Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. CARLOS TAKAM FINAL WEIGHTS, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR UNIFIED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT From Sold-Out Principality Stadium In Cardiff, Wales

007_Anthony_Joshua_and_Carlos_Takam.jpg

Click HERE For Photos Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (Oct. 27, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua tipped the scales at a career-high 254 pounds and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam measured 235 ½ pounds for their heavyweight showdown tomorrow on SHOWTIME.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff where an estimated 78,000 fans will converge for the largest indoor event in boxing history.

 

Joshua, who went past the 10th round for the first time with a sensational knockout of Wladimir Klitschko on April 29, promised conditioning wasn’t an issue.

 

“I’ve been doing a lot more running. Maybe I’m starting to fill out as I get older and I’m starting to find my natural weight,” Joshua said.  “Who knows what it is.  I definitely feel a lot fitter than I have in previous fights.”

 

The referee for Saturday’s contest is Phil Edwards and the judges scoring ringside are Michael Alexander (England), Pawel Kardyni (Poland) and Ron McNair (New York).

 

If Joshua’s previous 19 bouts are any indication, the judges might not be necessary.

 

“I’m not going to say I’m going to knock him out and smash him up and all these types of things,” said Joshua, who has knocked out all of his professional opponents en route to unifying the heavyweight division.  “But that’s what I have to do.”

 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Shawn Porter vs. Adrian Granados Training Camp Quotes & Photos

Leave a comment
 
Porter vs. Granados Featured on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, November 4 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Click HERE for Porter Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Granados Photos from Tom Barnes
 
BROOKLYN (October 26, 2017) – Former champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter and hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados will look to steal the show when they meet in a 12-round welterweight world title elimination bout on Saturday, November 4 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
The November 4 event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, is headlined by WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder in a rematch against former heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne. The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeatenSergey Lipinets battling Japan’s Akihiro Kondo for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Porter spoke from his training camp in Las Vegas, while Granados shared his thoughts from camp in Chicago, just over a week before they go toe-to-toe in Brooklyn:
SHAWN PORTER
“Training camp has gone very well. We did most of our work here in Las Vegas and also a little bit at Wild Card in California. We’re at the tail end of camp now. Every day is going to be exciting as we taper off and get ready for November 4.
“I feel very familiar with Granados at this point. One night I watched about three or four of his fights and some interviews and really got to put him in my mind. He’s an aggressive fighter who’s not easily hurt or fazed by what’s going on in the ring. Whether that’s him getting hit or an opponent making him miss.
“This is going to be a very competitive fight. The key to beating him will be my speed. I have to out box him, make him walk into some heavy shots and eventually knock him out.
“I love Las Vegas but I’m always very excited to get the opportunity to fight at Barclays Center. It’s a genuinely fun arena.  The energy there is bar-none. I absolutely love being able to entertain crowds out there in Brooklyn.
“We’re going after the WBC title. We’re going to have our sights set on Keith Thurman. I want to get that rematch sometime next year. Outside of that, the only fighter on my mind is Danny Garcia, because he’s a guy who I think I’d make an exciting fight with.”
ADRIAN GRANADOS
 
“I know I have a fan-friendly style and I make my opponent fight regardless if he bangs or boxes. Bringing exciting fights is what I’m known for to the fans and media. It’s going to be the fight of the night.
“It was a surprise when I got the call for this fight but I jumped right at the opportunity to get in the ring with Shawn Porter. He had a close fight with Keith Thurman and a win over Adrien Broner so a victory over him puts me right back at the top of the division.
“Shawn fought at 165 in the amateurs, much bigger than me and I remember him well, he was also a football player so he was much heavier. Since he turned pro I’ve spent more time watching his fights and studying him, especially these last few weeks knowing that we’re fighting each other at 147.
“It’s better for me to know right from the start the weight is at 147, the previous camp for Broner we started at 142 and then had to move to 147 very late in the camp. Knowing it’s been 147 from the start has helped me to better prepare for this fight with Shawn Porter. It will also help me to come in a little heavier on fight night.
“Training and sparring has all been here in Chicago at the Garfield Park Gym. Camp has been terrific, very smooth especially with no weight issues.
“I’m very excited to be fighting at Barclays Center and I know that this is more of a neutral site. I know that Shawn’s the favorite but I feel good about fighting in Brooklyn. I’ve been to Barclays Center twice to watch fights and I’m excited to be fighting therenext Saturday night.
“If I win, I’ll be the mandatory for Keith Thurman’s WBC belt and that’s my motivation. Expect a classic ‘El Tigre’ performance, no back down, no quit, a classic boxing match.”
###
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions@BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook  at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,   and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. CARLOS TAKAM FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

“He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.” – Anthony Joshua

 

“I saw Joshua go down.  I saw he has a weak point.” – Carlos Takam

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT From Sold-Out Principality Stadium In Cardiff, Wales

Click HERE For Photos Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (Oct. 26, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam faced off at the National Museum in Cardiff on Thursday during the final press conference for their heavyweight blockbuster this Saturdaylive on SHOWTIME from sold-out Principality Stadium.

 

Joshua and Takam will square off in front of an all-time indoor boxing record of 78,000 fans on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT in the U.S.

 

Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) returns for the first time since unifying the heavyweight division via knockout in a leading Fight of the Year thriller with long-reigning kingpin Wladimir Klitschko this past April.

 

“We’re going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage because boxing is unforgiving,” Joshua said on Thursday.  “That was that. This is now.  Carlos is a completely different animal than Klitschko.

 

“Who knows what’s going to happen in that ring Saturday. This division is unpredictable. You saw I got tired in the fifth round against Klitschko.  Am I going to find out I’m only a five round fighter?  Takam is tough and can go the distance.  He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.”

 

Takam (35-3-1, 27 KOs) has experience in close bouts with reigning WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker and former challenger Alexander Povetkin.  The 2004 Olympian from Cameroon enters the contest having boxed more than three times the professional rounds as Joshua.

 

“My experience will help me win the fight,” Takam said.  “I’ve been in there with a champion.  When we get in the ring it’s just two fighters.  Only at the end of the fight will we know who the real world champion is.

 

“I saw Joshua go down.  I saw he has a weak point, and we’ve been working on targeting that.”

 

Joshua and Takam meet 24 years after Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno squared off in the first all-British heavyweight world championship in front of more than 25,000 fans at the National Stadium in Cardiff.  There will be more than 78,000 at the new National Stadium – Principality Stadium – on Saturday.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday:

 

Anthony Joshua

 

“Fighting is all I do. It’s all I know. It’s an honor to be defending these belts. I don’t always like to talk about the belts because I’ve always been a fighter before that and I’ve always had the ambition of being a talented fighter before I became champion. I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring and handling business.

 

“We’re going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage because boxing is unforgiving. That was that. This is now. Carlos is a completely different animal than Klitschko.

 

“I do know that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. In terms of style, technique and preparation, it’s completely different. Every camp is completely different. My mindset is completely different. All will be revealed Saturday. Best of luck to both men and the best man will win.

 

“[Trainer Rob McCracken] has never just trained me for one style of opponent. He’s trained me to be the best me. He’s trained me to be ready, to be fit, to be focused and to adapt new skills to my boxing. No matter who my opponent is, I’ll always be in good condition to compete against any champion or any contender in the world.

 

“We’re in the business of providing really good fights. We’re not here to tip and tap and run for 12 rounds. We’re here to get stuck in.

 

“I know what it’s like to be the non-champion fighting for a championship. When there’s that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it’s going to be competitive. This is heavyweight championship boxing. Both of us are on the same elite level so you’re going to see an elite fight.

 

“Who knows what’s going to happen in that ring Saturday. This division is unpredictable. You saw I got tired in the fifth round against Klitschko. Am I going to find out I’m only a five round fighter? Takam is tough and can go the distance. He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.

 

“With [Takam’s] style and his strength, I wish I came into this fight heavier so we could just stand there and slug it out with each other. Why’d I come in lighter? I thought I was fighting Pulev – a real amateur-style boxer. I had to stay off the line, jab with him and match his speed. Takam is a completely different style of fighter so I might have come in a bit heavier if I knew I was fighting Takam.

 

“I’m just a reflection of hard work. The UK boxing scene is quite grassroots. I still go to my amateur club. Just before this championship fight, I was training with all the amateurs – kids that were just 10 years-old. You can only achieve what you see, so when they’re training with Olympians and professional World Champions, they’re inspired. That’s real nice to be the champion and still keep it real training with the grassroots athletes.”

 

Carlos Takam

“My experience will help me win the fight.  I’ve been in there with a champion.  When we get in the ring it’s just two fighters.  Only at the end of the fight will we know who the real world champion is.

 

“I saw Joshua go down.  I saw he has a weak point, and we’ve been working on targeting that.”

 

“I’m going to box my way.  I’m going to come forward, fight my fight.

 

“I believe in myself.  I’m confined.  It wouldn’t be a shock if I won because of the confidence I have.

 

“When I heard about the fight, I was already in preparation for another fight so I had to completely change the way I trained to be ready for this fight. I’m coming out on the 28th to win the fight.

 

“All I can do is invite you to see the outcome of the fight on the 28th. I’m coming out to win.

 

“I know it’s going to be a great fight. This will change my life in boxing but not from the person I am.”

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. CARLOS TAKAM PUBLIC WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

Unified Champion Joshua Defends On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT From Principality Stadium In Cardiff, Wales

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (Oct. 25, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam worked out in front of approximately 1,400 fans on Wednesday at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff, just three days before they square off this Saturday live on SHOWTIME.

 

The near-capacity crowd at the National Concert Hall of Wales serves as a prelude to the record-breaking audience expected at Principality Stadium on Saturday where more than 75,000 fans will set boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record at the retractable roof facility.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from ringside in Cardiff as Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) returns for the first time since unifying the heavyweight division.  The undefeated British sensation picked up the WBA belt to go along with his IBF crown on April 29 in a leading Fight of the Year thriller with Wladimir Klitschko.

 

“We’re going to have a war.  We’re going to wear our hearts on our sleeves,” Joshua said.  “This is what fighting’s about.  With me, it ain’t about all this other stuff that goes on outside the ring.  When people come to watch me box, they know they’re going to have a good time.  They know they’re going to see knockouts.”

 

Takam (35-3-1, 27 KOs), a 2004 Olympian from Cameroon, packs a lengthy resume as he looks to shock the world and become heavyweight champion.

 

“He’s a world champion, he’s earned his belt,” said the 36-year-old Takam.  “But I’m coming here to take it.”

 

Joshua vs. Takam is the first of two consecutive heavyweight world bouts on SHOWTIME.  Next Saturday, Nov. 4, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title in a rematch with Bermane Stiverne, the only opponent to last the distance with the American champion in 38 professional bouts.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

“I’ve never been nervous about fighting but I think this stadium is going to be different.  There’s a closed roof.  I know the energy and the atmosphere is going to be bouncing up and down off the roof and it’s going to be nothing like before.  As I said, if Saturday night is a little bit like the people today here at the public workout, it’s going to be phenomenal.

 

“This is what fighting’s about – different styles and different types of opponents.  But the best opponent you can work on is yourself so I’ve definitely been improving myself.  I can talk about a million things I’ve been working on but at the end of the day, as soon as that first bell rings, that’s when it matters.

 

“We’re going to have a war.  We’re going to wear our hearts on our sleeves.  This is what fighting’s about.  With me, it ain’t about all this other stuff that goes on outside the ring.  When people come to watch me box, they know they’re going to have a good time.  They know they’re going to see knockouts.  They’re going to see a bit of blood and a bit of respect after.

 

“I think the UK has been sending a statement for a long time.  It wasn’t so long ago that U.K. heavyweights or boxers weren’t getting a look.   Now, all the Americans are talking about U.K. fighters. We’ve definitely been sending a statement over to the States for a long time.

 

“[Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder] can watch me a million times but it’s so different when you get in these ropes.  When you get in here, you can watch somebody a million times, but it’s a different challenge when you face someone face-to-face.

 

“We have to deliver.  The fans know what they want, I know what they want.  It’s my job to deliver. I haven’t got to say it – I know already and the fans know.  Let’s just deliver Saturday night and we’ll look forward to a promising 2018.”

 

On opponent Takam, who became the mandatory challenger after an injury to Kubrat Pulev:

“First and foremost, massive credit to Eddie [Hearn] because he’s done amazing work.  He was ahead of the game and he’s managed to allow this show to go ahead.  Credit to Carlos Takam, a true athlete who stays fit all year round.  He’s not someone who just trains for a fight, he seems to keep himself conditioned and that’s what we like.  He’s the same as myself. And I think – what would I do?  Would I give up the IBF belt?  Hell no. I worked too hard for it.”

 

CARLOS TAKAM:

“I’m ready for this fight, I’m ready for everything he has.  I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.  We were in the gym getting ready, hoping we would get this chance.

 

“He’s a world champion, he’s earned his belt.  But I’m coming here to take it.  You have to defend your title, and I’m not going to make it easy.  I’m going to make this the fight of the year.

 

“If I can do things differently from what other boxers have done against him, I’ll have a chance to win by knockout.

 

“A lot of people have asked me if I see any weaknesses in Joshua’s style.  All I can say is we will see on fight night.

 

“I’m not bothered about fighting in front of 80,000 people, the only people in the ring will be myself and Joshua, nothing else matters except us.”

 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER OPENS UP ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION IN SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO FEATURE

Leave a comment

 

 

“I want to be the savior of heavyweight boxing.” – Deontay Wilder

 

Wilder Shares His Thoughts With Brendan Schaub As He Prepares To Face Bermane Stiverne  on Nov. 4 Live On SHOWTIME®

 cid:image001.jpg@01D34D9D.F351E0B0

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME


Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2xm3iD2

Download For Your Video Player: https://we.tl/SUfjRW7ZiB

 

 

Video Restrictions: News outlets are cleared to use this clip on broadcast and digital platforms. Broadcast outlets must verbally mention that Wilder-Stiverne airs LIVE on SHOWTIME on November 4. Digital outlets must reference Wilder-Stiverne, November 4 and LIVE on SHOWTIME in the accompanying copy.

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports correspondent Brendan Schaub sits down with undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder for an intimate conversation on the pressures of being a world champion in boxing’s highest profiled division.

 

Wilder faces former heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® in a November 4 rematch that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions event LIVE on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

“Even when people see me out and posting [on social media], it doesn’t mean I’m resting,” Wilder told Schaub. “I’m just taking a little bit of time off and relaxing my mind. In this sport there are a lot of things that I want to do, and things that have to be done. I want to be the savior of heavyweight boxing.”

 

Schaub asked Wilder as the only American heavyweight champion, why he hasn’t received the notoriety yet that he deserves in the U.S. “I don’t get it either,” Wilder said. “It’s mind boggling to see Americans support others before they support their own.”

 

He added: “I like to joke around. I like to laugh. I like to get corny sometimes. I like to get silly. You know, I just like to live life … I’m neutral when it comes to a lot of things. I’m an open-minded person. So whether it’s religion or whether it’s race or whether it’s sexuality; I’m not the person to judge. It’s not my place because if I judge you, then God is going to judge me the same way.”

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNIFIED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION ANTHONY JOSHUA REVIEWS CAREER-DEFINING KNOCKOUT OF WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO IN SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO FEATURE

Leave a comment

 

Joshua Reflects As He Prepares To Defend Against Carlos Takam This Saturday, Oct. 28 At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT Live On SHOWTIME®

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2yGcwhw

 

WHAT: Anthony Joshua reflects on his career-defining knockout of Wladimir Klitschko in this SHOWTME Sports video feature as the undefeated sensation prepares to make his first defense as unified heavyweight world champion this Saturday at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME.

 

“I’ve gained a certain thick skin. You can’t teach that, it’s just who you are,” Joshua explains as he remembers the now-legendary April 29showdown.  “And I think he found that out that night.  To knock this wall down you have to have a little bit more than power, a little bit more than skill.  I think it’s in my DNA.”

 

Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) got off the canvas to KO the long-reigning heavyweight kingpin in a leading candidate for Fight of the Year in front of a record 90,000 fans at London’s Wembley Stadium.

 

“This ain’t about tactics, this is about heart,” the IBF and WBA champ recalls thinking after suffering the first knockdown of his career.  “This is about something that none of us have been taught.  This is about who you are, so let’s find out who we are tonight.”

 

The 28-year-old defends against IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam (35-3-1, 27 KOs) this Saturday on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® in front of what is expected to be more than 75,000 fans at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

RING RESUME: ANTHONY JOSHUA

Leave a comment

An Examination Of Joshua’s Career Progression Toward Heavyweight Championship & Unification Written and Narrated By Steve Farhood

 

Anthony Joshua vs. Carlos Takam | Saturday, Oct. 28

Live on SHOWTIME® At 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

WHAT: International Boxing Hall of Famer and historian Steve Farhood examines the career of Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua in advance of his title defense against IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam on Saturday, Oct. 28live on SHOWTIME from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

 

In the latest edition of the SHOWTIME Sports® digital series “Ring Resume,” Farhood takes an in-depth look at Joshua’s career beginning with his 2015 showdown with then-unbeaten Gary Cornish.  The six-fight examination culminates with his career-defining win over Wladimir Klitschko to unify the division earlier this year.

 

The Oct. 28 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT with ringside analysis in Cardiff where nearly 80,000 fans are expected to fill the Welsh national stadium.

 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECTS LUIS ROSA & YUANDALE EVANS HEADLINE SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER FRIDAY, NOV. 10 FROM CLEVELAND, OHIO

Leave a comment

 

 

 

Plus Undefeated Radzhab Butaev, Junior Fa & 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell Featured In Separate Bouts

 

Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From Masonic Temple & Performing Arts Center in Cleveland

 

NEW YORK (Oct. 18, 2017) – Undefeated featherweight Luis Rosa will face once-beatenYuandale Evans in a 10-round matchup of 126-pound prospects looking to make a statement in one of boxing’s deepest divisions in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, Nov. 10 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Masonic Temple & Performing Arts Center in Cleveland.

 

The quadruple header features eight fighters making their ShoBox debuts, including six undefeated prospects.  The four-fight telecast is ShoBox’s first return to Cleveland since 2014.

 

In the co-feature, former Russian amateur standout Radzhab Butaev (7-0, 6 KOs, WSOB: 9-1) will take on Colombia’s Janer Gonzalez (19-0-1, 15 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup.  Butaev compiled a record of 304-12 in the unpaid ranks, followed by a 9-1 record in the World Series of Boxing, while Gonzalez was a member of the Colombian National Team with an equally impressive 291-29 record as an amateur.

 

In a televised heavyweight attraction, New Zealand’s Junior Fa (12-0, 7 KOs), who owns two amateur victories over countryman and current WBO Heavyweight World Champion Joseph Parker, will face Pittsburgh’s Fred Latham (9-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

 

In the ShoBox opening bout, undefeated 2016 U.S. Olympian and Cleveland native Charles Conwell (5-0, 5 KOs) will look to keep his knockout streak intact in his hometown debut in a six-round super welterweight matchup with Panama’s Roque “Rocky” Zapata (4-1-3, 0 KOs).

 

“I am thrilled to bring this talent-filled quadruple header to the ShoBox series, from the Masonic Temple in Cleveland, Ohio,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Undefeated featherweight contender Luis Rosa Jr. faces hard puncher Yuandale Evans. Amateur prodigy Radzhab Butaev and New Zealand heavyweight prospect Junior Fa –who defeated Joseph Parker as an amateur—will be tested by fellow unbeaten opponents. U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell, one of the most exciting young prospects in boxing, will make his national TV debut in his hometown. On November 10, to quote Ian Hunter, ‘Cleveland Rocks!'”

 

Tickets are priced from $35 to $90 and can be obtained by visiting BoxingCleveland.com. The Masonic Temple and Performance Arts Center is located at 3615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. Doors will open on the night of the event at 7:00 p.m.

 

LUIS ROSA vs. YUANDALE EVANS – 10-Round Featherweight Bout

The 26-year-old Rosa (23-0, 11 KOs) is a Puerto Rico native who lives and fights out of New Haven, Conn. The come-forward, aggressive Rosa has recorded four knockouts in his last seven fights.

Trained by his father Luis Rosa Sr. and managed by his mother Marilyn, Rosa is currently ranked No. 10 by the WBC at 126 pounds, and was 95-10 as an amateur. Fighting in one of boxing’s deepest divisions (Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Carl Frampton, Gary Russell Jr.), the U.S. National Silver Medalist is looking to establish himself as a featherweight contender, and has career wins over Luis Orlando Del Valle (18-1) and Jorge Diaz (17-2).

 

“I’m dedicating this fight to the people who are still suffering from the tragedy of the hurricane,” Rosa said. “We are and always have been very strong people and I take that into the ring with me on November 10. I’ve seen some tapes of Evans. He’s a tough, strong fighter but my skills are much greater and I will be victorious and move one step closer to a shot at a world title.”

 

The 28-year-old Evans (19-1, 14 KOs) is a Cleveland native fighting in his hometown for the first time. Known as a power-puncher who works fast, Evans has recorded eight of his 14 knockouts in the first round. His only professional loss came against future world title holder Javier Fortuna in April of 2012.

 

Evans, who took a three-year hiatus following the Fortuna loss, is coming off the best win of his career – a hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision over Billel Dib (21-1; WBO No. 7-ranked coming into the fight) in Miami, Okla., in April.

 

“I’m thrilled to be fighting at home in Cleveland, the city of Champions,” Evans said. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve had a home fight. Truly, I’ve been a road warrior fighting all over the world.

 

“I’ve followed Luis Rosa for a couple years, I know he’s a very tough Puerto Rican fighter. He’s the same height as me and will come to fight, which will make for an all-action fight. But I know I’m the toughest competition he’s had and I’m planning to win in front of the big hometown crowd and everyone watching on SHOWTIME.”

 

The vacant WBC Continental Americas Title belt is on the line for this fight.

 

RADZHAB BUTAEV vs. JANER GONZALEZ – 8-Round Welterweight Bout

Russian Radzhab Butaev had a stellar amateur career during which he compiled a record of 304-12 with 164 KOs. A former Russian National Champion, Butaev qualified for the 2016 Olympics but instead elected to turn pro in the United States.

 

Butaev has progressed quickly since turning professional in March of 2016 – of his seven professional fights, six of his seven opponents have had winning records. The 23-year old is coming into his fifth fight of the year and the eighth fight in his short, 18-month professional career. Five of Butaev’s seven fights have taken place in the U.S, while his other two victories were on his home turf in Moscow, Russia. In his last fight in July, the 23-year-old Butaev knocked out Sherzodbek Alimjanov in Red Square in Moscow.

 

Said Butaev, “This is a great opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME and I’m looking forward to putting on a tremendous performance. I know that Colombian fighters are well known for their power but I faced many hard hitters in the amateurs and I’ll be ready for victory on November 10.”

A native of Barranquilla, Colombia, the heavy-handed Janer Gonzalez sports a record of 19-0-1 with 15 knockouts. Prior to turning professional in 2011, Gonzalez was a member of the Colombian National Boxing Team, compiling a record of 291-29.  Gonzalez, who returned in September following a two and a half-year layoff, will make his U.S. debut against Butaev.

 

“It’s a dream come true to make my television debut in the United States,” said Gonzalez. “I grew up watching all of my favorite boxers fighting in the U.S. and now it’s my turn. It’s truly surreal how everything unfolded. I was ready to give up on boxing when an opportunity just came my way. I fought in Mexico and here I am.

 

“I had a long layoff, but I needed it. It has made me more appreciative, more motivated. I work harder now. I had my last fight on a Saturday and on Monday I was back in the gym. I’ve studied my opponent. I’m ready. My style will mold to his. I’ll get on his face and counterpunch. On November 10 boxing fans will see a Colombian warrior that came to America to become a legend.”

 

Butaev vs. Gonzalez is promoted in association with Fight Promotions.

 

JUNIOR FA vs. FRED LATHAM – Eight Rounds Heavyweight Bout

Standing 6-feet, 5 inches and weighing 270 pounds, the 27-year-old Junior Fa has compiled a professional record of 12-0 with seven knockouts since turning pro in February 2016. Fa had a successful amateur career, which included two victories over reigning WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker. The native of Papakura, New Zealand has most recently trained in England with heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and has also sparred with Joshua’s Oct. 28 opponent Carlos Takam.

 

Fa, who won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, will fight for just the second time in the United States.

 

“I’m thrilled to be fighting in the United States again and on SHOWTIME,” said Fa. “I know Latham is undefeated but I also plan on staying unbeaten on November 10. Training with Anthony Joshua improved my boxing in many ways and just as important taught me what it takes inside the gym to become a world champion.”

 

Fighting out of Pittsburgh, Pa., Fred Latham (9-0-2, 5 KOs) is a former Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion. In his last bout on December 3, 2016, the 27-year-old Latham battled to a split decision draw against Alonzo Butler.

 

Said Latham, “I appreciate the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME and I am looking forward to facing Fa. I’ve heard a lot about him and the great heavyweight prospect he is but on November 10 I’ll show the world that I’m a much better fighter.”

 

CHARLES CONWELL vs. ROQUE ‘Rocky’ ZAPATA – Six-Round Super Welterweight Bout

Nineteen-year-old Charles Conwell, who turns 20 on Nov. 2, is 5-0 with all of his victories coming by way of technical knockout. The Cleveland native has a decorated resume – he went 134-14, was the National Gold Gloves Champion in 2015, and a 2016 U.S. Olympian. Conwell has been busy since turning pro last year, having fought all five of his professional fights in the past eight months. In his last fight in August, Conwell earned a technical knockout against Rey Trujillo.

 

“I’m thrilled to be fighting at home for the first time as a professional and on ShoBox,” said Conwell. “I can’t wait to put on a great performance for the Cleveland fans and those seeing me for the first time on national television.”

 

The 21-year-old Zapata is a native of Panama City, Panama now fighting out of Culpepper, Va. Having compiled a record of 4-1-3 since turning professional 18 months ago, he is currently riding a three bout winning streak.   Zapata is coming off the biggest win of his career, a six-round decision over previously undefeated Justin Steave on June 24 in Pittsburgh.

 

“This fight with Charles Conwell is an exciting challenge for me. He had a great amateur career and he made the Olympic team,” said Zapata. “I’ve been offered to fight him twice, but at the time I was injured and had to decline. But on November 10, Charles and I will come face-to-face and put on a show for the fans. I’m ready to do my job.”

 

# # #

 

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

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ERISLANDY LARA, JERMELL CHARLO & JARRETT HURD SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND 154-POUND TITLES IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLEHEADER SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

Leave a comment
Lara Outpoints Terrell Gausha, Charlo Scores Stunning Knockout Of Erickson Lubin & Hurd KOs Austin Trout In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Event
 
Don’t Miss The Replay Monday, Oct. 16 At 10 p.m. ET/PT
On SHOWTIME EXTREME
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
BROOKLYN (Oct. 15, 2017) – WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy Lara knocked down previously unbeaten Terrell Gausha en route to a 12-round unanimous decision in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGSaturday on SHOWTIME at Barclays Center.
The Premier Boxing Champions event featured three world title fights in the stacked 154-pound division, a lineup including five fighters ranked in the top 10, and four in the top five.
The southpaw Lara used a precise jab to set up a sharp left hand in the sixth defense of his world title. The supreme technician, known for his elusiveness, put on a clinic as expected. He fought mostly in the pocket and picked apart the 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha, a Cleveland native getting his first shot at a world title.
Lara landed 45 percent of his power shots and threw 200 more total punches in the bout that was scored 116-111 and 117-110 twice.
“We want to give a lot of credit to Gausha. He’s an Olympian and he came to fight,” Lara said.  “I take the rhythm of the boxing match and that’s when I take over. He’s fighting with the best in the division. He’s not a stupid fighter, but he knew who he was facing today.
“I’m ready to box anyone that comes my way. I’m the best boxer at 154 pounds and I won’t shy away from anyone that wants to fight me. I’ll box whoever, just line them up. I’m not afraid. I have proven that I’m a true champion. I’ll fight (Jermell) Charlo if I have to. We are friends, but business is business.”
One of the most anticipated fights of the year lasted only 2:41 seconds as WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo knocked out Erickson Lubin with a brutal right uppercut to the chin in the opening round in the second of three 154-pound world title fights.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2yoXIU6
While the matchup of young, undefeated Americans was regarded as one of boxing’s best fights in a year of marquee matchups, Jermell Charlo had other plans. After feeling each other out Charlo, the twin brother of undefeated former champion Jermall, unloaded a strong right uppercut that the highly touted Lubin leaned into. With Lubin struggling to return to his feet, referee Harvey Dock waived off the contest and helped a dazed Lubin return to his corner.
“They were giving him a lot of attention,” a fired up Lubin told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray. “I was quiet the whole time. They said they were going to come take my title. I had to defend it. They didn’t know what I was brining into this and I think (Lubin) was worried about the wrong things.
“We’re going to unify. The other champions want to fight me and I’ll take any of them. Give me another title. I want Hurd. Hurd just won. Give me Hurd.”
The 22-year-old Lubin, boxing’s consensus 2016 prospect of the year, had his hopes of becoming the second youngest titlist in boxing dashed in less than three minutes.
“I’m fine. He caught me with a blind shot. I didn’t see it coming. He landed it. I felt like when I got up I could have kept fighting, but it’s boxing. It happens.
“I’m young and I’m hungry. I know I’m one of the best out there. He caught me with a blind shot that I didn’t see. Like I said, it’s boxing. I’m just going to remain hungry, get back in the gym and become the champion I know I am.
“I’m young and have plenty of fight left in me. This is just a minor setback. I’ll be back sooner than later and hungrier than ever.”
IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jarrett Hurd became the first person to stop veteran former champion Austin Trout with a 10th round technical knockout in the first defense of his world title in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.
The 27-year-old Hurd did what Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and Jermall Charlo could not after the ringside doctor stepped in to stop the bout following a brutal closing 20 seconds of the 10th frame.
The Accokeek, Md., native often neglected defense in the early rounds and fought back after a slow start to wear down the toughest opponent of his career. The championship affair shifted in the sixth as Trout tired and Hurd picked up his output of power shots despite a bloody cut over his left eye. Trout was practically saved by the bell in the 10thround and trainer Louie Burke did not protest as he was advised that the fight should be stopped.
“It’s most definitely tougher to defend the title than win it,” Hurd said. “I’m always the one that comes on stronger at the end of the fight. We knew we were going to wear Austin Trout down in the later rounds and eventually stop him. My cut made me a little better with my head movement.
“Team Swift, we don’t run from anyone. I’m ready to unify. 2018 is the year for unifications. It doesn’t matter who it is. I’m ready to fight anyone.”
Hurd had a 89-31 edge in power punches landed over the last three rounds and connected on 43 percent of his power shots over 10 rounds.
Trout was taken to Lutheran Hospital for observation after the bout.
Saturday’s telecast will replay on Monday, Oct. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions @BarclaysCenter or become a fan on Facebook at:
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER, KEITH THURMAN & ERROL SPENCE JR. DISCUSS UPCOMING BOUTS AND 2018 BOXING CAMPAIGNS

Leave a comment
 
Spence Announces He Will Defend IBF Welterweight World Championship Against Lamont Peterson
 In January 2018 On SHOWTIME®
 
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
BROOKLYN (Oct. 14, 2017) – Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and Welterweight World Champions Keith Thurman and Errol Spence Jr. met with the media on Saturday at Barclays Center to discuss their upcoming bouts and expected 2018 campaigns.
Wilder will defend his WBC belt on Nov. 4 against mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in a Premier Boxing Champions event. Thurman announced he expects to return in early 2018 in his first bout since unifying the division and subsequent surgery.
In news on Saturday, IBF Welterweight Champion Spence announced that he will make the first defense of his belt against former world champion Lamont Peterson in January 2018 on SHOWTIME on a date and site to be determined.
Below are flash quotes from the three fighters:
Deontay Wilder
 
“What other heavyweight is doing what I do? What other heavyweight has power like me? I don’t have to put you out in punches in bunches. I don’t have to do that. One punch. Goodnight.
“I’m happy that I’ve had time to calm down and think about things. I’m happy that I’m fighting Stiverne because he’s my mandatory. I can finally get him out the way so I’ll be a free man.
“This is the story of my life. Every situation that I’m put in, I try to be optimistic about. It’s easy to appreciate the good. But when the bad comes, some people don’t know how to manage that.
“I’m the most frustrated guy around. I don’t understand. The best are supposed to fight the best, right? I’ve always done that. I called (Wladimir) Klitschko out years ago.
“People make so many excuses for my career. The one who is actually trying to make a legacy out of their career, he’s the only one that’s not complaining. The people who don’t have to get in the ring and endure this suffering are the ones that complaining.”
Keith Thurman
“I’m in the bounce-back stage. It won’t be long before I get back into the ring and hopefully my arm will be better than ever. We’re estimating I’ll be ready for a fight the first quarter of next year.
“I look forward to continuing my legacy and dominating the welterweight division.
“Everything happens for a reason. I’m 28-years-old and it doesn’t feel good to not be an active fighter while you’re in your prime.
“I don’t think that I will take that level of a fight [against Shawn Porter] coming off my injury. I think we’re going to just get a welcome back fight. Throw the arm around, test it out, have an injury-free camp, take the momentum from that and we can possibly get in the ring with Shawn after that.
“I look forward to that [potential] fight against Errol. I look forward to great competition and Errol is that. This is a fight that you guys have been talking about, you won’t stop talking about, and you should keep talking about it because when it goes down it will be one of the best fights of this generation.
“Everybody knows there’s no Floyd Mayweather. There’s no Manny Pacquiao. Everybody thinks they know who the real champion is. But real talk is that the king of the welterweight division will manifest within one to two years.
“[Terence] Crawford has whacked up a lot of people, but he hasn’t whacked up a welterweight yet. He still needs to make himself relevant in this division. He’s a 140 undisputed champion. He can come up to this weight division and fight anybody in the top 10 and he deserves that. But we are so flooded with talent he is going to have to make himself relevant at 147 before he gets his hands on us.”
Errol Spence Jr.
“I’m happy to be here, it’s been awhile. It’s finally time to defend my title, capture more titles and become the undisputed welterweight champion of the world. That’s what I’m ready to do next year.
“[Peterson] is somebody that I looked up to as an amateur. I sparred with him as an amateur and learned a lot from him. He’s one of my favorite fighters and is a guy that will fight anybody. I’ve never known him to duck a fight.
“Lamont is a tricky fighter. He’s been around the block. He does a lot of cagey, veteran things. I’m looking to get experience in this fight. I’m still a young fighter.
“Since I was 5-0, I’ve said I’d fight Keith Thurman or anybody in the top 5. He’s got to go through rehab, but I’m ready when he is. I’m always ready to fight the best.”