Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

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TOP FIGHTERS IN 154-POUND DIVISION TAKE CENTER STAGE ON SHOWTIME®

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Three World Title Fights Including Lara vs. Martirosyan Rematch & The Charlo Twins Attempting To Make History In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader

 

Saturday, May 21 Live On SHOWTIME At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

NEW YORK (April 9, 2016) – The 154-pound division will take center stage on Saturday, May 21 in a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader featuring three world title fights in the same division.  In a rare showcase of the division’s elite, five of the top-six super welterweights* will square off live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Venue and ticket information are forthcoming.

 

(*via Transnational Boxing Rankings)

 

In the main event, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara—the consensus No. 1 fighter at 154 pounds—will defend his WBA Super Welterweight World Championship against U.S. Olympian and top contender Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan in a rematch of their 2012 bout that ended in a technical draw.

 

Brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo will look to make history in co-featured bouts as the first twins to hold world titles in the same division.  Unbeaten IBF Super Welterweight World Champion Jermall faces his toughest test when he makes the second defense of his belt against former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.  Jermell will take on exciting contender John Jackson in a bout for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

The event is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

 

With five of the top-six ranked fighters on the telecast, the May 21matchups join an already stellar slate of recently announced boxing events on SHOWTIME.  The super welterweights join the top fighters at featherweight, welterweight, super middleweight and heavyweight in a series of fights that features  accomplished  champions  and young stars facing each other in the most significant divisional matches that can be made.

 

“This is yet another example of SHOWTIME Sports’ commitment to delivering the best lineup in boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “We’re featuring three important championship fights in one of boxing’s most intriguing young divisions – a tripleheader that will bring our 2016 tally of world title bouts to 14 – all free to SHOWTIME subscribers. We’re excited to offer this rare opportunity to see the top fighters in a division all on the same telecast.”

 

“Mayweather Promotions is thrilled to bring this fantastic tripleheader of super welterweight world champions to fight fans,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions.  “The best of the 154-pound division will be on display on May 21 and we expect an action-packed night of drama.”

 

“We’re very excited to work with SHOWTIME on this action-packed tripleheader,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions.  “Erislandy Lara and Vanes Martirosyan have a huge score to settle from their 2012 bout, and Jermall and Jermell Charlo are in high-stakes matchups against Austin Trout and John Jackson, respectively, in what promises to be a highly entertaining evening of boxing.”

 

A technical master, Lara is considered one of the toughest men to beat in the sport and will look to continue his reign at 154 pounds against the always-game Martirosyan, who is set on becoming a world champion on his second try.

 

The 25-year-old Charlos are aiming for history against stiff opposition from a former champion in Trout and the Olympian from the Virgin Islands in Jackson.

 

The 32-year-old Lara is a slick boxer with the ability to deliver punishment while taking very little of it in return.  Lara has notched victories over Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Ishe Smith and Freddy Hernandez. As an amateur, Lara won numerous titles including a national championship at welterweight and also participated in the 2007 Pan-Am games. The fighter originally from Guantanamo, Cuba dominated Delvin Rodriguez in June of last year and followed that up with a third-round stoppage of former champion Jan Zaveck.

 

Born in Armenia, but fighting out of Glendale, Calif., Martirosyanrepresented the U.S. at the 2004 Olympics. As a professional, he won his first 32 fights before fighting Lara to a draw in 2012. The 29-year-old suffered a narrow defeat by split decision in his first world title shot against Demetrius Andrade, but has rebounded with solid victories over Mario Lozano, Willie Nelson and most recently Ishe Smith.

A newly crowned champion at 25-years-old, Charlo grabbed his title with a dominant third-round stoppage of Cornelius Bundrage in September 2015. Residing in Houston, Charlo built up his resume in 2014 with dominant triumphs over Hector Munoz, Norberto Gonzale, Lenny Bottai and Michael Finney. In his most recent outing, he successfully defended his title with a fourth-round stoppage of Wilky Campfort in November.

 

In 2004, Trout won the U.S. National Amateur welterweight championship and after climbing up the ranks as an elite pro boxer, he won a super welterweight world championship in 2011 by defeating Rigoberto Alvarez. He went on to make four successful defenses, including a career-best, dominant victory over Miguel Cotto in New York. He is currently on a four-fight win streak after knocking out Joey Hernandez in September to set up his world title opportunity.

 

Younger-by-one-minute than Jermall, Jermell Charlo is a highly ranked young fighter looking to get one step closer to a world title shot. A tall fighter for his division, the 25-year-old earned his shot at a world title with victories over Gabriel Rosado, Charlie Ota and Mario Lozano in 2014 and Martirosyan and former world champion Joachim Alcine in 2015. He impressed last time out by disposing of Alcine in the sixth-round of their fight in Houston in October.

 

Since representing his native Virgin Islands in the 2008 Olympics,Jackson has put together an impressive pro career. The St. Thomas-born fighter won his initial 13 fights after making his debut in January 2009. The 27-year-old earned the No. 1 spot and the title shot with a shutout victory over Dennis Laurente in August. Jackson comes from a fighting family; his father John David Jackson was a world champion and feared power-puncher while his brother, Julius, is a contender in the 168-pound weight class.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com,www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

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CHARLES MARTIN vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PHOTOS FOR IBF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THISSATURDAY, APRIL 9, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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

From The O2 In London

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit: Matchroom Sport

 

IBF Heavyweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Charles Martin – 245 Pounds

Anthony Joshua – 244 Pounds

 

IBF Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Lee Selby – 125 Pounds

Eric Hunter – 125 ¼ Pounds

 

NOTE: Highlight coverage of Selby vs. Hunter will air on this Saturday’sSHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® telecast, preceding the live presentation of the IBF Heavyweight World Championship between unbeaten American titlist Charles Martin and fellow unbeaten British Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua.  Martin vs. Joshua airs live on SHOWTIME® at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

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APRIL 16 TRAINING CAMP NOTES: GARY RUSSELL, PATRICK HYLAND, JOSE PEDRAZA, STEPHEN SMITH

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® World Title Doubleheader

Live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT) from
Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT

                                                                                                                     

NEW YORK (April 7, 2016) – The boxers who will be fighting Saturday, April 16 on aSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® world title doubleheader are deep into their respective training camps as they continue preparation for their bouts at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

 

In the main event, live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT), the talented and speedy southpaw Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) makes the first defense of his WBC Featherweight World Title against Irish contender Patrick Hyland (31-1, 15 KOs).  In the SHOWTIME co-feature, unbeaten sniper Jose Pedraza (21-0, 12 KOs) risks his IBF 130-pound world title as he defends his title for the second time against a mandatory challenger, Stephen Smith (23-1, 13 KOs).

 

Russell, who won the 126-pound title with a fourth-round knockout over defending champion Jhonny Gonzalez on March 28, 2015, trains in Washington, D.C.

 

Hyland, whose only loss suffered was to WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Javier Fortuna, has been training at a gym in Dublin, Ireland, owned and operated by his trainer, Paschal Collins, whose older brother Steve was a former two-time WBO world champion. Paschal Collins also boxed as a pro but is best known for being Irish heavyweight Kevin McBride’s head trainer during his shocking knockout of Mike Tyson.

 

The switch-hitting Pedraza, a 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian, has been working out in his native Puerto Rico. Smith, of Liverpool, England, has been training in the UK.

 

Below is what the confident boxers had to say with less than two weeks to go before their major fights:

 

GARY RUSSELL JR., WBC Featherweight World Champion

(On Training Camp)

“I’ve been in camp in Washington, D.C. for about eight weeks. I suffered the head butt before my November fight but I have been able to train this whole time and returned to sparring eight weeks ago. It’s been a really long training camp but I’m ready to go. This is the hardest part. Fighting is easy, but the preparation before the fight is where the hard work comes in. Being out of the ring so long is difficult, but it’s part of the business. Everything happens for a reason and I’m just really keyed in mentally.”

 

(On fighting Patrick Hyland)

“Hyland is going to come in there to win. You have to have that confidence to get in the ring. He’s preparing himself, but the question is, will it be good enough? I highly doubt it. We don’t take anyone lightly and we prepare to the best of our abilities. Everyone in the ring can pull off the upset. That’s why I have to be prepared to the fullest.”

 

“He’s not really a pressure fighter so I might have to take the fight to him. He’s long and rangy and he tries to keep his distance. He’s not a big puncher but he definitely has the ability to steal a fight.”

 

(On the fighting Russell family)

“My brother Antuanne made the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team in the 141-pound division and he has a chance soon to qualify for the games with a tournament in Azerbaijan. My other brother Antonio is going to be on my undercard as well. Within my family we’re actually the first set of four brothers to all win the National Golden Gloves. That just goes to show the level of coaching we get from our dad, to have a world champion, two Olympians and four National Golden Gloves winners. We’re trying to leave a legacy in this sport. We’re all very similar in temperament and attitude. We all want to be world champions.”

 

(On dealing with injuries)

“I’ve never had a fight where I was 100 percent. There’s always been something going on. I have had hand injuries since the beginning of my career but we have creative ways to handle that and preserve my hands. Right now, I feel great. I just have to pick my shots more, but that’s where the speed becomes a factor.”

 

(On possible future opponents)

“If I can get by Hyland, I want to fight the winner of the Lee Selby vs. Eric Hunter fight and unify titles. After that I’d like to see Leo Santa Cruz and take care of that. Then I want another crack at Vasyl Lomachenko. I don’t care what weight Lomachenko is at, I’ll follow him. He has to see me.”
PATRICK HYLAND, Featherweight Contender

 

(On Training Camp)

“I’ve been training at Celtic Warriors Gym in Dublin since before Christmas because I had a fight here (Ireland) on Feb. 6 but pulled out when I got word that I was fighting on March 12 (at Mohegan Sun). When that fight was postponed, I took it easy for two weeks until the April 16show was announced. That’s when I started picking up training again.  I’ve been training really hard and putting everything on the line to become WBC champ. We plan to arrive in the U.S. a week prior to the fight.”

 

(On fighting Gary Russell Jr.)
“To challenge a great champion, Gary Russell, Jr., is an honor for me.  I think Gary is an awesome fighter with great hand speed and boxing ability. I’ve been working with Jono Carroll, an unbeaten Irish southpaw with good hand speed and good movement, who is ideal for what I have to work on to beat Russell.”

 

(On fighting again in the U.S.)
“I love fighting in the U.S. because there’s always a great atmosphere at the fights and it’s the real home of boxing. I’ve met friends for life who I consider family from the Marlboro area (Hyland lived in Marlboro, N.Y., for a couple of years).  They’ll be at this fight, as always.”

 

(On the fighting Hyland brothers)
“My brothers are no longer fighting.  Their last fights were on the same show, Jan. 28, 2012 in Atlantic City, which I headlined in (against Emmanuel Lucero).  My older brother, Edward (“Pride of Tallaght”) fought at super featherweight. He runs his own Boxing Club in Dublin. My other brother, Paulie, was a former European and Irish super bantamweight champion. He is back doing a bit of training. No other members of our Hyland family were in professional boxing.  I’m hoping we’re not the last, though, as I’ve got a few nephews and my own son now.  One day they might lace up the gloves.”

 

JOSE PEDRAZA, IBF Super Featherweight World Champion

 

(On Training Camp)

“I am currently training in the Municipal gym in Cidra, P.R., where I took my first steps in boxing. I decided to train here because it feels like home and I can feel the warmth of my people and I am able to set an example for those who are starting out in boxing as well.”


“My training started in December and it is divided into two sections (morning and evening). During the morning portion we work on all of the specifics of boxing, including gloving up in addition to physical training lasting about three and a half hours. For the evening portion of the training I run. Two days a week it is track training and four days of the week it is distance running for about two hours in the evening, making it a total of about five and a half to six hours of work daily.’’

 

(On his diet)

“Actually, thank God, I do not have a strict diet and can eat all varieties of foods. I am doing really well with weight and I just reduce portions in the evenings during the final stages of the camp to meet the required 130 pounds. That’s why I do not miss any foods. My favorite foods are steak and other grilled foods. After the weigh-in I prefer the pastas my mom makes. She always prepares three different kinds for me.’’

 

(On his team)

“My team is composed of Mr. Luis Espada (trainer-manager), Francisco Flores (conditioning and track trainer), Andres Melendez (strength and conditioning) and Dr. Hector Santos (cutman and spiritual director). I’ve been with my trainer, who is my father, for 14 years ever since I threw my first punch. I haven’t made any major changes since I became champion. I’ve remained the same humble young man from a small town. I just push myself more to reach the bigger fights in the five categories from 130 to 154.”

 

(On his challenger Stephen Smith)

“I have seen some videos with my team of his fights and I can see that he is a boxer with a lot of resources who utilizes hooks to the body just as much as to the head. He is strong but something that works in my favor is that he is a come-forward fighter. He can handle 12 rounds comfortably. I hope on fight night I can neutralize all of his abilities and get the victory. I wouldn’t doubt if the win came by a KO anywhere from the sixth through the eighth round.’’

 

(Plans for his future in boxing)

“There are conversations about going up to 135. I’ve been at this weight since 2007; my body is demanding for me to go up to 135. Eventually my aspirations as a boxer are to be able to make boxing history not just in Puerto Rico but in the world. I want to go up and be the champion in five categories.”

 

“First and foremost I would like to face Francisco Vargas; he’s a seasoned boxer and is strong with a lot of rage. He went to the Olympics like I did in 2008 and he became a champion in what could be considered the fight of the year for 2015, very dramatic. It would be the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry. Another fighter who I would like to face is the champion Javier Fortuna. He is simply just a loud mouth with a poor memory (or selective memory) but I’ll send him a note to look up what happened in boxing history during the Roman Cup 2006 in the Dominican Republic. I’ll leave it to him as an assignment.’’

 

(On his inspiration and role models)

“My biggest inspiration is my family. It is they who always, day after day, are there supporting me as my No. 1 fan. I am a pro-family man and my family is my engine with God as my strength. Together they inspire me to carry the responsibility on my shoulders of doing my best in and out of the ring.’’

 

“Floyd Mayweather. He is an intelligent boxer and his abilities distinguish himself. He also works and trains very hard and puts in the gym time. He’s a man of his word and he invests 100 percent to each in his training camps and knows how to manage his fans as well. So many fans would like to see him win and just as many like to see him lose, but people just want to see him.’’

 

STEPHEN SMITH, IBF No. 1 Super Featherweight Contender

 

(On the significance of this matchup)

“All fights are important but this one is especially very important for me to win so that I can get back to where I was in the division.’’

 

(On finally getting a crack at the world title)

“I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity, but the timing couldn’t be better. I’m excited to get the opportunity to win the world title live on Sky Sports in the UK and on SHOWTIME in America.’’

 

(His views of the defending champion)

“Pedraza is a good fighter with a good amateur background and he’s not a world champion for nothing. He can box from either stance but I am confident of winning. I wouldn’t expect it to be an easy fight. It’s a world title fight, it’s meant to be tough. I’m preparing for the best of him; I don’t think he was at his best last time out against (Edner) Cherry.

 

“He could have lost that fight, but he got the win and he’s going to look to show he’s better than that. We’ve covered all bases as far as sparring for whatever way he comes out, and I think I have the game plan to beat him.

 

“It’s not like he’s looked at me and thought ‘he’s an easy fight’ – he has no choice if he wants to keep his title. I think this fight has happened at the right time for me. It’s dragged out a bit but I’ve got a good head on my shoulders and I think that everything happens for a reason. My last outing was a career-best performance and I think that this has come at the right time.’’

 

(On his strategy)

“(Trainer) Joe Gallagher is as meticulous as anyone when it comes to preparing to face someone. Pedraza’s a lot more aggressive from the orthodox stance, but we’ve studied everything and we’re really confident. The gym is still going strong; we were gutted for Scott Quigg as we know how much he gives in the gym for each fight. Spirits were down for a bit but big fights keep coming round, and now I have my fight.”

 

(On answering the critics who said he’d never fight for a title after his 2011 defeat to Selby)

“Because I had such a successful amateur career, I think that big things were expected of me. I had a bit of bad luck with injury, the loss to Selby set me back, but that was more from people writing me off. Lee is world champion now so there’s no disgrace in that, but people were saying after that fight that I wouldn’t fight for a world title. It can be a fickle sport at times but I’ve come back stronger and I think I will prove a lot of people wrong in America.’’

 

(On his fighting brothers, Paul, Liam and Callum)

“The family is doing great things, but it’s just something that we all set out to do when we started boxing so it’s not really come as a surprise to us. We work hard every day and we’ve hit the goals we’ve set ourselves; Liam is world champion, Paul has boxed for the world title twice, Callum is on the verge and I box for a world title soon. Four brothers fighting for world titles is a massive achievement but for us, it’s not enough — we want to win them. I think it’s very achievable for us, Paul is back tonight and he’s looking for another shot, so it’s realistic to say that three of us will box for world titles this year.’’

 

(On making his U.S. debut)

“The training is the same but there’s more pressure and more media attention on this one as it’s the big one. I’ve never boxed in the states myself but I’ve been over there with Paul and Callum, and anyone who has brothers that box will tell you it is worse when they are fighting than when it’s your own fight. I know what to expect over there and I’m going to embrace it and soak it all up.”

 

For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @PajPunisher, @Sniper_Pedraza, @SwiftySmith, @LouDiBella,@FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

 

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment. The bout featuring Pedraza and Smith is promoted in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Matchroom Boxing.

 

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CHARLES MARTIN vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 9, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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“I’m always here to prove the doubters wrong.  When you doubt me, that just fuels my fire.” – Charles Martin

 

“I’ll probably go out and try to take his head off.” – Anthony Joshua

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit: Matchroom Sport

 

LONDON (April 7, 2016) – IBF Heavyweight World Champion Charles Martin and unbeaten British Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua faced off at the final press conference on Thursday at Four Seasons Hotel in London as they near Saturday’s heavyweight showdown, live on SHOWTIME from The O2.

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.  An encore presentation will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Here’s what Martin and Joshua had to say at Thursday’s final press conference.

 

CHARLES MARTIN:

“I don’t consider this a risk. The O2 Arena, that’s my arena. I’m comfortable everywhere I go.  When eyes are on me, I’m going to perform.

 

“I know how to move my head and be evasive.  Real true analysts see the things I do. They can tell.

 

“I’m always here to prove the doubters wrong. When you doubt me, that just fuels my fire.

 

“We’re going to keep the tide rolling.  We’re rolling.”

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

“They know when it comes to these big heavy-hitters we don’t play games. We’re here to go to war.  We’ve just got two generals in the ring and the best army wins.

 

“You know what I’m like, I’m a fighter. I’m not going to go in there and dance around and try to evade punches. I’m going to walk through two to give him five. That’s just how it goes, I’m coming for him.

 

“I’m here to box, but at the same time I know I’m ready to swim through deep waters to get it.  It’s not going to be easy, I know that for a fact, no fight is easy. That’s why I said to you I will box and hopefully it will be an easy night.

 

“It most definitely is a risk, but at the same time let’s scrap all this 15-fight, 16-fight nonsense and let’s put men in the ring together who want it. Whoever wants it comes out on top and it’s simple as that.”

 

When asked if he can control his emotions: “Probably not. I’ll probably go out and try to take his head off.”

 

Additional Fight Week Quotes (free to use):

 

CHARLES MARTIN:

 

“I don’t know how the fans will react to me knocking him out, but that’s what is going to happen.  I don’t know how the fans in London will react, but I can only be myself.

 

“I’m world champion, but a lot of people don’t know me.  After I knock him out we’ll see where that goes.

 

“I’m not going to go in there respecting anybody’s power. He’s going to have to respect me and my power and deal with me and my tools. I don’t care what he’s bringing to the table.

 

“This is my livelihood and I get real emotional with this. If you don’t take emotion into it then how are you even going to win?  I’ve got to walk my own path.  When I get emotional ahead of a big fight like this, I feel that I cannot be stopped. Even if I have doubt, I always have that.

 

“I don’t think about where he’s been.  All I care about is where he’s going. I don’t care if he’s been in deep water before, or how many rounds he’s been. I want him to remember the word ‘timber’ because I’m going to make his ass hit that canvas real hard.

 

“This belt is mine. He’s trying to take what’s mine, take something from me. He’s trying to steal food out of my mouth, out of my kids’ mouth, out of my family’s mouth. This is my livelihood.

 

“I don’t want to let this go: this is never going to end. I want to be known as the greatest southpaw heavyweight that ever put on a set of gloves.

 

“When I get to this point now, I can’t be stopped. I’m like Lamon Brewster versus Wladimir Klitschko when he unloaded all those shots until he couldn’t throw anymore punches. And then what did Lamon Brewster do?  Knock him the (expletive) out. Just that will to win, man. You can throw whatever you want, but I’ll walk through fire to get you.

 

“It’s controlled aggression, though, because if it’s not, you’ll run into everything they throw at you. I go in there with my antennas to the ceiling and I won’t take my eyes off him until the job is done.

 

“Everything is just cooking in the kitchen like I am a master chef, and all of the ingredients put together make it perfect.

 

“Life is all about taking risks but I don’t consider this a risk because I’m confident in what I do. It’s all about just taking that first step. You’ve got to walk out on your own and you’ve got to believe in yourself.  If I didn’t believe in myself I wouldn’t have made it this far. If I didn’t believe in myself I wouldn’t be Prince Charles Martin.

 

“The belt is absolutely in the right hands. I didn’t want to win it the way I did – that was just crazy – I don’t even really like talking about it because it wasn’t my fault.  Afterwards, he walked out of the venue – he didn’t limp or get carried out, he walked.  If that was me I’d have fought on and gone out on my shield. You’d have to knock me out no matter what. I don’t care if I break my hand, if I break my jaw, I am not stopping.”

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

“I believe I am ready to win the world title. A lot of people have said that this might be too soon for me, that I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, but right now my knuckles are itchy and I just want to get in there and show the world what I can do.

 

“When my promoter Eddie Hearn called me up and said ‘do you want to fight Charles Martin for the world heavyweight title?’ I just said: ‘Let’s roll’.

 

“Opportunity knocks and you have to open the door. I have trained and prepared correctly and am ready for this.  There’s no turning back.  I just embrace it.

 

“We saw the opportunity when Martin called me out. I was like, ‘OK Mr. IBF calling me out.’  The IBF champ calling out the British champ.  I’ve got the heavyweight champion of the world calling me out saying he wants to fight me.  I say cool. Let’s rock and roll.

 

“At the end of the day, let’s strip away the heavyweight title and let’s look at the opponent I’m facing. Charles Martin is a southpaw who can box and who can punch a bit.

 

“Facing a southpaw always comes with different angles and different tricks. I can’t go in recklessly because you can easily get counter punched. That’s why sparring is important and having a successful camp is important.  I know I’ve done all I can to prepare myself for him.

 

“Let’s welcome Charles into the Lion’s den.  He’s coming to The O2 – this is my stomping ground. When I fight here it’s electric and it’s going to be an amazing atmosphere, the best yet.  It’s going to be interesting to see how he handles it. What a night it will be if I can lift that belt above my head.

 

“Sometimes you got to put talent to one side and dig deep. This is the fight game; you got to prove to yourself that when tactics aren’t working, you’ve got to dig a bit deeper, go to war and find a way to win. That’s what I thought when I fought Dillian (Whyte). Certain things weren’t working, I was rushing a bit, I wasn’t in my comfort zone, but I dug deep I found a way to win and I ended the night in a spectacular knockout.

 

“After I do the business with Martin, a fight with (Tyson) Fury is 10 or 12 months away — providing he handles his business in (Wladimir) Klitschko rematch.

 

“I find Fury a bit irritating to be honest. All his antics work for him, I suppose, but I can’t wait to fight him.  He’s had plenty to say about me, and it’s coming from the same guy that was singing my praises when I sparred with him when I was a complete novice.

 

“As time goes on, it’s going to get worse for the others because my confidence will grow, I’ll train, learn and take it into the ring.

 

“David Haye? Bring it on.  My heart tells me I am ready.  I am at championship level now. After I get Martin out of the way, David is a massive name and when we’re ready to get it on it will be a huge fight.”

 

# # #

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

 

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ANTHONY JOSHUA KNOCKOUT VIDEO COMPILATION

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Undefeated heavyweight contender Anthony Joshua has 15 knockouts in his 15 professional fights.  Check out this video compilation from SHOWTIME Sports showcasing all of Joshua’s KOs.  And tune in this Saturday to watch the 2012 British Olympic Gold Medalist challenge undefeated American titlist Charles Martin for the IBF Heavyweight World Championship, live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from The O2 in London.

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LEE SELBY & ERIC HUNTER QUOTES & LONDON PRESS CONFERENCE PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos; Credit Matchroom Sport

 

LONDON (April 6, 2016) – IBF Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby and American challenger Eric Hunter participated in a final undercard press conference on Wednesday at Trinity House as they prepare to faceoff this Saturday at The O2 in London.

 

Highlight coverage of Selby vs. Hunter will air on this Saturday’sSHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® telecast, preceding the live presentation of the IBF Heavyweight World Championship between unbeaten American titlist Charles Martin and fellow unbeaten British Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua.  Martin vs. Joshua air live on SHOWTIME® at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

 

Selby (22-1, 8 KOs) vs. Hunter (21-3, 11 KOs) is the second of five scheduled featherweight title bouts in 2016 (details below), a lineup showcasing many of the world’s best 126-pounders aiming to unifying one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

 

Here’s what Selby and Hunter had to say during fight week:

 

LEE SELBY:

 

“I will put on a devastating and clinical performance.  I am going to take the fight to him. You are going to see spiteful punches and hurtful shots, so Hunter better be ready.

 

“I will show why I am the IBF World Champion and show people what I can do. If he wants to stand and fight, we can fight. If he wants to box, we’ll box. I haven’t needed to show how tough I am yet and that I can grit it out, because I’ve out-boxed everyone I’ve faced. However, he wants it I don’t mind. If you see me sparring every day in the gym, I just want to have a tear-up.

 

“You don’t win fights like that – or at least, I’m instructed not to. I’m told to box all the time but when it comes down to it, I’d love to have a tear-up.

 

“I’ve never had the trash talking and at weigh-ins I’ve never had anyone in my face, but it won’t affect me at all. It doesn’t change my mindset one bit.

 

“I’ve had a little look at him, seen his style. He’s a good fighter, he’s awkward, switch hits, has power, so it’s going to be a tough fight.

 

“Eric is my No. 1 challenger and he’s there for a reason.  He’s going to give me a real test but that’s what I need.

 

“Fighting in front of British fans is the best atmosphere in boxing.  It was a dream to go out to America to defend a World title, but it’s a dream to defend it on home soil in front of 20,000.

 

“There have been some great fighters calling me out. Carl Frampton was talking about me after his last fight, Josh Warrington has called me out a lot of times and Leo Santa Cruz has mentioned me, too. There are plenty of options but I’ve got to come through this one.

 

“Warrington will never get to my level. He’s done everything asked of him and won all the titles I vacated, and it’s a fight that could be made straight away if he comes through his next fight and I come through mine.  Warrington talks about me a lot, and it’s a fight I would definitely be interested in and if we both win our next fights.  Maybe it will happen, and it would be a big fight.”

 

ERIC HUNTER:

 

“Selby is a runner, we know he’s a runner, he boxes and runs away.  He hasn’t really fought anyone yet.  He beat Evgeny Gradovich, who has not really been the same since he fought Billy Dib.  He just walked forward with his hands up.

 

“I was rated by the IBF for the longest time.  I was rated higher than Lee Selby when he fought Fernando Montiel and when he got Gradovich.

 

“Not to be smart or cocky, but I’d never seen him fight.  I never heard of him until the Gradovich fight.  And with that fight, I think Gradovich was winning but Selby got the hometown decision. He boxed well. He runs pretty well too.

 

“I can adjust. I can fight.  I can box.  I got better footwork.  I can bang.  I can do a few things that he probably can’t.

 

“I’m excited about fighting in front of all these people.  It gives me the chance to show off my skills. They are going to see a new IBF champion.

 

“I don’t need to win a war of words, I’m going to show what I can do on the night. I love the London fans, I’m looking forward to coming over there and showing them what I can do.”

 

2016 Featherweight Title Bouts (All on SHOWTIME with the exception of June 25 “SHOWTIME BOXING on CBS”)

  • Feb. 27 WBA (Super) Featherweight World Championship Leo Santa Cruz vs. Kiko Martinez
  • April 9 IBF Featherweight World Championship Lee Selby vs. Eric Hunter (Highlights)
  • April 16 WBC Featherweight World Championship Gary Russell Jr. vs. Patrick Hyland
  • June 25 WBA (Regular) Featherweight World Championship Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares
  • Summer 2016 WBA (Super) Featherweight World Championship Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton

 

# # #

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

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SHOWTIME SPORTS® CONTINUES CELEBRATION OF 30 YEARS OF SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® WITH THROWBACK THURSDAY “FIGHTS OF THE YEAR” IN APRIL

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FIGHTS OF THE YEAR

 April 7: JORGE CASTRO vs. JOHN DAVID JACKSON I (1994)

April 14: LUCAS MATTHYSEE vs. JOHN MOLINA JR. (2014)

April 21: DIEGO CORRALES vs. JOSE LUIS CASTILLO I (2005)

April 28: PAULIE AYALA vs. JOHNNY TAPIA I (1999)

 

Click HERE To Watch The Round Of The Year (9th) From 1994’s Fight Of The Year – JORGE CASTRO vs. JOHN DAVID JACKSON I:http://s.sho.com/1SyzVjH

NEW YORK (April 6, 2016) – SHOWTIME Sports® presents its latest installment of a year-long salute commemorating 30 years of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® with “Fights of the Year” in April on SHO EXTREME®.

 

The fourth round of a 12-month tribute will be highlighted by four of the most rousing and unforgettable fights in boxing history:

  • Jorge Castro vs. John David Jackson I – 1994 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year (Round 9 earned Round of the Year honors)
  • Paulie Ayala vs. Johnny Tapia I – 1999 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year (Ayala earned Fighter of the Year honors)
  • Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I – 2005 Consensus Fight of the Year (Round 10 earned Round of the Year honors)
  • Lucas Matthysse vs. John Molina Jr. – 2014 Boxing Writers Association of America Fight of the Year.

 

The four celebrated battles will air on “Throwback Thursdays” all month at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME and are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service.  Each fight will be wrapped with brief context and commentary from SHOWTIME Sports ring announcer and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Lennon Jr.

 

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of April:

  • Thursday, April 7: Jorge Castro vs. John David Jackson I
  • Thursday, April 14: Lucas Matthysse vs. John Molina Jr.
  • Thursday, April 21: Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo I
  • Thursday, April 28: Paulie Ayala vs. Johnny Tapia I

 

Castro-Jackson I (Dec. 10, 1994, Castro KO 9) –Castro, thoroughly battered, bloodied and losing by a wide margin, rallies from the absolute brink of defeat to score three knockdowns in the ninth round to overcome Jackson in one of the most dramatic turnarounds ever.

 

Ayala-Tapia I (June 26, 1999, Ayala W 12) – In some of the fiercest two-way action in the history of Las Vegas boxing, southpaw Ayala hands Tapia his first professional loss in 49 fights and captures the WBA bantamweight title by the scores of 115-114 and 116-113 twice. Game On: As the boxers were being announced, Tapia walked across the ring and shoved Ayala causing a momentary skirmish.

 

Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo I (May 7, 2005, Corrales TKO 10) — After nine intense, back-and-forth rounds, Corrales accomplishes the unthinkable, miraculously regrouping from two knockdowns in the 10th to stop Castillo in the same round (2:06) and etch his spot in boxing lore. After managing to beat the count (and lose a point for excessive spitting out of the mouthpiece), Corrales got Castillo on the ropes and connected with a huge right hand. He continued to unload and Castillo got nailed with a bundle of vicious punches. Moments later, the ref stopped it.

 

Lucas Matthysse-John Molina Jr. (April 26, 2014, Matthysse KO 11) — Abloody slugfest, in which both fighters were knocked down multiple times,became an instant classic.  Matthysse who went down in the second and fifth rounds, came back with a late-fight onslaught to wear down and drop Molina in the eighth, 10th and 11th rounds.  The tremendous brawl was as brutal as it was exciting and more compelling to witness than anyone could have imagined.

 

# # #

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

 

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BERNARDO AND MENARD READY FOR THEIR CROSSROADS BATTLE ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (April 5, 2016) – Dominican lightweight Eudy “AK47” Bernardo and his opponent, Louisiana’s Mason “Rock Hard Mighty” Menard are nearing the peak of their training for their Friday, April 15, showdown on ShoBox: The New Generation.
The eight-round Bernardo vs. Menard fight will serve as the co-main event on a quadrupleheader on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
In the April 15, 10-round main event, IBF No. 10-ranked bantamweight Nikolay Potapov (14-0, 6 KOs), of Podolsk, Russia, will take on Stephon Young (14-0-2, 6 KOs), of St. Louis, Mo.. In the other televised bouts, Russian cruiserweight Alexey Zubov (10-0, 6 KOs) will face Constantin Bejenaru (10-0, 4 KOs, WSB: 0-1-1) of Mandilesti, Moldova, over eight rounds; and in the eight-round junior welterweight telecast opener, Kazakhstan’s Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, takes on also undefeated Courtney Jackson (8-0, 6 KOs) of Homestead, Fla.
Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions in association with AASHA Record Breakers are currently on sale and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. They are priced at $60 for ringside seats, $35 and $25.
The 29-year-old Bernardo (21-0, 15 KOs) of Santo Domingo, is hard at work at Hank’s Gym in Houston, with his trainer, former IBF World Middleweight Champion Frank Tate.
“I’m in great shape. I feel strong,” said Bernardo via translator. “I’ve learned so much from Frank Tate and I’m proud to be working with him. He’s a great trainer. I’m learning to throw better combinations and I’ve improved my defense, my jab, and my foot movement since we teamed up.”
Bernardo says he still doesn’t know much about opponent Menard, but isn’t worried about it. “I watched a few of his fights on YouTube, but I’m training for anything that comes my way. Everything is going to go great for me that night. It’s my ring that night and I will have my way. I will win.”
This is opportunity is a long-time coming for the 29-year-old and he says he plans on making the most of it. “I’m very excited about fighting on ShoBox and I look forward to putting on a show.  I’ve been waiting for long time for this opportunity and want to thank Dmitriy Salita for making it happen.”
The 27-year-old Menard (30-1-0, 22 KOs), from Rayne, La., is rated No. 15 by the WBA at 135 pounds.  He’s training at Red Lerille’s Health & Racquet Club in Lafayette with trainer and former fighter “Bad” Chad Broussard.
“I’ve learned how to be a better person in and out of the ring from Chad,” said Menard. “I’ve been with him for nine years. I’ve learned how to put punches together better and sit on my shots more. I’ve learned how to cut angles. I’ve learned so much from Chad.”
Menard says despite the usual aches and pain experienced in camp he is 100 percent and training is going well. The only adjustments he’s made is to bring in taller sparring partners.
“This is huge for me,” he continued. “This is the ‘get up or lay down’ type of fight. If I get up, then the sky is the limit. If I fall, then maybe it’s time to look for a job. I’m going to get in there and do what I have to do. Hopefully I get the KO, but if it goes to the scorecards, I just want the win. No matter which way it goes.”
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 isGordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
# # #
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series,ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBoxphilosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
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Badou Jack vs. Lucian Bute Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Jack vs. Bute & James DeGale vs. Rogelio Medina Doubleheader of World Title Fights Live on SHOWTIME® On Saturday, April 30
 From the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
 
Click HERE For Photos From
Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4, 2016) – WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack and former world champion Lucian Bute hosted a media roundtable on Friday night to discuss their championship showdown taking place Saturday, April 30 from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. and live on SHOWTIME.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale defending his title against top contender and Mexican brawler Rogelio Medina.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
The fighters were joined by Mayweather Promotions’ Floyd Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe, Interbox’s Pierre Duc and SHOWTIME’s Stephen Espinoza as they spoke to the media about the exciting doubleheader taking place in the nation’s capital.
Here is what the participants had to say Friday:
 
BADOU JACK
“I’ll be ready for this fight. Bute is a very tough opponent. I have to bring my ‘A’ game to win. Much respect to him, but he’s not leaving with my belt. Absolutely not. You can expect a very tough fight.
“Bute is a much, much tougher opponent that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., but I’m ready for him.
“Bute’s fight against DeGale was one of the best fights last year. That’s the only reason he got this shot. He lost, but he looked good. It was a great fight. April 30 will be another great fight. And another loss for Bute.”
LUCIAN BUTE
“This is a great opportunity for me to fight again for a title. I feel good, I started camp six weeks ago. Most importantly, I’m very healthy. Psychologically, I’m looking forward to becoming a world champion on April 30.
“I respect Badou Jack. He is a great champion, a great fighter, but on April 30, I will become a world champion again. I’m looking forward to it.
“I will be the new champion. I am very confident. I expect it to be a very tough fight, but I am coming here to win.
“I have a new team. They are changing some things in my work. My confidence is 100 percent. I’m working every day very tough and I am confident that everything will be great for April 30.”
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions
“This fight is about the best facing the best. I’ve seen Bute fight numerous times and he’s a very exciting and explosive fighter. Every time he goes out there and performs he gives 100 percent.
“Mayweather Promotions is about giving people the best and most exciting fights.
“I commend Badou Jack for the way that he carries himself. He is a true gentlemen and that is what this sport is all about. He’s going to continue to make a name for himself in this sport.”
PIERRE DUC, VP of Interbox
“We’re very thrilled about this fight. For those of you who have not been exposed to Lucian Bute before, he’s a great fighter. He’s been working extremely hard over the course of the last 6-12 months getting ready for a moment like this.
“Bute has a very long history of fighting great fights and championship wars. Lucian will be ready for this.
“Training camp is going astonishingly well. Lucian is usually more of a gentleman, so he will say he wants to do the best that he can, but I’m telling you that Lucian is going to be walking away with this belt. It’s going to be a fantastic and very exciting evening. Lucian will pull the upset on April 30.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“The one comment I will make about this event, other than to point out it features four of the best fighters in the division, is that it was quite possibly the easiest event to make out of all the events we made this spring and summer. That’s a credit to the promoters and especially a credit to all four fighters.
“We didn’t just make two fights here. We’ve got the winners of these fights fighting later in the year in a unification match. To be able to make two fights very quickly and to get everyone on board with fighting the winners in a unification match with no mess, no politics, no arguments and no hesitation is an accomplishment.
“These are four real fighters here and they were not afraid of a challenge, they didn’t hesitate at all. This is what the sport of boxing is all about. I personally can’t wait for April 30th and for a unification later in the year.”
 
#          #          #
 
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.comand www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland Fighting For Irish Boxing History

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Russell-Hyland, Pedraza-Smith Twin World Title Fights
Saturday, April 16 Live On SHOWTIME®
 
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (April 4, 2016) – Always tough Patrick “Punisher” Hyland (31-1, 15 KOs) will be fighting for Irish boxing history Saturday, April 16 as he challenges WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) in the 12-round main event, airing live on SHOWTIME from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast kicks off at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with undefeated IBF Super Lightweight World Champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (21-0, 12 KOs), of Cidra, Puerto Rico, defending against mandatory challenger Stephen “Swifty” Smith (23-1, 13 KOs), fighting out of the United Kingdom.
Hyland is on the verge of joining a pair of exclusive Irish boxing clubs. The 32-year-old from Dublin is attempting to become the first Irishman to be world featherweight champion in 30 years, since Hall-of-Famer Barry “The Clones Cyclone” McGuigan, in addition to being only the second Irishman – Wayne “The Pocket Rocket” McCullough stands alone right now– to ever wear the coveted green WBC world title belt.
McGuigan (32-3, 28 KOs), fighting out of Clones, captured the WBA Featherweight Title in 1985, taking a 12-round decision from Eusebio Pedroza, and he successfully defended his crown twice against Bernard Taylor and Danilio Cabrera before losing by decision to Steve Cruz in 1986.
The only other Ireland-born world featherweight titlist was Dave Sullivan (27-12-7, 18 KOs), who was born in Knocknanaff, County Cork, Ireland, but fought professionally out of Boston, Mass. In 1898, Sullivan stopped Solly Smith in the fifth round to become world featherweight champion.
Belfast, Northern Ireland-product McCullough (27-7, 18 KOs), who was the WBC Bantamweight Champion in 1995-97, is the lone Irishman to ever be WBC World Champion in any weight class.
“Just to be fighting for this title is an honor for me and to challenge a great champion in Gary Russell, Jr. is also an honor,” Hyland said from his training camp at Celtic Warrior Gym in Dublin. “To join great Irish boxing names is a dream come true for me. It will also mean the world to me to win this belt for my and family and, most importantly, for my (late) dad, for all the hard work he put into me and my two brothers since I was eight years old.  To look up and say, ‘Dad, we did it,’ will be the best feeling in the world.”
Hyland has fought 10 times in the United States, including a 12-round loss to interim WBA featherweight champion Javier Fortuna in 2012.  Hyland lived in Marlboro, New York for a few years when he was promoted by a company headed by then reality television star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi.
“I love fighting in the United States,” Hyland added. “There’s always a great atmosphere at fights there and the US is the real home of boxing.  Snooki Boxing didn’t work out as planned, but they did a great job getting me the WBA title shot which was a great achievement in their first year in boxing. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out after that fight, but I do have great respect for them. I met friends for life from Marlboro who I consider family and they’ll be at my fight as always.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $90 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. The Pedraza vs. Smith bout is promoted in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Matchroom Boxing.
For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @PajPunisher, @Sniper_Pedraza, @SwiftySmith, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.