Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

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DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE   TRAINING CAMP NOTES  # PROVIDES INSIGHT ON EXCHANGE    WITH JOSHUA, TRAINING CAMP AND   UPCOMING IBF WORLD TITLE BOUT

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Photo courtesy of Timothy Hernandez.  For more photos click HERE
Upland, California (June 9, 2016) – It has been roughly five weeks since WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (17-0, 15 KO’s) was notified that he would be facing newly crowned IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KO’s). In that time, Breazeale has been continuing to train diligently with world renowned trainer Manny Robles in preparation for his upcoming IBF world heavyweight title challenge.

The heavyweight challenger from Alhambra, California and his trainer from East Los Angeles took some time out of Breazeale’s busy schedule to answer some questions about his training camp and the bout with Anthony Joshua on June 25th.
When you first found out that you were selected as Joshua’s opponent, what were your initial thoughts?
“When I received a call from my advisor Al Haymon and he told me the good news, I was excited. I immediately told my wife and then notified my team that we got the fight. I knew I was one of three possible opponents and I was happy that I got it. Ever since 2008 when I started getting into boxing, it was a dream of mine to be the world heavyweight champion. Eight years later, I’m here.”
Back on May 4th, you traveled to London for the press conference to announce the fight. There was clearly a heated discussion between you and Joshua. What happened?

“Well, prior to going into the press conference, we took some photos outside of the building. Then we had the stare down. I guess he didn’t like that when he looked away, I kept staring at him. So, since he was in front of the cameras, he started acting tough.”

“I just let him know that he was in for a dog fight. I’m not going to back down and he clearly saw that. I’m not coming for a check; I’m coming for that title and bringing it back to the United States where it belongs.”

How is training camp going?
“Training camp has been going really well. I was actually in camp before the fight was announced so I am in great shape. My coaches Manny Robles and Edgar Jasso have a great fight plan for me and we are working hard in the gym. I have great sparring partners and they are helping me as well.”

“My stable mates are also pushing me to train as hard as I can. I’m getting better every day and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Coach Manny: how are things going in training camp?
“Everything is going as expected. This camp is far beyond better than the last camp. Dominic will tell that this is beyond his best camp ever. You know, in his past camps he knew there was a routine every day. The last two camps, he expects something different every day. The variation of training keeps him focused and motivated and he is doing very well. I’m seeing overall improvements, from his ring generalship to his defense and footwork, putting punches together along with his balance and his jab.”
“I see improvement in every aspect of his game and he is becoming a better overall boxer. We are working to win. We are working hard in the gym and that is where the fights are won. Our sparring is going really well as is the training. Strength and conditioning coach Darryl Hudson is doing a phenomenal job with Dominic and the results are showing. We’re coming to win.”
Dominic: How does it feel to be going back to London fighting for a world title?
“It feels great. I couldn’t have written the script any better. This is unfinished business. Back in 2012, I earned a spot on the Olympic team after just a year and half of boxing as a competitive amateur. But everyone knows that the amateur ranks are nothing like the professional ranks. So far in my professional career, I have learned to impose my will on my opponents and that’s why I’m fighting Joshua for the world title. I’m looking forward to going back to London to finish what I didn’t four years ago.”
What are your thoughts on the current state of the heavyweight division?
“The heavyweight division is ripe for the pickings. You have an out of shape fighter like Tyson Fury who now holds two titles after getting a decision over Wladimir Klitchko, who clearly had an off night. I believe Klitchko will KO Fury and Fury retires.”

“Then you have the controversy between Deontay Wilder and Alexander Povetkin. I was really looking forward to that bout. I sparred with Povetkin in Russia a few years ago and I know what he is capable of. I have a lot of respect for Deontay Wilder and it’s too bad that fight didn’t happen.”

What are your expectations for how the bout with Anthony Joshua plays out?
“I’m coming to London to win, plain and simple. I’m going to pressure Joshua and just keep punching. He is going to think that he is fighting two or three Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale’s and I expect to knock him out in the 6th or 7th round. Come June 25th, I will have a place in history as the new IBF world heavyweight champion.”

Do you have anything is closing?

“I want to take the time to offer my condolences to the Ali family. We lost a true legend and the greatest of all time. There will never be another man of his figure.  Mr. Ali always inspired me to not only be the best in the ring, but the best human being possible. The world has lost a great man. My fight will be the first heavyweight bout since his passing and I intend to make him happy.”

“Here Comes Trouble“
 
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Keith Thurman Quotes & Photos From St. Petersburg, Fla. Media Day

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Welterweight World Champion Battles Shawn Porter Live on CBS
Saturday, June 25 From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
“This is a chance to showcase our talents and our skills to the world…
I’m definitely going for the knockout.” Thurman
 
Click HERE for Photos from Eric Walker/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 8, 2016) – Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman opened training camp to media today in St. Petersburg as he prepares to defend his title against former world champion Shawn Porter on Saturday, June 25 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT with a featherweight world title showdown between current champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Born and raised in the area, Thurman worked out at St. Pete Boxing Club along with longtime trainer Dan Birmingham as he prepared for his primetime battle against the strong and dangerous Porter.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
KEITH THURMAN
“Muhammad Ali opened up the door for so many people. Michael Jordan changed the game in our era, but Ali did it so long ago. He showed people that boxing is a great sport and can be the most entertaining sport in the world.
“For me, it’s almost like a dream come true. It’s surreal. I remember at an early age in boxing saying, ‘I want to be the guy that brings boxing back.’ I’m really blessed to be where I am in my career. For all the fighters who could end up on this stage, I’m proud that I’ve been chosen.
“I’ve always considered myself a knockout artist. Back to when I was a teenager knocking out grown men in headgear. Ever since then, I’ve been dropping people like a bad habit.
“I love being a power-puncher. My favorite fighter of all time is Mike Tyson. One of my goals that I set when I was a kid was to have more knockouts than Mike Tyson throughout my career.
“I’m ready for Shawn Porter. We’re going to box harder, box stronger and box better. I will be the better man.
“Training is the fundamentals of getting one prepared. We’ve always known that Shawn Porter was going to come into this fight in tremendous shape. That’s what his training methods are all about. But the Energizer Bunny has never been hit by Keith Thurman, and I’m pretty sure I could stop it in its tracks.
“I’m going for the knockout. I’ve stated it before. My hands are itching for a knockout. I’m ‘One Time,’ all the time. That’s my philosophy. Every single time I step into the ring I’m looking for the knockout. We don’t get paid for overtime.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our talents and our skills to the world. The winner will have an opportunity to be the head guy in the sport. I’ve always wanted to have a legacy in the sport of boxing.
“I want to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world. That’s my ultimate goal. There have only been so many in the history of boxing. I want to be a part of that history.”
DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer
“Keith is a guy who deserves to be on this stage. He has a lot of experience and he’s come into his own. This is the kind of thing that happens when you work hard.
“Life happens. Keith was involved in the accident and so we took the necessary rest. He saw the right doctors and we’re back now. We’re ready for Shawn Porter.
“We’re constantly conditioning. We’re working on attacking his style. He’s a short, come-forward brawler who’s going to try to come into Keith’s chest and make it a war. We’re making out adjustments.
“Keith has to be busier, more in charge fighter. He has to work off of his jab and then his power will keep Porter at bay.”
#          #          #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
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ANATOMY OF A COMEBACK: RELIVE WHEN JOHN MOLINA Jr.  SHOCKED MICKEY BEY WITH A DEVASTATING 10TH-ROUND COME-FROM-BEHIND KNOCKOUT LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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* * * SHOWTIME BOXING VIDEO ALERT * * *

 

 

 

Molina Set To Meet Heavy-Handed Counterpart Ruslan Provodnikov In Main Event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader This Saturday, June 11, Live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)


Watch, Share Or Embed This Video By Clicking On Image Or Below

 

YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/25KR7yy

DOWNLOAD LINK: https://we.tl/isgL6K9B6h

 

On July 20, 2013, in Las Vegas, John “The Gladiator” Molina rallied from the brink of defeat to hand previously undefeated and highly regarded Mickey Bey the first loss of his career with a dramatic 10th-round stoppage.  It remains one of the most unlikely finishes in the 15-year history of ShoBox: The New Generation.

 

Heading into the last round, Molina was trailing on all three judges’ scorecards by 90-81, 89-82 and 88-83.  But with about 1:25 remaining, he connected with a left hook to the chin that stunned Bey.  Sensing Bey was in serious trouble, Molina followed with a series of shots with both hands. Moments later, the referee, Vic Drakulich, stepped in and stopped the fight.

 

“That’s why you gotta love the fight game. Anything can happen,” said Molina.

 

Molina (28-6, 23 KOs) faces Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) this Saturday as part of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.  In a co-feature, undefeated former 154-pound world champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) will face Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.  Opening the telecast is a battle for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship between No. 1 ranked Dejan Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs), against WBC No. 5 ranked contender Franklin Mamani (21-2-1, 12 KOs).

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ABNER MARES: “I AM GOING TO EARN MY FOURTH WORLD TITLE IN BROOKLYN ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25”

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Featherweight Title On The Line In Cuellar vs. Mares Fight

Live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®On CBS

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions From Barclays Center

 

For Team Mares Training Camp Photos Click Here

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 9, 2016) – Abner Mares, the former three-division world champion boxer, will be taking class, technique and power into the ring when he meets WBA Featherweight World ChampionJesus Cuellar on Saturday, June 25 live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Live coverage begins at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.

 

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

Mares returns to the ring after a loss in one of 2015’s most-watched fights against featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz. In 2016 Mares changed his training camp to work with former world champion boxer and two-time “Trainer of the Year,” Robert Garcia (Mikey Garcia, Antonio Margarito, Marcos Maidana) out of his Riverside, Calif., facility. Mares has continued to work with his longtime strength and condition coach Luis Garcia (Andre Berto, Amir Khan). His fight against Cuellar not only marks his first fight of 2016 but a chance to capture a fourth world title.

 

“This is going to be a technical fight,” said Mares. “Cuellar is a hard-hitting fighter and since the fight was made we’ve been preparing for a real battle. I have no personal vendetta against him, however I am excited to see what monster the Mares-Garcia combination has created and gets unleashed. My power and spirit are 1000 percent. Fans are going to see a fantastic, clean, technical fight.”

 

For Mares’ fans the direction under the guidance of Garcia brings new possibilities for the fighter, and one that Garcia sees as the next step and progression for Abner.
“I’ve been seeing the Abner that the world knew three to four years ago,” said Garcia about Mares’ training. “A warrior with tremendous boxing skills, that’s the Abner I see now. He’s in tremendous shape but it’s a different Abner. He’s been a warrior all his life and he will come to fight – he has that mentality – but his jab, his straight punches and footwork are better than what fans have seen in the past two years.”

 

This fight marks the first fight for Mares in New York.

 

“It’s my first time fighting and being in New York and I plan on giving the fans at Barclays a ‘Fight of the Year’ performance,” he said. “New York is the home of the American dream. Being a Mexican who came to the U.S. as a young child, it’s hugely symbolic for me as well as my family. This is my chance at winning my fourth world title and to do it in the city that started so many dreams and careers and on the first primetime fight on CBS in almost 40 years, it’s an important moment.”

 

ABNER MARES:

 

How are you preparing for this fight? …

 

“I’ve been training with Robert since December. When the original March fight was postponed and I had a chance to fight Cuellar for the title so we never really took a break. We did change our training regimen a bit to stay fresh, get stronger and work on some tactical and technical skills. Robert has a great eye and knowledge of the sport, having worked with so many fighters, including Cuellar. It gives me an advantage in preparation.”

 

Why the change in trainers? …

 

“I knew I needed to change my camp after the last fight. I felt that we had a solid camp but in the end, I didn’t stick to the plan and it resulted in a loss. I am a warrior, I’ll never give up, always come back. I am not afraid to take a fight. But I knew I needed a trainer whose plan I would have to follow versus having a trainer who would fit into mine. Robert and I come from similar backgrounds, his record speaks for itself and I know this partnership is going to deliver big wins.”

 

TRAINER ROBERT GARCIA:  

 

What is Abner’s untapped skill? …

 

“Abner is very candid as a boxer. He has great skills in speed, footwork and power — he has all three and when combined he’s unstoppable. Sparring has been tremendous and if he does exactly what he is doing in gym and follows instructions then he can compete against any top featherweight in the world in my opinion.”

 

How is sparring? …

 

“Abner’s a beast. He’s doing great in our sparring sessions – his power is tremendous and his boxing has just become more effective. He’s always been a tremendous fighter who can box inside and on the outside. What the world saw and loved from him in August – his heart and ability to get in and fight – has been focused and strengthened. We’re very focused on winning and beating a hard-hitting fighter.”

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing @PremierBoxing, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainmentand www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.

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DEMETRIUS ANDRADE PROVIDENCE, R.I. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Unbeaten Super Welterweight Opens Up On The 154-Pound Division, Pros In The Olympics & Muhammad Ali As He Prepares To Face Willie Nelson In WBC Title Eliminator This Saturday, Live on SHOWTIME®

 Demetrius Andrade

 

Click HERE For Images; Credit Stanley Bois / A Team Promotions

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 7, 2016) – A Team Promotions hosted an open media workout on Monday at Bix Six Academy in Providence for undefeated former world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade(22-0, 15 KOs). The 2008 U.S. Olympian, of Providence, R.I., is finalizing preparations for this Saturday 12-round WBC Super Welterweight eliminator against Willie “The Great” Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in one of three fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®  live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

 

Here’s what Andrade, who’ll also be risking his WBO International title, said Monday:

 

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

 

Reflections of Muhammad Ali:

 

“Muhammad Ali certainly shook the world, and not only in boxing.  He was colorful; nobody talked like him.  He helped boxers, too.  Ali is the reason Floyd (Mayweather, Jr.) is who he is because Ali set the bar high.

 

“As an entertaining boxer, Ali brought blacks and whites together and later he spread the word about religion, culture and his other diverse interests.

 

“What young boxer didn’t do the Ali Shuffle?  I know I did, and taunted my opponents like him, too.”

 

About Pros in the Olympics:

 

“I’m for pros in the Olympics as long as an amateur, who has a few Olympic trials, has the first opportunity to qualify for the Olympics.  Coming up in the amateurs, I fought grown men, some who had been Olympians a few times.  I was 21 and some of the opponents were 34-35 and had already been Olympians one or two times.  They had advantages in experience, power and skill.  Unfortunately, Americans only have Olympic opportunities when they’re young amateurs.

 

“Would I go the Olympics now?  Yes! The Olympics is the biggest thing on the planet.  To represent the United States again, yeah, I’d do it now for the chance to win gold.  But I do think headgear should be applied in amateur boxing, including the Olympics.”

 

On the 154-pound division:

 

“I’m putting myself in the best position to fight for the WBO or WBC title.  There are rumors of Canelo fighting (WBO champion Liam) Smith.  Let me fight Smith and the winner gets Canelo.  Or let me fight Canelo with the winner getting Smith.

 

“I’m going to knock out the Charlo twins.  Both guys have fought on SHOWTIME, so those fights shouldn’t be too difficult to make.  Once I take care of business with the Charlo twins, I’ll fight Lara (WBA champion) to clean up the division.”

 

On Gennady Golovkin:

 

“I definitely want to fight Golovkin.  Let me build myself up first, by cleaning out the 154-division, and then we’ll have a mega-fight with two different styles.  GGG is known for his knockouts.  I knock out people, too, but I’m a better boxer than him.  It’ll be one of the biggest fights in the sport of boxing.  I’m going to clean up the 154-division, make my reputation and then it’s a go with GGG.”

 

Relationship with his opponent Willie Nelson:

 

“We were in the U.S. amateurs together, but because we were in two different weight classes – he was 140-147 and I was 152 – there were no problems between us.  We used to watch each other fight and watch other Americans box.

 

“Nelson is experienced having gone through the amateurs.  He fought (Vanes) Martirosyan, who I beat (for the vacant WBO title by 12-round unanimous decision).  He’s fought at this level.  I know he’s tall, but I’m 6-foot-1, so our height difference isn’t serious.”

 

On returning to the ring:

 

“I’m pleased that we have this opportunity.  SHOWTIME has given me this chance and now it’s up to me to prove I can backup what we said.”

 

For more information: Twitter: @AndradeATeam, @BooBooBoxing, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports. Instagram:  @BooBooATeam,www.Facebook.com.DemetriusAndrade

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WBC No. 5 RANKED CONTENDER FRANKLIN MAMANI TO FACE NO. 1 CONTENDER DEJAN ZLATICANIN FOR VACANT WBC LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ON SATURDAY, JUNE 11, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Mamani To Replace Emiliano Marsili, Who Pulled Out Of The Fight With An Illness

Zlaticanin vs. Mamani Opens The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader Live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT From The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
For Immediate Release
NEW YORK (June 2, 2016) – WBC No. 5-ranked lightweight contender Franklin Mamani will face No. 1-ranked lightweight Dejan Zlaticanin for the vacant WBC 135-pound title on Saturday, June 11, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Mamani (21-2-1, 12 KOs), who is the leading available contender in the WBC rankings,  replaces the injured Emiliano Marsili, who pulled out of the fight on Tuesday with an illness.
Mamani, of La Paz, Bolivia, was in camp training to fight Chad Bennet for the WBC Silver Lightweight World Title in early July.  Now, the 29-year-old Mamani gets a shot at the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship in his U.S. debut.  The aggressive-minded Mamani has won 10 straight, including his last three by knockout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event, Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs), a former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, and former world title challenger John Molina (28-6, 23 KOs), of West Covina, Calif., will face-off in a 12-round super lightweight bout.  In the June 11 co-feature, undefeated former 154-pound world champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs), of Providence, R.I., will face Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.
Also on June 11, former world title challengers, Willie Monroe Jr., (19-2-0, 6 KOs), and John Thompson, (17-2-0, 6 KOs,) will meet in a 10-round middleweight bout in the main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT).  In the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® opener, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KOs) takes on Mario Heredia (11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.
Turning Stone Resort Casino is no stranger to hosting high caliber nationally televised boxing events. Last year, Turning Stone hosted the epic battle between Provodnikov and Matthysee, selected over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. When Provodnikov returns to Turning Stone on June 11th, it will mark Turning Stone’s 18th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout fights. Located in Upstate New York, Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, 21 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, five beautiful golf courses, and several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.

For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/
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RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV vs. JOHN MOLINA JR., DEMETRIUS ANDRADE vs. WILLIE NELSON MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
On Saturday, June 11, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) During International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend
VIDEO: Fight of the Year in the Making: http://s.sho.com/25zBkiE
For Immediate Release
NEW YORK (June 2, 2016) – Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov and John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr., along with Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Willie “The Great” Nelson, hosted an International Media Conference Call on Tuesday in advance of their highly anticipated battles as part of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Also taking part was Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions, and SHOWTIME Sports Executive Vice President and General Manager Stephen Espinoza.

Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs), a former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, and former world title challenger Molina (28-6, 23 KOs), of West Covina, Calif., will face each other in the 12-round main event. In the co-feature, undefeated former 154-pound world champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs), of Providence, R.I., will face Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.

Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader is a battle for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship between No. 1 ranked Dejan Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs), of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, against WBC No. 5 ranked contender Franklin Mamani (21-2-1, 12 KOs) of La Paz, Bolivia.

Also on June 11, former world title challengers, Willie Monroe Jr, (19-2-0, 6 KOs), and John Thompson, (17-2-0, 6 KOs,) will meet in a 10-round middleweight bout in the main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT). In the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® opener, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KOs) takes on Mario Heredia (11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Below is what the boxers said Tuesday on the conference call:

RUSLAN “THE SIBERIAN ROCKY” PROVODNIKOV
“I will try to not disappoint anyone and try to bring my best on June 11. I don’t like to make any predictions. Boxing is very unpredictable; anything can happen on June 11. We’ve got a little bit to wait until fight night and for me it’s just important to win the fight.

“I am very thankful for everyone who has made this fight happen. I am pleased with the opponent that I have because John Molina is a tough fighter. It’s going to be a tough fight and I am looking for it to be a battle. So everybody be ready because on June 11 it will be a great fight.”

JOHN “THE GLADIATOR” MOLINA JR.

(On how he feels fighting someone who is going to force the fight like himself)
“For me, in a perfect world, I would have a guy right there to exchange with me but Ruslan and his team have been around the game a long time. They know that I’m a puncher. I anticipate Ruslan to do what he does best, which is sit there and fight but I also anticipate him also utilizing his boxing ability given his amateur pedigree and his experience in the pro game. We’re prepared for any Ruslan whether he tries to get up and box or whether he sits there and bangs. We know he’s a strong fighter. We know he’s a strong puncher and we’re prepared for that. Ruslan is going to be Ruslan and he’s going to sit down and fight with me.”

(On how he mentally prepares for fights)
“I have no other way. You look at my fights and the outcome, we have that fighter spirit in us. If we’re being cordial, it’s because we’re professional. It’s what we do for a living. If we take it outside of the ring that’s very ignorant and not very mature. Believe me, I understand and know, and Ruslan understands and knows, that come June 11 all of the kindness goes out the window. After the fight we could be best of friends. But during the fight, I always use the example that he’s trying to take something away from my family. So, it’s very serious business inside that ring. Outside the ring, I don’t want to waste energy or negative feelings toward anybody. This is what I do for a living. I have a competitive spirit, I don’t even like to lose in checkers.

“I have had a very successful career in boxing and I’m looking forward to making an even better one come June 11. Every fight is serious, and remember, I’ve been playing this game since I was 24 years old and I only had 22 amateur fights so essentially my amateur career was in the pro game. Whether the fights I’ve had are a loss or a win, I’ve always gained experience and I have become a better fighter because of it. I’m just getting warmed up and the fight on June 11is going to catapult me in the right direction.”

DEMETRIUS “BOO BOO” ANDRADE
“The champ is in. The champ is in. I feel good. I’m grateful. I want to thank SHOWTIME for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skill and talent on this June 11 card, especially with the Hall of Fame going on. It is a big main event between Provodnikov and John Molina; two guys that are going to back up and give some good entertainment. In my eyes, Willie Nelson and Demetrius Andrade is the number one 154 fight that you don’t want to miss leading up to fighting for a title shot for the WBC against a Charlo brother (Jermell).”

(On how it felt to be inactive for so long)
“I’ve been staying busy, staying focused knowing that there’s a bigger picture at the end of the day. All great legends and all Hall of Fame fighters have their story lines. My time is coming around. The tables are turning and people are going to have to step up and fight each other in one way or another. Sometimes, where you are in life is more conducive than your bank account. So, I’m not upset, or mad or frustrated with a thing that is going on and how everything played out.

“At this point, there is a lesson in everything that you go through in life and I learned my lesson through that point in time. Me trying to be frustrated and take it out on people, no, I took it out in the ring.”

(Thoughts on Willie Nelson)
“I’ve seen him in the amateur program. I’ve seen him fight tough guys that are top guys today. I know he’s bringing that experience. He’s fought previous fighters that I’ve fought. I know I’m going up against a giant but I consider myself a giant as well and it’s going to be a great matchup, a great fight for the 154 (division). I feel that it is one of the best fights in the 154 division that has ever been made.

“Not looking past Willie Nelson but me, my character, my hard work and my ethics, I’m looking to be the best and fight the best out there. I want to put out there and say congratulations to the Charlo twins on making history for being twin brothers to win (titles). But I’m going to make history by taking both of those titles and beating both of them.

(On what it was like to be stripped of a title)
“A belt doesn’t identify me. That doesn’t change anything about me, my fight style, who I am or anything like that. Nowadays you don’t have to have a title to be king of the ring but this is an opportunity for me to get back in the likes of fighting with the WBC. Fighting on the SHOWTIMEJune 11 card is going to be good movement for me. As far as boxing, the days are coming back where the champ is fighting the best.”

WILLIE “THE GREAT” NELSON
“This is Willie Nelson, one of the top contenders for the 154-pound division. I’m excited for this fight. I think that both of us feel like this fight right here is going to be the shot that both of us have been looking for. I feel like this is my time right now. With me and Boo Boo’s past history, unfortunately we have to come to this fight. We’re pretty cool as friends but it’s our time so we have to get in there and show the world what we’re made of.”

(On the reasoning behind the lengthy layoff)
“One of the reasons was because of the death of Steve Smith but also because it is hard getting fights. Nobody wants to fight a 6-foot, 4-inch junior middleweight that’s actually coming to fight and that has decent pop. Besides that, look at my career. My career has been nothing but fights and layoffs. I’ve been pro since I was 19 years old and I only have 27 pro fights. That’s just been my career: fights and layoffs I guess.

“Regardless of who I fight and where I’m fighting, I’m going to give it my all, always. It doesn’t matter what place, what promoter, network or venue. I just perform to the best of my ability and look forward to doing what I do.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
(On taking a fighter like Ruslan and what it is about him that attracted SHOWTIME)
“One thing that has characterized Ruslan throughout his career is that he is a fan favorite and that is consistent regardless of what the scorecards are at the end of the fight. As a network executive what we’re looking for is entertaining programming, and fights that people want to see, fights that people talk about, and that is consistently what Ruslan has delivered throughout his career. He is one of those types of fighters who, like John [Molina Jr.] as well, that even if they have a handful of losses on their record, it really doesn’t matter because they are as entertaining and enjoyable to watch as anyone in the sport.

“We try to have a variety of fights; some with really skilled guys, some guys who are really big punchers, a variety of weight classes, a variety of different types of fighters. This is one where it’s not about titles, not about anything but two guys who fight really hard and who give it their all. [It’s about two guys] meeting in the ring to figure out who’s the better boxer on that night.

“This is one way to add a different type of variety to the sport. Once we had the fight at the top of the card we tried to be consistent for the whole card down. If you look at guys like Demetrius and Willie, Dejan and even down to Willie Monroe Jr. and John Thompson, I think that characterizes this as what should be and all-action night.”

(On Demetrius and Willie)
“I give all the credit to Demetrius and Willie for this fight. For Willie on stepping up to this challenge. We have one of the most avoided guys in the division in Demetrius, who’s taking such a tough fight after a relatively long layoff and period of inactivity. It just shows what kind of guys these are and how they are anxious to step up to the next level of their careers.”

ARTHUR PELULLO, President of Banner Promotions
“One thing led to another where we felt that there were more opportunities on SHOWTIME with all of the different fighters…There’s more of an opportunity for Ruslan Provodnikov to show his skills and we were able to go down this road.

“John Molina is the toughest fight right now. This is the fight he has to get by but there is a real opportunity, whether he wins or loses. Both guys have a real opportunity on SHOWTIME because of the pool of talent there.”

Turning Stone Resort Casino is no stranger to hosting high caliber nationally televised boxing events. Last year, Turning Stone hosted the epic battle between Provodnikov and Matthysee, selected over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. When Provodnikov returns to Turning Stone on June 11th, it will mark Turning Stone’s 18th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout fights. Located in Upstate New York, Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, 21 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, five beautiful golf courses, and several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.

For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Undefeated Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade Fighting way back to top of Super Welterweight Division

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Demetrious Andrade (photo by Shane Sims / Banner Promotions)
PROVIDENCE (May 31, 2016) — Undefeated super welterweight Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade is in a good place as he prepares for his June 11 showdown versus Willie “The Great” Nelson on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Approaching the peak of his professional boxing career, the 28-year-old Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) has moved past a frustrating three-year stretch that, after he won a 12-round decision over Vanes Masrtirosyan for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) 154-pound world title,  found him fighting only twice.  One was his only title defense, in which he won impressively by way of a seventh-round stoppage of then WBO No. 1 mandatory title challenger Brian Rose.  But, due to promotional issues, Andrade was later stripped by the WBO for inactivity.  His last fight was this past October when he recorded a second-round knockout of Dario Fabian Pucheta for the WBO International belt.
Now, Andrade has a new three-year promotional contract that gives his company, A Team Promotions, 50 percent of his promotional rights to go along with 25 percent each for Banner Promotions and Star Boxing.
“I’ve always been in a good place, mentally, because I have confidence in myself,” said Andrade on what he went through during his long stretch outside of the ring.  “I continued training hard. The politics of boxing, well, I’m not 100 percent there yet.  Not until I’m actually in the ring and fighting will I actually know if that’s worked out for me.
“I’m satisfied in my future, showcasing myself in the ring.  I own 50 percent of myself and that – being a promoter – is a big factor.  I know everything now, including all the real numbers, and I’ve learned about the ins and outs of this business.  I’m also meeting the right network of people to help my career.”
Andrade is thrilled to be fighting on SHOWTIME for the second time during his career, the first back in 2013 on ShoBox: The New Generation against Freddy Hernandez.  “The top 154-pounders are with SHOWTIME.  I’d like to thank SHOWTIME for giving me this amazing opportunity.”
Andrade-Nelson is a 12-round WBC title elimination fight to determine the second mandatory challenger for new WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo, who, as the WBC No. 1 contender was matched last May 21 with No. 2 rated John Jackson.  No. 3 Andrade was originally slated to face No. 5 Charles Hatley in a title eliminator to determine the No. 1 mandatory contender.  However, negotiations with Hatley’s promoter, Don King, failed to materialize and Andrade moved on to fight WBC No. 10 Nelson.  The WBC declared Hatley as Charlo’s mandatory challenger, despite him being ranked lower than Andrade, with the Andrade-Nelson winner now declared the mandatory title challenger for the future Charlo-Hatley victor.
Andrade, though, has no hard feelings with the WBC about its decisions.  “I’m just thankful to be fighting in this ‘tournament’,” he commented.  “Charlo was the WBC International champion and he should have had the opportunity to fight for the vacant title.  I have the WBO International title, Hatley the WBC Silver title, so Hatley should probably have been ranked higher than me by the WBC.  I respect the WBC’s decision to make him the first mandatory challenger.”
Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) and Andrade are familiar with each other through the USA Boxing amateur program, but the two have never met in the ring.
“Nelson lets his hands go,” Andrade noted.  “He likes to mix it up and so do I.  I like to think that I’m a little smarter than him in the ring.  This is going to be an interesting fight.  I respect him for taking the fight and I’m preparing to fight the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced.  He may be the tallest guy (6′ 3″) I’ve ever fought as a pro, but it’s only a few inches, and not a big deal.”
Andrade is back on his way to reaching the peak of the 154-pound division once again.
“I am ready to set the roof on fire on June 11,” Andrade said.  “Once everyone at 154 pounds gets a taste of me, they will know I am the greatest.  The Charlos made history by becoming the first twins to hold titles in the same weight division.  I will make history by beating both of them.  Then I will beat Lara and unify all of the belts.
“Stay tuned.  I am a force to be reckoned with.  I will show the world that the best 154 pound fighter in the world is Demetrius Andrade.”
INFORMATION
Twitter: @AndradeATeam
Instagram:  @BooBooATeam
www.Facebook.com.DemetriusAndrade
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Ruslan Provodnikov – John Molina Jr. media workout videos and interviews

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ERONA, N.Y. (May 27, 2016) — This past Tuesday former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion Ruslan Provodnikov and John Molina Jr. held media workouts at The Fortune Gym in Los Angeles, Calif. in advance of their Saturday, June 11th clash.
.Provodniov and Molina will headline a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader from the Turning Stone Resort Casino. The event will be be televised live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
Media outlets may copy/paste the embedded code on their digital platforms
Ruslan Providnikov media interview
Ruslan Providnikov media interview
Ruslan Provodnikov media workout
Ruslan Provodnikov media workout
John Molina Media Day interview
John Molina Media Day interview
John Molina media workout
John Molina media workout
Provodnikov vs. Molina Jr. also features a WBC Super Welterweight Elimination bout between Demetrius Andrade and Willie Nelson and a battle for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship between No. 1 Dejan Zlaticanin against No. 2 Emiliano Marsili.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com.
# # #
Turning Stone Resort Casino is no stranger to hosting high caliber nationally televised boxing events. Last year, Turning Stone hosted the epic battle between Provodnikov and Matthysee, selected over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. When Provodnikov returns to Turning Stone on June 11th, it will mark Turning Stone’s 18th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout fights. Located in Upstate New York, Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, 21 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, 1,200 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, five beautiful golf courses, and several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.
Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

JUNE 11 MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES: RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV, JOHN MOLINA JR., DEJAN ZLATACANIN FROM FORTUNE GYM, L.A.

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
Live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
During International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend
From Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
For Immediate Release
LOS ANGELES (May 25, 2016) – Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov was involved in the Fight of the Year in 2013 with Tim Bradley. John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. was embroiled in the 2014 Fight of The Year with Lucas Matthysse.

On Saturday, June 11, Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) a former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, and former world title challenger Molina (28-6, 23 KOs) will face each other in the 12-round main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

On Tuesday, Provodnikov, Molina and undefeated WBC No. 1-ranked lightweight contenderDejan Zlatacanin participated in a Media Workout Day at Fortune’s Gym in Los Angeles.

Zlatacanin (17-0, 10 KOs), of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, will be opposed by fellow unbeaten and WBC No. 2-ranked Emiliano Marsili (32-0-1, 14 KOs), of Italy, for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship in the opening match of the SHOWTIME telecast.

In the co-feature, undefeated former 154-pound world champion Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs), of Providence, R.I., battles Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KO’s), of Cleveland, Ohio, in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.

Also on June 11, former world title challengers, Willie Monroe Jr. and John Thompson,will meet in a 10-round middleweight bout in the main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT). In the SHO EXTREME opener, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KO’s) takes on Mario Heredia (11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Below is what the boxers said Tuesday:

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV

(On the importance of this fight)

“Every fight is important. I come out for every fight to give everything I have. For me, every fight is like the last fight. So this is a very important fight, just like any other.

“I don’t like to make predictions too much; boxing is an unpredictable sport and it’s hard to say what will happen. Anything can happen on June 11. We’ve got a little bit to wait and we’ll see what happens.

“I don’t know if it will go to the scorecards. Anything can happen. He is also a great fighter, so maybe it will go to the scorecards.”

(On what he expects from John Molina Jr.)

“I’m expecting him to come to fight. No doubt he’s a fighter, he’s a warrior. For somebody to defeat me is a big motivation and I know he’ll be coming to win.

“No matter what, he’s going to do anything possible to win this fight. That’s what I expect from people that take a fight with me – that they’ll die in the ring to defeat me because it would be a great accomplishment. So I’m expecting a real war, a real fight.”

(On the style of fighting and the matchup)

“I think this is the type of fight that will be exciting and all-action. I think it’s a great matchup and it will be exciting for the fans.”

(On who he’s looking to fight next)

“I’m not thinking about that too much right now. Luckily my weight classes, both 140 and 147, there’s no problem with the opposition. There (are) a lot of guys, a lot of stars. After this fight on June 11 we’ll be able to start thinking about what’s next.

“I’ve always said that I’m willing to fight anyone at 140 and 147, just let me know when and I’ll be there. I’m ready to fight any of the top guys.”

(On if he would rather fight a boxer or a come-forward fighter like Molina)

“I definitely like the guys that come to fight. For me that is a better, more enjoyable fight. I like to fight a guy that wants to brawl.

(On if he’s ready to box if Molina choses to box instead of brawl)

“On June 11, I’ll be ready for anything that can happen in the ring. I’ve been watching previous fights and correcting my mistakes and I’ll be ready for anything he decides to bring.”

(On not fighting for eight months)

“I don’t see too much of a negative side to that. I just wanted some time off and now I’m ready to come back. I’m always in shape; I’m always in the gym, always training.

“I’m training all the time and always moving around even when I’m at home. Right now, training camp is going very well. Joel Diaz is very happy with training and he says everything is going a lot better than the last training camp. Everything is 100 percent. I’m not worried at all.”

(On his relationship with trainer Joel Diaz)

“Everything is going great. When Joel and I are training together it’s always very positive. That’s important for me. I’m enjoying the training camp and I’m having a good time, which is the most important thing.

“Boxing-wise I’ve added a lot of different things. Most importantly, I’ve increased my defensive skills and that’s going to show in this fight very much and I’m positive of that. More than that, my punching combinations have gotten better in the last few camps and that’s going to show. Joel and I work well together and that’s definitely important.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

(Thoughts leading up to the fight)

“I am really excited. Ruslan is a hell of a fighter and competitor. I think it’s a can’t-miss, all-action fight when you have someone like myself and Ruslan in there.

“Stylistically I think there are thing that I have to my advantage. Stature-wise: my height, my reach. But with that being said, when the fight starts, all of that is going to go out the window and we’re going to fight.

“We were both in Fights of the Year, but we were both on the losing ends. Now we want to be on the winning end. I think that is an unwritten motivation for both of us.

“Stylistically it’s a great matchup. We’ve had a common opponent and of course you can draw that he was in a Fight of the Year with some other fighter. But I’m not that stature. I am 5-feet-11 with a reach that he can’t compare with. On June 11 after the first bell rings, I’ll be able to tell you exactly how the fight is going to play out.”

(On the importance of winning this fight)

“Every fight is important. Fortunately and unfortunately, boxing is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ type of sport. For me, I didn’t have an extensive amateur career so the pros were, in essence, my amateur career. But I believe I’m at the right spot right now, where I need to be to hit my stride.

“Of course a victory is always the goal. I don’t like to lose at checkers and I don’t want to lose at boxing. To keep the lifestyle that I have going, I have to continue to be victorious and move forward.

“We definitely want to catapult off of a big marquee name. We want to be on the winning side. That is the goal 110 percent. We won’t be satisfied with anything less than a victory. I’m not content with getting in these fights because people love to watch me fight. I want to be content with getting these fights because I’m victorious and that’s what we’re planning on doing on June 11.

“I feel like you’re going to get the best of me now. I feel like my longevity isn’t a question because I didn’t have the extensive amateur career. A lot of these guys have been boxing since they were eight years old. I didn’t start until I was 17. I didn’t turn pro until I was 24. I only had 22 amateur fights. So the miles on my odometer, so to speak, are less than someone like Ruslan who had an extensive amateur career. He’s been in more wars than me.

“Either way you slice it, boxing takes something from you. Whether it’s your youth, your sharpness, boxing is that kind of a sport where it draws something from your body. I believe he’s had it worse than me. I feel stronger and more experienced for lacking those years.”

DEJAN ZLATCANIN

(On what this fight means for his career)

“This is the most important fight for me because the WBC title has been my dream since the first day I went to the gym. I will be the new champion.

“I was always the underdog in every fight but now I don’t get underestimated. My opponent is going to get the best me on June 11. I think those who underestimated me were wrong all along, but I will put some good shots on him and he’ll go down. I will knock him out.

“I think they [fans] will cheer for me like I am a home fighter and I will do my best to bring the good fight.”

(On his opponent)

“He’s a boxer. He’s smart, but he has no power. He will try to box, keep a distance and use his height advantage. He will use his footwork to keep me at bay, but it won’t work.”

(Thoughts on fighting for first world title)

“I am very excited and I am very happy to be fighting for my first world title. I am coming from a little country and I want everyone to know where Montenegro is and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

(On fighting in U.S. for first time)

“People in America, they’re fans, they love good boxing. It doesn’t matter where you are from, they just like good fights. They like my style because I am a fighter and I go forward.”