All posts by FNU47

boxing, Showtime Boxing

Stiverne vs. Wilder: Press Conference Highlights – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

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Watch the best moments of the intense press conference featuring Heavyweight World Champion Bermane Stiverne and unbeaten challenger Deontay Wilder. And Do. Not. Miss the U.S.’s most anticipated heavyweight fight in nearly a decade, tonight, Saturday, January 17 at 10p ET/7p PT live on SHOWTIME.

boxing, Fight Network

Sugar Ray Robinson-Tiger Jones this Sunday on Fight Network

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THIS SUNDAY AT 8 P.M. ET

60 Anniversary Fight

Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Tiger Jones On Fight Network USA
NEW YORK (Jan. 16, 2015) – American boxing fans will have the rare opportunity this Sunday evening (Jan. 18, 8-9 p.m. ET) to watch arguably the greatest boxer of all-time, legendary “Sugar” Ray Robinson, in action against Ralph “Tiger” Jones, on Fight Network USA’s Ultimate Classic Boxing series.

 

Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes throughout America, and streaming live on website KlowdTV.com.

 

Jones shocked Robinson in this fight, held January 19, 1955 in Chicao, by way of a one-sided 10-round decision (100-88, 99-94, 98-89).

 

Also airing this Sunday evening on Fight Network, starting at 11:00 p.m. ET onBanner: Best of the Decade is undefeated WBA and WBO super featherweight champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas (32-0) successfully defending his world title belts March 15, 2003 against challenger Juan Carlos “El Ranchero” Ramirez (29-4) with a fourth-round technical knockout at UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

 

This Sunday night’s boxing on Fight Network starts at 7:30 p.m. ET with KOTV Boxing Weekly, which covers all the latest news in professional boxing, features full recent fights and highlights. Sandwiched between Robinson vs. Jones and Freitas vs. Ramirez from 9:00 p.m. ET-11:00 p.m. ET is a replay of the European super featherweight title fight between Devis “Boom Boom” Boschiero (32-1-1) and Samir Kasmi (15-9-1) from March 23, 2013 in Veneto, Italy.

 

Demand Fight Network if your cable or satellite provider doesn’t offer it!
boxing, Golden Boy Promotions

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TEAMS UP WITH EYE OF THE TIGER MANAGEMENT AND SIGNS DEAL WITH DAVID LEMIEUX

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LOS ANGELES (Jan. 16) – Golden Boy Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management have joined together as Canadian fan favorite and tour de force David Lemieux  has signed an exclusive promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions.  After his explosive headlining debut in the U.S. at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on Dec. 6, the beloved Montreal native not only retained his NABF middleweight title, but proved to critics that he is a powerful force in the 160 pound class.

 

Lemieux impressed as he knocked down Gabriel “King” Rosado in the third round and won by technical knockout in the tenth round when the medical examiner stopped the fight due to Rosado’s terribly swollen left eye.  ESPN’s Dan Rafael said “there is no doubt that David belongs to the elite, he has a couple of losses but many others after losses have had great careers such as Wladimir Klitschko. He has a lot of potential.”

 

Lemieux’s previous bout against Fernando Guerrero for the then vacant NABF middleweight title resulted in a dominating win for Lemieux, knocking down Guerrero in the first round, second round, third round and finally a technical knockout in the fourth round. Now Lemieux is certainly seen as a serious contender for a world title and for 2015 bouts against the elite of the division.

 

Currently ranked second by the WBC, fifth by the IBF and third by the WBO, Lemieux is coming off of his eighth consecutive win and seventh consecutive knockout.

 

“David Lemieux is the ideal Golden Boy fighter — a power puncher who is exciting for fans to watch and willing to take on anyone in the division,” said Golden Boy Promotions Founder and President Oscar De La Hoya. “As the calendar turns to 2015 and Golden Boy further focuses on delivering the fights that fans want to see, David Lemieux will fit right in with our stable of new fighters.”

 

“David has shown us that he is ready for the elite of the division and I believe that with Golden Boy we will be placed in opportunities against these fighters,” said Camille Estephan President of Eye of The Tiger Management. “We will have very exciting news for David’s fans and boxing fans around the world.”

 

“I am very pleased and excited with my association with Golden Boy Promotions,” said David Lemieux. “I am ready to face the best and this is the mission that I give to Camille Estephan at Eye of the Tiger Management and Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez at Golden Boy Promotions.”

 

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.eottm.com follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @EOTMVD, @lemieuxboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/EyeoftheTigerManagement or follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya.
boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Monroe Jr. – Vera weigh in video plus interviews

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For Immediate Release
Verona, NU (January 16, 2015)–Below is the video from Thursday’s weigh in for the NABA/NABO Middleweight title bout that will feature Willie Monroe Jr. and Bryan Vera.  Also included are pre fight interviews with Monroe Jr., Vera, Petr Petrov and Hank Lundy.
(NOTE–The Petrov – Lundy bout has been cancelled due to Lundy’s failure to weigh in at the 135 pound limit.
The show begins live on ESPN 2 at 9 PM ET.
Media outlets may copy/paste the embedded codes on their websites.
Monroe Vera Weigh in 011515
Monroe Vera Weigh in 011515
Bryan Vera 011515
Bryan Vera 011515
Willie Monroe Jr. 011515
Willie Monroe Jr. 011515
Petr Petrov 011515
Petr Petrov 011515
Hank Lundy 011515
Hank Lundy 011515

Host of the January 16th bouts, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for professional sporting events, including nationally-televised boxing matches and PGA-level golf. The January 16th fight will mark Turning Stone’s 13th nationally televised boxing event in less than two years, helping establish the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have promoted televised fight cards at the resort within the last year and Turning Stone has hosted televised boxing events on ESPN, Showtime, HBO, and NBC in the last two years. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, prestigious restaurants, luxury spa facilities, and award-winning accommodations.Tickets for the January 16th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, in person or by calling 315.361.7469, or online at Ticketmaster. Tickets are $60 for ringside seats, $35, $25, and are subject to additional fees. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The live ESPN telecast starts at 9pm.

Professional media requesting credentials for the January 16 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Public Relations Manager at 315.366.9291 orkelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

About Turning Stone Resort CasinoA premier four-season, destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33. Turning Stone was named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. The resort offers world-class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations and spa facilities, and has earned AAA Four Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the web site at www.TurningStone.com..
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

RUMFORD WRESTLING ROYALTY SET TO SCUFFLE AT “NEF XVI”

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New Blood

Lewiston, Maine (January 16, 2015) –New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of three more bouts to the fight card including a professional heavyweight bout between Mike “Dragon Foot” Hansen (1-1) and Artie “The Fearless One” Mullen (1-13); an amateur heavyweight bout between Ryan Glover (0-0) and Jason Field (0-0); and an amateur featherweight bout between Jimmy Jackson (1-2) and Kris Welch (0-0).  Hansen, Glover and Welch are all former wrestling champions from Mountain Valley High School located in Rumford, Maine.

 

Mike Hansen won a state championship as a heavyweight wrestler for Mountain Valley in 2004. After graduating high school that same year, Hansen began training and competing in the sport of mixed martial arts. Hansen made his successful MMA debut in 2005 when he defeated Eric Brown (5-7) via submission in the first round. Shortly thereafter, Hansen enlisted in the Army where he served as a Combat Engineer. Now retired from the Army, Hansen, who recently signed a long-term contract with NEF MMA, is excited to return to his competitive roots in the NEF cage on February 7thand to represent his hometown.

 

“Rumford-Mexico, especially MVHS [Mountain Valley High School], and Dixfield—we’re all a proud, hardworking breed of people. It is my responsibility and others to go out and show what we are capable of,” said Hansen when reached for comment. “Be true to our region. We are an athletic community and always have been. I will show up [on February 7th] and do my best and I will win.

 

“Wrestling has played a huge role in my fighting career, but even more so was wrestling here in Rumford, Maine. My first wrestling coach was Jamie Dolloff, then Jason Dolloff, then Gary Dolloff—notice a pattern? I owe a lot to these guys and so doesn’t the area. Wrestling for the Dolloff’s created a foundation for fighting and life. Without wrestling, there is no way I would be where I am or have done the things I’ve done.

 

“Fighting next to local boys always gets me excited. Knowing that MVHS will have some state champions in the cage that night is awesome.”

 

Kris Welch won back-to-back state championships for Mountain Valley in 2000 and 2001 and amassed a high school career record of 120-17. Now, Welch is focused on making his MMA debut and representing his community in combat sports.

 

“I want to put on a good show for my town, family, and friends,” said Welch when reached for comment. “We have a great community here in Rumford-Mexico and they do a great job supporting local fighters. Having a solid wrestling background will play a key role in my transition to MMA. Taking your opponent down is a big part of this sport. It feels great to compete on the same card as Ryan Glover and Mike Hansen and getting a chance to work with these guys has been great. This area has a lot of unseen talent that will be delivered to the cage on February 7th.”

 

Ryan Glover was a state runner-up in wrestling in 2010 before winning a state championship as a heavyweight in 2011 for Mountain Valley High School, where he was also a standout football player and named the “2010 Sun Journal Football Player of the Year.” The two-sport state champion athlete has now turned his attention toward the sport of MMA and plans on making a name for himself in NEF.

 

“[Fighting for NEF] is a great opportunity and I’m hoping it opens some eyes and brings more fighters to the area to train with us,” stated Glover when reached for comment. “My wrestling background has helped me with my ground game and left me more time to brush-up on my boxing.”

 

“Our Matchmaker, Matt Peterson, attends wrestling tournaments across Maine and New England on a regular basis scouting for new talent,” stated NEF promoter and co-owner Nick DiSalvo. “We’re proud to feature such a compelling set of matchups between some familiar faces and new names to NEF and are confident these bouts will deliver extreme excitement.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVI,” takes place on February 7, 2015with an all-star lineup of fights scheduled.  Ray “All Business” Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (16-9).  NFL and UFC The Ultimate Fighter veteran Tyler King (7-2) puts the NEF MMA Heavyweight Title on the line against Terry “The Polar Bear” Blackburn (5-2).  In the feature bout of the evening, UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce veteran Nah-Shon Burrell (10-5) makes his NEF MMA debut against Ryan Hodge (6-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing

“BIG” DAVE ABRAHAM SIGNS WITH GOODWIN AND HEADS TO VEGAS

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28-year-old Heavyweight “Big” Dave Abraham from Watford is the latest prospect to ink a three year deal with Steve Goodwin.

 

Abraham spent some of 2014 working as a sparring partner with current World Heavyweight Champion Bermaine Stiverne and this week went off to Las Vegas as Bermaine’s guest to see his friend defend his world title against Deontay Wilder this weekend.

 

“It is a dream for me one day to fight in Vegas rather than just watching” said Abraham before his departure this week.”

 

I met Steve in the latter part of 2014 and then met several other interested parties. However it was an easy decision to make once I had met everyone and I am confident Steve is the best man to guide my career.”

 

Abraham will make his debut on the Olivia Goodwin promoted “Best of Enemies” card at York Hall on 21st March and wants to keep very active in 2015. “I am still young for a Heavyweight and have plenty to learn but ring experience is crucial and Steve will provide plenty of that for me.”

 

Steve Goodwin finished by saying “We are delighted to have signed Dave. Heavyweight boxing is a very exciting division and we are looking forward to navigating Dave through to hopefully some major titles.”

 

Watch Dave’s interview here:

boxing

Heavyweight contender Travis Kauffman on the mend and looking to shake up the division

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Reading, PA (January 15, 2015)–On the eve of one of the biggest Heavyweight title fights to take place in the United States in years,

Heavyweight contender Travis “My Time” Kauffman (28-1, 20 KO’s) is close to being ready for action following knee surgery and the former amateur standout is ready for a big run at the elite Heavyweights in the world.

“I can not wait to get back in the ring,” said Kauffman

Kauffman, who has won 9 straight bouts and has been off for a year as he injured his knee in the spring and had the surgery.

“I see that there is a lot of action now here in the states.  There is Deontay Wilder who is fighting for the title on Saturday and there has been a lot of rumblings about Bryant Jennings challenging Wladimir Klitschko in April.  When I get back it will be “My Time” and I am looking to fight the best out there.  I will be very prepared as I have what I believe is the strongest team in the division which is my father Marshall Kauffman, Naazim Richardson and my manager Al Haymon.”
Bellator, mixed martial arts

NO MORE WEIGHTING: Official “Bellator: Pitbull vs. Straus” Weigh-In Results From Pechanga Resort & Casino 

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132 header

Follow us on Twitter Easy Tweet: All fighters make weight for #BellatorMMA: @PatricioPitbull vs. @DanielStraus

! Make sure to watch LIVE and FREE on @SpikeTV
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (January 15, 2015) – Its game time! Bellator athletes participating in tomorrows nights highly anticipated “Bellator: Pitbull vs. Straus” took to the scales and all made weight today at the Cabaret Theater inside Pechanga Resort & Casino.
“Bellator: Pitbull vs. Straus” will take place from Pechanga Resort & Casino with the first fight taking place at 4 p.m. PT and streaming LIVE on Spike.com. The televised portion of the night will air LIVE and FREE on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET.
“I am all there mentally and I’ve been there for the past eight weeks and beyond that. I couldn’t be more ready for tomorrow.” – Daniel Straus
 
“You want to know something, I am going to raise the level of competition here and no one is going to be able to beat me in this sport. Tomorrow Straus is going to have a problem.” – Patricio Pitbull 

Featherweight Champion Patricio Pitbull (144.3) vs. Daniel Straus (143.4)

 

Bubba Jenkins (145.9) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (145.8)

Virgil Zwicker (206) vs. Houston Alexander (203.4) 

 Fernando Gonzalez (171) vs. Marius Zaromskis (169.4)

Dustin Jacoby (185.5) vs. John Salter (185.8)

Everett Cummings (232) vs. Jason Glaza (237.3) 

Jonathan Rivera (155.7) vs.Steve Kozola (155.5)

Derek Anderson (156) vs. Danny Navarro (155.4)

Fabian Gonzalez (135.4) vs. Albert Morales (134.6)

Luc Bondole (185) vs. Chris Herrera (184.6)

 

Bellator 132: Friday, Jan. 16, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, Calif..

 

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Featherweight Title Fight: Champ Patricio Pitbull (22-2) vs. Daniel Straus (23-5)

Featherweight Feature Fight: Bubba Jenkins (8-1) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (23-4-1)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Virgil Zwicker (12-4-1) vs. Houston Alexander (16-10-1)

Welterweight Feature Fight: Fernando Gonzalez (22-13) vs. Marius Zaromskis (20-8)

Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET)

 

Middleweight Prelim Fight: Dustin Jacoby (10-4) vs. John Salter (10-3)

Catchweight (239 pounds) Prelim Fight: Everett Cummings (8-0) vs. Jason Glaza (2-1)

Lightweight Prelim Fight: Jonathan Rivera (4-0) vs.Steve Kozola (4-0)

Lightweight Prelim Fight: Derek Anderson (11-1) vs. Danny Navarro (12-4)

Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Fabian Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Albert Morales (0-0)

Middleweight Prelim Fight: Luc Bondole (4-0-1) vs. Chris Herrera (2-1)

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

 

boxing

Chazz Witherspoon to battle Cory Phelps on Saturday, January 24 in Pennsauken, NJ

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Plus Harry Joe Yorgey, and undefeated Malik Hawkins, Courtney Blocker, Nick Valliere, Paul Koon and Matthew Gonzalez
Pennsauken, NJ (January 15, 2015)--On Saturday night, January 24 at the GPG Event Center (Formerly the Woodbine Inn) in Pennsauken, New Jersey, the inaugural boxing will take place with local favorite as Heavyweight contender Chazz Witherspoon will take on Cory Phelps in a bout scheduled for 10-rounds.
The show is promoted by Witherspoon’s Silver Spoon Promotions.
Witherspoon (31-3, 23 KO’s) of nearby Paulsboro, New Jersey established himself as one of the top American Heavyweights as the St. Joseph’s University graduate won his first twenty-three bouts with wins over the likes of Michael Alexander (11-0), Talmadge Griffis (24-6-3), Jonathan Haggler (18-1) before suffering his 1st defeat to future two-time world title challenger Chris Arreola via controversial disqualification.
Witherspoon went on to win three win a row which was highlighted by an entertaining 8th round stoppage over Adam “The Swamp Donkey” Richards (21-1). That fight was voted Ring Magazine’s 2008 Heavyweight Fight of the Year. Witherspoon then dropped a fight to future two-time world title challenger Tony Thompson.

Witherspoon went on to score 4-consecutive knockouts which included a devastating 3rd-round destruction over Tyson Cobb (14-2).

Witherspoon then took on undefeated prospect Seth Mitchell on April 28, 2012 in a bout where Witherspoon had Mitchell badly hurt in several occasions before Mitchell came away with the victory.
In Witherspoon’s last bout, he score an exciting 8th round stoppage over Tyabb Beale on July 12 in West Deptford, New Jersey.
Phelps of Catlettsburg, KY has a record of 16-7-1 with 8-knockouts.
The 30-year old is a 10-year pro and captured the ABA Cruiserweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Jason Williams (9-2) in 2014 and has a draw with former world title challenger Bobby Gunn (18-3).
Phelps has fought the likes of Joe Rea (3-0), Donovan George (13-0-1), Alexander Frenkel (14-0), Tommy Karpencey (15-1-1), Dewey Cooper (17-3-3) and is comong of a loss to former Heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs (55-6-1) on August 23 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Harry Joe Yorgey (27-2-2, 12 KO’s) of Bridgeport, PA will take part 10-round WBU Middleweight bout against an opponent to be named
In four round bouts:
Nick Valliere (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Forked River, NJ will fight pro debuting Francisco Cruz of Philadelphia in a Welterweight bout.
Erik Spring (4-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA will see action in a Jr. Middleweight bout.
Clarence Joseph (4-0, 2 KO’s)  of Oklahoma will make his pro debut in a Super Middleweight fight.
Malik Hawkins (1-0, 1 KO) of Baltimore will take part in a Welterweight bout againstJosue Rivera (2-6, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA
Courtney Blocker (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Pensacola, FL will fight in a Jr. Welterweight bout against Domonic Goode (0-3) of Bridgeton, NJ
Matthew Gonzalez (1-0) of Vineland, NJ will fight  Emmanuel Lipscomb of Philadelphia in a Middleweight bout.
Paul Koon (2-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will fight Schyuler Marshall (1-5) of South Carolina in a Heavyweight out.
Vidal Rivera of Camden, NJ will make his pro debut in a Super Bantamweight bout.
Tickets for the great evening of championship boxing $100 for Platinum Ringside (limited amount available); $75 for Gold Select seating (limited amount available)and $50 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling 856 472 0443.
Bouts subject to change
There will be an after party at the GPG Event Center.
The GPG Event Center is located at 1444 Route 73 in Pennsauken.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

THE WAR OF WORDS CONTINUES: BERMANE STIVERNE VS. DEONTAY WILDER FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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“There’s something about Deontay….I’m gonna keep his record clean, because he isn’t getting past four rounds.” 

— Bermane Stiverne

 

“You are all in for a treat. I’ve never been so ready to whoop a man. I don’t play games. It doesn’t get any realer than this.” 

— Deontay Wilder

 

THIS SATURDAY, JAN. 17, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

FROM MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, NEV.

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Tickets Still on Sale!!!

 

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 15, 2015) – There is no love lost between WBC Heavyweight World ChampionBermane “B. Ware” Stiverne and unbeaten No. 1 contender Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, who didn’t mince words while participating in often tense, trash-talking-filled volatile final press conference Thursday for the “Return to Glory: Bermane Stiverne vs. Deontay Wilder” fight card taking place this Saturday, Jan. 17, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

The hard-hitting Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, defends his title against the unbeaten knockout specialist Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala.,- in two days, but if they had their way they’d fight tonight.

 

The event is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions and will featurecrowd-pleasing WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz (28-0-1, 16 KOs) putting his title and unbeaten record on the line in a 12-round bout against Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz (33-5-5, 22 KOs).

 

Promising world-ranked undefeated junior welterweight Amir “Young Master” Imam (15-0, 13 KOs) will face hard-hitting Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. (19-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the WBC Continental America’s 140-pound title that will open the SHOWTIME telecast.

 

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

 

Below is what the fighters, promoters and trainers had to say today at the David Copperfield Theatre:

 

BERMANE STIVERNE, WBC Heavyweight Champion

 

“It’s going to be a real fight, a fight like you’ve never seen before. I’m no cab driver, I’m no one-hit wonder, this is the real deal. This belt here isn’t going anywhere. This green belt is staying right here in this green hotel.

 

“Everyone who has supported me, you won’t be disappointed. I’ve seen plenty of guys like Wilder, even guys who talk more than him.

 

“I don’t worry about how I go in the ring, I worry about how I get out of the ring.

 

“There’s something about Deontay ….I’m gonna keep his record clean, because he isn’t getting past four rounds.

 

“This is a real fight and this belt is staying right here in my home town. You’re going to get hurt, the worst thing you did was have me take you seriously, and I’m taking you seriously.

 

“This is going to be a terrific fight. After this fight you will never ever hear about Deontay Wilder.”

 

DEONTAY WILDER, Unbeaten No. 1 WBC Mandatory Contender

 

“You are all in for a treat. I’ve never been so ready to whoop a man. There’s been a lot of talk, a lot of stuff on social media. But through all that, it’s been real. I don’t play games. It doesn’t get any realer than this. We risk our lives every time in that ring.

 

“If you only knew the whooping I’m going to put on this boy, you all want the first American champ, but this is for me. I am not scared to walk with my head held high because I am ready for any test.

 

“This is the most exciting heavyweight bout in years. This is the awakening of the heavyweight division and there’s nowhere else to have it than at MGM Grand.

 

“This is the number one spot to have boxing and I’ve just been waiting for this for so long. The training, the heartache, the pain and the suffering has been a long journey.

 

“Many people wrote me off early in my career. People say I’m not supposed to be here. People still write me off and I thank them for that. Because when they write me off I still go to another level and push forward.

 

“People don’t know what it took me to get here. Nothing has been given to me and I appreciate every little thing I have. This made me who I am in life.

 

“I knew it was going to take hard work to get that belt and I’m ready for that test. This is my time; I don’t think my opponent understands purpose because this is my time.

 

“When I do the unexpected, I don’t want you all to degrade this man, Stiverne. I don’t want anyone to make excuses for my victory. Stick by your word. Let this be a test for me and watch me pass my test. I guarantee I will do it.

 

“I know everyone has been speaking for you, Bermane, but they can’t fight for you. They can only make it worse for you. They have made it worse for you. You don’t understand what type of man you’re about to get in the ring with.

 

“You’ve only been champion for a short period of time but you walk around like it’s been a long time. You’re only a tourist to that belt.”

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion

 

“I’m 100 percent ready. I’ve been training for this fight like all of my fights. I’ve been training really hard.

 

“It’s not going to be an easy fight, he’s a tough fighter. A lot of guys have tried to take the belt away from me and none of them have. I know he’s hungry for the title but I’m not going to let that happen.

 

“I want my opponent to come ready and leave it all in the ring. I want to steal the show and be the fight of the night.”

 

JESUS RUIZ, Super Bantamweight Contender

 

“I want to thank everybody who helped me get this opportunity and I promise not to let you down.

 

“There’s a lot of naysayers out there and a lot of people who don’t know anything about me. ComeSaturday I’ll have to show the world who I am. I’m not here to collect a paycheck or take a dive, I’m here to win a world title. I’m going to give everything I have on Saturday to bring that title back to Mexico.

 

“I’m expecting Leo Santa Cruz to come here in great shape because this is going to be a great fight. I’m going to lay it all out on the line and I promise to bring that title back to Mexico.”

 

AMIR IMAM, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender

 

“I’m ready to put on a show for you all. I want to thank my whole team. I don’t think you know what you got yourself into, Fidel. You’re going to be the one laying on the mat come Saturday night. You’re scared and I can see it in your face.”

 

FIDEL MALDONADO, JR., Super Lightweight Contender

 

“I know I’m not underestimating this fight but come Saturday we’ll see how it is when he’s out on the floor.”

 

 

 

DON KING, Hall Of Fame Promoter

 

“The fact of the matter is, the heavyweight title has not been the world championship. It’s been the German championship.

 

“Now, the heavyweight title is back here with Bermane Stiverne and it’s great to be able to present it in the world’s capital of boxing, Las Vegas. To be at the great MGM Grand is a delight.

 

“Deontay is a tremendous fighter with a perfect record of 32 fights and 32 knockouts. Bermane has 21 knockouts so it’s going to be a heck of a fight.

 

“We want the fans to know that we are bringing boxing back to the people. That’s what really counts. The enthusiasm and passion of a promotion leads to people asking ‘when is the next one?’ That’s what we’re aiming to do here.

 

“This is going to be a great fight so don’t blink. Don’t go up and get any water or anything because this fight is going to be super sensational.”

 

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall Of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner

 

“I’m proud that Don King has been a part of my history. What I constantly hear is, ‘is boxing in a good position?’ I feel like more businesspeople coming to boxing and making the best fights is great. Don King has laid the foundation for that. If we all think one way, we have to think about what is best for boxing.

 

“We know that the drought in the heavyweight division has gone on long enough and I believe that this Saturday, whoever wins this is going to be talked about. I don’t see this going 12 rounds. This is good for boxing.

 

“I’m here in Las Vegas, on my 50th birthday, I get to be here sharing it with Don King and all of you in this sport that I passionately love so much. This is about a sport that gave me a second chance in life. I put the challenge out to everyone in the sport, let’s do what is right for the people who buy our sport.

 

“I’m proud to sacrifice this time that I could be with my family to be here for this fight and be here for this sport that has done so much for me.”

ROBERT GASPARRI, COO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Golden Boy Promotions is thrilled to be promoting this great card alongside legendary boxing promoter Don King. On behalf of Oscar De La Hoya and everyone at Golden Boy Promotions, I would like to thank the MGM Grand, Corona, Mexico Tourism and all the fighters that are working extremely hard to make this a successful event.

“Golden Boy wants to make the best matches and work with all the promoters, and Saturday night is no exception. This is a heavyweight title fight in America with the potential of having the first American heavyweight champion in a decade.”

RICHARD STURM, President and COO MGM Resorts Entertainment and Sports

 

“The 2015 Las Vegas boxing calendar kicks off Saturday night with the most anticipated heavyweight fight in the United States in a decade. We are confident that the sports fans watching will enjoy this fight card.”

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive General Manager and Vice President, SHOWTIME Sports

 

“I can’t think of a better fight to kick off this year than Stiverne vs. Wilder.  It’s the most significant heavyweight fight in the U.S. in at least a decade. It’s the biggest heavyweight title fight here at the MGM Grand since Tyson-Holyfield II in 1997.

 

“When we talk about a Return to Glory, there’s no more history than here at the MGM and in the heavyweight division.

 

“We’re very proud to have this fight on SHOWTIME and we’re very proud to be in business with these two young men. They’re both intelligent and articulate people who are great representatives for our sport. We’re proud to have these men on SHOWTIME and we’re proud to call them SHOWTIME fighters.

 

“This is a high quality card of boxing and a high quality card of young men, top to bottom.”

 

JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer and Manager

 

“This is going to be a tremendous fight. Not a lot of people think about Alabama and boxing, but if you know boxing you know that Joe Louis was born in Alabama, Evander Holyfield was born in Alabama, Ernie Shavers was born in Alabama. Those guys left Alabama to get their careers going, but Deontay stayed and he’s looking to bring Alabama to the party come Saturday night.

 

“We know Stiverne is a great champion, we know he’s at his peak and we know that he’s at his best and that’s how it ought to be. It’s a great fight between two great heavyweights.”

 

STACY MCKINLEY, Imam’s Trainer

 

“Amir Imam is a young version of Bernard Hopkins. You have fighters out there throwing punchers like rock em’ sock em’ robots. I took a look at this kid Imam and I knew I had to go drop everything and train him.

 

“Imam trains every day, all he does is train. Even when he’s walking through the mall he’s shadow boxing. He wants to be one of the greatest that’s ever lived.

 

“This is a young man who has the skills of Ray Robinson, the defense of Joe Gans. He also has the skills of Harry Armstrong. You put that together and there’s nothing left, that’s how he became the ‘Young Master.’

 

“You’re looking at the future of boxing, he’s going to be the future face of boxing. Boxing needs a superstar. Imam can fight any style and that’s why he’s The Master.”

 

 

# # #

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

 

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