilmington, Delaware battles Kevin Asmat (5-2, 4 KOs) of North Bergen, New Jersey in a lightweight contest.
Tickets can be purchased at www.2300arena.com
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King's Promotions Signs Three More Unbeaten Boxers
King's Promotions has signed three undefeated fighters: welterweight James Martin, bantamweight Jonathan Torres and super middleweight Khainell Wheeler. All three will be in action this Saturday night at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Martin takes on Kashon Hutchinson (4-5, 1 KO) of Reading, PA in a six-round bout, Torres takes on Hugo Rodriguez (0-4) of Mexico in a four-round bout and Wheeler battles pro debuting Tywaski Hendrix, also a four rounder. "We are excited to add these three talented fighters to our roster," said Marshall Kauffman, President of King's Promotions.
"I feel that Martin, Torres and Wheeler are very talented, and have big upsides. I look forward to being able to promote them and see them grow into contenders and eventually world champions. As I have watched these young boxers, I seen tremendous growth in just a few fights, so I am excited to see what the future has for them. I am also looking forward to Saturday night where all three of them will be on display and it will be just the beginning of big things for them." I look forward to working with Jim Deoria as well who was behind the developing of both Harry Yorgey and Ronald Cruz. James Martin comes from a boxing family and I believe that with a young kid like that he can fight anyone on his level and win but it is my job to place him in fights in which he can grow into the best 147 to 154 pounder in the world.
Yet another fighter is looking to follow in the footsteps of his father. Martin, 21 years-old of Philadelphia is the son of former three-time light heavyweight title challenger, Jerry "The Bull" Martin. The elder Martin fought many top names in the light heavyweight division including those championship opportunities against Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Matthew Saad Muhammad and Dwight Muhammad Qawi.
James Martin is off to a nice start as he is 4-0 in his fledgling career. At just 21 years old, Martin still knows he has a lot to learn, and he has been working on his power since his last fight, which was a unanimous decision over Rick Pyle on March 1st. "I have been learning to sit down on my punches, and with this being my first six-round fight, I am trying to pace myself better."
With the wealth of experience that his father can instill on his son, James is very eager to learn from the former 32 fight veteran. "I don't feel any pressure being his son. He corrects me on my little mistakes, and that tightens up my style. I guess the best thing is that he tells me to move around more and box. I am now looking to make a name for myself."
Torres of Bethlehem also has an undefeated mark of 4-0 with one knockout. The 20 year-old will take on Hugo Rodriguez in a scheduled four-round bout. Before turning pro, Torres amassed a amateur record of 53-5 and was a 2018 Pennsylvania Golden Gloves winner in the 123 pound weight class. "This is a business no, and I want to thank my managers.Jimmy Deoria and Lemuel Rodriguez," said Torres. "King's Promotions will guide me in the right path and get me to where we want to get to be. I can fight in any style. I can adjust to any opponent, and am only 20 years old...I don't want to rush into anything...I Just want to fight."
Wheeler, 25 years old, started boxing after his older brother introduced him to the sport by watching fights on television. "I started liking the sport and then I wanted to show my mother that I could make her proud that I could do something before she passed away. Unfortunately she passed away before I got to show her, but my older brother is here and he is very proud of what I have done so far. I just want to thank everyone who has and will continue to support me."
Wheeler began boxing at the age of 19, and had a brief amateur career that saw him go 4-0 with two knockouts. He is managed by Jimmy Deoria and co-trained by Lemuel Rodriguez and Fernando Arroyo.
In the main event on Saturday, three-time Olympian Anvar Yunusov (7-0, 3 KOs) of Tajakistan will take on Angel Luna (11-5-1, 6 KOs) Yamasa, Dominican Republic in a eight-round featherweight bout... In an eight-round co-feature, junior welterweight Milton Santiago Jr.(17-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Ruben Lopez (12-14-4, 5 KOs) of Argentina... also seeing action will be Colby Madison (8-0-2, 5 KOs) of Owings Mills, MD takes on Robert Simms (8-3, 3 KOs) of Saginaw, MI in an eight-round heavyweight bout.
In a six-round bout, welterweight Paul Kroll (3-0, 3 KOs) battles Hector Mercado (3-10) of Fort Myers, Florida via Veracruz, Mexico.
In four-round bouts, Rasheen Brown (3-0) of Philadelphia fights pro debuting Lionell Tidwell at bantamweight and Weusi Johnson (3-12-1) of Wilmington, Delaware battles Kevin Asmat (5-2, 4 KOs) of North Bergen, New Jersey in a lightweight contest.
Tickets can be purchased at www.2300arena.com
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Richard Commey: My fight with Rey Beltran will be must see TV |
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Greg Leon: How is everything going in preparation for your June 28th bout versus Ray Beltran? Richard Commey: "Honestly, I've been just working hard and doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm working so everything goes the way it's supposed to and I can keep on making big fights for the fans." GL: What do you think of Beltran as a fighter? Richard Commey: "I think he's been around, he's a [former] champion and he knows what he's doing. It's a big opportunity and a good style for me, I think this will be a good fight for me to get my name out there. He's a tough fighter, he comes forward and it's going to be a good fight."
GL: How important was it for you to get in this kind of fight following your hand injury before stepping it up to the highest levels of the division?
RC: "In boxing it is what it is. The the injury with the hand was right on time, this week I feel perfectly ready to fight and I'm looking forward to being back in the ring. I've been back in the gym and it's been all good, as fighters we have to fight, so being able to fight again now on June 28th is great."
GL: Has it been difficult for you to focus on Beltran knowing that Teofimo Lopez is likely next?
RC: "I am a boxer and for me I just have to take it one step at a time. I'm just looking forward to giving it all I have in the ring to make sure I defend my title so I can move on to what is next."
GL: Are you 100% confident in your hand right now?
RC: "I am, I haven't felt anything wrong with it and I think it's all good, but this is boxing and you never know what will happen."
GL: Even though you feel good about your hand right now I'm sure you'll feel even better when you're throwing it with the 8 ounce glove on. Is that when you'll really have confidence in it?
RC: "Yes, most definitely."
GL: Do you think Beltran will go the distance?
RC: "For me as a fighter, it's scheduled for twelve rounds and I'll be ready to go all out. If I'm able to finish the fight early and get himm out of there, it's only a bonus for me. I'm expecting that we'll both be ready to go all twelve rounds, that's what I'm preparing for and like I said I think it's going to be a great fight because we both have come forward styles."
GL: Closing thoughts.
RC: "I want to thank my entire team, all of the fans back in Ghana, I am your world champion and I will continue to make you guys proud! I'm representing my people in the gym and the people who support me, keep your prayers coming."
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Richard Commey: My fight with Rey Beltran will be must see TV
Greg Leon: How is everything going in preparation for your June 28th bout versus Ray Beltran? Richard Commey: "Honestly, I've been just working hard and doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm working so everything goes the way it's supposed to and I can keep on making big fights for the fans." GL: What do you think of Beltran as a fighter? Richard Commey: "I think he's been around, he's a [former] champion and he knows what he's doing. It's a big opportunity and a good style for me, I think this will be a good fight for me to get my name out there. He's a tough fighter, he comes forward and it's going to be a good fight."
GL: How important was it for you to get in this kind of fight following your hand injury before stepping it up to the highest levels of the division?
RC: "In boxing it is what it is. The the injury with the hand was right on time, this week I feel perfectly ready to fight and I'm looking forward to being back in the ring. I've been back in the gym and it's been all good, as fighters we have to fight, so being able to fight again now on June 28th is great."
GL: Has it been difficult for you to focus on Beltran knowing that Teofimo Lopez is likely next?
RC: "I am a boxer and for me I just have to take it one step at a time. I'm just looking forward to giving it all I have in the ring to make sure I defend my title so I can move on to what is next."
GL: Are you 100% confident in your hand right now?
RC: "I am, I haven't felt anything wrong with it and I think it's all good, but this is boxing and you never know what will happen."
GL: Even though you feel good about your hand right now I'm sure you'll feel even better when you're throwing it with the 8 ounce glove on. Is that when you'll really have confidence in it?
RC: "Yes, most definitely."
GL: Do you think Beltran will go the distance?
RC: "For me as a fighter, it's scheduled for twelve rounds and I'll be ready to go all out. If I'm able to finish the fight early and get himm out of there, it's only a bonus for me. I'm expecting that we'll both be ready to go all twelve rounds, that's what I'm preparing for and like I said I think it's going to be a great fight because we both have come forward styles."
GL: Closing thoughts.
RC: "I want to thank my entire team, all of the fans back in Ghana, I am your world champion and I will continue to make you guys proud! I'm representing my people in the gym and the people who support me, keep your prayers coming."
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New Ali documentary is a love letter to a legend |
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Antoine Fuqua’s two-part HBO documentary “What’s my Name?” follows boxing legend Muhammad Ali from 1960, the year he won Olympic gold under his birth name Cassius Clay, all the way to the twilight of his life, which ended in 2016. The film not only showcases Ali's boxing accomplishments but also how he addressed the issues of racism and injustice in a charismatic way. For example, when someone once told him at a diner, “we don't serve negroes here sir,” Ali replied “Well, I don't eat 'em, now get me a cup of coffee and a hamburger.”
Ali’s ability to charm and speak his mind quickly made him a superstar and not just in the boxing ring. The film showcases Ali’s interactions and time spent with several historical figures including Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Eljiah Muhammad. The change in his media portrayal shifted after these interactions due to his pacifism and opposition to the Vietnam War based on his religious and political principles. The media publicly vilified him, a perception that was strengthened when African-American titans Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis, who both served in the United States military, said that what Ali was doing wasn't right. Ali responded that the war wasn't right and amounted to white men forcing their way on colored people across the world. Ali vowed he would not kill and die for that cause.
Later in life, Ali however was willing to intervene in negotiations with Saddam Hussein in order to free American captives. Ali said this was done to prevent all people of color from being caught in the crossfire of a possible Soviet-American war.
Inside the ring, Muhammad Ali was definitely not a pacifist. He often taunted opponents and sought to show how much better he was than everyone else. No fight highlights this more than the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against a much younger and favored George Foreman in his prime. The fight was in Zaire, Africa and Ali was the people's champion even though Foreman entered the fight as the boxing champion. The people in Zaire viewed Ali as one of their own who stood for what's just and Foreman was viewed as a foreign enemy even though they were both African-American. This portrayal clearly got to Foreman and although he was undefeated and younger, was stopped in round eight after exhausting himself trying to finish off Ali. This was Ali’s crowning testament to his greatness, coming back and dominating the younger chalk who previously tossed Joe Fraizer around like a ragdoll.
The Rumble in the Jungle should have been Ali’s walk into the sunset. Unfortunately he kept fighting and in 1980, after talking up how he was going dismantle Larry Holmes, the new champion who sparred and trained with Ali. In the ring Ali looked like a ghost of his former self and absorbed punishment that was linked to his development of Parkisons. Ali was stopped in the tenth round and looked visibly disheartened and seemed to accept that this was the end. Still yearning to leave on top, a year later he lost a decision to Trevor Berbick.
Ali cleary was not the same man from years past after this. His hands notably were shaking in interviews with Arsenio Hall and in a 60 Minutes piece. The latter was a tragedy because this man who once was able to enamor a country with his hands and speech, had those very gifts taken from him slowly. Taking a pause from the 60 Minutes interview, he said “he didn't want people to look at Ali and say look at him he fought too long.” Ali still showed he had some lights still on when he toyed with a reporter by faking narcolepsy and fake sleep punching him. The film then showcases Ali’s twilight years through his many charitable endeavors around the globe rather than his slow decline into senility. The documentary was meant to show Ali’s boxing prime and social impact rather than the aftermath of his boxing career and what that did to his mind as most young people today remember him.
Produced by Lebron James, this documentary is clearly a love letter to the legend and was made to inspire others through the valiant actions of one of the most influential Americans to ever live.
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New Ali documentary is a love letter to a legend
Antoine Fuqua’s two-part HBO documentary “What’s my Name?” follows boxing legend Muhammad Ali from 1960, the year he won Olympic gold under his birth name Cassius Clay, all the way to the twilight of his life, which ended in 2016. The film not only showcases Ali's boxing accomplishments but also how he addressed the issues of racism and injustice in a charismatic way. For example, when someone once told him at a diner, “we don't serve negroes here sir,” Ali replied “Well, I don't eat 'em, now get me a cup of coffee and a hamburger.”
Ali’s ability to charm and speak his mind quickly made him a superstar and not just in the boxing ring. The film showcases Ali’s interactions and time spent with several historical figures including Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Eljiah Muhammad. The change in his media portrayal shifted after these interactions due to his pacifism and opposition to the Vietnam War based on his religious and political principles. The media publicly vilified him, a perception that was strengthened when African-American titans Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis, who both served in the United States military, said that what Ali was doing wasn't right. Ali responded that the war wasn't right and amounted to white men forcing their way on colored people across the world. Ali vowed he would not kill and die for that cause.
Later in life, Ali however was willing to intervene in negotiations with Saddam Hussein in order to free American captives. Ali said this was done to prevent all people of color from being caught in the crossfire of a possible Soviet-American war.
Inside the ring, Muhammad Ali was definitely not a pacifist. He often taunted opponents and sought to show how much better he was than everyone else. No fight highlights this more than the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against a much younger and favored George Foreman in his prime. The fight was in Zaire, Africa and Ali was the people's champion even though Foreman entered the fight as the boxing champion. The people in Zaire viewed Ali as one of their own who stood for what's just and Foreman was viewed as a foreign enemy even though they were both African-American. This portrayal clearly got to Foreman and although he was undefeated and younger, was stopped in round eight after exhausting himself trying to finish off Ali. This was Ali’s crowning testament to his greatness, coming back and dominating the younger chalk who previously tossed Joe Fraizer around like a ragdoll.
The Rumble in the Jungle should have been Ali’s walk into the sunset. Unfortunately he kept fighting and in 1980, after talking up how he was going dismantle Larry Holmes, the new champion who sparred and trained with Ali. In the ring Ali looked like a ghost of his former self and absorbed punishment that was linked to his development of Parkisons. Ali was stopped in the tenth round and looked visibly disheartened and seemed to accept that this was the end. Still yearning to leave on top, a year later he lost a decision to Trevor Berbick.
Ali cleary was not the same man from years past after this. His hands notably were shaking in interviews with Arsenio Hall and in a 60 Minutes piece. The latter was a tragedy because this man who once was able to enamor a country with his hands and speech, had those very gifts taken from him slowly. Taking a pause from the 60 Minutes interview, he said “he didn't want people to look at Ali and say look at him he fought too long.” Ali still showed he had some lights still on when he toyed with a reporter by faking narcolepsy and fake sleep punching him. The film then showcases Ali’s twilight years through his many charitable endeavors around the globe rather than his slow decline into senility. The documentary was meant to show Ali’s boxing prime and social impact rather than the aftermath of his boxing career and what that did to his mind as most young people today remember him.
Produced by Lebron James, this documentary is clearly a love letter to the legend and was made to inspire others through the valiant actions of one of the most influential Americans to ever live.
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Ioka and Palicte make weight for title fight |
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With the vacant WBO 115-pound title on the line, Aston Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs) from the Philippines, weighed in at 114.6 pounds and Kazuto Ioka (23-2, 13 KOs) of Japan weighed in at 114.4 for this Wednesday’s bout at Makuhati Messe Hall in Chiba, Japan. Four-division champ and Filippino boxing legend Donnnie Nietes vacated the title rather than face Palicte. Nietes fought Palicte last year for the then-vacant title in a bout that was scored a draw. Nietes then defeated Kazuto Ioka for the vacant title and vacated, while Palicte won an eliminator and was named the mandatory contender to face Ioka.
On the same show Miyo Yoshida (12-1) and Casey Morton (8-1-3) battle for the WBO female title in the same weight class. On the scales, Yoshida had no problems at all, despite regularly fighting at bantamweight. She came in at 114.2 pounds. Morton had some issues. She originally weighed in over the 115-pound limit, before rushing to the bathroom and cutting her hair, getting her under the limit with a little bit of wriggle room to spare, at around 114.9.
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Ioka and Palicte make weight for title fight
With the vacant WBO 115-pound title on the line, Aston Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs) from the Philippines, weighed in at 114.6 pounds and Kazuto Ioka (23-2, 13 KOs) of Japan weighed in at 114.4 for this Wednesday’s bout at Makuhati Messe Hall in Chiba, Japan. Four-division champ and Filippino boxing legend Donnnie Nietes vacated the title rather than face Palicte. Nietes fought Palicte last year for the then-vacant title in a bout that was scored a draw. Nietes then defeated Kazuto Ioka for the vacant title and vacated, while Palicte won an eliminator and was named the mandatory contender to face Ioka.
On the same show Miyo Yoshida (12-1) and Casey Morton (8-1-3) battle for the WBO female title in the same weight class. On the scales, Yoshida had no problems at all, despite regularly fighting at bantamweight. She came in at 114.2 pounds. Morton had some issues. She originally weighed in over the 115-pound limit, before rushing to the bathroom and cutting her hair, getting her under the limit with a little bit of wriggle room to spare, at around 114.9.
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Top Rank enters into alliance with MTK Global Management |
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Top Rank and MTK Global announced a collaboration designed to bring world-class boxing to territories around the globe. The collaboration will further the global reach of MTK Global and Top Rank, as the companies develop talent, stage events featuring championship fighters and top prospects, and market the sport worldwide. As just the first example, MTK Global is organizing a special event July 6th in Kazakhstan’s capital city, Nur-Sultan, including the first WBC world title bout to be contested on Kazakh soil. This boxing event— part of the nation’s celebration of Capital City Day — will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ and feature WBC bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali (15-0, 11 KOs) defending his title against Arthur Villanueva (32-3-1, 18 KOs).
Then, on Aug. 3rd, Michael “Mick” Conlan makes his triumphant homecoming against former Olympic nemesis Vladimir Nikitin at Belfast’s Falls Park. Conlan vs. Nikitin will be part of the city’s annual Feile an Phobail summer festival, will also stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+. “The true future of boxing is global. It is a sport understood by people around the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are pleased to be working with MTK Global in our mutual effort to globalize the sport on a major basis.”
“MTK Global is proud and honored to be associated with Bob Arum and Top Rank in a relationship such as this,” said MTK Global President Bob Yalen. “Top Rank has been the leading promoter worldwide for over 50 years and has been instrumental in developing and promoting some of the greatest fighters in the world over that time period. The ability of Top Rank to promote not just a fight, but its fighters, is second to none. Combining that knowledge and experience with the depth of MTK Global's roster of world-class talent and up-and-coming prospects is a sure way to broaden the horizons of both companies. We are looking forward to working closely with Top Rank to bring world-class boxing, and to develop world-class talent, in areas where boxing is just beginning to make an impression or where it is ripe for a resurgence.”
Top Rank recently bolstered its roster with the signing of multiple MTK Global-managed fighters to promotional contracts, including lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, former unified bantamweight world champion Ryan Burnett and former two-division world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton.
In March, Top Rank and MTK Global announced an exclusive multi-year licensing agreement to bring roughly 30 MTK Global events annually to fans in the United States on ESPN platforms, including ESPN+.
About MTK Global
MTK Global is the world's foremost fighter management company. Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it was founded in September 2012 by two-time European boxing champion, Matthew Macklin.
MTK Global delivers a wide range of support and services including career development, legal, media, endorsements and sponsorships to more than a hundred professional fighters. It provides boxing shows, events and training gyms in various locations worldwide: Marbella, Spain, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, United Kingdom, Johannesburg, South Africa, Sta. Catarina, Brasil and Sydney, Australia.
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Top Rank enters into alliance with MTK Global Management
Top Rank and MTK Global announced a collaboration designed to bring world-class boxing to territories around the globe. The collaboration will further the global reach of MTK Global and Top Rank, as the companies develop talent, stage events featuring championship fighters and top prospects, and market the sport worldwide. As just the first example, MTK Global is organizing a special event July 6th in Kazakhstan’s capital city, Nur-Sultan, including the first WBC world title bout to be contested on Kazakh soil. This boxing event— part of the nation’s celebration of Capital City Day — will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ and feature WBC bantamweight champion Nordine Oubaali (15-0, 11 KOs) defending his title against Arthur Villanueva (32-3-1, 18 KOs).
Then, on Aug. 3rd, Michael “Mick” Conlan makes his triumphant homecoming against former Olympic nemesis Vladimir Nikitin at Belfast’s Falls Park. Conlan vs. Nikitin will be part of the city’s annual Feile an Phobail summer festival, will also stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+. “The true future of boxing is global. It is a sport understood by people around the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are pleased to be working with MTK Global in our mutual effort to globalize the sport on a major basis.”
“MTK Global is proud and honored to be associated with Bob Arum and Top Rank in a relationship such as this,” said MTK Global President Bob Yalen. “Top Rank has been the leading promoter worldwide for over 50 years and has been instrumental in developing and promoting some of the greatest fighters in the world over that time period. The ability of Top Rank to promote not just a fight, but its fighters, is second to none. Combining that knowledge and experience with the depth of MTK Global's roster of world-class talent and up-and-coming prospects is a sure way to broaden the horizons of both companies. We are looking forward to working closely with Top Rank to bring world-class boxing, and to develop world-class talent, in areas where boxing is just beginning to make an impression or where it is ripe for a resurgence.”
Top Rank recently bolstered its roster with the signing of multiple MTK Global-managed fighters to promotional contracts, including lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, former unified bantamweight world champion Ryan Burnett and former two-division world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton.
In March, Top Rank and MTK Global announced an exclusive multi-year licensing agreement to bring roughly 30 MTK Global events annually to fans in the United States on ESPN platforms, including ESPN+.
About MTK Global
MTK Global is the world's foremost fighter management company. Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it was founded in September 2012 by two-time European boxing champion, Matthew Macklin.
MTK Global delivers a wide range of support and services including career development, legal, media, endorsements and sponsorships to more than a hundred professional fighters. It provides boxing shows, events and training gyms in various locations worldwide: Marbella, Spain, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, United Kingdom, Johannesburg, South Africa, Sta. Catarina, Brasil and Sydney, Australia.
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Chad Dawson talks about his comeback |
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There are many reasons why some professional fighters hang on longer than most people think they should. Some need the money. Others miss the limelight. Former world champion Chad Dawson is simply motivated by the thrill of victory and an opportunity to reclaim his throne atop the light heavyweight division. "If I didn't think I had anything left, I wouldn't be doing it right now," said Dawson who returns to the ring Saturday, June 29th at Foxwoods Resort Casino after two and a half years away from the sport. "I want to get back in the spotlight, back into contention and back into the ring with the guys who are at the top now."
Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs), who turns 37 in July, faces North Carolina's Quinton Rankin (15-5-2, 12 KOs) in the eight-round main event of CES Boxing's pro-am show. The event streams live on Facebook via FightNight Live and also features a ten-round featherweight bout between fellow New Haven boxer Tramaine Williams(17-0, 6 KOs) and Filipino Neil John Tabanao (17-5, 11 KOs). Limited tickets can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com, by phone at 401-724-2253 or 800-200-2882 or at the Fox Theater Box Office.
Dawson is not the first -- and he certainly won't be the last -- fighter to return to the sport following a long layoff or retirement. Comeback stories are part of the fabric of pro boxing. Everyone loves an underdog and fans are inherently drawn to the inspirational, yet cautionary, tale of an ex-fighter looking for one more shot at glory.
Some end better than others. Sugar Ray Robinson retired at the age of 31 in 1952, only to return two years and win the world middleweight two more times before finally calling it quits in 1965 with a whopping 201 pro bouts on his resume. Former heavyweight champ George Foreman ended a ten-year layoff in 1987, returning to the ring at 38 and winning an additional 27 fights before he stunned world champion Michael Moorer with a 10-round knockout victory in 1994 at the age of 45.
Sugar Ray Leonard tried, but failed, returning to boxing after a six-year layoff at the age of 40 to face Hector Camacho Jr., who dismantled him en route to a devastating fifth-round knockout. More recently, former junior welterweight king Zab Judah, now 41, suffered a brain bleed following a knockout loss to Cletus Seldin earlier this month in his third fight since ending a four-year layoff.
Judah's recent setback is fresh in Dawson's mind, yet hasn't deterred the former two-time champ in the quest to take over the 175-pound division, a weight class he ruled swiftly and effectively during the best stretch of his career between 2007 and 2012.
In that timeframe, Dawson defended his WBC world light heavyweight title three times, including the first of two wins over legendary road warrior Glen Johnson, then captured the IBO and IBF titles by beating Antonio Tarver in 2008. The two fought again a year later and it was more of the same as Dawson won by unanimous decision for the second time. Dawson then closed out the year with a second win over Johnson, re-adding the WBC belt back to his repertoire.
A setback against Jean Pascal in 2010 forced Dawson to go back to the drawing board. Two years later, he regained the WBC title by beating Bernard Hopkins in a rematch of their first bout that ended in a no contest.
Having beaten everyone the light heavyweight division had to offer, Dawson dropped to 168 pounds to challenge unbeaten pound-for-pound king Andre Ward in 2012, a fight that ended with a battered Dawson bowing out in the 10th round of their scheduled 12-round title bout.
The next five years, as Dawson put it, were particular hard both for he and his family. The well-wishers and support staff that stuck by him through the good times could no longer be found. The phone stopped ringing. In an effort to "stay away from the negative stuff," Dawson relocated to his family to Nevada for a few years before returning to Connecticut in 2015.
During that stretch, Dawson's performance in the ring was sporadic at best. He absorbed a knockout loss to Adonis Stevenson in 2013 in an attempt to regain the WBC light heavyweight title, but then won three of his next four before another setback against Andrzej Fonfara in March of 2017.
He knows there are still naysayers who don't think he should come back or doubt his ability to compete at the highest level, but Dawson wouldn't be doing this if he wasn't confident he could make another run at a world title. The time is now, he says, based on a few important factors; Ward retired two years ago after crushing former world champ Sergey Kovalev a second time, and, Dawson said, Kovalev is not the same fighter he was when he surged to a 30-0 record in capturing the WBO, WBO and IBF world title. Furthermore, Dawson is unimpressed with Oleksandr Gvozdyk, who recently pummeled Stevenson to capture the WBC title.
"There a lot of good fighters in this division, but I think a Chad Dawson in tip-top shape can beat these guys," Dawson said.
We may soon find out, but first Dawson must get past Rankin, a scrappy underdog who enters this fight with, in his own words, "nothing to lose." This is a good barometer for Dawson to test himself and see just how far along he is in his quest to recapture the magic that earned him a spot among the sport's elite.
"Honestly, it's a fight I should win," Dawson said matter-of-factly. "With my pedigree, my background and my experience, I should come out on top."
While there have been detractors -- mainly anonymous profiles and faceless names on social media -- Dawson says he's felt an overwhelming amount of support since announcing his comeback, perhaps a sign that he's finally learned to block out the negativity that clouded his judgment for the last five years. Dawson recently alluded to this on social media with a lengthy post about the highs and lows athletes experience in professional, quoting Golden State Warriors power forward DeMarcus Cousins, who recently said, "We're idolized as superstar athletes, not human beings."
"What I went through is what all fighters go through," Dawson said. "Boxing is a brutal sport. Some are fortunate to leave with money and some aren't. I wanted everyone to understand where I'm coming from. We all have families to take care of -- kids, wives, mothers, fathers, people who depend on us.
"We're fighters, but we're regular people like everyone else. When you're on top, the phone is ringing off the hook. All that stuff stops when you take a couple of losses. When you're not on top, people forget about you."
With his family back in Hampton, roughly 70 miles north of New Haven, Dawson has reunited with his first promoter, Jimmy Burchfield Sr., who helped guide him to his first 17 wins as a pro, including a WBC youth world title in 2005 when Dawson was just 23 years old.
"He's the first one who took a chance on me," Dawson said of Burchfield. "I owe a lot of this to him. He got me in the position to be able to fight on Showtime and HBO and get the big fights that put me in position to fight for a world title.
"What better place to be than with Jimmy and CES? I'm back home. It'd be great to finish my career with Jimmy."
That all-important first step in less than two weeks away and Dawson feels like a new man, both physically and mentally. He's taking his training day by day to ensure he doesn't overdo it so that he's in "perfect shape" come fight night.
Walking away is never easy, whether it's boxers, baseball players or football Hall of Famers, but most know when their time has come. Dawson isn't there yet. There's still something left in the tank and he's ready to put it all on display on June 29th.
"Athletes in generals, we always feel we have more to offer," Dawson said. "We can do more regardless of what our body or mind tells us. For me, the last five years haven't gone the way I wanted them to go. I've done a lot. I've accomplished everything I said I wanted to do in boxing.
"Now I'm doing this for me. It's not for anybody else. It's not for money. I want to show everyone I still have something left."
Manchester, Conn., junior middleweight Jose Rivera (7-4, 5 KOs) battles Luca Podda (7-3, 3 KOs) of Miami in a six-round bout and Oscar Bonilla (5-3-2, 1 KO) of Bridgeport, Conn., faces Julio Perez (4-3) of Worcester, Mass., in a six-round lightweight bout.
Also featured on the main card, New Haven female flyweight Marisa Belenchia (0-0) makes her professional debut against Delaney Owen (0-2) of Clearwater, Fla., and featherweight Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KOs) of Bridgeport puts his unbeaten record on the line against Minnesota's Jose Homar Rios (2-6-1, 1 KO), both in four-round bouts. Junior welterweight Wilson Mascarenhas (1-1) of New Bedford, Mass., faces Joshua Oxendine (0-0) of Pembroke, N.C., and undefeated featherweight Jacob Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs) returns to Foxwoods for the third time in a separate four-round bout.
Showtime for the main card is 7 p.m. ET, preceded by a 10-fight amateur preliminary card featuring Dawson's son, Chad Dawson Jr., and the debut of Lennox Estrada, the son of U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada of Providence, R.I.
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Chad Dawson talks about his comeback
There are many reasons why some professional fighters hang on longer than most people think they should. Some need the money. Others miss the limelight. Former world champion Chad Dawson is simply motivated by the thrill of victory and an opportunity to reclaim his throne atop the light heavyweight division. "If I didn't think I had anything left, I wouldn't be doing it right now," said Dawson who returns to the ring Saturday, June 29th at Foxwoods Resort Casino after two and a half years away from the sport. "I want to get back in the spotlight, back into contention and back into the ring with the guys who are at the top now."
Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs), who turns 37 in July, faces North Carolina's Quinton Rankin (15-5-2, 12 KOs) in the eight-round main event of CES Boxing's pro-am show. The event streams live on Facebook via FightNight Live and also features a ten-round featherweight bout between fellow New Haven boxer Tramaine Williams(17-0, 6 KOs) and Filipino Neil John Tabanao (17-5, 11 KOs). Limited tickets can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com, by phone at 401-724-2253 or 800-200-2882 or at the Fox Theater Box Office.
Dawson is not the first -- and he certainly won't be the last -- fighter to return to the sport following a long layoff or retirement. Comeback stories are part of the fabric of pro boxing. Everyone loves an underdog and fans are inherently drawn to the inspirational, yet cautionary, tale of an ex-fighter looking for one more shot at glory.
Some end better than others. Sugar Ray Robinson retired at the age of 31 in 1952, only to return two years and win the world middleweight two more times before finally calling it quits in 1965 with a whopping 201 pro bouts on his resume. Former heavyweight champ George Foreman ended a ten-year layoff in 1987, returning to the ring at 38 and winning an additional 27 fights before he stunned world champion Michael Moorer with a 10-round knockout victory in 1994 at the age of 45.
Sugar Ray Leonard tried, but failed, returning to boxing after a six-year layoff at the age of 40 to face Hector Camacho Jr., who dismantled him en route to a devastating fifth-round knockout. More recently, former junior welterweight king Zab Judah, now 41, suffered a brain bleed following a knockout loss to Cletus Seldin earlier this month in his third fight since ending a four-year layoff.
Judah's recent setback is fresh in Dawson's mind, yet hasn't deterred the former two-time champ in the quest to take over the 175-pound division, a weight class he ruled swiftly and effectively during the best stretch of his career between 2007 and 2012.
In that timeframe, Dawson defended his WBC world light heavyweight title three times, including the first of two wins over legendary road warrior Glen Johnson, then captured the IBO and IBF titles by beating Antonio Tarver in 2008. The two fought again a year later and it was more of the same as Dawson won by unanimous decision for the second time. Dawson then closed out the year with a second win over Johnson, re-adding the WBC belt back to his repertoire.
A setback against Jean Pascal in 2010 forced Dawson to go back to the drawing board. Two years later, he regained the WBC title by beating Bernard Hopkins in a rematch of their first bout that ended in a no contest.
Having beaten everyone the light heavyweight division had to offer, Dawson dropped to 168 pounds to challenge unbeaten pound-for-pound king Andre Ward in 2012, a fight that ended with a battered Dawson bowing out in the 10th round of their scheduled 12-round title bout.
The next five years, as Dawson put it, were particular hard both for he and his family. The well-wishers and support staff that stuck by him through the good times could no longer be found. The phone stopped ringing. In an effort to "stay away from the negative stuff," Dawson relocated to his family to Nevada for a few years before returning to Connecticut in 2015.
During that stretch, Dawson's performance in the ring was sporadic at best. He absorbed a knockout loss to Adonis Stevenson in 2013 in an attempt to regain the WBC light heavyweight title, but then won three of his next four before another setback against Andrzej Fonfara in March of 2017.
He knows there are still naysayers who don't think he should come back or doubt his ability to compete at the highest level, but Dawson wouldn't be doing this if he wasn't confident he could make another run at a world title. The time is now, he says, based on a few important factors; Ward retired two years ago after crushing former world champ Sergey Kovalev a second time, and, Dawson said, Kovalev is not the same fighter he was when he surged to a 30-0 record in capturing the WBO, WBO and IBF world title. Furthermore, Dawson is unimpressed with Oleksandr Gvozdyk, who recently pummeled Stevenson to capture the WBC title.
"There a lot of good fighters in this division, but I think a Chad Dawson in tip-top shape can beat these guys," Dawson said.
We may soon find out, but first Dawson must get past Rankin, a scrappy underdog who enters this fight with, in his own words, "nothing to lose." This is a good barometer for Dawson to test himself and see just how far along he is in his quest to recapture the magic that earned him a spot among the sport's elite.
"Honestly, it's a fight I should win," Dawson said matter-of-factly. "With my pedigree, my background and my experience, I should come out on top."
While there have been detractors -- mainly anonymous profiles and faceless names on social media -- Dawson says he's felt an overwhelming amount of support since announcing his comeback, perhaps a sign that he's finally learned to block out the negativity that clouded his judgment for the last five years. Dawson recently alluded to this on social media with a lengthy post about the highs and lows athletes experience in professional, quoting Golden State Warriors power forward DeMarcus Cousins, who recently said, "We're idolized as superstar athletes, not human beings."
"What I went through is what all fighters go through," Dawson said. "Boxing is a brutal sport. Some are fortunate to leave with money and some aren't. I wanted everyone to understand where I'm coming from. We all have families to take care of -- kids, wives, mothers, fathers, people who depend on us.
"We're fighters, but we're regular people like everyone else. When you're on top, the phone is ringing off the hook. All that stuff stops when you take a couple of losses. When you're not on top, people forget about you."
With his family back in Hampton, roughly 70 miles north of New Haven, Dawson has reunited with his first promoter, Jimmy Burchfield Sr., who helped guide him to his first 17 wins as a pro, including a WBC youth world title in 2005 when Dawson was just 23 years old.
"He's the first one who took a chance on me," Dawson said of Burchfield. "I owe a lot of this to him. He got me in the position to be able to fight on Showtime and HBO and get the big fights that put me in position to fight for a world title.
"What better place to be than with Jimmy and CES? I'm back home. It'd be great to finish my career with Jimmy."
That all-important first step in less than two weeks away and Dawson feels like a new man, both physically and mentally. He's taking his training day by day to ensure he doesn't overdo it so that he's in "perfect shape" come fight night.
Walking away is never easy, whether it's boxers, baseball players or football Hall of Famers, but most know when their time has come. Dawson isn't there yet. There's still something left in the tank and he's ready to put it all on display on June 29th.
"Athletes in generals, we always feel we have more to offer," Dawson said. "We can do more regardless of what our body or mind tells us. For me, the last five years haven't gone the way I wanted them to go. I've done a lot. I've accomplished everything I said I wanted to do in boxing.
"Now I'm doing this for me. It's not for anybody else. It's not for money. I want to show everyone I still have something left."
Manchester, Conn., junior middleweight Jose Rivera (7-4, 5 KOs) battles Luca Podda (7-3, 3 KOs) of Miami in a six-round bout and Oscar Bonilla (5-3-2, 1 KO) of Bridgeport, Conn., faces Julio Perez (4-3) of Worcester, Mass., in a six-round lightweight bout.
Also featured on the main card, New Haven female flyweight Marisa Belenchia (0-0) makes her professional debut against Delaney Owen (0-2) of Clearwater, Fla., and featherweight Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KOs) of Bridgeport puts his unbeaten record on the line against Minnesota's Jose Homar Rios (2-6-1, 1 KO), both in four-round bouts. Junior welterweight Wilson Mascarenhas (1-1) of New Bedford, Mass., faces Joshua Oxendine (0-0) of Pembroke, N.C., and undefeated featherweight Jacob Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs) returns to Foxwoods for the third time in a separate four-round bout.
Showtime for the main card is 7 p.m. ET, preceded by a 10-fight amateur preliminary card featuring Dawson's son, Chad Dawson Jr., and the debut of Lennox Estrada, the son of U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada of Providence, R.I.
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Jose Antonio Rivera announces retirement at age 46 |
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Jose Antonio Rivera W8 Travis Scott ... Jose Antonio Rivera, who held the WBA junior middleweight championship in 2006-2007, ended a pro boxing career that spanned 26 ½ years by winning a hard fought, eight-round split decision over Travis "Sweet Feet" Scott at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts over the weekend. The 46-year-old Rivera fought professionally for the 50th and final time, and did so at home. Rivera (43-6-1, 25 KOs) stalked his elusive opponent, cutting off the ring and firing punches at the 38-year-old Scott (19-6, 5 KOs). The only knockdown came near the end of the fifth round, when Scott caught Rivera with a right on the top of the head. The three judges scored the fight 77-74 and 76-75 for Rivera, and 76-75 for Scott. Rivera lost 40-pounds in five months to prepare for his fight.
"I thought I was winning the fight," Rivera aid after the fight," but I felt that I had to put my punches together in the last few rounds. It was a flash knockdown; I wasn't hurt at all. It all comes down to training. I tell young fighters to train, train, train until they've given 100-percent and train a little more. I was the busier fight and kept throwing multipole punches to his one at a time.
"This was definitely my last fight. It's time for my new career. (Rivera was recently promoted to Associate Chief Court Officer.) Every time you go into the ring, you want to win, especially the last one. It was great to win my last fight in my hometown of Worcester." He improved his pro record in Worcester to 15-1.
Kendrick Bell, Jr. TKO3 Juan Celin Zapata... In the co-feature, New England middleweight champion Kendrick "Peppa" Bell, Jr. (13-1-2, 9 KOs), another Worcester fighter, got into a rough firefight with the unorthodox Honduran super middleweight Juan Celin Zapata (6-15-2, 4 KOs) in a non-title fight. Ball floored Zapata twice in the opening round, once in the second, and three times in the third. Referee Paul Casey called off the fight after the seventh final knockdown in round three.
MORE RESULTS
Worcester favorite Owen "The Problem" Minor (2-0, 2 KOs, arguably the most promising Massachusetts-born heavyweight prospect of this century, needed only 31-seconds to take care of pro-debuting Jpseph Raposo (0-1), knocking him out with a single left hook.
The New England junior welterweight title remains vacant, because the fight between Sydney "Keelo" Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs) and Anthony Everett (1-7, 1 KO), on the advice of the ring physician Dr. Peter Warner, their fight was stopped after two rounds due to a massive hematoma on Everett's forehead, resulting from an unintentional headbutt.
Hartford welterweight "The Special One" Sharad Collier (2-0-1, 2 KOs), a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion, overwhelmed his opponent, Bruno Dias (0-8), knocking him to the canvas three times. The last trip resulted in referee Kevin Hope waving off the fight with 30-seconds left in round one.
Worcester junior lightweight Philip "Rock Solid" Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO) and Henry Garcia (0-3-1), from New Bedford, MA, put on quite a show, pounding each other from the opening bell until the final whistle in a very entertaining match. Davis won each round on all three judges' scorecards for a win by way of a four-round unanimous decision.
Providence welterweight Elijah Peixoto (1-0, 1 KO) turned in a superlative pro debut, dropping Carlos Galindo (1-12) three times in the opening round and twice in the second, the last with a vicious body shot after which referee Hope immediately halted the fight. source for all results: shearns boxing press release
Complete results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT - MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Jose Antonio Rivera (43-6-1, 25 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC (77-74, 76-75, 75-76)
Travis Scott (19-6, 5 KOs), Baton Rouge, LA lbs.
CO-FEATURE - SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Kendrick Ball, Jr. (13-1-2, 9 KOs), Worcester, MA.
WTKO3 (2:34)
Juan Celin Zapata (6-15-2, 4 KOs), Bronx, NY
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Owen Minor (2-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA
WKO1 (0:30)
Joseph Raposo (0-1), Medford, MA
VACANT NEW ENGLAND JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Sydney Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
No Contest (2)
Anthony Everett (1-7, 1 KO), Lawrence, MA
WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Sharrad Collier (2-0-1, 2 KOs), Hartford, CT
WTKO1 (0:30)
Bruno Dias (0-8), Woburn, MA
Elijah Peixoto (1-0, 1 KO), East Providence, RI
WTKO2 (0:56)
Carlos Galindo (1-11), Woburn, MA
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Philip Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO), Worcester, MA.
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 4036)
Henry Garcia (0-3-1), New Bedford, MA.
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Jose Antonio Rivera announces retirement at age 46
Jose Antonio Rivera W8 Travis Scott ... Jose Antonio Rivera, who held the WBA junior middleweight championship in 2006-2007, ended a pro boxing career that spanned 26 ½ years by winning a hard fought, eight-round split decision over Travis "Sweet Feet" Scott at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts over the weekend. The 46-year-old Rivera fought professionally for the 50th and final time, and did so at home. Rivera (43-6-1, 25 KOs) stalked his elusive opponent, cutting off the ring and firing punches at the 38-year-old Scott (19-6, 5 KOs). The only knockdown came near the end of the fifth round, when Scott caught Rivera with a right on the top of the head. The three judges scored the fight 77-74 and 76-75 for Rivera, and 76-75 for Scott. Rivera lost 40-pounds in five months to prepare for his fight.
"I thought I was winning the fight," Rivera aid after the fight," but I felt that I had to put my punches together in the last few rounds. It was a flash knockdown; I wasn't hurt at all. It all comes down to training. I tell young fighters to train, train, train until they've given 100-percent and train a little more. I was the busier fight and kept throwing multipole punches to his one at a time.
"This was definitely my last fight. It's time for my new career. (Rivera was recently promoted to Associate Chief Court Officer.) Every time you go into the ring, you want to win, especially the last one. It was great to win my last fight in my hometown of Worcester." He improved his pro record in Worcester to 15-1.
Kendrick Bell, Jr. TKO3 Juan Celin Zapata... In the co-feature, New England middleweight champion Kendrick "Peppa" Bell, Jr. (13-1-2, 9 KOs), another Worcester fighter, got into a rough firefight with the unorthodox Honduran super middleweight Juan Celin Zapata (6-15-2, 4 KOs) in a non-title fight. Ball floored Zapata twice in the opening round, once in the second, and three times in the third. Referee Paul Casey called off the fight after the seventh final knockdown in round three.
MORE RESULTS
Worcester favorite Owen "The Problem" Minor (2-0, 2 KOs, arguably the most promising Massachusetts-born heavyweight prospect of this century, needed only 31-seconds to take care of pro-debuting Jpseph Raposo (0-1), knocking him out with a single left hook.
The New England junior welterweight title remains vacant, because the fight between Sydney "Keelo" Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs) and Anthony Everett (1-7, 1 KO), on the advice of the ring physician Dr. Peter Warner, their fight was stopped after two rounds due to a massive hematoma on Everett's forehead, resulting from an unintentional headbutt.
Hartford welterweight "The Special One" Sharad Collier (2-0-1, 2 KOs), a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion, overwhelmed his opponent, Bruno Dias (0-8), knocking him to the canvas three times. The last trip resulted in referee Kevin Hope waving off the fight with 30-seconds left in round one.
Worcester junior lightweight Philip "Rock Solid" Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO) and Henry Garcia (0-3-1), from New Bedford, MA, put on quite a show, pounding each other from the opening bell until the final whistle in a very entertaining match. Davis won each round on all three judges' scorecards for a win by way of a four-round unanimous decision.
Providence welterweight Elijah Peixoto (1-0, 1 KO) turned in a superlative pro debut, dropping Carlos Galindo (1-12) three times in the opening round and twice in the second, the last with a vicious body shot after which referee Hope immediately halted the fight. source for all results: shearns boxing press release
Complete results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT - MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Jose Antonio Rivera (43-6-1, 25 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC (77-74, 76-75, 75-76)
Travis Scott (19-6, 5 KOs), Baton Rouge, LA lbs.
CO-FEATURE - SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Kendrick Ball, Jr. (13-1-2, 9 KOs), Worcester, MA.
WTKO3 (2:34)
Juan Celin Zapata (6-15-2, 4 KOs), Bronx, NY
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Owen Minor (2-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA
WKO1 (0:30)
Joseph Raposo (0-1), Medford, MA
VACANT NEW ENGLAND JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Sydney Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
No Contest (2)
Anthony Everett (1-7, 1 KO), Lawrence, MA
WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Sharrad Collier (2-0-1, 2 KOs), Hartford, CT
WTKO1 (0:30)
Bruno Dias (0-8), Woburn, MA
Elijah Peixoto (1-0, 1 KO), East Providence, RI
WTKO2 (0:56)
Carlos Galindo (1-11), Woburn, MA
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Philip Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO), Worcester, MA.
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 4036)
Henry Garcia (0-3-1), New Bedford, MA.
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Evincii Dixon surprises in Bensalem, Pennsylvania |
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Jesus Soler W8 Miguel Cartagena... Boy oh boy did we have a terrific card at the Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA. Flyweight Jesus Soler (11-1-1, 5 K0s) never stopped punching en route to an eight-round decision over gutty Miguel Cartagena of North Philly, in the main event. Soler is from Puerto Rico and I need to see him again to know whether he is that good or whether Cartagena (15-6-1, 6 K0s) was feeling the effects of a one-year layoff.
Evincii Dixon TKO3 Marcel Rivers... There was a monster upset in a six-round welterweight contest as Evincii Dixon, of Lancaster, PA (8-32-2) scored three knockdowns in the second round to stop previously unbeaten Marcel Rivers (7-1, 4 K0s) of North Philly. Both men will be back!
MORE RESULTS
Lightweight Frank Nitty Trader (13-2-1, 3 K0s) of West Philly, who came back to boxing last year after a four-year layoff, turned in a career-best performance, fighting like a seasoned counter-puncher, completely frustrating lefty Jerome Conquest (10-4, 1 K0), of Strawberry Mansion, in a good, old-fashioned Philly vs. Philly showdown over eight rounds...
Osnel Charles of Atlantic City, NJ and LaQuan Lewis of Brooklyn, NY, went toe-to-toe for the third time over four rounds with Charles winning on points in a junior welterweight contest. If the big-time prima donnas fought this way and let it all hang out, boxing would be in a better place...
Keep your eye on 19-year-old welterweight Shinard Bunch of Trenton, NJ, who clocked Tyrone Lewis of North Philly, with a bone-crunching one-punch knockout in two rounds...
Junior welterweight Daiyaan Butt of Haverford, PA, who turned to boxing because he was being picked on in school since he is Muslim, went to 4-0, 2 K0s, as a pro by stopping Tivan Young, of Charlotte, NC, in three...
Thyler Williams finally went the distance and had to work to beat game Tyree Arnold over four rounds in an all-Philly junior welterweight match...
Young light-heavyweight Jan Czerklewicz, of Houston, TX, turned pro against another newcomer, Angel Vazquez, of Springfield, MA. Czerklewicz won on points source for all results: event promoter Russell Peltz social media account
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Evincii Dixon surprises in Bensalem, PennsylvaniaJesus Soler W8 Miguel Cartagena... Boy oh boy did we have a terrific card at the Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA. Flyweight Jesus Soler (11-1-1, 5 K0s) never stopped punching en route to an eight-round decision over gutty Miguel Cartagena of North Philly, in the main event. Soler is from Puerto Rico and I need to see him again to know whether he is that good or whether Cartagena (15-6-1, 6 K0s) was feeling the effects of a one-year layoff.
Evincii Dixon TKO3 Marcel Rivers... There was a monster upset in a six-round welterweight contest as Evincii Dixon, of Lancaster, PA (8-32-2) scored three knockdowns in the second round to stop previously unbeaten Marcel Rivers (7-1, 4 K0s) of North Philly. Both men will be back!
MORE RESULTS
Lightweight Frank Nitty Trader (13-2-1, 3 K0s) of West Philly, who came back to boxing last year after a four-year layoff, turned in a career-best performance, fighting like a seasoned counter-puncher, completely frustrating lefty Jerome Conquest (10-4, 1 K0), of Strawberry Mansion, in a good, old-fashioned Philly vs. Philly showdown over eight rounds...
Osnel Charles of Atlantic City, NJ and LaQuan Lewis of Brooklyn, NY, went toe-to-toe for the third time over four rounds with Charles winning on points in a junior welterweight contest. If the big-time prima donnas fought this way and let it all hang out, boxing would be in a better place...
Keep your eye on 19-year-old welterweight Shinard Bunch of Trenton, NJ, who clocked Tyrone Lewis of North Philly, with a bone-crunching one-punch knockout in two rounds...
Junior welterweight Daiyaan Butt of Haverford, PA, who turned to boxing because he was being picked on in school since he is Muslim, went to 4-0, 2 K0s, as a pro by stopping Tivan Young, of Charlotte, NC, in three...
Thyler Williams finally went the distance and had to work to beat game Tyree Arnold over four rounds in an all-Philly junior welterweight match...
Young light-heavyweight Jan Czerklewicz, of Houston, TX, turned pro against another newcomer, Angel Vazquez, of Springfield, MA. Czerklewicz won on points source for all results: event promoter Russell Peltz social media account
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Richards looking to KO Sterling in all-London rivalry |
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Craig Richards will be looking for a knockout when he clashes with South London rival Andre Sterling (10-0) in a final eliminator for the British light heavyweight crown at London's York Hall this Friday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. Richards (14-1) crossed paths with his unbeaten opponent last week, sparking a heated confrontation outside of the Peacock Gym in Canning Town, and Richards has promised to make Sterling pay for his disrespectful comments. “He was saying ‘don’t let the occasion get to me,’ but I’ve been in these occasions multiple times,” said Richards. “I’ve been in these big fights, I’ve been in these grudge matches. I’m used to these occasions now. He’ll be under a lot of pressure now. There are a lot of people from around the area coming, so he really needs to perform. He’ll try to fight his heart out and try to come forward, but it’s just not going to be enough. He knows it’s sink or swim.
“We’re looking for a knockout hopefully. I’m punching harder every fight. I’ve moved up properly to Light-Heavyweight, I’ve got everyone out within three rounds and I just hope to continue a good winning streak. I believe that if I’m going to move on to where I want to be then I need to be beating opponents like him, so it’s a good test for me at this stage of my career.
“For Andre, this is his World title shot. He’s not too far from me in London, he’s a local boy around my area so this is everything to him. It’s got the spice and the twists to it. For me, I just look at it as business. I look at it from a more professional aspect. He’s just another opponent and I’ve got to get the job done. He’s going to come and he’s going to bring it but it’s for me to go out there and show my class and show how good I am and where I’m destined to be.
“He’s been calling the fight on and I don’t duck any challenges. I answered the call and we’re getting it on. He’s been wanting this fight for a long time. A lot of people have told me he’s been talking about fighting me for years. I don’t know what goes on in his head, I don’t know what people tell him. I think he’ll definitely regret what he’s said about me.”
Richards vs. Sterling is part of a card whose main event sees Conor Benn (14-0, 9 KOs) facing Jussi Koivula (24-6-1, 9 KOs) and Ted Cheeseman (15-1, 9 KO) making the first defense of his British 154-pound title against Kieron Conway (12-1, 3 KOs). Also on the show, former Commonwealth super featherweight champion Reece Bellotti (13-2, 11 KOs) steps through the ropes for the first time since his British title loss to Ryan Walsh and Ohio lightweight Otha Jones III (1-0) takes part in his second professional contest.
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Richards looking to KO Sterling in all-London rivalry
Craig Richards will be looking for a knockout when he clashes with South London rival Andre Sterling (10-0) in a final eliminator for the British light heavyweight crown at London's York Hall this Friday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. Richards (14-1) crossed paths with his unbeaten opponent last week, sparking a heated confrontation outside of the Peacock Gym in Canning Town, and Richards has promised to make Sterling pay for his disrespectful comments. “He was saying ‘don’t let the occasion get to me,’ but I’ve been in these occasions multiple times,” said Richards. “I’ve been in these big fights, I’ve been in these grudge matches. I’m used to these occasions now. He’ll be under a lot of pressure now. There are a lot of people from around the area coming, so he really needs to perform. He’ll try to fight his heart out and try to come forward, but it’s just not going to be enough. He knows it’s sink or swim.
“We’re looking for a knockout hopefully. I’m punching harder every fight. I’ve moved up properly to Light-Heavyweight, I’ve got everyone out within three rounds and I just hope to continue a good winning streak. I believe that if I’m going to move on to where I want to be then I need to be beating opponents like him, so it’s a good test for me at this stage of my career.
“For Andre, this is his World title shot. He’s not too far from me in London, he’s a local boy around my area so this is everything to him. It’s got the spice and the twists to it. For me, I just look at it as business. I look at it from a more professional aspect. He’s just another opponent and I’ve got to get the job done. He’s going to come and he’s going to bring it but it’s for me to go out there and show my class and show how good I am and where I’m destined to be.
“He’s been calling the fight on and I don’t duck any challenges. I answered the call and we’re getting it on. He’s been wanting this fight for a long time. A lot of people have told me he’s been talking about fighting me for years. I don’t know what goes on in his head, I don’t know what people tell him. I think he’ll definitely regret what he’s said about me.”
Richards vs. Sterling is part of a card whose main event sees Conor Benn (14-0, 9 KOs) facing Jussi Koivula (24-6-1, 9 KOs) and Ted Cheeseman (15-1, 9 KO) making the first defense of his British 154-pound title against Kieron Conway (12-1, 3 KOs). Also on the show, former Commonwealth super featherweight champion Reece Bellotti (13-2, 11 KOs) steps through the ropes for the first time since his British title loss to Ryan Walsh and Ohio lightweight Otha Jones III (1-0) takes part in his second professional contest.
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Joseph Parker to face Alex Leapai on June 29th |
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Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker will face Alex Leapai at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday June 29th live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. Parker (25-2 19 KOs) last fought in December with a third-round KO win over Alexander Flores. Prior to that, Parker lost two huge fights in the UK, first taking on Anthony Joshua in a unification blockbuster in Cardiff in March 2018 and then sharing twelve rollercoaster rounds with Dillian Whyte in London in July. Leapai (32-7-4 26 KOs) is a Samoan-Australian who spent part of his childhood in New Zealand. He'll be boxing in America for the first time in a lengthy career that saw him challenge Wladimir Klitschko in April 2014.
Parker’s ultimate goal is to regain his status as champion and the former WBO ruler believes he will shine on July 29th, but Leapai is hoping to pull off an upset in the style of newly crowned WBA/IBF/WBO champion Andy Ruiz Jr, who dethroned Parker’s old foe Anthony Joshua in the last heavyweight action on DAZN.
“Over the past six years of being a professional this is the first time that I’ve come into camp at a good weight,” said Parker. “I’m enjoying camp more as a result I think, because we’re working more on skills and technique rather than focusing on losing weight. I feel faster, I feel everything is clicking, less injuries and everything is on track.
“With each opponent you see what their style brings and you adjust accordingly what you will do in the ring, there’s a lot that I am doing that I am excited about, like making angels and throwing different combinations, and I’m just looking forward to putting it on display on June 29.
“A stoppage would be nice, that’s the goal going into every fight. I just have to change up the mind set to not only go in there and win, but go in and KO someone and make a statement. This is my first fight with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN so I want to make that statement, there’s no pressure but I do have to go out there and look good.
“I would love to avenge the losses that I have had against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. I’ll fight them tomorrow. But Dillian is trying to fight for the WBC title so respect to him for that, but if the opportunity came along I would love that fight again.”
“I am the Samoan Andy Ruiz – the guy everyone writes off,” said Leapai. “This will be the second massive upset this year because Parker is getting sparked. Then I’m going to take Andy’s Snickers off him!”
“This is going to be an exciting fight between two big punchers with plenty of pride on the line,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “For Joe, it’s about looking good and making a statement to the division that he is ready to try and reclaim his World title. For Alex, it’s a shot to nothing to put himself right back in the mix – he’s talking a great game but we expect a show stopping performance from Joseph Parker in Providence on June 29.
Parker’s clash with Leapai is part of a blockbuster night of World championship action in Rhode Island as unbeaten hometown favourite Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO Middleweight strap against Poland’s Maciej Sulecki, unbeaten Briton Kal Yafai puts his WBA Super-Flyweight title against mandatory challenger Norbelto Jimenez.
Boston’s Mark DeLuca faces Canadian Brandon Brewer over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight, young talents Alexis Espino and Raymond Ford taste their third action in the paid ranks, local favorite Anthony Marsella faces Jose Aubel, with another unbeaten Providence fighter Anthony Concepcion also featuring.
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Joseph Parker to face Alex Leapai on June 29th
Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker will face Alex Leapai at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday June 29th live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. Parker (25-2 19 KOs) last fought in December with a third-round KO win over Alexander Flores. Prior to that, Parker lost two huge fights in the UK, first taking on Anthony Joshua in a unification blockbuster in Cardiff in March 2018 and then sharing twelve rollercoaster rounds with Dillian Whyte in London in July. Leapai (32-7-4 26 KOs) is a Samoan-Australian who spent part of his childhood in New Zealand. He'll be boxing in America for the first time in a lengthy career that saw him challenge Wladimir Klitschko in April 2014.
Parker’s ultimate goal is to regain his status as champion and the former WBO ruler believes he will shine on July 29th, but Leapai is hoping to pull off an upset in the style of newly crowned WBA/IBF/WBO champion Andy Ruiz Jr, who dethroned Parker’s old foe Anthony Joshua in the last heavyweight action on DAZN.
“Over the past six years of being a professional this is the first time that I’ve come into camp at a good weight,” said Parker. “I’m enjoying camp more as a result I think, because we’re working more on skills and technique rather than focusing on losing weight. I feel faster, I feel everything is clicking, less injuries and everything is on track.
“With each opponent you see what their style brings and you adjust accordingly what you will do in the ring, there’s a lot that I am doing that I am excited about, like making angels and throwing different combinations, and I’m just looking forward to putting it on display on June 29.
“A stoppage would be nice, that’s the goal going into every fight. I just have to change up the mind set to not only go in there and win, but go in and KO someone and make a statement. This is my first fight with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN so I want to make that statement, there’s no pressure but I do have to go out there and look good.
“I would love to avenge the losses that I have had against Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. I’ll fight them tomorrow. But Dillian is trying to fight for the WBC title so respect to him for that, but if the opportunity came along I would love that fight again.”
“I am the Samoan Andy Ruiz – the guy everyone writes off,” said Leapai. “This will be the second massive upset this year because Parker is getting sparked. Then I’m going to take Andy’s Snickers off him!”
“This is going to be an exciting fight between two big punchers with plenty of pride on the line,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “For Joe, it’s about looking good and making a statement to the division that he is ready to try and reclaim his World title. For Alex, it’s a shot to nothing to put himself right back in the mix – he’s talking a great game but we expect a show stopping performance from Joseph Parker in Providence on June 29.
Parker’s clash with Leapai is part of a blockbuster night of World championship action in Rhode Island as unbeaten hometown favourite Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO Middleweight strap against Poland’s Maciej Sulecki, unbeaten Briton Kal Yafai puts his WBA Super-Flyweight title against mandatory challenger Norbelto Jimenez.
Boston’s Mark DeLuca faces Canadian Brandon Brewer over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight, young talents Alexis Espino and Raymond Ford taste their third action in the paid ranks, local favorite Anthony Marsella faces Jose Aubel, with another unbeaten Providence fighter Anthony Concepcion also featuring.
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Guillermo Rigondeaux: "I'm the best 122 pounder in the world!" |
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Greg Leon: How did everything go in preparation for [former WBC 122-pound title holder] Julio Ceja [32-3]? What can we expect to see from you on June 23rd? Guillermo Rigondeaux: "Everything went great in preparation for Ceja. I'm down here in Houston, Texas with my team of Ronnie Shields and Ramon Garbey and I feel great. I'm just getting ready for this fight." GL: Your last fight [a first-round stoppage of Giovanni Delgado] iwas your first action in more than a year and it didn't even a round. Have you basically been living in the gym since then? GR: "Yeah, you know I'm a guy who's always in the gym. I'm always in great shape and I'm just ready to go. I'm just happy to be getting back into the ring so fast."
GL: What do you know about Ceja? What do you think of him as a fighter?
GR: "I don't know too much about him. I do know he's a former world champion and obviously he's a Mexican fighter. I'm sure he's coming to do his best because Mexicans always fight with pride. He's a credible opponent and I'm taking him seriously."
GL: What do you want a win in this fight to lead to?
GR: "This fight is a world title eliminator for the winner of Vargas vs. Kameda. That's the fight I want at 122 pounds, I'm also willing to campaign at 118 lbs if a major world title opportunity comes up. I've been campaigning for a world title shot and it's something I want right away."
GL: Are you expecting this fight to go the distance?
GR: "I don't ever make predictions or say I'm going to knock somebody out, but I'm going to go out there and do my best and we'll see what happens."
GL: One way or the other you haven't gone the distance since 2015.
GR: "That's true, but I still don't get into the predictions. I'm just happy to be active and I"ve been able to stay sharp and at 122 pounds I feel like I'm really strong right now. This is my weight class and I feel like I can knock anybody out in this division."
GL: Who do you like in the Rey Vargas vs. Tomoki Kameda fight [for the WBC 122-pound champiojnship]?
GR: "I don't know enough about each guy to really go into that. I know their names, I haven't watched enough to give you an honest opinion, I just hope whoever wins fights me."
GL: Closing thoughts.
GR: "I just obviously want to thank you for the interview and I want all of the boxing fans around the world to tune into Fox on June 23rd to watch the best 122 pound fighter in the world. This is going to be a great fight between two former world champions who are looking to become champion again."
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Guillermo Rigondeaux: "I'm the best 122 pounder in the world!"
Greg Leon: How did everything go in preparation for [former WBC 122-pound title holder] Julio Ceja [32-3]? What can we expect to see from you on June 23rd? Guillermo Rigondeaux: "Everything went great in preparation for Ceja. I'm down here in Houston, Texas with my team of Ronnie Shields and Ramon Garbey and I feel great. I'm just getting ready for this fight." GL: Your last fight [a first-round stoppage of Giovanni Delgado] iwas your first action in more than a year and it didn't even a round. Have you basically been living in the gym since then? GR: "Yeah, you know I'm a guy who's always in the gym. I'm always in great shape and I'm just ready to go. I'm just happy to be getting back into the ring so fast."
GL: What do you know about Ceja? What do you think of him as a fighter?
GR: "I don't know too much about him. I do know he's a former world champion and obviously he's a Mexican fighter. I'm sure he's coming to do his best because Mexicans always fight with pride. He's a credible opponent and I'm taking him seriously."
GL: What do you want a win in this fight to lead to?
GR: "This fight is a world title eliminator for the winner of Vargas vs. Kameda. That's the fight I want at 122 pounds, I'm also willing to campaign at 118 lbs if a major world title opportunity comes up. I've been campaigning for a world title shot and it's something I want right away."
GL: Are you expecting this fight to go the distance?
GR: "I don't ever make predictions or say I'm going to knock somebody out, but I'm going to go out there and do my best and we'll see what happens."
GL: One way or the other you haven't gone the distance since 2015.
GR: "That's true, but I still don't get into the predictions. I'm just happy to be active and I"ve been able to stay sharp and at 122 pounds I feel like I'm really strong right now. This is my weight class and I feel like I can knock anybody out in this division."
GL: Who do you like in the Rey Vargas vs. Tomoki Kameda fight [for the WBC 122-pound champiojnship]?
GR: "I don't know enough about each guy to really go into that. I know their names, I haven't watched enough to give you an honest opinion, I just hope whoever wins fights me."
GL: Closing thoughts.
GR: "I just obviously want to thank you for the interview and I want all of the boxing fans around the world to tune into Fox on June 23rd to watch the best 122 pound fighter in the world. This is going to be a great fight between two former world champions who are looking to become champion again."
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Brad Solomon steps into Cleveland main event on short notice |
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On Saturday, June 22nd at CSU’s Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Brad “King” Solomon (28-1, 9 KOs) of Georgia will step up on short notice to face the United Kingdom’s Navid “Nav” Mansouri (19-2-2, 6 KOs) in a twelve-round junior middleweight battle. An arm injury to undefeated Cody Crowley opened the door for Solomon, whose fight with Mansouri will serve as the main event on a show that will be televised live on CBS Sports along with super flyweight Dewayne “Mr. Stop Running” Beamon (16-1-1, 11 KOs) of North Carolina, facing Argentina’s Lucas Emanuel Fernandez (12-2-1, 9 KOs) in a ten rounder. Remaining tickets are on sale now at wolsteincenter.com or Wolstein Center Box Office on CSU campus.
“I feel good,” said Solomon. “I was already training for something else, but this came along first and an opportunity like this is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m ready to show my talent and show I’m still here. After I do what I do to this guy, that will put me back in the eyes of everyone.”
Solomon, who says he’s had some bad luck with missed opportunities and contract disputes, doesn’t know much about his last-minute opponent, but isn’t worried. “I’ll find out what he’s got when I get in there. I can adjust to anything, so I’m not too worried about it. I just want to use this win to springboard me into bigger opportunities. I was number one in the world and getting ready for a title shot, but it didn’t work out. I want to get back out there and get my title shot I deserve. It feels like my luck is changing now.
The 30-year-old Mansouri from Rotherham, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, is a former English champion but is currently living in Los Angeles and training at the legendary Wild Card Gym.
Mansouri says the move has given him a wealth of new experience. “Training is going really well. I’ve moved down to Los Angeles for this camp. I’ve even left my family to do this camp. It’s hard, but you have to sacrifice for this game. I’m training with (former Peter Quillen and Paulie Malignaggi trainer) Eric Brown at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. I like working with him. I’ve got a strength and conditioning coach I’m working with as well, Taylor Ramsdell. The gym has a great atmosphere to it. I’m being exposed to a lot of different styles.
With a goal of becoming a known commodity in the US, Mansouri is hoping this fight provides the launching pad. “This is a great thing to come to America to train and fight. I always wanted to fight here and this one is on two networks, so it’s a way to put myself out there in the American market. A lot of people will be watching this fight and I’m ready to show what I’m capable of doing.”
The five-fight undercard, featuring Cleveland’s Montana Love (11-0-1, 5 KOs) taking on Kenya’s Michael Odhiambo (15-11, 12 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout and Cleveland’s comebacking former contender Miguel Angel Gonzalez (24-4, 16 KOs) going against Mexico City’s Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs) in a lightweight six-rounder will be streamed live on www.fite.tv (7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT).
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Brad Solomon steps into Cleveland main event on short notice
On Saturday, June 22nd at CSU’s Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Brad “King” Solomon (28-1, 9 KOs) of Georgia will step up on short notice to face the United Kingdom’s Navid “Nav” Mansouri (19-2-2, 6 KOs) in a twelve-round junior middleweight battle. An arm injury to undefeated Cody Crowley opened the door for Solomon, whose fight with Mansouri will serve as the main event on a show that will be televised live on CBS Sports along with super flyweight Dewayne “Mr. Stop Running” Beamon (16-1-1, 11 KOs) of North Carolina, facing Argentina’s Lucas Emanuel Fernandez (12-2-1, 9 KOs) in a ten rounder. Remaining tickets are on sale now at wolsteincenter.com or Wolstein Center Box Office on CSU campus.
“I feel good,” said Solomon. “I was already training for something else, but this came along first and an opportunity like this is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m ready to show my talent and show I’m still here. After I do what I do to this guy, that will put me back in the eyes of everyone.”
Solomon, who says he’s had some bad luck with missed opportunities and contract disputes, doesn’t know much about his last-minute opponent, but isn’t worried. “I’ll find out what he’s got when I get in there. I can adjust to anything, so I’m not too worried about it. I just want to use this win to springboard me into bigger opportunities. I was number one in the world and getting ready for a title shot, but it didn’t work out. I want to get back out there and get my title shot I deserve. It feels like my luck is changing now.
The 30-year-old Mansouri from Rotherham, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, is a former English champion but is currently living in Los Angeles and training at the legendary Wild Card Gym.
Mansouri says the move has given him a wealth of new experience. “Training is going really well. I’ve moved down to Los Angeles for this camp. I’ve even left my family to do this camp. It’s hard, but you have to sacrifice for this game. I’m training with (former Peter Quillen and Paulie Malignaggi trainer) Eric Brown at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. I like working with him. I’ve got a strength and conditioning coach I’m working with as well, Taylor Ramsdell. The gym has a great atmosphere to it. I’m being exposed to a lot of different styles.
With a goal of becoming a known commodity in the US, Mansouri is hoping this fight provides the launching pad. “This is a great thing to come to America to train and fight. I always wanted to fight here and this one is on two networks, so it’s a way to put myself out there in the American market. A lot of people will be watching this fight and I’m ready to show what I’m capable of doing.”
The five-fight undercard, featuring Cleveland’s Montana Love (11-0-1, 5 KOs) taking on Kenya’s Michael Odhiambo (15-11, 12 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout and Cleveland’s comebacking former contender Miguel Angel Gonzalez (24-4, 16 KOs) going against Mexico City’s Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs) in a lightweight six-rounder will be streamed live on www.fite.tv (7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT).
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Caleb Plant presser quotes |
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Undefeated IBF super middleweight champion Caleb "Sweethands" Plant hosted a Las Vegas media breakfast roundtable Saturday morning as he discussed his upcoming title defense scheduled for Saturday, July 20th against unbeaten Mike Lee in the main event of Fox PBC Fight Night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Fox PBC Fight Night also features unbeaten heavyweight Efe Ajagba squaring off against 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen. After Fox PBC Fight Night, WBA welterweight champion Keith "One Time" Thurman defends his title against the legendary Manny Pacquiao on a pay-per-view event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Here is what Plant (18-0, 10 KOs), along with his trainer Justin Gamber, had to say Saturday:
CALEB PLANT
"I've been working hard. Sparring is great. My weight is on point and I've been eating good. We're rolling. Last camp I found my groove in probably my third or fourth week. This time it was in my second week. I'm going to be an improved Caleb Plant.
"As I've worked more on strength and conditioning with my coach Larry Wade, everyone can see how my power has developed. I'm sitting down on my punches more as well. But there's no substitute for sharpening your tools in the shed. I'm still working on my craft as much as ever.
"We've seen so many big upsets so far this year in boxing, so I have more than enough motivation to focus on the task July 20. I've always said that the only fight I worry about, is the one that is signed.
"I already feel like I'm the best out there. Good luck to Mike Lee. I hope he shows up. He's going to be getting a mattress sponsorship, because July 20 he's going to sleep. This isn't going 12 rounds.
"Justin Gamber is underrated and I believe he's one of the best teachers in boxing. That's what he is, a teacher. There's a lot of guys with stopwatches and whistles, but not everyone can teach the art of boxing. Different fighters need different things and Justin knows I don't need to be screamed at to get going. It's all positivity and he makes it easy to understand.
"I think I've shown that I'm special and I'm different. I can bring things to the table that no one else can. I don't have to raise my voice for you to know that I mean what I say. You already believe me. I'm going to continue to walk how I walk and talk how I talk.
"Media recognition and stature has changed since winning the title, but who I am and how hard I work, I'm still the same Caleb that I've always been. I've looked at myself as a world champion from a young age. How else do you become a world champion?
"Jose Uzcategui was everything they were building him up to be. He's a relentless pressure fighter with power in both hands and I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I don't think he knew what he was getting himself into, and I tried to warn him.
"We'd love to unify and be undisputed, that's the goal. For now, we're just focused on the task at hand. I have my hands full on the big stage July 20. If you look too far down the road, it can mess up the immediate future. I am really focused on getting past this challenge."
JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant's Trainer
"Caleb has been the ultimate student. I couldn't ask for someone better. When I think of Caleb as an amateur, I think of just an athletic guy. Since he turned pro he's really developed his skill set and fine-tuned his technique. He's a guy who now has that athletic ability combined with skill and high boxing IQ.
"Caleb amazes me every day with how he tries different things and how he can break it down, fine tune it and perfect it. We're just making sure that he can use his skills at the right time in the fight.
"The super middleweight division is in one of its hottest eras and I think Caleb Plant is head and shoulders above the rest. When I think of a possible future fight with Caleb against David Benavidez, I think of Floyd Mayweather vs. Diego Corrales. The offensive-minded big man against the smaller, better boxer. I see Caleb doing a similar job one day."
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Caleb Plant presser quotes
Undefeated IBF super middleweight champion Caleb "Sweethands" Plant hosted a Las Vegas media breakfast roundtable Saturday morning as he discussed his upcoming title defense scheduled for Saturday, July 20th against unbeaten Mike Lee in the main event of Fox PBC Fight Night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Fox PBC Fight Night also features unbeaten heavyweight Efe Ajagba squaring off against 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen. After Fox PBC Fight Night, WBA welterweight champion Keith "One Time" Thurman defends his title against the legendary Manny Pacquiao on a pay-per-view event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Here is what Plant (18-0, 10 KOs), along with his trainer Justin Gamber, had to say Saturday:
CALEB PLANT
"I've been working hard. Sparring is great. My weight is on point and I've been eating good. We're rolling. Last camp I found my groove in probably my third or fourth week. This time it was in my second week. I'm going to be an improved Caleb Plant.
"As I've worked more on strength and conditioning with my coach Larry Wade, everyone can see how my power has developed. I'm sitting down on my punches more as well. But there's no substitute for sharpening your tools in the shed. I'm still working on my craft as much as ever.
"We've seen so many big upsets so far this year in boxing, so I have more than enough motivation to focus on the task July 20. I've always said that the only fight I worry about, is the one that is signed.
"I already feel like I'm the best out there. Good luck to Mike Lee. I hope he shows up. He's going to be getting a mattress sponsorship, because July 20 he's going to sleep. This isn't going 12 rounds.
"Justin Gamber is underrated and I believe he's one of the best teachers in boxing. That's what he is, a teacher. There's a lot of guys with stopwatches and whistles, but not everyone can teach the art of boxing. Different fighters need different things and Justin knows I don't need to be screamed at to get going. It's all positivity and he makes it easy to understand.
"I think I've shown that I'm special and I'm different. I can bring things to the table that no one else can. I don't have to raise my voice for you to know that I mean what I say. You already believe me. I'm going to continue to walk how I walk and talk how I talk.
"Media recognition and stature has changed since winning the title, but who I am and how hard I work, I'm still the same Caleb that I've always been. I've looked at myself as a world champion from a young age. How else do you become a world champion?
"Jose Uzcategui was everything they were building him up to be. He's a relentless pressure fighter with power in both hands and I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I don't think he knew what he was getting himself into, and I tried to warn him.
"We'd love to unify and be undisputed, that's the goal. For now, we're just focused on the task at hand. I have my hands full on the big stage July 20. If you look too far down the road, it can mess up the immediate future. I am really focused on getting past this challenge."
JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant's Trainer
"Caleb has been the ultimate student. I couldn't ask for someone better. When I think of Caleb as an amateur, I think of just an athletic guy. Since he turned pro he's really developed his skill set and fine-tuned his technique. He's a guy who now has that athletic ability combined with skill and high boxing IQ.
"Caleb amazes me every day with how he tries different things and how he can break it down, fine tune it and perfect it. We're just making sure that he can use his skills at the right time in the fight.
"The super middleweight division is in one of its hottest eras and I think Caleb Plant is head and shoulders above the rest. When I think of a possible future fight with Caleb against David Benavidez, I think of Floyd Mayweather vs. Diego Corrales. The offensive-minded big man against the smaller, better boxer. I see Caleb doing a similar job one day."
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Boxingtalk Prospect Watch: Colbert planning to impress on Sunday night |
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Greg Leon: How's everything going in preparation for your June 23rd bout with Alberto Mercado [16-2-1]? Chris Colbert: "Preparation is always the same. Come next Sunday I'm going to go out there and show the world why I'm the best fighter in the world, I'm going to keep proving that every time I step in the ring. I got a tremendous team behind me that's always looking out for me...my dad, Sosa, my brother Antonio, the whole Al Haymon team and they know what they're doing." GL: Do you know anything about Mercado? Have you looked at him at all? Chris Colbert: "I know absolutely nothing about him."
GL: Is that your usual MO? Do you never study guys?
CC: "I don't do research on my opponents, I've got ten rounds come Sunday night. That gives me ten rounds to adapt."
GL: You had ten rounds to adapt last time out and the fight [vs.Mario Briones] only went two rounds. Will this one go the distance?
CC: "I mean, I never plan for the knockout, so whatever happens happens, but I know I will get the win."
GL: What do you want the win to lead to?
CC: "Whatever it leads to. I've got two more fights after this one before the end of the year, and I want bigger and better things. Hopefully we get an undefeated prospect so I can dominate him, and then close out with a main event in my last fight of the year."
GL: Is 2020 the year that you become world champion?
CC: "Yes sir."
GL: I'm sure you feel like you're ready for it now, but...
CC: (cutting in) "To be honest I'm not really rushing things, I know I got a great team and they know what they're doing, so I'm just going to follow their blue-print."
GL: Is making 130 still easy for you?
CC: "Definitely. I could still make 126 if the right fight presented itself."
GL: WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell has been talking about moving up to 130 to see Tank [Gervonta Davis, the WBA super champion]. If that happens who do you like?
CC: "Tank. He's too big, too strong and too fast for Gary Russell."
GL: At what weight do you see yourself winning your first world title?
CC: "130."
GL: If you could make 126 why not go there? Is it a struggle or something to make?
CC: "If I got a title fight I would go there. It's more difficult to make than 130 but I can definitely do it."
GL: Closing thoughts for the fans.
CC: "Just tune in on Sunday night, it's Prime Time on Prime Time TV!"
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Boxingtalk Prospect Watch: Colbert planning to impress on Sunday night
Greg Leon: How's everything going in preparation for your June 23rd bout with Alberto Mercado [16-2-1]? Chris Colbert: "Preparation is always the same. Come next Sunday I'm going to go out there and show the world why I'm the best fighter in the world, I'm going to keep proving that every time I step in the ring. I got a tremendous team behind me that's always looking out for me...my dad, Sosa, my brother Antonio, the whole Al Haymon team and they know what they're doing." GL: Do you know anything about Mercado? Have you looked at him at all? Chris Colbert: "I know absolutely nothing about him."
GL: Is that your usual MO? Do you never study guys?
CC: "I don't do research on my opponents, I've got ten rounds come Sunday night. That gives me ten rounds to adapt."
GL: You had ten rounds to adapt last time out and the fight [vs.Mario Briones] only went two rounds. Will this one go the distance?
CC: "I mean, I never plan for the knockout, so whatever happens happens, but I know I will get the win."
GL: What do you want the win to lead to?
CC: "Whatever it leads to. I've got two more fights after this one before the end of the year, and I want bigger and better things. Hopefully we get an undefeated prospect so I can dominate him, and then close out with a main event in my last fight of the year."
GL: Is 2020 the year that you become world champion?
CC: "Yes sir."
GL: I'm sure you feel like you're ready for it now, but...
CC: (cutting in) "To be honest I'm not really rushing things, I know I got a great team and they know what they're doing, so I'm just going to follow their blue-print."
GL: Is making 130 still easy for you?
CC: "Definitely. I could still make 126 if the right fight presented itself."
GL: WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell has been talking about moving up to 130 to see Tank [Gervonta Davis, the WBA super champion]. If that happens who do you like?
CC: "Tank. He's too big, too strong and too fast for Gary Russell."
GL: At what weight do you see yourself winning your first world title?
CC: "130."
GL: If you could make 126 why not go there? Is it a struggle or something to make?
CC: "If I got a title fight I would go there. It's more difficult to make than 130 but I can definitely do it."
GL: Closing thoughts for the fans.
CC: "Just tune in on Sunday night, it's Prime Time on Prime Time TV!"
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Powell out, Gavril in as next fight for Alexander |
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Previously, Boxingtalk reported that middleweight Vaughn Alexander (pictured) would be fighting Money Powell IV next. Today, Alexander's manager, Mke Cameron wrote the following on social media: ”After Money Powell decided not to fight [Vaughn Alexander] on July 21st, we have signed, sealed and delivered the contract to fight on July 27th against Ronald Gavril on the Gervonta Davis undercard [in Maryland]." Gavril (19-3) lost two super middleweight title fights to David Benavidez, one by split decision. He returned from those losses in December with a win over Antowyan Aikens but has not fought since then. Alexander (14-3) is coming off a decision loss to undefeated Anthony Sims Jr. About the quick change in schedule accomplished for Alexander, Cameron added, "This happened directly after negotiations on Money Powell fell through. Cameron Management wastes no time"
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Powell out, Gavril in as next fight for Alexander
Previously, Boxingtalk reported that middleweight Vaughn Alexander (pictured) would be fighting Money Powell IV next. Today, Alexander's manager, Mke Cameron wrote the following on social media: ”After Money Powell decided not to fight [Vaughn Alexander] on July 21st, we have signed, sealed and delivered the contract to fight on July 27th against Ronald Gavril on the Gervonta Davis undercard [in Maryland]." Gavril (19-3) lost two super middleweight title fights to David Benavidez, one by split decision. He returned from those losses in December with a win over Antowyan Aikens but has not fought since then. Alexander (14-3) is coming off a decision loss to undefeated Anthony Sims Jr. About the quick change in schedule accomplished for Alexander, Cameron added, "This happened directly after negotiations on Money Powell fell through. Cameron Management wastes no time"
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Australian update: Tim Tszyu books next fight |
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Reports out of Australia have rising junior middleweight Tim Tszyu (13-0) headlining another pay-per-view card, this time against domestic rival Dwight Ritchie (19-1) on August 14th at the ICC in Sydney. Ritchie is a strong opponent, as his only loss was a decision to a Japanese boxer in Japan when Richie moved up a weight class. Tim, whose father is former world champion Kostya Tszyu, is coming off a win over Joel Camilleri in which he acquired the Australian championship. (Ritchie also holds a win over Camilleri). The pay-per-view broadcast will also feature former IBO super middleweight title holder Renold Quinlan (12-4) trying to end a two-bout losing streak against undefeated Mateo Tapia.
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Australian update: Tim Tszyu books next fightReports out of Australia have rising junior middleweight Tim Tszyu (13-0) headlining another pay-per-view card, this time against domestic rival Dwight Ritchie (19-1) on August 14th at the ICC in Sydney. Ritchie is a strong opponent, as his only loss was a decision to a Japanese boxer in Japan when Richie moved up a weight class. Tim, whose father is former world champion Kostya Tszyu, is coming off a win over Joel Camilleri in which he acquired the Australian championship. (Ritchie also holds a win over Camilleri). The pay-per-view broadcast will also feature former IBO super middleweight title holder Renold Quinlan (12-4) trying to end a two-bout losing streak against undefeated Mateo Tapia.
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A look back at the amateur career of Jamel Herring |
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Newly crowned WBO super featherweight champion Jamel "Semper Fi" Herring has been a fighter practically all his life as a U.S. Marine and elite boxer. The 33-year-old Herring (20-2, 10 KOs), fighting out of Cincinnati, has come full circle since he started boxing at the age of 15. "I started because I was doing poorly in school, and was cut from the basketball team," he explained on why he chose the Sweet Science. "I didn't want to be in the streets. It was not my character, so I had to find something else to do. A friend introduced me to boxing and I stuck with it. I eventually got my grades back up and made high honor roll."
Herring also developed into an Olympic boxer, mostly while he was serving nine years in the U.S. Marines, and even when he was deployed twice in Iraq. He compiled an 81-15 amateur record, including top honors at the 2011 & 2012 Armed Forces Championships, 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials and 2012 US Nationals gold medalist, along with a silver medal at the 2010 World Military Games. He was the first active duty U.S. Marine to qualify for the US Boxing Team since 1992, as well as the first U.S. Marine to compete in the 2012 Olympics.
"I boxed a little during my second deployment during free time," he noted. "I came back from my second deployment toward the end of 2007 and began boxing for the Marine Corps in 2008. Most of my amateur career came under the Marine Corps. I learned a lot traveling with the Marine Corps. I got to see more styles and competed in national tournaments as a Marine. They also had the funding to send me."
The highlight of his amateur career was representing his country at the 2012 Olympics in London as captain of Team USA. Although he lost (19-9) in the opening round to two-time Kazakh boxer Daniyar Yeleussinov, who won gold at the 2013 World Championships and later at the 2016 Olympics, the opening Olympic ceremonies was the most memorable moment of his entire amateur boxing career for a special reason.
"That was the anniversary of my daughter's passing," Herring said. "It let me know that no matter what, you can still accomplish anything, even through ups and downs."
Other members of the 2012 USA Olympic Team Herring captained included present day pro champions Errol Spence, Jr. and Claressa Shields, former champion Rau'Shee Warren, and contenders Marcus Browne, Terrell Gausha, Michael Hunter and Dominic Breazeale.
Herring remains close to USA Boxing, saying: "USA Boxing helped me because of the relationships I created, many of which still remain today. I met other fighters from around the world that I kept good relationships with. It also helped me become more of the people-person I am today. Being team captain taught me patience, because I had to deal with a lot of personalities, I still use those traits today. And I'm still close to my Olympic teammates today."
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A look back at the amateur career of Jamel Herring
Newly crowned WBO super featherweight champion Jamel "Semper Fi" Herring has been a fighter practically all his life as a U.S. Marine and elite boxer. The 33-year-old Herring (20-2, 10 KOs), fighting out of Cincinnati, has come full circle since he started boxing at the age of 15. "I started because I was doing poorly in school, and was cut from the basketball team," he explained on why he chose the Sweet Science. "I didn't want to be in the streets. It was not my character, so I had to find something else to do. A friend introduced me to boxing and I stuck with it. I eventually got my grades back up and made high honor roll."
Herring also developed into an Olympic boxer, mostly while he was serving nine years in the U.S. Marines, and even when he was deployed twice in Iraq. He compiled an 81-15 amateur record, including top honors at the 2011 & 2012 Armed Forces Championships, 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials and 2012 US Nationals gold medalist, along with a silver medal at the 2010 World Military Games. He was the first active duty U.S. Marine to qualify for the US Boxing Team since 1992, as well as the first U.S. Marine to compete in the 2012 Olympics.
"I boxed a little during my second deployment during free time," he noted. "I came back from my second deployment toward the end of 2007 and began boxing for the Marine Corps in 2008. Most of my amateur career came under the Marine Corps. I learned a lot traveling with the Marine Corps. I got to see more styles and competed in national tournaments as a Marine. They also had the funding to send me."
The highlight of his amateur career was representing his country at the 2012 Olympics in London as captain of Team USA. Although he lost (19-9) in the opening round to two-time Kazakh boxer Daniyar Yeleussinov, who won gold at the 2013 World Championships and later at the 2016 Olympics, the opening Olympic ceremonies was the most memorable moment of his entire amateur boxing career for a special reason.
"That was the anniversary of my daughter's passing," Herring said. "It let me know that no matter what, you can still accomplish anything, even through ups and downs."
Other members of the 2012 USA Olympic Team Herring captained included present day pro champions Errol Spence, Jr. and Claressa Shields, former champion Rau'Shee Warren, and contenders Marcus Browne, Terrell Gausha, Michael Hunter and Dominic Breazeale.
Herring remains close to USA Boxing, saying: "USA Boxing helped me because of the relationships I created, many of which still remain today. I met other fighters from around the world that I kept good relationships with. It also helped me become more of the people-person I am today. Being team captain taught me patience, because I had to deal with a lot of personalities, I still use those traits today. And I'm still close to my Olympic teammates today."
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Fury to marinate Wilder rematch; MSG fight could be next |
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After dispatching Tom Schwarz in two rounds on Saturday in Las Vegas, former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wants another fight before a rematch of last year's draw vs. WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Fury said, "[Promoter] Bob [Arum] will tell you we have September 21st or October 5th, then next year, we are going to hold down Deontay Wilder to give me that green [WBC] belt. I think my next few fights are definitely going to be in America. I think the foreseeable future is in USA for sure.” Here are more key quotes from Fury and Arum during the post-fight press conference:
TYSON FURY
"I want to thank the Lord and Jesus Christ for giving me the victory tonight. Second of all thank you America. The key (to victory) was to enjoy myself. I used the jab. I was slipping and sliding with my hands down, shifted to southpaw and caught him with a straight left. It was a good shot that would have put anybody away.”
“I put on an extra 12 pounds. I really feel it. This time I had a few malts out of the ring. The Mac is back. The lineal champion is back.”
“I came here to put on a show for Las Vegas and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. I want to thank Bob Arum, Top Rank and ESPN for putting on a great show. What's next? Bob will tell you we have September 21st or October 5th, then next year, we are going to hold down Deontay Wilder to give me that green [WBC] belt.”
“Apart from my first year (as a pro), this is Tyson Fury at his most active. I’ve finally got an opportunity to do that.”
“I think my next few fights are definitely going to be in America. I think the foreseeable future is in USA for sure.”
“I thought to myself, ‘no one’s done this before’ (speaking of his Rocky IV-esque ring entrance) so I wanted to put on a statement and put on a show. I didn’t come here to just be deadly serious and have a fight with somebody because nobody’s really interested in that. It’s the character, it’s things people don’t do. I don’t take myself that seriously as you can tell. I’m just a chubby guy who comes in to have fun and relax. It’s fun and games in there for me. I enjoyed the ring walk. I enjoyed the build-up. I enjoyed the whole fight week and I enjoyed the fight. Like Ben (my trainer) said, it wasn’t picture perfect. Although I enjoyed the fight, I still got hit with one punch, which is one too many. I’m just going to get back in the gym on Tuesday, so no time off.”
“The Deontay Wilder fight is coming. There were three bosses in the heavyweight division, and then there was two (referring to Anthony Joshua’s loss on June 1st) and I already beat him once. I’ll beat him again and again and again and he ain’t going to fight fifty-percent Tyson Fury anymore. I think my style is kryptonite for anybody.”
“I think it’s (the Wilder rematch) is the biggest fight in boxing. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury rematch is the biggest fight in what I’ve seen in years. Two unbeaten heavyweights, lineal champion and WBC champion, fighting in their prime. It doesn’t get any bigger than this. The heavyweight division is back. It’s on fire.”
BOB ARUM
“There is no heavyweight in the world that can beat Fury now that he is in shape. Deontay Wilder is not going five rounds with him. We will have another fight then we will fight Wilder. Nothing is signed. They both want to fight. There are two networks and it's 50/50. It's easy to do. You've got my word that it's going to happen, first quarter of next year right here (in Las Vegas).
“[Fury’s next fight will be] first week in October in New York at the Garden. We haven't talked about who it [the next opponent] is going to be yet. I think he is going to come back bigger and better than ever, well maybe not bigger. Fury took off 144 pounds to prepare for Wilder the first time around. I don't care who you are, that's not good.”
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Fury to marinate Wilder rematch; MSG fight could be next
After dispatching Tom Schwarz in two rounds on Saturday in Las Vegas, former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wants another fight before a rematch of last year's draw vs. WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Fury said, "[Promoter] Bob [Arum] will tell you we have September 21st or October 5th, then next year, we are going to hold down Deontay Wilder to give me that green [WBC] belt. I think my next few fights are definitely going to be in America. I think the foreseeable future is in USA for sure.” Here are more key quotes from Fury and Arum during the post-fight press conference:
TYSON FURY
"I want to thank the Lord and Jesus Christ for giving me the victory tonight. Second of all thank you America. The key (to victory) was to enjoy myself. I used the jab. I was slipping and sliding with my hands down, shifted to southpaw and caught him with a straight left. It was a good shot that would have put anybody away.”
“I put on an extra 12 pounds. I really feel it. This time I had a few malts out of the ring. The Mac is back. The lineal champion is back.”
“I came here to put on a show for Las Vegas and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. I want to thank Bob Arum, Top Rank and ESPN for putting on a great show. What's next? Bob will tell you we have September 21st or October 5th, then next year, we are going to hold down Deontay Wilder to give me that green [WBC] belt.”
“Apart from my first year (as a pro), this is Tyson Fury at his most active. I’ve finally got an opportunity to do that.”
“I think my next few fights are definitely going to be in America. I think the foreseeable future is in USA for sure.”
“I thought to myself, ‘no one’s done this before’ (speaking of his Rocky IV-esque ring entrance) so I wanted to put on a statement and put on a show. I didn’t come here to just be deadly serious and have a fight with somebody because nobody’s really interested in that. It’s the character, it’s things people don’t do. I don’t take myself that seriously as you can tell. I’m just a chubby guy who comes in to have fun and relax. It’s fun and games in there for me. I enjoyed the ring walk. I enjoyed the build-up. I enjoyed the whole fight week and I enjoyed the fight. Like Ben (my trainer) said, it wasn’t picture perfect. Although I enjoyed the fight, I still got hit with one punch, which is one too many. I’m just going to get back in the gym on Tuesday, so no time off.”
“The Deontay Wilder fight is coming. There were three bosses in the heavyweight division, and then there was two (referring to Anthony Joshua’s loss on June 1st) and I already beat him once. I’ll beat him again and again and again and he ain’t going to fight fifty-percent Tyson Fury anymore. I think my style is kryptonite for anybody.”
“I think it’s (the Wilder rematch) is the biggest fight in boxing. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury rematch is the biggest fight in what I’ve seen in years. Two unbeaten heavyweights, lineal champion and WBC champion, fighting in their prime. It doesn’t get any bigger than this. The heavyweight division is back. It’s on fire.”
BOB ARUM
“There is no heavyweight in the world that can beat Fury now that he is in shape. Deontay Wilder is not going five rounds with him. We will have another fight then we will fight Wilder. Nothing is signed. They both want to fight. There are two networks and it's 50/50. It's easy to do. You've got my word that it's going to happen, first quarter of next year right here (in Las Vegas).
“[Fury’s next fight will be] first week in October in New York at the Garden. We haven't talked about who it [the next opponent] is going to be yet. I think he is going to come back bigger and better than ever, well maybe not bigger. Fury took off 144 pounds to prepare for Wilder the first time around. I don't care who you are, that's not good.”
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