Category Archives: Showtime

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Keith Thurman & Shawn Porter Take New York

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Welterweight Stars Discuss Saturday, June 25 Showdown Live on CBS
From Barclays Center During Whirlwind Two Days in NYC

Click HERE for Press Images From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
NEW YORK (April 28, 2016) – The best the sport has to offer, two of the most talented fighters in the world, elite athletes in their prime and set to fight each other at the world-class Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on broadcast TV in primetime, Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter,took over New York this week as they made the rounds to officially announce their welterweight blockbuster on Saturday, June 25 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).
Thurman and Porter, who are confident and hard-working boxers inside the ring and classy gentlemen outside, have the spotlight to themselves on the world’s biggest stage on June 25. And what an extraordinary moment it will be for the two 147-pound prizefighters, competing at Barclays Center and on CBS, America’s most-watched network.
“This is the very best that boxing has to offer,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, at Tuesday’s press conference at the Edison Ballroom in midtown.
From the press conference, Thurman and Porter where whisked throughout the city, from the Sports Illustrated offices in the Financial District, to the offices of Complex Magazine, CBS Sports Radio and SiriusXM in Midtown and across the bridge to Barclays Center and the PIX 11 studios.
“Barclays Center makes this a big fight,” said Thurman. “We get to promote here in New York City. This is a fight town.”
On Tuesday, Porter visited with “The Breakfast Club” on POWER 105 while Thurman paid a visit to CBS This Morning to promote their highly anticipated showdown and stake their claim as the present and future of the welterweight division.
“This is going to be a memorable night,” said Porter. “It’s going to be a record-breaking night at Barclays Center and we’re going to put on a show.”
Click HERE for photos from Thurman and Porter’s media tour. If you’re interested in visiting Thurman or Porter in their respective camps or speaking to them over the phone, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the PR contacts below.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $42, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
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WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES FROM NORTHPORT, ALABAMA

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“When we step in that ring, nothing is acceptable but a knockout. And I’m looking to knock him out.” – Deontay Wilder
 
Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) Defends Against Mandatory Challenger
Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs) One Month From Today
on May 21 in Moscow, Russia
NORTHPORT, ALA. (April 21, 2016) -Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder hosted a media workout Tuesday at the Skyy Gym in Northport, Ala. as he prepares to become the first reigning American heavyweight champion to travel to Russia to defend his title.
In exactly one month, on Saturday, May 21, Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will put his world title on the line against mandatory challenger and native Russian,Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs), in Moscow.
Here’s what Wilder said at his Media Workout day on Tuesday:
 
DEONTAY WILDER
(On his expectations going to Russia…)
“My expectation is, of course, to win. To come back with that victory for America. This is a big fight, not just for myself, for America. It’s like Russia vs. America. I’ve been getting nothing but positive feedback from fans all over. Even if they weren’t a fan of Deontay Wilder they are now for this very fight. Hopefully I can win them over to stay a fan of Deontay Wilder after this fight. I think it’s a great fight. I think it’s a great thing that we’re going over to Russia defending my title in somebody else’s backyard.
“Like I said before, it’s easier for me to fight here in American but that’s not what it’s all about to me. When I have a title that says the heavyweight champion of the world, I want to travel all over the world to defend my title. I’m living my dream, I’m getting an opportunity to do that with this fight. I’m looking forward to Russia and I want to tell Russia,’Here I come.’ “
(What it means to be the first heavyweight champion to fight in Russia…)
 
“It means a lot. It makes me even closer to my faith. God doesn’t make mistakes in lives. He doesn’t make a mistake in my life, your life or anybody else. Things happen for a reason and they happen at the right time in your life. Things may not come when you want it, but when they come it’s right on time. The things that have been accumulating throughout my career, it’s been amazing. How I’ve been able to make history, beat other records, and continue to make history. It’s amazing. I just want to know what else he has in store for my life. If it’s continuously history being made, what’s next? I’m excited.
“I can’t wait to see how my life unfolds at the end of my career. What happens at the end of Deontay Wilder when it’s time for him to say I’ve done all I’ve done in this sport and I don’t want to do it anymore. I want to see how much ground I can cover for those that have come before me.”
(How you predict the fight going…)
 
“I predict the fight as being a punishment in the first round and then knocking him out. All heavyweights want to knock somebody out so we have to say we’re going to knock them out. This is the cream of the crop division. The heavyweights. The hard-hitters. The heavy hitters, as they say. When we step in that ring, nothing is acceptable but a knockout. And I’m looking to knock him out.”
(On if he’s reached his peak…)
“Not at all and that’s the scary part about it. I haven’t even reached my peak yet and I’m still learning on the way up. I want to always learn. Each and every fight brings experience to me. It brings something that I’ve taken away from that fight and that I’ve added to the next fight. Looking forward to being very crisp and very good in this fight and showing people a little bit more of what Deontay Wilder is capable of. Especially those who haven’t seen anything thus far yet, stay tuned to this fight. This is one you don’t want to miss.”
(On unifying the titles in the future…)
“Most definitely. I really feel when I say that I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, I don’t just say it to say it, but I also feel it inside me, deep inside me that I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and add my name to the few undisputed champions that have come before me. My name will be placed in history on that. Why wouldn’t it? All the things I’ve done up to now, that will be the icing on my cake to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I won’t stop, no matter how many hours I have to put in. No matter how many fights that I have to take. No matter how many countries I have to visit to defend my title. I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
(On concerns about going to Russia…)
“I don’t have any concerns. I don’t let my brain sit back and think about if I don’t knock him out or are they going to rob me, or anything like that. I just don’t want my mind to be on that when I’m in a fight. I want to have a clear mind. I want to go in there and do what Deontay is capable of doing. Like I said, all things are in God’s hands and if it’s in his will for me to win, it’s going to happen. If not then, I don’t stop there. My legacy is not going to stop there. But I’m very confident in what I’m about to do and what I’m going to do, and we all know that if we knock him out then we don’t have to worry about that. So of course that’s going to be my priority on my list – to knock him out.”

 

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AUSTIN TROUT: ‘I’M GOING TO TAKE THAT BELT’

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Former World Champion Heads to Las Vegas
For 154-Pound Title Showdown May 21
Against Jermall Charlo Live on SHOWTIME®

At The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of  Las Vegas

 

‘I don’t see this being a boring fight; he’s going to bring it, I’m going to bring it’ – Austin Trout

 

Click HERE For Photos From Dave Nadkarni/PBC

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2016) – Austin Trout (30-2, 17 KOs), the former super welterweight world champion, is ready to collect his second world title on Saturday, May 21 when he meets IBF Junior Middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo in a 12-round match live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from The Chelsea, a one-of-a-kind 40,000-square-foot venue inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

 

“It’s my time,” said Trout. “My focus is amplified 10-fold.  I’m the confident, happy Austin that fans know, but trust me, when it’s fight time I’m ready for any dogfight that comes. You’ll see Austin bring out and defeat the ‘Lion’ in him because at the end of the day I’m taking that belt.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000and www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Trout is trained by Barry Hunter and Louie Burke of Headbangers Gym in Washington D.C. Having started boxing at the age of 10, his natural talent and the ability to grow into the sport took Austin across the United States and Latin America in the amateur divisions and then into the pros. Known as one of the fiercest gentlemen competitors in the sport, he beat the likes of Miguel Cotto, Rigoberto Alvarez and Delvin Rodriguez, before losing his title to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. Trout comes into May 21 looking to claim a title in a division he’s been a true threat within for his career.

 

You’ve said you’ve been led to this fight, why is it important?

“Coming off of four consecutive wins, I’m not just on a comeback streak but I’m taking a full step forward. Charlo is the champ, this fight is about no more half stepping. It’s about taking on the best. Isn’t that what it’s about, being the best?”

 

How is camp going?

“I physically feel great. I’m really comfortable with Barry, it’s my fourth camp with the Headbangers team; Luis is there as well.  Luis helps me with pre-camp and then I shift to D.C.

 

“I was already in D.C. getting camp started when the rumors about this fight came true. I had been at the gym at home for pre-camp for a month and a half before hitting D.C. I was working out five times a week, running every day just getting the program going. As I said, no half-stepping. I’m already sparring, doing the work, getting right. I’m not walking through it but running and trotting through it. I’m 30, I’m at my physical peak, my talent couldn’t be any better.”

 

Talk about the fight and what to expect?

“Neither one of us is going out without a fight, so I don’t see this being a boring fight. It’s time for people to remember me. I’ve earned this championship shot against an undefeated bull like Jermall Charlo but I will take his belt. “

 

Your first professional loss was against ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in San Antonio in 2013.  What are your thoughts on that fight?

 

“I had a good, competitive fight with Saul – it felt like a unification bout – I was WBA champion and he was WBC champion. The open scoring was more detrimental to my game plan thea the judges! During the fight when I was told that I wasn’t winning on anyone’s cards I had to change my game plan.  It was a dogfight.  Canelo never had to box and move that much before in a fight.

“But, live and learn. Instead of walking into a fight like that I listened to those around me. No more surprises. This Charlo fight is a fight I want, a fight my team wants and we’re ready. I’m a more mature, focused champion who’s coming back. I’m dangerous – I have experience, talent and God on my side.”

 

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

 

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Mayweather Promotions Stars Chris Pearson & Sharif Bogere Headline Undercard Action In Separate Bouts  Saturday, April 30 From The DC Armory In Washington, D.C.

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Plus! Impressive Lineup Of Top Talent & Local Prospects
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2016) – Mayweather Promotions stars Chris “Young King” Pearson (16-1, 11 KOs) and Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (27-1, 19 KOs) compete in separate bouts that highlight undercard action on Saturday, April 30 from the DC Armory in Washington D.C.
The event is headlined by a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader that begins live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT featuring a pair of super middleweight world title fights, as WBC champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack takes on former champion Lucian Bute, and IBF champion James “Chunky” DeGale battles top contender Rogelio “Porky” Medina.
Pearson will take on Joshua Okine (22-5, 15 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight contest while Bogere faces former African champion Samuel Amoako (21-9, 15 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, on sale now. To purchase tickets visitwww.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
Additional action inside the arena will feature unbeaten Washington, D.C.-born Latondria Jones (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight bout against Virginia’s Kamika Slade, undefeated Ecuadorian Carlos Gongora (6-0, 3 KOs)in a light heavyweight match and the pro debut of D.C. product Keegan Grove in a four-round lightweight scrap.
Rounding out the non-televised undercard fights are Richmond, Virginia‘s Moshea Aleem(4-0, 2 KOs) who will go up against fellow unbeaten Georgia native Martez Jackson (2-0-1, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight bout, lastly is a four-round welterweight attraction with Brooklyn’s Chordale Booker (1-0, 1 KO).
The 25-year-old Pearson will look to bounce back from his first career loss to unsurpassed Eric Walker in December with an emphatic victory on April 30. The Dayton, Ohio-born product previously picked up victories over Lanardo Tyner, Janks Trotter, Steve Martinez and Said El Harrak in the last two years after an outstanding amateur career in which he captured a National Championship in 2011. He takes on the experienced Okine, who is originally from Ghana but now fights out of nearby Silver Spring, Maryland.
A recent addition to the Mayweather Promotions stable, Bogere fights out of Las Vegas while proudly representing his native Uganda. The 27-year-old won his first 23 pro fights while picking up victories over Raymundo Beltran, Francisco Contreras, and Manuel Levya. He enters this bout on a four-fight win streak and will be challenged by the former African lightweight champion Amoako, who represents Ghana while fighting out of Silver Spring, Maryland.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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Badou Jack & Lucian Bute Media Workout Quotes & Photos Ahead Of World Title Showdown On Saturday, April 30 Live on SHOWTIME® From the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

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Plus Undercard Fighters Sharif Bogere & Latondria Jones
Quotes From Las Vegas Workout
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esaiah Gomez/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE For Lucian Bute Photos From InterBox
 
LAS VEGAS (April 18, 2016) – WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack and former world champion Lucian Bute hosted media workouts at their respective training camps last week to discuss their Saturday, April 30 world title showdown live on SHOWTIME from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale defending his title against top contender Rogelio Medina.
Jack, who welcomed his first child, a daughter named Malaniyah, earlier in the day, held his workout at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas while Bute hosted media at the gym owned by the Grant brothers in the western part of Montreal. Joining Jack at the Las Vegas workout were lightweight contender Sharif Bogere and Washington, D.C. born Latondria Jones, who compete in undercard action on April 30.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000. 
Here is what the participants had to say:
BADOU JACK
“I’m looking forward to another victory. This is going to be a tough fight, but I’m ready. I’ve been training really hard and I’m ready to get into the ring.
“I’m more focused and determined now than ever to secure what is mine. The fans will have an exciting show to look forward to on April 30. I can guarantee that!
“My daughter being born this morning is extra motivation for me and to continue working hard to provide for my family. I only slept for 2 hours, but I feel brand new.
“I still feel fresh! Training camp is good. Everything is right on schedule. I’m feeling really focused.”
LUCIAN BUTE
“The most important thing for me is to have fun when I train. My confidence level is back at 100 percent. There’s a great atmosphere here at the gym and I have great chemistry with my trainers. I’ve done quality sparring and starting next week we’ll be reducing the training volume so as to focus more on the level of intensity.
“The pressure won’t be on me because I’ll be on his turf, in Washington. He is the favorite because he’s the champion, but I’m confident and I’m able! We looked at some video of him with Howard (Grant). He’s a good boxer, but he’s not exceptional and he makes mistakes. I have experience. This will be my 13th world championship fight. My experience and my speed will make the difference.
“My confidence level wasn’t at 100 percent before I fought James DeGale, but now it’s all back after performing the way I did against him. All the better for me if Badou Jack is already looking ahead to his next fight, is taking me for granted and is underestimating me. I know for my part that I can beat him. He did well in his last bout against George Groves, where he was able to come up with a good right blow that sent him to the canvas. But I’m going there to deliver.
“I’ve now been training for a year with Howard Grant, who already knows me well and pushes me to go beyond my limits. We’ve developed a trusting relationship and I feel very comfortable working alongside him. It’s hard to put into words! It’s true, I’m 36 years old, but I still have some good years ahead of me in professional boxing. For Éric Lucas, who had this belt for several years, I will bring back the title to the province of Quebec.”
SHARIF BOGERE
“Training camp has been going tremendously well. I’m excited to get back in action on April 30. it’s going to be a good show. Two world titles on the line, that’s something big.
“I want people to know who The Lion is. People will know that The Lion is here to stay. I will put on a great show as I always do.
“I want to put on a good show so the fans will never forget about my presence in this division. Being born in Uganda, it’s important for me to make my homeland proud.”
LATONDRIA JONES
“Training camp has been going well, I am looking forward to going into the fight real strong, dominating and come out with a win. It’s important that I continue to stay mentally focused and physically ready.
“I don’t really look too much into to my opponents, until I’m getting ready for that belt. As far as I know, this is her pro debut. I’m going to show her what this is all about, and give her that pro life.
“I was born in D.C. so, I look forward to going back and fighting at the Armory to give my hometown fans what they want to see. They came to see a show, and I plan on delivering. I look forward to getting better and coming out on top. I’m working hard and taking it day-by-day. I thank God for being in this position that I’m in.”
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHTS ANDREW TABITI, KEITH TAPIA TO DEFEND THEIR PERFECT RECORDS ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION LIVE ON SHOWTIME FRIDAY, MAY 13 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS

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Plus! 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter,
Unbeaten Isiah Thomas Collide In Cruiserweight Action!
Tickets on Sale Today!
LAS VEGAS (April 18, 2016) – Unbeaten Mayweather Promotions star Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (12-0, 11 KOs) and undefeated power-puncher Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (16-0, 11 KOs) will go toe-to-toe and put their perfect records on the line in an 10 round cruiserweight bout on Friday, May 13 on ShoBox: The New Generation from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.
Televised coverage live on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features another exciting matchup in the cruiserweight division as 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter (11-0, 8 KOs) battles fellow unbeaten Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) in 10-round bout. Hunter, who is coming off of a knockout victory in February, looks to keep his unblemished record in tact when he takes on Thomas, who is best known for winning the first ever Junior World Boxing Championship for the United States.
“I’m focused and I’m ready,” said Tabiti. “I’ve been in training camp for 10 weeks. My game plan is to go in and destroy. I want to thank my fans for supporting me and I am going to go in and give my fans a show.”
“I feel blessed by this opportunity to be boxing on ShoBox on May 13,” said Tapia. “I’m training hard and will put on a great fight. I will show the fans that I’m one of the best cruiserweights in the world.”
“Camp is going well and I’m ready for May 13,” said Hunter. “No matter who gets put in front of me, I’m going to keep taking care of business, and there’s nothing else to talk about.”
“I’m feeling good about this fight. Michael Hunter is a quality fighter with a good amateur background. Dominating him will prove to the boxing world that I’m ready for a title fight,” said Isiah Thomas. “I don’t think Hunter can handle the speed and agility that I have for a cruiserweight, that’s my advantage in this division and I plan to put it on display May 13.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and go on sale today, April 18. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling (702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
“We‘re looking forward to going back to Sam’s Town Live for a second time after a successful sellout show on Feb. 16,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Mayweather Promotions aims to promote action-packed cards that get fans off their feet. I think the matchups on this card will do just that.”
The highly regarded 26-year-old Chicago native Tabiti, fighting out of Las Vegas, is making his 2016 debut. He’s won 11 of his 12 fights inside the distance, including a second-round TKO over Tomas Lodi on September 29, 2015. Tabiti, a solid amateur with a record of 32-6, turned pro in July 2013. His unique style incorporates fast, explosive hand-speed in tandem with rapid body movement and exceptional footwork.
Tapia, originally from the Bronx, has been victorious in four of his last five fights by knockout. He made his professional debut on Nov. 18, 2011 by stopping Andrew Kuilan in the opening round. Fighting out of Carolina, Puerto Rico, the determined, steadily improving 25-year-old Tapia is coming off of a 10-round unanimous decision over Garrett Wilson in December. Like Tabiti, Tapia also had an outstanding amateur career.
Hunter, son of former heavyweight contender Michael Hunter Sr., is a two-time national amateur champion who competed at the 2012 Olympics. Since making his pro debut in March 2013 by defeating Chad Davis, the up-and-coming 27-year-old hasn’t come close to losing. He’s won his last four fights by knockout, all inside four rounds. In his most recent outing, Hunter knocked out Phil Williams in the first round last February 27.
A top-notch amateur, Thomas turned pro in 2008 and won his initial three starts by first-round knockout. A natural southpaw, discovered after the Junior Olympics by the late, great Emanuel Steward, the promising Thomas registered a clear, unanimous 10-round decision over previously unbeaten Jordan Shimmell last July 25.
For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter: @FloydMayweather, @MayweatherPromo @SHOSports, @andrewtabiti89, @machine_gun_tapia_, follow on Instagram at: @floydmayweather, @Mayweatherpromotions, @shosports, become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
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WITH HIGHLIGHT-REEL KNOCKOUT, MASON MENARD NOW SERIOUS CONTENDER IN LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

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‘He’s Ready for Anybody’ says Promoter Greg Cohen
It’s been three days since “the shot heard round the world,” the one-punch knockout Louisiana lightweight Mason “Rock Hard Mighty” Menard scored over opponent Eudy Bernardo. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW
In what should have been a fight against his toughest opponent to date, Menard(31-1, 23 KOs) destroyed the Dominican Bernardo, dropping him in the second and finishing their nationally televised ShoBox: The New Generation co-main event with a single right hand at 2:11 of the third.
In what will certainly be a “Knockout of the Year” candidate, Menard’s devastating right hand left the formerly undefeated Bernardo unconscious and announced the 27-year-old as an unexpected fighter to watch in the lightweight division.
“I train hard, diet right. I get good sparring. I do everything to the tee. I go to church on Sundays and the blessing come true for me,” said a happy Menard, post-fight. “It felt great to be on the world stage and perform like that. With all my people back home watching and developing new fans out of the people watching everywhere, it’s just a great feeling. I want to continue this.”
At the time of the KO, Bernardo appeared to be seriously hurt and was taken from the ring on a stretcher. He has since recovered. “I knew in my mind it’d last about three rounds, but I didn’t expect that shot to take him out,” continued Menard. “It’s a great feeling to get a victory, but I’d rather my opponent walk out of the ring. I saw he was seriously hurt and I got down on one knee and said a prayer for him.”
For Menard’s promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, the victory was not unexpected, despite Bernardo being favored going in, but is still a very pleasant development.
“With one punch, Mason is now a serious contender in the lightweight division,” said Cohen. “He’s ready for any of the champions including Jorge Linares, Rances Barthelemy or Terry Flanagan.”
With a humble nature and movie-star good looks, Cohen saw the potential in Menard immediately. “Now everyone knows what we already did. He’s a sensational fighter with true star potential. I’m very excited to be working with him.”
“I’m ready for anybody,” said Menard. “As long as business is right, I’m not scared of anybody, bring them on!”
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.
Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.
Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.
In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.
Cohen currently promotes WBA Interim World Lightweight Champion Ismael Barroso, Undefeated WBA NABA Heavyweight Champion and world-rated contender Jarrell Miller, undefeated WBA NABA  Middleweight Champion and world-rated contender Robert Brant, former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.
Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.
For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.
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GARY RUSSELL JR. KNOCKS OUT PATRICK HYLAND TO RETAIN WBC FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME®

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Jose Pedraza Remains Unbeaten With Unanimous Decision Over Stephen Smith In IBF Junior Lightweight Championship

 

Catch The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Replay
This Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (Apr. 17, 2016) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. retained his title with a remarkable TKO of Irishman Patrick Hyland Saturdayon SHOWTIME from Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.  In the co-feature, Jose Pedraza defended his IBF Junior Lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Stephen Smith.

 

Tonight’s event was a family affair with Russell Jr. working his brother Antonio’s corner during tonight’s undercard and boxing’s Smith brothers, including current WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith, cheering from the crowd.

 

A relentless Russell brought the main event to a quick halt by registering three knockdowns in the second round, the last of which forced referee Danny Schiavone to end the contest at 1:33.  From the first bell, the Washington, D.C. native came out swinging with his trademark hand speed and dangerous power.  Russell, a southpaw, successfully broke down—and knocked out—Hyland with multiple vicious right hooks.

 

“We stuck to the game plan. We stayed sharp,” said Russell Jr., who improves his record to 27 wins, one loss, 15 knockouts.

 

“I’m ready to fight anyone in the division – Santa Cruz, Lee Selby.  We are ready. But what I really want is [Vasyl] Lomachenko.  I don’t care if he moves up to 147 pounds.  I will go anywhere to get that fight,” Russell said.

 

“There aren’t many fighters who you instantly know are special,” said SHOWTIME Sports expert analyst Steve Farhood. “The combination of Gary Russell’s hand speed and accuracy instantly shows us that he’s special. That was plainly evident tonight and at times his hand speed was frightening.”

 

Pedraza (22-0, 12 KOs) remained disciplined and came out victorious during his second IBF 130-pound world title defense. A combination of timing, hand speed and good defense allowed the Puerto Rican native to dominate the 12-round championship fight.

 

“This definitely was a tough fight but the training really came to advantage in this fight,” Pedraza told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray. “I knew he was a tough fighter so I was always aware.”

 

“I had better focus tonight. I had a better training camp,” said Pedraza, referring to his controversial split decision win over Edner Cherry two fights ago.  “I knew that Stephen Smith was a great fighter and even after the knockdown, we were very cautious not to rush in.”

 

“Pedraza won tonight with different weapons. Mostly right hands to the head,” said Farhood. “I had the fight even after eight rounds and once Pedraza dropped Smith in the ninth, he gained momentum that he never lost and he pulled away. It was an impressive performance but also an important one because it erased a lot of the negative criticism Pedraza received in his controversial win over Edner Cherry.”

 

Pedraza was the more accurate fighter, landing 50 percent of his power punches over the 12-round bout. The Sniper was able to pick his spots and pocket rounds once he figured out the distance.  Smith had his moments, but wasn’t active enough.

 

Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast, with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. In the Spanish simulcast, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow and former world champion Raul Marquez served as color commentator. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

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NIKOLAY POTAPOV & STEPHON YOUNG FIGHT TO A DRAW, MASON MENARD STEALS THE SHOW WITH HIGHLIGHT-REEL KO ONSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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VIDEO: Menard Knocks Out Previously Unbeaten Eudy Bernardo: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW

 

Catch The Replay Tuesday, April 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

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Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME®

 

VERONA, N.Y. (April 15, 2016) –  Undefeated bantamweight prospects Nikolay Potapov and Stephon Young fought to a majority draw in theShoBox: The New Generation main event Friday on SHOWTIME from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

The bout was scored 96-94 Potapov and 95-95 twice.

 

Potapov and Young were facing their toughest opponents in each other.  Potapov (14-0-1, 6 KOs) controlled the pace early with his jab and was the more active fighter, throwing nearly double the punches that Young threw.   Young picked up steam and gained confidence in the middle rounds and was at his best when he pressed the action and let his hands go.  But the Russian Potapov, who had gone at least 10 rounds in his last six fights, was clearly more comfortable as the fight progressed.

 

After slowing in the seventh and eighth, Young (14-0-3, 6 KOs) found another gear in an impressive ninth, winning the penultimate round on all the judges’ scorecards.  But, even after urgent instructions from his corner, Young couldn’t carry the momentum into the 10th and lost the final round on all three scorecards.

 

“I am very unhappy with the decision. For every time he hit me, I hit him twice,” said Potapov, who threw 315 jabs compared to just 113 for Young.  “I was the much busier fighter. I don’t know what fight the judges were watching.  At the very most I lost four rounds.

 

“I’ve never had a draw before. I feel cheated from a win. I was very happy to be fighting in America but I now feel cheated.”

 

After the fight, St. Louis native Young was disappointed but knew that he needed to throw more punches.

 

“I feel like it was a good fight, but I should have got the decision,” Young said.  “I hurt him every time I hit him.  I let him be busier than me, but as far as the contact, I feel like I landed the more effective punches.  That was my strategy.

 

“I should have come on a bit sooner. That was my plan, but I got a little relaxed in the fight.  I came on in the ninth round when my coach told me to get him out of there.

 

“I most definitely want a rematch. I would like to do that again.”

 

Once-beaten Louisiana lightweight Mason Menard knocked out previously undefeated Eudy Bernardo with a vicious one-punch KO at2:11 of the third round.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW

 

Facing his toughest opponent to date, Menard floored (31-1, 23 KOs) Bernardo for the first time in his career with a series of rights near the end of the second round.  The Dominican Bernardo beat the count and finished the round, but he had no answer for Menard’s power.  Less than one minute into third, Menard connected with a huge right, knocking Bernardo (21-1, 15 KOs) out before he even hit the canvas.

 

“I made a statement tonight.  Not many people knew who I was going into this, but they know me now,” said Menard, who landed nearly 50 percent of his power shots.  “My speed, power and footwork were the difference.

 

“I said a prayer for him in the middle of the ring that he goes back to his family healthy.”

 

Bernardo, who was removed from the ring on a stretcher as a precautionary measure, was taken to nearby Oneida Healthcare where he was awake and responsive.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated cruiserweightConstantin Bejenaru handed Alexey Zubov the first loss of his career in a convincing eight-round unanimous decision scored 77-74, 78-73 twice.

 

Save for a flash seventh round knockdown, Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs) controlled the fight from the outset.  The Moldova native overcame a four-inch height disadvantage, attacking from different angles and controlling the exchanges on the inside and outside.  Zubov (10-1, 6 KOs) never got into rhythm and failed to capitalize on his reach advantage against the active and athletic southpaw.

 

“He was a good classical boxer, but he’s too straight up and he couldn’t adjust,” Bejenaru said.  “It wasn’t as easy as it looked to beat him. I adjusted my style to do that because I knew it would make him hesitate. I knew if I just constantly attacked him he wouldn’t know what to do.”

 

Zubov and Bernardo are now the 146th and 147th boxers to suffer their first pro loss on the prospect developmental series.

 

Friday’s three-fight telecast will re-air Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning April 16

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

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GARY RUSSELL JR. vs. PATRICK HYLAND, JOSE PEDRAZA vs. STEPHEN SMITH  FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 16, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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“I need to maintain control of the fight, close the distance, and maintain the jab. Complete dominance.” – 
Gary Russell Jr.
 
“To fight for the WBC title is everything I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.”
 – Patrick Hyland
 
“I have been waiting a long time for this day to come and we are going to demonstrate to Smith that I am a weapon.” – Jose Pedraza
 
“I believe I have what it takes to fight anyone and nothing will keep me from becoming a world champion.” – 
Stephen Smith
 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
NEW YORK (April 13, 2016) – WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md., and Irish contender Patrick Hyland (31-1, 15 KOs), of Dublin, faced off at the final press conference Wednesday at Highline Ballroom in New York, as they approach this Saturday’s Featherweight World Title fight live on SHOWTIME® from the Fox Theater in Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins live at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME with IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship clash between unbeaten Puerto Rican Jose Pedraza (21-0, 12 KOs) and mandatory challenger Stephen Smith (23-1, 13 KOs), of Liverpool, England.
 
Here’s what the fighters had to say at Wednesday’s final press conference.
 
GARY RUSSELL JR.
 
(On Patrick Hyland…)
“First and foremost, I gotta tip my hat off to him. I heard him say he was being trained by his father. Me and my younger brothers are also trained by my dad. My father is my favorite superhero, so it is very hard to deal with a situation like this and to bounce back and to grind and put all the hard work and effort into it after all the heartache and loss, I gotta tip my hat off to him for that.
I know that anytime you have a fighter that trains for six to eight weeks and prepares for no one else but you, is a dangerous fight. He’s tall, he’s long, but we can take him. We’re going to handle it.”
(On returning from injury…)
“I feel good. I’m ready; I put the work in at the gym. Like I said earlier, I got cussed out several times and sometimes I left the gym feeling like the worst fighter ever. But, right now, we’re ready and we’re prepared to invest in my ability.”
(On what it means to have his brother Antonio on the card he’s headlining…)
“It means a lot. I’m looking forward to it. I’m actually more looking forward to watching my brother compete than my own fight. I will definitely be working his corner in that fight. It means a lot for us to be able to pass this information down from generation to generation and watch it grow and watch us build as a family and as a unit. It’s amazing.’
“He definitely has the potential to be the best. Him as well as Antuanne, who is now on the 2016 Olympic team. It’s all information passed down from generation to generation. I feel as though they definitely have the ability to be better than me. I would want them to be anyway.”
(On what he needs to win the fight…)
“I need to maintain control of the fight, close the distance and maintain the jab. Complete dominance; I want to touch the body early. He likes to move a lot, so we’re going to cut all that down.”
(On potential future opponents…)
“God willing, everything goes right come April 16, we would love to unify with Lee Selby. If I had my choice, I would go with Lee Selby first to unify. Immediately after that, I want Leo Santa Cruz and after that I need Lomachenko.
“I don’t care where [Lomachenko] moves. He can lose his next 10 fights, but before my career’s done he has to see me.”
PATRICK HYLAND
 
(On what gives him the sense of satisfaction in boxing…)
“To fight for the WBC title is everything I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid and all of the hard work that I have put in to get to this position to fight for it. I am happy and I am just living for it now for Saturday night.”
(On being the first Irish boxer since Barry McGuigan to hold a featherweight world title…)
“It’s a whirlwind and it’s great. I’m just a local lad from Johnstown in Dublin and to be fighting on the big stage and to be fighting for a major world title, and again to be named the second featherweight ever to win a world title would be just amazing; a real dream come true for myself.”
(On Gary Russell…)
“I know he’s got fast hands. He’s a great southpaw and a great boxer so I have to be at the best of my ability on Saturday night for that. I worked on a game plan in the gym to counter his hand speed and it all has to come together on fight night. I can do all this and say all that, but I just have to perform on Saturday night and put it in by doing everything I’ve worked on to become champion.”
JOSE PEDRAZA
 
(On training camp…)
“I am feeling really good, we’re in the last stretch of conditioning. It was a very long and intense training camp but we saw improvements in my abilities. I have been waiting a long time for this day to come and we are going to demonstrate to Smith that I am a weapon.
(On Stephen Smith…)
“Smith is a very good boxer, he has a lot of abilities and intelligence. He’s a boxer with very good defense, but we already utilize a variety of strategies to be able to neutralize all of his abilities.”
(On what he plans to demonstrate on Saturday…)
“With my abilities, come Saturday, I will demonstrate that I am above Smith and that I am at the level of what I am, a champion. Overall, I just want to put on a show and I hope that the fan base will enjoy this great card.”
(On what he learned from fighting Edner Cherry…)
“I learned what I have always said and what I have always done to this very day, which is never watching. I never watch too many videos of my opponent because on the day of the fight he could be a completely different fighter and I think that is what occurred then. Aside from that, he utilized a great strategy.”
(On his thoughts on other Puerto Rican boxers…)
“Actually I am a world champion just like Rocky Martinez; there are many Puerto Rican prospects. Like [Felix] Verdejo but I don’t consider him as a world title contender just yet. He hasn’t fought with a boxer of championship caliber but he is currently among the top fighters in Puerto Rico.”
(On other fights he may be interested in at 130 pounds…)
“I have always said that the less Puerto Ricans I fight, the better. If it is the last option, I will fight with Puerto Ricans too but aside from that Rocky [Martinez] the world champ, there’s Francisco Vargas, [Javier] Fortuna, to name a few that are at the top of my list.”
STEPHEN SMITH
 
(On his first time fighting in the U.S….)
“I’m excited. If you want to make a name in boxing, then you’re going to do it in the states and that’s what I plan on doing by becoming a world champion Saturday.”
(On what he knows about Pedraza…)
“Well, not quite a lot. I know his name from the amateur days. He’s well established, he’s an Olympian and he’s a talented man. To fight somebody consists of winning or not, it goes beyond tactics, beyond style and beyond skillset really. I believe I have what it takes to fight anyone and nothing will keep me from becoming a world champion.”
(On what he needs to do to get the victory…)
“It can be a different type of fight; we know he likes to switch it up and box from different stances. He’s obviously talented so it’s going to take a different set from each way but we know what to expect. I’ve gone over everything with my trainer Joe Gallagher and we’re ready to go.”
(On his brothers Liam and Callum being champions and what it could mean to potentially join them…)
“It’s special. Two weeks ago Liam and Callum won a European world title and it just gives me the confidence, the spirit to hike. I’m in a really good place mentally and I couldn’t be feeling better going into it. After my boot camp going successfully, it just makes you feel better going ahead to become a world champion.”
(On UK champions on the rise in the past year…)
“There’s a lot of history there and for myself and my family, so we do what we’ve always wanted to do and we’re looking to just keep moving forward.”
TRAINER JOE GALLAGHER
 
(On training camp…)
“It was good. Obviously it boiled up to Callum’s win. There’s a good momentum. Callum and then Stephen has his world title opportunity. It’s been a slow burning rise with Stephen but he’s got, as I call it ‘his World Cup final’ — something that is going to take heart and strength. His strength is going very well. Pedraza is a very good fighter, good orthodox, good southpaw, he can mix it up and we’re prepared for whatever style he wants to bring on Saturday.”
(On the process of preparing for a fighter like Pedraza…)
“It’s a nightmare. It’s hard enough when you’re fighting a quality orthodox or a quality southpaw, of which he is, but not only that. He can also box on the back foot and on the front foot so we’re varying sparring partners, we’re mixing up the sparring in between the rounds, switching stances, and whichever way Pedraza wants to fight at the end of the night, I’m sure we’ll have an answer for.”
(On how he feels the fight will play out…)
“I think that’s all up to Pedraza, looking back at a few of his fights, he boxes slow and gets off to a good start but then he seems to lose his way a little in rounds. When you watch him against [Andrey] Klimov, he started out very well, put him under manners very quickly and had him nearly beat by the fourth round but [Andrey] managed to stay in very well and boxed really well. He got to the middle rounds, lost his way a little bit, switched southpaw, so either way it’s going to be fascinating. We’ve just got to make sure we don’t get caught to early when he’s quick and he’s sharp and he’s trying to put manners in Stephen Smith and then take him into the deep waters like Edner Cherry.”
(His prediction…)
“Stephen Smith. Possibly by knockout. No, definitely by knockout.”
# # #
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