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After a sizzling start to his pro career, the New Haven, Conn. Native was inactive for nearly two years (2-13-2015) due to out-of-the-ring issues, but bounced back strong in January 2016, signing a promotional contract with Roc Nation Sports.
Retired Women’s MMA Star Named Combate Americas Fight Director
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Antoine Douglas now to take on Juan De Angel for NABA & WBC FECARBOX Middleweight Titles onFriday July 14th at The Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma
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“Every fighter in the middleweight division needs to take note, I’m coming for all Y’all”
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Photo by Team Arias
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BROOKLYN, NY (July 13, 2017) – Undefeated IBF #6 middleweight contender, Luis Arias (18-0, 9 KOs), is coming off a stellar performance, winning by fifth round knockout against once beaten, Arif Magomedov. He now has his sights set on conquering the whole entire middleweight division.
“Every fighter in the middleweight division needs to take note, I’m coming for all Y’all, especially the Golovkin vs. Canelo winner,” said Luis Arias. “Billy Joe Saunders can get a beating too. I have the skills, hunger and heart to become the unified middleweight champion of the world. I’m going to make a statement in every fight moving forward. I won’t be denied.”
In addition, Arias gives his thoughts on the Floyd Mayweather vs. Connor McGregorshowdown taking place at the T-Mobile Arena on August 26th.
“I think the Floyd Mayweather vs. Connor McGregor fight is going to be bad for boxing, but good for MMA,” Arias continued. “Never will an MMA fighter be on a stage like this. Floyd is going to mop him up. I think I would whoop McGregor’s ass if we fought in the ring. He would have the advantage in the octagon, but I know with some MMA training, I would give him some serious problems.”
Fight of the Year candidate between Kermit Cintron and Tyrone Brunson to have at least four airings in the coming weeks
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TENSION ESCALATES BETWEEN FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND CONOR McGREGOR IN TORONTO ON SECOND STOP OF BLOCKBUSTER WORLD TOUR
Capacity Crowd Of Estimated 16,000 Fans Pack Toronto’s Budweiser Stage On Wednesday As Mayweather and McGregor Meet For Just The Second Time
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME Sports
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Edris Erba/Mayweather Promotions (Note: Images will be uploaded shortly)
TORONTO (July 12, 2017) – The tension between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and UFC superstar Conor McGregor boiled over into Toronto on Wednesday as the global stars continued their blockbuster World Tour to announce their Aug. 26showdown on SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Mayweather and McGregor met on Wednesday for just the second time, jarring toe-to-toe for more than three minutes in the initial faceoff in front of a largely pro-McGregor crowd at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage.
Multi-platinum and GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Drake made a special guest appearance in front of his hometown Toronto fans “to witness history” for an event to celebrate what he called “the biggest fight in the history of fighting.”
After hearing McGregor once again promised to knock out a man that’s never been beaten, Mayweather challenged McGregor to put his money where his mouth is.
“If you believe in yourself like you say you believe in yourself, bet your whole fight check,” Mayweather said.
“One shot is all it takes,” promise McGregor. “Check the facts – I bounce heads off the canvas.”
To watch Wednesday’s press conference in full, visit the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/n7ZcGjg03-E.
The Mayweather vs. McGregor World Tour continues Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and concludes on Friday at Wembley Arena in London.
Below are flash quotes from today’s event in Toronto:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER:
“We’re not talking about being at the top for one year, two years, three years, four years. We’re talking about 21 years.
“Turn the pressure up. I don’t quit, I don’t fold under pressure. I’m the best and I know I’m the best.
“If you believe in yourself like you say you believe in yourself, bet your whole fight check.”
CONOR MCGREGOR:
“I thrive in uncomfortable positions. There is nothing these guys can do to phase me. Twenty-eight years of age, I’m getting fight checks and promoter checks. When Floyd was 28, he was on Oscar De La Hoya’s undercard and that’s just facts.
“Toronto, what a city. I was here one time, I was also on a world tour. I was also facing an unconquerable quest. I was facing the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, Jose Aldo. They said the same things then as they’re saying now. They said I have no chance. They said I’m in over my head. They said [he] kicks too hard, too many weapons. The Irishman is going to fall short, he doesn’t stand a hope. It took me 13 seconds.
“One shot is all it takes. Check the facts. I bounce heads off the canvas.
“He tip-tap-toes to a decision. He’s never fought a day in his life, he’s a runner.”
MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in an unprecedented event that takes place Saturday, August 26 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
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Omar Figueroa vs. Robert Guerrero, Marcus Browne vs. Seanie Monaghan & Artur Szpilka vs. Adam Kownacki Tripleheader ThisSaturday, July 15 from NYCB LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
MANHATTAN (July 12, 2017) – Former world champions Omar Figueroa and Robert Guerrero went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before Saturday’sPremier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes tripleheader taking place at the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Also in attendance Wednesday and competing in televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were unbeaten light heavyweights Marcus Browne and Seanie Monaghan plus Polish heavyweights Artur Szpilka and Adam Kownacki.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com, www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE. Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.
Additional action on Saturday begins on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature a welterweight matchup between Jamal James and Jo Jo Dan, plus unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa, brother of Omar Figueroa, who was in attendance Wednesday and will face Eliezer Aquino.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan:
OMAR FIGUEROA
“We know that Guerrero is a tough guy and it’s going to be a rough fight. We prepared really well to go 12-rounds and get the win.
“I love having my brother Brandon in camp and on this card with me. It gives me an opportunity to take my mind off of my fight and focus on Brandon for a bit. It really helps me cope with everything leading up to a big fight.
“Training camp was amazing. We did a lot of sparring with lefties so that my footwork is down. Other than that I was just grinding every day and trying to get better.
“I’m really happy to have the team that I have. Joel Diaz and I work really well together because we have the same mentality, but he can tell me when I need to take a step back.
“New York is one of the places that has held historic fights. Being on that same stage as great fighters from the past is amazing. It’s one of those things that makes you feel like you made it.
“I know how hard Robert Guerrero has worked to get to this point in his career. I want to prove that I can be in the big fights that Guerrero has already had. I’ve had a long time off but I can’t wait to get it on Saturday night.
“I feel like I have everything in my arsenal to make this a successful night. I’m looking to show all of the things I’ve been working with Joel Diaz on and give the fans a great fight to remember.”
ROBERT GUERRERO
“I’m expecting Omar to come to fight. He’s undefeated with a great record so if it’s not broken, I don’t expect him to change his style.
“You have to prepare for everything for a guy as awkward as Omar. I’m going to have to make adjustments in the ring. If I can stay focused I know I can get the victory.
“I’ve made a lot of improvements since the last time people saw me. There’s way too much talent in this division for me to just come forward and press. I’m in great shape and I’m ready to work behind my jab do everything I need to do to be successful in the ring.
“I’m blessed to be here and have this tremendous opportunity in the main event again on FOX and FOX Deportes. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the ring but I never stopped working in the gym.
“I’ve said before that I had to go to the drawing board but this time we erased everything and rewrote it. This layoff has really helped me get in great shape and I’m really excited to get in the ring. I’m ready to turn the page to the next chapter of my career and that starts with this fight.
“It’s an honor to be able to work with my dad every day. It’s an incredible blessing for me to have such a loyal team. My father treats me like a man just like he always has. He makes me a better fighter every time out. He knows me like the back of his hand.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“I’m ready to roll. I’m ready let my hands go and get in the ring and rumble on Saturday night. This is going to be a great night of fights.
“This is a big fight for me. It’s a great fight against a very determined and experienced fighter. Seanie is a veteran in this sport but he’s still hungry. He has a lot to lose, as do I. We’re both going to put it on the line.
“I’m excited to be part of opening up this new venue. There are a lot of different cultures that come together in Long Island and it should make for a great crowd.
“I think the timing that my career has progressed has been great. I’ve been going step-by-step and I feel like I’m on a good path towards a world title.
“I’m very familiar with Seanie from sparring together but I know that he’s a veteran who’s going to have a great game plan. Training camp has me ready and I’m going to be prepared to make adjustments. I’m ready to lay it all out there.”
SEANIE MONAGHAN
“Training camp has been excellent. I’ve been sparring a lot of lefties and getting ready for this style matchup. This is probably the longest camp I’ve ever had and I feel great. I’m on weight right now and ready for this fight. This is the best shape I’ve ever been in.
“It’s very inspiring to be looking at the place that you’ll be fighting while you’re training. I do my hardest workout on the track right across the street from the Coliseum. It helps me dig deep while I’m suffering.
“This is going to be an interesting matchup. Marcus and I are pretty much opposites in the ring. I’m a righty and he’s a lefty. He’s a fast-starter and I’m a strong finisher. It’s my job to turn it into a battle of wills.
“I’m fully-charged physically and locked and loaded mentally heading into Saturday night. This is the caliber of opponent I’ve been looking to face for a while and I’ll be ready when the bell rings.
“This is my 29th time getting into the professional ring so I’m not concerned about the emotions that come with fighting at home. Any kind of energy that I feel, I’m going to use it for fuel in the later rounds when I need it.”
ARTUR SZPILKA
“I want to show that my loss was an accident and that I’m ready to put on a great show for the fans.
“We will see how hard this fight will be. That is up to him, because I will be ready to put it all on the line and get this win. People want to see emotions in the ring and we will see if Kownacki is ready for me.
“I have to take this fight very seriously. I am in the best shape of my career. I can’t take for granted that I’m going to go in there and knock him out immediately.
“I waited a long time for this return. I broke my hand after the Deontay Wilder fight but now I am back and 100 percent ready for this fight.
“Adam is like I was before. He’s working his way up this sport and he’s very hungry. I respect Adam and I wish him the best, but not on Saturday night.”
ADAM KOWNACKI
“This is a big stage and a great challenge for me. Now it’s time for me to show that I’m ready for this. I’ve never ducked a challenge and I never will.
“All the hard work is done. I feel great after a really strong training camp and now the fun part comes Saturday night.
“I sparred with (top U.S. amateur) Cam Awesome, who is a good mover around the ring so he’s definitely helped prepare me for what Artur is going to bring.
“It means a lot to be in a fight between two Polish heavyweights. We’re two of the best Polish heavyweights in the world and only one of us can wear the crown.
“This is my coming out party. I’m going to make a statement on Saturday. I’ve been patiently waiting for this chance and now I’m going to prove that I belong.
“Artur and I definitely have different styles. I’m more of a puncher and he’s more of a mover. I worked a lot in training camp on cutting off the ring.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I feel like I’ve improved a lot during this training camp. I feel very strong and confident heading into this fight. It’s really exciting to be on a card like this with my brother headlining.
“I’m just going to take my career step-by-step and take it one fight at a time. Hopefully if I keep working hard and performing I can get a title shot. I just want to take every fight that I can so that I can perform in front of the fans and give them a great show.
“I feel very prepared and very confident heading into this fight. This is definitely one of the best camps I’ve had. I fight a lot of heavy guys in Joel Diaz’s gym and it helped me get perfectly prepared for this fight.
“I love fighting on television so that I can give fans a good show. I’m always hungry for the win and now being in New York is an added piece of motivation.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“On Saturday big-time boxing returns to Long Island. It’s been 31 years since a big boxing show on Long Island and that show was headlined by Mike Tyson. Saturday night is going to be a great night for boxing in the New York area.
“This show has three terrific fights coming to us on Saturday night. I love that this card has three fights where the outcome is up in the air and they’re all-action matchups.
“Artur and Adam are in something of a grudge match, with these two Polish heavyweights talking about this for over a year, and now it’s finally going to happen. This is an important heavyweight fight. The loser takes a big step back.
“Marcus Browne is a young lion rising his way up the ranks at light heavyweight. Seanie has been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this. The winner of this fight is right there for a world title. These guys have been friendly in the past, but they won’t be friends on Saturdaynight.
“The main event is definitely a crossroads fight to some extent. I have tremendous respect for both Omar and Robert. Omar is returning to the ring against one of the most experienced and battle-tested fighters out there in Guerrero.
“This is going to be a good night for Long Island and everyone who watches this in person or on FOX and FOX Deportes is going to be in for a great night of fighting.”
# # #
Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.
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BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP™ TO HOLD OPEN FIGHTER TRYOUTS THIS SATURDAY IN PHILADELPHIA
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Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos
World Tour Kicks Off with Raucous Press Conference as Global Stars Discuss Saturday, August 26 Showdown on SHOWTIME PPV
From T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
“I am guaranteeing you this. You are going out on your face or on your back. So which way do you want to go?” – Mayweather
“I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds. Mark my words,” – McGregor
Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2017) – Unbeaten boxing legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather and UFC star “The Notorious” Conor McGregor went face-to-face for the first time on Tuesday, in a highly anticipated press conference in front of over 11,000 fans at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles as the two global stars discussed their Saturday, August 26 showdown at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event that will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV.
The fighters posed for the first face-off of the unprecedented event that has captured the imagination of sports fans around the world. Mayweather and McGregor will meet in a super welterweight contest that serves as the first time champions from boxing and MMA will meet in a sanctioned boxing match.
The Mayweather vs. McGregor world tour will continue on to Toronto, New York City and London as the superstars deliver all the spectacle of the summer’s biggest event directly to the fans who demanded it.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“Everyone knows I’ve never backed down from anybody. You line them up, and I knock them down like bowling pins. OnAugust 26, I’m knocking Conor out.
“I am guaranteeing you this. You are going out on your face or on your back. So which way do you want to go?
“Twenty one is the number. They ask me why is that the number? Because that’s how long I’ve been kicking ass. I don’t care about a ring or an octagon. Put me in there and I’m going to kick ass.
“It takes two warriors to bring an event like this together. The two biggest forces in combat sports made this happen.
“This was something that the fans wanted to see. I spoke to my team and said that the Mayweather-McGregor fight can be the biggest fight in history. That’s what we’re here to turn into reality.
“McGregor is a professional, stand-up fighter. The only loss he took was when he was on the ground. He’s a tough competitor and I’m taking him very seriously.
“Everyone knows I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’ve been here before. He’s a tough guy though and a warrior. The best must fight the best. The fans wanted this fight, me and McGregor wanted the fight. It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears onAugust 26.
“Training camp has been rough. I know deep in my heart that this is the last one. I’m taking care of my body and giving myself time off to allow my body to rejuvenate.
“Conor really wants to win. Extremely badly. Other fighters it usually plays out two ways. Some guys play it safe and then some like Marcos Maidana go for the kill. I think he’s the Maidana-type. He’s a heavy-hitter so I have to be cautious. It’s going to basically be a toe-to-toe battle.”
CONOR MCGREGOR
“My mind is blown. I’m absolutely honored to be here in front of you fans for this great spectacle. Somebody’s 0 has got to go.
“He’s got little legs and little hands. I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds. Mark my words.
“I’m a young, confident, happy man. I’ve worked extremely hard for this. I’m going to embrace everything. No one can do anything to me. I’m going to have a good time.
“Floyd will be unconscious inside of four rounds. The power and ferociousness that I have, he’s never experienced it before. I don’t fear him.
“Even if he catches one of my punches with his glove, it will still hurt him. I’m like nothing he’s ever seen before.
“Twelve, three minute rounds is going to be a breeze for me. Not to take anything away from this sport, but I have no worries about going twelve rounds with Floyd.
“Floyd is the perfect motivation for me to go in and conquer the supposedly unconquerable. What more motivation could you need? This pushes me on to do these record-breaking events.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“This is a great fight that the fans have demanded. That’s exactly what we’re going to give them on August 26.
“Floyd Mayweather is the undefeated, pound-for-pound king and The Best Ever. He’s here to give the fans what they wanted and that’s his huge event a memorable fight on August 26.
“Mayweather Promotions is all about giving the fans exactly what they want, and this battle between Floyd and Conor is going to deliver all of that and much more.
“This is the can’t-miss event of the summer and this crowd at STAPLES Center proves just how big it’s going to be. This whole week we’ll be bringing all the excitement of a fight week to sold out venues throughout the world.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“Over the last several years, SHOWTIME has teamed up with MGM and Mayweather Promotions to give fans the biggest and most exciting events in sports. Record-breaking event after record breaking event. We also have a long history of MMA in SHOWTIME and are glad to be in business with UFC and Conor McGregor.
“We will be working to deliver this event to the fans in unprecedented ways. We will give you new ways to experience the preparation leading up to the fight and then fight night, like never before. We’ll bring you behind the scenes and up close and personal with the “All Access” series. Your backstage pass to this fight premieres on July 28 on SHOWTIME.
“They said this fight could never be made, they said this fight would never happen, but this fight is no surprise. 10 years ago Floyd decided to leave his promoter and become his own boss. He became his own boss and broke PPV record after PPV record. Here we are, 49-0, he’s fought 24 world champions, and never lost. Floyd Mayweather has generated 20 million PPV buys and 1.3 billion dollars in PPVs. He is by far the number one attraction in sports and entertainment. There is no one else who is even close.
“Am I surprised that this fight is happening? Especially against someone younger, bigger and stronger than he is. Not at all. This is Floyd’s plan. To put on the most exciting and spectacular events that the sports world has ever seen. That’s whatAugust 26 will be. That’s been the plan all along. ”
DANA WHITE, President of UFC
“This is the biggest fight any of us have ever been a part of. People have just rallied behind this fight. Don’t judge a fight until the fight is over. You never know what’s going to happen, especially with a guy like Conor who hits like a truck. When he hurts someone, he puts them away.
“This is a completely full event today, not a seat left. We had to move to a bigger venue in Toronto. Barclays Center sold out and then today tickets sold out at Wembley in 10 minutes. There’s never been anything like this.
“Floyd is almost 41 years old. Conor is a young southpaw who hits hard. We’ll see how it plays out. It’s crazy to think that Conor won’t connect with him.
“Conor McGregor believes in himself like nobody I’ve ever seen before. What he thinks about, he manifests into reality. The boxing media will get to know Conor on this tour and see the mental warfare that he engages in. Then on fight night, Conor is going to try to knock Floyd out.”
RICHARD STURM, President of Sports and Entertainment, MGM Resorts International
“Thank you to all the great fight fans around the globe watching this event. We’re thrilled that this event will be held at T-Mobile Arena, the home of the biggest events in the sports and entertainment industry. In only 15 months the T-Mobile Arena has become an industry leader and home to many of the greatest entertainers and athletes in the world.
“Las Vegas and the T-Mobile Arena will be the center of the sports universe for this great spectacle when two great champions bring these two sports together for the first time. It’s going to be an absolutely electric weekend. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience to all the fans who travel from around the world to this great event.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @TheNotoriousMMA, @MayweatherPromo, @UFC, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/SHOSportsandwww.Facebook.com/UFC
FLOYD MAYWEATHER TO MEET CONOR McGREGOR IN UNPRECEDENTED BOXING EVENT
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