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Undefeated lightweight prospect & new IBA Inter-Continental Champion Josh O’Reilly Ready to Step Up in Class
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(L-R) – Promoter Tyler Buxton, Josh O’Reilly, and Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger
Shawn Porter vs. Adrian Granados Training Camp Quotes & Photos
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BELLATOR LAUNCHES GLOBAL NEXT GENERATION MOBILE APP
THE COMPREHENSIVE DESTINATION FOR ALL THINGS BELLATOR NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
LOS ANGELES – Fans can now take Bellator with them wherever they go with the launch of a next generation mobile app that makes keeping up with all things Bellator as simple as the touch of a button on your smartphone or tablet.
With a sleek new design that provides an engaging user experience through the convenience of persistent navigation, the brand-new Bellator global app is tailored to be fan-focused and content-driven.
For the first time, Bellator fans can now watch LIVE main card fights within the app, through television provider authentication, allowing them to keep up with the action as it happens. Additionally, Bellator MMA’s preliminary cards will be available worldwide and will stream LIVE, without geo-restrictions, within the global app.
Fully integrated with Apple AirPlay, users can also wirelessly stream all of the content available in the global app, including LIVE preliminary action, LIVE main card action (through television provider authentication) and Bellator’s exclusive digital content, directly to their televisions at home.
The next-gen mobile app also features the rich history of Bellator MMA and its athletes. With detailed fighter bios and stats, as well as the most up-to-date information on Bellator MMA’s upcoming events, the app is editorialized daily and delivered straight to fans looking to stay in the know.
Seamless integration allows fans to also easily purchase tickets to upcoming events and visit BellatorShop.com without ever needing to leave the app interface.
Now available for download in the App Store and Google Play. Android 4.2 and higher, as well as iOS 9.0 and higher, required for download.
Please visit Bellator.com information.
COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES TWO TOURNAMENT ALTERNATE BOUTS, WOMEN’S PRELIMINARY BOUT FOR “COPA COMBATE” ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 IN CANCUN, MEXICO
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Top New Mexico prospects showcased on “Battle for the Brave” Streaming free on FITE.TV
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ALBUQUERQUE, NM (
ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. CARLOS TAKAM FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
“He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.” – Anthony Joshua
“I saw Joshua go down. I saw he has a weak point.” – Carlos Takam
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT From Sold-Out Principality Stadium In Cardiff, Wales
Click HERE For Photos Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
CARDIFF, WALES (Oct. 26, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam faced off at the National Museum in Cardiff on Thursday during the final press conference for their heavyweight blockbuster this Saturdaylive on SHOWTIME from sold-out Principality Stadium.
Joshua and Takam will square off in front of an all-time indoor boxing record of 78,000 fans on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT in the U.S.
Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) returns for the first time since unifying the heavyweight division via knockout in a leading Fight of the Year thriller with long-reigning kingpin Wladimir Klitschko this past April.
“We’re going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage because boxing is unforgiving,” Joshua said on Thursday. “That was that. This is now. Carlos is a completely different animal than Klitschko.
“Who knows what’s going to happen in that ring Saturday. This division is unpredictable. You saw I got tired in the fifth round against Klitschko. Am I going to find out I’m only a five round fighter? Takam is tough and can go the distance. He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.”
Takam (35-3-1, 27 KOs) has experience in close bouts with reigning WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker and former challenger Alexander Povetkin. The 2004 Olympian from Cameroon enters the contest having boxed more than three times the professional rounds as Joshua.
“My experience will help me win the fight,” Takam said. “I’ve been in there with a champion. When we get in the ring it’s just two fighters. Only at the end of the fight will we know who the real world champion is.
“I saw Joshua go down. I saw he has a weak point, and we’ve been working on targeting that.”
Joshua and Takam meet 24 years after Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno squared off in the first all-British heavyweight world championship in front of more than 25,000 fans at the National Stadium in Cardiff. There will be more than 78,000 at the new National Stadium – Principality Stadium – on Saturday.
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday:
Anthony Joshua
“Fighting is all I do. It’s all I know. It’s an honor to be defending these belts. I don’t always like to talk about the belts because I’ve always been a fighter before that and I’ve always had the ambition of being a talented fighter before I became champion. I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring and handling business.
“We’re going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage because boxing is unforgiving. That was that. This is now. Carlos is a completely different animal than Klitschko.
“I do know that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. In terms of style, technique and preparation, it’s completely different. Every camp is completely different. My mindset is completely different. All will be revealed Saturday. Best of luck to both men and the best man will win.
“[Trainer Rob McCracken] has never just trained me for one style of opponent. He’s trained me to be the best me. He’s trained me to be ready, to be fit, to be focused and to adapt new skills to my boxing. No matter who my opponent is, I’ll always be in good condition to compete against any champion or any contender in the world.
“We’re in the business of providing really good fights. We’re not here to tip and tap and run for 12 rounds. We’re here to get stuck in.
“I know what it’s like to be the non-champion fighting for a championship. When there’s that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it’s going to be competitive. This is heavyweight championship boxing. Both of us are on the same elite level so you’re going to see an elite fight.
“Who knows what’s going to happen in that ring Saturday. This division is unpredictable. You saw I got tired in the fifth round against Klitschko. Am I going to find out I’m only a five round fighter? Takam is tough and can go the distance. He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.
“With [Takam’s] style and his strength, I wish I came into this fight heavier so we could just stand there and slug it out with each other. Why’d I come in lighter? I thought I was fighting Pulev – a real amateur-style boxer. I had to stay off the line, jab with him and match his speed. Takam is a completely different style of fighter so I might have come in a bit heavier if I knew I was fighting Takam.
“I’m just a reflection of hard work. The UK boxing scene is quite grassroots. I still go to my amateur club. Just before this championship fight, I was training with all the amateurs – kids that were just 10 years-old. You can only achieve what you see, so when they’re training with Olympians and professional World Champions, they’re inspired. That’s real nice to be the champion and still keep it real training with the grassroots athletes.”
Carlos Takam
“My experience will help me win the fight. I’ve been in there with a champion. When we get in the ring it’s just two fighters. Only at the end of the fight will we know who the real world champion is.
“I saw Joshua go down. I saw he has a weak point, and we’ve been working on targeting that.”
“I’m going to box my way. I’m going to come forward, fight my fight.
“I believe in myself. I’m confined. It wouldn’t be a shock if I won because of the confidence I have.
“When I heard about the fight, I was already in preparation for another fight so I had to completely change the way I trained to be ready for this fight. I’m coming out on the 28th to win the fight.
“All I can do is invite you to see the outcome of the fight on the 28th. I’m coming out to win.
“I know it’s going to be a great fight. This will change my life in boxing but not from the person I am.”
BIBA To Permit Rehydration Drinks In Competition To Reduce Dehydration and also Risk of Potential Bleeds To Brain
London, UK: Thursday 26th October 2017.
In March this year the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) became the first Professional Boxing Commission to introduce Infra-Scanners ringside at events sanctioned by themselves, in an effort to reduce the time between diagnosis of possible bleeds to the brain following contests and the receiving of effective treatment.
Since introducing the Infra-Scanners the BIBA Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Graham, has been undertaking research into head injuries in sport as well as investigating procedures that may assist in reducing the actual risk of bleed to the brain injuries in competition.
The on-going research has highlighted a number of concerning issues, one such issue relates to volume changes of cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) which is directly related to dehydration, as such Professor Graham and the BIBA Medical Committee, headed by BIBA CMO Dr Louise Eccles, have made a number of recommendations that they believe should be introduced as they could assist in reducing the risks.
Besides the recent introduction of the ‘Rehydration Clause’ for all day before weigh-in contests, the first of these new initiatives to be introduced is that from January 2018 rehydration drinks will be permissible for consumption by competitors during the one minute break between rounds during all contests of eight rounds and over, in an attempt to reduce excess dehydration during longer duration contests, which potentially also reduces the risk of bleed to the brain injuries.
The Effect of Fluid Intake Following Dehydration on Subsequent Athletic, Cognitive Performance & Potential Traumatic Brain Injuries
A systematic review and meta-analysis (McCartney et al., 2017) of sixty-four (64) trials derived from 42 international publications indicates:
- A beneficial effect for fluid intake on athletic and cognitive performance is strongest when a continuous exercise task is employed (i.e., high intensity sport e.g., boxing).
- The magnitude of improvement is greater when the continuous exercise is performed at elevated environmental temperatures and over longer exercise durations (i.e., boxing multiple rounds, in closed environments, where temperatures are greater than standard room temperature and pressure).
- The volume of fluid consumed, relative to body mass (BM) lost, does not appear to influence the size of the treatment effect. The fluid intake at levels that comply with current recommendations for restoring body water content (1.25–1.50 L per kg BM lost) are as yet inconclusive. Rehydration drinks must be allowed ad libitum.
#BIBAChangingBoxingForGood
Former Wrestling Stars Unite
(Odessa, FL) Don’t miss the opportunity to pay homage to Stars such as Kevin Sullivan and JJ Dillon, while the history of Championship Wrestling in Florida celebrated once again at CWF Legends FanFest 2 on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 2:00 PM – 7:30 PM EDT. This event will again take place at the intimate American Legion Hall in Odessa & tickets are again limited to only 200 wrestling fans, guaranteeing everyone a personalized experience.
Sullivan, who began his run in CWF during the early 1970s, was also a key player in the 1980s as he and his followers joined “The Darkside.” Kevin went on to book CWF in the 1980’s before going on to perform in the NWA & WCW, where he is also known for booking WCW during The Monday Night Wars.
James J. Dillon rose to CWF prominence in 1975 as a wrestler, holding multiple championships in the state before returning as a Manager in the early 80’s and booking CWF for some time. He gained greater fame when he went to the NWA and become the Manager for the legendary “Four Horsemen”. JJ also played huge behind the scenes rolls in both WWE & WCW Talent Management. In addition to Sullivan & Dillon, other CWF Favorites at this event will be Rocky Johnson, Brian Blair, Tony Marino, & Sherri Lee.
At the end of the Fanfest portion of this event, we will again honor CWF Legends with a special award ceremony and induction into the CWF Hall Of Fame. Honorees include the man widely considered as the greatest wrestling announcer in the history of the business, Gordon Solie, as well as the top heel in the formation of CWF (and widely considered one of the top heels ever in pro wrestling), The Great Malenko. The friends and families of Mr. Solie and Mr. Malenko will be in attendance to honor these two heroes of CWF! This special CWF HOF award ceremony is open to all in attendance at the Fanfest!
Super Tickets to this event are available on a first come, first serve basis and include a photo opportunity and one autograph with all of the listed wrestling legends. Additional autograph opportunities will be made available. This Super Ticket, which includes general admission to the event and a 30 minute Awards Presentation are $55.00.
In addition, a Dinner Mega Ticket will be made available to only 50 fans and those fans will be eating a catered dinner with Kevin Sullivan & JJ Dillon. There will be nothing off limits in this, now, 2 Hour conversation and gives you the opportunity to converse over a meal with two of the most knowledgeable talents ever to compete in, not only CWF, but in the entire business. The Dinner Mega Ticket, which includes early admission (30 minutes in advance), a photo op and 2 autographs with all the Fanfest Guests, a 2 Hour catered buffet dinner with Kevin Sullivan & JJ Dillon, a group dinner photo, and VIP Access to the entire event is $125.00.
General Admission to the event which will also feature vendors with unique wrestling memorabilia is only $10.00 and includes the Special Awards Ceremony. Other opportunities to meet certain CWF Legends are also available. This is a one night extravaganza that is bound to exceed expectations.
Fanfest- Mega Ticket Early Admission: 2:00-2:30pm
Fanfest: 2:30-5pm, Awards Ceremony: 5-5:30pm, Dinner: 5:30-7:30pm
American Legion Post 147
Tickets Link –www.eventbrite.com/cwf-
ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. CARLOS TAKAM PUBLIC WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Unified Champion Joshua Defends On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT From Principality Stadium In Cardiff, Wales
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
CARDIFF, WALES (Oct. 25, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam worked out in front of approximately 1,400 fans on Wednesday at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff, just three days before they square off this Saturday live on SHOWTIME.
The near-capacity crowd at the National Concert Hall of Wales serves as a prelude to the record-breaking audience expected at Principality Stadium on Saturday where more than 75,000 fans will set boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record at the retractable roof facility.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from ringside in Cardiff as Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) returns for the first time since unifying the heavyweight division. The undefeated British sensation picked up the WBA belt to go along with his IBF crown on April 29 in a leading Fight of the Year thriller with Wladimir Klitschko.
“We’re going to have a war. We’re going to wear our hearts on our sleeves,” Joshua said. “This is what fighting’s about. With me, it ain’t about all this other stuff that goes on outside the ring. When people come to watch me box, they know they’re going to have a good time. They know they’re going to see knockouts.”
Takam (35-3-1, 27 KOs), a 2004 Olympian from Cameroon, packs a lengthy resume as he looks to shock the world and become heavyweight champion.
“He’s a world champion, he’s earned his belt,” said the 36-year-old Takam. “But I’m coming here to take it.”
Joshua vs. Takam is the first of two consecutive heavyweight world bouts on SHOWTIME. Next Saturday, Nov. 4, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title in a rematch with Bermane Stiverne, the only opponent to last the distance with the American champion in 38 professional bouts.
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:
ANTHONY JOSHUA:
“I’ve never been nervous about fighting but I think this stadium is going to be different. There’s a closed roof. I know the energy and the atmosphere is going to be bouncing up and down off the roof and it’s going to be nothing like before. As I said, if Saturday night is a little bit like the people today here at the public workout, it’s going to be phenomenal.
“This is what fighting’s about – different styles and different types of opponents. But the best opponent you can work on is yourself so I’ve definitely been improving myself. I can talk about a million things I’ve been working on but at the end of the day, as soon as that first bell rings, that’s when it matters.
“We’re going to have a war. We’re going to wear our hearts on our sleeves. This is what fighting’s about. With me, it ain’t about all this other stuff that goes on outside the ring. When people come to watch me box, they know they’re going to have a good time. They know they’re going to see knockouts. They’re going to see a bit of blood and a bit of respect after.
“I think the UK has been sending a statement for a long time. It wasn’t so long ago that U.K. heavyweights or boxers weren’t getting a look. Now, all the Americans are talking about U.K. fighters. We’ve definitely been sending a statement over to the States for a long time.
“[Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder] can watch me a million times but it’s so different when you get in these ropes. When you get in here, you can watch somebody a million times, but it’s a different challenge when you face someone face-to-face.
“We have to deliver. The fans know what they want, I know what they want. It’s my job to deliver. I haven’t got to say it – I know already and the fans know. Let’s just deliver Saturday night and we’ll look forward to a promising 2018.”
On opponent Takam, who became the mandatory challenger after an injury to Kubrat Pulev:
“First and foremost, massive credit to Eddie [Hearn] because he’s done amazing work. He was ahead of the game and he’s managed to allow this show to go ahead. Credit to Carlos Takam, a true athlete who stays fit all year round. He’s not someone who just trains for a fight, he seems to keep himself conditioned and that’s what we like. He’s the same as myself. And I think – what would I do? Would I give up the IBF belt? Hell no. I worked too hard for it.”
CARLOS TAKAM:
“I’m ready for this fight, I’m ready for everything he has. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. We were in the gym getting ready, hoping we would get this chance.
“He’s a world champion, he’s earned his belt. But I’m coming here to take it. You have to defend your title, and I’m not going to make it easy. I’m going to make this the fight of the year.
“If I can do things differently from what other boxers have done against him, I’ll have a chance to win by knockout.
“A lot of people have asked me if I see any weaknesses in Joshua’s style. All I can say is we will see on fight night.
“I’m not bothered about fighting in front of 80,000 people, the only people in the ring will be myself and Joshua, nothing else matters except us.”