Lördag, April 13 from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City Headlined by Shields vs. Hammer Battle for Undisputed Middleweight Championship Live on SHOWTIME®
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Mars 26, 2019) – Undercard action on Saturday, April 13 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City will feature an exciting lineup, including a women’s featherweight world title matchup and unbeaten prospects stepping in the ring, leading up to the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader headlined by the Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer showdown for the undisputed 160-pound world championship.
The undercard lineup is highlighted by unbeaten RussianHelen trädgårdsmästare (9-0, 2 Kos) vying for her first world title when she takes on former two-time title challengerBrenda Karen Carabajal(15-4-1, 9 Kos) for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Championship.
“Women’s boxing is experiencing monumental growth throughout the world and as part of this historic night, we wanted to showcase top talent in significant fights,” sa Dmitriy Salita, VD för Salita Promotions. “I am delighted to feature two top contenders fighting for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title as highly-regarded and unbeaten Russian fighter Elena Gradinar and longtime Argentinian contender Karen Carbajal will battle to become champion. Top to bottom, April 13 will be a memorable night for boxing fans around the world.”
In super flyweight action, 23-year-old Detroit-nativeJa’Rico O’Quinn(11-0, 8 Kos) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round fight against Northfield, Minnesota’sVicente Alfaro Martinez (9-4, 3 Kos).
Biljetter för live-event, som främjas av Salita kampanjer, är prissatta på $150, $100, $55 och $35 och finns det erbjudanden nu. Biljetter kan köpas via Ticketmaster och på boardwalkhall.com.
The action will also include former heavyweight title challengerSamuel Peter (37-6, 30 Kos) ta på Mexikos Mario Heredia (15-6-1, 13 Kos) in an eight-round matchup andJesse Angel Hernandez(12-2, 7 Kos) of Fort Worth, Texas stepping in for an eight round super bantamweight contest against New Jersey’sEdgar Joe Cortes(6-4-1). Flinta, Michigan-nativeDarrion Lawsonwill look for his second pro win in as many fights when he facesSaul Almeida i en super mellanvikt bout.
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OM SHIELDS vs. HAMMARE Shields vs. Hammer kommer att släppa obesegrade medelviktvärldsmästare Claressa Shields och Christina Hammer mot varandra i en kamp för att krona den obestridda världsmästaren på 160 pund, i vad som är den mest betydelsefulla kvinnors boxningshändelse i historien. Samfunktionen kommer att pitera Jermaine Franklin tar Rydell Booker i en spännande 10-runda tungviktstävling och i telecast-öppnare, tungviktare Otto Wallin och Nick Kisner kommer att kämpa i 10-runda kollision. SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader sänds live på SHOWTIME kl 9 p.m. ET / PT från Boardwalk Hall i Atlantic City, N.J.
“Every man I’ve faced; they’ve landed on the canvas. I’m going to continue to do that on May 18,” – Wilder
“I’m sick of seeing this guy walking around with his belt. I’m going to put him down,” – Breazeale
WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder Defends His Title Against Mandatory Challenger Dominic Breazeale on Saturday, Maj 18 Live på SHOWTIME®Från Barclays Center i Brooklyn
Klicka HÄR för foton från Amanda Westcott / SHOWTIME
BROOKLYN (Mars 19, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay “Brons Bomber” Wilder and mandatory challengerDominic “Problem” Breazeale went face-to-face Tuesday at a heated press conference to officially announce their heavyweight title showdown taking place Saturday, Maj 18 leva på Showtime från Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Tickets for this BombZquad event go on sale Friday, Mars 22 vid 10 a.m. ET och kan köpas på ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, eller genom att ringa 800-745-3000. början lördag, Mars 23 vid 12 p.m. OCH, tickets can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Grupprabatter finns genom att ringa 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from Barclays Center:
Deontay Wilder
“It’s a pleasure to be back here in Brooklyn. Barclays Center is very close to my heart. I’ve been here so many times and I have a real connection to this arena. I’ve had some of my most memorable moments in the ring here.
“It’s always great to get a mandatory out of the way. They’re like flies buzzing in my ear. I just want to get them out of the way so I can do great things for the heavyweight division. I want one champion, one face, one name, but you need a lot of cooperation to make that happen.
“I want to prove to the world that I’m the best. That’s what I believe in my heart. Until someone proves me wrong, I will continue to believe that. Breazeale is the next man in line. I can’t wait for this one.
“I’m just going to show everyone on May 18. The way I feel right now, the fight could be this week. The champion must always be ready for whatever a challenger can bring.
“I hope he’s training his hardest. I’m glad he has Virgil Hunter on his side to show him something new. Every man I’ve faced; they’ve landed on the canvas. I’m going to continue to do that on May 18.
“No man who gets in the ring will be able to defeat Deontay Wilder. I hold the keys to the heavyweight division. No fighter is doing what I’m doing. I’m trying to give the fans something they’ve never seen before.
“Enjoy this one, because it’s going to be a massacre. Maj 18 will be a beautiful day for me and a beautiful day to see what I’m planning to do for the sport of boxing.”
DOMINIC Breazeale
“I’m super excited for this. I’ve been waiting over a year and a half for a shot at this title. I’ve got three knockouts here at Barclays Center and I can’t wait for another.
“I’m a great fighter but there are always things to be learned. I’ve learned a lot already with Virgil Hunter. I bring something that everyone wants to see from heavyweights, and that’s trouble. I’m going to bring pressure and action.
“I’m sick of seeing this guy walking around with his belt. I’m going to put him down. People are going to be rising to their feet when I knock him down.
“I’m so excited to get this fight. I’ve been on Deontay’s undercards and I steal the show every time. Deontay does nothing right in the ring. He looks like a circus-act. All he does is talk. But there’s nothing he can say on May 18.
“Deontay loves to hear his own voice. All he does is talk and talk. It’s time to get in the ring. Nobody can get in there and save him. It’s just me and him. Leather on leather. We’ll see who lands first. Hopefully he gets off the canvas.”
VIRGIL HUNTER, Breazeale’s Trainer
“It’s a pleasure to be here at Barclays Center for a heavyweight championship fight. We have a monumental task to try to overcome. Dominic and I connected last month and after a few workouts, we saw we had a good fit and an understanding of what needs to be done.
“Dominic works hard, he’s very determined and he knows that this is his opportunity and he can’t let it slip away from him. He also knows the risk at hand. We’re looking forward to May 18.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & händelse Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
“We are thrilled to be bringing you Deontay Wilder vs. Dominic Breazeale on SHOWTIME. It would be an understatement to say that there has been a lot of speculation regarding Deontay’s future. We’re proud to have him on SHOWTIME. It was critical for Deontay, for the sport and his fans, that this fight be available not on pay-per-view, but on SHOWTIME. Because of his insistence, that’s the primary reason we’re standing here today.
“SHOWTIME is where this fight belongs. We’re the home of the biggest fights and best talents, month in and month out. This is where a heavyweight title fight belongs. This will be Deontay’s 12thappearance on SHOWTIME and or SHOWTIME PPV and we’ve built something special.
“Recently ESPN named its World Fame 100, which lists the most talked about athletes in the world. Deontay is ranked 34, two slots behind Tom Brady and higher than any other active boxer in the sport. He’s a bonafide superstar, there is no question.
“Dominic Breazeale is big, stark, experienced and powerful. Above all, he’s motivated. It’s no secret that there is a personal rivalry between these two fighters. This will not be a friendly promotion. There is genuine animosity. This is a premium fight and this is the heavyweight championship on May 18 live on SHOWTIME.”
Claressa Shields och Christina Hammer träffas SHOWTIME BOXNING: SPECIALUTGÅVA® Main Event Till Crown obestridda kvinnors medelviktmästare
NEW YORK – Mars 7, 2019 – Två obesegrade utsikter för tungvikt kommer att sätta sina obemärktade rekord på linjen när de kämpar i separata anfall på lördag, April 13 bor på SHOWTIME från Boardwalk Hall i Atlantic City, N.J på underkortet av den banbrytande händelsen Claressa Shields-Christina Hammer. De bästa amerikanska tungviktsutsikterna Jermaine Franklin kommer att ta på sig tidigare nr. 1-rang U.S.. amatör Rydell Booker i den 10-runda medföljande anfallen medan obesegrad svensk tungvikt Otto Wallin kommer att slåss mot mycket dekorerad amatör Nick Kisner i en 10-runda kollision som öppnar SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader kl 9 p.m. ET / PT.
I main event, obesegrade medelviktvärldsmästare Shields och Hammer möts för att krona kvinnornas obestridda världskampmästare på 160 pund i det som utan tvekan är den viktigaste kvinnors boxningsevenemang i historien.
Biljetter för live-event, som främjas av Salita kampanjer, är prissatta på $150, $100, $55 och $35 och finns det erbjudanden nu. Biljetter kan köpas via Ticketmaster och på boardwalkhall.com.
“Tungvikt-divisionen är lika begåvad och spännande som någonsin,och vi är glada över att lägga till två obesegrade krigare till april 13 telecast,” nämnda promotor Dmitriy Salita. “Vi har de bästa amerikanska tungviktsutsikterna i Jermaine Franklin och en av de bästa europeiska tungviktare i Otto Wallin. Dessa slagsmål kommer att vara enorma ledningar till de historiska Shields vs. Hammer huvudevenemang och kommer att skapa en natt att komma ihåg för boxfans över hela världen.”
Den 25-åriga Franklin (17-0, 13 Kos), från Saginaw, Mich., är en tidigare amatörsutställning och en 2014 National Golden Gloves Champion. En trolig kandidat för att företräda U.S.. vid 2016 OLYMPISKA SPELEN, Franklin avslog möjligheten att tävla om en plats i laget och valde istället att börja sin professionella karriär i 2015. Allmänt betraktas som den bästa amerikanska tungvikt utsikterna, Franklin har byggt sin obesegrade skiva relativt lätt sedan han blev proffs, slog ut nio av hans första 10 professionella motståndare. Kommer från ett snedigt beslut om tio omgångar över Craig Lewis i juli, Franklin strävar efter att fortsätta röra sig upp i den återupptagande tungviktdivisionen i 2019 och positionera sig för ett titelskott.
“Jag kan inte vänta – Jag är redo att visa att jag är den nya mannen i tungviktdivisionen,” Said Franklin. “Rydell är en bra fighter men han är i vägen för mitt mål att vinna tungviktens världstitel. April 13 kommer att vara mitt kommande parti och jag är väldigt hedrad att ha denna möjlighet på SHOWTIME.”
Booker (25-1, 12 Kos), från Detroit, Mich., är en före detta nr 1-rankad U.S.. amatör som en gång var en stigande tungvikt utsikterna med en 22-0 post. Han led sitt ensamma nederlag mot den tidigare tre-divisionsvärldsmästaren James Toney, som kom ut vinner över Vassiliy Jirov och Evander Holyfield, i 2004. Efter att ha avslutat 12 års fängelse, Booker har återvänt till ringen för att få sitt liv tillbaka på rätt spår och uppfylla sina en gång lovande förväntningar, registrerar tre enhälliga beslutsseger i 2018 under ledning av före detta världsmästaren Jimmy Paul.
“Det betyder mycket att ha denna möjlighet att slåss på SHOWTIME,” sa den 38-åriga Booker, som sparrade med tungviktens världsmästare Anthony Joshua som förberedelse för sin september 2018 anfall med Alexander Povetkin. “Jag är redo att visa mina talanger på en nationell scen så att alla kommer att veta vem Rydell Booker återigen är. Jag tycker att Jermaine Franklin är en ganska bra fighter men han har aldrig kämpat någon med min erfarenhet, kunskap i ringen eller min ringkyndiga. Jag kommer att lära honom några nya lektioner i april 13. Jag har en väska full av godsaker och knep till mitt förfogande som jag kommer att lära denna unga piskersnabbare.”
Wallin (20-0, 13 Kos), som kommer att göra sin US. debut, vände pro i 2013 och har gradvis stigit i rankningen genom inspelning 20 segrar i rad. Den 28-åriga Southpaw, som ursprungligen spelade ishockey och fotboll i sitt hemland innan han hittade den söta vetenskapen, vann Svenska Boxmästerskapet vid 16-åringen, kämpade mot Joshua två gånger som amatör och var medlem i Swedish National Boxing Team. För närvarande rankat nr. 5 av både WBA och IBF, Wallin vann senast ett enhälligt beslut i 12 omgångar över Adrian Granat i april 2018 och har nu blivit inriktade på att bli hans lands första tungviktmästare sedan Ingemar Johansson i 1960.
“Jag är väldigt upphetsad över att göra mina USA. debut på SHOWTIME,” sa Wallin, som har tillbringat de senaste två åren för att bedriva träningsläger i New York med sin tränare och före detta två-divisionsmästare Joey Gamache. “Att slåss på ett så stort kort är väldigt inspirerande. Jag har drömt om det här ögonblicket sedan jag började boxas i en ålder av 15. Jag kommer att få en bra prestation i april 13 och presentera mig för de amerikanska fansen. Jag kommer att vara ett steg närmare mitt mål att vinna tungviktens världstitel. Som jag har sagt tidigare, Jag är ett barn från en liten stad i Sverige och jag är stolt över var jag är ifrån och vad jag hittills har uppnått, men jag känner att det här är när allt roligt börjar.”
Den 28-åriga Kisner (21-4-1, 6 Kos) har tävlat på både kryssningsvikt och tungvikt sedan han blev professionell 2010 efter en framgångsrik amatörkarriär. Bland Kisners många amatörigenkänningar, Baltimore, Md. infödda var en tre gånger National Silver Gloves Champion, två gånger Junior National Golden Gloves Champion och Ringside World Champion. Han skiljer sig från att vara den yngsta boxaren i amerikansk historia någonsin som vann en Men's National-titel i tungviktdivisionen på 17 år gammal. As a pro, tre av Kisners fyra förluster har kommit mot motståndare som skrytt med en obesegrad rekord på kampkvällen. I sin sista match, Kisner försvarade sin WBA U.S.. kryssningsviktstitel med majoritetsbeslut över Scott Sigmon.
“Jag har drömt hela mitt liv om en dag att slåss på nationell TV och nu när tiden är här, Jag kommer att få ut det mesta,” sa Kisner. “Wallin är väldigt bra men jag kommer att bevisa att jag är en av de bästa tungviktarna på planeten. Jag har bevisat min förmåga att slå de bästa i världen på både amatör- och proffsnivå och jag kommer att göra det igen den 13 april.”
Barry Tompkins kommer att kalla SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION action från ringside med boxningshistorikern Steve Farhood och före detta världsmästaren Raul Marquez som tjänar som expertanalytiker. Den verkställande tillverkaren av SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION är Gordon Hall med Richard Gaughan producerande och Rick Phillips regi.
Heavyweight Slugger Luis Ortiz Earns Unanimous Decision Over Christian Hammer
Eduardo Ramirez Scores Ninth-Round TKO of Bryan De Gracia I telecast Öppnare Se Encore-presentationen måndag kl 10 P.m. ET / PT På SHOWTIME EXTREME® Klicka HÄR för foton från Stephanie Trapp / Showtime & HÄR för foton från Tom Casino / SHOWTIME
BROOKLYN (Mars 3, 2019) – Former 154-pound world championErislandy Laraand WBA Super Welterweight ChampionBrian Brownfought to a highly competitive split-draw Saturday at Barclays Center, hemmet till BROOKLYN BOXING ™, i ett evenemang som presenteras av Premier Boxing Champions. With the draw, Castaño retains the WBA belt in what was the toughest test of his career against the longtime top 154-pounder in Lara. The judges scored the fight 115-113 (Castaño), 115-113 (Lara) och 114-114.
Castaño (15-0-1, 11 Kos), who was fighting in his first U.S. main event, held a large advantage in power connects (181-103) while Lara (25-3-3, 14 Kos) found success landing his left hand down the middle on his way to a 34 percent to 27 percent advantage in power accuracy.
In the close, difficult-to-score fight, five of the rounds were separated by three or fewer connects and three of those rounds favored Lara. In the final two rounds, Castaño ramped up the pressure and connected on 44 stansar, while Lara landed only 24 punches across the championship rounds. Castaño won the final three rounds on all three judges’ scorecards. Without doing so, the Argentine would have lost his belt.
After the hotly contested fight, both fighters have options, including a rematch, in the talent-rich super welterweight division.
“I know I won the fight. I feel I was robbed,” a disappointed Castaño told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray. “If he wants the rematch, I’ll give him the rematch. I waited for him this time so I can wait for him again if he wants the rematch. I would give him the rematch if he wants. I can also go ahead and fight any other champion that wants to fight me. I’m ready for whoever they put in front of me. Hurd or anyone else.”
Lara, å andra sidan, felt he did enough to claim the belt: “I thought I won the fight by landing the more accurate and effective punches. Castaño came to fight but he never hurt me and I hurt him. All I can do is give the fans great fights and that’s what I’ll continue to do. I have a lot of fight left in me and I’m not going anywhere.
“If we have to fight him again, I’ll fight him. Hurd or Castaño. Anybody, I’ll have the rematch with both.”
I co-funktionen, Cuban heavyweight sluggerLuis Ortiz (31-1, 26 Kos) earned a unanimous decision victory over a gameChristian Hammer (24-6, 14 Kos). Although the judges scored the fight 100-90 och 99-91 två gånger, both men fought through bloody noses at different points in the fight and both were stunned in a back-and-forth second round.
Ortiz, who earned his third consecutive victory since dropping a thrilling slugfest with WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder one year ago, is now looking for another world title shot.
“The fight wasn’t what I was expecting,” said Ortiz. “It was a hard fight and my corner really had to work with me. After I got the rhythm, I heated up a little bit. Every heavyweight out there should know that I still have it at 40-years-old. Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Jag är redo. "
Although Hammer fought with more energy and with more resolve than in previous fights with other top-tier heavyweights Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin, Ortiz used his superior technique and skills to eventually cruise to the lopsided decision. Ortiz averaged 45 jabs thrown per round and landed 61 jabs to just 20 for Hammer, while also connecting on 49 procent av hans makt slag. Ortiz made a conscious effort to attack Hammer’s body with 33.6% of his total connects (45 av 140) coming via body shots.
“I fought a fight that I hadn’t for years, which is box and work,” said Ortiz. “So I’m not disappointed I didn’t knock him out because I showed some of my boxing skills tonight.”
“Ortiz is a very good and experienced fighter,” said the 31-year-old Hammer, who was making his American debut. “He’s technical and smart but he’s not as intimidating as people say he is. I respect Ortiz but I don’t think he’s the best fighter I’ve ever faced.
“I’m very confident going forward. I know that I can go the distance with anyone and I’m willing to fight anyone. People thought I’d get knocked out but I proved them wrong.”
I telecast-öppnaren, Eduardo Ramirez (22-1-3, 9 Kos) caughtBryan De Gracia (24-2-1, 20 Kos) with a vicious right uppercut in the ninth, stunning his opponent and suddenly breaking open a close fight. Ramirez pounced on the dazed De Gracia and unleashed a wave of punches which forced referee Benjy Esteves to call the fight at 2:10 of round nine.
The southpaw Ramirez, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexiko, was trailing on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage according to two out of three judges (the third had it even). Ramirez, known to grow stronger in the later rounds, connected on 36 punches in round number nine, by far his highest connect total on the night. Although De Gracia was the more aggressive fighter, the Panamanian failed to consistently land punches. De Gracia was accurate on just 27 procent av hans makt slag, while Ramirez landed 38 procent av den.
“I definitely knew it was close but my corner kept telling me to keep going and going, and that’s when I caught him,” said Ramirez, who was fighting with a heavy heart following the passing of his grandfather. “I didn’t just come here to fight. I came here to do something and I did it.”
Med segern, Ramirez is now in line to face WBA (Regular) Featherweight World Champion Can Xu and will be looking to challenge for a world title fight in the deep featherweight division.
In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN action that streamed live on theSHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page, Edwin Rodriguez (31-2, 20 Kos) won a 10-round cruiserweight fight via unanimous decision overMitch Williams(16-7-3, 11 Kos) med massor av 96-94 två gånger och 98-92. Coverage on social media also sawAntonio Russell (13-0, 11 Kos), younger brother of WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr., stopJose Maria Cardenas(16-4, 13 Kos) 22 seconds into the sixth round of their bantamweight fight. In the opening bout of the digital presentation, Leduan Barthelemy (14-0-1, 7 Kos) remained unbeaten with a unanimous decision overMiguel Angel Aispuro(11-7-2, 7 Kos) med massor av 80-72 två gånger och 79-73 in their eight-round super featherweight attraction.
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För mer information besök www.SHO.com/Sports , www.PremierBoxingChampions.com , följ på Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, TGBPromotions, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing . The event was promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment.
First-Ever Boxing Game for the Expanding Sports Entertainment Platform, Exclusive to SHOWTIME Sports, Debuts for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Event BOSTON (Februari 28, 2019) – DraftKings Inc. and SHOWTIME Sports today announced a collaboration that will combine forces to immerse boxing fans in the sport they love through a custom Pick ‘Em style game exclusive to SHOWTIME Sports that debuts with this Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event on March 2nd.
This new Pick ‘Em style game asks players to choose the winner of each televised fight, determine the method of victory and predict when the bout will end for all SHOWTIME boxing events including SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, ShoBox: Den nya generationen®, SHOWTIME Boxing: Special Edition and SHOWTIME PPV®. Players will be awarded points based on the number of correct predictions in each boxing match. Prizing for individual fight cards includes $5,000 in winnings with each of the top-five finalists receiving a SHOWTIME Boxing prize pack. Dessutom, the overall 2019 Pick ‘Em winner will be awarded a free trip to every 2020 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® event.
“Our alignment with SHOWTIME Sports is another prime example of our endless efforts to innovate and satisfy our customers with the most comprehensive sports offerings possible,” said Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer at DraftKings. “Boxing draws edge-of-the-seat fans with incredible passion and engagement with the sport, and this collaboration will further our ability to best connect with our burgeoning player community.”
“This unique collaboration with DraftKings delivers an entertaining companion experience for viewers and provides a year-long connection to all SHOWTIME boxing events,"Sade Stephen Espinoza, President Sports & händelse Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “We’re excited to align with a leading sports-tech entertainment brand in the U.S. as SHOWTIME Sports continues to deliver fresh and innovative ways for fans to enjoy the best that boxing has to offer.”
Boxing is among the most storied and popular sports in the world with a passionate fan base, both domestically and internationally. Viewership trends for televised combat sports spectacles have been consistently impressive in recent years, with boxing accounting for the top selling pay-per-view television events in history. To serve this large and growing fanbase, DraftKings and SHOWTIME Sports are reshaping the fan sports entertainment experience through a creative collaboration, which will include custom fantasy games and other gaming innovations.
This Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event will be the first opportunity for fans to play this Pick ‘Em style game. Saturday’s three-fight telecast is headlined by former world champion Erislandy Lara challenging undefeated WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castaño plus the return of heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz.
# # # About DraftKings DraftKings is a global sports technology and entertainment company that believes life is more fun with skin in the game. Its mission is to bring fans closer to the games they love via a unique combination of daily fantasy sports, sports betting and media platforms that, combined, deliver “The Game Inside The Game.” Grundad år 2012 by Matt Kalish, Paul Liberman and Jason Robins, DraftKings is headquartered in Boston, MA, and offers daily fantasy sports contests across 11 professional sports in 8 countries including the U.S., Kanada, U.K and Australia. Operating pursuant to state regulations in New Jersey and Mississippi, DraftKings Sportsbook mobile and retail, allows players in the state to engage in betting for major U.S. and international sports.
About SHOWTIME Sports Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, äger och driver premium-tv-nätverket SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ och FLIX®, och erbjuder även SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND och FLIX ON DEMAND®, och nätverkets autentiseringstjänst SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., ett helägt dotterbolag till SNI, driver den fristående streamingtjänsten SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME är för närvarande tillgängligt för abonnenter via kabel, DBS, och telekomleverantörer, och som en fristående streamingtjänst via Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TV-apparater, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TV-apparater och Xbox One. Konsumenter kan också prenumerera på SHOWTIME via Amazons Prime Video Channels, DirecTV nu, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI förvaltar också Smithsonian Networks ™, ett joint venture mellan SNI och Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™ and Smithsonian Channel Plus™. SNI marknadsför och distribuerar sport och underhållningsevenemang för utställning till abonnenter på en pay-per-view basis genom SHOWTIME PPV. För mer information, gå till www.SHO.com.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN Begins Live at 6:30 p.m. OCH / 3:30 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page
BROOKLYN (Februari 27, 2019) – SHOWTIME Sports will provide live streaming coverage of three undercard fights on the network’s social media platforms as part ofSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWNbörjar vid 6:30 p.m. OCH / 3:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, Mars 2 från Barclays Center, hemmet till BROOKLYN BOXING ™, och presenteras av Premier Boxing Champions.
Streaming action will see hard-hitting contenderEdwin Rodriguez slåss Mitch Williamsin a 10-round cruiserweight fight, unbeaten prospectAntonio Russell square off against Mexico’sJose Maria Cardenasin an eight-round bantamweight showdown andLeduan Barthelemy step in for an eight-round super featherweight matchup with Mexico’sMiguel Angel Aispuro,
The social media presentation will stream on theSHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel och SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook-sidaleading up to the evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event. The three-fight SHOWTIME telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Erislandy Lara challenging undefeated WBA Super Welterweight Champion BrianCastaño.
Biljetter till evenemanget, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased atticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com, eller genom att ringa 800-745-3000. Biljetter kan också köpas på American Express Box Office i Barclays Center. Grupprabatter finns genom att ringa 844-BKLYN-GP.
Rodriguez (30-2, 20 Kos) has demonstrated his power-punching ability throughout numerous memorable contests in his career. The 33-year-old was born in Moca, Dominican Republic before moving to Worcester, Massachusetts. In his last fight he scored a unanimous decision over Lionell Thompson last February. He will battle Jackson, Michigan’s Williams (16-6-3, 11 Kos) who most recently scored a stoppage victory over Michael Sunkett in December.
Antonio Russell (12-0, 10 Kos) sits between Antuanne and WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell in the lineage of the Russell family dynasty, and will look to remain unbeaten when he steps into the ring March 2. The 26-year-old scored two knockout victories in 2018 and has stopped his last five opponents from lasting the distance. He will be opposed by the 22-year-old Cardenas (16-3, 13 Kos) from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexiko.
The younger brother of two-division champion Rances and Olympic gold medalist Yan, Barthelemy (13-0-1, 7 Kos) most recently fought to a split draw against then-unbeaten Eduardo Ramirez in September 2017. The 29-year-old from Cuba now lives and trains in Las Vegas and adds another top Cuban fighter to a card already including Lara and heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz. He prepares to take on the 28-year-old Aispuro (11-6-2, 7 Kos), who enters this contest with a three-fight winning streak.
Non-televised action will feature 2016 Haitian Olympian and Brooklyn-nativeRichardson Hitchins (7-0, 3 Kos) taking on Nicaragua’sDavid Morales(13-9, 13 Kos) in an eight-round super lightweight showdown, obesegrad superlättaTyrek Irby(6-0, 2 Kos) facing Kenya’sDennis Okoth(2-1-1) for six rounds of action and unbeatenAaron Anderson(3-0, 3 Kos)in a four-round middleweight fight against Atlanta’sChukka Willis(4-9, 2 Kos).
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ABOUT LARA VS. CASTAÑO Erislandy Lara vs. Brian Castaño pits former super welterweight world champion Lara against the WBA Super Welterweight Champion Castaño on Saturday, Mars 2 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from Barclays Center, hemmet till BROOKLYN BOXING ™, och presenteras av Premier Boxing Champions.
SHOWTIME coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and will see Cuban heavyweight contenderLuis Ortiz ta på sig Christian Hammer i en 10-runda tungvikt attraktion, plus hard-hittingBryan De Graciabattling rugged veteranEduardo Ramirezin a 12-round featherweight clash that opens the telecast.
Middleweight Champions Shields & Hammer Battle for Undisputed Women’s Middleweight World ChampionshipSaturday, April 13 Live på SHOWTIME®from Boardwalk Hall i Atlantic City
Showtime Sports®Announces Two-PartALL ACCESS: SHIELDS vs. HAMMARE with Installments on Social Media Platforms March 29 and April 5
Tickets For Live Event on Sale This Friday, Mars 1 vid 11 a.m. OCH!
Klicka HÄR för foton från Stephanie Trapp / Showtime
Klicka HÄRfor Photos from Marilyn Paulino/Salita Promotions
NEW YORK (Februari 26, 2019) – Two undefeated middleweight champions went face-to-face Tuesday asClaressa Shields och Christina Hammer met in New York at a press conference ahead of their battle for the undisputed women’s middleweight championship Saturday, April 13 bor på SHOWTIME från Boardwalk Hall i Atlantic City, N.J.
Den SHOWTIME BOXNING: SPECIALUTGÅVA börjar vid 9 p.m. ET/PT and will feature a long-awaited unification in what is arguably the most significant event in women’s boxing history. In addition to world titles from all four sanctioning bodies, this fight will be for the Ring Magazine Women’s Middleweight Championship, the first time a Ring divisional title has been at stake in a women’s boxing match.
Biljetter för live-event, som främjas av Salita kampanjer, är prissatta på $150, $100, $55 och $35 and are on sale Friday, Mars 1 vid 11 a.m. OCH. Biljetter kan köpas via Ticketmaster och på boardwalkhall.com. Pre-sale tickets are available now at the linkHÄRby using the code BOXING.
Also on Tuesday, SHOWTIME Sports announced that it will chronicle the buildup to Shields vs. Hammer with a two-part digital installment of the Sports Emmy®Award winning programingALL ACCESS. ALL ACCESS: SHIELDS vs. HAMMARE will premiere on March 29 with the second installment on April 5 on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and take viewers into the training camps of both champions. Cameras will be embedded with Shields at the U.S. Olympic Training Center i Colorado Springs, Colo., and with Hammer in the town of Seefeld in the Austrian Alps as the undefeated rivals prepare for the most significant fight of their careers.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan:
“This has been long overdue. I’m just glad that Hammer is here and the fight is set. She’s been at my fights before but I can’t wait to get inside the ring and show her I’m the real champion.
“I’ve traveled to many different countries and dethroned champions around the world. Vid slutet av dagen, I’m coming to fight and I recognize that she’s a great champion. To be a champion for all those years shows that she’s a good fighter. But I also look at resumes, and her resume is not as good as mine.
“I’m not someone coming to lay down. I’m not afraid of her. You don’t win belts by talking. You have to fight. I said two years ago I want to fight Christina Hammer in my seventh fight. It would have been if it weren’t for her medical issue. But now we’re here and ready for April 13.
“April 13 you’re going to see someone fold. Jag lovar dig, it will not be me. Make sure you all tune-in.
“I think for women’s boxing this is a true super fight that we’ve never gotten before. We’ve never had a fight like this in women’s boxing. It’s great to make this happen and us being from two parts of the world makes this fight even better.
“She’s not the tallest girl I’ve ever fought. I’m stronger than her and I know it. I got up from a knockdown and won. She can’t do that. I don’t believe she knows how to fight on the inside, but she better learn.
“I want to make her quit. I don’t want her to just know I’m a good fighter, I want her to know I’m great. I wish we could go 12 rundor, but I’ll be prepared for all 10 rounds.”
CHRISTINA HAMMER
“I’m very glad to be here and make this fight happen. I’m looking forward to April 13. I want to show the world who I am.
“This is a big risk to come from Germany to the U.S., but I believe the best should fight the best and I did what I had to so that this could happen. This fight can be a game changer for our sport.
“I will give everything to step out of the ring as a winner. I know Claressa Shields is also a great champion. She’s undefeated like me and that’s why people want to see the fight and that’s why we made it happen.
“I want to thank everyone who made this fight a reality and brought us to this stage. It’s huge for me to be here in New York and I am looking to win on April 13.
“This fight is the real deal. This is going to be a game changer for women’s boxing. I think we’re going to inspire a lot of female athletes who want to live their dream. It’s motivation for everyone.
“I’ve had the title for a long time. I always push myself. This is the fight I wanted to show everyone who is the best. I will be the undisputed champion.
“Shields is beatable. Hanna Gabriels caught her in the first round of their fight and I am taller and stronger than Gabriels. I want to finish the job if I get the chance.
“Allt kan hända i boxning. I’m prepared to go the distance. Knockout is the goal but most importantly, I want to win.”
DMITRIY SALITA, VD för Salita Promotions
“I’m honored to bring to the fans the first super fight in women’s boxing history. A lot of questions surround this fight. Will this be a classic like Leonard vs. Hearns, where the gold medalist handles the experienced pro, or like Mosley vs. De La Hoya, where the boxing pro took the gold medalist down. This fight is going to be for all of the belts and this recognizes the true value and impact of this fight.
“Christina Hammer has been a world champion for over nine years and has won titles in two divisions. She’s charismatic and a superstar in Germany and Europe. As a champion that she is, she’s traveling to the other side of the world to prove that she’s the best.
“Claressa made the Olympic team when she was 17 år gammal, winning our only boxing medal at the 2012 Olympiska spel. She’s the only boxer in U.S. history to win two Olympic gold medals in boxing. She’s had a very impressive pro career, beating world champions and top contenders in all her fights. She’s on her journey to be the best and this fight is a big step toward cementing herself as the GWOAT (greatest woman of all time).
“This is going to be a historic night of boxing. If you watch this fight live and in-person, you will want to hold onto your ticket as a memento.”
MARK TAFFET, Claressa Shields’ Chef
“The media support for this fight is outstanding. This is a very special time. This fight is one of the most significant fights I’ve worked on in my career, because of the place it will hold in history.
“Two years ago I met Claressa Shields and we discussed her turning pro. We made a list of dreams and I promised Claressa I would do everything in my power to fulfill every one of them. We’ve had a wonderful journey together. One of those dreams was to make this undisputed championship fight happen. We’re going to keep making dreams happen.”
TOM LOEFFLER, Christina Hammer’s Advisor
“Without the fighters wanting this fight, events like this wouldn’t happen. Christina Hammer wants this challenge and she wants to prove she’s the best middleweight champion out there.
“These two fighters can be an example for a lot of male boxers. These are two undefeated fighters in their prime putting it all on the line to show who is the best. You don’t see that very often these days.
“This is going to be a fun promotion. This is a fight that’s a real 50-50 slagsmål. Claressa will be coming forward with her style and tenacity, going up against Christina’s experience. It’s for all the marbles”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & händelse Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
“Let’s get one thing straight here. This isn’t just an important women’s fight. This isn’t just a high-quality women’s boxing match. This is a high-quality boxing match. This is an important fight. So certainly we have two very skilled women, we’re not going to ignore that fact. But this is one of the best fights that can be made in this sport. Two pound-for-pound boxers, den bästa slåss bäst. If you are not interested in this fight, then candidly, you are not a boxing fan. This is as good as this sport gets.
“We at SHOWTIME have a long history showcasing the best in women’s boxing and MMA. Names like Laila Ali, Christy Martin, Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Gina Carano, Cris Cyborg.; those are all fighters who made their debuts and that became stars on SHOWTIME. This has been a long-time commitment.
“The first nationally televised women’s MMA event was on SHOWTIME. The first domestic televised MMA women’s main event was on SHOWTIME. The first women’s boxing match that was nationally televised was on SHOWTIME. The first women’s main event boxing bout was also on SHOWTIME, and that obviously was Claressa just a couple of years ago.
“So here on this stage you’ve got two of the most elite athletes in the sport. Not two of the elite women’s fighters in the sport, but two of the elite athletes within this sport. Two-time gold medalist, the only American to do that consecutively, and a two-belt world champion versus a longtime middleweight champion who has dominated this division for nearly a decade.
“This is one of the best fights that can be made in the entire sport. We have two of the elite athletes in boxing and they are deserving of having everything that comes with a marquee event on SHOWTIME, including our Emmy Award-winning All Access series.”
JIM WYNKOOP, General Manager, Boardwalk Hall
“We are so excited to have this great fight coming to Boardwalk Hall. It will be our first championship fight in several years and we can’t wait.
“There is a huge history of boxing at Boardwalk hall in Atlantic City and we look forward to writing another chapter on April 13.”
Former World Champion Erislandy Lara Battles WBA Super Welterweight Titlist Brian Castaño in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Main Event
BROOKLYN (Februari 25, 2019) – Slagkraftiga Bryan De Graciawill face once-beaten contenderEduardo Ramirezin a 12-round featherweight match live on SHOWTIME Saturday, Mars 2 från Barclays Center, hemmet till BROOKLYN BOXING ™, och presenteras av Premier Boxing Champions.
De Gracia vs. Ramirez replaces the previously scheduled Ricardo Núñez vs. Edner Cherry match after Cherry was forced to withdraw due to a medical issue. The winner of De Garcia vs. Ramirez will capture the WBA Gold Featherweight Championship and be in line to face WBA (Regular) Featherweight World Champion Can Xu.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader börjar kl 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT och rubricerades av förre världsmästaren Erislandy Lara challenging undefeated WBA Super Welterweight ChampionBrian Brownand also features Cuban heavyweight contenderLuis Ortiz slåss Christian Hammer.
Biljetter till evenemanget, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased atticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com, eller genom att ringa 800-745-3000. Biljetter kan också köpas på American Express Box Office i Barclays Center. Grupprabatter finns genom att ringa 844-BKLYN-GP.
The Panamanian De Gracia (24-1-1, 20 Kos) will be fighting for the first time in the United States on March 2. The 25-year-old has knocked out seven of his last eight opponents and scored four straight stoppage victories since his one loss to Jorge Sanchez in 2017. De Gracia, som är rankad nr. 2 by the WBA at 126 pounds, picked up two victories in 2018, including most recently stopping previously unbeaten Edinso Torres Jr. i augusti.
Ramirez (21-1-3, 8 Kos) suffered the only loss of his career when he dropped a unanimous decision to then-featherweight champion Lee Selby in December 2017. The 26-year-old southpaw from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico had fought unbeaten Leduan Barthelemy to a draw prior to the Selby fight and most recently bounced back from that loss with a TKO victory over Carlos Jacobo in November.
LONDON – February 23, 2019 - Chris Eubank Jr. earned a career-defining victory with a hard-fought unanimous decision over British rival and former two-time world champion James DeGale in a super middleweight grudge match Saturday on SHOWTIME from The O2 in London.
Eubank, the son of British boxing legend and former two-division world champion Chris Eubank Sr., floored DeGale twice en route to the clear decision, som poängsattes 114-112, 115-112, 117-109. VIDEO HÖJDPUNKTER: https://s.sho.com/2E6mWI8
Working in his first bout with a full-time trainer, Eubank fought a controlled fight. The former world title challenger floored DeGale in a rough moment in the second, stunning his rival with a big left hook against the ropes and flooring him moments later with a strong right cross that sent DeGale to the canvas for just the second fight of his career.
DeGale, who established his championship career as a slick southpaw, was unable to jab at range and couldn’t handle the constant pressure from Eubank. The former Olympic Gold Medalist resorted to lunging from the outside and was largely ineffective on the inside, often clinching while in close quarters.
“I knew he was going to come at me like that,” Eubank said. “He’s a slick southpaw, but my game plan worked. Smart pressure and not getting too ahead of myself. He’s a hell of a fighter, hell of a competitor but at the end of the day my head and my heart won this fight.”
“There was a lot of animosity leading to this fight. Jag berättade för honom, ‘This is my time,’ and it was. He’s a veteran of the game, he throws big shots and he manages to stay up. To get up after those knockdowns is a statement about his tenacity and the type of fighter he is.”
The second knockdown came in the 10thas Eubank landed a powerful left hook that buckled DeGale with just 30 sekunder kvar i rundan. Än en gång, DeGale tried to clinch to avoid the knockdown, but his hand touched the canvas and was ruled just the third knockdown of his career.
Efter kampen, DeGale, who was the first British fighter to earn an Olympic Gold Medal and a world championship, appeared to be leaning toward retirement.
“I definitely I didn’t do enough,”Sa DeGale. “He was on it and I didn’t do enough. You have to do more than enough to counter someone that came forward like Chris.
“I’m going to go back and talk to my team, min familj, and decide. I left my mark in boxing. I won an Olympic Medal, two world titles and it may be the time to hang it up.”
While DeGale contemplates retirement, Eubank has his sights set on another shot at a world title.
“This was the most important fight of my career, and I made a statement. I’m back where I’m supposed to be, at the top of the food chain. I’m coming for all the belts in the middleweight and super middleweight division. I’m fighting everyone they put in front of me.
“I’m glad to make my American debut here on SHOWTIME. I’m glad to be introduced to the American public this way – making a statement.”
I öppnings anfall av Showtime MÄSTERSKAPBOXNING doubleheader, undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce kept his knockout record intact with a sixth-round TKO of former heavyweight world champion Bermane Stiverne.
After an exciting first round, Joyce opened up the action in the second with a monstrous straight right and unloaded from bell to bell against a defenseless Stiverne, who continued to punch back despite eating damaging shots. After a series of combos in the opening minute of the third, Joyce caught Stiverne with a straight right hand to send him to the canvas for the fifth time in his professional career. Stiverne survived the round while throwing looping shots but failed to return any meaningful punches.
Joyce, den 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist, consistently set up a powerful straight right behind an accurate and effective left jab throughout the fight. With Joyce (8-0, 8 Kos) continuing to tee off against a largely defenseless Stiverne, referee Howard Foster stepped in to halt the contest at 2:26 of the sixth. Stiverne (25-4-1, 21 Kos) did not protest the stoppage.
“Big respect to Stiverne – like a true champion, he’s very tough and was still throwing shots, but I guess I was just a bit too much,” Joyce said. “It was about being patient. He’s such a tough guy that he took those shots no problem.
“I was hitting him with everything I had, including the kitchen sink. I listened to Abel (Sanchez) in the corner, did everything he said and it went well. My jab was really effective. I’m a seasoned vet. I picked up my poise and remained calm along the way.
“Big things are coming. My next one will be for the WBA Regular (Titel) and I’ll be back in the gym soon. I need to have a couple more fights like this and then I’ll be ready for the big champions.”
Highlights of former world champion Lee Selby’s lightweight debut were featured during Saturday’s telecast. A former champion at featherweight, Selby (27-2, 9 Kos) overcame a second round accidental head butt to win a 12-round unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 115-114) over Omar Douglas (19-3, 13 Kos).
An encore presentation of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader will air tonight/Saturday at 10 p.m. ET / PT på SHOWTIME EXTREME, Sunday at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday at 10 p.m. ET / PT på SHOWTIME EXTREME.
Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer hosted the doubleheader from London with versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein. Two Hall of Famers rounded out today’s telecast team – Emmy®award winning reporter Jim Gray and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The Executive Producer was David Dinkins Jr. with Rick Phillips directing. Saturday’s telecast was a co-production with ITV.
LONDON – February 21, 2019 – Former two-time super middleweight champion James DeGale and former world title challenger Chris Eubank Jr. faced off at the heated final press conference on Thursday for their 12-round showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday, Februari 23 leva på SHOWTIME (3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT) from The O2 in London.
DeGale (25-2-1, 15 Kos) and Eubank (27-2, 21 Kos) will finally settle their long-running score when the two outspoken rivals meet in London. In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature bout, Olympic Silver Medalist and top prospect Joe Joyce (7-0, 7 Kos) will measure against former WBC Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 Kos) in a 12-round heavyweight clash.
Tidigare mästare två division världen, Chris Eubank Sr., was in attendance and not shy about stating this is not going to be an easy fight for his son. “This is a 50/50 fight and for the first time I am petrified of what the outcome can be. I am petrified that Junior may not win this fight,"Sa han.
The event is promoted by Poxon Sports and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Joyce-Stiverne is promoted in association with Ringstar Sports and Don King Productions. The doubleheader will air live in the U.S. exclusively on SHOWTIME and on ITV Box Office in the U.K.
Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will host the doubleheader from London with combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein. Three Hall of Famers will round out the telecast team – Emmy® prisbelönta reporter Jim Gray, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial ringside scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.
Here’s what the fighters and their respective camps had to say during Thursday’s press conference at Intercontinental at The O2:
James DeGale:
“I vacated my title for fights like this. Chris Eubank has been calling my name for a long time and finally I get a chance to punch him in his face.
“I have no respect for him. None. This guy is a diluted idiot. And on Saturday night I can’t wait to deal with him. I’m going to come and give it to him properly. He can’t box. We’ve all heard this before.
“This is the biggest fight of his career. It’s retirement time. Whoever loses this fight is finished. It’s do or die on Saturday…His retirement fight is here. It’s his last fight, Jag lovar er att.
“I’m proven. Jag har varit där, gjort det. I’ve won everything. He’s done nothing. And I’m going to retire him.
“Eubank is a tough fighter, Han är stark. He has a lot of good attributes, but I’m too good for him. To mix it up and go to the very top you need more than strength and toughness. Every time he’s stepped up, he’s lost.
“The fear of losing is because I know what’s on the line. This is do or die. If I can’t beat him, if I can’t beat Chris Eubank Jr., Jag är färdig.
“A lot of people think I’ve seen better days. A lot of people think I’m on the decline. I’ve had issues in the past, but I can honestly say I’m fully fit. I’m in the best shape I’ve been for a long, lång tid, physical and mentally. When I feel like I feel no one can beat me.
“If I can’t beat Chris that means I’m shot, that means I’m over the hill.”
CHRIS EUBANK JR.:
“This guy is a bum. He talks a good game. He’s going to have a good go, but at the end of the day I’m going to be too much for him.
“We are both at a stage where we can’t lose. We are both fighting for our careers. He knows he can’t handle me. He’s asking himself, ‘Can I survive?’ And the answer is absolutely not.
“There’s nothing he can do in that ring that I can’t handle. I’m going to box his head off.
“I’ve got a full time trainer now. For the first time in my career, I have a trainer day in and day out focusing on strategy to prepare me for what James is – a slick southpaw. That’s why I’m so confident. If he wants to run, we have the gameplan. If he wants to stand and swing, we have the gameplan. We have a plan for everything.
“What matters is that James’ career is over in a few days. I sent him a message after he lost to [George] Groves saying he needs to keep up because we are going to fight one day. And now that we’re finally here I look into his eyes and I don’t see a confident guy.
“It’s my time. I’m expecting the best he’s ever been and that’s still not going to be enough.
“I’m a world-level fighter. Anyone in the boxing game knows that. This is my opportunity to prove that once and for all to set the record straight and prove I’m the real deal. I know this is a defining fight in my career. It is do or die and I’m ready for that.
“James knows what’s coming. Vid slutet av dagen, his last performances haven’t been up to par, but i don’t think he respected his [past] motståndare. He respects me, and I respect him and that’s why this is a real fight.
“I’ve been in the game for a long time but this is just the beginning of a long journey for me. This is my biggest fight. Jag måste vinna. Om jag vinner, I’m back on the world stage. Beating James DeGale sets me up for a world title which is the whole reason I started in this game.”
JIM MCDONNELL:
“There are levels to boxing. Chris was a good prospect coming through but he’s not on the same level as James. He’ll find out what it takes to be a world champion. James DeGale is levels above Chris Jr.
“Chris may have all the drive he needs but he doesn’t have the skills to beat James DeGale.
“I know James is not losing. James DeGale is probably the best British fighter I’ve seen in my country.”
CHRIS EUBANK SR.:
“I’ve seen the pinnacle of James and it’s intoxicating. With Chris, not everything I’ve said has been applied. It may have been heard, but not applied. What I said works. I wouldn’t have 19 championship wins if it didn’t.
“I’m not convinced [Chris will win] because James DeGale has pedigree. Being an [OS] Gold Medalist and former world champion is real. I respect the man’s abilities. Junior hasn’t.
“My son looks at the physical aspect of boxing and, from a physical point of view, I don’t think there is anyone who can stand with him. But boxing isn’t just physical – it’s also spiritual, and that’s where Junior lacks. I don’t know whether he has that.
“This is a 50/50 fight and for the first time I am petrified of what the outcome can be. I am petrified that Junior may not win this fight.
“This is the wisdom of someone who has been here. You never underestimate your opponent based on past performances. Anyone who thinks this guy is on a slide because of past performances is making a mistake.
“From a physical aspect, Junior has the upper hand. From a spiritual aspect and pedigree aspect, James has the upper hand, and that’s why this is a 50/50 slagsmål.
“I do know Chris has learned and let’s see what is produced. It can be a brilliant fight.”
Paulie Malignaggi:
“I like our chances. I know the guy that I have been in camp with. The things I’ve seen, I like. They are much more positive this time around.
“You can’t underestimate a guy like Eubank. He always comes to win. Men, regardless of the gameplan, there is a certain mentality and my guy has it. He’s a Gold Medalist and he knows what mentality to bring on Saturday.
“James has won two major world titles, an Olympic Gold Medal. Chris has had some good wins but when he went to that elite level, he lost. Chris is a good fighter but he’s not beaten this level of opposition.”
