Category Archives: boxing

boxing, CBS Boxing, CBS Sports Network

“Cancun Boxing” Tomorrow night at 10 p.m. ET on  CBS Sports Network 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Former world champions Cristian Mijares &
Tomas Rojas battled in main event  
CANCUN, Mexico (April 19, 2017) – The second installment of the 2017 “Cancun Boxing” series, presented by Pepe Gomez Boxing in association with Neon Sports & Entertainment, will air tomorrow night (Thursday night, April 20) in North America, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on CBS Sports Network.
The event took place this past April 8th at Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, which hosts all series events.
Three-time world champion Cristian “Diamente” Mijares (55-8-2, 26 KOs) and former super flyweight titlist Tomas “Gusano” Rojas (48-14-1, 32 KOs) squared off in the 10-round main event in a showdown between a pair of veteran Mexican featherweights.
Mijares vs. Rojas was a rematch of their March 12, 2004 fight in Mexico, in which Mijares won a 12-round unanimous decision for the Mexico super flyweight championship.  They had a combined pro record of 103-22-3 (58 KOs), along with four world titles in two divisions, upon entering the ring last Saturday evening.
The reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion, Mijares is rated No. 4 and positioned for another world title shot with a victory over Rojas.  Mijares is a three-time world super flyweight champion who is 11-5 in world title fights.
The 35-year-old boxer has defeated a Who’s Who of lower weight division boxers during his decade-plus professional career, including Reynaldo Lopez, Jorge Arce,Chatchai Sasakul, Francisco Arce, Juan Alberto Rosas, Jonathan Perez,Alexander Valdez, Rafael Marquez, Johnny Soto, Teppei Kikui, Jose Navarro,Alexander Munoz and Katsushige Kawashima.
WBC No. 18-rated Rojas is a former WBC super flyweight champion and the reigning WBC Americas featherweight titlist.  Rojas, 36, was the WBC super flyweight world champion from September 20, 2010 to August 19, 2011.
His most notable wins have been against Kohei Kono, Noburo Mashiro, Juan Jose Montes, Everado Morales and Evans Mbamba.
In the eight-round co-feature event, undefeated Mexican bantamweight prospect Aaron “Ghost” Alameda (18-0, 10 KOs) stepped up in class to fight battle-tested Edgar “Power” Jimenez (22-12-2, 16 KOs), of Mexico.
The 24-year-old Alameda was relatively untested, in terms of facing high-quality opposition, while Jimenez is a proven upset specialist having taken a 10-round majority decision over 28-0 Ivan Morales in 2015.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com
 
INFORMATION
 
Twitter:  @pepegomezcancun, @cancun_boxing, @Neonstarmedia
Instagram:  @pepegomez1

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/pepigomezquiqui, www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/
boxing

Indongo has star making performance with decision over Burns to unify 140 pound titles

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Burns – Indongo unification bout was shown live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – This past Saturday Julius Indongo added the WBA junior welterweight title to his trophy case that already housed the IBF junior welterweight title with a comfortable 12 round unanimous decision over Ricky Burns in Burns’ hometown of Glasgow, Scotland.
The bout was seen live and exclusively LIVE in the United States on AWE – ‘A Wealth of Entertainment.
“We’re ecstatic at the turnout for Saturday’s fight.  Julius Indongo was introduced to the American fight fans with an outstanding performance, and he proved that he is a force to be reckoned with in the 140 pound division.  AWE will continue to bring boxing fans in the United States the highest quality fights from around the world,”” said AWE CEO Robert Herring.
Indongo moved his record to 22-0 with the emphatic victory by scores of 120-108, 118-110 and 116-112.  Burns, who is 3-division world champion is now 41-6-1.
The bout marked the first boxing event on AWE since the network was added to the DirecTV lineup.  With the addition of DirecTV, AWE pulled in its largest viewership for any boxing match, which started broadcasting fights in 2011.
About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.

In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.  For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Lightweight Contenders Ivan Redkach & Argenis Mendez Clash in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, May 2 At Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center in Studio City, California

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“El Terremoto” Hits The Valley!
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
STUDIO CITY, CA. (April 18, 2017) – Exciting lightweight prospects collide as
Ivan Redkach (20-2-1, 16 KOs) battles former world champion

Argenis Mendez (23-5-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round showdown that headlines
Premier Boxing Champions
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on

FS1 and
BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on
FOX Deportes Tuesday, May 2 from the world famous Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center in Studio City, California promoted by featherweight world champion and fan favorite Leo Santa Cruz’s Last Round Promotions.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super bantamweight prospect Brandon Figueroa (11-0, 8 KOs) battling Mexico’s Luis Saavedra (7-2, 3 KOs) in an eight-round bout and the cousin of three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz, Antonio Santa Cruz (5-2, 2 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Arturo Torres (7-5-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round bantamweight fight.
Tickets for the live event promoted by Last Round Promotions are priced at $35, $55 and $105, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.eventbrite.com or call (818) 817-8001.
“I’m so excited about promoting this show, because I love great boxing and great fans and everyone knows that LA has some of the best,” said Santa Cruz. “Ivan Redkach and Argenis Mendez are always up for a fight. Mendez wants to get back in the championship ranks and Redkach wants to get to that same level. That makes for a good match. It’s also exciting for me to be able to work on a promotion with my family, the fighters from our gym and to be able to help my cousin, Antonio, launch his career.”
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to fight Argenis Mendez,” said Redkach. “He is a solid fighter, a professional and on May 2, we’ll both be ready to put on a show for our fans. I know that this victory will lead to even bigger fights. I’m very thankful to FS1, FOX Deportes and my friend Leo Santa Cruz for making this happen.”
“As a former world champion, I know that these are the kinds of fights that I have to win to stay in contention for another championship,” said Mendez. “Ivan Redkach is a tough fighter, but I will be prepared for victory on May 2.”
It will be a family affair as Leo’s father, Jose, and brother, Antonio, will work the corner for several of the fighters on the card that train at Who’s Next Boxing Academy in City of Industry, and former world champion Omar Figueroa will be on hand to cheer for his brother Brandon.
Originally from Ukraine but now training in California with Jose Santa Cruz, Redkach most recently scored an eighth-round stoppage of Demond Brock in January in Las Vegas. A pro since 2009, the 31-year-old Redkach was unbeaten in his first 18 pro fights before dropping a contest to former world champion Dejan Zlaticanin. In his last appearance on FS1 & FOX Deportes last April, Redkach fought to a split-draw in a back and forth contest against Puerto Rican contender Luis Cruz.
A 2004 Olympian for the Dominican Republic, Mendez lives and trains out of Brooklyn as he seeks a world title in a second weight class. The 30-year-old won his world title with a knockout victory over Juan Carlos Salgado in 2013 and defeated former world champion Miguel Vazquez in his second fight as a lightweight in 2015.
The 20-year-old Brandon Figueroa turned pro in May of 2015 by defeating Hector Gutierrez and followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena, Ramiro Ruiz and Francisco Muro to close out the year. The Weslaco-native has stayed busy in 2016, picking up six victories, including five by way of stoppage before starting 2017 with a fourth-round stoppage of Raul Chirino in February.
Fighting out of San Luis Potosi, Mexico Saavedra made his U.S. debut in November of last year, winning a six round decision over Josue Morales in Texas. A pro since 2014, Saavedra won four of his first five fights and has never been stopped in nine bouts heading into his television debut on May 2.
Part of the fighting Santa Cruz family, the 20-year-old Santa Cruz enters this fight on a four-bout winning streak including a 2017 debut that saw him win a unanimous decision over Victor Torres in January. A pro since 2015, Santa Cruz fights out of San Gabriel, California and will look to make it five straight wins on May 2.
The 21-year-old Torres enters this fight a five-bout winning streak including three victories in 2016. The fighter out of Tlajomulca, Jalisco, Mexico most recently scored a second round knockout of Rafael Rivera last November in California. He will fight for the fourth time in the U.S. on May 2, having never lost stateside.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, FITETV

FITE TV to stream Kubrat Pulev vs. Kevin Johnson Heavyweight clash Live on PPV, April 28, from Bulgaria

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NEW YORK, NY(April 18, 2017) – FITE TV will stream the April 28th heavyweight clash between a pair of past world title contenders, Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev and Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson, live on pay per view, starting at 2 p.m. ET /11 a.m. PT, from Arena Armeec in Sofia, Bulgaria. Encore presentations will also be available to watch.
FITE TV is a Combat Sports Network that features boxing, MMA and wrestling programming.  FITE gives viewers the choice to watch the program on line at www.FITE.tv, on their mobile device or on their WiFi connected television using the FITE app.  The FITE app can be downloaded for free at Google Play or the iTunes app stores.
“Final Countdown: Pulev vs. Johnson”, promoted by Sauerland Promotions, is available to watch on the FITE app and website for a suggested retail price of $19.99.
Boxing fans may watch the entire card, headlined by the Pulev-Johnson 12-round World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title fight, simply by downloading the FITE app and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function.  The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more.  Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.
“Pulev versus Johnson is another fine boxing event that FITE is now making available to our North American fan base,” FITE COO Michael Weber said.  “FITE continues to grow by leaps and bounds and we are very proud of the growth of world class boxing events to complement our current line-up of MMA and wrestling events.”
The 6′ 4 ½ Pulev, fighting at home in Sofia, Bulgaria, captured the vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title in his last fight this past December, in which former world champion Samuel Peters (36-5) retired after the third round.
Last May, Pulev won a 12-round split decision over Dereck Chisora (25-5) to capture the European heavyweight championship. The 35-year-old Pulev has won four in a row since he suffered the only loss of his professional career, by way of a fifth-round knockout in 2014, to then-International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko (62-3).
Pulev was a celebrated amateur boxer who represented Bulgaria at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.  Currently rated No. 9 in the world by the WBA, Pulev can position himself for another world title shot with an impressive victory over Johnson, the battle-tested veteran fighting out of Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA.
“My number one goal is to fight for the World title and on April 28,” Pulev commented, “I will take another step towards achieving this goal. I’m already training hard to prove I am worthy to fight again for the heavyweight crown.
“Johnson is a tough opponent. You must only look at his resume to tell this will be a real challenge. He has shared the ring with many World class fighters like Vitali Klitschko and Anthony Joshua. I know I will need to be at my best to beat him, but with the help of my coach Ulli Wegner and the support of the Bulgarian people, I’m confident my hand will be raised, and we will be able to celebrate another great night for Bulgarian boxing and another step towards me fulfilling my dream of becoming the Heavyweight Champion of the World.’
Johnson, 37, has served as a dangerous “gatekeeper” in the heavyweight division during his 14-year professional career.  He’s fought reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua – the only fighter to stop Johnson – former unified world heavyweight titlist Tyson Fury, former world title challenger Manuel Charr and current European champion Christian Hammer.
Johnson’s most notable wins have been against world title challengers Bruce Seldon (TKO5), Alex Leapai (TKO9) and Albert Sosnowski (SDEC3 in Prizefighter Tournament).
In 2009, Johnson lost his lone world title fight by unanimous decision to undefeated WBC champion Vitali Klitschko, extending him the full 12-rounds.
Additional PPV fights are scheduled on FITE TV on a weekly basis.
–       pictures courtesy of Sauerland Promotions –
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @FiteTV, #PulevJohnsonPPV
boxing

Full card set for this Saturday’s card at The Claridge in Atlantic City

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Keenan Smith – Edgar Gaebjan in main event

Just added: NABA USA Title bout Lightweight title bout between Aidar Sharibayev & Zach Ramsey
Also undefeated Kenneth Sims, Jr., Elijah Vines, Tyrell Wright, John Bauza, Donald Smith & Dylan Price
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (April 18, 2017)- An eight round battle for the NABA USA Lightweight title bout has just been added to a stacked night of boxing that will take place on THIS SATURDAY NIGHT at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
Aidar Sharibayev (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Almaty, Kazakhstan will take on Zach Ramsey (8-1, 4 KO’s) of Springfield, Massachusetts.
In the main event, undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith (10-0, 4 KO’s) will take on Edgar Gabejan (27-33-7, KO’s) in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

The show is promoted by GH3 Promotions and D and D Promotions.

Appearing in six-round bouts will be:
Kenneth Sims, Jr. (11-0, 3 KO’s) of Chicago will take on Israel Villela (6-4, 2 KO’s) of Cancun. Mexico in a super lightweight bout.

Anthony Young (15-2, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City will take on Francis Gakpetor (4-3-1, 4 KO’s) of Accra, Ghana in  welterweight bout.

Tyrell Wright (9-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Jersey City, NJ will face Dan Pasciolla (9-2-1) of Brick, New Jersey in a heavyweight bout.
In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, John Bauza (5-0, 2 KO’s) of North Bergen, NJ will fight Jesus Salas (1-0, 1 KO) of Puerto Rico
In four-round bouts:
Elijah Vines (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on James Robinson (4-7-4, 1 KO) of York, PA in a super welterweight bout.

Donald Smith (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will square off with Vincent Jennings (5-3, 4 KO’s) of Grand Rapids, MI in a super featherweight tussle.

Dylan Price (1-0, 1 KO) of Sicklerville, NJ will fight Chris Nelson (1-3) of Kentucky in a super flyweight bout.
Emmanuel Rodriguez of Newark, NJ will make his pro debut against Jaxel Marrero (1-7-2) of Puerto Rico in a bantamweight bout.
Tickets range from $50 – $150 and can be purchased by calling 856-842-7577
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Super Middleweight Contenders Andre Dirrell & Jose Uzcategui Battle for Interim World Title Plus Two-Division World Champion Rances Barthelemy Takes on Former Title Challenger Kiryl Relikh in 140-Pound Title Eliminator

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Saturday, May 20 From MGM National Harbor in Maryland &
 Live on SHOWTIME
 
Tickets Now on Sale!
 
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (April 17, 2017) – An exciting night of action will feature super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh on Saturday, May 20 from the recently opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland and live on SHOWTIME.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. making the second defense of his title when he faces top challenger Oscar Escandon.
Top 168-pound contenders Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KOs) are set to meet in a 12-round matchup with the winner in line to face IBF champion James DeGale, who is currently recovering from injuries sustained in his draw against Badou Jack in January on SHOWTIME.
“This fight is a massive step towards my journey to success in 2017,” said Dirrell. “To me, this is my championship fight leading up to the rematch with the current champion, James DeGale. Jose has all of the tools of a champion, so he’s fierce competition for me. But I will show the world that I’m up for the task. This is my year!”
“I’m very excited to be facing a fighter the quality of Andre Dirrell,” said Uzcategui. “These are the types of fights that I’ve wanted and I look forward to coming out victorious. This fight will be another step on the way to my dream of becoming a world champion.”
A world champion at 130 and 135-pounds, Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) and the former world title challenger Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) will battle in 12 rounds of action for the right to be the mandatory challenger for current WBA Super Lightweight Championship held by unified champion Julius Indongo.
“I’m very excited to be back in the ring, especially on SHOWTIME against a top-ranked contender in Kiryl Relikh,” said Barthelemy. “This victory will get me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming the first Cuban to win world titles in three different weight classes. I’m very motivated and I will not be denied on May 20.”
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity in a world title eliminator,” said Relikh. “Rances Barthelemy is a good fighter, but my experience at this weight will help me get the victory. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get this win and eventually wear that world title belt around my waist.”
Tickets for the live event, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go tohttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
Representing his hometown of Flint, Michigan, Dirrell looks to take one step closer to a rematch with DeGale after dropping a narrow decision to the current IBF champion inMay 2015. The 33-year-old bounced back from the defeat in his last outing by earning a wide unanimous decision over Blake Caparello last April. After a decorated amateur career that saw him win two U.S. Amateur World Championships in addition to an Olympic bronze medal, Dirrell was unbeaten in his first 18 pro fights before losing a split decision to Carl Frosh in 2009.
Born in Venezuela, Uzcategui now fights out of Baja California, Mexico, where he won two fights last year by knockout. The 26-year-old shot up the rankings in 2015 when he stopped previously unbeaten Julius Jackson in the second round after knocking his opponent down four times. Uzcategui was undefeated in his first 22 pro fights and enters this bout on a four-fight win streak.
A Cuban amateur national champion, 30-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. he won a super featherweight world title in July 2014 by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion, and followed that up with a second round TKO victory over Angino Perez. After dominating former champion Antonio DeMarco in June, he won a world title in a second division when he impressively defeated Denis Shafikov in December. Most recently, Barthelemy made the lone defense of his lightweight belt with a decision over former champion Mickey Bey last June.
Fighting out of Minsk, Belarus, Relikh returns to the ring after challenging the former champion Burns for the WBA title in October 2016. The 27-year-old was undefeated after turning pro in 2011 leading up to his world title shot. Relikh owns wins over veteran contenders Christian Ariel Lope, Joaquim Carneiro and Lazaro Santos de Jesus.
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For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

Heralded prospects Ruben Villa & Michael Dutchover get stoppage wins in National Harbor, Maryland

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Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA / Ontario, California (April 17, 2017)–This past Friday night, two highly regarded Prospects, featherweight Ruben Villa and junior lightweight Michael Dutchover each made a big splash in their East Coast debut’s as they took out opponents Luis Diaz and Eder Amaro at the MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland.
Villa stopped Luis Diaz in the 6th and final round of their bout, while Dutchover took out Amaro after the 3rd round of their scheduled six-round bout.
With the wins, the 19 year-olds (Villa turned 20 on Sunday), Villa raised his perfect mark to 5-0 with three knockouts, Dutchover kept his perfect stoppage streak, and is now 4-0 with 4 knockouts.
Villa and Dutchover are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

“I was very proud of both Ruben and Michael.  They did terrific.  It was their first fight on the East Coast in their young career’s.  They both performed at the high level that I always knew they would, and I am more than pleased about the progress they continue to make with each outing,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.

“In their knockout wins, both Ruben and Michael showed great command of the ring,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “They are far more advanced than their records would indicate. It hasn’t been even a year since their professional debuts and we’ve already seen tremendous growth.”
Ruben Villa
Ruben Villa

Michael Dutchover
Michael Dutchover
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Battles Former Champion Shawn Porter in Welterweight World Title Eliminator Saturday April 22 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn  & Live on SHOWTIME

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Andre Berto Training Camp Quotes & Photos
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp
 
OAKLAND, CA. (April 17, 2017) – Former two-time welterweight world championAndre Berto will look to put himself in a position for another 147-pound title when he faces former world champion Shawn Porter in a world title eliminator that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions event Saturday, April 22 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.
Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo defending against top contender Charles Hatley.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
As Berto wraps up training camp in Oakland with renowned coach Virgil Hunter, he shares some thoughts on camp, his matchup with Porter and more:
ANDRE BERTO
How has training camp gone? Do you feel like you’re still learning and growing with Virgil Hunter?
“We’ve had a tremendous training camp out here in the Bay. I’m focused and I’m in great shape. Training with Virgil is like stepping in to a classroom. I’m always learning and growing as a fighter when I’m in the gym with him. We’ve been pushing to the limit every day and I’m just ready to go to work.”
What would you say are Shawn’s strengths in the ring? What do you have to prepare for?
“Shawn’s a great fighter but we are fully focused on what we need to do in the ring. My boxing IQ has grown so much and now everything we’re doing has a purpose. I’ve had tremendous sparring this camp and everyone I’ve been there with has been trying to push me to a whole other level so I will be ready for anything come fight night.
“We are going to be ready for whatever Shawn brings on April 22. We’ve seen him brawl and try to press guys out but he might try do something different in this fight and we’ll be ready for it. I’m known for my speed, my power, my explosiveness and I’m in fantastic shape so this is definitely going to be a can’t miss fight.”
What does it mean to you to be in camp with the other great fighter’s in Hunter’s stable including Andre Ward, Amir Khan, Andrzej Fonfara and Peter Quillin, amongst others?
“We have a tremendous atmosphere out here and we all feed off of each other. Training with all these great fighters and world champions pushes you to another level. We all support each other and it definitely adds another level of motivation during training camp for each of our fights.”
What does it mean to you to be in a position to become a three-time world champion?
“Becoming a three-time world champion is great motivation. The WBC belt was the first belt that I won and I want it back. I avenged my loss to Victor Ortiz last year but getting the green belt back would bring everything full circle. At this point in my career, every fight is big and a potentially career defining fight so I’m taking everything one step at a time and preparing like I need to.”
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ABOUT BERTO vs. PORTER                     
Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter is a WBC welterweight world title eliminator between former 147-pound world champions. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday April 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event, undefeated super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo battles top rated challenger Charles Hatley, with televised coverage beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @AndreBerto, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® UNVEILS FULL SPRING BOXING SCHEDULE, HEADLINED BY LIVE TELECAST OF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT: JOSHUA vs. KLITSCHKO

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SHOWTIME® To Present Seven World Championship Fights Across Seven Live Telecasts In Eight Weeks

 

Video/Graphic Credit: SHOWTIME

 

Watch Joshua-Klitschko launch spot:  http://s.sho.com/2ouhMgN

 

NEW YORK (April 17, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports has unveiled the network’s complete spring 2017 boxing schedule following today’s earlier announcement that the heavyweight boxing event of the year will be televised live on SHOWTIME.  The stacked lineup includes seven world championship fights across eight live boxing telecasts over an eight-week span.

 

On Saturday, April 29, Anthony Joshua will face Wladimir Klitschko in the most significant heavyweight world championship fight in more than a decade.  The event will air live on SHOWTIME at 4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT from a sold-out Wembley Stadium, where a record crowd of more than 90,000 spectators is expected.

 

Also announced today, SHOWTIME and Premier Boxing Champions will present the rematch between WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara on Saturday, June 3.  This bout is an encore of a 2014 action-packed fight in which Stevenson edged Fonfara to defend his 175-pound crown.

 

The SHOWTIME boxing lineup also includes two significant welterweight bouts with world title implications: Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter (April 22) and Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence Jr. (May 27).  Both events are presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions.  The April 22 Berto vs. Porter event will feature an anticipated 154-pound world title fight between Jermell Charlo and Charles Hatley as well asworld champion Amanda Serrano attempting to become the first woman—and first fighter of Puerto Rican decent—to win a world title in five different weight classes.

 

On Saturday, May 20, SHOWTIME will present a unique twin-bill of world championship fights.  First, boxing’s hottest young star, newly minted world champion Gervonta Davis, will make his first world title defense against Liam Walsh from London.  Later that evening, featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. and former world champion Andre Dirrell will be featured in separate bouts.  Start times for both live telecasts are to be determined.

 

In all, SHOWTIME Sports will present one live SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast, one live ShoBox: The New Generation telecast, and five SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, all free to network subscribers.  Plus, SHOWTIME is in the early stages of planning for the return of four-division world champion Adrien Broner and undefeated star Mikey Garcia in separate events this summer.

 

The spring lineup complements the network’s robust 2017 boxing schedule.  In the first 10 weeks of the year, SHOWTIME Sports presented eight world championship fights, including two world title unification bouts (Jack vs. DeGale and Thurman vs. Garcia, SHOWTIME Boxing on CBS), two world title rematches (Frampton vs. Santa Cruz II and Linares vs. Crolla II), the live-stream of the first-ever boxing event on Twitter (Broner vs. Granados), the resurgence of women’s boxing (Serrano vs. Rivas) and the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history (Shields vs. Szabados).

 

“SHOWTIME continues its unrivaled commitment to the sport.  There simply is no other network in boxing delivering world-class events on a consistent basis,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.

 

“Our 2017 schedule already includes some 17 live boxing telecasts, 15 world championship fights, with the top-rated fighters squaring off in boxing’s deepest weight divisions.  We continue to break the glass ceiling on women’s boxing, deliver the biggest bouts from overseas and see champions take on champions to unify divisions.  We are proud to be re-shaping the boxing landscape both in and out of the ring.”

 

See below for the SHOWTIME boxing spring calendar.  This is the network’s third major boxing schedule announcement of the past 13 months.

 

 

Saturday, April 22 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Main Event:     Andre Berto (31-4, 24 KOs) vs. Shawn Porter (26-2, 16 KOs) – WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator

Co-Feature:     Jermell Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) vs. Charles Hatley (26-1-1, 18 KOs) – WBC Super Welterweight World Championship

SHOX:            Amanda Serrano (31-1-1, 23 KOs) vs. Dahiana Santana (35-8, 14 KO’s) – 10-Rd. WBO Bantamweight World Championship

Start Time:      9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT (SHO Boxing on SHO EXTREME, 7:30p ET/PT)

Venue:             Brooklyn’s Barclays Center

Notes:              ·  The winner of Berto-Porter becomes the WBC mandatory challenger to Unified World Champion Keith Thurman.

  • Berto-Porter is the fourth welterweight world title/title eliminator fight televised on SHOWTIME/CBS in the last 10 months.
  • Charlo-Hatley is the eighth world title/title eliminator in the 154-pound division on SHOWTIME/CBS in the last 13 months
  • Serrano attempts to become the first woman to win world titles in five different weight classes

 

 

Saturday, April 29 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event:     Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18 KOs) vs. Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs) – IBF and vacant (Super) WBA Heavyweight World Championship

Start Time:      4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT, live on SHOWTIME

Venue:             Wembley Stadium, London

Notes:              ·  Most significant heavyweight world title fight in 15 years—since Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson in June, 2002

  • Officially sold out more than 90,000 tickets; set to smash the attendance record at Wembley and join the ranks of the biggest events in boxing history

 

 

Saturday, May 20 – SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL

Main Event:     Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) vs. Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) – IBF Super Featherweight World Championship

Start Time:      TBD, live from London

Venue:             Copper Box Arena in London, England

Notes:              ·  Matchup of undefeated fighters. Champion vs. No. 1-ranked contender

  • Davis is the youngest reigning American titlist and second youngest in the world (Kosei Tanaka)

 

 

Saturday, May 20 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event:     Gary Russell Jr. (21-1, 16 KOs) vs. Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) – WBC Featherweight World Championship

Co-Features:   Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) vs. José Uzcátegui (26-1, 22 KOs) – IBF Super Middleweight Interim World Championship

Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) vs. Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) – WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator

Start Time:      TBD

Venue:             MGM National Harbor in Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area

Notes:              ·  Sixth featherweight title fight on SHOWTIME since Feb. 2016, and second this year.

  • The winner of Dirrell-Uzcátegui becomes the mandatory for IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale
  • The winner of Barthelemy-Relikh becomes the mandatory challenger to WBA Super Lightweight Champion Ricky Burns

 

 

Saturday, May 27 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event:     Kell Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) vs. Errol Spence Jr. (21-0, 19 KOs) – IBF Welterweight World Championship

Start Time:      TBD, live from England

Venue:             Bramall Lane Football Ground in Sheffield, England

Notes:              ·  World Champion vs. IBF No. 1-ranked contender

  • No. 3-ranked vs. No. 5-ranked welterweights (via Transnational Boxing Rankings)
  • Six of the consensus top-10 welterweights in the world featured on SHOWTIME/CBS events in the first half of 2017

 

 

Saturday, June 3 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Main Event:     Adonis Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) vs. Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) II – WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship

Co-Main:         Eleider Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs) vs. Jean Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs) – WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Title

Start Time:      TBD

Notes:              ·  Stevenson-Fonfara II is a rematch of 2014 all-action championship bout in which both fighters scored knock downs

 

 

Friday, June 9 – ShoBox: The New Generation (Hall of Fame Induction Weekend)

Main Event:     Joel Diaz Jr. (23-0, 19 KOs) vs. Abel Ramos (17-2-2, 12 KOs) – 10 Round Super Lightweight Bout

Start Time:      10 p.m. ET/PT

Venue:             Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Notes:              ·  International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend

  • The lead announce team for ShoBox, legendary sportscaster Barry Tompkins and boxing historian Steve Farhood, to be inducted to the Hall in nearby Canastota, NY.

 

 

Expected This Summer

Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia in separate events live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

About Showtime Networks Inc.

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

 

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

MATCHROOM SPORT AND KLITSCHKO MANAGEMENT GROUP INK DEAL FOR U.S. TELEVISION RIGHTS TO HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BLOCKBUSTER EVENT: ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO

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American Premium Television Giants SHOWTIME and HBO To Produce Separate Telecasts on Saturday, April 29 From London’s Wembley Stadium

 

SHOWTIME Live at 4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT;

HBO Telecast in Primetime at approx. 10:45 p.m. ET/PT

 

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

LONDON (April 17, 2017) – Matchroom Sport, Klitschko Management Group (KMG) and K2 Promotions have reached agreement with U.S. premium television giants Showtime and HBO to televise the most significant heavyweight world championship match in more than a decade.  On Saturday, April 29, IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua will face former unified world champion Wladimir Klitschko from a sold-out Wembley Stadium in London.

 

Showtime is the exclusive U.S. television partner of Joshua, while HBO has an exclusive agreement with Klitschko in the States.  Each premium network will produce its own separate telecast of the main event match for the U.S. audience.  SHOWTIME will televise its SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING presentation live at 4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT, while HBO will televise its WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING production at approximately 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Joshua (18-0, 18 KOs) and Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs) will meet for Joshua’s IBF World Championship and the vacant IBO and WBA World Championships.  The British sensation Joshua has knocked out all 18 of his professional opponents in a meteoric rise to stardom, while the long-reigning world champion from Ukraine, Klitschko, aims to win back titles he previously held in his 11-year rule as heavyweight world champion.  Joshua vs. Klitschko is promoted by Matchroom Boxing, KMG and K2 Promotions and has officially sold out Wembley Stadium with a record-setting 90,000 tickets sold.

 

“I’m extremely happy and thankful that our respective U.S. TV partners Showtime and HBO reached an agreement,” said Bernd Boente, Managing Director of Klitschko Management Group.  “This happened before in the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao and the Lewis vs. Tyson fights and shows you the magnitude of our event at Wembley Stadium on April 29.”

 

“I’m delighted to announce this historic deal that will see Britain’s biggest ever fight shown on both HBO and SHOWTIME in the U.S.,” said Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport.  “It takes a special fight to break down barriers and boundaries but also networks and executives who believe in working with the best interest of fight fans in mind. With the obstacles in place it would have been any easy resolution to not air the fight in the States but I want to thank HBO and Showtime for their perseverance and allowing America to see one hell of a fight at our national stadium in front on 90,000 passionate fans.  Joshua vs. Klitschko is a fight for the ages and we look forward to the show!”

 

“We are thrilled to be delivering Joshua vs. Klitschko to the U.S. audience live on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “On the afternoon of April 29, U.S. sports fans will be able to tune in to SHOWTIME to join a record-breaking crowd of 90,000 at Wembley Stadium and a worldwide television audience in witnessing an event that represents not only the contesting of the heavyweight world championship, but potentially the changing of the guard in the most influential division in boxing.  We are proud to be Anthony Joshua’s exclusive U.S. television partner as he attempts to establish his legacy against the legendary Wladimir Klitschko, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, as Showtime continues its unrivaled commitment to the sport.”

 

Said Peter Nelson, executive vice president, HBO Sports: “Both promoters and both networks have found a solution that enables boxing fans in the U.S. to watch the world heavyweight championship. This agreement ensures that our subscribers have access to same-day primetime coverage of the fight. It will mark Wladimir Klitschko’s 22nd appearance on HBO and the first for Anthony Joshua.”

 

The 27-year-old Joshua has been perfect since turning professional shortly after winning Gold at the 2012 Olympics for Great Britain.  Joshua, of Watford, England, won the IBF Heavyweight World Championship with a second-round knockout of defending champion Charles Martin in April 2016, earning a heavyweight belt in the fewest number of fights in more than 20 years.  He has since successfully defended the title twice—against Dominic Breazeale in June and Eric Molina in December.

 

Joshua is just the sixth Olympic Gold Medalist at super heavyweight to go on to win a professional heavyweight world title, joining Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis, Alexander Povetkin and his rival on April 29, Wladimir Klitschko.

 

HBO has been the long-time home of Klitschko’s professional boxing career in the States.  The 41-year-old has been a kingpin in the heavyweight division since winning Gold at the 1996 Olympic Games.   He turned pro shortly after the Atlanta games and ran an undefeated campaign for 24 fights before suffering his first defeat to experienced veteran Ross Puritty.  Klitschko quickly rebounded by winning 10 in a row and captured his first world title (WBO) with a unanimous decision victory over Chris Byrd in 2000, a win which avenged a loss by his brother, Vitali, earlier that year.

 

Klitschko’s most recent reign at heavyweight began in 2006 when he captured the IBF and IBO belts via knockout in a rematch against Chris Byrd.  He went on to make 17 consecutive defenses of the IBF and IBO crowns, 13 consecutive defenses of the WBO belt, and eight consecutive defenses of the WBA title.  Along the way, he amassed victories over Sultan Ibragimov, Hasim Rahman, Ruslan Chagaev, David Haye, Samuel Peter, Alexander Povetkin, Kubrat Pulev and more.  In total he has fought in 28 total world title fights – a unique record in the history of the heavyweight division – compared to just 18 total professional fights for Anthony Joshua.  He was the longest reigning world champion (2006-2015) after Joe Louis.

 

This will be Klitschko’s first outing since losing the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO titles to Tyson Fury in 2015, his first defeat in 11 years.