Category Archives: boxing

boxing, Gleason's Gym, UK Boxing

News From Gleason’s Gym, Upcoming Events

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 White Collar/ Master’s Boxing show in London, England
March 31, 2017
 
All Female Clinic
April 13-15, 2017
 

Gleason’s Gym will host the seventh annual All Female Clinic and a boxing show.

If you are interested please contact Bruce Silverglade at (718) 797-2872or email bruce@gleasonsgym.net.
The boxing show will be at Gleason’s Gym on April 15
6:00PM
Personal Trainers Certification Clinic
May 4-7, 2017
Personal Trainers-Get your Boxing Certification and earn more money. Tell your friends and co-workers. Spread the word.
Sign up now for this clinic.
This clinic is not for USABoxing Certification. It is not for USABoxing trainers and is not recognized by USABoxing.
If you are interested contact Bruce Silverglade at Gleason’s Gym. The telephone number is: 718 797 2872 and the email address is info@gleasonsgym.net.
Gleason’s Fundrasier Show
May 10, 2017

BB Kings Times Square NYC

Fighters 4 Life is a 501C3 nonprofit organization that raises money by hosting amateur boxing shows.

Our Ninth Charity Boxing Show, The Night of Charity Boxing, will take place on Wednesday May 10th 2017 at BB Kings 42nd Street.
We are looking for interesting, exciting participants that are up for the physical challenge of a lifetime.
  
GLEASON’S INTERNATIONAL MASTER TOURNAMENT
June 15-17, 2017
 
 
15th Annual Gleason’s Fantasy Camp
August 10 through 13, 2017
 
boxing

Jack Culcay 153.2 lbs – Demetrius Andrade 153.4 lbs

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Jack Culcay 153.2 lbs – Demetrius Andrade 153.4 lbs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ludwigshafen, Germany (March 10, 2017)–WBA junior middleweight world champion Jack Culcay weighed in at 153.2 lbs while mandatory challenger and undefeated Demetrius Andrade weighed in at 153.4 lbs at Friday’s weigh in for their championship bout that takes place on Saturday in Ludwigshafen, Germany
Photo Credit / Team Sauerland
boxing

Anthony “Juice” Young takes on Samuel Amoako this Tomorrow night at The Claridge in Atlantic City

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Gabriel Pham vs. Chauncey Fields in co-feature
Undefeated Heavyweight “Brutal” Brendan Barrett back in the boxing ring this Saturday night at The Claridge in Atlantic City
Also seeing action: Dan Pasciolla
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (March 10, 2017)–Welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young will take on Samuel Amoako this Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The show is promoted by Rising Promotions.
Young, 15-2 with six knockouts of Atlantic City will be looking for his 5th consecutive victory when he takes on Amoko (21-13, 14 KO’s) of Accra, Ghana.
Amoako turned professional in 2005 with a victory over contender Albert Mensah (9-2-1).  Amoako, 32 years-old is the former WBO African Lightweight champion Lightweight champion.
Amoako is coming off a 4-round unanimous decision loss to Sam Teah on August 6th in Bristol, PA.
“My training is good.  It’s fight week, so I am just maintaining weight.  I had a good camp working on my footwork.  I sparred with Danny Garcia,” said Young.
The transition to Amoako was easy, as he was already sparring orthodox fighters, even thought original opponent Rogelio Casarez was a southpaw.
“I was sparring right handers anyway, and when Amoako came in, it was no big deal with the switch of the opponent.”
In his last bout, Young was dominating James Robinson until the final round when he got caught and eventually knocked down.  Young was able to get out of the round and hang on for the victory on January 20th.
“I leaned it’s boxing, and one punch can change the fight.  I need to stay sharp for the whole fight and not get lackadaisical.”
In now his 18th bout, Young is taking a minor step up against a veteran who has fought 201 professional rounds.
“This is my first official 8-round bout.  I plan to put on a great performance for the fans.  I am grateful for Rising promotions.  They gave me a opportunity to fight in front of my fans, and I am looking for them to keep it going.”
In a 6-round bouts:
Dan Pasciolla (8-2) of Brick, NJ will fight LeMarcus Tucker (4-1,2 KO’s) of Forrest City, Arkansas in a heavyweight bout.
Gabriel Pham (7-1, 3 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Chauncey Fields (4-1, 2 KO’s) of Lynchburg, VA un a super middleweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:
Brendan Barrett (4-0-2, 4 KO’s) of Little Egg Harbor, NJ takes on Brian Donahue (3-13) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight bout.
Adrian Wilson (0-3) of Atlantic City battles Henry Tyrone Paige (0-3) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight bout.
Kevin Asmat (1-1) of North Bergen, NJ will take on Edgar Cortes (3-4) of Vineland, NJ on a super featherweight bout.
Thomas Romain (1-1) of New York will square off with Sidell Blocker (1-6-1) of Pleasantville, NJ in a lightweight fight.
In a battle of pro debuting welterweights, Cesar Francis of New York boxes Steve Moore of Orange, New Jersey
There will be several amateur bouts that will precede the professional bouts beginning at 6 PM ET.
Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $150, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.RSPboxing.com
boxing, FITETV, mixed martial arts, MMA, Muay Thai, wrestling

FITE invites fans to join Jim Ross in a LIVE CHAT during ROH 15th Anniversary

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FITE TV will stream 16 live events this weekend from the Pro Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and Muay Thai world.

The live action starts Friday 3/10 9pm ET with the Ring of Honor 15th Anniversary where viewers can also interact with Jim Ross who will be in the FITE app chat taking questions and giving his thoughts on the action.

Chat starts on the top of the hour and is available to ROH 15th Anniversary viewers exclusively on the FITE platform.

Full list of events is attached and also on this link:

http://www.fite.tv/events/

Jim Ross exclusively on the FITE chat

Jim Ross LIVE Chat

ROH 15th Anniversary
ROH 15th Anniversary on FITE

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU COMBAT SPORTS SHOW: Lou Duva Tribute Show, Psychic Tom Padgett absolutely crushes UFC 209 Predictions, Garcia vs. Thurman Recap and Analysis

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Tony Penecale (left) and Lou Duva (right) at the Brockton, Massachusetts dedication of the Rocky Marciano statue.

Our show this week was dedicated to Lou Duva (above right with our co-host Tony Penecale). Lou died earlier this week at the ripe old age of 1994. He was a great friend to Rocky Marciano, a promoter of 19 world champions, and a man who had all his irons in the one fire that lit his life: boxing. The promoter/trainer/manager/legend appeared on the FNU Combat Sports show years back, but unfortunately the audio is grainy and spotty. If you listen closely the gems our talk contains outweigh the difficult spots to hear.

The full Lou Duva interview is here:

http://hosts.blogtalkradio.com/fightnewsunlimited/2009/07/03/joey-giambra-the-uncrowned-champion

I’m also posting a couple specific remastered clips here:

 

 

 

 

 

Tom, Tony and Rich also recap Garcia vs. Thurman, The latest on Mayweather vs. McGregor, UFC 209 and the many controversies attached, GSP’s dark warning about weight cutting, and Tony Bellew’s shocking upset of David Haye.

 

Here’s the tape:  (THE TAPE DOESN’T LIE)

 

boxing

ANDRZEJ FONFARA EYES TOP TEN CONTENDERS, BADOU JACK SPECIFICALLY

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Photos By: Sean Michael Ham / Premier Boxing Champions
CHICAGO, IL (March 9, 2017) – After stopping former world champion, Chad Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs), with a stunning tenth-round TKO, WBC #8 light-heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs), is welcoming challenges from everyone in the top ten.

“I’m looking forward to my next fight and the possibilities that have opened up with my victory over Chad Dawson,” said Andrzej Fonfara. “My main goal is to avenge my loss toJoe Smith Jr., but if I can’t get him in the ring, then I’m looking to face anyone in the top ten of the light-heavyweight division.”
With the light-heavyweight division loaded with talent, Fonfara seeks a meaningful fight with one of the top contenders, more specifically, former WBC super-middleweight champion, Badou Jack (20-1, 12 KOs), who recently vacated his world title at 168 pounds.
“Badou Jack seems like the perfect opponent, but I must warn him, this is not the super-middleweight division,” Fonfara continued. “Badou Jack has never faced punchers like those fighting at 175 pounds.  He must earn his shot to a world title fight, just like I did when I was coming up.  This makes for a perfect opportunity for us to fight, with the winner moving up the rankings.
boxing, Ring 8

Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman and publicist Lee Samuels, plus Former world champion Vito Antuofermo Ring 8 Guest Speakers Tuesday night

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK (March 9, 2017) – Veteran matchmaker Brad Goodman, boxing publicist Lee Samuels and former world middleweight champion Vito Antuofermo will be Ring 8’s guest speakers at this coming Tuesday night’s (Mar. 14) monthly meeting, starting at 7 p.m. ET, at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive in Maspeth, New York.
“We ae pleased to have Brad Goodman, Lee Samuels and Vito Antuofermo as our guest speakers this month,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said. “Brad is one of the most experienced matchmakers in boxing, Lee is one of the most respected publicists in the business.  We look forward to Brad discussing the Art of Matchmaking and Lee sharing his experiences with the great fighters he’s been associated with and events Top Rank has planned in the future.
“Vito Antuofermo was the undisputed champion of the world during an era when the best had to fight the best.  He retains the charisma he had back in the day.  It will enjoyable hearing him speak about his fights against the likes of Hagler, Minter, Briscoe, Griffith and the great boxers he fought.”
 
Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman
A native New Yorker from Queens, Goodman has been a matchmaker since 1983 for one of the top promotional companies in boxing, Bob Arum‘s Top Rank.  A seven-time NABF Matchmaker of the Year, Brad will speak on The Art of Matchmaking. The first fight he ever saw was Muhammad Ali vs. Earnie Shavers.
Samuels, who was born in Pennsville, New Jersey, has worked more than two decades for Top Rank.  Lee’s first leading PR assignment for Top Rank came in 1987, when he worked with the great Marvelous Marvin Hagler during the lead-up to his showdown versus Sugar Ray Leonard.
Today, the affable Samuels works with Top Rank’s stable of superstars and world champions.
Born in Italy, Antuofermo (50-7-2, 21 KOs) moved to New York when he was 17 and became a  New York Golden Gloves winner in 1970. Nine years later, he captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight world titles, taking a 15-round split decision from defending champion Hugo Corro, in Monaco.  Antuofermo retained the titles in his first title defense, battling Marvelous Marvin Hagler to a 15-round draw in Las Vegas.
The popular Antuofermo, who fought professionally between 1971 and 1985, also defeated Emile Griffith, Denny Moyer, Willie Classen, Willie Warren, Bennie Briscoe and Eugene Hart, among the more notables. Many of Vito’s early fights were at legendary Sunnyside Gardens in Queens, later at the famed Madison Square Garden.  He was inducted into the NYSBHOF inaugural class in 2012.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing

Baltimore Boxing returns to Michael’s Eighth March 30

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Baltimore, MD (March 9, 2017) – Jake “The Snake” Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions is back in action Thursday, March 30 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD with an exciting pro-am card stacked with local standouts.
Ticket are on sale by calling 410-375-9175 or going to Baltimoreboxing.com. Doors open at6:30 and the first bell will sound at 8.
Headlining the card is NABA champion “Slick” Nick Kisner against Lamont “The Problem” Singleton. Living and fighting out of Baltimore, Kisner has a solid 18-3 professional ledger with six wins by knockout. In his most recent bout, Kisner outboxed hometown favorite Brian Holstein to capture the aforementioned NABA belt. Prior to his pro career, Kisner was one of the best amateurs in the country, winning various championships.
Hailing from Dover, Delaware, Singleton owns an impressive 8-1 record and has six knockouts. Fresh off a first round knockout in February, Singleton is confident he’ll earn his biggest victory to date against Kisner.
The non-title bout is scheduled for 8 rounds.
Middleweight prospect “Dangerous” Donald Wallace looks to raise his record to 3-0 when he squares off with Barry Trotter in four round all-Maryland showdown. Wallace of Baltimore is fresh off an exciting six round decision victory over previously unbeaten Tahir Thomas in September. Fighting out of Columbia, Trotter’s 2-2 and has a win over 3-0 Tracey Brewer.
Welterweight phenom Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey of Baltimore meets durable Washington DC Lamont White in a four rounder. The popular Veazey, who called out UFC star and boxing hopeful Conor McGregor, turned pro last October with a decision win. A seven fight veteran, White’s faced 5 unbeaten opponents and has never been stopped.
Steve “Show Stealer” Wheeler returns to the squared circle for the first time in 6 ½ years to face an opponent to be named in a four round cruiserweight contest. Wheeler, 6-0 (5 KO’s), is a massive ticket draw and looks to continue where he left off.
The amateur portion of the card will feature former East Coast heavyweight titlist Brian “Bam Bam” Haneschlager of the Baltimore Boxing Gym. Haenschlager, a heavy handed fighter, is expected to turn pro in the near future.
“Michaels Eighth has been a magical place for Baltimore Boxing,” said Jake Smith. “We have the best and most loyal fan base in the region. The best way to show them our appreciation is by putting on quality fighters. The main event is a ShoBox type fight between two boxers who have plans of fighting bigger bouts in the near future. We’ve packed the house so make sure to get your tickets early.”
For more information, go to Baltimoreboxing.com.
boxing, Rivera Promotions

“New England’s Future 2” Press Conference quotes & pictures  April 1 in Worcester

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(photo by Emily Harney)
WORCESTER, Mass. (March 9, 2017) – Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) held a press conference last night at Ballot Box in Worcester (MA) to formally announce its April 1st “New England’s Future 2” show at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
New England’s Future 2″ is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
Pembroke (MA) cruiserweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (15-1-1, 14 KOs will headline against Brazilian knockout artist Gilberto Matheus “El Magico” Domingos (22-6, 20 KOs), the former South American light heavyweight champion, in the eight-round main event.  Carita, like promoter Rivera, is a court officer in Brockton (MA) and Worcester, respectively.
Manchester (CT) lightweight Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (23-1, 13 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in six years facing Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-1-3, 3 KOs), of Lawrence (MA), In the eight-round co-feature,
Dorchester (MA) heavyweight Donnie “Big Nasty” Palmer (8-1-1, 7 KOs) meets Alando Pugh (1-10-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.  Bradley was shot in the stomach last summer by his sister’s abusive boyfriend.
2016 New England Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), fighting out of East Hartford (CT), takes on veteran Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-23-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout.
Fighting on the undercard in four round matches are Worcester cruiserweight Bryan Daniels (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Tracey Johnson (4-5-4, 1 KO), of Boston,  Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Mike Hellenfinger (0-2), of Harrisburg (PA), three-time USA Boxing Nationals champion Elvis Figueroa, of New Haven (CT) makes his pro debut vs. Brazilian super middleweight Devision Robiero (0-3), Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzales (5-1, 5 KOs) vs. pro-debuting Irving Veloz, 2014 N.E. Golden Gloves champion, Lawrence junior welterweight Adrian Sosa (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Jimmy Rosario (2-4, 1 KO), pro-debuting super middleweights Neal Sullivan, of Worcester, vs. Nathan Schulte, Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick Whitley vs. Anthony Everett (104), of Lawrence, pro-debuting Springfield featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs. Alex Montes (1-2), of Lawrence, and unbeaten Manchester (CT) junior welterweight “Marvelous” Mykqyan Williams (5-0, 3 K0s vs. TBA..
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954),  AJ Rivera  (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Make A Change Inc.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, TKO Auto Repair, John Young Tree Service and Royal Cleanup.
 
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Vinnie Carita: “I saw the last (RPE) show and it was great.  I’m happy to be on this show.  This is a great show with a lot of New England talent.  There’s going to be fireworks!”
Matt Remillard: “I was at (RPE’s) last fight and it sold out.  That’s awesome.  They’re making boxing better, not only in Worcester, but throughout New England.  April 1, 2005, I turned pro.  I never fought in Worcester before.  It’s a great atmosphere. This has been a long time coming, six years I’m going to punish him for.  It will not go the distance, I can promise that.  He won’t recognize himself after the fight. After I knock him down, I hope he gets back up because I want to punish him.  This isn’t a game.  I’m in the hurt business.”
Augustine Mauras: “I truly thank Matt Remillard for fighting somebody like me.  I’m not an easy cookie.  He’s going to be in the toughest fight of his life.  I’m going to put you (Remillard) on his ass.  I’m here to fight this man!  It’s going to be a helluva fight.”
Jose Antonio Rivera, CEO/promoter: “I appreciate the support we received for our last show and we’re looking ahead to booking our next show in June.  I can’t really say anything about that, yet.  I want to thank our sponsors.  My roots are here in Worcester and that’s why so many of the fighters on this show are from here.  We aren’t signing fighters, just giving them a platform to fight.  We’re happy, right now, helping to provide them with a platform to go on to bigger and better things.  Rivera Promotions Entertainment hopes to move fighters and allow them to showcase their skills.  We’re very happy about this show.  Remillard versus Mauras alone is worth the price of admission.”
Anthonee Rivera, President/matchmaker: “It’s been a lot of fun for us so far.  We’re proud to bring boxing back to New England. There are a lot of great fighters on our April 1st card with top prospects, former Golden Gloves champs, top fighters like Matt Remillard and future world champions.  All of these guys took the opponents they were offered, no cherry-picking, and that shows what kind of fighters they really are.  We have 13 fights and don’t blink during any one of them.”
Bryan Daniels: “I’m a student of Worcester boxing and Jose Rivera was the most established fighter.  He came from nothing to become world champion.  Never in a million years did I think I’d be fighting on his card.  I’m humbled.  I was hoping to get an opponent with experience to bring the best out of me.  This will be my first time fighting in Worcester to showcase my skills.  I’m originally from Illinois but Worcester has a lot to offer, including Rivera Promotions Entertaining giving us a platform.”
Anthony Laureano: “I’m very thankful to be fighting on another Rivera Promotions Entertainment card. They did an awesome job last show and I’m grateful to be fighting again on their card.  This will be a big test.  Rivera Promotions gave me a platform to be signed by Star Boxing.  Jose Rivera was a fighter and he knows what we need.”
Ranse Andino: “I have a fulltime job, go to the gym, and take care of my son.  I want to thank Rivera Promotions Entertainment for allowing me to fight.  I also want to thank Carlos Garcia, he’s the man!  Jose’s been my idol since I first stepped into the gym.”
Neal Sullivan: “I grew up with AJ and Jose has always been good to me.  I wouldn’t be fighting if I didn’t trust them.  They look out for fighters.  I’m a student of the game and know the history of Worcester boxing.    I look forward to bringing it April 1st.”
Derrick Whitley: “My father was a professional boxer and I’ve been around boxing my whole life watching him.  This is my time, the beginning of my journey.”
Luis Santiago: “I want to thank Rivera Promotions Entertainment this opportunity. I’ve been ready since the last show (his opponent failed the pre-fight medical exam) and haven’t stopped working.  April 1st will be the start of my pro career.  It’s going to b e a great show and I’m going to end-up with a win.”
Mykqyan Williams: “I’m very excited.  Training camp has been excellent. Matt (Remillard) and myself have helped each get ready.  I’m looking forward to putting on a good show.”
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

“DETROIT CITY GOLD” FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields Faces Szilvia Szabados In First Women’s Boxing Main Event On Premium Television

 

Friday, March 10 Live on SHOWTIME® From MGM Grand Detroit

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (March 9, 2017) – All eight fighters participating in “Detroit City Gold”, the ShoBox: The New Generationquadrupleheader which includes headliner and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields, made weight on Thursday in advance of Friday’s telecast from MGM Grand Detroit.

 

Shields (1-0) will face former world title challenger Szilvia Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) in just her second fight since winning gold at the 2016 Olympics and in the first women’s boxing event in premium television history, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“Detroit City Gold,” which takes place less than an hour from Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich., is promoted by Salita Promotions.  Shields vs. Szabados is a six-round middleweight bout.

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, top-10 ranked bantamweight contenders Antonio Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs), of Cleveland, and Russia’s Nikolay Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will put their undefeated records on the line in a 10-round matchup for the NABO bantamweight belt.

 

In an eight-round televised bout, welterweight Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, faces Detroit’s Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs) in a matchup between two former amateur standouts.  In the televised opener, Detroit-based bantamweight prospect James Gordon Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Claressa Shields: 159 ½ Pounds

Szilvia Szabados: 158 Pounds

 

Antonio Nieves: 116 ½ Pounds

Nikolay Potapov: 117 ½ Pounds

 

Wesley Tucker: 147 Pounds

Ed Williams: 146 ¼ Pounds

 

James Gordon Smith: 116 ¾ Pounds

Joshua Greer, Jr.: 116 ¾ Pounds

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

“I know about Laila Ali, and Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker, and I don’t box like any of them. I have my own unique style. I’ve never seen a female fighter like myself. I want to carry the sport.

 

“The boxers I like and study are Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis and Floyd Mayweather. Those are my favorites. And you can even throw Sugar Ray Leonard in there, too.

 

“I’m going to be aggressive. I’m not going to be nervous and I’m not going to freeze up. I’m going to go right out there and hit her in the face with a right hand.

 

“This is my hometown fight. I last fought in Michigan three years ago. I’m going to showcase my skills on SHOWTIME.

 

“I’m embracing all of this. I grew up and heard when I was young that women can’t fight. I’m ready to show everyone just how wrong that is on Friday night.”

 

SZILVIA SZABADOS:

 

“I know Claressa is popular because of the two gold medals, and she’s young and 21. This is her hometown so I know the fans will be cheering for her. Congratulations to her. But I just have to worry about fighting my fight and staying focused.

 

“I know she’s a come-forward fighter like me. Always go, go, go. I don’t know what she’ll bring. It’ll be a surprise. Everyone always has a plan and I have a plan, as well. But I’m willing to change and improvise.

 

“I’ve been sparring with men mostly. It’s hard to find girls who can spar with me, especially in Hungary.”

 

ANTONIO NIEVES:

“I’m ready to go. I’m ready to show that night [a draw against Alejandro Santiago] was a fluke. There are no distractions this time.

 

“I’m ready to show people that I’m a contender at this weight.  I’m here to prove that I deserve to fight for a world title.”

 

NIKOLAY POTAPOV:

“I’ve improved a lot working with Javan [Javan SugarHill Steward]. The sky’s the limit for me and I know I can be a legitimate contender in my division.

 

“There are going to be a lot of eyes on this fight so it’s important that I look good and get the victory.  We’re both undefeated, and we’re both ranked, so there is a lot on the line in this fight.”

 

WESLEY TUCKER:

“I’m going to be the next world champion from Toledo. I’m a lefty and have power in both hands and I’m a pressure fighter.

 

“My right hook is my best punch and that’s rare for a lefty.

 

“I live 45 miles from here and I come here a lot so, yeah, it’s like a home fight for me.

 

“I know Ed Williams. He’s a nice little boxer, long and rangy. That’s about it.

 

“I’m going for the knockout and it may come early, or it may not. No matter what, I always put on a good show.”

 

ED WILLIAMS:

“This is one of the fights that will determine whether I continue and move up, or I do something different. This is it. That’s what ShoBox has always been about for fighters like me.

 

“I took a break from boxing and got my college degree in industrial engineering. But I got the bug and came back. Things would have been much different if I would have stayed with it. I’m not doing anything with my degree yet, but will once I’m finished with boxing.

 

“I’m older but I don’t have many miles. I’m well-preserved. It’s going to be exciting and I’m looking forward to an exciting fight.”

 

JAMES GORDON SMITH:

“I’ve never lost to anyone from Chicago, and Friday night will be no different.

 

“I’ve been around boxing forever and all the talking doesn’t bother me. I would expect nothing else. He’s coming into my backyard and should be confident. He’s coming in with an eight-fight winning streak. It don’t bother me. It just gives me the extra motivation to make sure no one comes into my backyard and beats me.”

 

JOSHUA GREER, JR.:

“It’s not my first undefeated fighter I’ve fought so it’s no big deal. I know what I have to do.

Sure, we were going at it pretty good at the press conference. You can say it’s a Chicago-Detroit thing. Of course there’s a rivalry there.

 

“I’m fast, but people underestimate my power. My power is a bigger strength than my speed. It’s something not a lot of people expect of me.

 

“You will see fireworks from round one.”

 

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

 

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