Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND ANDRE BERTO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

Leave a comment
 
“HIGH STAKES: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO”
This Saturday, Sept. 12, Live on SHOWTIME PPV®
 
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 9, 2015) – Floyd Mayweather and Andre Berto participatedin the finalpress conference for”HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto” on Wednesday at the David Copperfield Theatre at the MGM Grand ahead of their major showdown taking place thisSaturday, Sept. 12 live on SHOWTIME PPV(8 p.m. E/5 p.m. PT) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
In what is expected to be the final fight of his illustrious 19-year career, boxing superstar and pound-for-pound king Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) will put his undefeated record and WBC and WBA Welterweight World Championships on the line when he faces power-punching, two-time welterweight world champion Berto (30-3, 23 KOs). Three days before they meet in the ring, the two fighters and their camps were business-like and confident as they took their turns at the podium.
Here is what the fighters and executives had to say Wednesday:
 
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“We’ve been here so many times. I know talking doesn’t win fights. I know trainers don’t win fights. It comes down to the two competitors. I’m always prepared, physically and mentally. We have a remarkable game plan.
“I want to thank everyone that has covered this event and my career over 19 years. Whether it was a good story or a bad story, you guys wrote about me and kept me relevant. That’s how I was able to do record breaking numbers.
“Training camp was unbelievable, like always. I was asked if I’d be able to get in top condition after the Pacquaio fight and I absolutely did. No matter who I chose, the critics would have something to say.
“I know what it takes for a fight at this magnitude. No matter what anyone says, it comes down to the two competitors and I know what I can do. One thing I can do, I can fight.
“When we talk about landing the highest percentage, I’m that guy. When we talk about doing the highest gate or PPV, I’m that guy.
“I can’t say I’m going out 49-0 because you can’t overlook anyone.
“Every fight played a major key. It’s not just the intelligence; it’s the sharp mind, the good chin, the tremendous heart. I never overlooked an opponent. I trained for every fighter the same way, by pushing myself. I believe in my skills and I believe in my talent. I’ve been in there with the best, and the results are always the same.
“You have fighters that may be faster than me, there are fighters that may hit harder than me, you have fighters who are very athletic, but you don’t have a fighter who can make adjustments like me. You don’t have fighters that can be on my level mentally.
“It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. Everyone fights for what they fight for. My thing is this; I keep my eyes on the prize. I don’t focus on things outside the ring. I focus on the guy in front of me.
“You get to where you get to by staying focused. My dream was to be the best. No matter what happens Saturday, when it comes to boxing, I’m the best at this.
“Some guys wanted to rush me, well what’s plan B? Pacquiao could set traps for other fighters, but he couldn’t set traps for Floyd Mayweather. You need a plan A, a plan B and a plan C. I’ve never beaten a fighter with my plan A.
“Berto you’ve had a hell of a career. You’re a tough fighter and competitor. It’s obvious you’ve done something right. My thing is, just put guys in front of me, and we’ll rate him after they face me.
“To be in the sport of boxing and make upwards of $800 million, my team has done their job. I’ve never focused on things on the outside. I’ve never put anything before boxing. At 4:30 in the morning when my opponent is sleeping, I’m working. I don’t want to leave anything in this sport.
“No fighter in history has been in bigger fights than me. No fighter in history has beat more champions than I’ve beat. But it’s not over yet. I’m going to push myself.  I can go to places where no fighter can go mentally.
“The sport of boxing needs this. Berto is a tough, young, hungry fighter and that’s what we need to bring the best out of us. I’m going to come forward and be Floyd Mayweather. Trainers and fighters try to find ways to throw fighters off, but I know what to do when it’s all said and done.
“I want my legacy to be of a remarkable fighter inside the ring and a great businessman outside of it.
“We’re going for the knockout. I’m pretty sure he’s going for the knockout. It’s going to be something special.”
ANDRE BERTO
“It’s funny, when it comes to the media and critics. They’re not in that gym working and knowing the feeling of being a fighter. They don’t know the miles we run and the sacrifices that we have to make to become a world champion or come up to this level of fight.
“This camp has been intense. It has definitely taken me up to levels that I’ve never achieved. We’ve left no stone unturned, I’ve busted my ass for the last couple months.
“Anybody that steps in the ring, I have to respect. When it’s time to fight, I’m coming for my respect. Saturday night is going to be a good one I promise you.
“I’ve given my whole life to this sport. I’ve come in and I’ve entertained the people. That’s what I do. That’s why I came into this game. I’ve been counted out from day one coming from where I come from.
“I’m just coming for my respect. I’m coming for everything that I deserve.
“At the end of the day, I have to be able to take my game to a whole other level. Sometimes you need that opponent to get you to that point, and Floyd is the one.
“He has a great IQ, but one shot can change it all.
“You can be smart, you can be fast, but this is boxing.
“Floyd is sharp of course, but I have certain tools that I believe will make it a real difficult Saturday night. We’re going for the knockout. You definitely don’t want to miss it.
“This is huge for Haiti. The country of Haiti is just elated right now and Saturday night they will definitely be in the building. Saturday night will be historical for the country. This is the first time that an individual has been on this level to represent the country.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., Mayweather’s Father & Trainer
“I see a real fight on Saturday. Don’t get me wrong because I don’t know what’s going on but I really think Floyd is coming to fight.
“I know Berto’s coming to fight. One thing I’ve seen from Berto is that he has no defense – and he’s messing with a defensive whiz.
“I definitely think Floyd will trap him somewhere along the way.
“Floyd respects Berto and is not overlooking him, but he might just stop him, it’s very possible.”
VIRGIL HUNTER, Berto’s Trainer
“There are some things that a lot of people don’t understand. When you have two guys who were born in situations where they try to prove who the king of the school is, you get some real fights.
“I think about Joe Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila”, when people thought he was done, but he fought over his head. Does Andre Berto have that capability? Yes, of course he does. We see it all the time in sports. There are nights when it just happens. Andre Berto is going to take it over his head and that’s what he intends to do and what he has to do.
“We can’t match his IQ, but there are other elements that make a successful fight. There is something brewing in the air. I’ve been around a long time and I know when something is personal. You better tell your people to tune-in for this fight. Trust me; it’s going to be a rumble.
“I’ve seen Floyd’s Plan B. I’ve seen him go to war. I’ve seen him rumble with guys bigger than him. I’m not going to be swayed by his skill. This fight is going to be fought from way deep down.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“We are thrilled that this fight night will be filled with high stakes matchups all night. We have a tremendous fight card. Of course, the main event has the highest stakes of them all as Andre Berto will be taking on the undefeated Floyd Mayweather.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
 “Six fights in 30 months. Floyd, they said you wouldn’t do it, they said you couldn’t do it and once again you proved them wrong. The first five fights yielded nearly 10 million PPV buys, $750 million in PPV receipts and it’s all led here to fight number six, fight number 49.
“19 years undefeated, 17 consecutive years as world champion, 16 consecutive opponents who are former or current champions. On Saturday night none of that matters. Andre Berto isn’t fighting a legacy or a record book or history, he’s fighting a man, and men can lose.
“The conventional wisdom is that Floyd is going to win this fight, but conventional wisdom said that the first Maidana fight would be easy for Floyd. It said Canelo would be Floyd’s toughest challenger and it said Pacquiao could beat Mayweather. It didn’t account for Hasim Rahman or Buster Douglas and it certainly won’t account for Andre Berto’s heart or desire to rewrite boxing history on Saturday night.
“Like you, I don’t know what will happen on Saturday night. I do know that Berto is more athletic than any fighter Floyd has fought recently. One thing I do know, it’s not going to be boring. When you have fighters like our entire PPV card has, it’s a night not to be missed.”
RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this championship fight between Mayweather and Berto that will kick off a sensational fall lineup of entertainment at MGM. We all look forward to history as Floyd looks to end his career at 49-0 and equal the record of Rocky Marciano that has stood since September 1955.
“We are pleased to welcome back Andre Berto. Berto will take on one of the sport’s greatest champions and there is no doubt he will be prepared for the challenge.”
BOB BENNETT, President of the Nevada State Athletic Comission
“There is no doubt that any commission in the world would be elated to have this fight, just like we are. We’re very appreciative of Floyd Mayweather for having this show in our backyard. The NSAC actually commissioned Floyd’s first fight 19 years ago and to date we have regulated 25 out of 49 of Floyd’s fights come this Saturday night when he tries to tie Rocky Marciano’s record.
“It’s been our honor and privilege to regulate these fights. Our officials spend a lot of time in training and we’re ready to go to work come Saturday night.”
*          *          *
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA Welterweight World Titles takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Tecate. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT). The co-main event will feature a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title.  The Martinez vs. Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first defense of the WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves.The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland. The first pay-per-view televised fight is a 10-round super featherweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncherJhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. The event will be available in Spanish through secondary audio programming (SAP).
Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown on the big screen in theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS STARS CHRIS PEARSON, RONALD GAVRIL, GERVONTA DAVIS & ASHLEY THEOPHANE FEATURED IN UNDERCARD ACTION ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

Leave a comment
 
Exciting Fights Precede HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto
Live on SHOWTIME PPV® at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2015) – Exciting stars from the Mayweather Promotions stable of fighters will fill out the action-packed day of undercard bouts on Saturday, September 12 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena preceding the SHOWTIME PPV event HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto.
Featured undercard action pits Chris “Young King” Pearson (12-0, 9 KOs) against Janks Trotter (9-1-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout, Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (13-1, 9 KOs) as he takes on Scott “Cujo” Sigmon (25-7-1, 14 KOs) in 10-rounds of super middleweight action and Ashley “Treasure” Theophane who will face Steve Upsher (25-4-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight attraction.
Further action will see undefeated 20-year-old prospect Gervonta Davis (11-0, 10 KOs) out of Baltimore taking on 23-year-old Mexican Guillermo Avila (14-4, 11 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight affair and the pro debut of Atlanta’s Trakwon Pettis against 22-year-old Devante Seay (0-0-1) of Martinsville, Virginia in a four-round super lightweight showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.comor www.ticketmaster.com.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in his last four fights. The 24-year-old looks to further prove his contender status when he takes on the powerful Trotter out of Alberta, Canada. The 31-year-old is coming off of back-to-back knockout victories in 2014.
A power-punching Romanian fighting out of Las Vegas, Gavril returns to the ring looking for his third straight victory. He scored decision victories in his last two bouts over Jessie Nicklow and Oscar Riojas and also owns knockout victories over Jose Berrio, Thomas Falowo and Tyrell Hendrix. The 29-year-old will square-off against Lynchburg, Virginia’s Simon on September 12. The 28-year-old is coming off of a June stoppage of Jonathan Reid.
An experienced contender from London but fighting out of Las Vegas, Theophane is looking to build on his current five-fight win streak when he enters the ring on September 12. The 35-year-old has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. He started his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mahonri Montes in April. He shares the ring with the 30-year-old Upsher who has challenged former world champions Andre Berto and Luis Collazo throughout his career. Fighting out of Philadelphia, he most recently defeated Alejandro Rodriguez in May and owns a victory over previously unbeaten Bayan Jargal.
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout. SHOWTIME “Countdown Live” begins 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with a 10-round super welterweight showdown between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Leave a comment
Leonard Ellerbe       
I’d like to thank everyone for calling in today to hear the one and only Floyd “Money” Mayweather. But before we get to Floyd, I’d like to introduce the Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME, Stephen Espinoza, who’s going to make a few comments.
Stephen Espinoza    
Thanks very much Leonard. As most of you know, Episode 1 of ALL ACCESS “Mayweather vs. Berto” premiered last Friday. We had tremendous viewership numbers on the network for the premiere night. In fact, premiere night viewing of that episode was on par with the viewership for the premiere of “Inside Mayweather vs Pacquiao.”
So we’re very happy with the amount of attention that that ALL ACCESS is generating. If you haven’t seen it, it is available just on the SHOWTIME website, on the YouTube channel, and of course repeated across the network many times.
Episode 2 of ALL ACCESS “Mayweather vs. Berto” will air this Friday at 10:35 p.m. ET with a third episode premiering on Friday immediately preceding the weigh-in.
As we get into fight week, as usual SHOWTIME and CBS are supporting this fight across all platforms. We’ll be offering live streams of virtually every fight week event including both the press conferences for both the main event and the undercard, the weigh-in and Countdown Live on Saturday immediately preceding the pay-per-view which will include a live fight between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
SHOWTIME and CBS Sports Network are also airing classic fights from Floyd’s career, from Andre Berto, and the undercard fighters including might be the Fight of the Year this year, the first bout between Rocky Martinez and Orlando Salido. That’s available on SHOWTIME on Demand and CBS Sports Network. Leonard, take it away.
L. Ellerbe      
Okay thank you Stephen for those comments. We’re going to cut straight to the chase. I’d like to introduce none other than 12-time world champion, five different weight classes, Floyd “Money” Mayweather.
Floyd Mayweather
Hey everybody. Thank you Leonard. Thank you Kelly. Thank you Steve. Thanks everybody that’s on the line. I appreciate you guys covering me throughout the years. Let’s get on with the call.
Q
What are your thoughts on the athletes like Serena Williams in her pursuit of her record path as well as you on September 12?
F. Mayweather
I’m very pleased with Serena Williams. They say records are made to be broken. I’m just very proud of her and what she’s done during her career. She’s done some amazing things in her career. It’s just marvelous what she did. I’m behind her 100%. If she stays focused she can continue to break records.
Q
Both you and Serena are deep into your thirties, what does that say for the level of dedication that both of you guys have shown to your craft?
F. Mayweather         
Genetics. I think that the older you get, the harder you have to work. That’s what I’ve done. The older I get, the harder I work.
Q
Would you ever consider the winner of the Canelo-Cotto fight as your 50th opponent – as your 50th fight rather?
F. Mayweather
Are you just getting into the Floyd Mayweather business? You should know what I’ve done to Canelo, Pacquiao, and Cotto. So I’m through with them, why would I fight them in my 50th fight?
Q
I heard you just say, “Why would I fight one of them in my 50th fight?” which seems to sound like you think there will be a 50th fight. Are you having a change of heart on your retirement plans?
F. Mayweather
No. 49 is my last fight. Before you go on with a question, I want to thank you for a positive article that you wrote that someone brought to me.
Q        
Thank you. Are you having second thoughts because of your previous comment about there possibly being a 50th fight?
L. Ellerbe      
Like I’ve said and Floyd has said a number of times, this will be his last fight. Why can’t a man go out when he’s had an illustrious career, accomplished everything that he needs to accomplish and be done? And he’s done it his way.
Q
Are there any other things that you have in mind that you’d like to do in retirement?
F. Mayweather
Well we’ve got The Money Team music group. I’ve also been working for years on concert promotions. The Mayweather Music Group, we have several different artists that we’re working with.
We’ve got the Bad Medina makeup line. She is working on four or five different clothing stores. She already has one. She’s got the “Bad” Medina makeup line. We’re also working on my shoe line. Also watching my kids go through college. I think their school is very important.
Q
Do you think that you’ll get that itch to come back like the last time you retired and you’ll want to do it again? Is that something that you leave open the possibility of?
F. Mayweather
No I’m going to just push the limit for this fight and see what I can accomplish.
L. Ellerbe      
Let me touch on this.  Just over the last week I received three major movie offers. So we fully expect that Floyd could be heavily involved in the entertainment industry because this is what he does. As I said, I know for a fact that with the significant entertainment offers coming our way that it’s definitely something that is going to occupy a lot of his time.
Do you understand why that there are people that can’t imagine why you would leave the sport at the top of the game?
F. Mayweather
Well no one is in my shoes. My health is more important. If you stick around anything too long, anything can happen. I’m not really worried about losing, but I want to have a sharp mind. You can make a lot of money, but you still want to be able to talk, walk, and have a sharp mind.
Q
What do you think you’ll miss about boxing after you retire?
F. Mayweather
Really I’m still in the sport. I’ve got so many fighters, so there’s nothing that I’m going to really miss about the sport. I have fighters that I’m working with on a daily basis. There’s still going to be the next world champions coming from Mayweather Promotions. We got a lot of fighters. I think J’Leon Love is up next. So we’ll just see how everything plays out.
Q
Which of your opponents most resembles Berto, anyone you fought before?
F. Mayweather
I’m really not sure. After the fight is over you can ask me that question and then I can kind of enlighten you and let you know.
Q
Is there any one thing that you consider the greatest accomplishment of your career?
F. Mayweather
I think every fight played a major key. All 48 fights played a major key. Every fight, number 49 is extremely important also. Every fight was important in playing a major key in my career. One more though, my career’s not over it. You can never overlook anyone.
Q
Do you have any regrets from your career?
F. Mayweather
I regret not having Al Haymon from the beginning.
Q
Did anyone approach you about being the first to christen the new MGM Arena?
L. Ellerbe      
As always there’s a lot of speculation out there and I just want to clear that up. We have not been approached by MGM about anything as it relates to the opening of the arena. As I’ve said a number of times this will be Floyd’s last fight. MGM has significant plans with their opening of their arena and we have a great relationship with them and I’m sure whatever they come up with, it will turn out great.
Q
Is being an actor in some motion pictures something that you’d want to get into?
F. Mayweather
I’ve been approached on numerous occasions. But I’d rather be behind the scenes. I just feel like I had my time to shine in this world of boxing. But we never know what the future holds. Just keeping my fingers crossed and anything that comes my way then we’ll take full advantage of it.
Q
Are you surprised at all the criticism that your selection of Andre Berto has gotten for this fight?
F. Mayweather
I didn’t even know. All I do every day is I go to the gym, I train. I leave, I go eat, and go see shows on the strip, go to the movies, go bowling, go shopping. That’s really about it, and just being at home resting. It really don’t matter who I choose. They’re going to always criticize. That comes with the territory.
Q
Does it bother you, all the criticism that you can get about your career?
F. Mayweather
No. I don’t read it. I don’t know about it. I could care less. Nobody’s forced to watch. Watch if you want to watch. If you don’t want to watch, don’t watch. Write about it if you want to write about it. If you don’t want to write about it, don’t. I’m not saying if you write good or bad, just continue to write. Keeps me relevant.
Q
Is that another reason why you consider this your last fight? To not be criticized anymore?
L. Ellerbe
No, obviously the criticism that might be out there, that’s just negativity, people are entitled to have their opinion. What Floyd has been able to do with his career, he’s been able to do it his way. His way is being focused on what he has to do, the task at hand, and not worrying about what anybody else says.
Q
What’s the number of pay-per-view buys that would make this fight a big success for you personally?
F. Mayweather
The numbers will be what they are. Only thing I can do. I can’t say any particular number, but we’ll just have to see.
Q
How do you grade in a package this six-fight deal that you’ve done?
F. Mayweather
I just want to win and go out on top.
Q
If this is your last fight, what’s the significance of that number 49 on your way out?
F. Mayweather
Everybody and every fight played a major key and this is number 49.
Q
Do you feel like because Andre Berto has nothing to lose at the moment and everyone is counting him out, do you think that that makes him a more dangerous opponent?
F. Mayweather
Absolutely. He feels like he has nothing to lose, and I think that when you got a guy that’s put in that situation, it makes him work that much harder because he got a chance to be one of the top guys in the sport when I’m through.
It’s like they say in football, any given Sunday. I say any given Saturday, anything can happen. So I’m prepared. I’m prepared mentally and physically. I’m in top shape. I’m ready. I’m pretty sure he’s in top shape and he’s ready. But I’m not going to overlook him.
Q
Can you tell us how you’re staying focused and making sure all this other stuff doesn’t slow you down or cause you to overlook him?
F. Mayweather
I want to win just like he wants to win. I’m working out, I’m pushing myself every day. As I get older I’m working harder. Actually I think this camp I sparred a lot more, I pushed myself a lot more. This fight, I think I worked harder this fight than I did for the Pacquiao fight.
Q
Is your state of mind that this is going to be a more exciting fight for the fans because of the opponent that you chose?
F. Mayweather
Well, of course. It’s always about self-preservation, but I appreciate the fans. I do. I’m not Nostradamus but if you go look at an old interview, I talked about Pacquiao, what they were going to say, what they were going to do and how that fight was going to go.
Now you got to realize probably almost everybody on the phone chose Pacquiao. Everybody that said that throughout the years that I was a coward, I was scared, he couldn’t beat Pacquiao. They gave him this. They gave him so many accolades and he’s an all-time great.
But all these people had to eat their words. So if he’s an all-time great, then what does that make me? If they’re saying he’s the fighter of the century, what does that make me? So when they do rate me and when my fight is over, the only thing I can do is believe in myself and believe in my skills. I’m going to be The Best Ever till the day I die.
L. Ellerbe
I’d just like to thank everyone for calling in and we look forward to seeing everyone on fight week. It’s going to be an exciting week and we’re going to have a great night of fights come next Saturday night.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

“ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. BERTO” EPISODE 2 CLIP:

Leave a comment

“I’m ready to hang it up and spend time with my children….Most fighters that are retired didn’t have a choice.” – Floyd Mayweather

 

“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto” Episode 2

Premieres Tonight at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE to watch, share and embed this video: http://s.sho.com/1NSUBW5

 

Floyd Mayweather has been reflective on his career and place in history as he prepares for what is expected to be his final fight next Saturday against Andre Berto.  Check out this clip from the Sports Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS to hear Floyd’s thoughts on retirement and don’t miss Episode 2 of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto tonight at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

 

HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto – Saturday, September 12, LIVE on SHOWTIME PPV® From MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

# # #

 

ABOUT “HIGH STAKES: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO”:

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA Welterweight World Titles takes placeSaturday, Sept. 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Tecate. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT). The co-main event will feature a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title.  The Martinez vs. Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first defense of the WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves. The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland. The first pay-per-view televised fight is a 10-round super featherweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. The event will be available in Spanish through secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

Tickets for the live event at MGM Grand are on sale now and are priced at $150, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 and $1,500.

 

Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown on the big screen in theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com

 

boxing, Showtime Boxing

ANDRE BERTO MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Leave a comment
Leonard Ellerbe
I’d like to thank everyone for calling in today to hear from our main event fighter, Andre Berto who will be fighting Floyd “Money” Mayweather Saturday, September the 12th.
HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and it’ll be shown live on SHOWTIME PPV. Just a reminder, the PPV broadcast will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.  Our event is sponsored by Tecate, we still have tickets on sale at the MGM now and tickets are priced at $150, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 and $1,500.
Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown live in select movie theaters all across the country with our partners at Fathom Events Tickets and they’re on sale now at FathomEvents.com
The main event features Floyd “Money” Mayweather, he’ll be fighting Andre Berto, who is on our call today, in a high stakes matchup that will definitely be Floyd’s last and Berto will have the chance to finally put an end to Floyd’s undefeated record.
Our co-main event will feature a very exciting WBO Junior Lightweight Title fight between Roman “Rocky” Martinez and Orlando Salido. This is a rematch of their fight of the year from this past April.
The Martinez vs. Salido fight is followed by Mayweathers Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first title defense of his 168-pound world title. He’ll be fighting George Groves out of the UK. The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland.
As I announced last week the first PPV televised opener is a 10-round Junior Lightweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez and he’ll be fighting Puerto Rico’s own Jonathan Oquendo.
Then next up I’d like to introduce the man of the hour, former two-time world champion out of Winter Haven, Florida, he’ll be representing his country, Haiti, and he’ll be looking to upset Floyd come Saturday, September the 12. He’ll use his power that in my eyes makes this a very exciting fight because as you all know Berto’s never in a boring fight. So here he is, none other than Andre Berto himself.
Andre Berto
Hello. What’s going on? I’m still at camp now, we’ve had a tremendous camp, a long camp and probably one of the best camps that I have ever been a part of. I am probably in the best shape that I have ever been in so I’m just looking forward to next Saturday.
 
Q
Everyone agrees that in order to beat Floyd you have to be able to cut off the ring on him. How have you been working on to do that?
A. Berto
You know we’ve been working on a lot of different tactics, we work with a lot of different sparring partners as well. I’m just working just a lot of different things. Floyd, he’s a very knowledgeable fighter and fighting in the squared circle and you’d have to know how to incorporate a lot of different things and if it’s cutting the ring off or even if it’s fighting in the middle of the ring, you just have to be ready for anything.
Q
How is your approach to Floyd going to be different from other opponents?
A. Berto
I think my combination of speed and power that I bring to the table and at same time I believe I have the athletic ability to keep up with Floyd as well.
I believe that’s one thing with him, that has served him well throughout the years, is he has skill, he has speed but, but he has aerobic and athletic ability to get out of the way of punches, be able to move his feet, and just do a lot of the different things that make it very difficult on guys that are just straight up and down as he likes to say.
Q
Andre how do you think a win against Floyd Mayweather would change your life?
A. Berto
It’ll be something huge. Not just for me but for the sport. Floyd, he has been an icon for some time now and now you know he’s on his way to try to actually match a record.
So for me being the young hungry fighter coming in, taking that away from him would be huge and that’s the mindset.
Q
Andre are you, are you surprised by all the criticism that your selection as Floyd’s opponent has caused?
A. Berto
No I mean I believe right now anybody in this position would get a nice bit of criticism, especially coming off of Floyd beating Pacquiao. As a fighter you have to prepare yourself for it. So I prepare my mind and body. I prepare myself for it and you can’t go into the situation thinking about the critics.
The critics talking that way, they’re not in the gym training with us. They do something completely different than what we do. We’re fighters and we’re able to do things that these critics can’t do, so I don’t get affected by the critics.
Q
Do you think that Floyd might be looking past you at all in this fight? Based off some of the things we saw on “ALL ACCESS.”
A. Berto
I haven’t even watched the “ALL ACCESS” show. I’ve just been dialed in doing what we’re supposed to be doing and I don’t need to be caught up in all that, and I don’t need to be caught up in all the hoopla and all the crazy stuff.
At the end of the day, this right here is a huge opportunity for me. I don’t want to get caught up and caught off guard just by all the extra stuff or the media. I’m dialed in and, and I’m on a mission. The whole team’s just focused on one thing.
Q
What areas has Virgil Hunter made you a better fighter and when you look back on the decision why was it the right one?
A. Berto
Virgil Hunter is just a very technical trainer, my previous trainer he did a great job and he got me the world title, I just thought that you needed something different.
I just needed another small piece to the puzzle. There was a reason why I took certain losses to some guys that I knew I shouldn’t have. I should’ve got myself out of situations but I just didn’t know.
I hadn’t been in the gym when it feels like you’re in school every day. I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge and technical IQ.
Q
In getting you ready for this fight have you prepared dramatically differently than you had in the three other fights that Virgil has worked with you on?
A. Berto
Yes, this is a different fight, different fighter, so it’s a completely different type of camp, a very intense camp. The main thing is just staying focused on the goal. Just not veering off and getting involved in anything else.
Q
How much input did you have in the game plan or was it mostly Virgil saying here’s what you need to do to win this fight?
A. Berto
Yeah I had some input because Floyd is a guy I’ve known for a long time. He’s the guy that I’ve watched for a very long time so you know I know is style very well.
So certain things I can go in the ring, and mimic certain things that he does. So me and Virgil, we definitely bounce off a lot of different ideas and he watches a lot of tape and we just put it together.
Q
Leonard I have a question just regarding the tickets, there are still tickets available. Approximately how many tickets are available?
L. Ellerbe
I haven’t read my report today, but I don’t see why that would be a concern.
Q
Can you talk about what happened in the Guerrero and Soto Karass fights and the criticism that comes because of the losses?
A. Berto
I don’t ever really care too much about people who are hating on my situation. I’ve had haters since I was in middle school. They’re going to be around you.
I don’t care too much about criticism and all that but with the Guerrero fight I took some thumbs in the eye. In, the second and third round both of my eyes closed up on me and I never been in that type of situation before, I’ve never had to encounter anything like that before. But I never thought about stopping.
I let him just walk me back to the ropes because that’s the only way I knew that he was in front of me to hit because I couldn’t see him. I threw upper cuts and I hit him with certain shots and the only way I could know that I hit him with a good shot was if I could hear the crowd.
It was just real freaky little stuff that was just happening and I just didn’t understand. I never got poked in my eye before, not even training, not even fighting and sparring whatever, and I used to hear about how bad it could be but to get poked in both of your eyes, it’s crazy.
The Soto Karass fight same thing, my shoulder popped out and I slightly tore it the week before the fight but I fought with injuries plenty of other times and I didn’t know how bad it can get, I didn’t think it was too bad, I thought it probably a torn muscle in there or something small.
I hit him solid for the first time in that second round and that shoulder, it just went and it just tore it all apart and I kept fighting.
I kept fighting, I kept throwing it and every time I threw it I, it would hurt to hell, I’d yell out or the referee would see me making a sound and you know Karass would see that my shoulder’s hurt and I didn’t want to stop, I still thought I could’ve beat him with the left hand.
That’s just my situation and I can’t really explain it. Those are guys I should have beat, but some things are out of your control.
Q
Should we expect to see you try to pressure him, particularly in the early going?
A. Berto
I don’t fight like Maidana, I don’t fight like Castillo, I’m a different fighter, I don’t have that type of style. Maidana, his style works for him, he’s very reckless and, not too much speed, a lot of power and he comes from every angle. That’s not me.
Castillo same thing, you get a classic Mexican fighter that walks to you and gives you lefts and swings and that’s not me as a fighter. I’m saying I’m fast, I got power, and then I can move my feet, I can do a lot more as well.
I believe I can apply pressure and box and both will be effective for me.
Q
I know you really can’t let it consume you or anything but when you see the odds in this fight how do you not take that personally and now allow that to effect you?
A. Berto
I don’t know even know what the odds are. I’m over here training for a full fight to make this a war. I don’t take time out of my day to sit down and look at the odds and see what other people think. If that was the case I shouldn’t have made it out of where I came from because making it out of there is slim to none.
I didn’t go by those odds either and the same thing in this situation. Where my people come from is a lot worse than anything in that ring. I just train hard, ride hard and I just push it to the limit, that’s it.
Q
Why will you beat Floyd Mayweather?
A. Berto
End of the day it’s what I believe and what my team believes. We do put in work, we have the ability to come out victorious September 12th and, and that’s the only confirmation that we need.
I have that rare combination of speed and power and I’m in incredible shape. I’m younger, I’m hungry and it’s a great recipe for victory.
Q
Andre have you noticed any slippage in Floyd, it doesn’t look like it to most of us but have you noticed any slippage in him at all or no?
A. Berto
There’s definitely been some slippage throughout the years, the last couple fights but like I said he’s one of those guys doesn’t abuse his body.
He’s always going to respect his sport so if you respect the sport the sport’s going to respect you. He hasn’t really been taking too much of a toll in the ring and he hasn’t really abused himself outside the ring.
He’s going to stay as sharp as he’s been the last few years but you can be as sharp as you are but all it only takes is one single moment you know for somebody to capitalize on it.
Q
When you first hooked up with Virgil Hunter what was your time frame or when you expected to be back on this stage?
A. Berto
We didn’t really have a timeframe, I was just excited to be in a new team and with a new coach and just to learn new things and, and to be able to use the new things you see to reach your full effectiveness in the ring.
Q
When you took the fight with Josesito Lopez earlier this year was the expectation that with the win would come a big fight?
A. Berto
I just take it one fight at a time, so I didn’t know what would come after this fight, after the Josesito fight. I don’t know what the situation was but I know I had situations lined up for me.
I was just excited just to be back in the mix man, at the end of the day to be realistic I was just happy to be able to come back from this injury and to be able to come back in and be focused and put on some good exciting performances.
It didn’t really matter who was next but this is a blessing for sure.
K. Swanson
Andre, final comments?
A. Berto
I want to thank everybody for being on the call. Thank you for all your comments and it’s going to be an exciting weekend next weekend. You want to definitely come see a great display of speed, power and skill. You’re set for an exciting stage for everybody tuning in on PPV or definitely come out to Vegas and check out the show.
Maybe after the fight Leonard can take me to where he shops and get his suits so I can catch a ride and get fresh like this cat and you know we’ll have a good time.
K. Swanson
Make sure we’re going to put that in the transcript too okay? All right. Thanks everybody. We will see you next week if you’re coming to the fight and watch out for your fight week schedule.
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight
world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

ROMAN MARTINEZ AND JONATHAN OQUENDO PUERTO RICO MEDIA DAY QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment

 

Description: 9-12 High Stakes LH

 

Click HERE To Download Photos & Video

Credit: Angel Vazquez/PR Best Boxing Promotions

 

DORADO, PR (Sept. 1, 2015) – WBO Junior Lightweight Champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) and WBO/IBF featherweight world-ranked Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (25-4, 16 KOs) worked out for the press in Puerto Rico on  Monday, Aug, 31 in advance of their SHOWTIME PPV® fights against former world champions Orlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs) and Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs), respectively. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas highlighted by HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto.

 

Martinez and Oquendo worked before the media at the Dorado Municipal Gym in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Both fighters completed a full training session with their respective trainers Raul Torres and Dennis Pantojas.

 

This is what the fighters had to say during Monday’s workout:

 

Román “Rocky” Martínez

“I’m preparing for a big fight on September 12. Everyone saw that the first fight against Salido was a true ‘War.’ This time around, I’m planning to give my fans the same type of fight. I predict a non-stop action slugfest.

 

“My team and I are working and have been working really hard in training camp. I believe that we are doing everything that needs to be done. I’m in the best shape of my career and I’m planning to win once again, either by knockout or decision, but I’ll win.

 

“We have worked more on side-to-side and in-and-out movement. If I see him hurt early I’m going to finish him.”

 

Raul Torres, Martinez’s Trainer

“Rocky is a 100 percent prepared for [Orlando] Salido. I have no doubt that we will emerge victorious once again.

 

“[Orlando] Salido is a fighter that likes to go forward. He stands in front of you and he goes at it. He’s tough, but we are tougher. We are ready.”

 

Jonathan Oquendo

“This is very important fight for me.  This is my opportunity to put myself in the world title landscape. I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away from me.

 

“Jhonny Gonzalez is a veteran of 60 fights, so you can’t take him lightly. Preparation is key.

 

“This will be the first fight at 130 pounds for me and I can say that the training camp has been very good, better than expected.

 

“I’m feeling strong. I think this is a good weight for me, I’m comfortable because I don’t have to lose much weight and can train better.”

 

Dennis Pantojas, Oquendo’s trainer

“We have had a very good training camp. Jonathan [Oquendo] has not had any problems and he’s right on weight that we want.

 

“I see Jonathan [Oquendo] more focused and stronger than ever. We are not only hitting the gym, we are also swimming a lot and that has helped him lots. “

 

# # #

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features aWBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido, which is promoted in association with PR Best Boxing.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round junior lightweight bout.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED TREVOR BRYAN WINS HEAVYWEIGHT SLUGFEST OVER GAME, HARD-TRYING DERRIC ROSSY IN MAIN EVENT  OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

Leave a comment

cid:gAClTA4c5zYX68bIwewB

TEMPERATURE’S RISING IN LAS VEGAS:

 

 

‘The Dream’ Improves to 16-0 with Unanimous Decision in Great Fight,

DeCarlo Perez Outpoints Previously Unbeaten Juan Ubaldo Cabrera,

Heavyweight Joey Dawejko Scores Opening-Round Knockout over Natu Visinia

 

Catch Replay Monday, Aug. 31, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 29, 2015) – On a hot summer August night, in a specially-constructed ring outside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) across from the D Las Vegas,Trevor “The Dream” Bryan remained unbeaten and passed the toughest test of his career with a crowd-pleasing, hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision over Derric Rossy in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on SHOWTIME®.

 

Bryan (16-0, 11 KOs), of Albany, N.Y.,  dropped the vastly more experienced Rossy (30-10, 14 KOs), of Medford, N.Y., with a flurry of punches 30 seconds into the fight en route to winning one of the most exciting heavyweight fights of the year by the scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92. Round 3 of the slugfest could be a candidate for Round of the Year.

 

In Friday’s co-feature, middleweight DeCarlo “3-Mendo” Perez (15-3-1, 5 KOs), of Atlantic City, upset previously undefeated Juan Ubaldo Cabrera (23-1, 16 KOs) of the Dominican Republic on a unanimous 10-round decision. Perez, who took the fight on a week’s notice, beat the two-time Dominican Republic Olympian by the scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92 in a match that featured steady two-way action for the most part. Cabrera became the 134th boxer to suffer his initial defeat on ShoBox.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, heavyweight Joey Dawejko (15-4-2, 7 KOs), of Philadelphia, registered an impressive 1:15, first-round knockout over Samoa’s Natu Visinia(11-2, 9 KOs) of Tacoma, Wash., in a scheduled eight-round scrap.

 

“We saw two drastically different types of heavyweight fights tonight,’’ said boxing historian and ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood. “One quick bang-out — where Joey Dawejko made a lot of fans. I think people would like to see him again, I’d like to see him again. And the second fight, Trevor Bryan, he didn’t get the stoppage but he also gained a lot of fans. He’s a fighter that most fans have not seen, and tonight he was introduced on the big stage in a very successful way.

 

“Derric Rossy showed such resistance and that made the win sweeter for Bryan, who had never fought anybody resembling the class of Rossy. It was a physical fight with a lot of good exchanges. Trevor Bryan stamped himself as a young American heavyweight to watch.

 

“[Juan Ubaldo] Cabrera was a disappointment. It looked like he was going to be the classier, busier fighter for three rounds, but [DeCarlo] Perez took over. And to fight as effectively as Perez did on one-week notice against a fighter that was 23-0, is impressive. It’s the biggest win by far on Perez’s career.‘’

 

Hall of Fame promotor Don King was ecstatic afterward. “It was great to see heavyweight boxing back to what it is supposed to be — you are hanging on the edge of your seat with every punch,’’ he said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen, but Trevor Bryan pulled through. He’s only 16-0 but he broke through the door to greatness. That’s the big thing. Now we have to look for him to get a heavyweight championship fight as he goes along.

 

“So it was a terrific fight and as a matter of fact it was a terrific night of fights and that’s what it’s all about. People ask me ‘when is the next one?’ people shouting in their seats and tingling. And we did it for the women — fighting for women’s rights — the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.  Oh man I am so excited. This is what it’s supposed to be.’’

 

The 6-foot-4 Bryan, who turned 26 on Aug. 23, went 10 rounds for the first time. A pro since November 2011, he had registered 10 of his 11 knockouts victories in three rounds or less.

 

“I think I showed to people that I like to fight and that I will fight,’’ Bryan said. “The heavyweight division is weak. Guys don’t like to throw a lot of punches. Being this was my first time on television, I think I had more anxiety than anything, but overall I was very happy with my performance.

 

“Rossy is a very durable, experienced guy. For him to hang in like he did says a lot. I know I definitely hurt him a few times but I didn’t follow up with the right punches. I didn’t place my punches like I should have after he was hurt. I know I need to relax more and listen to my corner.

 

“I was a little surprised that he didn’t box and move more but this was a hard-fought fight and a good fight for the fans.’’

 

Rossy pushed Bryan in many of the rounds, making for ferocious exchanges that had the crowd on their feet. The 35-year-old gamer has been on the wrong end of many close decisions in the past, but he had no qualms with the verdict this time.

 

“Bryan is definitely a good fighter, talented and he hits hard,’’ said Rossy, who has been in with some of the best in the division. “But after the knockdown, I was fighting on all heart. It wasn’t my plan to stand and slug and make it a war, but once I got dropped my strategy went out the window.

 

“This was an extremely hard fight, but that early knockdown was the whole difference for me. I’m OK but this was an exhausting 10-round fight.’’

 

Despite having little time to prepare, Perez, 24, won his fourth in a row and is 9-1 in his last 10 fights. “The heat [close to100 degrees] was no factor, I’ve been training in a gym that has more humidity than this,’’ he said. “The tough part was not knowing anything about my opponent; we saw no film so I had to adjust on the fly.

 

“I knew I’d be getting stronger as the fight went on. To keep throwing punches and dishing out punishment, that’s my style.

 

“This should open up a lot of doors for me. What I did tonight was prove what intense work ethic, pushing and fighting through all the odds, can do. I am very happy and already am looking forward to my next fight.

 

Cabrera, 36, whose pro career has sputtered due to long stretches of inactivity, had a point deducted in the seventh for hitting behind the head. Afterward, he offered no excuses. “I just got outhustled,’’ he said. He didn’t punch that hard. I was never hurt. I just didn’t throw enough. I felt fine until I got tired in the 10th round.’’

 

The 5-foot-10 Dawejko, despite giving away five inches in height and being outweighed by 37¾ pounds, came out firing and hurt and staggered Visinia with an overhand right to the side of the head. He followed up with a flurry of punches to the head and body. After Visinia was given a standing eight-count, Dawejko landed eight unanswered punches before the referee stepped in and stopped it.

 

“I thought I would knock him out but not that fast,’’ said Dawejko, who outlanded the Samoan 18-1, 16 of them power shots. “Natu’s a tough guy. My plan was to tire him out and take him out in the fourth or fifth.

 

“This win does everything for my career. It basically eliminated the loss in my last fight to Amir Mansour [that snapped Dawejko’s six-fight winning streak]. “This shows I’m back. They have to mention me now when they’re talking heavyweights.’’

 

Going in, Visinia was regarded as perhaps the most promising up-and-coming Samoan heavyweight since former longtime contender David Tua.

 

“This is very disappointing,’’ Visinia said. “I just waited too long to get started with the jab and got caught with a good one. That happens in boxing but I’m going to keep working. I don’t want the boxing world or boxing gods to turn their backs on me now. This was a bump in the road. I’ll be back.’’

 

Aired during the telecast was an exclusive taped interview with Floyd Mayweather and Jim Gray and a live interview with WBC Super Middleweight Champion Badou Jack and Farhood.Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) will put his undefeated record and WBC and WBA Welterweight World Championships on the line against power-punching, two-time welterweight world champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) and Jack (19-1-1, 12 KOs) will make his first defense against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs) on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME PPV®. The four-fight pay-per-view telecast starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

 

The ShoBox tripleheader will re-air this week as follows:

 

DAY                                                                 CHANNEL

Monday, Aug. 31, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT             SHOWTIME Extreme

 

Friday’s three-fight telecast will be available at SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, Aug. 29.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

ANDRE BERTO LOS ANGELES WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Leave a comment

 


BERTO JOINED BY GEORGE GROVES & JHONNY GONZALEZ
AS THEY PREPARE FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE SHOWDOWNS
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV
AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS
 
Click HERE For Photos From Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/ Mayweather Promotions
 
ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO
Premieres Tonight, Aug. 28 on SHOWTIME®  At 10:30pm ET/PT

Click On The Link Below To Watch Episode 1 Preview
 
LOS ANGELES – (Aug. 28, 2015) – Two-time welterweight world champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) participated in a media workout at the J.W. Marriott at L.A. Live as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Berto looked focused and in great shape, jumping rope and shadowboxing, as he looks to become the first fighter to defeat 12-time world championFloyd “Money” Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs), on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME PPV® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).
 
In addition to Berto, top 168-pound contender George Groves and former three-time world championJhonny Gonzalez participated in the media workout as they prepare for their respective fights on theSHOWTIME PPV broadcast.
The training session was hosted by TV & CBS Radio personality Big Tigger and Emmy® Award-winning sports reporter Mark Kriegel and streamed in high definition across multiple platforms, including via satellite feed, YouTube and social media.
Promoted by Mayweather Promotions, the Sept. 12 four-fight pay-per-view telecast will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and is the sixth and final fight of a record-breaking deal between Mayweather and Showtime Networks Inc. SHOWTIME Sports® will support the event with the Sports Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS.
In world championship fights on the pay-per-view telecast, Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) will defend his WBO Junior Lightweight title in a rematch against four-time world championOrlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs), and Badou Jack “The Ripper” (19-1-1, 12 KOs) will make the initial defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs). The opening fight of the telecast will feature former three-time world champion and Mexican power-puncher Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs) against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (25-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight scrap.
Plus, former 154-pound world champion Ishe Smith (27-7, 12 KOs) will be opposed by longtime top-five contender Vanes Martirosyan (35-2-1, 21 KOs) in the 90-minute COUNTDOWN LIVE: MAYWEATHER vs. BERTO” preshow on Saturday, September 12.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
What Berto, Berto’s trainer, Virgil Hunter, George Groves, Jhonny Gonzalez and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe said Friday:
 
Andre Berto
“From an energy aspect I feel great. It’s my first time in a while coming into a fight with no injuries. This is the healthiest I’ve been since I can remember.
“At the end of the day, this fight was supposed to happen two or three times. Situations with me not taking care of myself and not taking opponents seriously caused it to happen. But styles make fights and we’ll see what the boxing fans say Sept. 12.
“I know that I’m still the same guy who people thought could have given Floyd problems a couple years ago.
“Victor Ortiz and Robert Guerrero both got fights with Floyd because they beat me. There must be something to that. They said ‘if he did something to Berto, he should get a shot at Floyd.'”
“We’re here. It’s my time to see him. He can have his ‘MayVinci’ code because we put in the work. The whole team is confident. I’m going to do what I do.
“We worked on a lot of different things at camp. I have the speed to keep up with him. I have more power.
“The thing with Floyd is, most guys he fights aren’t as athletic as he is. But I am.
“If you come at Floyd fast but don’t have a plan and don’t have good footwork, it’s too easy for him. If you have a guy that’s as athletic as him, it gives him problems.
“There is a lot more to me than just walking guys down. I have speed, I have power, I have a crazy uppercut, I can move to the side. There are a lot of ways I can get it done.
“I’m not going to watch his sparring. I don’t want to watch him driving his cars, none of that. I want to see him Sept. 12.
“This is my first time going into a fight without all the pressure on my back. I’ve always been the favorite in every fight. I don’t know what he’s feeling and I don’t really have to care about it.
“It’s a different mindset. Coming from where I come from, we always had to defeat the odds. We didn’t have what other people had. We had to work twice as hard for everything. To be noticed to be seen. Even back then it drove me to be the best that I can be. I wanted everyone to know I was somebody you had to watch.
“I’ve faced these odds my whole life. I was discounted two years ago when I was laying in the hospital. I’m constantly envisioning victory.
“All the hard work we’re putting in, it’ll all pay off fight night. It’s not just for me. I’ve been through doing things for me. I see what’s real now.
“I’ve prepared myself mentally to be in this position. People can say whatever they want. We’re focused.
“This is going to be for everyone who believes in the underdog.”
Virgil Hunter
“We have a unique opportunity right in front of us. We have a chance at history and to cement a legacy for my fighter (Berto).
“What is the key to winning this fight? (Berto) has got to want to win. He has to want it more. He holds the keys in his hand. You can plan as much as you want for tomorrow, but we don’t know whattomorrow will bring. We can only prepare.
“If (Berto) wins this fight, you’ll see me jumping up and down and it will be hard to compose myself. I’m usually pretty composed, but you might see me jump up and fall out of the ring and hit my head or something.
“No matter what happens, Floyd will always be considered one of the best ever. Win or lose, his legacy is cemented.
“There are similarities between Floyd and Andre Ward. They both started boxing as young boys, and were Olympians and are undefeated. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with being undefeated and they both have faced that.
“It’s not fair to the fight game to say this is a free shot and to go in there and say we have nothing to lose. We have everything to lose.”
George Groves
“Training camp has been going great. We’re fully acclimated to the time change and altitude. We’re performing very well in the gym and fulfilling the plan. I’m ready to rock.
“We’ve trained in the U.S. before. Last year we came over to spar with Gennady Golovkin. This time we’re out there for much longer and it has been very successful.
“I like training in the altitude and I expect it to help me on fight night. We got used to it over the weeks of camp and now it’s time to bring the extra energy to the ring.
“I’m fully immersed in this fight with Badou Jack. Everyone wants to know about the future plans, but I leave that up to the promoters. My main concern is winning that WBC belt.
“I carry power. I have good hands and foot speed. I can control the fight from anywhere. The mistakes that Badou Jack makes, I will take advantage of.
“I want to announce myself as the best fighter in the division and I’m planning on doing that Sept. 12. There won’t be any question marks. After I win this fight, I’ll have proof.
“I’m a valuable commodity in the UK and it’s about time I started building my brand in the states. This is a huge opportunity being on the Mayweather card. The undercard will not be overlooked this night.
“Every fight is more important than the last. It doesn’t matter who you fight, it can affect you in a big way. I have a style that will naturally engage with the fans. People like to see me fight. I look to take the opponent out and that will be the same on Sept. 12.
“Once Badou Jack leaves an opening, I will take it. I plan to look very good doing so.”
Jhonny Gonzalez
“I feel great. I’ve been preparing at the gym a lot and I feel very good about this fight.
“I am ready to win in this division and compete for a world title right away.
“I am fighting so quickly after my last victory because I am very confident. I want to stay active. I want to gain what I had before the loss to [Gary] Russell. I’m moving forward.
“I know that my opponent is a strong fighter. He’s going to throw a lot of punches but I’m going to bring it right back at him hard.
“Being on the Mayweather card is a blessing. I’m excited to be in Las Vegas with the whole world watching.
“I’m honored to be fighting on the Mexican Independence weekend. I’m ready to represent for my Mexican people. I’m going to leave everything in the ring.
“What I want out of this fight, is an opportunity to win a world title. This is why I train so hard, to win world titles and fight in big fights.
“I believe in my power punches. I’m intelligent on the inside and the outside. I believe in myself as a fighter and that is why I’ll win.”
Leonard Ellerbe
“I think Floyd shocked everyone by sparring on his media day on Wednesday. It wasn’t planned. You just never know what you’re going to get at any Mayweather event. He’s always going to do something to attract attention and put on a show.
“There’s no fear in Virgil (Berto’s trainer) or Andre checking it out and finding something that they can use against Floyd. Virgil is an excellent trainer and they will be prepared for everything for this fight.
“Everything is right on track with the promotion. Doing a media workout like this is very important to keep the publicity up and to market the event and let the fighters interact with the fans. We have a tremendous undercard on Sept. 12
“The SHOWTIME All Access episodes have been excellent and are getting the fans and media excited for this fight.”
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.
 “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto” Episode 1 premieres this Friday, Aug. 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
Showtime Boxing

ADRIEN BRONER GOES FOR FOURTH WORLD TITLE WHEN HE FACES FORMER CHAMPION KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV ON SATURDAY, OCT. 3, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM U.S. BANK ARENA IN CINCINNATI

Leave a comment
 
 
Jose Pedraza Defends IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship
Against Edner Cherry in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
 
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
 
CINCINNATI (Aug. 28, 2015) – Former three-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-2, 22 KOs)returns to his hometown looking for a fourth world title as he faces fellow former world champion Khabib “The Hawk” Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight world title on Saturday, October 3 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, undefeated IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) will defend his belt against veteran former world title challenger Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry (34-6-2, 19 KOs).
“I’m excited to be back in Cincinnati taking on a tough world class fighter who is going to bring it,” said Broner. “This fight means the world to me. It’s a huge deal to have the chance to be a four-division world champion at 26 years old.”
“Broner is a good boxer, he is a fast and talented guy, but as a man I don’t have anything good to say about him,” said Allakhverdiev. “I am looking forward to a world championship winning performance and I know that if he tries to do something to get in my head, to approach me or to push me that I will be as restrained as possible and save my anger for fight night.”
“I’m very excited to be back on SHOWTIME defending my title,” said Pedraza. “This is another step in the direction of becoming a superstar in the sport of boxing.  I will be victorious and make my island proud.”
“I’m in a tough fight on October 3 but I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Cherry. “This is nothing new for me. I’m not taking Pedraza lightly. He’s a champion for a reason. This is something that comes once in a lifetime and I’m going all-in to win this title.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and About Billions Promotions, are priced at $154, $104, $79, $54, and $29 and are on sale NOW. Tickets are available at the U.S. Bank Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select Kroger stores, call 1-800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
The 12-round fight will be Broner’s first since he dropped a unanimous decision to former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter in June 20.  Broner is 8-1 in title fights and has collected belts at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, but has never won a title at 140 pounds.  Dropping down in weight, Broner is looking to add a fourth world title to his resume in his return to Cincinnati, where he defeatedEmmanuel Taylor last September in front of his hometown fans in a 2014 Fight of the Year candidate.
Allakhverdiev’s (pronounced ah-lockh-ver-DEE-ev) only blemish came via controversial 12-round split decision in a title defense to then-undefeated Jessie Vargas in April 2014.  Allakhverdiev, of Moscow, Russia, initially won the WBA 140-pound crown with an eight-round technical decision over previously unbeaten three-division world champion Joan Guzmán in November 2012.  In his lone defense, the southpaw scored two knockdowns in a one-sided 11th-round TKO over former world championSouleymane M’Baye in July 2013.  This is Allakhverdiev’s first start since the questionable loss to Vargas.
Pedraza, of Caguas, Puerto Rico, won the vacant IBF 130-pound title with a dominating unanimous decision over Andrey Klimov on June 13 on SHOWTIME in Birmingham, Ala.  The switch-hitting former Puerto Rican Olympian backed up his “The Sniper” moniker against Klimov as he picked apart the Russian with superior speed and accuracy.  Pedraza earned a shot at the title in his previous bout with a career-best win over former world title challenger Michael Farenas last November.
Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., is a former world title challenger who is 10-0 with 1 NC since 2009.  His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds.  Since the loss to Bradley in a bout for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship in 2008, Cherry has gone undefeated as he made his way down to 135 and 130 pounds.  Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION WEIGHTS, FINAL THOUGHTS & WEIGH-IN PHOTOS

Leave a comment

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

WEIGHTS, FINAL THOUGHTS & WEIGH-IN PHOTOS

 

Promising Heavyweight Trevor Bryan
Puts Unbeaten Record on Line Against
Veteran Derric Rossy in Main Event of Don King-Promoted Tripleheader

 

Tomorrow/Friday, Aug. 28, LIVE on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT

From Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC)

Across from the D Las Vegas in Downtown Las Vegas

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 27, 2015) – The six fighters who’ll be making their ShoBox: The New Generation debuts tomorrow/Friday, Aug. 28, live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC), across from The D Las Vegas are set to go following Thursday’s official weigh-in outside the D on Fremont Street’s Stage 3.

 

In the 10-round main event of a Don King Productions-promoted tripleheader, promising up-and-coming heavyweight Trevor Bryan (15-0, 11 KOs), of Albany, N.Y., will put his unblemished record on the line when he faces his toughest opponent to date, the more experienced Derric Rossy (30-9, 14 KOs), of Medford, N.Y.

 

In the co-features, two-time Dominican Republic Olympian Juan Ubaldo Cabrera (23-0, 16 KOs), will take on the DeCarlo Perez (14-3-1, 5 KOs), of Atlantic City, N.J. in a 10-round middleweight bout and, in the opening bout of the telecast, Samoa’s Natu Visinia(11-1, 9 KOs) of Tacoma, Wash., will face Joey Dawejko (14-4-2, 7 KOs), of Philadelphia, in an eight-round heavyweight matchup.

 

Bryan weighed 227 pounds, Rossi 235½. Cabrera tipped the scale at 160 pounds, Perez 160½ and Visinia weighed 273 pounds, Dawejko 236¾.

 

Tickets are priced at $39.50, $59.50, $89.50, $149.50 and $500 for VIP Tables and are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say prior to the weigh-in:

 

TREVOR BRYAN

 

“This is my first time on television and I’m moving up in class so this fight is very, very important to me. It’s my headline fight, a chance for everyone to see the next new top heavyweight coming up.

 

“The purpose is to win, but I want to look good and nice on TV doing it.

 

“[Derric] Rossy is a veteran fighter, an extremely clever boxer and a good thinker. His technique is very good and he moves very well for a big man. He has a good jab and always make for tough fights.

 

“I have strength, youth and size in my favor but no way do I underestimate him. I take every fight very seriously. I train very hard. I spar with experienced fighters. I’ve been in shape for my whole four-year career. I take a fight, I’m right back in the gym.

 

“I know with his style that I will have to take it too him, work the jab and then go downstairs to the body. I have a plan and I have to stick to it or there will be a problem. Ideally, I can break him down and he will go down in the fifth or sixth.

 

“I could have fought a lot of other guys who are not as technically sound as Rossy, but it is time for me to step up. The foundation has been built. From Day 1 we knew where we were going, and this is it: the next step. There’s no pressure because I always knew this day was coming.

 

“I know the importance of preparation. I know how important discipline is. What we do daily has become routine. I try to be consistent in everything. I put in a lot of work behind the scenes.

 

“I’ve been hit before, but I keep coming. I got countered and dropped in my last fight, but I got right back up and took care of business. To touch the canvas and then bounce right back up and win was an invaluable experience.

 

“I feel I have good fundamentals and that I’m learning all the time. I started at the bottom learning, but now I am able to work on perfecting my fundamentals and conditioning even more. I like to fight, I like the action but I know I have to fight smart, especially against a guy like Rossy.’’

 

DERRIC ROSSY

 

“I’ve had so many close fights, wins and losses, but the competition I go in against is always really good. I’m not the biggest puncher so I know enough not to just go crazy. Some of my fights I thought were closer than they should have been, but I accepted them and moved on.

 

“I don’t know for sure why I’ve had so many close fights. I must be a tough fighter for judges because sometimes I don’t think they notice all the stuff I’m doing in there, the little nuisances. Maybe they think I box too much. Everybody wants to see a knockout but I am basically a boxer. I feel comfortable in what I’m doing, too, so I am not going to change.

 

“I feel strong and feel I still have plenty left. My job is to make opponents make a mistake. I’m still around to catch up with people. In this sport you need time to develop; for me it was my confidence that I first had to develop. I remember I won a couple of fights just being a good athlete, not a good boxer.

 

“I took my lumps, too. Some of my fights that went into the books as losses I just know I won. The heartache of losing was terrible but I had to get through it. I had to keep going. People say I’m stubborn and crazy for still doing this, but I keep coming back. I always had it in me, the confidence, but I had to bring it out.

 

“Experience is an advantage because I now feel there is no situation I cannot handle. This kid, [Trevor] Bryan, can punch. He’s been brought up the right way. But now he’s moving up two-three steps against a more experienced, seasoned fighter. His confidence comes from a shallow pool and so far it’s working for him. Let’s see how it goes Friday night.

 

“I’m a little surprised I got this opportunity. I’m a real fighter. My confidence is great now and I still believe I am a good fighter. I’m 35 but 35 isn’t old anymore for a fighter. My heart is still in this 100 percent. I want to win the big prize.

 

“I took a tough road to get here. It takes time to develop in this sport. Because I played football and other sports, I didn’t turn pro until I was 24 and had only 10 amateur fights. So I’ve done it the hard way. It’s not the way I preferred, but it is what it is.

 

“From what I’ve seen I think the key is to give him lots of feints and angles and take away his jab. Bryan is long and tall. I need to make him as uncomfortable as possible and my experience will go a long way in making that happen. I’m totally looking forward to this fight.’’

 

JUAN UBALDO CABRERA

 

“I feel good and my weight is good. Some guys get lost in the shuffle after they turn pro and that is me. That is why this fight is so important. It’s my opportunity to show the world what I can do.

 

“It was very hard for me to turn pro after my amateur career. I was such a big star they [Amateur Boxing Federation] wanted me to stay amateur for as long as I could. They never gave me permission to go pro. So I had to get a visa on my own and come to the United States.

 

“I’ve been a pro the last 10 years and it has been very tough. I had managerial problems, guys taking money from me; it really delayed my progress. I never lost my desire to fight even though I had to deal with so much outside the ring. I didn’t get overly discouraged although I could have after getting taken advantage of.

 

“I feel good now with Don King as my promoter. I’m happy to be fighting again and to be able to dedicate myself fully to the sport. I won a decision in my last fight but I know I can do better. I ate something bad two hours before the fight and I got sick. I was sick during the fight and couldn’t wait to get out of the ring once the decision was announced.

 

“I like to box; I feel I am a very good boxer with good movement. I play the angles in the ring. I feel I have a nice jab. I’ve never been badly marked or cut up, never really been caught with a great shot.

 

“With my experience I am ready for what [DeCarlo] Perez brings. I can switch to southpaw, adjust to any style. This is my first fight on television, my first real opportunity as a pro and want to do very well very badly. I know Perez starts slowly, I am going to give him a couple rounds to see what he’s got.

 

“Of course I would love to knock him out in one round but my mindset is to win, to do whatever it takes to get my hand raised. If he comes to fight, it’s going to be a great fight.’’

 

DECARLO PEREZ

 

“I’m always in the gym, always in shape. I’ve been looking for this kind of opportunity for a long time so I have always kept myself ready. With a win something big can come out of it.

 

“I know little about Cabrera except he was a two-time Olympian a long time ago. As long as I know how tall an opponent is, I can prepare mentally how he is going to measure up against me. I feel I can fight a variety of ways and I am ready for anything he brings. I have a little momentum going and I want to keep it going.

 

“This is by far my biggest opportunity on television. As a kid growing up under tough circumstances, living in two rescue missions, I sometimes wondered if I’d ever get to this point. So to do well and make a great impression will only fuel my dreams more to become a world champion.

 

“I’m known for slow starts but that won’t be the case tomorrow. He is 23-0 and that sounds good, but in this sport it doesn’t always come down to records as much as to the quality of your opponents. If you’re supposed to beat or KO a guy and you do, you’re only doing your job. It’s nothing to get excited about.

 

“This is my first fight outside of New York or Pennsylvania. I’m fighting in a city where some of the greatest fighters who ever lived have fought. For me, fighting in Las Vegas, fighting on television, is as good as it can get. I’m looking forward to putting on a memorable show for the fans.

 

“I think it will be a war. I know that’s his style, but that’s my style as well. I want to make it a war. With this opportunity my foot is now in the door. I’m going to kick out the door and open it.

 

“This is only the start for me.”

 

NATU VISINIA

 

“I’ve been training in Riverside [Calif.] where it is hot, but not as humid as it is Vegas. It is going to be a different kind of hot fighting outside tomorrow, but I’m from Samoa, so even though I’ve never fought outside I am not concerned.

 

“We really focused on this camp, turning up the cardio, getting a nutritionist and a strength-and-conditioning coach. Honestly, this is the best I’ve ever felt. I feel closer to 20-years-old than 30. Despite my weight, I feel lighter, more mobile.

 

“Being Samoan, I never back down from anything. I want to fight anybody, but you can’t just go in and slug and be successful your whole career. So I’m working on other aspects of my game.

 

“A lot of people in the business know me, but I’m sort of an underground guy. A lot of fans don’t know me but they will after tomorrow.

 

“I’ve fought two guys in my 12-fight career who were ranked in the top 25. How many didDeontay Wilder fight before he became champion? Part of that comes from my culture. You want to get it on, that’s fine by me. Put aside that macho, though and I know now you have to be moved the right way.

 

“I lost to [former world champion] Steve Cunningham, but I learned an invaluable lesson in that fight and it may actually have helped my stock more than hurt me. I did MMA before boxing and loved it, but nothing is like boxing.

 

“Outside the ring, Joey [Dawejko] and I are friends and it is always tough fighting a friend, but we both have families to feed and sometimes you just have to do it and put friendships aside.

 

“Joey is the shortest opponent I’ve ever fought but he is tough, real crafty and has that Philly style. For me, my natural instincts are to go right through him, but I plan to be patient and utilize my jab and legs.

 

“I feel I’ve progressed every fight and now this is my chance to showcase my skills. It’s time for me to get my name known.’’

 

JOEY DAWEJKO

 

“A lot of fighters, because of my height, think my style is too come straight to them, but I like to stand in the pocket and counter.

 

“Natu’s a big guy, for sure, but I think he’s slow and I can take advantage of that. He gets hit a lot so he may just walk into something. I know I can hurt him. I feel I can slip his punches and move. I won’t just stand there and let him hit me.

 

“I’ve fought much better [opposition] than he has. I fought unbeaten guys when I was just starting out, but I’ve since turned my career around. I fought [Derric] Rossy and beat him on one week’s notice, so I feel I have some experience.

 

“Philly fighters are the best in world. They have to grow up and come up the hard way. It can be a struggle. Everybody always underestimates me. They see this little short fat guy walking through the gym and wonder what he’s doing there.

 

“This is my ShoBox debut. It is something I have always dreamed of. I can’t wait for Friday.’’

 

# # #

 

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 ShoBoxphilosophy 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 62 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.

 

About the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @DLVEC.

 

About the D Las Vegas

The D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino feature modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar. The D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit’s legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. The Showroom at the D Las Vegas features outstanding entertainment ranging from award-winning dinner theater and Broadway productions to music, comedy and more. Follow the D on Facebook and Twitter at @theDLasVegas.