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Three World Title Fights Come To Las Vegas

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Best Of 154-Pound Division Takes Center Stage As Erislandy Lara & Vanes Martirosyan Meet In World Championship Rematch
Plus! Unbeaten World Champion Jermall Charlo Defends Against Former Champion Austin Trout & Twin Brother Jermell Charlo Vies For Vacant Belt Against Hard-Hitting John Jackson
 
Saturday, May 21 From The Chelsea Inside
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Live On SHOWTIME
 
Tickets On Sale Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m. PT
LAS VEGAS (April 13, 2016) – The 154-pound division will take center stage on Saturday, May 21 in a stacked tripleheader featuring three world title fights in the same division.  Five of the division’s top-six fighters* will square off live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea, a one-of-a-kind 40,000-square-foot venue, inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
In the main event, Cuban sensation Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will defend his WBA Super Welterweight World Championship against U.S. Olympian and top contender Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan in a rematch of their 2012 bout that ended in a technical draw.
Brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo will look to make history in co-featured bouts as the first twins to hold world titles in the same division.  Unbeaten IBF Super Welterweight World Champion Jermall faces his toughest test when he makes the second defense of his belt against former world championAustin “No Doubt” Trout.  Jermell will take on exciting contender John Jackson in a bout for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.
Promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, venue pre-sale tickets will go on-saleThursday, April 14 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets for the general public will go on-sale Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.
Doors to The Chelsea will open at 3 p.m. PT with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The versatile yet intimate space inside The Chelsea will create an unparalleled experience for viewers and boxing fans alike.
“I’m looking forward and I’m excited to be making my 2016 debut in the boxing capitol of Las Vegas come May 21,” said Lara. “I can’t wait to get in the ring as I have unfinished business to take care of with Vanes. I’m the champion and will remain the champion. I will leave no doubt who the better fighter is and will show the world that I’m the best fighter in the 154-pound division. I am dedicating this fight to a great man and boxing idol Gilberto Mendoza Sr. May he rest in peace and enjoy this display of master boxing from heaven, that I will put on for him when I step in the ring on fight night.”
“Erislandy Lara and I have unfinished business from our first fight,” said Martirosyan. “I had him beat that night and I’ll beat him on May 21. My time is now and I know I will be the new champion of the world on May 21.”
The 25-year-old Charlos are aiming for history against stiff opposition from a former champion in Trout and the Olympian from the Virgin Islands in Jackson.
“This will be a history-making, record-breaking night for the Charlo twins,” said Jermall Charlo. “It means everything to us to be able to fight in two championship fights on the same card. This is everything we’ve ever dreamed of. This is going to be a great night of boxing and I’m preparing myself for war. Austin Trout is a seasoned vet. He’s fought world champions and has beaten future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto. This is one of my biggest fights to date, but I’m preparing the same way I always do. I’m going to be on my ‘A’ game. I’m ready to make history.”
“I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to fight for the world title on May 21,” said Trout. “It’s a twice-in-a-lifetime chance for a second world title and I’m going to take full advantage of it. I’m working hard and have already been in training camp in D.C. and ready to take full advantage of the moment. I’ve sat at the champions’ table before and am ready to go back again and eat from it again. Destiny brought me here not to lose, but to win. I’m going to show up and show out and this world title.”
“This is a huge fight for me,” said Jermell Charlo. “It’s my first opportunity to fight for a title and my brother is on the same card defending his belt. There has never been identical twin brothers that are both world champions in the same weight class. We’re going to go out there and make history and send a message to the whole division. I’m excited to get in the ring and I know John Jackson is too. This is an important time in my career and I will be well prepared. Let the best man win.”
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to become a world champion,” said Jackson. “I’ve been training very hard for the last two months for this fight and come May 21 I will be victorious over Jermell Charlo and realize my lifelong dream of becoming a world champion, like my dad, the great Julian Jackson.”
“This is yet another example of SHOWTIME Sports’ commitment to delivering the best lineup in boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “We’re featuring three important championship fights in one of boxing’s most intriguing young divisions – a tripleheader that will bring our 2016 tally of world title bouts to 14 – all free to SHOWTIME subscribers. We’re excited to offer this rare opportunity to see the top fighters in a division all on the same telecast.”
“Mayweather Promotions is thrilled to bring this fantastic tripleheader of super welterweight world champions to fight fans,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions.  “The best of the 154-pound division will be on display on May 21 and we expect an action-packed night of drama.”
“We’re very excited to work with SHOWTIME on this action-packed tripleheader,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions.  “Erislandy Lara and Vanes Martirosyan have a huge score to settle from their 2012 bout, and Jermall and Jermell Charlo are in high-stakes matchups against Austin Trout and John Jackson, respectively, in what promises to be a highly entertaining evening of boxing.”
The 32-year-old Lara is a slick boxer with the ability to deliver punishment while taking very little of it in return.  Lara has notched victories over Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Ishe Smith and Freddy Hernandez. As an amateur, Lara won numerous titles including a national championship at welterweight and also participated in the 2007 Pan-Am games. The fighter originally from Guantanamo, Cuba dominated Delvin Rodriguez in June of last year and followed that up with a third-round stoppage of former champion Jan Zaveck.
Born in Armenia, but fighting out of Glendale, Calif., Martirosyan represented the U.S. at the 2004 Olympics. As a professional, he won his first 32 fights before fighting Lara to a draw in 2012. The 29-year-old suffered a narrow defeat by split decision in his first world title shot against Demetrius Andrade, but has rebounded with solid victories over Mario Lozano, Willie Nelson and most recently Ishe Smith.
A newly crowned champion at 25-years-old, Charlo grabbed his title with a dominant third-round stoppage of Cornelius Bundrage in September 2015. Residing in Houston, Charlo built up his resume in 2014 with dominant triumphs over Hector Munoz, Norberto Gonzale, Lenny Bottai and Michael Finney. In his most recent outing, he successfully defended his title with a fourth-round stoppage of Wilky Campfort in November.
In 2004, Trout won the U.S. National Amateur welterweight championship and after climbing up the ranks as an elite pro boxer, he won a super welterweight world championship in 2011 by defeating Rigoberto Alvarez. He went on to make four successful defenses, including a career-best, dominant victory over Miguel Cotto in New York. He is currently on a four-fight win streak after knocking out Joey Hernandez in September to set up his world title opportunity.
Younger-by-one-minute than Jermall, Jermell Charlo is a highly ranked young fighter looking to get one step closer to a world title shot. A tall fighter for his division, the 25-year-old earned his shot at a world title with victories over Gabriel Rosado, Charlie Ota and Mario Lozano in 2014 and Martirosyan and former world champion Joachim Alcine in 2015. He impressed last time out by disposing of Alcine in the sixth-round of their fight in Houston in October.
Since representing his native Virgin Islands in the 2008 Olympics, Jackson has put together an impressive pro career. The St. Thomas-born fighter won his initial 13 fights after making his debut in January 2009. The 27-year-old earned the No. 1 spot and the title shot with a shutout victory over Dennis Laurente in August. Jackson comes from a fighting family; his father Julian Jackson was a world champion and feared power-puncher while his brother, Julius, is a contender in the 168-pound weight class.
*via Transnational Boxing Rankings
For more information visit www.sports.sho.comand www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions
CONTACTS:
Swanson Communications: (202) 783-5500
Chris DeBlasio, Showtime Networks Inc.: (212) 708-1633
Matt Donovan, Showtime Networks Inc.: (212) 708-1663
Flo Jocou, Showtime Networks Inc.: (212) 708-7319
John Beyrooty BZA/Showtime: (562) 233-7477
Nicole Craig, Mayweather Promotions: (702) 807-1788
Bernie BahrmaselTGB Promotions: (773) 592-2986
Nicole Sanchez, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: pr@cosmopolitanlasvegas.com / (702) 698 7150
Tasha Walker, Kirvin Doak Communications: thecosmopolitan@kirvindoak.com / (702) 737-3100
Media Credentials: www.magnamedia.com
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Ruslan Provodnikov, John Molina Jr. & Demetrius Andrade Luncheon Quotes & Photos

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Tickets On Sale Today For SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®Tripleheader During International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend From Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Click HERE For Photos From

Emily Harney/Banner Promotions

 

NEW YORK (April 12, 2016) – Former junior welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov, former world title challenger John Molina Jr. and undefeated former 154-pound world champion Demetrius Andradeparticipated in a media luncheon on Tuesday hosted by SHOWTIME® and Banner Promotions before beginning training camp for their June 11fights, live on SHOWTIME® from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Former Fight of the Year participants Provodnikov and Molina will meet in theJune 11 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event.  The tripleheader begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former WBO Junior Middleweight Champion Demetrius Andrade facing off against Willie Nelson in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator. In the opening bout, WBC No. 1-ranked lightweight Dejan Zlatcanin will challenge No. 2-ranked Emiliano Marsili for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship.

 

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

 

Below is what the fighters had to say:

 

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV

“As soon as I heard the name John Molina, I jumped on it.  Molina fights with the type of style that people want to see.  He brings the action.

 

“June 11 is another Fight of the Year-type fight.  You can expect fireworks.

 

“People expect action fights when I get in the ring.  I appreciate that SHOWTIME saw a value in what I can offer and I want to make sure that I don’t let them down.

 

“I’ve only seen one fight of his, and that was the fight with (Lucas) Matthysse.  That fight shows the type of fighter he is.

 

“I think our styles are going to clash. The reason people love this is because it’s unpredictable. Nobody knows what’s going to happen on June 11. Nobody can even predict which way it’s going to go.  We’re both punchers, we both go forward, we both fight in a risky style. I think that’s going to make this fight a fight that everybody should watch.

 

“The fight is already a huge motivation, but the fact that the Hall of Fame is the same weekend is definitely great. I’m definitely pleased to know that because hopefully one day I can be a part of that.”

 

 

JOHN MOLINA JR.

 

“We’re never say die fighters.  We come forward. It’s literally like two trains that are going to collide. It’s a can’t miss fight.

 

“He’s a hell of a fighter. He has a big heart and a big will.

 

“Right now, my only focus is – and I know it sounds generic – but my only focus is on Ruslan Provodnikov. He deserves my undivided attention right now because he’s that kind of fighter.

 

“I have to prepare for someone that has a never say die attitude.  He’s like a virus that will never go away.  He’s a hell of a fighter – he has a big heart and a big will.  It’s tough to beat a guy that wants to win.

 

“We’re going to give the fans a treat, a Gatti-Ward type fight.  I expect nothing less. We can have a phone booth, we don’t need a big ring.

 

“The judges probably don’t even need to be there because we’re going to decide the fight ourselves.”

 

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

 

“Willie Nelson, he’s going to come in and he’s going to try and throw those power shots. He’s going to try to stomp me down and make a statement, but I’ve been doing this for too long.  I’m just ready to be where I need to be, where I deserve to be, and that’s on the top.

“I’m not worried about ring rust.  I stayed in the gym like a true champion should. I’m still young in the game so I don’t think I should have any problems seeing or ducking any punches.

 

“I’m confident and I know I’m the best 154-pounder out there and this fight right here is going to let people know that I’m back in business.

 

“Everybody knows the work that I’ve put in.  The time is now and the time is coming.

 

“I’m ready to re-introduce myself to boxing fans and show them I’m the best 154-pounder in the world.

 

“After this fight with Willie Nelson, I plan on fighting the winner of Jermell Charlo and John Jackson and getting that WBC belt.  And after that, I want to face the rest of the division and prove I’m the best.”

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.banner-promotions.com follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BannerBoxing;@RuslanProvod, @johnmolinajr135 or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports. www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions

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RUSSIA’S ZUBOV LIVING OUT HIS DREAMS FIGHTING FOR DETROIT’S KRONK GYM WHILE PREPARING FOR HIS SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION DEBUT THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 15

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BROOKLYN, NY (April 12, 2016) – As a kid growing up in Magnitogorsk, Russia,cruiserweight Alexey Zubov heard stories about the fabled Kronk Gym and the late legendary trainer Emanuel Steward, but never thought he’d have a chance to join the team. But then one day, the former amateur champion was asked to come to Detroit to spar with Kronk’s Johnathon Banks … and the rest is history.
This Friday, April 15, the undefeated Zubov (10-0, 6 KOs) will face Mandilesti, Moldova’s Constantin Bejenaru (10-0, 4 KOs, WSB: 0-1-1) in the eight-round opener of an internationally televised ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
Presented by Salita Promotions in association with AASHA Record Breakers,the mainevent will featureIBF No. 10-ranked bantamweight Nikolay Potapov (14-0, 6 KOs), of Podolsk, Russia, taking on Stephon Young (14-0-2, 6 KOs), of St. Louis, Missouri in a 10-round bout. In the co-main event, Eudy Bernardo (21-0, 15 KOs) of the Dominican Republic faces Mason “Rock Hard Mighty” Menard (30-1-0, 22 KOs), of Rayne, Louisiana, in an eight-round battle.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. They are priced at $60 for ringside seats, $35 and $25.
“I’ve been in Detroit for the last two months and I am so happy; I want to stay here, train here and live here,” said Zubov. “Every Russian fighter knows about Kronk Gym and Emanuel Steward.”
Zubov is currently winding down camp with his trainer and Steward’s nephew Javan “Sugar” Hill at the resurgent Kronk Gym. “I like Javan’s style,” said Zubov, “and I’ve learned so much about hand speed and footwork and about using intelligence in the ring – how you need to think when you’re in a fight.”
“Alexey is able to learn a lot and absorb boxing knowledge easily,” said Hill. “He barely speaks English and yet he soaks it in. It’s amazing. I brought him in to spar with Banks and when we were training, Alexey just sat on the side and watched. Later, he was sparring with Johnathon and I told him to stop. I said ‘listen here. I’m training Jonathon Banks and you’re doing everything I told him to do. What’s wrong with you?’ Then I laughed and said ‘I like that. Keep watching. I’ll teach you everything you want to know.’ “
Hill says this camp with Zubov was a transition for the fighter. “We are moving into the championship level where you train for a specific fighter. A lot of it is strategy and planning. The only thing I worry about is him being too excited. He’s very high-strung and wants to prove things. I have to control him and keep him from getting over-excited. That’s what we’ve been working on. He gets antsy when he’s excited.”
“Training was prefect. I am 100 percent ready,” said Zubov. “I know Bejenaru is a southpaw and he is a short guy with a good record. It’s my first time on SHOWTIME and I am so happy to be showing the world what I can do.”
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  Demetrius Andrade vs. Willie Nelson WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator Added to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®on June 11

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Dejan Zlaticanin To Face Emiliano Marsili For WBC Lightweight World Championship In Opening Bout Of Ruslan Provodnikov vs. John Molina Jr. Tripleheader

 

Live on SHOWTIME® At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

During International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend

From Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

NEW YORK (April 11, 2016) – An outstanding super welterweight clash has been added to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, June 11 as undefeated, former WBO Junior Middleweight Champion Demetrius Andrade will face hard-hitting perennial contender Willie Nelson in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator. The winner of the 12-round co-feature will become the mandatory challenger to the winner of the May 21 showdown between Jermell Charlo and John Jackson, who face off for the vacant WBC 154-pound title on SHOWTIME.

 

Andrade vs. Nelson will serve as the chief support to the all-action matchup between former junior middleweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov and former world title challenger John Molina Jr., live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York.  Andrade vs. Nelson is a co-promotion with Banner Promotions, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and DiBella Entertainment

 

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader during International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend, WBC No. 1-ranked lightweight Dejan Zlaticanin will take on No. 2-ranked Emiliano Marsili for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship.

 

Fighting out of his native Providence, R.I., the 28-year-old Andrade has compiled an unblemished record of 22-0 with 15 knockouts since turning professional in 2008 after representing the United States in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

 

A crafty southpaw with a piston-like jab and knockout power in each hand, Andrade won the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship with a career-best performance over Vanes Martirosyan on November 9, 2013 and successfully defended the title against No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Brian Rose on June 14, 2014.  Most recently Andrade, who is a consensus top-5 super welterweight, scored a second-round knockout over Dario Fabian Pucheta on October 17, 2015.

 

A true road warrior who is extremely tall for a junior middleweight at 6-foot-3, Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KO’s) has faced and defeated numerous top contenders over his 10-year career. Fighting only once in 2015, the Cleveland native upset highly regarded and undefeated junior middleweight prospect Tony Harrison with a ninth-round knockout on July 11 in Tampa, Florida. In his first start of 2016, Nelson stopped Jonathan Batista in the second round on March 25.

 

Other notable names the all-action Nelson has defeated include John Jackson, Luciano Cuello, Michael Medina and Yudel Jackson.  On October 14, 2014, Nelson came up just short against Martirosyan, losing a hotly contested 10-round decision on SHOWTIME.

 

The southpaw Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs) was an accomplished amateur in Eastern Europe before making a statement in his U.S. debut with an impressive fourth-round TKO of previously undefeated Ivan Redkach in a 135-pound title eliminator last June 13on SHOWTIME.

 

Two bouts prior to the win over Redkach, Dejan (pronounced “DAY-han) Zlaticanin (silent “z” – pronounced “la-ti-CAH-nin) earned a well-deserved 12-round split decision over hometown favorite and former two-division world champion Ricky Burns in 2014.

 

The 31-year-old Zlaticanin is an offensive-minded fighter who constantly pressures his opponents, outworks them and wears them down.  Zlaticanin, of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, will be making his first start in nearly 12 months.

 

The win over Redkach last June earned Redkach the WBC’s mandatory position at 135 pounds.  He was scheduled to face WBC Champion Jorge Linares in early 2016, but Linares pulled out of the bout with a broken hand.  Due to the injury, the WBC has since named Linares their champion in recess, creating the opportunity for the vacant title shot.

 

The Italian Marsili (32-0-1, 14 KOs) will make his 2016, U.S. and SHOWTIME debut.  The undefeated southpaw has fought all but one of his professional fights in Italy, the lone exception a 2012 TKO of veteran contender Derry Matthews in Britain.

 

The 39-year old fought twice in 2015, a seventh-round TKO of Gyorgy Mizsei Jr., for the European lightweight belt and a 12-round unanimous decision over Gamaliel Diaz for the WBC’s 135-pound silver title.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.banner-promotions.comfollow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BannerBoxing; @RuslanProvod, @johnmolinajr135 or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports. www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions

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Former World Champion Chad Dawson, Featherweight Contender Ryan Kielczweski & Undefeated Prospects Antonio Russell & Carlos Gongora Highlight Undercard Action on Saturday, April 16 From Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

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Doubleheader of World Title Fights Featured on
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
(11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT)
 
MASHANTUCKET, CT (April 11, 2016) – A stacked undercard of action featuring former world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (33-4, 18 KOs), featherweight contender Ryan Kielczweski (24-1, 7 KOs) and undefeated prospects Antonio Russell (5-0, 4 KOs) and Carlos Gongora (4-0, 3 KOs) comes to Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT., on Saturday, April 16.
The event is headlined by a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader of world title fights: WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. battles Ireland’s Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland and IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza takes on top contender Stephen “Swifty” Smith from the UK, with televised coverage beginning live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.
Dawson will face the veteran Cornelius White (23-4, 17 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout, Kielczweski enters the ring for eight rounds of featherweight action,  Gongora competes in a super middleweight attraction while Russell takes on Leonardo Reyes (3-9, 1 KO) in a bantamweight fight.
Also entering the ring is popular super bantamweight contender Shelley Vincent (16-0, 1 KO) out of Providence, RI., who will have plenty of support behind her when she takes on New Mexico’s Elizabeth Anderson (4-7, 1 KO) in a six-round bout.
Rounding out the action are a pair of prospects making their pro debuts as Providence’s Anthony Marsella Jr. fights in a four-round junior welterweight match and Connecticut’s Mykquan Williams in a four-round welterweight contest. Williams is a highly touted local prospect who fought to a 45-13 amateur record including three gold medal performances at the Ringside World Tournament.
A former world champion at light heavyweight, Dawson returns to the ring looking for the 34th victory of his successful career. The 33-year-old owns victories over former world champions Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver and Tomasz Ademek and most recently defeated Shujaa El Amin in December 2015. The veteran owns a 17-1 record in fights in his home state of Connecticut. He takes on the veteran White out of Houston who picked up victories in his last two starts over Marcus Oliveira and William Johnson.
A runner-up in the 2008 National Golden Glove tournament, the 25-year-old Kielczweski has become a staple fighting in his native New England. Born and raised in Quincy, Mass., he bounced back from his first defeat to deliver a first-round knockout over Anthony Napunyi in May 2015 and followed that up with a victory over veteran contender Rafael Vazquez in October of last year. During this camp, Kielczweski served as a chief sparring partner of the 126-pound champion Russell Jr.
Twice a National Golden Gloves runner up, Russell won the national championship in 2013 and he now looks to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and current 126-pound world champion Gary. A 23-year-old fighting out of Washington, D.C., Antonio has won four of his five fights inside of the distance. He faces the 22-year-old Mexican Reyes.
Fighting out of Brooklyn but originally from Esmereldas, Ecuador, Gongora was an Olympian in 2008 and 2012. Since turning pro in 2015, the 26-year-old has picked up four victories, including a fourth-round stoppage of Derrick Adkins in his most recent triumph in January.
For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @PajPunisher, @Sniper_Pedraza, @SwiftySmith, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
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ANTHONY JOSHUA KNOCKS OUT CHARLES MARTIN TO WIN IBF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®FROM THE O2 IN LONDON

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Encore Presentation of SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL®Airs Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/1S9DGSs

Click Here For Photos; Credit Matchroom Sport

 

LONDON (April 9, 2016) – Anthony Joshua is the new IBF Heavyweight Champion of the World.

 

The undefeated knockout artist blasted defending champion Charles Martin in the second round to capture the IBF belt on Saturday in front of a rousing hometown crowd at The O2 in London on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL.

 

Joshua, who kept his perfect KO record in tact to advance to 16-0 with 16 KOs, earned a heavyweight belt in the fewest number of fights since Michael Bentt beat Tommy Morrison in just his 12th pro match in 1993.

 

Joshua’s one-punch KO power was evident early.  After an even first, the 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist floored Martin with a straight right less than one minute into the second round.  The southpaw looked stunned and slowly rose to beat the count, but was floored again with another right hand just seconds later.  That was it for Martin (23-1-1, 21 KOs), who had won the belt in January under bizarre circumstances and now owns the second shortest reign for a heavyweight champion.

 

“I’m only one-quarter of the way there,” said Joshua., who has expressed his desire to unify the heavyweight division.  “I’m not going to get too carried away because we still have work to do.  We have (David) Haye calling me out, Tyson Fury calling me out.  I need to keep on pushing if I’m going to maintain at a high level.

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

(*via Transnational Boxing Rankings)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

From The O2 In London

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit: Matchroom Sport

 

IBF Heavyweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Charles Martin – 245 Pounds

Anthony Joshua – 244 Pounds

 

IBF Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Lee Selby – 125 Pounds

Eric Hunter – 125 ¼ Pounds

 

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

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

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® World Title Doubleheader

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

                                                                                                                     

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

GARY RUSSELL JR., WBC Featherweight World Champion

(On Training Camp)

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

 

(On fighting Patrick Hyland)

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

 

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

 

(On the fighting Russell family)

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

 

(On dealing with injuries)

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

 

(On possible future opponents)

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

 

(On Training Camp)

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

JOSE PEDRAZA, IBF Super Featherweight World Champion

 

(On Training Camp)

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


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

 

(On his diet)

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

 

(On his team)

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

 

(On his challenger Stephen Smith)

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

 

(Plans for his future in boxing)

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

 

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

 

(On his inspiration and role models)

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

 

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

 

STEPHEN SMITH, IBF No. 1 Super Featherweight Contender

 

(On the significance of this matchup)

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

 

(On finally getting a crack at the world title)

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

 

(His views of the defending champion)

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

 

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

 

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

 

(On his strategy)

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

(On making his U.S. debut)

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit: Matchroom Sport

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

CHARLES MARTIN:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Additional Fight Week Quotes (free to use):

 

CHARLES MARTIN:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

# # #

 

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