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

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

 

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

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit: Matchroom Sport

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

CHARLES MARTIN:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Additional Fight Week Quotes (free to use):

 

CHARLES MARTIN:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

# # #

 

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

 

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ANTHONY JOSHUA KNOCKOUT VIDEO COMPILATION

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

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Fight Report: Churcher KOs Horvath To Secure WBF title as Herbert Shines In Wales

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Lee Churcher pulled out a sensational against the odds victory over Hungarian Balazs Horvath on Saturday night to secure the World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Middleweight title, at the Pill Millennium Centre in his hometown of Newport.

 

Churcher, who was World ranked some two hundred plus places lower than Horvath, dominated the bout right from the off. Working behind a good solid jab, the Newport lad enthralled the local fans with some slick combinations, to both body and head, so much so that the more experienced Hungarian soon had to result to holding tactics whenever Churcher was in close range.

 

The canny Welshman was having none of it though and just patiently waited for any opportunity that came his way to punish Horvath with vicious body shots.

 

By midway through the first round Churcher’s confidence really began to grow, after badly shaking Horvath with the aforementioned body shots, so it came as no surprise to anyone when shortly after Churcher sent Horvath to the deck.

 

Horvath recovered but once again resorted to holding tactics to frustrate Churcher through to the end of the round.

 

More of the same in round two more or less, except Churcher really started to get into a flow, catching Horvath with more vicious body shots, the Hungarian tried to cover up, before again trying to grab hold of the Welshman, Churcher is canny though and worked behind the jab again before letting rip with yet another huge right hand to send Horvath down for the second time.

 

The Hungarian made the count and immediately on the restart Churcher went back on the attack, but the Hungarian tried to stifle the Welshman’s attacks by attempting to grab hold again, Churcher though used this to his advantage and let rip with a huge body shot to send the Hungarian back down to the canvas.

 

Clearly in distress, Horvath made an initial attempt to get back to his feet before settling to be just up on one knee, the pain showing on the Hungarian’s face clear for all to see as he attempted to unsuccessfully beat the count.

 

Whilst it may not have been a classic, nothing, but nothing can take away from Lee Churcher the artistry of his craft and tactics throughout and of course claiming the third Championship accolade of his career, the World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Middleweight Championship, to add to his British Masters and BBBofC Welsh Area Title.

 

Main support for the Churcher-Horvath Championship bout, featured a four round Super Welterweight bout between Nottingham duo Carwyn Herbert and Matt Scriven.

 

What a cracking fight, both combatants going at it hammer and tongs in close combat for the full three minutes of each and every round.

 

After the full four rounds of non-stop action referee Chris Kelly scored the bout 40-36 to the youngster Carwyn Herbert, however that doesn’t really express the closeness of each round or the full on intent of either competitor throughout.

 

Supporting the two pro bouts were six Wales versus England exhibition bouts, supervision courtesy of Wales Boxing. Whilst I’m not going to cover these because they were not pro, have to say the final two bouts of the six were excellent and really could have featured on any pro card and nobody would have known the difference.

 

Have to say plaudits must go to co-promoters Dave Murphy (Acourtier Events) and Steven Fisher (Lights Out Promotions) for digging deep into their pockets to bring both the MBC and the WBF Championship to Wales for the first time, even if it meant there wasn’t enough money in the kitty to justify a full pro show, hopefully the Welsh fans will get behind Lee Churcher so his first defense of the WBF title can also be in Newport or nearby.

 

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® CHARLES MARTIN vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA IBF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TO AIR LIVE ON SHOWTIME® AT 5 P.M. ET/2 P.M. PT ONSATURDAY, APRIL 9 FROM THE O2 IN LONDON

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Encore Presentation At 8 P.M. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

NEW YORK (March 29, 2016) – The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL presentation of the IBF Heavyweight World Championship between undefeated American titlist Charles Martin and fellow unbeaten British Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Joshua will air live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT onSaturday, April 9 from The O2 in London. 

 

An encore presentation will air later that evening on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT. 

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast will be hosted by Brian Custer with analysis from Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi.  Coverage of the event will be provided by Sky Sports with the play-by-play call from Nick Halling, analysis from Jim Watt and Carl Froch and post-fight interviews from Andy Scott.

 

The SHOWTIME telecast will include extensive highlights and analysis of the IBF Featherweight World Championship between defending titlist Lee Selby and American challenger Eric Hunter.

(EDITORS NOTE: Due to a change in the bout order at The O2 in London, SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL is unable to provide live coverage of this bout.)

 

Martin vs. Joshua is the third of four heavyweight title bouts in five months on SHOWTIME (see details below).  The scheduled 12-round matchup is the toughest test to date for both Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) and Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs), two bombers who boast a combined 94 percent knockout ratio. 

 

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

 

“The heavyweight division is experiencing an incredible resurgence, and the featherweight division is rife with compelling matchups,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports.  “Martin vs. Joshua is a can’t-miss showdown between a newly minted American champion and one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.  And Selby vs. Hunter has major implications in the talent-rich division. We are proud to work with Matchroom Sport to deliver these pivotal matchups to the U.S. audience.”

 

“I’m the Heavyweight Champion of the World, and that’s why I have no problem traveling to England for my first title defense,” Martin said.  “I only want to fight the best, and I plan on knocking Anthony Joshua out and taking his fans and the belt back with me.”

 

“The O2 is going to be rocking on April 9 and the U.S. fans are in for a treat when they see Charles and I clash,” Joshua said.  “Credit to him for coming over after calling me out, but he doesn’t know what he’s getting himself in for.  I am going to show all my power, all my speed and all my accuracy to put on the best display of my life and become the Heavyweight Champion of the World by knocking him out.  I’m delighted that fans in the U.S. will be able to witness it.”

 

“After a great experience in my first defense in Arizona against Fernando Montiel, it’s nice to be back in front of my home fans at The O2 in London,” Selby said.  “It’s going to be a crazy atmosphere with a 20,000 person sold-out arena.  Hunter has talked a lot of trash and I’m looking forward to showing him what it’s like at the world championship level.  He’s in for a shock.”

 

“He’s got a belt I want, and that’s all I know about him,” Hunter said.  “My team knows more about him than I do.  It’s their job to come up with a game plan.  My job is train and get ready to perform my best.  I can adjust to anything in the ring.  I’m just here at the gym working my butt off to get the job done. I’m going to be more focused than I ever have been for this fight.”

 

The 6-foot-5 Martin won the IBF championship on Jan. 16 when Vyacheslav Glazkov suffered a knee injury in the third round of their vacant world title fight.  In capturing the IBF belt, Martin, of St. Louis, Mo., became just the sixth southpaw heavyweight champion in boxing history and the second current American heavyweight titlist. 

 

While Martin has stopped his last 13 opponents and was the aggressor against Glazkov, the undefeated champ remains virtually untested. His first title defense and initial start outside the U.S., will take place at what is expected to be a pro-Joshua arena in London that sold out in just 90 seconds.  The 29-year-old Martin, who is trained by U.S. Olympian Henry Tillman in Big Bear, Calif., will be Joshua’s first professional southpaw opponent.   

 

Joshua had a standout amateur career that culminated with an Olympic Gold Medal at super heavyweight in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.  Since turning professional in July 2013, the 6-foot-6 Joshua has steadily climbed through the ranks. 

 

One of boxing’s most promising prospects, Joshua is coming off consecutive victories over previously undefeated opponents.  In his last bout, the 26-year-old was pushed past the third round for the first time in his career.  Joshua defeated Dillian Whyte via seventh-round knockout on Dec. 12.  Now, Joshua returns to The O2, the site of his professional debut and five of his 15 professional bouts, in a bid to join Tyson Fury as the second current reigning British heavyweight champion. 

 

Joshua is also looking to become the sixth super heavyweight Olympic Gold Medalist to win a heavyweight world title.  If successful, he will join an impressive group that includes George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Lennox Lewis andWladimir Klitschko.

 

Born in Barry, Wales, Selby won his world title with a dominant technical decision over previously undefeated Evgeny Gradovich in May 2015.  The slick boxer made his first title defense in his U.S. debut last October, capturing a unanimous decision over former three-division champ Fernando Montiel.

 

The 29-year-old owns a slew of victories over previously unblemished fighters including Joel Brunker, Ryan Walsh, Viorel Simon, Corey McConnell andStephen Smith.  He has won 18 straight since the lone blemish of his career, and six of his last eight victories came over previously undefeated opponents.

 

Hunter, who will take a four-fight win streak into his initial start outside the U.S., has always possessed an abundance of talent. Before turning pro, the Philadelphia native was an outstanding amateur and an alternate on the U.S. Olympic team.

 

The fast-handed 29-year-old has scored some solid victories as a pro, and his biggest enemy in a nine-year career has been himself – the switch-hitter doesn’t always keep his composure in check and allows his emotions get the best of him.  Two of Hunter’s three losses came by disqualification, the last coming via DQ in 2013 against Mike Oliver for hitting at the break.  The other came againstLuis Franco in 2010, when he had a point deducted in the second and was DQ’d in the eighth after repeated low blows.

 

If Hunter can keep his hot head from getting him in trouble, he’s confident he can upset Selby and join Leo Santa Cruz and Gary Russell Jr. as U.S.-born world champion at 126 pounds. 

 

2016 Heavyweight Title Bouts (NOTE: all on SHOWTIME))

 

·         Jan. 16 WBC Heavyweight World Championship Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka

·         Jan. 16 IBF Heavyweight World Championship Charles Martin vs. Vyacheslav Glazkov

·         April 9 IBF Heavyweight World Championship Charles Martin vs. Anthony Joshua

·         May 21 WBC Heavyweight World Championship Deontay Wilder vs. Alexander Povetkin

 

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

·         Feb. 27 WBA (Super) Featherweight World Championship Leo Santa Cruz vs. Kiko Martinez

·         April 9 IBF Featherweight World Championship Lee Selby vs. Eric Hunter

·         April 16 WBC Featherweight World Championship Gary Russell Jr. vs. Patrick Hyland

·         June 25 WBA (Regular) Featherweight World Championship Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares

·         Summer 2016 WBA (Super) Featherweight World Championship Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton

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CARL FRAMPTON vs. SCOTT QUIGG FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR 122-POUND UNIFICATION THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHO EXTREME®

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Live At 5:30 p.m. ET/PT

From Manchester Arena In Manchester, England;

Encore Presentation Saturday Evening On SHOWTIME®

 

 

Click HERE For Photos.  Credit: Matchroom Boxing

 

Undefeated 122-pound world champions Carl Frampton (IBF) and Scott Quigg (WBA) had to be separated at their final press conference on Thursday in Manchester, England, as they faced-off for the long-awaited super bantamweight unification showdown this Saturday, Feb. 27 at Manchester Arena.

 

The unification between Frampton (21-0, 14 KOs), of Belfast, Ireland, and Quigg (32-0-2, 23 KOs), of Lancashire, United Kingdom will be televised live on SHO EXTREME at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT.

 

After jarring over who deserves the home dressing room at the sold-out, 21,000 seat Manchester Arena, the 122-pound rivals had to be separated by Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan and promoter Eddie Hearn.

 

“It’s going to be a great fight, one for the ages,” said Frampton, the IBF champion.  “I’ll win.  It doesn’t matter how, KO or clear points decision.”

 

“I’m going to prove I’m the best super bantamweight,” said Quigg, the WBA titlist.  “I’m going to win by knockout.”

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® offering of the Sky Sports telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME Sports® hostBarry Tompkins, analyst Steve Farhood and special guest and WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs.  An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHOWTIME® immediately following Saturday’slive SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast headlined by three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz and former titlist Kiko Martinez.  The SHOWTIME telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

 

Here’s what Frampton, Quigg and their trainers and promoters had to say in Manchester on Thursday:

 

CARL FRAMPTON:

“I’m better in every department, plain and simple.

 

“Because of the magnitude of this fight, everything had to be perfect.  I’ve done everything right this time,”

 

“This means so much; there is a lot at stake.  It’s more than titles – it’s pride and bragging rights. It’s proving who is the best.  Reputation is a big deal, so there is so much on the line.

 

“I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to win.  I’ve punching power to KO him in any round and I’ve the boxing brain to win on points.

 

“I’ve spent 17 weeks in camp, the longest ever.  I missed my son’s first steps and both my kids’ birthdays.  I did that because this could be my toughest fight. I’m not going to let Scott Quigg make all that be for nothing.”

 

“It’s going to be a great fight, one for the ages.  I’ll win.  It doesn’t matter how, KO or clear points decision.

 

On the home-team dressing room:

“I’m contractually the A-side. It’s a question of principle.”

 

SCOTT QUIGG:

“Nobody does what I do in terms of dedication to the sport.  I’ll win because of boxing brain and ability.

 

“It’ll mean everything to win.  Since the age of 15, all I have done is eat, sleep and train.

 

“Saturday is my moment of destiny and, believe me, I will win this fight.  I’ve put in too much for anyone to stop me.”

 

“Tune in for a great fight.  I’m going to prove I’m the best super bantamweight.  I’m going to win by knockout.

 

On the home-team dressing room:

“It’s my arena, I’m the home fighter.  I want the home dressing room.”

 

SHANE MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Trainer:

“They are two legitimate, world class fighters and there is maybe only 2 percent difference at the top level – Carl has that extra percent.

 

“As a trainer you are only as good as your fighters and I’m lucky to have Carl.”

 

JOE GALLAGHER, Quigg’s Trainer

“He (Shane McGuigan) was a nutritionist a few years ago who asked to help Gerry Storey.  He’s only famous because of his dad.

 

“They are underestimating Scott’s boxing brain and being disrespectful throughout the build-up.”

 

BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Promoter

“There has never been a bigger super bantamweight fight of this magnitude in Europe.  It’s got a Barrera-Morales feel to hit and is going to be a magnificent occasion.

 

“I think Carl will have too much for him, but it has the potential to be a great fight.”

 

EDDIE HEARN, Quigg’s Promoter

“It’s bigger than Froch vs. Groves, because it is a global event.

 

“I’m proud to have made the fight happen.  This can ignite the sport and keep it alive.

 

“The atmosphere and passion will eclipse all that has gone before.  It just doesn’t get any bigger than this.

 

“I can’t see anything other than a great fight.  With two fighters this talented, so much on the line and so much passion from teams and fans, you’re going to get something very special.”

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CARL FRAMPTON & SCOTT QUIGG QUOTES & WORKOUT PHOTOS FOR 122-POUND UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAYLIVE ON SHO EXTREME®

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We’ve been chasing these boys for years… Scott is in for a big, big shock.” – Carl Frampton

 

“I’ve always wanted the chance to prove I’m the best…I can win on points, but I will knock out Carl Frampton. – Scott Quigg

 

 

Click HERE For Photos From Matchroom Boxing

 

Undefeated 122-pound world champions Carl Frampton (IBF) and Scott Quigg (WBA) held media workouts on Tuesday in Manchester, England, as they finalize preparation for their long-awaited super bantamweight unification showdown this Saturday, Feb. 27 atManchester Arena.

 

The massive unification between Frampton (21-0, 14 KOs), of Belfast, Ireland, and Quigg (32-0-2, 23 KOs), of Lancashire, United Kingdom will be televised live on SHO EXTREME at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT.

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® offering of the Sky Sports telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME Sports®analysts Barry Tompkins, Steve Farhood and guest analyst and WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs. 

 

An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHOWTIME® immediately following Saturday’s live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast headlined by three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruzand former titlist Kiko Martinez.

 

Here’s what Frampton and Quigg had to say as they approachSaturday’s fight:

 

CARL FRAMPTON:

“I have wanted this fight for a long, long time.  I thrive on the big occasions and there are not many bigger than a domestic super fight.

 

“I won my world title on a massive stage, Scott Quigg was handed his title after a draw.  He has fought on big cards but not as a bill-topper and I genuinely don’t know if he will be able to handle this level of pressure.  I’m going to use all of my experience to outbox, outfight and outgun Scott Quigg.

 

“We’ve been chasing these boys for years.  They didn’t want it, end of story.  Then all it took was one below par performance from me to convince his team that they should finally take the fight.  If that first round in my last fight is what they’re basing their hopes of victory on then Scott is in for a big, big shock.

 

“I’ve had the best training camp of my career, I’m in the shape of my life and I’m going to become the unified Super Bantamweight World Champion.

 

“First and foremost I’m doing this for my family.  I have two beautiful kids and both Christine (Frampton) and I want the best for them, that’s what drives me and makes me so focused on being the best in the world.

 

“I am 100 percent dedicated to the sport of boxing, I spend twelve-weeks in training camp in London away from home, only getting to go home a handful of times and I do this so I can be the best I possibly can.

 

“People have said Quigg trains like a machine.  I can tell you I train every bit as hard if not harder, but I’m no machine.  I don’t need to be programmed in order to perform.

 

“Shane (McGuigan) is a brilliant coach, I’ve been saying it all along.  But now people are sitting up and taking notice.  Shane and I work hard on tactics and techniques when we approach every fight, but we both know that if tactics need tweaking mid fight I can think my way through a contest.  Scott Quigg can’t.”

 

SCOTT QUIGG:

“This is the perfect time now for this fight.  We’re both world champions, we’re both undefeated, and I believe this is the perfect time for me to go out there and do a job on him.

 

“It’s a fight I’ve wanted for a long time.  It’s a fight that’s been brewing for a long time.  Seeing Carl sign on the dotted line meant that I was one step closer to achieving everything I’ve worked towards; becoming the best.

 

“I’ve always wanted the chance to prove I’m the best.  Now the fight’s been made, I’m one million per cent confident that I’m going win in spectacular fashion.  I can win on points, but I will knock out Carl Frampton.

 

“No-one expected me to get Kiko out of there early. If I’d have stopped him late or won on points, then Carl had already done that, so the only way I could get credit or show people what I am capable of was KO him early.

 

“With Carl and his performance in the States, they handpicked (Alejandro) Gonzalez from a list of opponents because they thought that he would be the easiest one.  They wanted to go over there and look good in his U.S. debut so the Americans would rave about him – and he nearly came unstuck.

 

“We respect each other as fighters.  You don’t become a world champion by chance, there’s a lot of hard work and a lot of talent involved.  But they are in for a shock because they think I can only fight one way.  They don’t think I can’t adapt and I’ll just come steaming forward.  Maybe I will do that, but if I do come steaming forward, it’s because I am going to KO him.

 

“People are saying now that because I’ve been knocking guys out quite early that I’ve been going out for the stoppages, but that’s not the case.  I’ve been going out and I’ve been boxing.

 

“If I land clean on any super bantamweight or featherweight in the world, I will knock them out. So, it’s about just making sure I pick the right time and I open the gaps. And when the gaps are there then I’ll take them.

 

“I don’t take any notice of whether I’ve got the crowd behind me or whether it is behind my opponent, but I know for a fact that he takes comfort from having a lot of support.  When he’s taken away from that, he shows his vulnerabilities. I think that will affect him.

 

“The Irish are very passionate about the sport and they know their boxing inside-out. They get behind their man and they will create a great atmosphere.  The atmosphere is going to go off even more because we’re both at the top of our game and there’s a lot riding on this.  There’s a lot of pride at stake – it’s going to be electric.”

 

“I got into boxing to become world champion.  I’ve done that and now I’ve set new goals to reach greater heights because I want to challenge myself every day.

 

“Ricky Hatton became a crossover star and was a hit in the US.  He took 40,000 Brits to Las Vegas and became a global star. That’s the next goal that I’ve set for myself and I can make it if I keep working hard, maintain my dedication and focus.

 

“Getting this fight now on SHOWTIME in the U.S. is the first step.  I’ll go out and do a job on Carl, win in a spectacular fashion and that’s going to give me a boost for my profile in the U.S.

 

“I am not going to give the WBA belt up.  I want to fight the best.  Guillermo Rigondeaux is next because that’s what the WBA have ordered.

 

“My focus is on beating Carl.  We’ll look at fighting the best out there after that.  I’ve always said, ‘I’m out to fight the best and beat the best.’  So, I’m obviously going to fight Rigondeaux.  I’m not scared of fighting him.  I’m not shying away from the challenge. I thrive on that sort of task and fighting Rigondeaux – who’s rightly so ranked No. 1 in the division because of what he’s achieved – would be a huge challenge.  I honestly believe that if the time comes and we fight, I can beat him.”

 

SHANE MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Trainer:

“There is a lot of debate about who hits harder between Frampton and Quigg.  I know Carl Frampton is the hardest punching Super Bantamweight in the world.

 

“One thing you can’t argue about is who has the better pedigree and who has the better boxing brain.  Carl wins hands down in both departments and he is going to show this in brutal and clinical fashion.

 

“Carl can box off the back foot, he can fight on the front foot and he has devastating one-punch power.”

 

BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Promoter:

“Carl is always so cool when the heat is on him, he steps up to the plate and delivers.

 

“Even in his last fight when he didn’t get off to a great start, Carl still managed to pull himself together and do what was needed to get the win.

 

“He’s a natural born winner.  I had to work very hard just to be able to compete at world level.  I think the same can be said of Scott Quigg, but for Carl it comes more naturally.  Couple this with his incredible work ethic and that is why Carl Frampton is the best in the world.”

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan Stops Quaye To Secure WBU Crown

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On Saturday night, Great Britain’s Tasif Khan secured both the World Boxing Union (WBU) and Global Boxing Union (GBU) World Super Flyweight Championships at the Cedar Court Hotel in his hometown of Bradford in the United Kingdom.

 

Khan, who only returned to the sport, following a two year sabbatical, just over twelve months ago, put in the performance of his career, in front of a pack house that included a number of British star boxers, such as interim WBA World Lightweight Champion Derry Mathews and former British, Commonwealth, European and WBC World Champion Junior Witter as well as various local dignitaries such as the Mayor of Bradford and local MP Imran Hussain.

 

Khan also received support from the British Army, who turned out in force to watch their man being lead to the ring by the band of the Yorkshire Regiment.

 

After a slow first round, during which both combatants barely threw a shot in anger, Khan proceeded to utterly dominated Accra, Ghana’s Isaac Quaye from the second stanza right through to the sensational sixth round, during which Khan really stepped up the pace and sent the Ghanaian to the canvas three times in very short succession, the last of which was a perfect right to the chin that sent Quaye crashing backwards and prostrate on the canvas in such a spectacular manner that the Ghanaian’s corner-man immediately jumped into the ring before referee Lee Murtagh had barely started the count. NB. Quaye was perfectly fine albeit a little dazed after rising.

 

Following the bout a clearly elated Khan spoke briefly.

 

“This is the greatest day of my life, it’s a dream come true and to be crowned World Champion in front of my home crowd really is the cherry on top.

 

I have to say a big thank you to Isaac (Quaye), he’s a great fighter and it couldn’t have been easy for him to walk into the Lion’s Den with such a partisan crowd shouting out their support for me.

 

Also have to say a big thank you to Stephen (Vaughan) and his team for putting on such a great show for the fans and for believing in me, the same to Rio (WBU Europe President & MBC Vice President Gianluca Di Caro) for giving me the chance to box again and more importantly to fight for the WBU title, I’ve always wanted a WBU belt around my waist ever since watching Ricky Hatton win it when I was just a teen.

 

Huge thanks as well to GBU President Juergen Lutz for allowing me to fight for his title also.

 

Finally I’d also like to thank all my fantastic fans that turned out to support me tonight, as well as the Mayor of Bradford and my local MP Imran Hussain for their support, and last but definitely not least my sponsors; Broadway Solicitors Oldham, Kingsland Business Recovery, Vista Gym Benidorm and 3X Sports, as without you guys I could never have achieved my dream – thank you all so much”

boxing, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

ANDY LEE & BILLY JOE SAUNDERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES FOR WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT

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THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHO EXTREME®

SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Lee vs. Saunders
Airs Live at 5 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME; Encore Presentation at 9 p.m. ET/PT

“He’s not good enough to beat me.” – Andy Lee

“I’m not going to leave that ring without the title.” – Billy Joe Saunders

 

SHO VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1ROfSkF

NEW YORK (Dec. 15, 2015) – WBO Middleweight World Champion Andy Lee and undefeated challenger Billy Joe Saunders held separate media workouts in Manchester, England, as they conclude preparations for their eagerly awaited showdown this Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME  (5 p.m. ET/PT)from Manchester Arena.

 

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) will make the first defense of his 160-pound title against England’s Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender.

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of theBoxNation telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggibefore and after the world championship showdown.  An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHO EXTREME later that evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Here’s what Lee and Saunders had to say at their media workouts on Tuesday and Monday, respectively:

 

ANDY LEE:

“I have a punch that can end a fight, lights out, in any given second.

 

“I won’t rely on the punch.  I will look to dominate from the start with educated pressure.

 

“I’m feeling very dangerous at the moment.

 

“Saunders’ unbeaten record is a disadvantage.  He’s always been in fights he’s expected to win and has been well managed by(Frank) Warren.

 

“I’ve never lost a fight on points and I never will on points.  If I’m down on the cards I will go out swinging in the last round.

 

“Saunders being a fellow traveler does add another layer, but at the end the day it’s about how good you are and he’s not good enough to beat me.”

 

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS:

“I’m ready to go for Saturday night.  This is the best camp that I’ve ever had.  I’m prepared for the toughest test of my career, but I know that I’m in excellent shape to win this fight and become world champion.

 

“Andy Lee is a tough fighter – he’s proved that by becoming world champion and having the type of career he has had. But I’m undefeated and hungry and know that I’m on the brink of fulfilling a childhood dream.  I’m not going to leave that ring without the title.

 

“Training in Spain allows me to lock myself away from all distractions and focus solely on the fight.  It’s hard being away from home, but it’s all part of boxing.  It’s been a long camp, a tough camp, but after that I know that I’m ready to go through hell to make sure that I’m successful come fight night.

 

“The middleweight division is one of the hottest around and I’m prepared to fight any of the other champions in there once I win the title.

 

“Danny Jacobs had a great win against Peter Quillin, and then there is Canelo (Alvarez) and (Gennady) Golovkin.  I know the importance of this fight for the division and I want my name to be among the very best.  I’m taking it one step at a time, but I’m open to fight anyone.

 

“There has been no trash talk with Andy because we know what each person is about.  We share a similar background and neither of us is going to take a back step.

 

“This is going to be a very exciting all-action fight because we’re going to leave it all in the ring.  I know I have the skills to beat him and I intend to show the world why I’m among the best around.”

 

Saunders on fellow Brit Chris Eubank Jr.:

 

“The truth of the matter is that Eubank Jr. does not belong at the world level – he’s a phony. It’s as simple as that.  I wasn’t impressed with his win over Gary O’Sullivan, who I’ve already beat.  He thinks he can fool the public with a win like that, but he can’t.

 

“His aim now is to move up and fight the best guys in the world, but we saw what happened the last time he stepped up a notch and faced me: he was badly exposed.  The same thing will happen with him if he fights someone like Danny Jacobs for the WBA title.

 

“You’re not the best middleweight in your own country and you want to fight a world champion and say you’re going to beat him?  I think it’s a delusion and he thinks he’s greater than he actually is.

 

“Sooner rather than later he’s going to get exposed again as the fraud that he is.  You can keep talking, but eventually you have to back it up in the ring against top-level fighters.  He’s won his last fight and now he’s back talking (expletive) again like he’s the best fighter in history.

 

“If he has the balls to fight again, which I doubt, I would happily hand him another beating, this time in even more convincing fashion.”

boxing, UK Boxing

Corito Stops Ellis as Gelder Outpoints Bogdanovic In Malta

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On Friday night, at the Aria Complex in San Gwann, Malta’s own Heavyweight King Billy Corito scored yet another emphatic victory, this time over late replacement, Great Britain’s Matt Ellis.

 

Originally Corito was lined up to face Lee Kellett, who unfortunately was unable to make it through the floods in Cumbria to compete against the local star on this special Stephen Vaughan promoted Malta versus UK charity event, Fight For Life in aid of Caritas.

 

In front of a packed house, both fighters started hard and fast, Ellis utilising his jab to good effect to stop the local hero getting in too close, however as the bout progressed nothing Ellis could do could stop Corito getting in close and letting rip with big rights to the body of the Englishman.

 

The first two rounds were very close, but the third was a different matter altogether, Corito started fast and backed the Englishman onto the ropes with some superb combinations, once there Corito proceeded to target the body and then around the thirty second mark let rip with a powerful body shot that sent Ellis to the canvas, then as referee Lee Murtagh began the count the Englishman’s corner threw the towel in, which was ignored and the referee continued to count Ellis out.

 

The official time of the stoppage was thirty three seconds of the third round.

 

Following his victory Corito was informed by Stephen Vaughan that his next fight will be in the United Kingdom, where he will fight in a six rounder on the undercard of Tasif Khan versus Isaac Quaye WBU Super Flyweight World Championship bout in Bradford on February 6th.

 

Prior to Corito-Ellis, local Light Heavyweight Goran Bogdanovic made his professional debut against Bilston, West Midlands, UK’s Jamie Gelder.

 

Gelder started hard and fast, taking the fight to Bogdanovic, and then continued to keep up the high pace of attack for the entire four rounds, forcing Bogdanovic to be defensive throughout.

 

Bogdanovic did have some success, backing the Englishman onto the ropes and letting rip with fast and furious combinations of his own, however not enough to capture any of the rounds.

 

After four sensational rounds of boxing Judges Nick Aish and Stephen Farrugia both scored it 36-40, whilst Judge Gwayn Bonsfield scored the bout 37-39, all in favour of Jamie Gelder.

 

Supporting the two professional bouts were a number of Malta vs UK Novice Pro bouts as well as two exhibition bouts featuring local fighters.

boxing, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO TELEVISE WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT BETWEEN ANDY LEE AND BILLY JOE SAUNDERS ON SATURDAY, DEC. 19, LIVE FROM MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

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 SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Lee vs. Saunders
Airs Live At 5 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTEME

 

NEW YORK (Dec. 1, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® will present the WBO Middleweight World Championship between defending titlist Andy Lee and unbeaten challenger Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME  (5 p.m. ET/PT) from Manchester, England.

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of the Box Nation telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi before and after the world championship showdown.  An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHO EXTREME later that evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“We’re excited to deliver this important matchup of top middleweights to the U.S. audience,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports. “The 160-pound class is one of boxing’s hottest and deepest divisions right now, and the winner of this fight should position himself for a major showdown or unification in 2016.”

 

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) won the vacant WBO title with a sixth-round TKO of then-undefeated Matt Korbov in December 2014.  The 6-foot-2, 31-year old was on a six-fight win streak before boxing a split 12-round draw with undefeated former champion Peter Quillin on April 11, 2015, in Brooklyn.  Both fighters went down in a highly competitive scrap that was scored 113-112 for Quillin, 113-112 for Lee and 113-113.

 

Before turning pro Lee was a top amateur and represented Ireland in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

 

“It’s great that my fans in the U.S. will get to see the fight between me and Saunders and I guarantee it’s going to be exciting,” Lee said.

 

Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, is the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender.  The 26-year-old is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Yoannan Bloyer last July 24 in London.

 

Two starts ago, in the most note-worth victory of his career, the 5-foot-11, Saunders took a 12-round split decision over Chris Eubank Jr. on Nov. 29, 2014, in London. All but one of Saunders’ fights have taken place in England; the other was Northern Ireland.

 

Saunders was also an accomplished amateur; he represented England in the 2008 Olympic Games as a welterweight at the age of 18. Saunders is the great-grandson of one of Britain’s most famous gypsy bare-knuckle champions, Absolom Beeney.

 

“This is a massive night for me and I’m excited that it’s going out live to America,” Saunders said.  “The U.S. viewers will get to see just what I can do when I face Lee and become world champion.  It’s a big boost for me and takes the fight to another level when American TV comes on board and then you know it’s a big fight on the world stage.  I hope that (Gennady) Golovkin and (Miguel) Cotto will be both watching because I’m fast approaching their level and they’ll get to see what I’m all about.”

 

Promoter Frank Warren said, “I’m delighted that SHOWTIME will now be televising Lee vs. Saunders live in the U.S. as it confirms the importance of this fight on the world scene.  My relationship with the network goes back many years with fights like Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton vs. Kostya Tszyu, Frank Bruno vs. Oliver McCall, plus Naseem Hamed and Nigel Benn fights.  I believe that Lee vs. Saunders will be another great fight to add to that list because of what’s at stake for both fighters.  What lies ahead for the winner will make them fight to their very best.”