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James DeGale Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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DeGale Faces Badou Jack in Super Middleweight World Championship Unification Showdown Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Sport

 

LONDON (December 13, 2016) – IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale hosted a media workout in his hometown of London Tuesday as he prepares to face WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack in a 168-pound world title unification showdown that headlines action on Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with with super featherweight world champion Jose Pedraza taking on undefeated contender Gervonta Davis.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

DeGale worked out and answered questions for media at the Stonebridge Boxing Club as he nears his third straight fight in the United States, this time looking to return to the UK as a unified world champion.

 

Here is what DeGale had to say on Tuesday:

 

JAMES DEGALE

 

“This is the best fighting the best and this fight will prove who’s the best in the division — and I believe I am the number one super middleweight on the planet.

 

“Unification fights like this are still rare, never mind the best fighting the best, and me and Jack both wanted the fight.  We both want to prove who is the best and everyone is in for a treat on January 14.

 

“I’ve got the best trainer in the world in Jim McDonnell; together we won the world title and now we’re going to unify the title. I’m going to win in style and do the business in the big New York City and come away with both belts to bring back to London.

 

“Jack’s a serious fighter, he’s a world champion, he has something I want. The winner of this will be the number in the division.

 

“Growing up, Joe Calzaghe, and Prince Naseem Hamed, they’re the ones I used to watch and I’d think, ‘I can’t wait to do that.’ Calzaghe’s one of my favorite fighters. He’s a bit similar to me. He’s a southpaw, throws a lot of punches. He’s another one who didn’t get the full credit he was due until after he retired. But that’s how boxing is.

 

“I’ve got to perform. My last couple of performances haven’t been vintage James DeGale. This is the best fighting the best, the champ fighting the champ: this is proper.

 

“I don’t get the respect.  I made a bit of history. If I unify the division, going across the pond, no one’s ever done that from Britain.

 

“This is the one. I get love and support, I do have my fans, but it just feels like I look around at different fighters who haven’t done half what I’ve done and they get so much more recognition.

 

“I don’t get the credit: the full recognition, I don’t. But after this fight, people will start respecting me and knowing I’m the best.”

 

# # #

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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CLASH OF TITANS! Lucian Bute vs. Eleider Alvarez Feb. 24 at Videotron Centre of Quebec City

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lucian Bute

MONTRÉAL (December 12, 2016) – Group Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev are very happy to confirm the Clash of Titans mega-event as former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute (32-3-1, 25 KOs) will face World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver light heavyweight champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (20-0, 10 KOs), Friday, February 24, in a 12-round light heavyweight bout at Vidéotron Centre of Québec City.
 
This event is a presentation of Vidéotron, in association with Mise-O-Jeu.
 

Eleider Alvarez
 
Alvarez will put his WBC mandatory challenger position to champion Adonis“Superman” Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) in danger with an end of April date for this world title fight having already been reserved.
Bute has also set his goal to challenge Stevenson.  The veteran southpaw plans to clearly demonstrate that he deserves another wotld title shot, taking on the No. 1 conternder in undefeated Alvarez. Whatever the final outcome, the winner will be the most popular and legitimate challenger for Stevenson, dramatically increasing interest and notoriety of a totally Québécois world championship showdown.
 
All the ingredients are gathered to heighten popular interest in this fight, which will prove to be one of the most significant in the history of Quebec.
 
It is a local confrontation between two athletes who chose Quebec as their adopted home, fully integrating in the loal culture and learning French, as well as where they’ve fought the vast majority of their bouts. The result of this major clash will also have enormous repercussions at the international level in the light heavyweight division.
 
In one corner is former world champion Bute, who has delivered many inspirational performances during his 13 world championship fights (10-2-1, 8 KOs) to become a great star and admired celebrity in Quebec.
 
The other corner finds unbeaten Alvarez, a world-class fighter for the past three years who has delivered his most brilliant performances abroad, albeit mostly in the shadows of other great stars of Quebec.  The former Colombian Olympian wants to establish his true value after having prepared for Stevenson by fighting opponents for more than the past year.  He will earn his highest purse, which is similar to what he would have received to fight Stevenson first.
 
“It is the fans of Quebec in their entirety who will first be delighted with this mega fight and I am convinced that there will be no losers,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “Although it is difficult to predict the outcome of this confrontation, most likely this fight will be so interesting and close that, eventually the two could get, one after the other, a world championship fight against the powerful southpaw champion of Montreal, Adonis Stevenson.”
 
“It was important for us to have this fight at the Vidéotron Centre,” added Vice-President Shows & Creative Content of Québecor, Michel Granger. “The last time (the Stevenson-Williams fight) was a success and it will be the same on February 24.”
 

“The last six months have been tough for me,” Bute explained. “After the Washington situation was settled, I was happy to finally sit down and discuss my next fight. I accepted as soon as I was offered the fight. We’re talking about an undefeated guy ranked number 1 by the WBC. It’s quite a challenge. I tip my hat to Alvarez for putting his position in peril.
 
“I was expecting the winner of the unification title fight between James Dégale and Badou Jack, but I had no guarantees and I could not afford to wait. My goal is to fight again for a world championship, whether it’s at 168 or 175 pounds, and I did not want to just take a meaningless preparatory fight.
 
 
“After evaluating all the options, we came to the conclusion that we had to take this fight,” Alvarez’ head trainer Marc Ramsey remarked. “Of course, there are risks … but it’s worth it. Eleider has long awaited an opportunity to box against someone recognized in Quebec, and people have not yet seen his full potential. He was all smiles when he received the offer.”.
 
“When Marc called me into his office,” Alvarez commented, “I was wondering what was going on. Generally, when he calls me into his office, it’s not good news. He asked me to sit down and if I wanted to face Bute. I smiled and said, yes. He is the most popular boxer in Quebec, so my motivation will be different. I’m doing this for myself and my family. I want to be world champion and now it’s going through Lucian. I’ve been looking a long time for a big fight like this and for the first time I will be the headliner.”
 
Tickets went on sale today (Monday, Dec. 12) on the Websites of Vidéotron Centre, Evenko and on Ticketmaster.ca
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):


Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa Promotions.
boxing

Sensational Welterweight War Headlines Special Sunday Edition of Detroit Brawl on January 22, at Masonic Temple in Detroit

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Already building a reputation for putting on Detroit’s best boxing shows, promoter Dmitriy Salita and Salita Promotions have done it again by featuring a potentially explosive war in their next show.
In a special Sunday edition of their popular “Detroit Brawl” series on January 22, 2017, Detroit fan favorite and world-class spoiler Lanardo “Pain Server” Tyner (30-10-2, 19 KOs) will return to action to face undefeated Toledo, Ohio, hotshot Wesley “Casanova” Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
Once again sponsored by the Greektown Casino Hotel, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $123, Box Seats are $80 and $60, Seating is $40, and $20. They are available at all Ticketmaster outlets andTicketmaster.com.
 
Known for his powerful fists and granite chin, Lanardo Tyner is a former USBO and USNBC Welterweight Champion and one of boxing’s most dangerous gate keepers. Tyner has never been stopped in his career, despite facing a long list of future champions and top contenders including Canelo Alvarez, Lamont Peterson, Jessie Vargas, and Antonio DeMarco – and given them all tough fights. Tyner holds victories over former world champion Vivian Harris and a then 17-0-1 Charles Hatley. He also stopped then 21-3-1 Tyrese Hendrix and fought to a draw with top contender Adrian Granados.
“I know he’s a good fighter and a cool guy. I sparred him one time. He’s strong and aggressive. Exactly what I like,” said Tyner. “I’m going to try and make it a war. Hopefully he’s down for it. We both like to fight like that – whoever backs up, that’s who is going to lose. I doubt I will lose.”
Tyner says he can’t wait to see all his fans at the fight and looks forward to seeing where he stands in the division by testing himself against another undefeated would-be contender.
“I love to fight in Detroit. I really don’t fight here too often now, so I’m looking forward to fighting in front of all my people and I know he’s bringing a lot of people too, so it’s going to be a great fight. Beating him would mean that I’m still relevant and can still mess up these young punks. He’s stepping up against me. For me, I’m just making sure I still have it.”
Undefeated southpaw Wesley Tucker had over 250 amateur bouts and won several championships including the Toledo Golden Gloves, Silver Gloves, and Junior Olympics multiple times. A skilled counter puncher with above average power, Tucker has, thus far, shown strong ring generalship and a veteran’s confidence, in-ring. Passing the test against Tyner will be a strong indicator he belongs in the discussion of world-class up-and-coming welterweights.
“I know he never gets knocked out and he’s a big puncher, but I am too,” said Tucker. “I was impressed with him. He hit me with a good body shot when we sparred. I’m going to mix it up with him. It’ll be explosive. I love fighting in Detroit because it’s 45 minutes from my hometown. I will have more people there this time than came to my last one and I had over 50 at the last one.”
Promoter Salita says he’s looking forward to putting on this fight for the fans in his adopted city of Detroit.
“This will be a war,” he said. “Neither of these guys ever back up and they can both hit very hard. It’s going to be a great test for Wesley Tucker because only the very best can beat Lanardo Tyner. Fights like this are what I pictured when I started the Detroit Brawl series. This is a TV-worthy fight that either fighter could win. I’m very proud to be part of this great event.”
More fights, opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, doors open at 4:00 pm and the fights begin at 5:00 pm.
###
For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl
boxing

Berlin Abreu upsets David Peralta via split decision in exciting war at Sands Bethlehem Event Center

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Kermit Cintron scores stoppage victory; Ronald Ellis decisions Riojas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bethlehem, PA (December 12, 2016) – Berlin Abreu won a 10-round split decision over David Peralta to capture the WBC Latino Welterweight bout this past Saturday at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.
The bout headlined a nine-bout card, which was promoted by GH3 Promotions, King’s Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
It was a terrific back and forth battle that produced action throughout the fight.  Abreu used his quickness to fire off rapid fire combinations.  Every time it seemed  that Abreu was seizing control of the bout, Peralta would would storm back with a hard flurry of his own.
Both guys had a lot of swelling on their faces.  In the final-third of the contest, Abreu landed more, and even had Peralta backing up and holding on.
The bout could be a breakthrough performance for Abreu, who sprang the upset over Peralta.  Peralta came into the bout ranked number-15 by the WBC, and was coming off a possible career making victory over former world champion Robert Guerrero.
Abreu of Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic won by scores of 97-93 and 86-94, while Peralta took a card 97-93.
Abreu is now 14-1.  Peralta of Cordoba, Argentina is now 26-3-1.
In the co-feature, former two-time welterweight champion Kermit Cintron was sharp in taking out Rosemberg Gomez after the 3rd round of their scheduled 8-round welterweight bout.
Cintron was dominant throughout as he showed signs of the fighter, who won the world welterweight title on two occasions.  He had Gomez hurt in round three as he divided up his attack to the head and body and finally floored the native of Managua, Nicaragua with a combination.  Gomez best offense was a tackle of Cintron as he fell to the canvas on the knockdown.  Cintron was alright and after the round, Gomez and his corner pulled the plug on the contest.
Cintron of Reading, PA is now 39-5-2 with 30 knockouts.  Gomez is now 19-6-1.
Ronald Ellis remained undefeated with a 8-round unanimous decision over Oscar Riojas in a super middleweight bout.
Scores were 80-72 twice and 79-73.
Ellis of Lynn, MA will now take part in a nationally televised bout on January 20th with a record of 13-0-1.  Riojas of  Monterrey, Mexico is 10-7-1.
Erik Spring and Grayson Blake battled to a 6-round draw in a super welterweight bout.
All three judges saw the bout even at 57-57.
Spring of Reading, PA is 8-1-2.  Blake of State College, PA is 6-4-1.
Derric Rossy took out big Richard Carmack in the 2nd round of their Heavyweight bout.
Rossy landed a combination  in the 2nd round that was finished up by a right to the corner that sent Carmack to the canvas.  Carmack did not beat the count at 1:48.
Rossy of Medford, NY is 31-12 with 15 knockouts.  Carmack if Kansas City, MO is 15-10-1.
Blake Mansfield remained undefeated by winning a 6-round unanimous decision over Antowyan Aikens in a super middleweight bout.
Masnfield dropped Aikens with an uppercut in the 1st round.  AIkens had some moments as he used his height and reach but it was not enough as Mansfield won by scores of 59-54 and 58-55 twice.
Mansfield of Burlington, NC is 4-0-1.  Aikens of Atlantic City, NJ is 10-3-1.

Abraham Nova took out Joshua Santos in the 2nd round of their super featherweight bout.

Nova scored a knockdown in round when he landed a right hand that made the knee of Santos buckle underneath him as he fall to the canvas.  Santos was limping, but was able to continue.  Santos came out landing punches in the 2nd frame, but that was short lived as another crushing right from Nova dropped Santos again and the bout was stopped at 2:02.
Nova of Baintree, MA 4-0 with 3 knockouts.  Santos of San Juan, PR is 2-2-1.
Chordale Booker remained undefeated by winning a 4-round unanimous decision over Dawin Pickney in a super welterweight bout.
Booker of Brooklyn, won by tallies of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 4-0.  Pickeny of Hot Springs, ARK is now 1-3-1.
Jesus Perez made a successful pro debut by halting Antonio Allen at 2:38 of round three of their super lightweight bout.
Perez of Reading, PA is 1-0 with 1 KO.  Allen of Philadelphia is 0-5.
boxing

Box Fan Expo to be present at the 54th Annual WBC Convention in Hollywood, Florida 

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The ultimate fan experience event that gives boxing fans the opportunity to meet-and-greet top fighters, boxing celebrities and industry people in an up-close, personal setting will return on Cinco de Mayo weekend 2017
For Immediate Release
Las Vegas (December 12, 2016) – The Popular Box Fan Expo will be present with a booth at the 54th, annual WBC convention, to greet boxing fans as well as industry people and give out info on the Next Boxing Expo. The WBC convention will be held from December 11th, to December 17th.

The booth will be located at the famous Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida. Fans and boxing industry people can stop by and say hello.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with Boxing fans and Boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Mikey Garcia , Leo Santa Cruz, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

The third annual Box Fan Expo will take place in Las Vegas on May 6th, 2017 (Cinco De Mayo weekend) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, from 10a.m to 5pm. Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, and it also coincides with a major fight event weekend.

Tickets for the Box Fan Expo can be purchased at: http://goo.gl/6hnTOb

The event allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next several months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For more information, visit: www.BoxFanExpo.com
boxing

Baranchyk Batters Lopez;Lippe-Morrison halts Cobb in Miami, OK

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Baranchyk fired up.jpg
For Immediate Release
 
Miami, OK (December 11, 2016) – Rising stars and Holden Productions “Four State Franchise” members Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk and Trey Lippe-Morrison kept their perfect records in tact following impressive victories Saturday, December 10 at the Buffalo Run Casino.
 
Headlining in front of a standing room only crowd in his adopted hometown of Miami, OK, Baranchyk battled game Phoenix native Wilberth Lopez over ten rounds. Lopez, who defeated five previously unbeaten foes, had to deal with the ultra-aggressive style of Baranchyk but scored a flash knockdown in the fourth round. The knockdown, his first suffered as a pro, had little impact on the fight. For the rest of the contest, the IBF #12 ranked Baranchyk overpowered Lopez, who was on the receiving end of many hard shots but finished the bout on his feet.
 
Scores were 98-91 twice and 97-92.
 
Baranchyk, who resides in Brooklyn, NY by way of Russia, is now 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Lopez falls to 15-7 (10 KO’s).
 
In the co-main event, Lippe-Morrison kept his knockout streak intact with a two round beatdown of veteran Ty Cobb. Living and fighting out of Vinita, OK, Lippe-Morrison focused on attacking Cobb’s midsection, forcing him to lower his guard. Lippe-Morrison quickly changed focus and dropped Cobb in the second round with a left hook to the head. Cobb beat the count but found himself on the floor shortly thereafter courtesy of another hard left hook. The tough Texan made it back to his feet but was in no shape to continue, forcing the stoppage at 2:10.
 
“I felt good and stuck to the game plan of going to his body,” Lippe-Morrison said after his victory. “By going to the body early, we knew we’d find an opening up top and that’s exactly what happened.”
 
Lippe-Morrison is now 13-0 with all of his victories by knockout. Cobb sips to 19-8 with 11 KO’s.
 
“I’m pleased with the way Ivan and Trey fought,” said Holden. “The future is extremely bright for both men and the demand to see the Four State Franchise fight at the Buffalo Run Casino is an an all-time high.”
 
Baranchyk and Lippe-Morrison are both expected to appear on ShoBox in early 2017.
 
In undercard action, two more members of the “Four State Franchise” won impressively.
 
Junior middleweight Dillon “White Lighting” Cook of Seneca, MO shutout durable Mexican veteran Juan Jesus Rivera, 28-16 (18 KO’s), in an eight round contest. Cook, who improved to 18-1 with 7 KO’s, maintained control from bell to bell and won every round on each scorecard.
 
Two sport standout Jarrett “The Legacy” Rouse bested once-beaten Shadi Shawareb in a found rounder. Rouse, who is unbeaten in both boxing and mixed martial arts, scored a second round knockdown and won by scores of 39-36 on all three cards.
 
Rouse, a Bartlesville, OK native, is 10-0-1 with 4 knockouts. Shawareb, of Oklahoma City, is 9-2-2 (5 KO’s).
 
Australian lightweight contender Billel “Baby Face” Dib upped his record to 21-1 (10 KO’s) after topping Colombian slugger Carlos Padilla, 16-5-1 (10 KO’s), in an eight round bout. Dib is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
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ABNER MARES OUTPOINTS JESUS CUELLAR TO WIN FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

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UNBEATEN JERMALL CHARLO RETAINS IBF BELT WITH
FIFTH-ROUND KNOCKOUT OVER NO. 1 JULIAN WILLIAMS
ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

 

Sergey Lipinets, Erickson Lubin Triumph on SHOWTIME BOXING on FACEBOOK LIVE

 

 IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua Retains Crown

With Third-Round KO over Eric Molina on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL

 

Watch The Replay Monday, Dec. 12, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME®

 

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 10, 2016) – Abner Mares (30-2-1, 15 KOs) scored an impressive, upset 12-round split decision over defending champion Jesus Cuellar (28-2, 21 KOs) to capture the WBA Featherweight World Championship and become a four-time boxing titlist Saturday in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader.

 

In the co-feature from Galen Center on the campus of USC in Los Angeles, Jermall Charlo (25-0, 19 KOs) retained his IBF Junior Middleweight World title with an emphatic fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten, top-ranked Julian “J-Rock” Williams (22-1-1, 14 KOs). (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/2hqXDr8)

 

Earlier in the day on SHOWTIME, unbeaten IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18 KOs) knocked out Eric Molina (25-4, 19 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, in the third round in Manchester, England.  (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/2hqHTo8)

 

Mares, of Huntington Beach, Calif., by way of Guadalajara, Mexico, was victorious by the scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 112-115. Judge Kermit Bayless was the lone descender to score the hard-fought match for the Argentine.  Mares scored the bout’s lone knockdown in the 11th round. Cuellar, of Buenos Aires, had an 11-fight winning streak end.  (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/2hbJayp)

 

Mares, making his first start in 16 months and first with renowned trainer Robert Garcia, executed a technically sound game plan and was the more accurate puncher than Cuellar, who was under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Freddie Roach for the first time in his career.

 

“I feel so good, it’s been a long time.  I’m champion, baby,’’ said Mares, 31, a former WBC featherweight and super bantamweight world champion and IBF bantamweight world champion, who became Garcia’s 10th world champion. “We had the perfect game plan.

 

“I never doubted myself.  I felt it in my heart.  When I fought Leo (Santa Cruz) I beat myself because I fought the wrong fight.  I fought smart tonight.  I thought it would be a unanimous decision, but at the end of the day I’m champion.’’

 

Cuellar is known as a devastating puncher, but he was unable to land his power shots or cut off the ring against Mares, who seemingly pocketed rounds with accuracy and a solid left hook. Mares floored Cuellar with a straight right in the opening minute of the 11th, sending Cuellar to the canvas for the third time of his career.  The onslaught continued, with a resurgent Mares teeing off on Cuellar until he raised his hands following the final bell.

“They said he was a power puncher, they said he was going to knock me out, but I proved that I have some power, too,’’ said Mares, who dropped a majority 12-round decision to Santa Cruz in his last fight on Aug. 29, 2015.  “I want Leo, I want (Carl) Frampton, I want anyone.  I’m a champion.  I’m not afraid of anyone.”

 

Cuellar stated his case for a rematch afterward.

 

“I thought the fight was pretty even until he threw me down, and that’s when he took control,” said Cuellar, who was making his third title defense.  “He definitely had the boxing skills going today.  I would have preferred a rough fight, but Mares had his skills today. I want a rematch. I gave him the opportunity and now I think it’s fair that he gives it to me.”

 

In the co-main event, Charlo dropped Williams three times, once in the second and twice in the fifth. Williams, who had not lost a round in 10 consecutive fights, went down for the first time in his career from a strong counter left-hand midway through the second round.

 

Williams, who established his counter right early, performed well for the next two rounds in the first title fight between undefeated 154-pound champions since Floyd Mayweather dismantled Canelo Alvarez in 2013.

 

But Charlo decked him again with a brutal right uppercut midway through the fifth round that sent Williams collapsing face-forward onto the canvas.  Williams got up, but he was clearly in trouble. Charlo floored him seconds layer with a left hook, forcing referee Wayne Hedgepath to instantly halt the contest at 2:06.

 

Charlo was ahead with scores of 38-37 on the three scorecards entering the fifth round in a highly skilled matchup between two fighters in their prime.

 

Afterward a fracas broke out in the ring between the fighters and their cornermen after Charlo wouldn’t acknowledge Williams’ congratulatory hand shake. Williams immediately stormed from the ring. The fans booed Charlo loudly throughout his post-fight interview with SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray.

 

“I did what I was supposed to do, I’m very happy with my performance, I listened to my trainer,’’ said Charlo, the identical twin brother of WBC 154-pound titlist Jermell Charlo. “I trained hard for this fight, I stayed in the gym the whole time.

 

“No matter what, people have to respect my accomplishments. He just wasn’t on my level. I told everyone what I was going to do since the fight was announced. I knew I was going to win; he was badly hurt after the knockdown.

“I just want to tell Julian Williams, I’m sorry.  Leading up to this fight Julian talked, and I held it in.  I did what I had to do to become the champion of the world and I deserve my respect.   He disrespected me all the way up to the fight.  I made the fight happen; I gave the fans what they wanted to see.  I stayed at 154 pounds, although I do want to move up to 160, just to fight someone the world said I couldn’t beat.

 

“I said I don’t want your congratulations; I want your apology.  I don’t care what they say, I knocked him out.  No matter what they say about me I’m going to continue to work hard.  I did what my trainer told me to do, I stayed in there and bang the shot came home.  I’m never disrespected this dude, never, until I knocked him out.

 

“Yes, I want to unify.  I want to prove I’m the best junior middleweight in the world, none of them are on my level.”

Williams offered no excuses. “I just got caught,’ he said. “I was fine after the second round and kept going. He just caught me. He wasn’t too big. He just caught me.

“I didn’t care about any of that [post-fight drama]. I just wanted to win.”

 

Charlo-Williams was the fourth 154-pound title fight on SHOWTIME in 2016.

In one off the fights streamed earlier Saturday on FACEBOOK LIVE, Sergey Lipinets (11-0, 9 KOs) knocked out Lenny Zappavigna(35-3, 25 KOs) to become the mandatory challenger for the IBF Junior Welterweight World Title.

 

After flooring Zappavigna midway through the fourth, Lipinets finished off the Australian with an overhand right in the eighth in a closely contested and bloody affair.

 

“Yes, this was my toughest fight, it’s bloody and rugged but no problem for me,’’ Lipinets said. “This was an eliminator and now I want my next fight to be for the world championship. Julius Indogo has the IBF title and now I’m the mandatory.

“I’m very happy with my performance. We’ve worked on adjusting during fights and that worked very well for me tonight. I was hoping for the knockout but my trainer said to keep working and the stoppage will come.”

“I left it all in the ring,’’ Zappavigna said. “I fought my heart out and I came here to give it my best. Even though I’m disappointed with the loss, I am at peace with the result because I know I couldn’t have done anything else.

“I wish Sergey all the best in his world title fight.

“I know my fans are behind me and I’m bringing pride back to Australia. I know I was in control of the fight, but my Australian ‘white line fever’ kicked in and I tried to take his head off.”

In the opening bout on Facebook Live, talented undefeated middleweight Erickson Lubin (17-0, 12 KOs) knocked out previously once-beaten Juan Ubaldo Cabrera (23-2, 15 KOs) at 2:09 of the second round.

 

“He was a little awkward in the first round,’’ Erickson said. “I set him up with my jab and I knew I hurt him in the second. That’s when I knew it was time for him to go.

 

“I think that fight definitely proves that I’m in the discussion as one of the top up and comers in the sport, but I don’t feel any pressure. I’m back in the gym on Monday.

 

“I want to be undisputed champion. I want all of the belts. Give me the Charlos, Julian Williams, any of them.

 

“I’ll take whoever is in front of me next, but those names and put them in bold letters and you know I’ll be front and center for that Charlo-Williams fight.”

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader and SHOWTIME INTERNATIONAL telecast will re-air on Monday, Dec. 12, 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME. The fights were promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions and sponsored by Corona.

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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ANTHONY JOSHUA  DEFENDS IBF HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WITH THIRD ROUND TKO OF ERIC MOLINA SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM MANCHESTER ARENA IN MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

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Matchroom Sport Announces Joshua To Defend Against Long-Reigning Heavyweight Kingpin Wladimir Klitschko April 29 At Wembley Stadium

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Matchroom Sport

 

Anthony Joshua extended his perfect record to 18-0 with 18 knockouts in a dominating defense of his IBF Heavyweight World Championship over American challenger Eric Molina Saturday on SHOWTIME from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/2hqHTo8.

 

Joshua floored Molina with a huge left in the third, leaving the Texas native crumpled in the corner.  Molina looked dazed and barely beat the count, but he was again in trouble and defenseless seconds later, forcing the referee to halt the contest at 2:02.

 

After the fight, Matchroom Sport managing direction Eddie Hearn announced that Joshua will make the third defense of his title on April 29 against long-reining heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko at London’s Wembley Stadium.

 

“Disaster avoided tonight,” Joshua said.  “He started off teeing off with some haymakers early on.  There are not too many tactics he can do.  It’s hard for him to come in and fight when you aren’t giving him any options.  Someone who is boxing with you can give you options, but someone who is boxing on his back feet cannot.”

 

“This is the start of my story and there will be many more things to come when I step into this ring.   I’m not one to talk and I’m not one to mess around, but if I did start talking I think people would find out what I’m all about.  I’ve stayed consistent and I’ve stayed patient and I’m still undefeated.”

 

“We are moving into a huge arena (Wembley).  He’s a very respectful man outside of the ring, and he’s very competitive in the ring.  This is the step up people have wanted.  Klitschko wants his belts back and may the best man win.”

 

Said Klitschko: “He is the best man in the heavyweight division and his record speaks for itself. This is the fight that the fans want and that is why this fight will happen.”

 

“Do you want to see a big fight?  Do you want to see a fight where two Olympic champs are involved?  Do you want to see the fight between A.J. and W.K.?   You got it.”

 

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JESUS CUELLAR vs. ABNER MARES, JERMALL CHARLO vs. JULIAN WILLIAMS WEIGHTS, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS

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Tomorrow/Saturday Live on SHOWTIME®

From Galen Center On The Campus Of USC In Los Angeles

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® – 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

 

WBA Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Jesus Cuellar – 124 Pounds

Abner Mares – 126 Pounds

Referee: Jack Reiss; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dave Moretti (Nev.)

 

IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Jermall Charlo – 153 ½ Pounds

Julian Williams – 154 Pounds

Referee: Wayne Hedgepeth; Judges: Eddie Hernandez (Calif.), Patrick Russell (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

 

SHOWTIME BOXING ON FACEBOOK LIVE – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

 

IBF Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Sergey Lipinets – 139 ¾ Pounds

Lenny Zappavigna – 139 ½ Pounds

 

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Erickson Lubin – 157 Pounds

Juan Ubaldo Cabrera – 159 Pounds

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

 

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ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. ERIC MOLINA OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PHOTOS FOR IBF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Airs at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT
Live On SHOWTIME; Encore Presentation During Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast

 

Click HERE To Download Press Conference Photos (Credit Matchroom Boxing)

 

IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua weighed in at 249 pounds and American challenger Eric Molinameasured 237 ½ pounds for their heavyweight showdown tomorrow/Saturday at Manchester Arena live on SHOWTIME®(5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT).

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® presentation originates from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, site of that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.  WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will join host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi as part of the SHOWTIME announce team for Joshua vs. Molina. 

 

Undefeated sensation and 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Joshua (17-0, 17 KOs) will make the second defense of his title against Molina (25-3 19 KOs), a Texas native getting his second shot at a belt in his quest to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight world champion. 

 

An encore presentation of Joshua vs. Molina will air as part of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast later that evening, following the main event showdown between WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar and three-division former champ Abner Mares.  In the co-feature, Jermall Charlo will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against fellow-undefeated challenger Julian Williams.