This week’s show features lots of Mayweather vs. McGregor discussion and a look back at the last two weeks in combat sports. We preview this weekend’s fights as well. Tune in to find out what Rich’s new favorite Conor McGregor insult is…and why it applies to Dana White as well. Psychic Tom gives his valuable insight and Tony the Tornado breaks down all the boxing angles in this episode.
Q&A WITH CLARESSA SHIELDS
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SHOWTIME SPORTS® ANNOUNCES PREMIERE EPISODE OF ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR TO BE SAMPLED FREE ACROSS MULTIPLE PLATFORMS
First Episode Of Four-Part Series To Be Available On YouTube And SHO.com
Immediately Following Network Premiere This Friday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME®
Watch, Share or Embed an Exclusive Clip from First Episode: http://s.sho.com/
NEW YORK (July 28, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports today announced that the first episode of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. McGregor will be offered for free to consumers who do not subscribe to SHOWTIME, immediately following the network premiere tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Starting tonight, the first episode will be available for free on multiple platforms including YouTube and SHO.com and other online portals. Consumers can also sample the premiere episode for free across multiple television and streaming providers’ devices, websites and applications and free On Demand channels. The subsequent episodes of the four-part series, which will premiere every Friday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME, will be available only to SHOWTIME subscribers.
Weekly installments of the Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS will peel back the curtain on the August 26 blockbuster bout between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and UFC® superstar Conor McGregor. Four revealing episodes will immerse fans in the lives and training camps of the outspoken, charismatic champions, documenting their preparation for an unprecedented fight that has captured the world’s attention.
Winner of multiple Emmy Awards, the SHOWTIME Sports original franchise takes viewers behind the scenes of boxing’s biggest events and surrounds the world’s most compelling fighters with intimate access and signature storytelling.
SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to the entire series on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME the stand-alone streaming service available through Amazon, Apple®, Google, Roku, Xbox One, Samsung SmartTVs and at showtime.com, as well as through Amazon Channels, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Sony PlayStation™ Vue. The series will also be available through TV providers’ authenticated online services.
Derrick Webster to take on Lamar Harris on Saturday, August 5th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City
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Nigerian Amateur Standouts Efe Ajagba and Efetobor Apochi Become Latest Fighters to Join Ringstar Sports Roster of Fighters
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LOS ANGELES (July 27, 2017) – Accomplished Super Heavyweight amateur and 2016 Olympian Efe Ajagba and fellow Nigerian Heavyweight amateur standout Efetobor Apochi have signed-on to become the latest promising young fighters to join the Ringstar Sportsroster. Both fighters will make their professional debuts on the Premier Boxing Champions event headlined by Victor Ortiz vs. Saul Corral this Sunday, July 30 live from Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield, California.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add these two outstanding young men to the growing Ringstar roster of fighters,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “I’ve seen these guys in action and I think boxing fans are in for a real treat. These are two of the biggest hitters I’ve seen and we expect them to rise quickly and make a name for themselves in their respective divisions.”
The fighters, who will be managed by Hall of Famer Shelly Finkel, have moved to Houston, TX to work with renowned trainer Ronnie Shields.
“Both young men have the potential to be world champions,” said Finkel. “I’m very proud to be working with both of them.”
“I feel so blessed to have signed with Ringstar Sports and Richard Schaefer,” said Efe Ajagba. “I have dreamed of this day for many years and yet it is bigger than I could have ever imagined! My time has come! I will show I am a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.”
“It is a big pleasure to become a part of Ringstar Sports,” said Efetobor Apochi. “I have never wished for anything more. I am so grateful for this opportunity and promise to give the fans a show!
Born and raised in Ughelli Delta State, Nigeria, Efe Ajagba began boxing in 2011 at the age of seventeen and quickly discovered his craft on this way to a 41-2 (30 KOs) amateur record. In 2014, the 6’6 fighter was selected to compete in the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow and went home with the bronze medal. Shortly thereafter, Ajagba took gold in the 2015 All African Games in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. In 2016, he went on to win gold at the African Olympic Qualification event in Yaounde, Cameroon, landing him a spot on the 2016 Nigerian Olympic team. On Sunday, July 30, Ajagba will make his professional debut against Tyrell Herndon (6-1-0, 2 KOs) in a 6-round Heavyweight clash.
Also born and raised in Ughelli Delta State, Nigeria, Efetobor Apochi began his boxing career in 2007 and racked up an impressive record of 55-6 (54 KOs). The 5’11 cruiserweight captained the 2014 Commonwealth Games and took home the bronze after knocking out his first opponent in the first round, upsetting his second foe in the quarterfinals and losing to the eventual gold medalist in the semifinals. Apochi looks forward to the start of very promising professional career as he takes on Cruiserweight Daniel Mejia in a 4-rounds of action.
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DETROIT’S DOMONIQUE DOLTON RETURNING TO ACTION NEXT FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 AT MGM GRAND DETROIT
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CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ON THE BOARDWALK!!!
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Pro Boxing Returns To Afghanistan
Back in 2012, Germany based Afghan Hamid Rahimi beat Tanzania’s Said Mbelwa to secure the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Middleweight Intercontinental title in front of a one thousand strong crowd in Kabul, Afghanistan.
At the time it was hoped that this historic event, which was also broadcast live to Millions of homes throughout the Country, would herald the long awaited return of regular Professional Boxing events in Afghanistan.
Some five years later, it seems that finally the sport of Professional Boxing is set to re-establish itself, following The Afghanistan All Martial Arts Federation (AAMAF) joining forces with the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) to develop boxing in the region as well as sanction events throughout the Country.
On jointly announcing the new partnership, AAMAF General Secretary Shukrullah Fazili said;
“It is exciting to establish the agency of BIBA federation in Afghanistan.
It’s a big honour for both of us.
We will do promotion and development of BIBA in Afghanistan and will hold national events and seminars and attend all international tournaments, seminars and more.”
BIBA Vice President Gianluca Di Caro then added;
“I cannot begin to express just how honoured I and we (BIBA) are that fellow Association of Combative Sports Commissions member the Afghanistan All Martial Arts Federation chose to approach us to partner with them with regard to the development of professional boxing within Afghanistan as well as the sanctioning of boxing events.
I am so looking forward to returning to the Pashtūnistān region. The memories of our first foray into sanctioning boxing in the region just over a year ago are just so vivid.
Back then we proudly sanctioned the first ever Professional Boxing event in Pakistan, on behalf of two division World Champion Amir Khan, to raise much needed funds to enable the Amir Khan Foundation to build fresh water wells in the Tharparkar District, one of the most desolate and poorest regions in the world today.
I believe that this new partnership between the AAMAF and BIBA will not only see the sport develop further in the region, but also present the opportunity for Afghan boxers to make a name for themselves internationally.”
British & Irish Boxing Authority
Web: www.boxbiba.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BibaBoxing/
Twitter: @BIBABoxing
TWO-TIME GOLD MEDALLIST CLARESSA SHIELDS NAMED #28 OF SPORTING WORLD’S TOP 50 MOST DOMINANT ATHLETES BY AOL
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Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
Premier Boxing Champions Event Saturday, July 29 from
Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
BROOKLYN (July 27, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they headline a Premier Boxing Champions event Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlomeeting top contender Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator.
Undercard action on “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims” will stream live on Facebook and YouTube and will feature heavyweight contenders Gerald Washington and Jarrell Miller in a 10-round match, plus Irish sensation Katie Taylorin her U.S. debut.
Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Dream Hotel Downtown:
ADRIEN BRONER
“Just know that I’ll be ready on Saturday night. I’m not worried about how much he’ll weigh when we step into the ring. I’m ready for anything.
“Camp was tough, but it was great. I did a lot of things differently and made sure that I was doing everything right. I made sure not to cut any corners this camp.
“This is going to be a great fight for boxing. I’ve done my due diligence. I’m going to take care of business. I just know myself and know what I’m capable of.
“Every fight is a must-win in this sport. There’s no fight you go into with a loss on your mind. I’m going to put on a show on Saturday.
“I laugh when people write me off. I’m used to being the underdog coming from where I come from. People don’t know what I’ve been through to get to this point. I’m blessed to be where I’m at. Saturday night there will be a lot more room on the bandwagon.
“We’ll see who’s on the pound-for-pound list after Saturday night. We could have fought years ago but the time is now and I’m ready.
“I’m glad that the Garcia team took this fight as quickly as we did. I’ve been taking everything seriously in Colorado. I know Mikey will be ready too. Robert Garcia definitely has some confidence from beating me with Marcos Maidana. But Mikey is not Maidana.
“I just don’t feel like Mikey will be able to do anything to stop me from getting the victory. I’m sure he’s confident too. After I make it look easy, I want everyone to write about it and say something good.
“I can make anybody quit in the ring. Mikey is no different. If I execute and stay focused, don’t be surprised. I’m ready for this fight.
“Saturday is going to be a special day for me. My birthday is tomorrow. I’m almost 30. I want to dedicate this victory to my twin brother Andre. Seeing his smile will make it even more special for me.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“I’m prepared to go 12 hard rounds with Adrien Broner. This is a high profile fight. Probably more than my other fights. It’s created a lot of buzz amongst fans and media. Everyone is anticipating a great fight. This is a great matchup that can take me to the next level.
“I don’t think that he’s going to be desperate but he knows that I’m not an easy opponent. That’s why he’s taken camp so seriously. I expect him to be at his best and be ready. He knows that if he beats me he can launch his career back to where it was.
“He’s a four-division world champion so clearly he has the skills. I need someone who is hungry and motivated to bring out the best in me. My main focus is getting the win by any means necessary.
“I’m going to lo look to box effectively and show that I’m the better fighter. We’re both smart fighters but neither of us will run from the other. When you have styles like ourselves, with two guys who like to exchange punches, you’re in for a great battle.
“I think Adrien will be fine with the weight. He’s a pro and he knows that he really has to make weight. He’s learned from his mistakes. Sometimes he jokes around but that’s just part of his character. He takes things a lot more seriously because he’s facing me.
“If I can get this win, I just want to keep moving forward and fulfilling my dreams. I want to be in huge fights consistently. This is a crossroads fight for both of us to get to that level.
“I’m very excited to be here. Brooklyn was very kind to me when I fought here last year. I expect the fans to be here and show up like they always do on Saturday. There are incredible boxing fans in New York.
“I’m here to prove that I’m back and stronger than ever. This is another opportunity to show the kind of fighter that I am. I won’t let Adrien Broner stand in my way. This is my chance to show the best version of myself.”
JERMALL CHARLO
“I feel great and ready to make my debut at 160 pounds. Camp has gone smoothly. I’m ready to dominate this division like I did 154 pounds. My plan is to care of Heiland and then everything else will fall into line from there.
“This is a bigger, better and stronger version of Jermall Charlo. Everything has come together during camp. Ronnie Shields runs a great camp and I believe he’s continuing to bring the best out of me.
“I’m completely focused on this matchup. I know that I can’t get any of the big fights that I crave without taking care of Heiland. I’m going to break him down and if the knockout comes, I’ll make sure to take advantage.
“My hat is off to Adrien Broner and Mikey Garcia for bringing out all the fans and media for this great show. It’s a real thrill to be a part of this event.”
JORGE SEBASTIAN HEILAND
“I’m thankful to everyone who has welcomed me to New York. I’m happy to have this big opportunity and I’m 100 percent prepared for whatever Jermall Charlo brings. Jermall is a great fighter and I know that he is going to bring everything he has.
“I’ve had an amazing camp and I’ve never felt more prepared for an opportunity than this. I was very patient and I will take full advantage. My plan is to leave everything in the ring on Saturday.
“My team has been with me for a long time as I waited for this opportunity. Be ready because it’s going to be a battle and a great matchup on Saturday. You won’t want to miss it.”
GERALD WASHINGTON
“I came here to go to work. I’m going to shut that big mouth of his up. I hope someone is holding him accountable for all the words he’s been saying. You’re in there with a real one on Saturday night. I’m going to welcome you to this game for real.
“I’m sure he’ll try to bring some extra pressure. I’m going to introduce him to a new class of boxing. I’ve taken a lot from my experiences in training camp with Wladimir Klitschko and in the ring with Deontay Wilder. You’ll see the difference on Saturday.
“I’m still growing in this sport. I’ve been learning on the job this whole time and each experience just means so much to me. I wanted to take on a tough undefeated fighter because I knew that it would make it a great fight.
“This is most definitely ending inside of the distance. I’m coming after him. I’m going to wear him out. Then it’s time to take him out.”
JARRELL MILLER
“If you don’t know who “Big Baby” is, you soon will. I’ve never seen anyone get knocked out and get praised for it, but that’s what people are doing for Washington. I’ve never been hurt in my life in the ring and I’ll prove it on Saturday.
“This guy said he’s going to introduce me to big-time boxing. I’ve been in front of huge crowds and I’ve come through with knockout wins. I’ll be more than ready on Saturday night.
“I’ve got big plans in this sport and this is only the start. Brooklyn fans loved their hometown heavyweights Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe. I’m going to be next in that line and this city will love me.”
KATIE TAYLOR
“It’s incredible to be here in New York and to make my US debut on this incredible card. It’s truly a privilege.
“Training has gone so well and I’m so happy that SHOWTIME will stream the fight. It’s incredible for my fans overseas and all fans of women’s boxing.
“I hope to make a strong statement this weekend and I hope everyone enjoys the fight on Saturday night.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“This is definitely a must-see event on Saturday night. Two great fighters, fighting at the right time, both in the prime of their careers. It’s going to be a great show.
“One of the main reasons why boxing is going to the next level is because the people at the top have a vision of seeing great fights. We have another great example of that this Saturday night at Barclays Center
“Anytime you have a great event, it’s going to start with the undercard. We have a lot of young fighters looking to show off their skills. We’re thrilled to have our very own Richardson Hitchins and Kenny Robles competing in exciting undercard action.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“A month from now there will be a huge event in Las Vegas, but two days from now there is the best fight card of the summer, the best fight of the summer, and a great show from top to bottom at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“This is a great summer of boxing for SHOWTIME and it’s great to be in this room and see all the great attention that this fight card is getting. This is one of the best representations that we can have of our sport. This is one of the most stacked cards I’ve ever been involved with.
“There are a lot of good reasons to get a ticket and come to Barclays Center on Saturday night. There will be a strong Irish presence on the card Saturday with both Katie Taylor and Noel Murphy entering the ring.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“Saturday is a testament to SHOWTIME’s commitment to boxing and boxing fans. We’ve worked hard to deliver the most important bouts from around the world. We have three separate telecasts, five fights, across two continents.
“We will also be streaming Katie Taylor’s U.S. debut. People know Katie from reputation alone, and we thought it was important to have her fight seen. The heavyweight fight between Gerald Washington and Jarrell Miller is another one that deserves to be seen and I think it could be the fight that steals the show.
“The main event has two of the brightest young stars in boxing. They both feel like they’ve been on this stage for a while. You know their resumes and you have to give them all of the credit in the world for taking this fight. Neither had to take this fight, but it will be one of the most exciting matchups of the summer.
“We have had 19 live presentations and 15 world title fights so far and we’re proud of what we’ve done accomplished so far. Boxing has had a great year and much of that has been carried by SHOWTIME boxing. That will continue this Saturday.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“This card is our fourth major card this year. It’s been an incredible year for BROOKLYN BOXING. We’ve made a commitment to bring the best boxing to the borough. With all of our partners help, we have been able to accomplish that.
“We welcome both of these fighters back to Brooklyn. They’ve both built fan bases and we’re excited to see both of them back in the building and in the ring on Saturday.
“The whole night of boxing is going to be incredible. I welcome Jermall Charlo to Brooklyn, your brother had a great night in April and I’m sure you will follow in his footsteps.”
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ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina and this event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com