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Claressa Shields and Mary J Blige Appear as Superheroes in Commercial Aired During Sunday’s Oscars Broadcast

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WBC and IBF World Super Middleweight Champion, and two-time US Olympic gold-medal winner, Claressa Shields, appeared with music legend and fellow female superstar Mary J. Blige in a special 60-second short film that aired during Sunday’s worldwide  broadcast of the 90th Academy Awards.
Directed by Dee Rees and sponsored by Walmart, the film was inspired by Walmart delivery boxes and featured Shields and Blige as superheroes.

A world-famous singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress, Blige is a nine-time Grammy Award winner, a three-time Golden Globe nominee and the first woman to receive multiple Academy Award nominations in the same year (for Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song). She has sold 75 million records worldwide.
In addition to being the current unified WBC and IBF World Super Middleweight Champion, Flint, Michigan’s Shields won gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, becoming the first American boxer-female or male-to win consecutive medals. In just her first full year as a professional, Shields was named USA Today: Female Fighter of the Year, Yahoo Sports: Female Fighter of the Year, WBAN: Hottest Rising Star and WBAN: Most Inspirational.
Shields (5-0, 2 KOs) is currently hard at work, preparing for her next fight in April on SHOWTIME.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

  DEONTAY WILDER RETAINS WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WITH THRILLING 10 TH ROUND TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT OF LUIS ORTIZ SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME ® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

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Jose Uzcategui Stops Andre Dirrell to Become Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Champion in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
 
Don’t Miss The Replay Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME
Click HERE for Photos from SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Watch the Wilder KO : http://s.sho.com/2I0JWJB
BROOKLYN (March 4, 2018) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder retained his WBC title in his seventh defense with a tenth round knockout over unbeaten challenger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz in a thrilling back-and-forth SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event Saturday night from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs) not only survived the toughest test of his career but also finished the job in spectacular fashion by unleashing a ferocious 10th round assault on Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs). Wilder floored the Cuban challenger twice in the round, forcing referee David Fields to stop the fight at2:05 of the round. Watch the knockout video HERE.
Oritz looked like he would dethrone Wilder in the seventh round, countering with a strong right hand that hurt the WBC heavyweight champion. Ortiz unleashed a barrage of punches against a stunned Wilder, who somehow managed to stay on his feet to close the round before being saved by the bell. Ortiz continued his assault on Wilder into the eighth round, who again managed to make it through the round.
In the ninth round, Wilder began to rebound as he knocked Ortiz off-balance with a straight right hand. America’s only reigning heavyweight champion was firmly back in the fight as he landed a strong combination on Ortiz to close the round, completely changing the momentum of the fight.
Both fighters came out strong at the start of the tenth round, landing simultaneous blows that made each fighter temporarily wobbly. But it was Wilder who capitalized on the moment, as the Alabama-native pounced on Ortiz, sending his opponent to the canvas for the second time of the night with a flurry of overhand right hands. A dazed Ortiz returned to his feet, but was unable to withstand a follow-up assault from a confident Wilder, who landed an uppercut that sent Ortiz to the canvas for the third and final time.
Following his third successful title defense at Barclays Center, an emotional Wilder spoke to SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray about the most difficult fight of his career.
“A true champion always finds a way to come back and that’s what I did tonight,” said Wilder. “Luis Ortiz is definitely a crafty guy.  He put up a great fight. We knew we had to wear him down.  I showed everyone I can take a punch.
“He was hitting me with those furious punches but they didn’t have sting on them.  He was throwing combos that knocked me off balance. I just had to get my range back and my fundamentals back. And I was able to do that.  I showed I was a true champion tonight.”
A proud but disappointed Ortiz, who was on the brink of a sensational seventh round stoppage of Wilder before the bell rang, also spoke to Gray following the fight.
“It was a great fight and I performed well,” Ortiz said. “I thought I was up on the scorecard going into the tenth round, but it’s heavyweight boxing and you never know what’s going to happen.
“I almost had him and I think I would’ve if there were a few more seconds in the round.”
Wilder out landed Ortiz 98-87, although Ortiz held a slight advantage in landed power punches, 63-60.
In the co-featured event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Jose Uzcategui (27-2, 23 KOs) defeated Andre Dirrell  (26-3, 16 KOs) via TKO two seconds into round nine, upon the request of Dirrell’s trainer, Virgil Hunter. The win, which makes Uzcategui the interim IBF Super Middleweight World Champion, puts the hard-hitting Venezuelan in position to fight for the super middleweight title that Caleb Truax earned via a majority decision over James DeGale in December.
Saturday night’s fight was a rematch of the hotly contested May 2017 bout, in which Uzcategui was disqualified for landing a punch after the bell sounded to end the eighth round. In the rematch, Uzcategui dominated the action from start to finish, using his powerful right hand to set the stage for the withering assault which led to Dirrell’s corner stopping the fight two seconds into round nine. Uzcategui out landed Dirrell 169-141 in total punches, including a huge 112-51 discrepancy in power punches landed.
“I was a little surprised they stopped it in the ninth,” said Uzcategui. “I had said it would be the third round that I would knock him out.  It took a little longer, but it finally came.
“I think it was very clear in the first fight that I did my job. In the second fight I showed even more, so there’s going to be a lot of Uzcategui from now on.”
Dirrell, a native of Flint, Michigan, found Uzcategui’s length and aggression difficult to deal with.
“I’ve been in there with long fighters before, but he was especially long,” said Dirrell. “I think I was a little heavier than I wanted to be tonight, but that’s no excuse. Uzcategui did a great job.
“We knew we needed a knockout. The way it was going I needed to at least pick it up. I felt a little sluggish and he hit all the right shots. None of them really hurt, but he hit me where he was supposed to.”
In a world title fight featured on the undercard, Long Island’s Alicia Napoleon (9-1, 5 KOs) won the Vacant Women’s WBA Super Middleweight world title with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Femke Hermans (6-1, 3 KOs).
“It’s hard to find words to describe this right now,” said Napoleon. “It’s so surreal it’s almost like a dream. I’m just glad I did it. This is one down, but there’s many more to go. The goal is to get all the belts.”
Napoleon controlled the action with her power and superior athletic prowess and wobbled Hermans in the final round before earning the decision by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice.
“I think this means a lot for women’s boxing, not just that I won the belt, but where I was placed on this great card,” said Napoleon. “People are going to continue to see and hear more and more from women boxers.”
Saturday’s telecast will replay on, Sunday, March 4 at 8 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday, March 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. This event was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions.
# # #
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

DEONTAY WILDER vs. LUIS ORTIZ FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

WBC Heavyweight World Championship

 

 

 

Deontay Wilder – 214 ¾ pounds

 

 

 

Luis Ortiz – 241 ¼ pounds

 

 

 

Referee: David Fields; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.), Carlos Ortiz (N.Y.)

Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship

 

 

Andre Dirrell – 167 ¾ pounds

 

 

Jose Uzcategui – 166 pounds

 

 

Referee: Ricky Gonzalez; Judges: Bernard Bruni (Penn.), Tony Paolillo (N.Y.), Robin Taylor (N.Y.)

FLASH QUOTES

DEONTAY WILDER:

“I’m going to let the world know that the weight don’t mean a thing; it’s all mental at the end of the day. Like I’ve said, I’d rather be the part than look the part. I’ve said many a time that I put these guys on their ass, and that’s what I come to do Saturday night. Over and over again all my guys have out-weighed me. So that’s nothing compared to where I came from, and nothing compared to where I’m going come Saturday night. You’re all in for a treat and I can’t wait.

 

“On paper he’s looked good against the opposition he’s faced, but he’s never faced a Bronze Bomber; he’s never faced a guy who has more killer instinct than him. He’s never faced a guy who wants to just rip his head off, and I do mean rip his head off!

 

“I am the best and I’m ready to show on Saturday night that I’m the best in the world.”

 

LUIS ORTIZ:

 

 

“Our training camp was prepared for whatever Deontay Wilder was going to bring into the ring, whether it was a runner, or a puncher – whatever he wants to do we have trained for it so there’s no problem.

 

 

“You have to adapt and make changes come fight night, and I’m prepared to do that and I’m experienced to do that. I’ve been waiting my whole career to do this as a pro and as an amateur this is something I never dreamed I would do, and I’m not losing tomorrow.“

 

 

ANDRE DIRRELL:

 

 

“I just saw a piece of meat, and I’m hungry.

 

 

“The IBF demanded this. There were two wrongs from the last fight and I was hit after the bell, and he was hit after the bell. The IBF wanted to right that wrong and this is the only way to do so. He deserves this shot and I deserve this shot. It’s going to be a better fight this time around.

 

 

“It’s all about what [new trainer] Virgil [Hunter] has done with my mind. The ability is there, as we all know. We’ve perfected that. And we’ve changed the mind this time, as well.

 

 

“We all know that Jose Uzcategui is a fighter in full; that boy can throw, but that’s just not going to be enough come fight night.”

 

 

JOSE UZCATEGUI:

 

 

“The ref will not have to intervene; I’ll knock him out quicker this time.”

 

 

“Maybe if Virgil Hunter gets in the ring too because that’s the only way they’re going to win is if the corner gets in the rings. Because that’s the only way they will get the win.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

 

follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bellator, boxing, HBO Boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Boxing Deaths, Jon Jones Gets Fined, Event Previews and Recaps

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This week’s FNU Combat Sports Show features some discussions on the latest deaths in boxing, Jon Jones getting a $205k fine and upcoming and past combat sports events. We preview Bellator and UFC events coming up this weekend while looking back at the UFC Fight Night last week that saw Jeremy Stephens put himself in title contention with a vicious KO of Josh Emmett. For Boxing we have some huge fights with the biggest one featuring Luis Ortiz and Deontay Wilder squaring off with undefeated records and heavyweight titles on the line. Listen to the full broadcast by following the link below:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ji25y58hykqgxwv/March12018show.mp3?dl=0

 

 

 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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“I’ve always said I was the best and this is my chance
 to prove it,” – Wilder
 
“I looked into his eyes and I knew that I’m not going to lose
 this opportunity,” – Ortiz
(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)
 
Heavyweight Title Showdown Headlines Action This Saturday,
March 3 Live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (March 1, 2018) – Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten contender Luis Ortiz exchanged words and went face to face at the final press conference in Manhattan Thursday ahead of their main event showdown this Saturday, March 3 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Also participating in Thursday’s press conference and opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui, who meet in a rematch of their May 2017 matchup on SHOWTIME as they fight for an interim 168-pound world title in the co-feature.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“The reason I wanted this fight is not only do I think Ortiz is one of the best technical fighters in the division, but he’s the boogeyman that everyone is running from. Champions have avoided him and I’ve always said I was the best and this is my chance to prove it.
“This result isn’t up to anyone but myself. Every time I get under the bright lights, I give the fans what they want to see. This is the best versus the best and that’s what boxing deserves.
“I had all the excuses in the world to run away from this fight after he failed the test. There are a lot of good, up-and-coming heavyweights out there, but I wasn’t interested in them. This fight is how I prove that I’m the baddest man on the planet.
“On March 3, with all the personal things put aside, it’s going to be an honor to fight Luis Ortiz, man to man and father to father. I know that family is his motivation, just like it is for me, and that’s why I blessed him with this opportunity.
“The exciting thing about Saturday night is for everyone to see what I’m capable of doing. Luis Ortiz is determined to get my WBC belt. This is my seventh defense of my title and I’ve enjoyed every one. It’s a lot of responsibility and I take it seriously. You’ll all see on Saturday night why I’ve said the things I’ve said.
“Everyone knows what I’m expecting Saturday night. I can’t say it enough. I have knocked every opponent out for a reason. I plan on continuing my knockout streak. That’s what I do and that’s what I’m best at.
“This is the best fight right here in boxing that can be made. It doesn’t get any better than this on Saturday night. You have to be here in person, because you won’t want to miss anything. You never know what you’ll see, but Saturday night will be bombs away.”
LUIS ORTIZ
“I never say anything bad about fighters because inside the ring, anything can happen. I respect everyone who steps into the ring. This is my opportunity. This is my time. Deontay is a great champion but this is my chance.
“Like I always say, this is my time and it’s going to be a great triumph. This is big for all of Cuban boxing and I will make my country proud.
“This is going to be like two trains on the same track about to collide. I’m going to win and I’m going to take his belt.
“This is not a video game. This is not using controllers. You have to actually step into the ring with me on Saturday night.
“Deontay is scared. He’s talking a lot of nonsense. He’s worried about what I’m going to do. This is my time. I’m going to show everyone.
“I’m 100 percent ready to go. Sparring has been amazing and I’m totally prepared for Deontay Wilder. Deontay’s biggest mistake is that he talks too much.
“I looked into his eyes and I knew that I’m not going to lose this opportunity. I’m going to be the first Cuban and the first Latino born outside the country to win a title. Saturday night will be historic.
“The public gave me this opportunity to fight for the title and beat you for your belt. I’m going to make the most of my chance and knock Deontay Wilder out.”
ANDRE DIRRELL
“It was a rocky start for me in our first fight. He caught me with a good shot in the early rounds, but I was able to fight through it. I started to dominate the second half of the fight but he had definitely thrown my game off. I still weathered the storm and made good things happen. This fight is very deserving of a rematch and I’m looking forward to it.
“This fight right here is one of the beautiful moments we have in boxing. There were two wrongs that night in the last fight. I’m really happy with everyone who has made this rematch and gave the sport what it deserves.
“Now Jose Uzcategui and myself both have chances to prove ourselves again. This is going to be the worst opportunity of Uzcategui’s life. But it will be the best opportunity for me.
“This is my opportunity to prove all of the critics wrong this time. I’m not the favorite, and it’s a beautiful thing. I’m going to change every single mind on Saturday night. I’m stepping up to the plate, and I’m preparing to hit a home run.
“Virgil Hunter has definitely helped me with my mental game. We’ve worked on a masterful game plan. Virgil is tough to work with but we did all of the necessary things we had to in order to accomplish what we have to on Saturday.
“The next two years or more will be the best years of my career. I’ve been blessed with an illustrious career. This is a new look for me and I feel good. I have a very tough, hungry fighter in front of me and I can’t wait to prove myself.”
JOSE UZCATEGUI
“We’re not doing anything differently heading into this fight. I’ve put the time in at the gym every day to make sure that the fight ends conclusively this time.
“Before I even got to the ring in the first fight I felt some animosity from the referee towards me and it kind of led to what happened in the fight.
“Saturday night you’re not just going to see that I’m a boxer-puncher, but you’ll see my full power on display.
“I’m happy to be in this rematch. I hope that Dirrell brings action like he’s talking about on Saturday. I don’t want to chase him around the ring all night.
“I’m ready to accomplish my dreams, and that involves beating Andre Dirrell more decisively than last night and leaving no doubt at all who the better fighter is.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“Deontay Wilder put everything aside to face one of the greatest amateur heavyweights in the history of boxing. This fight is happening because Deontay is that good and he’s that proud. Deontay is ready to prove that he’s the baddest man on the planet.
“There is a sensational off-television undercard beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Barclays Center that includes a group of top contenders and prospects. It’s really a loaded undercard from top to bottom.
“That great undercard includes a woman’s title fight involving Alicia Napoleon. Everyone involved in this fight has made an effort to have women’s boxing represented on our cards and I’m proud to be able to deliver that for fans.
“This will be Deontay’s third defense of his title in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. He successfully defended against Artur Szpilka and Bermane Stiverne, with two frightening knockouts. I’m proud to work with Barclays Center and promote boxing in Brooklyn. This is certainly one of the best venues for boxing in the world and certainly a venue that is dedicated to bringing the fans consistently excellent programming inside the arena.
“This fight is getting the kind of reception that it deserves. If you want to get tickets for Saturdaynight, I would call now because they’re moving fast.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Sports Inc.
“When we have a fight card like this, the network gets a lot of credit but these fights truly don’t happen unless fighters like Wilder and Ortiz are ready to take the fights.
“When we announced our schedule back in January, there was one fight that jumped out to everyone, and it was Wilder vs. Ortiz. They have 67 fights between them, 67 wins, 0 losses and 62 knockouts. This is part of what we’re calling ‘March Madness’ on SHOWTIME. All four heavyweight titles, the top four heavyweights in the world, including Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker on March 31, facing each other this month on SHOWTIME. There hasn’t been a lineup like that put together by any network in the history of the sport.
“The titles are great but these fights are about something else. They’re about legacy. When people look back and ask, ‘what kind of fighter was Deontay Wilder?’ This is the fight that they will talk about. More important than knockouts and unbeaten records, this is why fighters are remembered.
“Dirrell vs. Uzcategui 2 is good enough to be a main event and they deserve to have a great stage for this rematch. These are the kind of cards that people look back and say, were you there that night? If you’re not watching this card, you’re not a boxing fan. Because this is the best that the sport has to offer.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“I can’t tell you how excited I am for Saturday night. People are starting to realize how viable this sport is and that boxing is a sport on the rise. We’re thrilled to be a part of it
“Events like Saturday in Brooklyn are why this sport is thriving. It features a deep card from top to bottom, 50-50 fights and great fighters with magnetic personalities
“Deontay, even though you weren’t born in Brooklyn, we do consider you our own. We’re excited to have Luis Ortiz as well, for the first time, on Saturday night. This is a card from top to bottom that’s incredible and I’m thrilled to welcome Andre and Jose to Brooklyn.
“The seats are moving really quickly and this should be one of the biggest fights we’ve had at Barclays Center. We’re very excited for this show and look forward to seeing everyone there.”
#          #          #
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Stacked Undercard Saturday, March 10 Features 2016 Olympians & Rising Prospects from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

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SAN ANTONIO, TX. (March 1, 2018) – An exciting night of undercard action comes to Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio on Saturday, March 10 featuring 2016 Olympians and rising prospects entering the ring for the Premier Boxing Champions event.
The night is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets live on SHOWTIME. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast also features two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
Additional action will feature 19-year-old featherweight prospect Luis Coria (6-1, 4 KOs), 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (4-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout, 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (3-0, 3 KOs) taking on Antonio Woods (6-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round heavyweight affair, Efetobor Apochi (2-0, 2 KOs) entering the ring for a six-round cruiserweight fight and unbeaten welterweight Yulian Tembotov (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round attraction.
Rounding out the undercard arelightweight prospect Alejandro Guerrero (6-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round fight, San Antonio’s Robert Rodriguez making his pro debut in a four-round super flyweight bout against Mexico’s Giovanni Noriega (1-1, 1 KO), San Antonio’s Joseph Rodriguez (13-0-1, 2 KOs) taking on Ramsey Luna (13-5, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight showdown and four-rounds of super featherweight action between unbeaten Xavier Wilson (7-0, 1 KO) and John Vanmeter (1-3, 1 KO).
 
The night also features a SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT that will see undefeated 140-pound contender and San Antonio-native Mario Barrios face Eudy Bernardo in a 10-round bout and undefeated Alejandro Luna taking on former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator. Also in undercard action at Freeman Coliseum, unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa takes on Mexico’s Giovanni Delgado in an eight-round super bantamweight bout that, time permitting, will round out the SHO EXTREME telecast.
# # #
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

World Ranked Welterweight Taras Shelestyuk Ready for the Elite of the Division

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Undefeated 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner looking for fights with Thurman, Porter, Spence, Garcia or Horn-Crawford winner
PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (March. 1, 2018)- Undefeated and world ranked welterweight contender Taras Shelestyuk is ready to go big game hunting in 2018.
The 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner from Sumy, Ukraine, who now fights out of Los Angeles, California, has won the major regional titles, and he feels he has been overlooked by the perceived elite of the 147 pound division.
Shelestyuk, 16-0 with 10 knockouts, continues to work on his craft while he waits for a major fight to materialize.
“I want to fight Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Errol Spence or the winner of the Jeff Horn – Terence Crawford fight,” said Shelestyuk.
“I know that I have the skills and pedigree to beat those guys.  I just need my opportunity, and I know that will be coming soon.  I have been working hard in the gym, and I sparred with Viktor Ortiz for his bout with Devon Alexander, as well as WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castano.”
Shelestyuk also has been helping with the career of his wife Alina.  Alina is a runway model, who has done numerous photo shoots in Los Angeles.
Shelestyuk is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

SHOWTIME SPORTS® RELEASES FIRST INSTALLMENT OF NEW DIGITAL TALK SHOW BELOW THE BELT

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Debut of BELOW THE BELT with Brendan Schaub features Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® analyst Paulie Malignaggi and Former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar

 

Available NOW On YouTube And Facebook

 

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports released the debut installment of the first-of-its-kind sports talk show BELOW THE BELT,hosted by Brendan Schaub, available now on the Below the Belt YouTube Channel and the Below the Belt Facebook Page. The premiere of the twice-monthly, 30-minute program features a preview of Saturday’s Heavyweight World Championship between Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING analyst Paulie Malignaggi, as well as an interview with America’s only heavyweight world champion himself, Deontay Wilder. Schaub also interviews former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar ahead of his co-main event bout with Brian Ortega at UFC 222 on Saturday night.

 

BELOW THE BELT explores the latest news in combat sports and pop culture, with Schaub delivering candid thoughts in his unique and unfiltered style. The multi-platform program, which also includes a weekly podcast and a composite program that airs once per month on SHOWTIME EXTREME, features interviews with the biggest names in combat sports and entertainment, road trips, fight camp visits, sketches, animation and pop-culture spoofs. The next installment of BELOW THE BELT launches March 14, followed by new shows on March 28, April 11, April 18, May 2 and May 16.

 

boxing

Silva sharp for Saturday showdown with Casarez; targets the best at 135

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Plant City, FL (March 1, 2018) – Many in the boxing world best remember Brazilian lightweight William Silva for his gutsy 2016 performance against Felix Verdejo. In the HBO televised bout, Silva showed tremendous heart and toughness but was outpointed over ten rounds in front of a sold out pro-Verdejo crowd.
“I didn’t have the right team or training camp at the time,” said Silva, who entered the Verdejo bout 23-0.
Since relocating to Florida from Arizona, Silva linked up with Jose Rodriguez at the Plant City Boxing Gym and inked a promotional agreement with Tampa-based Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. In November 2017, he returned to the ring after a year and a half layoff to outpoint Ariel Vasquez. Thus far, everything has paid off and Silva’s currently in top form.
“He’s been training at a fantastic pace, said Rodriguez. “His balance and power are extraordinary – he’s ready to fight!”
On Saturday, March 3, Silva faces tough Rogelio Casarez in the 10 round main event of a Fire Fist Boxing card at Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL. Silva-Casarez is for the NBA World and IBO Continental lightweight championships. Casarez, who has a deceiving 13-6 record, faced excellent opposition including Jamel Herring and multi-division title contender Cesar Seda, who he took the distance last August.
“I don’t know much about him besides that he’s a tough lefty that comes at you,” Silva said of his opponent.
Even with limited information about the man he’ll swap punches with Saturday evening, Silva’s confident he’ll defeat his Arkansas-based foe before setting his sights on the 135 pound division’s elite.
“(With a victory) I hope to get ranked and fight the top fighters at 135. This is my time to make it happen because I’ve got the right people behind me that believe in my career.”
The card starts at 7 pm and also features 7 other bouts including local standouts Nicholas Iannuzzi, Antonio Tarver Jr., Joseph Fernandez, Ricky Tomlinson and Ozodek Aripov.
Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com and tables can be purchased by calling 813-734-2461. Fans can also watch the eight bout card live anywhere in the world for just $9.99 by going to https://www.fite.tv/watch/lightweight-battle/2mzhw/.
boxing

Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon to take on Mike Sheppard in headlining bout on Saturday, March 10th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

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Anthony “Juice” Young to battle Fidel Monterrosa Munoz in co-feature
Gabriel Pham fights Blake Mansfield; Prince Badi Ajamu tussles with Willis Lockett
Plus undefeated fighters Mike Hilton and John Bauza in action
Atlantic City, New Jersey (March 1, 2018)–Heavyweight Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon will take on veteran Mike Sheppard in in the eight-round main event on Saturday, March 10th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The bout will headline a nine bout card dubbed “Ring Redemption” is promoted by Mis Downing Promotions in association with Silver Spoon Promotions.

Witherspoon of Paulsboro, New Jersey has a record of 36-3 with 28 knockouts.

The 36 year-old Witherspoon is a 14 year-veteran who has wins over Michael Alexander (11-0), Talmidge Giffiths (24-6-3), Jonathan Haggler (18-1), Adam Richards (21-1), Ty Cobb (14-2), Nick Guivas (11-2-2) & Michael Marrone (21-5.

Witherspoon is on a six-fight knockout streak, with the latest being a 4th round stoppage over Jonathan Sandoval on October 1, 2016 in Trenton, New Jersey.

Sheppard of Palestine, West Virginia has a record of 25-22-2 with 11 knockouts.

Sheppard is a 21 year-professional who has fought a whose-who of fighters that include former world champions Ruslan Chagaev, Antonio Tarver and James Toney: as well as world title challenger Gerald Washington.

Sheppard is coming off a loss to undefeated Simon Kean on December 16, 2017 in Laval, Quebec, Canada.

Seeing action in the eight-round co-feature will be welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young of Atlantic City, NJ taking on Fidel Monterrosa Munoz.

The 29 year-old Atlantic City native and seven year veteran will be making his 11th start on the boardwalk.

Young has won seven fights in a row, which includes his last outing, when he took a six-round unanimous decision over Carlos Winston Velasquez on August 19, 2017 at The Claridge. This will be Young’s fifth fight at The Claridge and fourth in a row.

Munoz of Ecatapec, Mexico has a record of 38-16-1 with 30 knockouts.

The 29 year-old Munoz is a 12 year veteran, and is the former Colombian lightweight champion. Munoz has a win over Oscar Cuero (8-0) and has been in the ring with world champions Humberto Soto & Antonio Demarco as well world title challengers Pablo Cesar Cano and Lenny Zappavigna.

In six-round bouts, Mike Hilton (8-0, 7 KOs) of Trenton, NJ will take on Hector Perez (3-1, 2 KOs) of Pleasantville, NJ in a cruiserweight bout.

Prince Badi Ajamu (28-3-1, 15 KOs) of Camden, NJ faces Willis Lockett (15-22-6, 5 KOs) of Takoma Park, Maryland in a cruiserweight fight.

Gabriel Pham (9-1, 4 KOs) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Blake Mansfield (6-1-1, 4 KOs) of Burlington, NC in a super middleweight showdown.

In a six-round bout, John Bauza (8-0, 5 KOs) will take on an opponent to be named in a super lightweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Kevin Asmat (3-1, 2 KOs) of North Bergen, New Jersey will fight Edgar Cortes (5-4) of Vineland, New Jersey in a featherweight bout.

Alejandro Jimenez of New Jersey will make his pro debut against Derrick Pitts (0-1) in bantamweight bout.

Dan Murray (3-1) of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey battles Anthony Smith (1-2, 1 KO) of Fresno, California in a junior welterweight bout.

Ticket prices are : $150 for VIP Ringside; $120 for stage seating; $85 for premium and $60 for General Admission, and can be purchased by calling Michelle at 609-712-3854 ormrgeglus12@aol.com

Mis Downing Promotions would like to thank their sponsors which includes The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame, The Claridge Hotel, Fantasea Resorts, AEI Insurance, Urgent Response, HairX, Buy Smart Motors & New Vision Property Management.