Category Archives: boxing

boxing

Solid Robin Krasniqi vs. Arthur Abraham PPV Undercard Announced for April 22nd

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Airing live in North America
TENAFLY, N.J.(April 12, 2017) – A solid pay-per-view undercard has been announced, supporting the potentially explosive World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight title eliminator, between two-time world title challenger Robin Krasniqi and three-time, two-division world champion “King” Artur Abraham.
“Krasniqi vs. Abraham”, promoted by SES Promotions, is a presentation of Integrated Sports Media and FITE, airing live in North America from Congress Center in Ekfurt, Germany.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Krasniqi vs. Abraham” live in North America, starting at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH in the United States, as well as Rogers, Shaw and Sask Tel in Canada, also on the FITE app and website (www.Fite.tv), for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
Outside of North America, “Krasniqi vs. Abraham” is being licensed by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.
WBO No. 3-rated Krasniqi (46-4, 17 KOs), who is a former European and WBO International Light Heavyweight Champion, battles WBO No. 2-ranked Abraham (45-5, 30 KOs) in the 12-round main event to determine the mandatory challenger for reigning WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto Ramirez, of Mexico.
Undefeated German heavyweight prospect Tom Schwarz (18-0, 11 KOs) faces Adnan “Bosnian Lion” Redzovic (17-1, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship.  The 22-year-old Schwarz is the reigning WBO Youth heavyweight titlist, while Redzovic is a veteran fighter from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A pair of unbeaten light heavyweights, Adam Deines (10-0-1, 5 KOs) and Lukasz Golebiewski, square off in a 10-round bout.  Deines, fighting out of Germany, is a former German International and German BDB cruiserweight champion.  A native of Poland who lives in Bonn, Germany, Golebiewski is the current German GBA light heavyweight title holder.
Additional fights or highlights may be shown, time permitting.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV,  #KrasniqiAbrahamPPV
boxing

TWO MORE GREAT ‘ALL CHICAGO’ FIGHTS ADDED TO NEXT WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT ON FRIDAY, APRIL 28 AT UIC PAVILION

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A pair of exciting “All Chicago” six-round match-ups have been announced for the undercard at Warriors Boxing Promotions’ next “Windy City Fight Night” on Friday, April 28, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
In an battle of undefeated Windy City featherweights, Giovanni Mioletti (6-0, 1 KO) will take his toughest test to date against comebacking and also undefeated William Hernandez (3-0). And in an intriguing super middleweight six-rounder, Chicago’s undefeated Ruben Schobitz (2-0, 1 KO) will face upset-minded spoiler Cesar Ruiz (2-4, 2 KOs).
Both bouts are in support of the eight-round main event featuring undefeated super lightweight Ramiro “El Lobito” Carrillo (11-0, 7 KOs), plus separate six-round brawls for undefeated super featherweight Josh Hernandez (5-0, 4 KOs); power-punching lightweight Jessica “CasKILLA” McCaskill (3-1, 2 KOs) and lightweight Jose Felix Quezada (11-1, 6 KOs).
In a very special added attraction, Chicago-based bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson (4-0, 2 KOs) will make his promotional debut under the Warriors banner against Mexico’s Jose Elizondo (2-2) in a six-round match-up.
Tickets for Windy City Fight Night are on sale now and priced at $101, $76, $51 and $36 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com; by calling 1-800-745-3000, or the Warriors Offices:312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740 or by visiting the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Or they can be purchased the night of the event. A special VIP Lounge experience is available to select sponsors. Please call 312.622.7668 for more information.
“I’m excited to be facing an undefeated boxer and I’m really pumped to be fighting in front of a large crowd of family and friends,” Mioletti said.  “I want to put on a great show for them.”
22-year-old Mioletti says he is motivated for the challenge.  “I love the level of competition,” he said, “and I love fighting in my hometown.”
“I don’t know much about him. I’m just going in blind,” said 26-year-old Hernandez. “So, I’ll just go in with confidence and if I train hard I always have a chance to win. I’m training hard seven days a week.”
Hernandez is returning from a six-year layoff that saw him obtain an accounting degree and start a family. The layoff, he says, won’t be an issue.
“I’m ready and coming into this fight stronger than ever before. I’ve been dying to get back in the ring and it’s almost time.”
The promising Schobitz, from Chicago via Austria, says training is going well and he’s confident there won’t be another upset by his opponent Cesar Ruiz. In January of this year, Ruiz scored a shock TKO 1 over well-regarded, and then undefeated, Martez McGregor at the UIC Pavilion.
“Training is going great. I’m working out twice or three times a day and focusing a lot on using my legs and getting my legs strong. I sparred him (Ruiz) before and I saw his last fight. He’s a come-forward guy. He knocked out Martez with a long left hook, but he doesn’t have a lot of resources. And like they say, a good big man always beats a good little man.”
Schobitz, who came to the US to train for the Austrian amateur championships, which he won, liked what he saw and returned as a professional, in search of glory.
“I spent all my money I had saved up in Austria as a teen to move here to box. Obviously, you come here with goals to be world champion and learn as much as you can and gain experience. I want to go as far as I can. Boxing is a sport I love. I love to fight more than anything else.”
Windy City Fight Night doors open at 7:00 pm CT and the action starts at 8:00 pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago. The entire bout card is subject to change.
About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.
With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.
When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.
boxing

Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith takes on 67 fight veteran Edgar Gabejan on Saturday, April 22nd at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

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Stacked card features Anthony “Juice” Young

Also undefeated Kenneth Sims, Jr., Elijah Vines, Tyrell Wright, John Bauza, Donald Smith & Dylan Price
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (April 12, 2017)- Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith will take on 67 fight veteran Edgar Gabejan in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds that will headline a 10-bout card at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The show is promoted by GH3 Promotions and D and D Promotions.
The card will also feature many up and coming stars from the Philadelphia/New Jersey region.
Smith of Philadelphia has a record of 10-0 with 4 knockouts.
Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Featherweight Champion and a 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, turned pro in April 2010-at 130 pounds.  Smith went 72-4 in the amateurs. Two of the victories came against current world-ranked contender Amir Imam.
He turned professional in 2010, and his wins over two undefeated fighters Alex Montes (1-0) and Lavelle Hadley (2-0).  Smith also has a win over Bemjamin Whitaker (10-1) in a bout that was nationally televised on Showtime’s ShoBox series.  In his last bout, Smith defeated Marquis Hawthorne on January 20th in Atlantic City.
The will be Smith’s 6 fight Atlantic City.
Gabejan of Binanginan, Philippines is a 14 year professional who sports a record of 27-33-7 with nine knockouts.
The 35 year-old Gabejan has some quality results on his resume with wins over Marbon Bodiongan (11-2-2), Balweg Bangonyan (16-4), Ernie Sanchez (11-0), Lloyd Francisco (9-1), Ronald Pontillas (7-1-1), Jason Egera (9-1), Jun Talape (11-2), Gary Bagsaio (2-0) & Rager Balonggod (1-0).  In his last bout, Gabejan had a draw with undefeated Pedro Durran (14-0) on July 9, 2016 in San Mateo, California.
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 an opponent to be named in a 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 Tyrome Jones (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Chicago.
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, Las Vegas, Roc Nation

ANDRE WARD VS. SERGEY KOVALEV 2: “THE REMATCH” OAKLAND PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO, PHOTOS AND QUOTES

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Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Roc Nation Sports/Khristopher Sandifer

 

Click HERE for Video

Video Credit: Roc Nation Sports/Main Events

 

Oakland, CA (April 11, 2017) – On Tuesday at the Oakland Marriott in Oakland, CA, Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Andre “SOG” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) and former Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) formally addressed the media regarding their highly-anticipated rematch on Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” go on sale to the public on Friday, April 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets priced at $1,255, $755, $505, $355, $255 and $105 not including applicable service charges will be available on axs.com and at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office.

 

Below is what the fighters and dais guests had to say at the press conference:

 

Andre “S.O.G.” Ward – Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion

 

“I appreciate everybody for coming out today. It’s always good to be home in the Bay Area. It’s amazing how in a short time, eight, nine, ten years, we put the Bay on the map in terms of the boxing world. Oakland used to be a major fight town, and we got away from it. But through myself and many other young fighters, contenders who may not have had opportunities that I was afforded, we’re doing our part to continue to represent the Bay in a major way and that’s a beautiful thing.

 

“I’m excited about this rematch. These are the things I dreamed about as a kid. I love it. I love the back and forth, some people being with me and some people not being with me. I don’t mind the stuff they talk about on social media. That’s perception. I try and deal in the reality.

 

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to see me on June 17, we’ve got to fight. I don’t care what you say, I don’t care what the team says. That’s going to make headlines. That’s all good and part of the business. I understand the business very well and I’m good with that. But if you guys know me – the boxing world knows me, the Bay Area knows me – I don’t have to do a lot of talking. To my young guys coming up, you don’t have to talk a lot. Just show up when you’re supposed to show up. Lock in and do what you got to do to prepare, and when it’s time in that biggest moment when the lights come on, find a way to get it done.

 

“Boxing right now is not like it used to be. It’s a climate right now where there’s a lot of talking. Guys don’t do what they say they’re going to do. They don’t perform and then they find excuses on why they didn’t perform. There’s only a handful of guys in history that I know that talked and then backed it up. We don’t have a lot of that today. So, it’s okay to not be the loudest talker in the room, but when it’s time to shine, be that guy. Be the hardest worker. And another thing, I want to encourage every fighter in this room – you don’t let anybody beat you before you get in the ring. I don’t care what you say, where you’re from, what your reputation is, it’s a healthy respect you have for an opponent to prepare physically and mentally, you got to have that. But you don’t let anybody – media, broadcasters, fighters, anybody – beat you before you get in the ring. You make them earn it. And if they do it, tip your hat to them and give it credit. But you’re not beating me on reputations. This is the first time this team has met a team where that stuff isn’t working. You beat me, you’re going to earn it.

 

“I hope he’s the best he can be. I hope he makes the adjustments he’s supposed to make. We’re going to get ready. We’re not taking it for granted. That’s what big rematches and big fights are all about. I want the best Sergey. I want his team to be focused. I want him to be focused and I know my team is going to be focused. Let’s see what happens. The question I have for him and his team is, with all that loud talking, who are y’all trying to convince? Me or him?”

 

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev – Former Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion 

 

“The other side is saying I have to prove a lot, I have to show a lot. I don’t need to prove or show anything. I showed and proved everything on November 19. Anybody who hasn’t seen that or doesn’t think that, you’re going to see it on June 17. This is what I promise and this is what I’m going to do. The ones who think about Andre Ward’s victory, you can still pray for him because I’m going to show it on June 17. He got those belts somehow. I think June 17 is going to be the day everybody’s going to see the way it’s supposed to be.”

 

Michael Yormark – Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy

 

“Hello Oakland! We are so happy to be here today. Today is a truly special day for this community, for this city. Oakland is synonymous with hard work, toughness, loyalty and pride. Today the native son returns. A man who represents all of those characteristics will stand before you, and unlike many in the professional sports world, Andre Ward is here to fight for Oakland! The best boxer in the world, the face of his sport, the hero and icon of this historic town – he fights for you. He did so last November, when he staged an epic comeback against dangerous Sergey Kovalev, and emerged victorious. After Andre’s win, there was a lot of talk, a lot of debate, a lot of speculation, a lot of excuses. But Oakland doesn’t make excuses, Oakland doesn’t talk, Oakland acts.

 

“In one of his latest posts, Sergey said Andre ‘slaps like woman’. Grammatical issues aside, on behalf of all the strong Oakland women in the audience today I’d like to say ‘thank you Sergey for the compliment’. As someone who has spent the better part of the past three decades promoting sports and entertainment events, I’ll give Sergey a lot of credit – he had some great soundbites in New York yesterday. He said ‘Andre wears a crown’. Actually Sergey, they are belts, you should know, I think a couple of them used to be yours. He said he dislikes Andre – which brings the number of people here in Oakland today that dislike Andre up to a total of two: you and Kathy. But in all seriousness, the stakes could not be higher for this rematch and when Sergey says Andre ‘will not show up for this fight,’ that tells me he hasn’t done his research. Andre has built his career on shining brightest in the biggest moments. June 17 is the biggest of moments – more than just wins and championship belts, this fight will ultimately dictate the fate of each fighter’s legacy.

 

“This is the type of fight that is decided by pride, guts, toughness, overcoming adversity, and who just wants it more. For Andre Ward, being raised by the city of Oakland is his ultimate advantage. He was born with incredible talent and ability, but Oakland gave him his toughness, his pride and his uncanny ability to stare down any challenge, and dominate it. June 17 will be no different – at the end of the night there will be only one champion, and there will be no excuses.”

 

Kathy Duva – CEO of Main Events

 

“If Andre Ward is half as tough in the ring as his promoter talks, I suppose Sergey may have his hands full. But we are coming to Las Vegas in June and Sergey has one goal in mind and that is to make sure that the winner actually wins the fight this time.

 

“Sergey Kovalev is probably the biggest perfectionist I’ve ever met. I’ve seen him walk away from fights that he knocked his opponent out in two rounds, and then apologize for his performance. Everybody keeps talking about excuses on the other side, and nobody’s making any. He is blaming himself, he has apologized to his fans for not making that win emphatic enough so that people could not take it from him because, with all the respect in the world to Andre Ward, he didn’t win Sergey’s belts they were taken from Sergey.”

 

James Prince – Manager of Andre Ward

 

“We’re excited about June 17, as we were the past year when we took care of Goliath over here. We know what we had to do with them, and now June 17 is right around the corner. I don’t know if Sergio’s manager repeated everything that Sergio was saying. It seemed to be a disconnection going on. I don’t know if he wanted to say what he was saying. I think they’re confused today as they’re going to be on June 17 in the ring when he sees he can’t accomplish the things he wants to accomplish.

 

“I said it to him yesterday and I’ll reiterate it today. For some reason, I get the feeling that he thinks somebody is scared of him. Bullies think that way. He feels like he can say things and impose fear in men of God’s heart. I told him men of God, we don’t fear nothing because we know no weapon formed against us shall prosper. I know Andre Ward doesn’t need any help with him, with the threats he’s making and feeling like he wants to hit Andre Ward in his head. A word to the wise, to all that’s listening – do what you got to do in the ring, because you’re in a place that’s called town business. We don’t play those kinds of games outside of the ring. Let’s stay focused and attempt to try and hit him in the head in the ring, because you’re going to have problems with that. But you’ll have real big problems outside of the ring.

 

“Andre Ward’s team means something to him. When we speak, our words carry value. For you to get up here and act like what we’re saying doesn’t mean anything, maybe that’s how it goes on in Russia but in the United States of America we put value in what we say. Once again, the United States of America shall be victorious on June 17, and no weapons formed against us shall prosper.”

 

Egis Klimas – Manager of Sergey Kovalev

 

“Talking is very, very cheap. Trust me, I’ve been in this business for a while, and I’ve seen it many times. Managers, trainers, promoters coming in and talking a lot of shit into the microphone. But then it comes to the night, these are the two men that are going to go in the ring, and they’re going to fight. Nothing to do with the promotion, nothing to do with the manager, nothing to do with the trainers. Trainers might be giving them the advice, but these two guys are going to survive.

 

“You can’t lie to the people’s eyes with what they saw on November 19. I’m not going to talk about it. I’m not going to go there because it’s already history. Forget about it. I want everybody to see who’s going to be coming to Vegas on June 17, what is going to happen. I want to thank everybody who’s involved in this fight and putting it together, HBO Pay-Per-View. I want to thank as always the media because without you guys nobody will know what happened here.”

 

Virgil Hunter – Trainer of Andre Ward

 

“It’s a good fight coming June 17 against the most dangerous and most feared light heavyweight in the world, Sergey Kovalev against a lucky victorious man in Andre Ward. So, I guess this fight here will pretty much settle it. I think if you look at the realistic facts of it all, I think only Sergey’s been in the media talking. I think Mr. Klimas should understand that we haven’t said a word. The other side has talked about ending people’s careers to knocking you out to insulting God almighty. All that’s coming from this side so we understand what goes on and I think it’s a lot of doubt, it’s a lot of anger. I don’t see Coach Jackson here today and to be honest I don’t expect to see him June 17 because you got to put the blame somewhere.

 

“I’m looking for a real good fight. Sergey Kovalev is definitely not underestimated. I don’t have a problem saying that before we fought I was a fan of his. I’m still a fan of his. I just won’t be a fan of his on June 17. This is not me blowing smoke. I admire his skill. I always knew that if we came across each other that it was going to be a tough fight, difficult fight, and a fight of attrition. And I expect the same thing June 17.

 

“I think Andre said it best when he said somebody’s will was going to be broke in that fight. But it would be nice to go into that without biting the hand that fed you. Everybody’s an expert from the reporters to the announcers when it comes to judging a fight. All of a sudden, they were all wrong that night. So, I think that’s an insult to what goes on in boxing. I think it wasn’t right. I think it was wrong particularly since HBO has built Sergey into the star that he rightfully is. Like I said before and I’ll say today, I’ll challenge anybody to sit with me and show me where he won the fight. He fought a hell of a fight because he’s a hell of a fighter, but he didn’t win the fight.

 

“So, I guess all of the answers will be answered June 17. My advice is relax, don’t be uptight. You can’t drink year in and year out and expect at some point for it not to catch up to you and I would bet money that if we could go internally and see inside that that’s one of the causes that’s causing him to get fatigued now. It’s not the overtraining, it’s not this and it’s not that. It’s just guys are standing up and going 12 rounds now. But you can’t drink vodka year in and year out and expect on fight night to fight somebody like Andre.”

 

Tony Walker – Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View

 

“On behalf of my Executive Vice President Peter Nelson and the rest of the staff at HBO I’d like to thank everybody for coming out to talk some big-time boxing today. First, I want to thank Michael and Kathy and their staff at Roc Nation and Main Events.It’s not easy putting big time fights together no matter how much everybody wants it – and the fighters wanted it. The promoters worked and we have here June 17 one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

 

“I would also like to thank, as Michael did, the community of Oakland. This has always been a boxing city. We have great viewership numbers from Oakland and the entire Bay Area no matter who seems to fight. So, we appreciate the support – we love the support you give Andre. A great home-grown guy in every way and we know that we’re going to do some big business here in the Oakland area and throughout the Bay Area for the fight.

 

“I would just like to say that the fight will be distributed by all the usual distributors, the cable, the satellite and telephone companies and I guarantee you a good picture, great sound, and a great broadcast that night for the suggested retail price of $54.95. We think we have the best broadcast team in the business and its going to be a fun night to gather friends and the family for a great sporting event.

 

“I would just say that when a lot is on the line, as there is in this fight, there’s drama – and there’s no better TV then when drama is involved. So, thank you very much and we hope if we don’t see you in Las Vegas hopefully you’ll get a chance to watch it on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

 

 

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, and is sponsored by Monster Products and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Follow the conversation using #WardKovalev. Follow us:

 

www.andresogward.com @AndreWard @AndreSogWard /AndreSogWard  
www.kovalboxer.com @KrusherKovalev @SergeyKrusherKovalev /thekrusher /kovalboxer
www.throneboxing.com @RocNation @RocNationSports /RocNation /RocNation
www.mainevents.com @Main_Events @Main_Events /MainEventsBoxing /MEBoxingSeries
www.insidehboboxing.com @HBOboxing @HBOboxing /HBOboxing /HBOSports
www.mandalyabay.com @MandalayBay @MandalayBay /MandalayBay
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Lippe-Morrison forced to withdraw from June 9 fight with broken hand

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Trey Shobox.jpg
For Immediate Release
Miami, OK (April 11, 2017) – Undefeated heavyweight sensation Trey Lippe-Morrison has withdrawn from his June 9 bout after suffering a broken hand in training.
The power punching Lippe-Morrison is 13-0 with all of his wins by knockout, 12 of which came inside of two rounds. On September, 23 2016, he demolished previously unbeaten Ed Latimore in less than one round on Showtime and did so in front of a standing room only crowd at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.
A member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise,” Lippe-Morrison was scheduled to appear on a special edition ShoBox card June 9 in Verona, NY as part of Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend.
Lippe-Morrison had surgery on Friday, April 7 and will be out of the ring for approximately 3 months.
“This is a minor setback,” said the legendary Freddie Roach, Lippe-Morrison’s head trainer. “This kid not only has talent but he’s an extremely hard worker. He was back in the gym two days after surgery.”
Tony Holden, Lippe-Morrison’s promoter, is already working on his return bout.
“I spoke with ShoBox’s Gordon Hall and he was confident that Trey will be back on the series by the end of the year. I’m pushing to have a ShoBox card with Trey and Ivan Baranchyk together in Miami, OK or Joplin, MO this fall.”
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten Rising Contender Mario Barrios Battles Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara in Main Event of of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, April 25 From Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotelin Tunica, Mississippi

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Plus! 2012 Mexican Olympian Oscar Molina Takes on Exciting Welterweight Levan Ghvamichava in Co-Main Event
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
TUNICA, MS (April 11, 2017) – Undefeated rising contender Mario Barrios (18-0, 10 KOs) will face Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara (17-7-4, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight attraction that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 andBOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, April 25 from the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a 10-round matchup of exciting welterweights as once-beaten Oscar Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) takes on Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava (17-3-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.
“I’m excited to be back on FS1 and FOX Deportes for this fight,” said Barrios. “This is a great platform for young fighters to show their talents and that’s what I plan on doing April 25. Everyone tune-in to see me put on a great performance and for an exciting night of fights from Tunica.”
“I’m very excited to fight once again in the U.S. and on FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Lara. “I’m grateful to TGB Promotions for the opportunity. Mario Barrios is a very skilled, young, undefeated prospect, however I have faced much better competition and will be well prepared for victory on April 25.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through the Fitz Gift Shop or Ticketmaster atwww.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
“This show epitomizes what the Premier Boxing Champions series on FS1 and FOX Deportes is all about – young, hungry boxers making the climb to the top,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We’ve watched Mario Barrios grow up in the ring. His fight against tough veteran Nelson Lara represents another big step in his progression. Oscar Molina is shifting from 154 pounds to 147 pounds and will face one of the toughest challenges of his career when he takes on rugged Levan Ghvamichava. This is a fan-friendly card that promises plenty of excitement.”
Standing more than six feet tall, the 21-year-old Barrios won his first 12-round fight last July when he defeated Devis Boschiero after winning seven times in a busy 2015 campaign. The San-Antonio native followed up that victory with stoppage wins over Claudio Rosendo Tapia last December and Yardley Suarez in March to run his record to a perfect 18 wins in his first 18 pro starts.
Originally from Nicaragua but now fighting out of Costa Rica, Lara was unbeaten in 17 of his first 18 pro fights after turning pro in 2004. Lara enters this bout having won his last two contests by stoppage including his most recent triumph in March. Lara will fight in the U.S. for the third time as a pro in a career that has seen him enter the ring in six different countries.
Molina, of Norwalk, Calif., just east of Los Angeles, was a 2012 Mexican Olympian who tore through his opposition after turning professional in 2013, registering knockouts in 10 of his 14 fights.  The 27-year-old fought 10-round draw with Dominque Dolton last year before losing an exciting contest against 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd. Now fighting at 147-pounds, Molina will look to climb the ranks in his new division.
Ghvamichava returns to the ring in Tunica after a dropping a split decision to top contender Yordenis Ugas in February. Priot to that, the 31-year-old had delivered a sensational knockout of Breidis Prescott last July. Trained by Virgil Hunter in California, Ghvamichava is originally from Poti, Georgia. He carried a five-fight winning streak from 2014 to 2015 that included wins over previously unbeaten fighters Chris Singleton and Jonathan Garcia plus veterans Cosme Rivera and Sergio Reyes.
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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

SAMPSON BOXING RETURNS TO HOME COUNTRY OF URUGUAY FOR WORLD-CLASS BOXING AT CENTRO DE CONVENCIONES IN PUNTA DEL ESTE

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Barrionuevo to Face Meza for WBC Latino Welterweight Championship
On Saturday, May 13, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, will present a night of world-class boxing, featuring several undefeated fighters risking their perfect records, at the Centro de Convenciones in Punta del Este, in his home country of Uruguay.
After the event’s weigh-in the night before, on Friday, May 12, Lewkowicz is also putting on a pair of very special seminars for South American officials and trainers.
Fighting in the May 13 10-round main event will be WBC #14-rated welterweight Cesar Miguel “La Joya” Barrionuevo (31-3-2, 21 KOs) of Catamarca, Argentina, taking on Oscar “El Estudiante” Meza (28-7, 23 KOs) of Sinaloa, México for the WBC Latino Welterweight Championship.
Barrionuevo knocked out Panama’s Azael Cosio in five rounds last year, as part of the WBC’s aborted welterweight tournament. He was supposed to move on to face then undefeated Sammy Vasquez, however Vasquez elected instead to Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz and lost a unanimous decision. Despite the setback, Barrionuevo is still in line for an eventual elimination fight, or even a world title shot. While he waits, he is engaging in this intriguing title fight against the well-respected Meza.
In the eight-round co-main event, undefeated super featherweight Sergio “El Pamperito” Sain (12-0, 9 KOs) of La Pampa, Argentina will face also undefeated Matias Romero (13-0, 6 KOs) of Córdoba, Argentina.
In the main supporting bout, super bantamweight Eduardo “El Zurdito” Ramirez (19-0-2, 7 KOs) of Sinaloa, México, will face Alan Luques “El Lumbriz” Castillo (20-6, 9 KOs) of Córdoba, Argentina over eight rounds.
Also on the undercard is a six-round “all undefeated, all Argentina” battle between former Olympian and heavily decorated amateur Alberto “Beto” Palmetta (3-0, 1 KO) of Buenos Aires and Octavio Ezequiel “Dinamita” Segundo (6-0, 2 KOs) of Salta, Argentina.
In a six-round super featherweight brawl, Martin “El Guapo” Matamala (9-2, 2 KOs) of Neuquen, Argentina, will have his hands full against undefeated Abraham Nova
(5-0, 4 KOs) of Braintree, Massachusetts, via Puerto Rico. Also scheduled to appear is undefeated super welterweight Andres Vera (2-0, 2 KOs) of Uruguay against an opponent TBA.
The event will be televised in Uruguay on VTV, and in Argentina and around the world on TyC Sports.
The night before the fights, in the luxury Centro de Convenciones (one of the most modernized venues in all south America) Lewkowicz will host two simultaneous seminars featuring well-known boxing figures.
World-famous referee Steve Smoger will conduct one of the seminars for boxing officials throughout the country, as well as in Argentina and Brazil. At the same time, world-class trainer Hector Bermudez will be teaching South American trainers about proper hand-wrapping and cut administration techniques.
Lewkowicz, the only world-class promoter ever to come from Uruguay, says he’s excited about the Centro de Convenciones’ involvement in boxing and about the event itself.

“I expect this world-class facility to become the mecca of boxing in South America,” said Lewkowicz. “This is a tremendous show to be putting on at this wonderful location and I hope they will continue for a very long time. Every fight is very competitive and will be very entertaining.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.
Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DMITRY BIVOL TRAINING CAMP QUOTES IN ADVANCE OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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Friday, April 14 Live on SHOWTIME

From The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland

Undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol will defend his Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME(10 p.m. ET/PT) at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.

 

Known for his aggressive style, the 26-year-old Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) was a decorated amateur and former Russian National Champion at 178 pounds, who is now determined to make his mark in one of boxing’s toughest weight classes.  Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs), of Cedar Hill, Texas, has won his last nine fights in a row and will make his third appearance onShoBox.

 

Bivol is managed by Los Angeles-based Vadim Konilov and trained by Gennady Mashianov. He has recently ended his sparring sessions at both Wild Card Gym and Wild Card West in Southern California where he has been training in the same camp with fellow countryman and 2010 European super heavyweight amateur gold medalist Sergey Kuzmin.

 

Here’s a quick question and answer session through an interpreter after visiting with Bivol at the apartment where he has been residing for the past five weeks in the heart of Hollywood.

 

Question: Overall, how would you assess how your training camp went?

 

Bivol: “I think that training camp went very good. One of the reasons I decided to come to Southern California to train was that there are so many different sparring partners here. We had a very spirited camp and I consider myself ready for the fight.”

 

Question: What kind of fight do you expect from such a strong opponent as Samuel Clarkson?

 

Bivol: “I’m expecting for him to get in the ring and push himself and come forward. I know he’ll come out aggressive and try to put the pressure on me. We’ll see.”

 

Question: You are young and have only nine pro fights, but are already fighting to defend an interim world title. Are you happy with the way your pro career has started?

 

Bivol: “To be honest, I don’t really ever think about the belt and the interim title. For me the main WBA belt is the most important one and I want to stay at the top of the rankings to get it. As far as my career going too fast, I don’t believe so. I think I have more than enough experience in the amateurs and that I’ve aligned myself with the best trainer and sparring partners out there. So I’m happy where my career is at right now. I don’t think it’s progressing too fast.”

 

Question: There are some that are picking this fight as 50/50? Why do you think they are predicting this fight can go either way?”

 

Bivol: “This is boxing and I think there are a lot of fights that are 50/50. Anything can happen. You never know; upsets can happen at any time. For me this is step-up fight. Not only because of how good my opponent is, but also because of what it means to me. Winning this fight will open the door to many opportunities.”

 

Question: How important is it to put on a good show and put on an exciting performance fighting in your first main event on SHOWTIME?

 

Bivol: “Sure everything is amped up a little bit more because it’s on SHOWTIME. But every time I step into the ring I want to put on a good show for the fans. This time, probably a little bit more so, but the most important thing is to get the win.”

 

Question: Is there one weaknesses you have worked on during this training camp?

 

Bivol: “I don’t think there are any weaknesses, so it’s been like any other training camp. I can’t talk about what I’ve been preparing for from my opponent. You will have to wait and see it in the ring.”

 

Question: What do you think about training in Southern California?

 

Bivol: “I love everything about it. The best thing though is the weather. In my hometown city in Russia, St. Petersburg, we don’t have weather like this. I like the atmosphere here and the people and where we train. I just like it all.”

 

Question: You have a large collection of amateur medals. Where are they displayed?

 

Bivol: “I keep them all in one place in my parents’ home. We don’t think we deserve them all. It is something they are very proud of.”

 

Question: What do you think about the other top Russian boxers like Ruslan Provodnikov and Sergey Kovalev?

 

Bivol: “I respect them all. There are some that are very famous in Russia, but also very famous here. And I see that. They are really good fighters and I’m ready to be at that same level, if not even at a higher level. I’m not in this sport just to stay in shape, I’m here to show and prove that I can be the best in the world.”

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquezserving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillipsdirecting.

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 68 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing, Las Vegas, Roc Nation

ANDRE WARD VS. SERGEY KOVALEV 2: “THE REMATCH” PRESALE ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 14

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NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE

VIDEO, PHOTOS AND QUOTES

 

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Roc Nation Sports/Khristopher Sandifer

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Video Credit: Roc Nation Sports/Main Events

 

NEW YORK, NY (April 10, 2017) – On Monday at Le Parker Meridien in New York City, Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Andre “SOG” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) and former Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) formally addressed the media on their highly-anticipated rematch on Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

TIDAL members will have access to a special presale beginning on Wednesday, April 12 at 1:00 p.m. ET/ 10:00 a.m. PT. Members can find details for purchasing tickets by visiting TIDAL.com/WardKovalev or by logging in to their TIDAL accounts via web browser, desktop app or mobile app.

 

Fans already enrolled for email updates on MainEvents.com will receive an email with the presale information. Anyone interested in receiving the presale code can sign up for email updates at www.mainevents.com.

 

M life Rewards loyalty members, Ticketmaster and AXS/AEG customers will receive access to a pre-sale scheduled from Wednesday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. PT to Friday, April 14 at 9:59 a.m. PT. To join the M life Rewards program, or for more information, visit mlife.com.

 

Tickets for Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” go on sale to the public on Friday, April 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets priced at $1,255, $755, $505, $355, $255 and $105 not including applicable service charges will be available on axs.com and at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office.

 

Below is what the fighters and dais guests had to say at the press conference:

 

Andre “S.O.G.” Ward – Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion

 

“I want to thank everybody for coming out today – the media, obviously, HBO, Peter Nelson and their whole team, these guys work tirelessly to get these kinds of things done. I appreciate my team, James Prince, Josh Dubin, Roc Nation and everyone at Roc Nation, JAY Z, Juan and Desiree Perez, Michael Yormark. It’s important to have a good team. We talk a lot about fighting, we talk all about matchups, but when we talk about support, it’s frowned upon. When we see fighters 10, 15, 20 years from now shuffling in a room, nothing to show what they fought for, that’s okay. By the grace of God and by way of my team, that’s not going to happen to me.

 

“Unfortunately, there’s perception and there’s reality. Perception is every one thing that’s written, every opinion but as you grow and learn this business, it’s not about perception. Nobody can point to a fight where I turned. Not one point. That’s not in my track record. So, I don’t mind the perception. I don’t care about Instagram. This is chess, not checkers. You can make all the rules you want to make, but it’s about the checkmate. That’s when the game is over.

 

“My team is working on life after boxing. Educating me on the ins and outs. A lot of people talk about money, but they don’t talk about the upside. They’re not talking about the personal sponsorships for the fight, and your obligations for the sponsorship. They’re not talking about the television rights and foreign rights, the merchandise. ‘Be tough, keep focus, destroy the fight’. I’m not with that man. I want the whole thing, I want to understand everything. The fight is not the end.

 

“They have to understand, there’s nothing scary about this man. You realize we just fought 12 rounds four months ago? Everyone wants to highlight the knockdown, that’s probably one of the most beautiful moments of my career. And did you guys see the other 10 rounds? Nobody’s talking about that. But that’s what makes us who we are. It’s hard concrete down there, we don’t want to fall. We’ve got another drive, we’ve got another gear we’ve got to tap into when we hit adversity and hit the cannons. You guys saw that, in the biggest moment of my career.

 

“I didn’t get to where I’m at because there’s something unique about me. I didn’t get to this point by happenstance. Some may not like it, but you got to respect it. You don’t have to, but we’ve earned the position that we have. We don’t mind being understated. The fight is academic. When my team green-lighted it, I said go ahead and announce it. The reality is, you’ve got to see me on June 17. That’s the reality of the situation. I love to talk, it’s all good. We knocked heads for 12 rounds, that’s the reality of the situation. He felt me, he knows. On June 17, that’s how we’re going to do. We’re going to get started a little early. Whether you’re with me, or whether you’re against me, tune in. Appreciate everybody’s time. Don’t miss this fight, June 17. You got what you asked for.”

 

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev – Former Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion 

 

“Hello everyone. I am thankful the fight will take place on June 17. Well, will take place on paper for now. I’m appreciative of my team and Team Ward that this fight will actually happen. I want to apologize to my fans for my performance the last time but we’re going to get this squared either way. We’re going to see who is the best fighter. I’m very excited for June 17. The only thing I hope is that a week or two before the fight, Andre Ward does not get injured and he has enough balls to come out and fight me on June 17.”

 

Michael Yormark – Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy

 

“Legacies are built on seminal moments. When the lights shine brightest, when the challenge seems insurmountable, when the eyes of the world are on you – that is when great athletes see the rarest of opportunities to shape their legacy, to ensure that their name lives on. Evander Holyfield said, ‘a champion shows who he is by what he does when he’s tested’. Back in November the two best pound-for-pound fighters in the world tested each other like they had never been tested before in their careers. On that night, World Champion Andre Ward faced a defining moment and countered with an epic comeback victory over Sergey Kovalev. After that showdown, there was a lot of talk, a lot of debate, a lot of speculation, a lot of excuses. But on June 17 we put all of that talk to bed, because Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” is officially on, and from this day forward there will be no excuses.

 

“Andre Ward is the best boxer in the world – there is simply no debate. He is undefeated, breathlessly talented, and has gladly taken on any fighter with the guts to face him. For Andre, this fight represents the final nail in the coffin for the rest of this division and his would-be competitors, and the latest feat in a career that can only be defined as flawless. For Sergey, he has a lot to prove, which may be why he’s been so, let’s call it active on social media. After falling short in November, Sergey has become his own personal hype machine. In one of his latest tweets he demanded Andre, ‘pray to me’. Sergey, I think what you were trying to say was ‘pray for me’, which we all will do before you get back into the ring with Andre on June 17.

 

“We return to Las Vegas where all big fights belong, live at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and on HBO Pay-Per-View. Roc Nation is proud to be the lead promoter of this global event, presented by Corona Extra and powered by Monster Products. This event would not have been possible without the support of Richard Sturm and Sid Greenfeig of MGM, and HBO’s Peter Nelson and Tony Walker – I’d like to take this opportunity to specifically thank them. MGM and HBO are synonymous with the biggest and best boxing events and Roc Nation is honored to be working in partnership with them for yet another historic fight. I’d also like to thank our chairman JAY Z and President of Roc Nation Sports Juan Perez for their support of this sure to be epic event. Additionally, a big thank you to our presenting partner Corona Extra, as well as Monster Products. I would also like to acknowledge Le Parker Meridien for their support and hosting us here today. Despite what you read in some corners of the boxing world, this rematch was always inevitable, both fighters wanted it, both promoters wanted it and I would be remiss if I did not sincerely thank Main Events and Kathy and Nicole Duva for their professionalism and class in negotiating and finalizing the June 17 fight. Last but certainly not least thank you to Team Ward – Andre, James Prince, Josh Dubin and Virgil Hunter – not only for once again putting your unblemished, championship record on the line under the bright lights of Sin City, but for being incredible partners throughout this process and the best ambassadors the sport of boxing could possibly ask for. Thank you.”

 

Kathy Duva – CEO of Main Events

 

“Thank you, HBO, thank you Le Parker Meridien, Mandalay Bay and of course our sponsors, Corona and Monster. I’ll make it short and sweet. My greatest hope for June 17 is that the winner wins this time. Sergey’s going to do everything in his power to make sure there’s no question on who that is.

 

“I expect he’s going to show us all how to get your titles back. And here he is, future light heavyweight champ of the world, Sergey Kovalev.”

 

James Prince – Manager of Andre Ward

 

“I’d like to thank God for this opportunity, HBO, Peter Nelson. I’d like to thank Roc Nation, who has stood by us 1000%, solid as a Roc. We’re looking forward to this fight coming up, David versus Goliath, part two. Like I said, the last time, and I reiterate the same thing because not much has changed, we’ve cracked the code. Sergey, your code has been cracked, we know who you are now. Come June 17, you will see one of the greatest fights ever. As I stated earlier in the interview with HBO, don’t be surprised if Kovalev gets knocked out this fight. Don’t you be surprised. So, we look forward to that moment and I notice that you’ve been real vocal about a lot of things, but you need to know, we don’t have no fear. So, understand that, once again, the United States will be victorious against Russia as always.”

 

Josh Dubin – Manager of Andre Ward

 

“This industry, unfortunately, has some nasty, ugly people in it that say and do nasty things and show their behind too much. A lot of the things you hear about our beautiful sport is true. I’m so fortunate to have been blessed by kings, that have enriched my life, to be able to grow and get to know these men. James Prince and Andre Ward have been all class and dignity and professional. They don’t need to tell you what you think might sell a fight, or what you think people might want to hear, but just what’s real. What a breath of fresh air. I thank both of you for enriching my life and allowing me to grow on this journey with you.

 

“We’re always hearing about role models, and why aren’t athletes role models – well look no further. You’ve got a family man who is spiritual, you can’t bait him and get him to say what you think he should say or want him to say because you curse him out on social media. We’re not into all that, these are kings over here. You can keep tweeting on your phone over there, but we won already. We won in life, we won in this sport, and we’re just going to continue winning. This is a formality at this point. A formality. So, you can cry and complain and all that, but that’s what bullies do when they don’t get their way. Bullies make excuses, bullies try to intimidate when they don’t get their way. Bullies of all sorts, in the ring and in business. Well, you didn’t get your way, you ain’t getting your way and you’re not going to get your way. Period. The reason that probably is, if we bring in spirituality, is the moral arc of the universe does bend towards good and greatness and kings. So, with that, I say this: you want to tune in to this one, because you’ll want to be able to say, ‘I got to see the best fighter to ever walk in the ring, fight again and conquer again’. Don’t miss it. Thank you.”

 

Daniel Bagdasarov – Egis Klimas’s Assistant

 

“I want to thank the media and MGM. He’s happy about the rematch and that it actually happened. We’re excited about it, we’re ready. Thank you to all the promotions that have gone into the fight, thank you HBO for making this happen. Thank you so much.”

 

Peter Nelson – Executive Vice President, HBO Sports

 

“I want to thank all the media for being here, this fight came together initially because of what you asked for. First and foremost, I want to thank the fighters, Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev. The two of them at the zenith of their careers and the apex of their undefeated records deciding to get in the ring against one another, and that’s exactly the expectation that fight fans should have. It’s something to be celebrated and we’re excited we are going to have the rematch on June 17.

 

“Again, these two men decided they want to step up and fight each other, the controversy of time when a lot of fighters walk the other way from one another. Some fights, they’re so good, the fighters earn each other’s respect. Some fights are so great that the fighters earn each other’s disrespect. I’ll let all of you decide which one this is.

 

“I think that what we’ve seen over the past few months is people arguing more and more about who actually won that fight. Again, the credit is to the fighters because every second of the first fight, they were there to compete. Every second of this rematch, they’re going to be there again. There is too much at stake, in terms of legacy and in terms of pound stature, in terms of this moment and the future. What we know to expect is that on June 17, the stuff of HBO PPV legend gets made. Sergey Kovalev and champion Andre Ward are going to do everything in their power to bring home the belt.”

 

 

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, and is sponsored by Monster Products and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Follow the conversation using #WardKovalev. Follow us:

 

www.andresogward.com @AndreWard @AndreSogWard /AndreSogWard  
www.kovalboxer.com @KrusherKovalev @SergeyKrusherKovalev /thekrusher /kovalboxer
www.throneboxing.com @RocNation @RocNationSports /RocNation /RocNation
www.mainevents.com @Main_Events @Main_Events /MainEventsBoxing /MEBoxingSeries
www.insidehboboxing.com @HBOboxing @HBOboxing /HBOboxing /HBOSports
www.mandalyabay.com @MandalayBay @MandalayBay /MandalayBay  

 

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Josesito Lopez Scores Unanimous Decision Against Saul Corral In The Main Event Of Premier Boxing Champions On FS1 & FOX Deportes From The Novo At L.A. Live

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Alejandro Luna Earns A Unanimous Decision Over Andrey Klimov
 
Karlos Balderas Secures First Round Knockout Against Thomas Smith
 
Click HERE for Photos from Premier Boxing Champions/Andy Samuelson
(Photos Will Be Available Shortly)
 
LOS ANGELES (April 9, 2017) – Josesito Lopez (35-7, 19 KOs) earned a decisive unanimous decision (100-89, 100-89, 100-89) over Saul Corral (21-9, 12 KOs) in the Ringstar Sports promoted main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes fromThe Novo at L.A. Live.
Although Corral was able to finish the fight, Lopez controlled the action throughout, dropping Corral to the canvas in the 10th round to cement the victory.
The co-main event saw Alejandro Luna (22-0, 15 KOs) defeat Andrey Klimov (19-4, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision (97-93, 98-92, 98-92) in a thrilling ten-round lightweight bout. Luna stunned Klimov on a couple of occasions, but the resilient Klimov would not be knocked out, instead going the distance in a fan-friendly battle.
The televised opener featured 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (1-0, 1 KO) getting a powerful stoppage in his professional debut over Thomas Smith (3-5-1, 2 KOs). Balderas stalked Smith with precision and forced Smith’s corner to throw in the towel following the first round.
The non-televised fights featured a slew of talented fighters making their highly anticipated professional debuts. 2016 Mexican Olympian and Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez (1-0) secured a unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) over Brian True (1-7-1, 1 KO) in four-round slugfest.
2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (1-0, 1 KO) landed punches in bunches againstRasheed Lawal (1-5-1). Stanionis applied pressure with two swarms of punches in the first round, the second barrage proving too much for Lawal and forced the referee to stop the fight in round one (2:35).
Lindolfo Delgado (1-0, 1 KO) stopped Luis Silva (3-10, 2 KOs) in round three (:33). Delgado knocked Silva down with a vicious uppercut in the second round and Silva never fully regained himself before his corner stopped the fight in the third frame.
Money Powell IV (1-0, 1 KO) used his height and reach advantage to dominate Todd Templeton (0-1), knocking Templeton down twice and then stunning him a third time before the referee stopped the action in the first round (2:55).
Here is what the fighters had to say following their bouts:
JOSESITO LOPEZ
“Tonight was a result of all the work I put in over the last few months with Robert Garcia.
“I dropped him with a left hook, but he’s a gritty guy. He took some punishment. I was a little careful in there, though. It’s been a while since I fought some good rounds like that. There were a few times that I tried to go for the kill, but he’s tough guy and stayed alive.
“It felt good going the distance. My body felt good. More than anything, I was alert and my instincts were quick. I had good reflexes and I was sharp. I got hit with very few punches, so I think I did OK tonight.
“I’m coming along. This is my second fight coming back in two years. It’s a little process. I feel like for my next fight I’ll be that much better. I’m just focused on continuing to get better. I want to step it up for the next fight.
“We have a plan. Robert and I have only been training together for a short while, but the improvement is there and there’s more to come.
“I’m the Riverside Rocky and I want to be in exciting fights that friends and family members will remember for years. I definitely have the grit and the (guts) to get in there with the best of them. I’m a lot smarter inside the ring now.”
SAUL CORRAL
“I felt like my distance was off tonight. I think I need to spend more time sparring. I didn’t have a lot of sparring partners for this fight and I think that affected me.
“I thought when Lopez landed punches I came back strong, but I didn’t continue with the attacks because he was able to stop me.
“I just need to change some things up in training camp, and then I think I can get back to another big fight.”
ALEJANDRO LUNA
“Klimov is a very tough guy. We’ve seen him go the distance with Terrence Crawford. He’s fought the cream of the crop, so it’s an honor to get a win over him. He’s a top-level fighter, so this victory goes to show that we’re ready for any top-five lightweight.
“Our plan tonight was to work the body. We noticed he has a pretty high guard, so I wanted to go to the body to break him down little by little.
“I know that I hurt him with a couple body shots, but he recovered fast. Later on, I hit him with an overhand right that got to him, but he’s such a tough guy.
“My thing is always to please the crowd. I think this sport is as much about entertainment as it is skill and the fans want to see a show. That’s why I bring the action and do whatever I can to make it exciting for them.
“The last round wasn’t my best. He was outworking me a little, so as soon as the 10-second bell rang I wanted to close the fight out strong. Unfortunately, I opened up and we clashed heads, which caused the cut over my left eye.”
ANDREY KLIMOV
“I got staggered a little bit, but it wasn’t anything that I thought was going to turn my lights out.
“Luna is a very herky jerky fighter. The cut over my left eye came near the end of the fight when we clashed heads.
“I’m 35 years old. We’re going to go home and take some time to think about what’s next. I’ve been fortunate to do a lot of things in this sport. Now it’s time to talk with my family and decide my future.”
KARLOS BALDERAS
“We spent a lot of time sparring with great fighters to get ready for this fight. I think all the practice paid off and my speed was my biggest asset tonight.
“I think their corner stopped the fight because he was taking so many shots, but I’m not sure.
“I’m happy and excited to be a pro. I have so many people here tonight supporting me coming in from Oklahoma and Texas, so it’s an honor. I felt like a win wasn’t enough. I needed to make a statement.
“I’m going to try to stay busy. I’d like to fight every two months, so I hope to be back in June fighting again.”
THOMAS SMITH
“I really had a bad headache. After the first two punches, I thought I could take it. I know he has a good body shot, but it didn’t really affect me. But after the fourth and fifth good one, I knew it was too much. I didn’t want to go out there in the second round just to get hurt.”
MISAEL RODRIGUEZ
“I honestly thought it was going to be an easier opponent. I haven’t been active since the Olympics eight months ago, but I trained very hard for this fight and got the win tonight.
“I don’t think he brought anything to the table that was that different than what I’ve seen before, but it was my first pro fight and maybe there were some first fight jitters.
“I’ve never had a bloody nose before, so tonight was definitely something different for me, but I rolled with the punches.
“It means a lot to me to be a professional fighter now. I know the expectations are higher, and there are a lot of differences between the pros and amateurs, but it felt great in there.”
EIMANTAS STANIONIS
“I had a great camp, I have fantastic coaches and I work hard every day in the gym. Tonight, it all paid off.
“I saw that I was able to land some good shots, and I could tell I was getting to him a little bit, so I started throwing more and more to try and stop him.
“This has been a dream of mine forever. I grew up watching legends like Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao, and now I’m a professional fighter just like them.
“I’m ready to continue proving myself. I’ll fight anyone they put in front of me.”
LINDOLFO DELGADO
“My team and I had a game plan and I followed it to the letter.
“The punch that I dropped (Silva) with was a left uppercut. Thankfully I was able to land it and I knew I had him hurt.
“Competing in Rio de Janeiro in the Olympics was an incredible experience and a good learning lesson for me, but now I’ve officially made my transition into the pros. It felt different in the ring tonight, but I was very prepared.
“I’m just going to continue training hard to build on this performance and little by little we’re going to reach our goals.”
MONEY POWELL IV
“I did what I wanted to do tonight. I dominated early. (Templeton) is a tough, old dude, and I want to thank him for taking this fight and allowing me to showcase my skills.
“I was just trying to start the fight out by controlling my distance and using my jab, but I could see he didn’t have much to offer, so I stopped using my jab so much. Once I realized I could land shots on him I went with my power punches because anything I threw was going to get him.
“Becoming a professional fighter is a dream come true for me. I always wanted to be a fighter ever since I was a little kid. Thankfully Richard Schaefer signed me and gave me a chance to realize my dream.
“This is only the beginning for me. I’m trying to be the best fighter that’s ever lived.”
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