“I have to outclass him and make him not even want to fight anymore. I’m going to make him retire,” – Heraldez
Unbeaten Super Lightweight Contender Heraldez Battles Former Champion Argenis Mendez Saturday, Mai 18 on Wilder vs. Breazeale Undercard Live on SHOWTIME® de la Barclays Center din Brooklyn & Prezentat de Premier box Campionilor
Faceți clic pe AICIfor Photos from Sean Michael Ham/ Promoții Mayweather
LAS VEGAS (Mai 2, 2019) – Unbeaten super lightweight contenderJuan Heraldez is looking to make a statement when he takes on former world championArgenis Mendezin a 10-round showdown Saturday, Mai 18 live pe SHOWTIME de la Barclays Center, casa BROOKLYN BOXING ™, și prezentat de Premier box Campionilor.
“I have to outclass him and make him not even want to fight anymore,” said Heraldez. “I’m going to make him retire. My goal on fight night is to win and show out for my Mexican fans in New York.”
Heraldez, who trains out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas with coach Otis Pimpleton, made his 2019 debut in February by knocking out Eddie Ramirez in round seven of their super lightweight fight. Mendez is another step up in competition for the 28-year-old.
“On paper he’s the toughest fighter I’ve faced,” said Heraldez. “I only watched some of his fight against Ramirez, but being a former world champion, it means he’s doing something right. I don’t think he does anything better than me and I’m looking to show it on fight night.”
This will be Heraldez’s first fight on SHOWTIME, giving him a chance to shine on a big stage leading up to the Deontay Wilder heavyweight world title defense against Dominic Breazeale in the main event. For Heraldez, he sees this is an opportunity to display what he’s already being doing in the ring for years.
“I’m excited to be able to show off what I’ve always been able to do,” said Heraldez. “It’s going to be no surprise to the people around me who know what I’m capable of. It’s another stage with more people watching, but the ring and everything else stays the same.
“A fight like this adds more motivation for my future because I want to keep changing the lives of my family. Little by little, win by win and fight by fight, I can accomplish that. That’s where my motivation comes from.”
A Las Vegas-native who is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Heraldez believes he’s ready for a world title shot and knows that Argenis Mendez is currently in his path to getting that coveted opportunity.
“If the title fight is there after I beat Mendez, I’m taking it,” said Heraldez. “That’s one of the ultimate goals and something I’ve been preparing for my whole career. I’m going to keep training hard like I always do to be at my best against Mendez. I’m going to have a great performance May 18 and they won’t be able to deny my place in this division.”
Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased atticketmaster.comșibarclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Reduceri pentru grupuri sunt disponibile prin apel la 844-bklyn-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.
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ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, Mai 18 live pe SHOWTIME de la Barclays Center, casa BROOKLYN BOXING ™, și prezentat de Premier box Campionilor.
SHOWTIME Campionatul BOX® incepe la 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and features WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. apăra titlul împotriva fostului campion mondial Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contenderJuan Heráldezsquaring-off against former world championArgenis Méndezîntr-o atracție de 10 runde.
Faceți clic pe AICI pentru Fotografii din Esther Lin / SHOWTIME
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LAS VEGAS – Aprilie 27, 2019 – Robert Paste Jr. and Rances Barthelemy fought to a split-draw in their matchup for the vacant WBA Lightweight World Title Saturday on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The challenging fight to score was ruled 115-113 Barthelemy, 115-113 Easter and 114-114. The WBA 135-pound title remains vacant following the split decision.
With both former world champions needing a win in a crossroads affair, neither fighter was able to pull the trigger in a matchup of talented counterpunchers. The tall, rangy lightweights competed on the outside for much of the 12-round bout, and while both relied on their reach to keep their opponent at bay, they failed to land many effective shots from the outside.
The switch-hitting Cuban Barthelemy (27-1-1, 14 KO), who fought defensively for most of the fight, transitioned to mostly southpaw in the third. The former two-division world champion’s most effective punches appeared to be body shots from the southpaw stance, while Easter (21-1-1, 14 KO) was at his best when he countered with his right.
As the 12-round affair progressed, the corners of both fighters – Robert Easter Sr. and former Cuban champion Joel Casamayor – pleaded with their pugilists to increase their output to little avail. Neither fighter landed 10 punches in any round, and while Easter was slightly more active they combined to throw just 743 pumni. They combined to land just 106 totalul pumni.
“I feel I did enough to win this fight but the judges saw it differently,” said Easter, who was fighting for the first time since losing to pound-for-pound great Mikey Garcia in a unification last summer. “They saw it a different way. Rances is a crafty fighter, an elusive fighter. I tried to take the fight to him but he wouldn’t take it. It was hard to land my shots.”
Barthelemy, who was returning to lightweight after losing a rematch to Kiryl Relikh in his bid to become Cuba’s first three-division world champion, was frustrated with the decision.
“Robert was absent in the ring tonight,” Barthelemy said. “I wanted him to land his right and he didn’t. I wanted him to come forward and he didn’t. We were prepared for a different Robert Easter – the one that attacks – but he didn’t show up so I couldn’t deliver my strategy.
“I landed the cleaner and more accurate shots. I feel I threw more punches. I was the busier fighter. I won the fight. I think this was a missed opportunity for me. I really feel I won this fight.”
Former 140-pound world champion Viktor Postol outclassed Mohamed Mimoune in a WBC Super Lightweight Eliminator, winning via unanimous decision 98-92, 97-93, 99-91 in the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION co-feature.
Postol fought off a stiff jab and utilized his reach advantage to keep the fight at range. The Ukrainian, who was working with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, was the more active fighter from bell to bell, aruncare 587 punches compared to just 306 for the French Mimoune. While Mimoune was elusive and able to slip many of Postol’s power shots, he never left himself in a position to effectively counter his taller and more aggressive opponent. The southpaw Mimoune (21-3, 2 KO) averaged just 30 punches per round and was off balance for much of the fight, throwing wide looping shots that rarely landed.
După lupta, Postol attributed his victory with being able to remain disciplined and stick to the game plan of Roach.
“I always try to be disciplined,” Postol said. “I did well tonight. My opponent’s style was a little awkward, but I did okay. If I could fight a guy like (Terence) Crawford, I can handle Mimoune. And I did.”
După lupta, Postol, who’s only losses came against top fighters Terence Crawford and Josh Taylor, promised to chase the elite of the 140-pound class.
“I want the next big fight,” Postol said. “Doesn’t matter who – WBC Champion Jose Ramirez would be a great choice. I was away for two years so I was a little bit worried before, but now I feel like I’m back. Sunt 100 percent back and ready for the next test.”
Hall of Famer Steve Farhood, who served as unofficial ringside scorer for the SHOWTIME telecast, gave Postol all 10 of the rounds in the WBC Eliminator.
În meciul de deschidere al transmisiunii, fast-rising heavyweight Efe Ajagba added another knockout to his resume with a second-round TKO of previously once-beaten Michael Wallisch.
Ajagba (10-0, 9 KO) was aggressive from the outset, aruncat aproape 100 punches in the opening round. Utilizing a steady diet of 1-2 combos, Ajagba landed at will in the second against Wallisch, who fought behind a high guard but couldn’t prevent the Nigerian’s power shots from landing. After eating a series of combos in the second, Wallisch (19-2, 12 KO) took a knee and was given time to recover after Ajagba appeared to throw and land a punch with his opponent on his knee. Wallisch got back up but was defenseless against Ajagba’s onslaught, forcing referee Tony Weeks to step in to stop the contest at 1:40.
“I took my time in there, I used my jab a lot and it worked,” said Agjaba, care a aterizat 43 sută de fotografii sale de putere. “When I shot my right hand and he took it, I decided to keep unloading. I kept throwing combinations and I knew I was hurting him so I kept doing it.
“I’m happy to be training with Ronnie (Shields). He is one of the best trainers in the world. He helped me with my jab and he’s helping me develop as a fighter.”
Said trainer Ronnie Shields: “I think we still have a lot to learn. You saw he’s a busy guy and for a big guy to throw 93 punches in the first round, it’s a lot. He may be about a year away to becoming a contender. He will get there.”
Tonight’s live event was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions.
An encore presentation of the tripleheader will air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available via the network’s On Demand platforms.
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ABOUT EASTER VS. BARTHELEMY Former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. and former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy will meet for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title in the main event of a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, Aprilie 27 from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Acoperire televizate începe la 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight champion Viktor Postol taking on France’s Mohamed Mimoune in a WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba looks to remain unbeaten against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.
Former Two-Division World Champion Barthelemy Takes on Robert Easter Jr. for WBA Lightweight Title This Saturday, Aprilie 27 Live pe SHOWTIME® from The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
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LAS VEGAS (Aprilie 23, 2019) – Fostul campion mondial de două diviziuni Rances Barthelemy and France’sMohamed Mimounecontinued preparations for their respective showdowns at a media workout in Las Vegas Tuesday before they step into the ring this Saturday, Aprilie 27 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Barthelemy faces off against former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. for the vacant WBA Lightweight title in the main event, while Mimoune takes on former champion Viktor Postol in a WBC 140-pound title eliminator as part of the action live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
Biletele pentru eveniment, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, pot fi achiziționate de la www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.comor through Ticketmaster.
Here is what the workout participants had to say Tuesday from Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas:
Rances Barthélemy
“The key thing for me to get back to the top, is to get back to my roots. It’s about using what made me a champion and getting back to that. We’ve gone back to our Cuban roots in training with Joel Casamayor and left any distractions behind. You’ll see all of that in my performance on Saturday night.
“Easter and myself are both on the road to redemption coming off of our first defeats. I expect the same Robert Easter Jr. that I’ve seen on tape. He comes forward and tries to fight it out. There’s nothing overly impressive about him to me.
“I’m ready for whatever Robert Easter Jr. wants. If he wants a war, we’ll have a war. Everyone knows I’ve never backed down, but I’m going to win this fight with the intelligence that made me a world champion.
“Casamayor comes from the same streets as me, he knows my style, how I think and how I need to work. We identify with one another a lot so we don’t have to confront each other. With a simple look, I know what he’s trying to tell me. Between him and my brother, Yan, I feel blessed to have two Olympians in my corner.
“To the Cuban people, this will be my best fight and and a strong performance for the Cuban boxing community. I’m going to focus and work hard like us Cubans always have since we were born. I had to grow up through hardships and I’ve worked to show that anything is possible coming from Cuba.”
MOHAMED MIMOUNE
“Postol is one of the best that I will face but I am not afraid. I am confident I will win. I’ve studied him together with my coach and we have a strategy in place that you will see on Saturday.
“Sunt foarte entuziasmat de această oportunitate. It is every boxer’s dream to fight in Las Vegas and I am happy and ready to show the Americans what I have.
“I have no issues with Postol’s height advantage. I am prepared for it. It is not my first time facing off against a boxer that is taller than me. I have a very good reach as well, but it is my speed that will beat him.
“I have worked very hard after my losses and put all my effort into bettering my performance. I’m stronger and more mature now than ever. I know I have to win and I will win.
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to fight for the world title after I win on Saturday night. I’m dedicating this fight too all French people and I hope they make sure to not miss it on Saturday.”
JOEL CASAMAYOR, Barthelemy’s Trainer
“We’ve been training since mid-February for this fight. It’s been a long three months in the gym together. I see a different Rances. He’s fighting smarter and he’s gotten back to his Cuban roots. That’s what made him a two-time world champion.
“It’s hard to predict, but if it were up to me of course I’d say Rances will win by knockout. From what I’ve seen in training camp, Rances is going to put on a great performance Saturday night. He knows what he has to do.
“We have a great connection throughout camp. I just have to look into his eyes and I feel like I know what he’s going to bring. All the hard work has been done and he’s 100 percent ready for Saturday night.”
MEHDI OUMIHA, Mimoune’s Trainer
“Mohamed Mimoune is an improved fighter who’s shown a lot of new and different skills in training. We have the right tactics to earn this victory on Saturday.
“We are prepared for what Postol can bring, but we’re focused on Mohamed Mimoune being at his best. Everything I have seen in training camp makes me very confident that we’re going to win Saturday and go on to fight for the title.”
LEONARD Ellerbe, CEO al Mayweather Promoții
“Rances has a tremendous amount of experience. If you look at his earlier fights before he became champion and during his championship runs, he’s fought on the big stage time and time again.
“I think Rances’ experience will help in a fight like this, but Robert Easter Jr. has also been in big fights. They both bring a lot of background in exciting, high-quality fights. You have two fighters with something to prove looking to do just that live on SHOWTIME Saturday night.”
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ABOUT EASTER VS. BARTHELEMY Former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. and former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy will meet for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title in the main event of aSHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITIONSâmbătă, Aprilie 27 from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Acoperire televizate începe la 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight champion Viktor Postol taking on France’s Mohamed Mimoune in a WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba looks to remain unbeaten against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.
Unbeaten Lightweights Michael Dutchover and Ramon Mascarena Jr. Clash in Co-Featured Bout of Tripleheader Live At 10:30 p.m. ET/PT From Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.
Tickets Are On Sale NOW
NEW YORK – April 23, 2019 – Undefeated featherweight prospect Ruben Villa will face once-beaten and top-15 ranked contender Luis Alberto Lopez in the main event ofShoBox: Noua generatie vineri, Mai 10 locuiesc pe SHOWTIME la 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.
The 22-year-old Villa (15-0, 5 KO) returns in a 10-round bout for his second consecutive test on the prospect developmental series after dispatching then-unbeaten Ruben Cervera in the firstShoBox emisiune de televiziune de 2019. The two-time National Golden Gloves Amateur Champion and highly touted prospect Villa will take on the Mexican Lopez (17-1, 8 KO), who is coming off an upset victory over Ray Ximenez in his U.S. debut in February.
În co-caracteristica, fast-rising 21-year-old Texan Michael Dutchover (12-0, 9 KO) will take on fellow undefeated prospect and former Chilean National Champion Ramon Mascarena Jr. (10-0, 5 KO) într-un concurs de ușor de opt rundă. In the opening bout of the tripleheader that features six fighters with a combined two losses, undefeated bantamweight prospect Saul Sanchez (11-0, 6 KO) battles Mexican Brandon Leon Benitez (14-1, 6 KO) într-un meci de opt rundă.
Biletele pentru eveniment, which is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing, sunt la pretul de $125, $75 și $60 and can be purchased online atwww.thompsonboxing.com sau prin apel 714-935-0900.
“This ShoBoxshow brings back former amateur standout Ruben Villa in his toughest test to date as he continues his quest to turn from prospect to contender,”, A spus Gordon Hall, Producator executiv al ShoBox: Noua generatie. “We get to see for the first time unbeaten Michael Dutchover, cine a mers 130-17 în amatorii, and now faces his first unbeaten opponent. In the opener, we haveShoBoxnewcomer and unbeaten Saul Sanchez who will try to stand out against a once beaten opponent. All three top amateurs, top pro prospects and looking to make a name for themselves as must see fighter. Only time will tell.”
“I am very excited for Ruben [Villa] and Michael [Dutchover],” said Artie Pelullo, Presedinte si CEO, Promoții Banner. “Ruben is headlining the May 10 ShoBoxin just his second time on the network. There is a lot of pressure on this 22-year-old, as he is expected to achieve and produce great things due to his amateur background. Michael is the diamond in the rough. Also an amateur standout who has power in either hand, he is looking for this SHOWTIME event to be his coming out party.”
“This is our 19th anniversary and what better way to celebrate it than with three of our top prospects fighting onShoBox,” said Ken Thompson, Președintele, Thompson Box. “It will be a real pleasure to put on a heck of a show alongside our friend Artie Pelullo as we witness Ruben [Villa], Michael [Dutchover] and Saul [Sanchez] take huge steps towards stardom.”
Villa, who started boxing when he was just five years old, compiled an impressive 166-17 înregistrare ca un amator. The Salinas, Calif. native was a two-time Junior Olympic National Champion and the 2014 și 2015 Campion național de mănuși de aur. He owns impressive amateur victories over Shakur Stevenson, Davin Haney and Gary Antonio Russell.
Villa has registered 15 consecutive professional victories since turning pro in 2016 shortly after the Olympic Trials, including a dominating unanimous decision over Cervera in hisShoBoxdebut in January. A legitimate prospect, Villa hopes to continue his rapid ascension in the featherweight ranks with an impressive showing against Lopez.
“I am very excited to get the opportunity to headline onShoBox after being the co-feature earlier this year,” said Villa. “I have been working really hard and getting good sparring in Riverside. My opponent is 17-1, and he has won some regional titles. He is no stick in the mud. I know he comes forward and that should make for an exciting fight. I am looking to put on a great performance because I know a win will open doors for bigger fights.”
Lopez, a native of Mexicali, Mexic, is coming off the biggest win of his career. În S.U.A. său. debut and first fight outside of Mexico, Lopez won a technical decision over prospect Ray Ximenez to pick up the vacant WBO International Featherweight title. Ranked the No. 11 featherweight in the world by the WBO, the 21-year-old Lopez has won his last five bouts since suffering his only defeat as a pro to Abraham Montoya in 2018.
“I have a belt for a reason and I’m going to defend it proudly on May 10,” said Lopez. “I know Ruben Villa is regarded as a top prospect, but I know I’m better than him and I’m planning to show the world on May 10lea."
The 21-year-old Dutchover, from Midland, Texas, began boxing when he was eight years old compiling a notable amateur record. He was a runner-up at the 2016 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2016 Calificare Olimpice. Turning pro in 2016 la vârsta de 18, Dutchover has won his first 12 lupte profesionale, including knockouts in his last four bouts.
“I’m very excited, I’ve been working for this opportunity all my life,” said Dutchover, who now trains in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Danny Zamora. “I know my opponent is tough and durable. Being onShoBoxis a great opportunity and it is the next steppingstone to reach my ultimate goal, and that is to become world champion.”
Chilean-born Mascarena, who currently resides in Tijuana, Mexico and trains in San Diego, Calif., a devenit profesionist în 2017 and has compiled a perfect record through his first ten contests—all within just 12 luni. Fighting exclusively in his home country, Mascarena will finally be able to make his U.S. debut after he had a fight fall through in late 2018 and a second fight cancelled in February. Mascarena, who has fought mostly at 140 de lire sterline, has not fought since his unanimous decision victory over Hector Medina 10 Luni in urma.
“I’ve been in top share for a while now, I was set to fight in February but my fight got cancelled,” said the 25-year-old Mascarena. “I come from a family of boxers and we take the sweet science very seriously. La data de 10, I will not only be fighting to make a good impression in my U.S. debut, I will be fighting for my family and my entire country. I will make them proud.”
The 21-year-old Sanchez, of Encino, Calif., began boxing when he was eight and compiled an amateur record of 90-18 before turning pro at 19 ani. Fighting exclusively in his home state of California, Sanchez has built up an 11-0 record under famed trainer Joel Diaz. The brother of featherweight prospect Emilio Sanchez, Saul is coming off a majority decision over Luis Fernando Saavedra but faces a stiff step-up in competition against Benitez.
“I’ve always dreamed of having an opportunity like this,” said Sanchez. “To fight on national television against a tough guy like Benitez. I know this fight will not be easy, dar eu sunt gata. I will shine on May 10.”
Benitez, from Queretaro, Mexic, has stayed busy in late 2018 and early 2019, fighting four times in a span of six months. The 21-year-old, who fought 186 times as an amateur, is the lone blemish on featherweight prospect Chaise Nelson’s resume. Benitez has won five fights in a row since the only loss of his career, which came to then 10-0 and current 20-0 Mexican Irving Turrubiartes.
“I’m young and hungry and I know Saul Sanchez is a great opponent for me, but I’m not concerned about him,” said Benitez. “I don’t think he does anything special in the ring. Da, I’m confident I will win. I’m going for the KO.”
Barry Tompkins va apela ShoBox acțiune din ring cu Steve Farhood și fostul campion mondial Raul Marquez servind ca analiști experți. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean directing.
Încă de la începuturile sale, în iulie 2001, aclamat seria box SHOWTIME, ShoBox: Noua generatie tinerelor talente a prezentat corespund cu greu. The ShoBox Filozofia este de a televiza interesant, meciuri competitive oferind în același timp un teren dovedind pentru perspectivele care doresc-mulțime plăcut și determinat să lupte pentru un titlu mondial. Unele dintre lista tot mai mare de 79 luptatori care au apărut pe ShoBox și avansate pentru a acumula titluri mondiale include: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Ciad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams și mai mult.
WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. To Defend Against Former Champion Kiko Martinez In Co-Feature To Wilder vs. Breazeale Saturday, Mai 18 Live pe SHOWTIME®
Unbeaten Super Lightweight Contender Juan Heraldez Takes On Former Champion Argenis Mendez in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®Opener from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
BROOKLYN(Aprilie 19, 2019) – WBC Ușoară campion mondialGary Russell Jr.va apăra titlul împotriva fostului campion mondialKiko Martinezin the co-feature to Wilder vs. Breazeale on Saturday, Mai 18 live pe SHOWTIME de la Barclays Center, casa BROOKLYN BOXING ™, și prezentat de Premier box Campionilor.
SHOWTIME Campionatul BOX® incepe la 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and will also feature unbeaten super lightweight contenderJuan Heraldezsquaring-off against former world championArgenis Mendezîntr-o atracție de 10 runde. The event is headlined by WBC Heavyweight ChampionDeontay “Bombardierul bronz” Wilderas he makes the ninth defense of his title against mandatory challengerDominic “Necaz” BREAZEALE.
“Gary Russell Jr. is one of the most skilled fighters in the sport and he’ll look to stake his spot atop the featherweight division on May 18 against the always exciting former champion Kiko Martinez,” spuse Tom Brown, Președintele TGB Promoții. “The event will also feature a battle between a rising contender in the 140-pound division in Juan Heraldez going up against one of the division’s toughest and most active contenders in Argenis Mendez. This is truly going to be an electric night leading up to heavyweight champion of the world Deontay Wilder in the main event.”
“Preceding the night’s main attraction will be Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against a tough and experienced Kiko Martinez, making for a battle that is sure to bring excitement to the fans, plus Mayweather Promotions’ young prospect Juan Heraldez will open the telecast looking to put on a show, as he continues to elevate his career to new heights,” a declarat Leonard Ellerbe, CEO al Mayweather Promoții. “I’m confident that he will execute his game plan impressively and showcase his talent against a seasoned and tested Argenis Mendez, who has been in the ring with some of the top guys in the super lightweight division. The fans at Barclays and those tuning in on SHOWTIME will see a night of non-stop action come May 18.”
Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased atticketmaster.comșibarclayscenter.com, Biletele pot fi achiziționate și de la American Express Box Office din Barclays Center. Reduceri pentru grupuri sunt disponibile prin apel la 844-bklyn-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.
The 30-year-old Russell (29-1, 17 KO), who was born in Washington, D.C.. and now lives in Capitol Heights, Maryland, will make the fourth defense of his featherweight world title on May 18 and his second career appearance at Barclays Center. Russell won his title by knocking out Jhonny Gonzalez in 2015. After stopping Patrick Hyland and Oscar Escandon, he most recently defeated previously unbeaten Joseph Diaz Jr. last May. Russell, who is trained by his father, Gary, Sr., is part of a boxing family. Two of his younger brothers, Gary Antonio and Gary Antuanne, are currently unbeaten professionals.
“I expect to send a message to everyone in or near my division that I’m a force to be reckoned with,” said Russell. “I want to unify against Leo Santa Cruz and I’m going to do what I have to do to get there. I’m never going to take any opponent lightly and right now, it’s my job to take care of Kiko Martinez before I worry about anything else. La data de 18 you should expect to see excitement, putere stantare, Viteza de mână, fast combinations and a great level of boxing IQ. I’m the best in boxing today and I prove that every time I get in the ring.”
A native of Comunidad Valenciana, Spania, Martinez (39-8-2, 28 KO) has faced the best names in and around the featherweight division throughout his career. He won a super bantamweight world title in 2013 by stopping Jhonatan Romero and has faced the likes of Leo Santa Cruz, Carl Frampton, Josh Warrington and Scott Quigg. The 33-year-old is unbeaten in his last four contests, including most recently defeating Marc Vidal for a European featherweight title in October.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to win another world title and I’m thankful and excited for May 18,” Said Martinez. “Gary Russell Jr is in for a rude awakening. I have a lot of experience and I feel great at featherweight. There will be nothing better than celebrating my 50leafight with a new world title.”
The undefeated Heraldez(16-0, 10 KO) continued to rise up the rankings in 2019 when he knocked out Eddie Ramirez in their February showdown. The 28-year-old from Las Vegas earned a decision victory over Kevin Watts and a stoppage of Maynard Allison in 2018. That followed up a unanimous decision victory over then unbeaten prospect Jose Miguel Borrego in his first 10-round bout in August 2017 on the Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard.
“I’m one of the best super lightweights in the world and I’m going to show it again on May 18,” said Heraldez. “They keep lining them up and I’ll keep knocking them down. Mendez is good, veteran opposition, but I’m going to show I’m on a different level. This is a great opportunity to once again perform on a big stage and I’m going to take full advantage and steal the show.”
Mendez (25-5-2, 12 KO) most recently fought to a competitive split-draw against Anthony Peterson in March, running his unbeaten streak up to three fights. The 32-year-old defeated Eddie Ramirez and Ivan Redkach in back-to-back fights after losses to Robert Easter Jr. and Luke Campbell. Originally from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic and now living in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mendez won the IBF super featherweight title with a knockout victory over Juan Carlos Salgado in 2013.
“This fight is do or die for me to become champion again,” said Mendez. “Anthony Peterson ran from me in our fight in March, so if Heraldez does that on May 18, I will be better prepared. If he stands and fights with me, I feel strongly that I will dominate him and make a statement to everyone that I’m an elite 140-pound fighter.”
CE: SHOWTIME Sports released “FIGHT NIGHT: Shields vs. Ciocan,” a 20-minute feature that captures all the drama of the undisputed middleweight world championship event between undefeated Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer last Saturday in Atlantic City. To watch, share or embed the video, click aici: https://s.sho.com/2V8lIX3
The latest installment of the FIGHT NIGHT franchise delivers access to both Shields and Hammer surrounding the most important moment of their careers, giving viewers a rare glimpse behind closed doors to the fighters and their respective camps.
The unanimous decision victory in what Hall of Fame boxing historian and commentator Steve Farhood called, “The most important fight in the history of women’s boxing,” gave Shields further claim to her self-described moniker, “The G.W.O.A.T.” (Greatest Woman Of All Time).
“I’m just happy women’s boxing is getting all this love, but it’s about the respect part of it,A spus Shields. “I know there’s the money and the fame, but respect is the big thing for me – that I’m respected as a fighter. I want to be known as a boxer. I want people to respect me as that.”
Former Two-Division World Champion Faces Former Champion Robert Easter Jr. for WBA Lightweight Title Saturday, Aprilie 27 Live pe SHOWTIME® from The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Faceți clic pe AICIfor Photos from Irving Quinonez/Damian Vasquez – Team Barthelemy
LAS VEGAS (Aprilie 16, 2019) – Fostul campion mondial de două diviziuni Rances Barthelemy discussed changes to his training camp as he nears a vacant WBA Lightweight Title showdown with former lightweight championRobert Paste Jr. taking place Saturday, Aprilie 27 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight championViktor Postol taking on France’sMohamed Mimounein a WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensationEfe Ajagbalooks to remain undefeated against once-beaten GermanMichael Wallisch într-o atracție grea 10-a rundă.
Biletele pentru eveniment, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, pot fi achiziționate de lawww.cosmopolitanlasvegas.comor through Ticketmaster.
After losing for the first time in his pro career in a 140-pound title fight against Kiryl Relikh last March, Barthelemy rebounded to stop Robert Frankel in December as he prepared to return to the lightweight division to face Easter. Since the loss to Relikh, Barthelemy made fellow Cuban and former world champion Joel Casamayor head trainer as he looks to return to the championship ranks.
Here is what Barthelemy had to say from training camp at Prince Ranch Bones Adams Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:
How has training camp gone so far?
“Everything has been going well under the guidance of Joel Casamayor and the assistance of my brother Yan Barthelemy and Oscar Vasquez. We have been training twice a day and sparring three to four times a week against solid guys like former world champion and ex-opponent Mickey Bey. Like they say, ‘iron sharpens iron’ and the quality of sparring has been tremendous help in getting me ready for April 27. I feel better prepared both mentally and physically than I did in my most recent fights.”
What do you make of Robert Easter Jr. and what do you know about him?
“I have seen various Robert Easter Jr fights and have been studying him very closely. He’s a great boxer who likes to use his height and reach to his advantage. He’s an ex-world champion who has fought quality opponents. He deserves all of my respect but we are very confident that we will be victorious against him.”
Do you feel you have been able to rebound from your first career defeat?
“Most definitely, I have been able to move on and use that defeat as a lesson in my career. They say sometimes we learn more in defeat than we do in victories and that was the case in that fight.
“Sometimes we do not see clearly when we are winning. Bad habits or little details that need correction are overlooked when you are winning. Sometimes we do not even see them. I feel rejuvenated and we have made many important changes that were necessary for my career. You will see on April 27 that there is still much more left from Team Barthelemy.”
What would it mean to become a champion again on April 27?
“We have no doubt that we’ll become champion again for a third time on April 27. This will bring my name back at the top of the sport with many potential big fights to be made. It will mean so much more to me because Cuban boxing has currently gone through a rough patch and this victory will allow Cuba to have a champion once again.”
Any final message to your fans before your fight?
“Please make sure to tune in on April 27. This fight will be very competitive, with two evenly-skilled former world champions looking to reclaim their status at the top of the sport. Fights like this are what make boxing great. Cuba will have a champion once again on April 27!”
ATLANTIC CITY(Aprilie 13, 2019) – Claressa Shields is the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. The 24-year-old Flint, mă. native delivered the best performance of her career and cruised to a unanimous decision over Germany’s Christina Hammer Saturday on SHOWTIME in arguably the most significant women’s boxing match in history. Arbitrii au marcat lupta 98-92 și 98-91 de două ori.
The two-time Olympic gold-medalist Shields (9-0, 2 KO), who entered the fight holding the IBF, WBA and WBC 160-pound titles, showed off her complete arsenal of skills in the dominating performance and now joins Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and women’s welterweight Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class.
Christina Hammer (24-0, 11 KO), who owned the WBO belt entering the fight, had her jab largely neutralized and her defense exploited from start to finish. Shields landed a remarkable 44% of her power punches and landed on 112 total punches compared to just 49 pentru Hammer. As impressive as her offense was, Shields’ defense and head movement was immaculate as Hammer was able to connect on just 13% din pumnul ei total, 11% of her jabs and 18% din împușcăturile ei de putere.
Speaking to SHOWTIME’s Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood following the historic night for women’s boxing, the outspoken and emotional Shields held nothing back.
“I am the greatest woman of all time,” said Shields, who nearly earned a stoppage during a barrage in the closing moments of the eighth round. “I did it. She didn’t win a single round. I almost knocked her out. I swear I feel like I’m dreaming right now. Thanks to Christina Hammer and her team. They said she had a hard jab and they weren’t lying. Her jab is off the chain.
“I was just calculating in the first round and after that I started picking her apart,” she continued. “I knew I could hurt her. I thought I finished her in round eight. I thought the fight should have been stopped. She was holding onto me. I just told myself, stay cool, stay cool. I was trying to get the perfect punch to get her out of there.”
Fresh off the biggest win of her professional career, the newly-crowned undisputed champion of the world already has her sights set on another opponent.
“Women’s boxing, we’re on fire. I cannot wait to see the next super fight. Give me Cecilia Brækhus at 154 de lire sterline. That’s who I want next. Either her or Savannah Marshall.”
“I didn’t fight very good or fast,” said a subdued Hammer. “That’s boxing, anything can happen. I wanted this fight. She won, respect to her. She’s a tough, strong woman and that’s all I can say.
“She’s fast, she comes forward. She has fast hands. I couldn’t land my jab as good as I expected. I’ll come back and I’ll be back stronger.”
“I think tonight’s fight will go down in the history books as an epic battle with the likes of Ali-Frazier, Leonard-Hearns and De La Hoya-Trinidad,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions.“With this dominating and captivating performance to become crowned undisputed middleweight champion coupled with her list of record-breaking accomplishments, Claressa Shields is well on her way to being as revered as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Serena WIlliams, Michael Jordan, Pele and others at the top of their game.”
În meciul de co-featured, Jermaine Franklin (18-0, 13 KO), widely regarded as the top American heavyweight prospect, kept his unbeaten record intact with a 10-round unanimous decision over former No. 1-clasat în S.U.A.. amateur Rydell Booker (25-2, 12 KO). Arbitrii au marcat lupta 99-91 și 98-91 de două ori.
The 25-year-old Franklin dictated the tempo throughout and was far more active and aggressive than his 38-year-old counterpart. Booker had his moments, particularly in the early rounds when he landed several flush power shots but the youthful Franklin pulled away in the second half of the fight as Booker tired and Franklin targeted the body. Franklin averaged 54 punches per round to Booker’s 35 and led 146-94 in overall punches landed.
“I think I had a decent performance,” said the Saginaw, mă. nativ. “There’s some stuff I could work on. I over-crowded myself a little bit and I was a little over-anxious. He had a lot more experience than me and used it to his advantage. He could see what I was doing.
“I learned to stay more patient because I had him hurt a few times, but once I got over-anxious, my whole game plan went out the window. I started messing up and making crazy mistakes I shouldn’t have. Now it’s back to the drawing board to work on my mistakes and come out bigger and badder next time.”
“I felt he out-hustled me, but it was a lot closer than how the judges scored it,” said Booker. “He was missing me a lot more than it looked. I slipped a lot of shots and hit him clean.
“I knew he would bring the pressure, but he needs a lot of work. He stays too centered with his head. He’s alright. What he has on his side is youth. I’d rate my performance about a seven. I had a training camp injury I was dealing with. I’m going to stay active and come back stronger than ever.”
În deschizătorul de programe de televiziune, undefeated top-five ranked heavyweight prospect Otto Wallin (20-0, 13 KO, 1 ND) and Baltimore’s Nick Kisner (21-4-1, 6 KO, 1 ND) had their 10-round bout cut short when the two heavyweights clashed heads in the opening round. Wallin suffered a gash on the side of his head while Kisner suffered a cut over his right eye, hindering his ability to see. At the advice of the ringside physician in between rounds one and two, referee Earl Brown stopped the fight, resulting in a no-decision.
La momentul opririi, Wallin led 14-3 in overall punches landed, 7-1 in jabs and 7-2 in power punches.
“To me, his cut didn’t look that bad,” said a disappointed Wallin, who was making his U.S. debut. “It’s a shame because I trained really hard for this fight and was looking to put on a show for fans in America. I just didn’t have time to get going.
“I’d like to get back in there soon and show what I can do. I’m going to take this as a learning experience.”
“I caught a headbutt and the referee came to me,” said Kisner. “He saw me swiping at my eye and said ‘can you see?’ I said, ‘soon as I get the blood out of my eye, sure.’
“I feel horrible after training so hard. I felt good in the first round. The judges probably gave him the first round, but I always take off the first round. I was feeling like I could get to him eventually. You saw me land my overhand right.”
Tonight’s live event was promoted by Salita Promotions.
An encore presentation of tonight’s tripleheader will air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available via the network’s On Demand platforms.
Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action alongside fellow Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez. World-renowned ring announcer and Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. rounded out the telecast. The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
# # #
ABOUT SHIELDS vs. HAMMER Shields vs. Hammer will pit undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer against each other in a battle to crown the undisputed 160-pound world champion, in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history. The co-feature will pit Jermaine Franklin taking on Rydell Booker in a thrilling 10-round heavyweight bout and in the telecast opener, heavyweights Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner will battle in 10-round clash. The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.
NEW YORK (Aprilie 8, 2019) – An IBF Female World Title is on the line and women’s boxing history will be made on Saturday, Aprilie 13, caFIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlastonce again works alongsideShowtime Sportsto deliver a great night of action to fight fans everywhere. Începând de la 6 p.m. ET live from the hallowed Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the interactive, FREE Facebook series sets the table for the Shields vs. Hammer undisputed middleweight championship showdown with five fights, including a world title contest and a main event preview featuring the undefeated championClaressa Shieldsherself.
“We’re excited to have a role in what will be a historic night in women’s boxing, and it speaks to the strides our platform has made to exclusively air our first world championship matchup,” a spus Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “The world title fight will be part of an outstanding evening of Facebook action with championship contenders and budding stars, and an exclusive interview with Claressa Shields, and of course we’re thrilled to be working alongside Showtime once again.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE lineup is headlined by unbeaten RussianElena Gradinar (9-0, 2 KO), who vies for her first world title when she takes on two-time title challengerBrenda Karen Carabajal (15-4-1, 9 KO) for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Championship – the first-ever world title fight for the popular Facebook series. In super flyweight action, 23 year-old Detroit-nativeJa’Rico O’Quinn (11-0, 8 KO) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round fight against Minnesota’sVicente Alfaro Martinez (9-4, 3 KO). The card will also include former heavyweight title challengerSamuel Peter (37-6, 30 KO) in an eight-round matchup andJesse Angel Hernandez(12-2, 7 KO) of Fort Worth, Texas, stepping in for an eight round super bantamweight contest. Local standoutIsiah Seldon(12-2, 4 KO) opens the free show on Facebook three hours before Showtime Boxing hits the airwaves.
“Aprilie 13 is a fantastic fight card, top-to-bottom, from former heavyweight champion Samuel Peter to top American super flyweight prospect Jarico O’Quinn and the highly competitive IBF Featherweight World Title fight between No. 1-ranked Elena Gradinar from Russia and No. 2 contender Karen Carbajal from Argentina fighting for the vacant belt,” said boxing champion-turned-promoterDmitriy Salitaof Salita Promotions. “Some of the best boxers on the planet will be on display on the most popular social media platform in the world, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, on April 13.”
Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly Facebook platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 545 fighters and 16 promotions during 33 live event broadcasts from 19 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.
Since May 2017, the numbers on the 33-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of171,589 vizualizariper event and more than5.6 million total viewsfor the franchise. Since Sept. 2018, sixteen FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Season II showshave reached 4.2 million fans șihave averaged almost 265,000 vizualizari.
The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) în New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871), the March 2019 Murphys Box “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (252,065), Sept. 2017 “Promoții Reale: Empire State” de la Resorts World Casino (225,000), the March 2019 Murphy’s Boxing “Melrose Mayhem” (218,409), the Feb. 2019 “Raging Babe Philly Special” (203,000) and the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” de la Foxwoods (203,000) all logged 200,000 or more views, and collectively the 33-show series has seen a total of more than 5,662,450 views across all devices.
În plus față de numerele prime a numărului de spectatori, complet interactiv, fan-friendly productions have seenmai mult decât 430,000 angajamente poștale în direct colective (mai mult decât 13,000 per show), inclusiv mai mult 330,000 “îi place” sau “iubește,” mai mult decât 58,000 comments and more than 19,000 shares.
The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with594,447 vizualizari. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card sawmai mult decât 40,000 interacțiuni de vizualizareincluding almost 39,000 “îi place” sau “iubește” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark forshares with 2,182.
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 87,000 fani și mai mult 95,000 followers.
Creat si produs de Linacre Media din New York City, seria FIGHTNIGHT LIVE caracteristici crainicii profesionale, mai multe unghiuri ale camerei, grafică de televiziune, reluări și în spatele-the-scene de acces și interviuri. Cele transmise în flux Spectacolele sunt disponibile la nivel global oriunde Facebook este disponibil. Inițiativa nu numai că permite fanilor din întreaga lume pentru a acorda, dar, de asemenea, oferă luptători în sus promițători o platformă globală pentru a prezenta abilitățile lor, oferă promotorilor o accesibilă “difuzare” soluție și oferă sponsori posibilitatea de a ajunge la o audiență de masă prin intermediul conținutului de marcă.
Additional FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Spring 2019 datele vor fi anunțate oficial în următoarele săptămâni.
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and@FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. Pentru cele mai recente evenimente Linacre Media și grila de emisie, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.
About Everlast Worldwide Inc. The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, comerciant și licențiator de box, Echipamente MMA și fitness. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dăruire, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. Pentru mai multe informații, vizitawww.everlast.com.
WBO Middleweight Champion Hammer Takes on Fellow Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields for Undisputed Middleweight Championship Saturday, Aprilie 13 Live pe SHOWTIME® from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City
Faceți clic pe AICIfor Video from Salita Promotions
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ. (Aprilie 5, 2019) – Before she arrived in New York Thursday for the final part of her training camp, WBO mijlocie campion mondial Christina Hammershared her thoughts on her showdown for the Undisputed Middleweight Championship against WBA, WBC and IBF Middleweight ChampionClaressa Shields Sâmbătă aprilie 13 live on SHOWTIME from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.
Germany’s Hammer has held a middleweight world title since 2010, defending it numerous times including in her U.S. debut last June on SHOWTIME in which she defeated Tori Nelson. Now she looks to stamp her name in the history books in this matchup against Shields that many are calling the most significant fight in women’s boxing history.
Biletele pentru evenimentul live, care este promovat de Salita Promoții, sunt la pretul de $150, $100, $55 și $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster and atboardwalkhall.com.
Here are highlights of what Hammer had to say as we head into fight week for this historic event:
How excited are you about fighting in the U.S.?
Christina Hammer: “I’m really excited about it because this is a very big fight. I can’t wait to get there, step into the ring and put on a great performance.”
Ce înseamnă această luptă pentru tine?
CH: “This is going to be the biggest women’s fight in history. Suntem amândoi campioni, she has Olympic gold medals and other accolades, so with all of that combined, it’s going to be a game changer for our sport.”
What do you need to do to win?
CH: “I’m a long time champion and I know what to do in the ring. I know I have the skills to beat her. I have great foot work and my goal is to beat her badly.”
What do you think of Claressa inside and outside of the ring?
CH: “Claressa has obviously accomplished a lot going back to the Olympics. This is a big step for her and I think it’s going to be a challenge for her. As a person, she’s just my opponent, that’s all.”
Can you describe your style of fighting and what fans can expect on April 13?
CH: “I’m tall for my division so I use my reach. I have great footwork and technique and power and I want to show off all those skills. I’m going to show that Christina Hammer is a great champion. I like to play with my opponent, and when the moment is right, I beat her down.”
Can you talk about your experiences as a fashion model and why that’s important to you?
CH: “I like modeling because it’s a different part of me. You can be more feminine and athletic. I did my first shoot three years ago and I had never done anything like that. I’ve worked on my skills there too.
“To be a model is an easy job, it just gives me confidence. Being a fighter is hard. You have to give everything, because in the ring you can’t run away. You have to fight and defeat someone.”
Would you ever want to compete in another sport?
CH: “I don’t know. Boxing is the best sport to me. It’s my passion. I give everything to the sport and my dream now is to be successful in America.”
Is there anyone in boxing history you’d have loved to fight?
CH: “Laila Ali was a great champion and If I fought her that would be a great fight.”
Do you see women’s boxing as a sport on the rise?
CH: “Da, it’s really grown in recent years. There are more fights on big platforms for us and I think this is just the start.”
Would you recommend for other women to go into boxing?
CH: “Boxing is a great sport. You need technique, intelligence and it makes you feel more confident. If something happens, you can take care of yourself. It’s the best workout and I suggest it to everyone.”
# # #
ABOUT SHIELDS vs. HAMMER Shields vs. Hammer will pit undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer against each other in a battle to crown the undisputed 160-pound world champion, in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history. The co-feature will pit Jermaine Franklin taking on Rydell Booker in a thrilling 10-round heavyweight bout and in the telecast opener, heavyweights Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner will battle in 10-round clash. The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.
