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JARRELL “BIG BABY” MILLER PASSES TEST AS FRED KASSI QUITS AFTER THREE ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FROM RHINOS STADIUM IN ROCHESTER, N.Y.

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Mason Menard KOs Bahomir Mamadjonov, Antonio Nieves and Alejandro Santiago Fight To A Split Draw & Bakhtiyar Eyubov Wins By Split Decision Against Karim Mayfield

 

Catch The Replay On Monday, Aug. 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click On Le Link Below To Watch Menard’s Ninth-Round KO

http://s.sho.com/2b6MNPF

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

 

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Aug. 20, 2016) – Undefeated heavyweight prospect Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller won by third-round TKO over veteran Fred Kassi in the ShoBox: The New Generation main event, Friday, live on SHOWTIME from Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

Following a cagey first round that favored Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs), Brooklynite Miller (18-0-1, 16 KOs), turned up the body work and pressure in rounds two and three. After landing 36-of-57 power shots in the third and racking up 30 connects to the body, Kassi retired on the stool between rounds, citing a hand injury. Miller landed an impressive 57 percent of his power shots for the fight and limited Kassi to 22 percent of his hooks, crosses and uppercuts.

 

Kassi said after the fight that his right hand was injured in the second and pushed through the pain for one more round before giving in.

 

The 6-foot-4, Miller viciously attacked the body and delivered some big rights and combinations. Kassi had some moments where he out-boxed his opponent, but Miller’s power and size—a possible 50+-pound advantage—was the deciding factor. With this victory, “Big Baby” ups his winning streak to 14 straight.

 

“I knew it would take some time to get going tonight.  I was thinking maybe three or four rounds to warm up and get going.  But in the second round, I got my wind and I knew I hurt him,” said Miller, who is ranked among the top 10 heavyweights in three of the four sanctioning bodies. “My legs came alive and I touched his body and his head.  I knew I was going to get the stoppage.

 

“I think he could have continued, though.  He just didn’t want to.  That’s why I take my hat off to Deontay Wilder.  I still want to break his jaw, but he finished his fight with a broken hand.  That’s what champions do.  Kassi didn’t want to continue.

 

“Let’s talk about all these heavyweights.  Tyson Fury, he doesn’t want this work.  He’s always complaining.  He’s always sick or something.  I don’t know what’s wrong with him.  Wilder, every five minutes he breaks another finger.  Look, it’s just a matter of time before these guys are going to have to put up or shut up.  Anthony Joshua, that’s going to be a mega fight.  I am just begging for him to call my name.”

 

Kassi said, “I must have hurt my hand in the first round because in the second, every time I hit him I felt a shock.  I wanted to keep going but he’s a big guy and I couldn’t use my hand.  When you fight a guy that is 50 pounds heavier than you are, you need all the weapons.”

“The size difference and the strength difference was so enormous,” said SHOWTIME Boxing’s veteran analyst Steve Farhood. “Once Miller started rolling, it was clear that Kassi had no answers.  Kassi had been nimble and he slid off the ropes a few times in round one.  That was gone in round 2.  So, perhaps in some people’s eyes, this win is cheapened by the injury, but to me it was clear that Big Baby was on his way to doing what more advanced heavyweights like Dominic Breazeale and Chris Arreola couldn’t do, and that’s stop Fred Kassi.

“Bottom line, Jarrell Miller’s stock went up tonight.  He faced his toughest test and he passed it.”

In the co-main event, promising Louisiana lightweight “Rock Hard Mighty” Mason Menard scored a brutal knockout at 2:26 of the ninth-round over battled-testedBahodir Mamadjonov, winning the WBO NABO Lightweight belt. VIDEO HIGHLIGHT:http://s.sho.com/2b6MNPF

 

Both Menard and Mamadjonov were facing their most dangerous foe to date. Mamadjonov (18-3, 11 KOs), showed great ring generalship successfully keeping Menard’s output down for the first six rounds, but Menard (32-1, 24 KOs) dramatically turned the fight around with body shots that produced two knockdowns in the seventh. A slow eighth-round followed but the ninth brought another series of power shots leading to the third and final knockdown, prompting referee Steve Smoger to intervene and halt the contest.

At the time of the stoppage Menard, who out-landed Mamadjonov 10-0 in the bout’s final 26 seconds, was ahead by two points on two scorecards and four points on the third.

“I feel great, but it was a B-level performance from me,” said Menard who is coming from a knockout-of-the-year candidate, “I could have done better. My opponent was an awkward fighter and we got him with two weeks’ notice.

“I knew if I kept putting the pressure, slowly he would fade and I would take him out in the later rounds and that’s exactly how it happened. He was hurting to the body. I knew after the first couple rounds he was breathing really heavy, so the game plan was to start touching him to the body. It was affecting him greatly.

“I’m definitely excited to get my second SHOWTIME knockout and I got some rounds under my belt. It’s been years since I went that many rounds, so it was good to know I can go that long and still finish strong.”

“I don’t really know what went wrong,” said Mamadjonov, who is known for his high boxing IQ. “It was short notice and I think I lost too much weight.

“I didn’t feel his punches, but he caught me with some good body shots. I was fighting evenly with him until the weight loss caught up to me and I got tired.

“I feel ok now. I’m good. I am disappointed but I’m fine. I’ll be back.”

NABO Bantamweight Champion Antonio Nieves, of Cleveland, Ohio and Tijuana’s Alejandro Santiago battled to a 10-round split draw (96-94 Nieves, 96-94 Santiago and 95-95) in the second fight of the ShoBox quadrupleheader.

Nieves, (16-0-2, 8 KOs), remains undefeated, but Santiago’s (11-2-2, 3 KOs) boxing ability clearly caught him off guard. The first five rounds featured brisk long-range boxing that was incredibly even.  Santiago, a late-sub for Nikolay Potapov, appeared to pull away in rounds 6-10 as he out-landed Nieves 129-86 overall and 100-61 in power punches.

Winning the late rounds was not enough for Santiago, who was stepping up in weight and opposition. Judge Don Ackerman had Nieves ahead 96-94 while Eric Marlinski had it 96-94 for Santiago. Pasquale Procopio’s 95-95 card proved pivotal. Given Santiago’s second-half surge, the Mexican visitor was unlucky not to get the win.

“I thought it was close, but I think I pulled it out,” said Nieves. “I should have gotten the victory by maybe one or two points. But the judges see what they saw, you know?

“I do not feel I put on the impressive performance I was hoping to. I wasn’t at my best.  He (Santiago) was a little awkward and my right hand was hurting a little bit, but I really don’t know why I wasn’t letting my hands go like I usually do.

“I learned I have to stick to my game plan and keep using my jab. I didn’t use it like I usually do. I need to just do what I do and not worry about what my opponent is doing.

“I don’t think nerves had anything to do with it, even though it was the biggest fight of my career. I was just letting him get off first. I should have followed my game plan, rather than react to what he was doing. I give myself a C for my performance tonight.”

Santiago, who came as a late replacement and was clearly the underdog, also felt he won the fight.

“It was close, but I think I won the fight. I was always sure I’d beat him and I did. I landed more punches,” said Santiago. “I thought Nieves would be stronger than he was in there.

“I usually fight at super flyweight. I was coming up in weight to do this. It was an opportunity to open more doors for me and I took it. And I think that’s what I didtonight.”

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated welterweight Bakhtiyar Eyubovof Brooklyn, N.Y., by way of Kazakhstan won a close 10-round split decision—that could have gone either way—against veteran Karim Mayfield of San Francisco, Calif. (95-94 twice for Eyubov and 95-94 for Mayfield).

Eyubov (11-0, 10 KOs), who had never been past the third round, was taken to uncharted waters by the more experienced Mayfield (19-4-1, 11 KOs). Mayfield extended Eyubov far longer than any other opponent and despite out-landing the adoptive Brooklynite in each of the final four rounds (110-80 overall and 87-66 power) Eyubov escaped with a split decision.  It was a learning victory for Eyubov and a disheartening loss for Mayfield, who averaged 69 punches per round to Eyubov’s 52.

“I felt it was close, but I did everything I wanted to do and I feel I won nearly every round,” said Eyubov. “I was surprised by Mayfield, especially how hard his head is. He is a real man.

“My lip is a little swollen but that’s because of headbutts. Mayfield fought dirty in there.  But I’m happy with the decision. I learned that I can go 10 rounds if I have to. I could go 12. I was still strong at the end of the fight.

Mayfield, who was clearly disappointed with the result, felt he won the fight.

“It was a good fight and he’s a tough fighter for sure, but I landed the harder shots and kept active. He was a tough guy, don’t get me wrong, but I certainly won that fight,” said Mayfield. “I feel I performed well. There’s always more work you can do, but for the most part I feel I did good. People thought for some odd reason the fight wouldn’t even go the distance, which is ludicrous. I won the fight though.

“It was part of my game plan to frustrate him and I feel I did that. I executed my plan well. Of course, there was more I could have done. I could have thrown more punches, but I did well.

“They made it seem like he punched like hell, but I guess all punches feel hard to me, so if you’re a hard puncher or a light puncher, it’s still a punch and I don’t want to get punched. I got hit but I was never stunned or anything like that.

“I would love a rematch.”

Eyubov responded, “I don’t know if I would fight him again. I will think about it.”

ShoBox: The New Generation will re-air on Monday, Aug. 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME beginning Saturday, Aug. 20.

 

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

 

The event was promoted by Salita Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION WEIGHTS, PHOTOS & FINAL THOUGHTS QUADRUPLEHEADER TOMORROW, FRIDAY, AUG. 19, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT)

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Heavyweight Jarrell Miller to Face Tough Veteran Fred Kassi
In Main Event From Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

Lightweights Mason Menard and Bahodir Mamadjonov Clash in Co-Main Event

While Bantamweight Antonio Nieves Takes On Alejandro Santiago in a 10-Rounder

And Welterweights Bakhtiyar Eyubov and Karim Mayfield Do Battle in Telecast Opener

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

 

“Anthony Joshua is a punk. Deontay Wilder, don’t get me started…”

– Jarrell Miller, Undefeated Heavyweight Prospect

 

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Aug. 18, 2016) – The eight fighters who’ll be fighting on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, Aug. 19, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) at Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y., all made weight Thursday.

 

Undefeated Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (17-0-1, 15 KOs) faces his toughest test to date in veteran Fred Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs) in the main event, which will take place at the outdoor USL soccer venue here.  The co-main event features promising Louisiana lightweight “Rock Hard Mighty” Mason Menard (31-1, 23 KOs) facing his most dangerous foe to date in Bahodir “Baha” Mamadjonov (18-2, 11 KOs) of Houston, Texas, by way of Uzbekistan in a 10-round battle for the WBO NABO Lightweight title.

 

Plus, undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y., by way of Kazakhstan, steps up to face veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs) of San Francisco in a 10-round clash. And unbeaten Antonio Nieves (16-0-1, 8 KOs) of Cleveland will square off against Mexico’s Alejandro Santiago (11-2-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight bout for Nieves’ WBO NABO Title.

The Weights: Miller tipped the scales at 296 ½ pounds, while Kassi weighed 237 ¼ pounds. Menard weighed 134 ½ pounds, while his opponent, Mamadjonov, measured half pound over the limit on his first try, but hit the 135 mark half an hour later. Nieves weighed 117 even, while Santiago weighed 117 ½ pounds. Eyubov weighed 142 ½, while Mayfiled measured at 142 ¾ pounds.

 

The event is presented by Salita Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions.

 

Here’s what the principals had to say prior to the weigh-in:

 

Jarrell Miller, Undefeated Heavyweight Prospect

“Mike Tyson was a freak of nature. Vitali Klitschko was a freak of nature. I’m also a freak of nature. I’m 6’ 4” and pushing 280. I’m a big guy, but I’m athletic. I can move. I can punch, and I was a kickboxer. I’m not your average heavyweight.  I’m not trying to change the blueprint of how heavyweights should be.  I’m just being myself and doing my job.

 

“They are like, ‘we’ve seen his body, we’ve seen his size. We’ll outwork him,’ but they are wrong.  Never can judge a book by its cover.  I’ll outwork him in the ring. I’m fast, I’m good and I can punch. He’s not going to see me coming.

 

“Don’t let my weight fool you. I’ve been doing cardio. I’m in really good shape and I’m ready to go the distance.

 

“Every fight, I have to know how to adjust. I feel like Fred has never been in with a guy like me. He’s been with [Chris] Arreola, who doesn’t move as much, and he also fought [Dominic] Breazeale, who doesn’t have good footwork. I’m telling you, he’s never fought a big athletic body like me. He’s in for a surprise.

 

“I know my jab is going to be on his face. For me, it’s not just about winning, it’s about performance.  Every fight in my career from now on it’s about more than winning. Now I have to prove myself. I have to prove I’m worthy of a title shot.

 

“I wasn’t happy with my [Jan. 22] win over Donovan Dennis. I knew I could’ve done better than a seventh-round TKO. That’s why I’m pushing myself on this fight. I want to win convincingly and I will.

 

“Anthony Joshua is a punk. Deontay Wilder, don’t get me started. Now, Tyson Fury can actually punch. I’ll give him that. From all of them, Fury in my opinion is the better one. That’s why I want to fight him. I believe you should go for the hardest ones first. You take the biggest guy out first and then, you go for the easy ones. That’s how it’s supposed to be and that’s what I’d like to do. Take the hard ones out first. Fury, you are next.”

 

Fred Kassi, Heavyweight Prospect

“I’ll be a little bit heavier than usual for this fight, but I’m feeling good. I’m feeling ready. I hope the judges see that. I have had some bad experiences with judges recently.

 

“I have had some big fights. I dealt with big guys and talkers, but that doesn’t concern me because in the ring it’s going to be just the two of us. That is when the real fight is going to happen.

 

“I did my job against Arreola, I did what I had to do against Dominic Breazeale. I got robbed.

I’ve never fought a heavyweight shorter than me. I’m usually the shorter one in the ring, but I know my game.  I know what I’m doing.”

 

“I’ve gotten robbed so many times. I was coming on hard against Hughie Fury. I didn’t do great in the first rounds, but I was leading in the late ones, and he was slowing down. The stoppage was a relief for him. He was running out of gas.

 

Mason Menard, Lightweight Prospect

“After that last knockout, so many people were actually exhilarated about it.  People that didn’t even know me, they’d come up and say, ‘Are you Mason?  Man, I saw that KO [and show me the video]. I’ve watched it a thousand times.’”

 

On his opponent…

“He’s one of those guys that no one wants to fight.  I took this fight as soon as it was offered because it’s another step up for me.  I have to beat guys like this to get to the A-class of fighters.  He’s not a bad fighter but he’s not A-class.  I simply have to beat guys like this.

 

“Hand speed and foot speed, those are my difference makers.”

 

On his growth beyond the La., circuit now, after 35 fights:

“I am glad to be getting the national exposure now.  We had some step up fights in Louisiana at first.  Now, we are right where we need to be.  It’s all happening now.”

 

Bahodir Mamadjonov Lightweight Prospect

“Menard fought many of the same fighters that we have. Many guys in the same class as we did.  So, we are not impressed with his record or his knockouts.  We prepared for seven or eight weeks. Although we only knew of this opponent for two-three weeks.  At this level, this is no surprise.  We are ready.

 

“We tried to fight him years ago.  He was 17-1 or 18-1 at the time and he didn’t want the fight.  Now, he’s out of options.  I am by far the toughest test of his career.

 

“We are close to a world title now. A win here, our third appearance on SHOWTIME, and against a world-rated lightweight…. “I will bring the fight to Mason Menard.  That is my style and it doesn’t change for this fight.  He’s fighting to prove he’s legitimate.  I am here to earn my title shot.”

 

Antonio Nieves, Bantamweight Prospect

“When they tell you are going to fight and then you hear your opponent got injured, you get a little bit down. Thankfully, Alejandro Santiago was ready to step up.

 

“We’ve noticed he’s successful when the fighter gets in his face, and I have the right strategy for that.

 

“From my last fight I took two weeks off, and then back in the gym. I didn’t even know the name of my opponent. I just wanted to be ready to go when the fight was set.

 

“I’m ranked fifth in the WBO, after Santiago I want to fight for the WBO bantamweight title and then, I will probably look for Rau’shee Warren to unify the titles. I think there’s not enough action in my division and I’m ready to change that.”

 

Alejandro Santiago, Bantamweight Prospect

“I’ve known about this fight for two months. I was about 130 pounds when I found out. I’ve been training hard and I feel ready to move up in weight. I’m ready for my opponent.

 

“I like to box. I like to get in my opponent’s face. I like to hit and not get hit. I’ve worked a lot on my defensive skills.

 

“I know Nieves is a tough fighter. He’s skilled. But I have a good strategy. I’ll approach him smartly, and I’ll get the decision.”

 

Bakhtiyar Eyubov, Undefeated Welterweight Prospect

“We have been training in a large ring, specifically to prepare to cut the ring off.  We are prepared to go 10 rounds, to go 15 rounds.  We are not worried about going rounds.”

 

(Re: only 10 fights so far in career):

“I grew up in the gym, had a great amateur career.  I expect to progress quickly just like the great amateurs before me.  I am at the peak of my strength and I am ready.  Karim has never been stopped, never been dropped.  He’s a real test.

 

“I grew up in a rough environment, in the streets.  I am not intimidated.  If not for boxing, I would be in a very bad situation back home (Kazakhstan).”

 

(Re: Mayfield)

“It will be a real fight. I hope he is ready 100 percent because we are.  I am not a God, we can’t predict, but know this, it will be a good show.  Let him do his job.  I will do my job.  And I will have him out of there within five rounds.”

 

 

Karim Mayfield, Welterweight Prospect

“I’m a world class opponent. I’ve fought better fighters than him. He will be taking his first loss.

 

“For those that say it’s too late at 36, I tell them they are wrong. I’m not worn out. I haven’t been in one-sided wars or beatings. I’ve been taking care of myself.  I’m experienced and I know my craft.

 

“I’m planning to show my opponent I know how to utilize the ring. I’ve only been down once.  I know my opponent is a strong fighter and that he’s going to come strong, but he’s not going to take me down.

 

“I’m used to training late. I hit the gym at 7 or 8 o’clock at night. Our fight is latetomorrow, but I’m used to it. At that time Eyubov is going to sleep. So, I’m going to do him a favor and I’ll put him to sleep.

 

“I feel that I still have the opportunity to thrive, to move forward in my boxing career. There’s still a lot of me left.”

 

# # #

 

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 ShoBox philosophy 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 67 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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VIDEO: GROWING UP FAST IN THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

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“I want to be heavyweight champion of the world.  I want all the belts’’ – Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller

 

Watch, Embed Or Share This Video:http://s.sho.com/2btfSWL

Download For Your Video Player: https://we.tl/euAIe8dBFf

 

 

Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller is brash, outspoken and powerful.  In the last year alone, he’s called out the entire heavyweight division, most notably world champions Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua.  It’s Miller Time, “Big Baby” believes.  Bring on anybody!

 

The unbeaten, world-ranked Miller, of Brooklyn, N.Y., is 17-0-1 with 15 knockouts.  The 28-year-old meets veteran Fred Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs), of New Orleans, in Friday’s 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

“Every time I get into the ring I’m looking for knockouts,’’ says Miller, who has scored six consecutive stoppages in a row. “I want to be heavyweight champion of the world. I want all the belts.

“I can box. I can slug. I bring the pain … and I’ve got a big damn mouth
and I’m not afraid to use it.”

 

# # #

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, Louisiana lightweight “Rock Hard Mighty” Mason Menard (31-1, 23 KOs) faces Bahodir “Baha” Mamadjonov(18-2, 11 KOs) of Houston, Texas by way of Uzbekistan in a 10-rounder for the WBO NABO Lightweight Title.

 

In two more scheduled 10-round bouts, unbeaten Antonio Nieves (16-0-1, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, defends his WBO NABO 118-pound crown against Mexico’s Alejandro Santiago (11-2-1, 3 KOs), and, in the telecast opener,undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kazakhstan, meets veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs), of San Francisco, Calif.

 

Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions are available at http://www.rhinossoccer.com/and http://www.etix.com

 

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

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KARIM MAYFIELD, BACK AT 100 PERCENT, PLANNING SURPRISE PARTY FOR UNBEATEN BAKHTIYAR EYUBOV ON AUG. 19

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Welterweights Collide In Opening Bout on ShoBox: The New Generation;
Undefeated heavyweight Jarrell Miller Meets Fred Kassi in Main Event
 Live at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®
 
NEW YORK (Aug. 11, 2016) – If the team behind Bakhtiyar Eyubov think his next fight will be another easy showcase for their unbeaten welterweight, his opponent, Karim Mayfield has a message.
 
“He’s a very strong guy, but I’m more experienced than he is for sure,” said Mayfield. “He comes out looking for the first-round knockout by swinging with everything he’s got and he’s going to find it doesn’t work on me.”
 
Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs), of San Francisco, will take on Kazakhstan’s Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs) in the 10-round opening fight on ShoBox: The New Generation®  on Friday, Aug.  19, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.
 
In the 10-round main event, power-punching Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (17-0-1, 15 KOs) will take on smooth veteran Fred Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs) for the NABO Heavyweight Title. In the 10-round co-featured bout, top prospect Mason Menard (31-1, 23 KOs) will face tough Bahodir Mamadjonov (19-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round battle for the NABO Lightweight Title. Also featured is WBO NABO Bantamweight Champion Antonio Nieves(16-0-1, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, defending his title against Alejandro “Peque” Santiago (11-2-1, 3 KOs), of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
 
 
Tickets for the event, presented by Salita Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions, are available at www.rhinossoccer.com/and http://www.etix.com.
Mayfield, who has held and defended the NABO Super Lightweight Championship, beaten “uncrowned” world champion Mauricio Herrera by unanimous decision, as well as former world champion Steve Forbes and taken the “0” of then red-hot prospect Raymond Serrano, correctly points out Eyubov’s lack of experience. Eyubov has only boxed a total of 16 rounds as a professional over four and a half years. Take his victory over Jarred Robinson off the list and the combined record of his other nine opponents is 20-87-10 and they have been knocked out 48 times.
“He doesn’t show too much footwork either, so he’s going to have trouble,” Mayfield said. “I expect to bring it to him and for him to not be able to last the whole 10 rounds with me.”
 
Mayfield’s promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, says another KO by Eyubov is far from a foregone conclusion.
 
“There is no doubt that Eyubov is very strong and a tremendous puncher, but his lack of experience and quality of opposition leaves glaring question marks that will definitely be answered when he fights Karim,” said Cohen. “Mayfield has fought at the highest level of the sport. Just take a snapshot of his last four opponents and their combined record of 73-14 with 44 KO’s.”
Cohen says that if Eyubov can steamroll his fighter like he has his previous ones, he’ll be the first to congratulate him.
“This is the classic matchup of a young stud vs. the established veteran. If Eyubov can knock out Karim like he has the opposition he has faced to date, I will be the first to take my hat off to him and would instantly consider him one of the top new contenders to burst onto the scene. On the flipside, if Karim beats Eyubov, this win should catapult him back to the top of the contender list and would immediately make him eligible for a world title bout or title eliminator. Truly a crossroads fight for both guys and one in which I really like Karim’s chances.”
“I’m training hard and getting prepared and sparring guys who come forward,” Mayfield said. “You haven’t seen a 100 percent Karim Mayfield. I’ve shown glimpses of it, but the past three fights, my training hasn’t been on point. I was training like a boxer. I’m not the boxer type. I bring it to you and I’m back to my original style. That wasn’t a good look for me. I was burning more energy moving around. I’m excited about this opportunity. After this win, I’ll be back in the top-tier fights. I’m excited I have a great opportunity and proper time to get prepared. I’m working hard and getting ready and I look forward to a sensational victory.”
 
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhoodand former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
 
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TOP LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT MASON MENARD TO FACE BAHODIR MAMADJONOV IN CO-FEATURE OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER

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FOURTH FIGHT ADDED TO AUG. 19 SHOBOX

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Jarrell Miller Meets Fred Kassi In Main Event, Antonio Nieves Faces New Opponent Alejandro Santiago,

Bakhtiyar Eyubov vs. Karim Mayfield In Telecast Opener

 

Friday, Aug. 19, Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

NEW YORK (Aug. 9, 2016) – Top lightweight prospect Mason Menard will face tough Bahodir Mamadjonov in a 10-round battle in the new co-feature of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, Aug. 19 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from the outdoor soccer venue Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

Menard (31-1, 23 KOs) is coming off a Knockout of the Year contender in his last appearance on ShoBox on April 15 (VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW).

 

Undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (17-0-1, 15 KOs), a consensus Top 15 heavyweight, will take on the experienced Fred Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs), of New Orleans, La. in the 10-round main event.

 

Plus, undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kazakhstan, steps up when he faces veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs), of San Francisco, Calif. in a 10-round battle. In the telecast opener, unbeaten Antonio Nieves of Cleveland, Ohio will square off against new opponent, Mexico’s Alejandro Santiago in a 10-round bantamweight bout for Nieves’ WBO NABO Title.

 

Nieves was initially set to fight world-ranked Nikolay Potapov (14-0-1, 6 KOs), of Potolsk, Russia, but he withdrew with an injury.

 

Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions are available at http://www.rhinossoccer.com/and http://www.etix.com

 

“These are the fights I need to get to the top,” Menard said.  “My opponent, Bahodir Mamadjonov, is no pushover.  He has been in with some quality guys and I have to be able to beat guys like him to get to the top ones.  I’m looking forward to getting the job done on August 19th.  It’s blessing to be able to fight on SHOWTIME and this time is for the WBO NABO title,” Menard said.”

 

“I’m excited I’m fighting on ShoBox again. It’s a great opportunity” Mamadjonov said. “Menard is no joke. He’s a credible opponent.

“I’m not going to rush on this fight. I’m not going to lie, I’m always looking for the knockout, but if it goes the distance I’d be ready.”

 

“I’m war-ready,” Nieves said. “I’m excited to finally showcase my skills on the big stage and let the boxing world know that I have graduated to contender. I feel many don’t see that I’m one of the best 118-pounders out there.

 

“I’m confident I have what it takes to win, and I’m a better boxer. I’m 100 percent ready for whatever type of fight my Santiago brings. I will box my way to my big shots.

 

“After this fight, I’ll probably look for a path to a world title shot. I want to bring a title home, just like the Cleveland Cavaliers brought the NBA Championship home,”

 

“I know I’m a replacement opponent, but I’m always ready,” Santiago said. “I’m always in training camp. I don’t take any breaks from the gym after I fight. I’m a true Mexican warrior. Always ready.

 

“I am looking to follow the heritage of great Mexican fighters from Tijuana and bring this win and title back home. I am coming to win. Get ready for war.“

 

Menard vs. Mamadjonov

The co-main event features promising Louisiana lightweight “Rock Hard Mighty” Mason Menard facing his toughest test to date in Bahodir “Baha” Mamadjonov of Houston, Texas by way of Uzbekistan for the WBO NABO Lightweight Title. Both fighters are making their second appearance onShoBox: The New Generation.

 

Menard, an eight-year pro at the age of 27, is fighting outside of his native Louisiana for only the second time.  He’s is ranked among the Top 15 fighters at 135 pounds in the WBA and WBO. In the most noteworthy victory of his career, he made his ShoBox debut at Turning Stone Casino & Resort last April 15 delivering an impressive Knockout of the Year candidate over previously undefeated Dominican Eudy Bernardo with a vicious one-punch knockout. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW

 

Menard floored Bernardo for the first time in his career with a series of rights near the end of the second round.  Bernardo beat the count and finished the round, but he had no answer for Menard’s power.  With less than one minute left in third, Menard connected with a huge right, knocking Bernardo out before he even hit the canvas.

 

Mamadjonov (19-2, 11 KOs), has been matched against very tough opposition throughout his career. His only blemishes were to opponents with a combined record of 46-0 (38 KOs) – Colombian Darleys Perez in Aug., 2012 and Ghana’s Richard Commey in April of last year. Perez went on to become interim WBA Lightweight World Champion and recently lost a rematch against world champion Anthony Crolla. Commey is set to fight Robert Easter Jr. for the vacant IBF World Lightweight Title on Sept. 9.

 

This is Mamadjonov’s third start since losing to Commey and his secondShoBox appearance. In his ShoBox debut in April, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nev., Mamadjonov scored an upset ninth-round stoppage (:51) against previously unbeaten Cuban prospect Angelo Santana. VIDEO:http://s.sho.com/2aPfkwp

 

Nieves vs. Santiago

Also featured in the Aug. 19 quadrupleheader are WBO NABO Bantamweight Champion Antonio Nieves and his new foe, Alejandro “Peque” Santiago

 

Nieves, (16-0-1, 8 KOs), a prospect at 118 pounds, has stayed active with five fights in 2014, five in 2015, and is fighting for the third time this year. The 29-year-old is coming off his first 10-round performance, a unanimous decision over then once-beaten Oscar Mojica on June 18 in Washington, Pa.  A win against Santiago will put Nieves a step closer to his goal of challenging fellow Ohio-native WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Rau’shee Warren.

 

Santiago, (11-2-1, 3 KOs), of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, is a three-year pro who seldom breaks training camp between fights. He has won three fights in a row since his last loss in November 2014 to fellow Mexican Hector Flores. In his last fight on Feb. 27, Santiago won an eight-round unanimous decision over Mario Lara. This will be his United States debut and the first time he’s fought north of 116 pounds.

 

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

 

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ENCORE PRESENTATION OF CARL FRAMPTON vs. LEO SANTA CRUZ FIGHT OF THE YEAR CONTENDER TO AIR TONIGHT AT 11 P.M. ET/PT ON SHOWTIME EXTREME®

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Saturday’s Instant Classic SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Event Available On SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®

 

WATCH A VIDEO PREVIEW: http://s.sho.com/2aptNld

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Last Saturday’s instant classic “Fight of the Year” contender between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz will re-air tonight at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.  The thrilling SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event had the Barclays Center rocking as Frampton narrowly edged Santa Cruz in a toe-to-toe battle to dethrone the defending WBA Featherweight World Champion.

 

Monday’s encore presentation of the entire three-fight telecast also features Mikey Garcia’s emphatic return to the ring and Tony Harrison’s title eliminator victory in the stacked 154-pound division.  The SHOWTIME Sports®presentation is also available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND and SHOWTIME ANYTIME.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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CARL FRAMPTON EDGES LEO SANTA CRUZ IN POTENTIAL FIGHT OF THE YEAR SHOOTOUT TO WIN FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® AT

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BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

 

Mikey Garcia Stamps His Return With Explosive Knockout Of Elio Rojas In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature: Click HERE For Video

 

Catch The Replay This Monday, Aug. 1 At 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME (Full Gallery Coming Soon)

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

Click HERE For Photos From Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions

 

BROOKLYN (July 31, 2016) – In a possible “Fight of the Year” showdown between two undefeated fighters, Carl Frampton edged Leo Santa Cruz in a firefight to capture the WBA Featherweight World Championship in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Saturday in front of 9,062 fans at the electric Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

Frampton (23-0, 14 KOs), the former unified super bantamweight champion who moved up to 126 pounds to challenge Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 KOs), became the first native of Northern Ireland to become a two-division world champion.

 

The majority decision, scored 114-114 draw, 116-112 and 117-111, was fought at a blistering pace from the outset.

 

Santa Cruz’s hallmark has always been his high-octane output and power punching, but the three-division world champion was unable to utilize his reach advantage, and his activity was eliminated by Frampton’s tremendous counterpunching and power shots.  While both fighters are top 10 in the world in jabs, a staggering 402 of their 497 combined landed punches were power shots.

 

While Santa Cruz landed almost equal the amount of power shots – 206 vs. 191 – the 46 percent that Frampton connected on appeared to land cleaner and inflict more damage. And while Santa Cruz was the taller fighter, he lunged forward and fought short on the inside, allowing Frampton to minimize the reach and contest the battle toe-to-toe, where it suited him best.

 

“It’s a dream come true,” said Frampton. “I had the dream of winning a world title and I won it, but I never thought I’d win in two divisions.  It was a tough fight, I wanted it to be a tough fight because I wanted a fight the people could remember.  I respect him a lot.  He was a true warrior.

 

“I had a good game plan.  Shane was an unbelievable coach.  He told me every time I came back into the corner that we could win this a lot easier. But I won it with my heart, not with my head and I got my hand raised.

 

“Distance control and hitting hard were the keys. I won the fight because I didn’t lose control.  I earned his respect early in the fight with my distance control and hard punching.  I would love to take this man to Belfast for a rematch and show the people there what a great fighter he is.”

 

In calling out the other champions at 126 pounds – including IBF champion Lee Selby and WBC champion Gary Russell Jr, who were both in attendance – Frampton said: “I want big, memorable fights.” Click HERE for Frampton’s full post fight interview.

 

Santa Cruz, who captured belts at 118, 122 and 126 pounds, disagreed with decision but agreed with Frampton’s wish for a rematch.

 

“It was a tough fight from the beginning,” Santa Cruz said.  “We knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I thought it was close when I was in there throwing.  Maybe the judges were hearing the crowd and thought that every little punch was scoring.

 

“He has a difficult style, but we know his style and will get him in the rematch.  The crowd was cheering, and I think the judges saw that.  Maybe, without that, we would have had a draw or maybe a decision.

 

“It’s hard to get your first loss, but now we’ll go back to the gym, we’ll get the rematch and we’ll win.  And that loss will mean nothing.  I want to have a rematch in Los Angeles, but I’ll go to Belfast too.”

 

Undefeated former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia returned to the ring in impressive fashion after a two-and-a-half year absence, flooring former titlist Elio Rojas four times en route to a fifth round TKO (2:02).

 

Garcia (35-0, 29 KOs) showed no signs of ring rust as he stalked forward from the opening bell.  The former 126 and 130-pound titlist and pound-for-pound mainstay floored Rojas (24-3, 14 KOs) midway through the third with a right-left combo, sending the Dominican to the canvas for just the second time in his career.  Rojas beat the count, but a monster right sent him falling face-forward less than one minute later for the second knockdown of the round.  Again, the durable Rojas continued to come forward as Garcia teed-off.

 

Rojas was tagged again midway through the fifth with a huge right, falling to the canvas for the third time in fight.  Now bleeding from his nose, Rojas was knocked down again just seconds later by a brutal right uppercut from Garcia.  Again, Rojas beat the count, but looked defeated and referee Eddie Claudio stopped the fight.

 

“The two-and-a-half-year layoff sparked a fire in me and motivated me to do the best that I could,” said Garcia, who landed 50 percent of his power shots.  “Elio is a tough guy and a former world champion. He didn’t come for a paycheck; he came to win.

 

“Elio took advantage of the opportunity. But we trained for a great performance like this and I was thrilled to get the job done. It felt great to be here with a supportive crowd behind me. I’m looking forward to getting back in there and winning another world title.”

 

Despite the four knockdowns, Rojas disagreed with the stoppage and wanted to continue fighting.

 

“I was able to get off the canvas because I trained so hard,” Rojas said.  “Mikey is just stronger. I’m a natural 126-pounder fighting above my weight.  It was a great matchup and Mikey is a great fighter. I have no doubt that he is going to take over the division.

 

“I was very upset when the fight was stopped. I wanted to keep going because I have a champion’s heart and I never want to quit.”

 

Once-beaten 154-pound contender Tony Harrison secured the IBF’s No. 2 position with a ninth round TKO (1:18) of Sergey Rabchenko in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

 

Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) is now ranked No. 2 behind IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and No. 1 mandatory challenger Julian Williams, who have agreed to fight later this year.

 

Harrison set up the distance with his jab, controlled the pace and outpunched Rabchenko (27-2, 20 KOs) by a nearly 2-1 margin.  He was breaking Rabchenko down with a steady diet of power shots and well-timed jabs when he floored the Belarus native with a sharp right hand one minute into the ninth.  Rabchenko got up, but looked defeated and unsteady on his feet, forcing referee Arthur Mercante to halt the contest.

 

Harrison landed 11 of 40 jabs per round on top of an impressive 46 percent of his power shots.

 

“This is definitely my biggest win ever,” Harrison said. “I was luring him to sleep. My trainer told me that I would have the right hand behind the jab and that’s what happened.  I’m a finisher. I had him hurt and I said to the ref ‘you better not let him go.’ I knew I had him beat.

 

“A focused Tony Harrison can beat anybody at 154-pounds. Now it’s on Jermall Charlo and Julian Williams. I’m in the catbird seat.”

 

Rabcheko threw an average of only 31 punches per round, connecting just seven per round.

“I didn’t throw enough punches,” Rabchenko admitted.  “I kept relying on my defense and didn’t attack enough. I was looking for one shot and it was difficult to do it against Tony Harrison with one punch.  The ref did a great job with the stoppage. My health is first and foremost. The health of any fighter is the most important thing. I knew I couldn’t continue.”

 

Former two-division world champion and SHOWTIME analyst Paulie Malignaggi won a 10-round unanimous decision over fellow Brooklynite Gabriel Bracero in the “Battle for Brooklyn.”  The welterweight bout was scored 96-94 and 98-92 twice.

 

“The Magic Man” stuck to his usual game plan, jabbing at range and utilizing his reach advantage against the naturally smaller Bracero, who was unable to get inside against the master technician.  Malinaggi (36-7, 7 KOs) dictated the pace and was the more effective fighter, landing 35 percent of his total punches compared to 29 for Bracero (24-3, 5 KOs).  Malignaggi dominated with the jab, landing 11 per round, which is double the welterweight average.

 

“I knew Bracero was a counter-puncher like myself. I was just trying to be the sharper counter-puncher. We both try to set traps and I just wanted to make him earn any points that he got. At the same time, I felt like I had to earn my points. I dictated the fight with pot shots and stepping over.

 

“I didn’t want to get desperate. I wanted to force him to get desperate from being behind on the scorecards. I think I did a good job of that.  As the fight went on, I just used my movement and feints to stay in control.

 

“The plan was to keep it simple – if he didn’t adjust to any traps, then I was going to keep using them.  I kept it as simple as I could against a guy who if you complicate things, he will catch you. He’s a counter-puncher who can make you pay. “

 

Later in the evening, Malignaggi returned to his ringside position as commentator for the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

 

“I’m excited to call the fights tonight,” Malignaggi said.  “I’m a fan before I’m a fighter. I’m excited to go to work right now.”

 

In the opening bout on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME, Philadelphia’s Tevin Farmerwon his 15th consecutive fight with an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over previously once-beaten lightweight Ivan Redkach, scored, 99-89, 98-90 twice.

 

Fighting on his 26th birthday, Farmer (22-4-1, 5 KOs) was the more effective fighter from the start.  He was able to fight on the inside against the naturally bigger Redkach (19-2-1, 15 KOs), who’s only defeat had come in a 2015 title eliminator against current WBC Lightweight World Champion Dejan Zlaticanin.

 

Farmer, who’s winning streak dates back to a 2012 loss to current 130-pound titlist Jose Pedraza, landed 42 percent of his power punches compared to just 19 percent for Redkach, who landed just 16 percent of his total punches.

 

“I’m proud of my performance tonight,” Farmer said.  “I was very confident that I would be victorious as long as I executed the game plan and that’s what I did. I want a world title. I’m going to go back to 130-pounds and I feel like I’m ready for a title shot. If I have to fight an eliminator I will. I won’t back down from any challenge.

 

“I beat him down. I was the more experienced fighter and I came in with more rounds and with better opponents on my resume.”

 

Both fighters were deducted a point, Farmer in the eighth for a low blow and Redkach in the ninth for an intentional head butt.

 

The SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast also featured highlights of WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda Serrano as she dropped Colombia’s Calixta Silgado twice on her way to a first round stoppage.

 

Serrano (29-1-1, 22 KOs) defended her title in the first women’s world championship bout at Barclays Center and made quick work of the challenger. Serrano swarmed Silgado (14-7-3, 9 KOs) from the start with strong combinations and powerful hooks. Silgado was able to recover from the first knockdown but was quickly smothered by Serrano, who sent her to the canvas and forced referee Benjy Esteves to halt the bout 1:41 into round one.

 

“I just wanted to get in there and show the fans and everybody out there that women can fight,” said Serrano. “We have talent as well. The sky is the limit. I want more belts. I’m going to drop down to 122-pounds and become a four-division world champion like Miguel Cotto.”

 

Featherweight World Champions Lee Selby and Gary Russell Jr. were interviewed by SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® host Brian Custer during the SHOWTIME® telecast.  See below for quote excerpts:

 

Lee Selby: “Look, it isn’t my nature to call anyone out.  But I know that these guys are looking to fight me, so I will accept the offer with open hands.  In the build up to this fight, Leo Santa Cruz says he’ll fight me too.  So, I accept both challenges.”

 

Gary Russell Jr.: “I want all of the above.  I want to address something that that Lee Selby said. He said that no one knows who Gary Russell is.  Well, everyone knows who the WBC featherweight champ is, and it’s Mr. Gary Russell.  We are both men and I expect you to conduct yourself as a man.  Don’t use this as an out to try to avoid fighting me.”

 

Lee Selby: “I can clarify.  Back home, Carl Frampton is a huge name. A fight between he and I would be bigger, that’s what I was saying.”

 

Gary Russell Jr.: “Look, I like the IBF belt.  I want to add it to my collection.  And as for Leo Santa Cruz, he wants to avenge the loss I gave him in amateurs.  So, me and Leo, we can make it happen.”

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air on Monday, Aug. 1 at 11 p.m. ET/PT.  The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast will re-air on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT.

 

The evet was presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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“PAULIE MALIGNAGGI: DEAR BOXING” PENS OPEN LETTER SHARING HIS INTIMATE THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ON WHY HE KEEPS FIGHTING

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cid:image006.jpg@01D1E983.E4379310

 

Photo by Amanda Westcott / SHOWTIME

 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

 

“Boxing Gave Me Things I Couldn’t imagine. Boxing Let Me Dream. That’s What I’m Fighting For: That Chance To Dream Again.”

Veteran boxer, a former two-division world champion, Paulie Malignaggi pens an open letter to the sport of boxing as the Magic Man prepares to step into the ring once more on Saturday night.

 

Malignaggi (35-7, 7 KOs) will face Gabriel Bracero in a 10-round welterweight bout between fellow Brooklynite in the SHOWTIME EXTREME® main event tomorrow, Saturday live at 7 p.m. ET/PT from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

Malignaggi explains in the letter why he keeps on climbing into the ring: “I know fighters don’t age gracefully,” he says. “I know fighters get hurt. But I also know in my heart, I gotta fight. At least one more time. Why? I’ll tell you why: Love.”

 

After his bout, Malignaggi, also a SHOWTIME Sports® boxing analyst, plans to join the announce team and call the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader featuring featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz defending against N. Ireland’s Carl Frampton and the return of  undefeated and former two-division champion Mikey Garcia facing ex-champion Elio Rojas, live onSHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

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Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton  Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Stacked Night of Boxing at Barclays Center in Brooklyn Highlighted by SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®Tripleheader
 
Live On SHOWTIME®, This Saturday, July 30 At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Preliminary Fights Begin At 7 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Photos From Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (July 28, 2016) – Undefeated three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated former unified 122-pound world champion Carl Frampton went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their featherweight world title clash that headlines a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader this Saturday, July 30 live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIMEat 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated former world champion Mikey Garcia taking on former world champion Elio Rojas in the co-main event,plus once-beaten contenders Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko in a junior middleweight title eliminator.
Two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi meets fellow Brooklynite Gabriel Bracero in the SHOWTIME EXTREME main event. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT with a lightweight battle between Ivan Redkach and Tevin Farmer.
Tickets for the live event, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
The fighters spoke to media Thursday at the Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan. Here is what the participants had to say:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I’m glad that my whole family is here and I’m thankful to my whole team that got me ready for this opportunity.
“I’m so happy to have my dad here. We thought about not taking this fight when he got the [cancer] diagnosis. He’s always been there with me since the beginning of my career. Since I was very small. When the doctors told me that he would be in my corner, I was even more ready for this fight.
“I know that this is going to be an interesting fight. We’re both undefeated and we’re going to make it a war. Neither of us wants that first loss. We’re going to leave it all in the ring. This won’t be an easy fight. It’s a 50-50 fight. The fighter who wants it the most will win the night.
“I want boxing fans from every background – Latino people from everywhere – Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans – to come out and support me and come watch a great fight on Saturday night.”
CARL FRAMPTON
“I’ve worked very hard in the gym and I feel strong at 126 pounds. This new weight suits me and you will see the result in the ring.
“Nothing can compare to this opportunity. People know me in Belfast, but Leo Santa Cruz is a three-weight world champion who gives me the opportunity to become more well known.
“This fight sells itself. I respect all my opponents until I’m disrespected myself. I respect Leo because of his actions and because of the great fighter that he is.
“I’m a different animal now at 126 pounds. I was only performing at 70 or 80 percent of what my capabilities were. I’m feeling strong and I’m a different fighter. This will be my best performance.
“I’m honored to be on a bill with so many great fighters. There are four fights that could probably top a bill in their own right. I’m honored to be here and I’m going to get the victory on Saturday night.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“It’s been a while since I’ve done this but I’m very excited to be back. I want to thank everyone who helped put this fight together.
“Everybody has said it all. We’re ready. We’re prepared and we’ve had a great training camp. Rojas has the boxing skills to make this complicated.
“I have better skills than any fighter put in front of me. This will be the beginning of the next stage of my career. The most memorable part of my career.”
ELIO ROJAS
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’m really happy about being on this show. In this fight. I know I’m being brought in as an opponent, but I’m going to let the fans know that I’m not just an opponent.
“I know who Mikey Garcia is. I have all the abilities to win on July 30. I’ve always been a boxer who was never protected. I always prepare to win the fight and this will be no exception.”
TONY HARRISON
“I’m just excited to be back on a platform like this. I’m ready put in work. I know my opponent doesn’t speak much English, but I bet he speaks hands.
“No disrespect to Ricky Hatton, because what he’s done for his country and for Rabchenko is amazing, but I don’t care about it at all. Seeing Ricky over there fuels me even more to get the win.
“I just had a son, he’s three months old. He’s my new motivation. We’ve pushed it to the max in training camp. I’m ready to swim with the sharks. I’ve transitioned from a sprinter to a marathon runner. I’m ready to go into the later rounds.
“I’m ready to put Detroit back on the map. One thing you know about Detroit, we’re about that action. On Saturday, we’re coming for it.”
SERGEY RABCHENKO
“This is a very nice country and a great city for boxing. It’s my first time here and it’s very exciting. I’m going to give the fans a really good fight.
“I know my opponent is a young, strong kid fighter and he will be ready. I want him to be ready so that we can give the fans a great show.”
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
“I hear young guys like Tony Harrison and Tevin Farmer come up here and talk, it reminds me of my young days. The gym I train in down in Miami is full of young guys hungry to break through. That’s the feeling we all used to have in the gym. It starts to rub off on you when you hang around motivated people.
“I need to have great motivation and that fire to return to the top level. I took a couple steps back after the Garcia fight and gradually stepped up. I think Gabe is another step up. He’s a hungry and motivated guy.
“I know Gabriel Bracero, not only as a fighter, but I know his spirit. We came up together in the same generation of New York fighters.
“It’s all love and respect. But this Brooklyn Belt, it looks pretty nice. This is staying here in Bensonhurst.”
GABRIEL BRACERO
“I want to thank Tommy Gallagher, my trainer. He always stood by my side and always believed in me. No matter what the critics said. It’s because of him that I’m standing here now.
“I’ve made mistakes in life. I was away from this sport for a while. Boxing was always my dream though. I stayed focused so that I can come out and do what I’m doing now. Not too many people can bounce back from a situation like that.
“Saturday is a big fight and I’m looking forward to it. I’m really thankful that Paulie gave me this opportunity. I always followed his career and his successes. It was a dream of mine to come out here and have the same success he had. I looked up to him.
“To be here right now and to be able to fight Paulie is incredible. He’s giving me the opportunity to reach his level of success.
“I encourage everyone to come out Saturday night. I’m going to leave my heart in the ring. That Brooklyn Belt is beautiful and I can’t wait to have it around my waist. This is business, not personal. You should get ready to see fireworks.”
IVAN REDKACH
“I’m very thankful to be part of such a great event. I changed a lot about my training heading into this fight. I’ve trained with the great champion Leo Santa Cruz and it has me ready.
“I want to show everyone in the ring what I can do, not up on the stage with my words.”
TEVIN FARMER
“I want to thank my training staff for preparing me for battle Saturday night. I’m thankful for this opportunity.
“This is another chance to show the world who I am. I have about three years with no losses. I started boxing as a hobby. But when I realized how much talent I had, I started training right.
“Since I started taking this sport seriously, I’ve been taking guys out easily. Ivan Redkach will get this work. It’s going to be easy.
“I’m not about talk. A lot of people don’t know who I am, but everyone will know on Saturday night.”
AMANDA SERRANO
“To be here with these great fighters is an amazing opportunity. I’m very honored. I’m ready to fight and successfully defend my title.
“I’m going to show all the critics and non-believers that female fighters have the talent and courage of the male fighters, and we’re here to stay. Come out on Saturday night for a great show.”
BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Manager, Former World Champion & Hall of Famer
“We’re delighted to be here in Manhattan for this potential Fight of the Year. The whole team that made this fight happen has been fantastic.
“I just wanted to say that we’re thrilled that Jose Santa Cruz is back on his feet, every one of our families is affected by cancer.
“This is a clash of styles that could make it a fight of the year. We have the utmost respect for Leo Santa Cruz, but we’re here to win and we will win.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“I think that this is the best card that I’ve ever been able to promote. This is the deepest boxing card from top to bottom that I’ve seen.
“Barclays Center has become one of the homes for great boxing. It is the premier venue right now for boxing in this country. The Brooklyn Boxing program is something that Barclays Center is truly committed to.
“If you’re from Brooklyn, then you want that Brooklyn Belt. It’s about carrying the mantle of being that guy from Brooklyn. That’s what both Paulie and Gabe are going to try to do.
“The main event is one of the elite fights that can be made in the sport. These are two amazing fighters. The winner won’t just be a featherweight champion; the winner will have an argument for the pound-for-pound list.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“SHOWTIME has been bringing its viewers the best, most competitive fights of the year, and Saturday will be no exception.
“The 154-pound division is the deepest and hottest in the sport. Tony Harrison and Rabchenko are looking to make their mark and get up to the next level of the division.
“Having Mikey Garcia back is a treat. It’s a big positive for the sports of boxing. Elio Rojas is not just an opponent though. He is tough, he is hungry and I expect this to be an amazing fight as well.
“The main event is again the best versus the best. Two of the most aggressive fighters in any division. There’s nothing else to say about this fight other than that it will be all action. I think this fight could be better than Thurman vs. Porter.
“We’re proudest of all to have the best versus the best. This is what boxing should be. You should be there if you can on Saturdaynight and if not, watch on SHOWTIME, you will not be disappointed.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“This is arguably the strongest card from top to bottom that we’ve had in Brooklyn since we’ve hosted fight cards. This will be a great follow-up to the incredible Thurman vs. Porter fight last fight. We expect another headlining fight that could be a leading contender for Fight of the Year. We are honored to welcome these two great competitors to Brooklyn. They are two of the most exciting fighters in the sport and we wish both of you the best on Saturday.
“Saturday’s card certainly has a Brooklyn flavor to it. It begins with Bensonhurst’s Paulie Malignaggi taking on Gabriel Bracero from Sunset Park with the Brooklyn’s World Championship on the line.
“Amanda Serrano, another Brooklynite, will be the first women ever to defend her title at Barclays Center. We look forward to seeing you in the ring on Saturday night.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO FEATURES: LEO SANTA CRUZ FIGHTS FOR HIS AILING FATHER; CARL FRAMPTON AIMS TO REPLICATE SUCCESS OF MENTOR BARRY MCGUIGAN

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 Santa Cruz Family Opens Up About Father Jose’s Battle With Cancer

YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/2aggcKE

DOWNLOAD: https://we.tl/J0vCnh3Bn7

 

Frampton, & McGuigan Plan For Irish Invasion

YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/2aym4k3

DOWNLOAD: https://we.tl/sWZP1GAXgJ

 

As Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton prepare to collide for one of the top spots in the featherweight division this Saturday, the undefeated fighters have plenty of motivation as they approach their marquee summer blockbuster.

 

Boxing has always been a family affair for the Santa Cruz clan, with father Jose leading the charge with the assistance of Leo’s brother, Antonio.  But a frightening diagnosis of cancer has threatened to prevent Jose from manning Leo’s corner for the first time in his career.

 

After unifying the super bantamweight division, Frampton moved up to featherweight for his second fight in the U.S.  And while the Irish sensation aims to become a two-division world champion, he’s also hoping to become a star in America and follow in the footsteps of his mentor, Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan.

 

Check out these intimate SHOWTIME Sports features on Santa Cruz and Frampton as they approach a career-defining moment this Saturday, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

#SantaCruzFrampton

 

Tickets for the live event, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

Undefeated former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia will fight for the first time in two-and-one-half years when he faces Elio Rojas in the co-feature on SHOWTIME. In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast, Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko will meet in a 12-round IBF Junior Middleweight Elimination Bout.

 

An all-Brooklyn showdown between welterweights Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi andGabriel “Tito” Bracero highlights the undercard on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.  A 10-round clash between once-beaten lightweight Ivan Redkach and streaking Tevin Farmer, a winner of 14 straight, will open the SHOWTIME EXTREME®telecast live at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.