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KEITH THURMAN OUTPOINTS SHAWN PORTER IN FIGHT OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE SATURDAY IN PRIMETIME ON CBS
Jarrett Hurd Knocks Out Oscar Molina In Opening Bout Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, From Barclays Center In Brooklyn
Click HERE for Photos From Esther Lin/Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
BROOKLYN (June 26, 2016) – Prizefighting returned to CBS on Saturday with a Fight of the Year candidate as undefeated welterweight world champion Keith Thurman edged former world champion Shawn Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges.
The 12,718 fans in attendance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the viewers across the U.S. watching the first primetime boxing event on CBS since Muhammed Ali-Leon Spinks in 1978 were treated to a slugfest between two of the brightest stars in boxing’s glamour division.
Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) combined to throw over 1200 punches in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The marquee showdown was a story of accuracy vs. activity, as Thurman landed 50 percent of his power shots, compared to 38 percent for Porter, and 44 percent of his total punches compared to just 36 percent for the challenger. While Thurman landed at a higher percentage, Porter was the busier fighter, throwing over 100 more punches across 12 rounds.
“One Time” and “Showtime” delivered as advertised, with the powerful sharpshooter buckling Porter multiple times, while the swarming and smothering Porter barreled forward to bully Thurman into the ropes. And while there were no knockdowns, the back-and-forth blockbuster never lacked action and culminated in a standing ovation in the second-highest attended boxing event in Barclays Center history.
“I want to thank Shawn Porter for a tremendous fight. He’s a great warrior,” said Thurman. “Defense is the key to victory. He smothers his punches a lot and makes it difficult for the judges to score. I was able to rock him with clear, effective blows and I believe that was the difference today.
“I would give him a rematch. It was great fight. He was a great opponent. Everyone was saying would he be my toughest opponent to date. I wasn’t able to drop him but I did buckle him a few times.”
The former world champion Porter, a perennial underdog but consummate gentleman, didn’t complain about being on the losing end of his second close decision in a title bout.
“We worked hard, Keith is a great champion,” Porter said. “My dad says to keep your head up. I think I won the fight, but I’m satisfied because the competitor came out tonight.
“We need that rematch. I know the fans want that rematch. If he gives me another chance, I’m going to work hard in the ring and leave with his title.”
The opening bout of the CBS telecast featured a matchup of undefeated super welterweights as Jarrett Hurd graduated from prospect to legitimate contender in the stacked 154-pound class with a dominating 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina.
Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) got to work early, flooring Molina for the first time in his career in the opening round with a powerful counter right uppercut. The bigger and taller Hurd was the more active fighter from the outset, dismantling the previously unbeaten Mexican Olympian with a supremely effective inside game. Hurd threw nearly 750 punches over 10 rounds, compared to just 376 for Molina, connecting on 220 power shots at a nearly 40 percent clip.
Hurd put a stamp on his performance in the final round, closing the show by out landing Molina 33-7 in the final round. With Molina taking a brutal beating and seemingly defenseless in the final minute of the final round, Ricky Gonzalez stepped in to halt the contest at 2:02.
“This is definitely a big win for my career,” Hurd said. “He was taking a lot of shots, but he knew how to survive. It was a big uppercut that knocked him down in round one. People know from my last fight that I have a great right uppercut. He was hurt a couple of times. I don’t think it was a bad stoppage. Molina is a very tough guy who just kept coming through.
“This fight here puts me up with the top contenders in the division. I felt like I could have gone three or four more rounds. I was getting stronger as the fight went on. We’re going right back to the gym so we can get in there again.”
Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) protested, but barring a stunning knockout he was just seconds away from suffering the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision.
“I felt like Hurd was throwing a lot of punches in the tenth round but they weren’t really hurting me,” Molina said. “He was staying busy but he was never really hurting me.
“I went low and I had my head down and he caught me with that uppercut in the first round. He got me with a shot I wasn’t expecting but it was definitely a flash knockdown. I wasn’t hurt.
“I was supposed to use my footwork a lot more but I ended up smothering my shots. He had an awkward defense with a lot of bending down and I couldn’t get into a rhythm.
“This was a big opportunity for me and I felt like I fought a good fight. I’m going to come back stronger. We’re going to work on a lot of things and get back in there.”
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
Earlier in the evening on SHOWTIME, undefeated heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF Heavyweight World Championship for the first time with a seventh round knockout of previously unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale at The O2 in London. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/28VGgsa
Below are quotes from Joshua after Saturday’s win on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL:
Many thought that Dominic Breazeale wouldn’t be able to stand up to your power and speed, but were you grateful for the opportunity to work a little bit more of your boxing skills?
“Well, it’s hard because you can see they’re hurt with every shot – well not every shot – but when you start catching them flush, they can feel the shots with these ten ounce gloves on. So, it’s just a matter of time, but in the process I didn’t want to be receiving any haymakers on the way back.
“It’s been tough I had two weeks off after my last fight, and got straight back in the gym so it was tough. I get a nice little break for once and then I can come back with recharged batteries.”
We know Deontay Wilder was watching the fight. Have you got a message for him, the WBC Champion?
“Unbelievable inspirational person. He was patient, 30-odd fights [and] got his hands on the WBC [belt]. I’m following suit. I’m making my way into the U.S. with SHOWTIME backing me as well. So, he watched that.
“He can pick up whatever he wants to pick up from that, but it’s so different when you’re in the ring with each other. So one day we’ll get to experience what each other’s about.”
Who do you want to fight next?
“Well I think it’s gonna have to be the likes of [Joseph] Parker. I was really looking at Fury… I hope he gets better soon. He hurt his ankle unfortunately, which has postponed it because I was hoping to get that some time in the winter if everything went well July 9th like it didtonight, but we’re gonna have to reschedule that and in the meantime, we can look at other opponents like Parker, if he’s vacant, or anyone else that the people want.”
What do you think that you still need to work on?
“Rest. I need to rest. I’m tired, I’m working hard and as I said, now i can get
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
‘RAMPAGE’ OWNS THE NIGHT–‘BELLATOR: DYNAMITE 2’ THRILLS FANS WITH MMA & KICKBOXING ACTION ON SPIKE
ST. LOUIS —(June 24, 2016) – In a highly-competitive heavyweight main event at“Bellator: Dynamite 2,” “Rampage” Jackson (37-11) edged out Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1) with a split decision victory (30-27, 28-29, 29-28) on Friday night inside Scottrade Center during an event that aired LIVE and FREE on SPIKE.
With the win, “Rampage” extends his current winning streak to five, proving once again why he is one of the most dangerous athletes on Bellator MMA’s roster. Jackson also improves his promotional mark to an undefeated 4-0, with multiple wins coming via first round knockout.
After the fight, “Rampage” made it clear he intends on returning to action sooner, rather than later. “I’m going to go home to Orange County, take a little vacation, then come back bigger and better than ever,” Rampage said.
Michael Chandler Claims Bellator MMA Lightweight Belt With Explosive Knockout win Over Patricky ‘Pitbull’
Missouri’s own “Iron” Michael Chandler (15-3) gave his hometown fans exactly what they came for, reclaiming the vacant lightweight belt with a ferocious first-round knockout punch. The new 155-pound kingpin finished Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (16-8) just 2:14 into the evening’s co-main event, giving him six total knockouts during his seven-year professional career. The loss is the eighth of “Pitbull’s” illustrious career and puts an abrupt end to his recent string of two consecutive victories. After the win, Chandler stuck a backflip in the center of the cage as St. Louis Cardinal’s legend Ozzie Smith looked on, emulating the famous celebration Smith made famous during his MLB career.
Kevin Ross Earns Unanimous Decision Victory Over Justin Houghton
In a featherweight kickboxing bout, Kevin Ross (32-9) took care of business with a unanimous decision victory (29-27, 29-27, 30-26) over Justin Houghton (7-3). Nicknamed “The Soul Assassin,” Ross was able to land 86% of his shots over the course of the fight, thoroughly dominating Houghton and tacking on another victory to an already historic 11-year career. Ross now remains undefeated under the Bellator Kickboxing banner, building upon his victory at “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino.”
MacFarlane Displays Phenomenal Ground Game En Route to Submission win Over Ruth
In the second MMA battle of the evening, Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (4-0) was able to continue her rapid ascension to the top of the women’s flyweight division and remain undefeated with an impressive rear-naked choke submission over Rebecca Ruth (6-2). MacFarlane’s remarkable ground game and jiu-jitsu skill set was on full display tonight, forcing the veteran Ruth to tap out three minutes into the second round. For Ruth, the loss is just the second of her career and first since 2014. The win is “The Ilimanator’s” third since joining the promotion and is her first submission victory of the rear-naked choke variety.
Gloria Peritore Takes Split Decision Victory From Denise Kielholtz
In the opening kickboxing bout of “Bellator: Dynamite 2,” Gloria Peritore (11-1-1) was able to edge out Denise Kielholtz (44-3), taking home a split decision victory. It was an even battle from start to finish, but in the end it was the judges’ scorecards that read 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 in favor of the Italian. The loss is just the third of Kielholtz’s career and left the Dutch powerhouse completely speechless in the center of the ring. For the 27-year-old Peritore, the win gives her 11 since making her professional debut only two years ago.
Matt Mitrione Ignites Full House in Opening Bout of “Bellator: Dynamite 2”
Matt Mitrione (10-5) was able to absorb an early blow from Carl Seumanutafa (10-7) just 20 seconds into round one and answered with a flash of brilliance 3:22 into the opening frame. The come-from-behind knockout victory is the ninth of that variety and tenth of Mitrione’s career. “Meathead” proved his ability to outlast yet another opponent in what will surely go down as one of the greatest Bellator MMA debuts of all time. Now, Mitrione sets his sights on returning to the cage as quickly as possible, with the goal of winning Bellator gold on his mind.
Preliminary Card Results:
Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos (8-3) defeated Jordan Dowdy (3-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of round one
Justin Lawrence (9-3) defeated Isao Kobayashi (18-4-4) via knockout at 2:11 of round two
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
About Scottrade Center:
Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center is consistently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as one of the top grossing arenas in the country.
Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz Takes On Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, July 12 From Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT)
Plus! Unbeaten Prospect Malcolm McAllister Battles Brazil’s Gilberto Pereira & Unbeaten Super Welterweights Thomas Hill & Marcos Hernandez Square-Off in Undercard Action
NICE, CALIF. (June 24, 2016) – Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz (17-1, 8 KOs) will battle exciting brawler Levan Ghvamichava (16-2-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, July 12 from Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California.
Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and features undefeated prospect Malcolm McAllister (7-0, 7 KOs) battling Brazil’s Gilberto Pereira (7-2, 4 KOs) in eight-rounds of super middleweight action while undefeated prospectsThomas Hill (6-0, 1 KO) and Marcos Hernandez (7-0, 2 KOs) compete in an eight-round super welterweight fight.
“I’m very excited to get back in the ring on July 12 in this tough matchup,” said Diaz. “This is my first fight back since my close fight with Lamont Peterson but I’m looking forward to shining and getting back on track towards becoming a world champion.”
“I have been making 140-pounds since I was 16-years-old and the move to 147-pounds is very welcome,” said Ghvamichava. “Along with the hard work I’ve been putting in with my trainer Virgil Hunter, I should show a great deal of improvement against the very skillful Felix Diaz.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call the players club at (707) 262-4000.
A two-time Olympian representing the Dominican Republic, Diaz Jr. won a gold medal at his second Olympic games in 2008 in Beijing. Now fighting out of the Bronx, the 32-year-old increased the level of his competition with victories over Emmanuel Lartey, Adrian Granados and Gabriel Bracero before giving former champion Lamont Peterson all he could handle in losing a majority decision last October.
Ghvamichava will look to rebound from a defeat in his last bout after riding a five-fight win streak that had dated back to 2013. The 30-year-old took down previously unbeaten fighters Jonathan Garcia and Chris Singleton in 2014 and followed it up with triumphs over Cameron Kreal and Cosme Rivera in 2015. Originally from Poti, Georgia, Ghvamichava now trains out of Hayward, California.
Fighting out of Long Beach, California, McAllister turned pro in December 2014 and has knocked out every opponent he’s faced. The 25-year-old stayed busy in 2015 as he picked up five victories before making his 2016 debut with a third round knockout of Tyrone Selders in January. He takes on the Goias, Brazil-native Pereira who will make his second start in the U.S. and most recently stopped Humberto Conceicao in March.
A 22-year-old from Milwaukee, but now fighting out of Las Vegas, Hill turned pro in August 2014 and has yet to be defeated. He began 2016 by defeating Tavorus Teague in a six-round bout in February. He takes on the 23-year-old Hernandez who turned pro in 2013 and has also yet to taste defeat. The Fresno-native picked up three victories in 2015.
For more information: visit www.
Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Battles Hard-Hitting Contender Thomas Williams Jr. In Main Event Of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, July 29 From Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada (9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT)
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Fishgold and Boussif set for Lightweight title challenge
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Baranchyk-Sesma to meet in battle of unbeatens Saturday in Miami, OK
2012 Olympian Gadzhialiyev to make pro debut on undercard
For Immediate Release
Miami, OK (June 23, 2016) – Junior welterweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk puts his perfect record on the line when he faces fellow unbeaten Eliseo Cruz Saturday, June 25 at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.
Raised in Russia, Baranchyk now fights out of Brooklyn, NY and has an outstanding 10-0 professional ledger with 9 wins by knockout. On March 5, Baranchyk sent shockwaves through the boxing world by brutally knocking out unbeaten Nicholas Givhan (16-0-1) in 21 seconds on ShoBox at the Buffalo Run Casino. Prior to that, Baranchyk needed just 2:38 to demolished undefeated Sadhi Shawareb (9-0-2).
Living and fighting out of Chipas, Mexico, Cruz is 9-0-1 with 6 victories via knockout. In December 2015, Cruz scored an eighth round knockout of Luis Zambrano. His bout against Baranchayk will be Cruz’ fifth scheduled for eight rounds or more.
The “somebody’s 0 must go” fight between Baranchyk and Cruz is scheduled for 8 rounds.
Popular 147 pound prospect Jesse Cook of Seneca, MO battles cement-fisted Bulmaro Solis in the six round co-feature. A member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise,” Cook is 16-1-1 with 11 victories by knockout. Solis, who hails from Kansas City, MO, scored knockouts in each of his 12 wins and only has 2 defeats.
Heavyweight Kenzie Witt-Morrison puts his 8-0-1 record on the line against fellow unbeaten Robby Mendez, 2-0, of Topeka, KS in a six rounder. The son of late Tommy Morrison and step brother of rising prospect Trey Lippe-Morrison, Witt-Morrison is a member of the “Four State Franchise” and continues to improve every time out.
Bartlesville, OK’s Jarrett “Legacy” Rouse, 9-0 (4 KO’s), meets Wichita, KS based Noel Esqueda, 6-3-1 (4 KO’s), in a six round welterweight tilt. Like Cook and Witt Morrison, Rose is a member of the “Four State Franchise” and fought seven of his matches at the Buffalo Run. Esqueda, who has only been defeated by unbeaten opponents, scored a first round knockout last November.
2012 Azerbajani Olympian Gaybatulla Gadzhialiyev makes his pro debut against Whichita, KS’ Brandon Phillips, 1-0, and Hurshidbek Normatov of Uzbekistan enters the ring for the first time as a professional versus Ramon Barber, 6-10 (5 KO’s), also of Wichita, KS.
Cuban standout Luis Garcia “El Leon” Garcia looks to improve his record to 14-0 when he squares off against Kansas City, MO based Demetrius Walker, 8-12-2 (4 KO’s). Garcia was rated amongst the top prospects a few years back but was sidelined due to out of the ring issues. The Garcia-Walker match up is scheduled for ten rounds in the cruiserweight division.
“This card will be an exciting crowd pleaser,” said Tony Holden. “There are multiple fights where somebody’s 0 must go and competitive match ups across the board with fighters from all across the globe showcasing their talent under one roof. The fans at the Buffalo Run are in for a special evening of boxing Saturday night.”
Tickets are on sale at the Buffalo Run box office or by calling 918-542-7140.
‘RAMPAGE’ JACKSON-SATOSHI ISHII & JOE SCHILLING-HISAKI KATO TOP STACKED ‘BELLATOR: DYNAMITE 2’ & ‘BELLATOR KICKBOXING: ST. LOUIS’ CARDS – LIVE AND FREE ON SPIKE STARTINGTOMORROW AT 8 P.M. ET
Complete Weigh-In Photos Here — Re-Watch Today’s Weigh-Ins Here
- LOUIS —(June 23, 2016) –The official weigh-ins for “Bellator: Dynamite 2”and “Bellator Kickboxing: St. Louis” took place this afternoon in front of a packed house at Scottrade Center in St. Louis. All competitors are now ready for action tomorrow with both events starting LIVE and FREE on SPIKE starting at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
A heavyweight slugfest pitting “Rampage” Jackson (36-11) against Satoshi Ishii (14-5-1) will headline the “Bellator: Dynamite 2” portion, which will feature both a mixed martial arts cage and kickboxing ring inside Scottrade Center. In the evening’s co-main event, Michael Chandler (14-3) will face Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (16-7) with the Lightweight World Title on the line. In addition, Carl Seumanutafa (10-6) challenges former NFL player Matt Mitrione (9-5) in heavyweight slugfest, while Ilima Macfalane (3-0) and Rebecca Ruth (6-1) round out the electric mixed martial arts portion of the main card.
In the kickboxing portion of “Bellator: Dynamite 2,” Kevin Ross (31-9) will meet Justin Houghton (7-2) at featherweight, while the woman with Dynamite in her nickname, Denise Kielholtz (44-2) will go to war with Gloria Peritore (10-1-1) at flyweight.
Immediately following the conclusion of “Bellator: Dynamite 2,” Joe Schilling (27-8) and Hisaki Kato (6-2 MMA) will kick-off “Bellator Kickboxing: St. Louis” in a rematch of sorts, while World Combat League veteran Raymond Daniels (11-3) takes on Italian knockout specialist Stefano Bruno (23-2-1). Finally, Sarah Howell will make her professional debut in a flyweight feature bout with Keri Melendez(3-1).
All of the action goes down at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, and airs LIVE and FREE on Spike beginning at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
“Dynamite 2” Main Card: (Live on SPIKE – 8 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT)
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: “Rampage” Jackson (225) vs. Satoshi Ishii (222.8)
Bellator MMA Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (154.7) vs. Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (155)
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Matt Mitrione (255.9) vs. Carl Seumanutafa (254.7)
Bellator Kickboxing Lightweight Feature Bout: Kevin Ross (145) vs. Justin Houghton (145.6)
Bellator Kickboxing Flyweight Feature Bout: Denise Kielholtz (124.1) vs. Gloria Peritore (122.6)
Bellator MMA Bantamweight Feature Bout: Rebecca Ruth (124.9) vs. Ilima Macfarlane (126)
“Bellator Kickboxing: St. Louis” Main Card: (Live on SPIKE — Immediately After “Dynamite 2”
Bellator Kickboxing Middleweight Feature Bout: Joe Schilling (185) vs. Hisaki Kato (184.9)
Bellator Kickboxing Welterweight Feature Bout: Raymond Daniels (170.5) vs. Stefano Bruno (171)
Bellator Kickboxing Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri Melendez (120) vs. Sarah Howell (120)
Preliminary Card: (Bellator.com – 6:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. CT)
Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Justin Lawrence (145.5) vs. Isao Kobayashi (145.2)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jordan Dowdy (170) vs. Guilherme “Bomba” (169.4)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Engel (170.7) vs. Chel Erwin-Davis (170.6)
Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Matt Murphy (136.9) vs. Justin Robbins (135.4)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joaquin Buckley (172.3) vs. Chris Heatherly (179.6)
Bellator MMA 130-pound Preliminary Bout: Michelle Pearce (129.9) vs. Katy Collins (129.8)
Bellator MMA 170-pound Preliminary Bout: Brad Jones (167.3) vs. Tyler Claussen (169.7)
Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Jason Christeson (185.6) vs. Dewayne Diggs (185.1)
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Lee Burns (253.8) vs. Byron Stevens (263.7)
Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Steven Mann (170.6) vs. Mike Estus (177)
Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Rashard Lovelace (144.9) vs. Garret Mueller (145.9)
Bellator MMA Strawweight Preliminary Bout: Nikki Smith (110) vs. Ashley Cummins (109)
Bellator Kickboxing Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Elmir Kulosman (175.7) vs. Darryl Cobb (175.6)
Bellator Kickboxing Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Tara Walker (128.6) vs. Mimi Kutzin (124)
Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Jarrett Hurd & Oscar Molina Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
(Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)
“There are real stakes on the line Saturday night.
Our careers are on the line.” — KeithThurman
“I’ve never been more excited to fight in my life.” – Shawn Porter
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions,
Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (June 23, 2016) – Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their eagerly anticipated welterweight world title showdown this Saturday, June 25 in primetime as SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, comes to Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Live televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated super welterweights Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina in a 10-round rumble of rising contenders.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,
The press conference took place at the Dream Hotel PHD Rooftop in downtown Manhattan. Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
KEITH THURMAN
“It’s an honor to be on this platform. I’m excited to be back at Barclays Center. My last fight at Barclays Center was the first time I felt the fans give me love and I felt like I made it.
“I’m excited to feel the energy in the arena. We’re recovered and we’re ready. We did what we needed to so that we’re ready forSaturday night.
“As I think about this fight, these are dreams coming true for me. Sometimes I feel like I’m living a dream. I think about how I was raised by Ben Getty to this moment. Ben used to say that my moment was ‘right around the corner,’ and now it’s here. He was a wise man and he knew what he was talking about.
“This is a great fight. This is what the boxing fans want to see. I truly believe you are looking at two of the best welterweights in the world.
“I’m here as an entertainer. I’m here for the love of the sport. The fans want to see these kinds of fights. It’s obvious in the welterweight division that we are the two most exciting and devastating fighters in the division.
“Everybody kept talking about the sparring video, so I just decided to put it out. Sparring is sparring and fighting is fighting. This fight will be judged and this time I’ll have eight-ounce gloves on.
“It’s always been my dream to be the undisputed champion of the world.
“I’m looking forward to a great performance. I’m excited to a great challenge from Shawn Porter. There is a burning desire within myself to have a knockout victory. It’s hard to make world-class fighters quit. The fans ultimately want to see that knockout victory.
“There are real stakes are on the line this Saturday night. Our careers are on the line. My title is on the line. My undefeated record is on the line. It’s a great fight and a great matchup.
“I do believe that with each and every fight, you step up, you step up and you step up. So, thus the stakes are always higher and there are those times where you get a decent fight. But like I said, this is a great fight at a great moment of both athletes’ careers. We are both in our prime. I’m 27-years-old, Shawn is 28-years-old, we’ve both accomplished many great things and a victory on Saturday night is just going to be another thing to add to the resume.
“This really is the best fight of the best. We’re trying to satisfy the fans and we’re trying to challenge ourselves, push ourselves, and see where we fit in and how great we really are. I’m going to show you Saturday night how great Keith “One Time” Thurman really is.
“Just like Ali said, Saturday night, I’m going to show you how great I am.”
SHAWN PORTER
“It’s here. It’s been long anticipated and it’s here. I have never been more excited to fight in my life. It’s a blessing. Along this journey I’ve been able to learn the basics and excel in the basics and I found myself in a position where I’ve been able to be very successful.
“My hometown Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA title is definitely a motivation. It motivates me to be a winner. I want to bring this belt back to Ohio.
“I’m looking forward to this kind of moment to shine. That’s how you gain notoriety and become bigger. There’s no pressure, just excitement.
“I’m just looking forward to getting in there and getting that energetic feeling. I want to feel the excitement of getting into the ring and all the adrenaline that rushes through.
“This is the fight I wanted. I wanted to have fun training for a fight like this. Keith has made it possible. He’s so good it pushes me to be better.
“This isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time that two friends fight. I’m done talking about us being friends because it’s time for us to start punching each other. My plan is to have great defense, avoid getting hit and win the fight.
“I didn’t take much time off after the postponement. We tried to train and stay ready through the cancellation. You never know when the phone is going to ring. We just wanted to stay in shape, get better and be ready for anything.
“I feel like if Floyd Mayweather comes back, he should fight the winner of this matchup. I believe that will be me.
“I’m not going to go in there looking for a knockout and throw my hands wildly. I’m going to keep up the pace that I normally keep up. I’m a great boxer. People consider me a boxer, but I may surprise you.”
JARRETT HURD
“I’m thankful for this opportunity. This is a great shot for me right now. In my last fight I had an opportunity similar to this. I was a fill-in for television and I did what I was supposed to do.
“Success is accomplished when preparation meets opportunity. I know things like this can happen. It doesn’t change anything. We’re going to go out and do what we trained for.
“You always get butterflies before getting in the ring but that’s normal. Molina is very experienced and has good hand speed but I know what I can do. We’re ready for this.
“I’m happy to be on this stage. This could be the biggest fight of the year and I’m extremely blessed to open it up.
“I’m going to go out there and put on another terrific performance. Molina, he’s an Olympian and he has a lot of experience. He’s a crafty fighter and we’re going to do what we have to do to get the victory.
“We’re ready to do what we’re going to do. It’s going to be a great fight on Saturday night.”
OSCAR MOLINA
“I’m ready for this. I’m more than ready for this. These type of fights are what gets me up to train.
“This guy I’m fighting is young, undefeated and a prospect like myself. I know he’s going to be ready and it’s going to be a tough fight but I’m ready for him.
“This is a huge deal for me. I was already excited to be on this huge undercard. When they told me that I was moving up to CBS I knew how big of an opportunity it is for me and my career.
“Hurd is a tall and lanky fighter. I saw his last fight and I see that he does well with guys who are flat footed. My boxing skills and my footwork are something he’s never seen before. Frank Galarza was tailor-made for Hurd and I think I’m going to be able to give him different looks.
“I’m a boxer-puncher and I can adapt to different styles. I also have power for big knockouts but my boxing skills are most important.
“Fighting in the Olympics taught me to adapt to different styles. I have a fan-friendly style and I’m excited to put on a show.”
DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer
“We’re ready for this fight. Keith trains hard every day and we know Shawn and Kenny well. I’ve brought them to my gym and these two guys have gone a lot of rounds together.
“I think Keith Thurman is the most gifted guy in boxing. He does everything right. Saturday night we’re looking for a great fight and I know in my heart that we will be victorious.”
KEN PORTER, Porter’s Father & Trainer
“It’s great to be here. It’s great to be on this stage with Shawn. This isn’t something we just started getting ready for, this is something he’s been getting ready for since birth. I always had a mindset to put Shawn in a position to excel in life. He has not disappointed.
“I know these guys are going to give it everything they have. It will be 100 percent for as long as it lasts. We’re prepared to take the championship. These are great guys here to the right, but on Saturday we’re bringing everything to the table.
“We’re coming to deliver a great show. Enjoy yourselves on Saturday night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This is what it’s all about. This Saturday night, the best is fighting the best. It’s right here in Brooklyn on CBS. It’s the first fight on CBS in primetime since Muhammad Ali fought over 30 years ago.
“This is a terrific card from top to bottom. There is a tremendous undercard, a great co-feature and a main event that boxing fans have been waiting for a long time.
“This is an undercard chock full of talent. You will want to get there early as there are evenly matched bouts all night.
“SHOWTIME has highlighted the 154-pound division in recent shows, so it makes sense that there will be another significant matchup in that division on CBS Saturday night with Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina.
“We’re not going to talk about friendship and respect anymore with these two guys, that’s in the past and the future. These guys know their future is dependent on beating up the other guy and a fight of this magnitude makes the stakes even higher.
“The best want to fight the best and it starts Saturday night. The winner of this fight wants to be the best in the world. Both men want to be an undisputed welterweight champion.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“June 25 is a very special day and night for us at CBS. It begins with the heavyweight world title being contested between Anthony Joshua and Dominic Breazeale and then the return of boxing to primetime CBS for the first time in almost 40 years.
“This was an easy fight to make. Shawn and Keith, neither one hesitated for a second in taking this fight. All credit goes to them for taking this fight. It’s a difficult fight for both on a big stage.
“Boxing takes criticism for not making the right fights at the right time. One of the bad habits we have is that we spend time thinking about fights that might get made. But now we have the right fight, at the right time and at the right venue. It’s a disservice to not recognize that what is going on Saturday is very special and very exciting.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“It’s an exciting week at Barclays Center. Tonight we host the NBA Draft, the weigh-in tomorrow and our big event Saturdaynight. The momentum is building for this fight and we are on pace for the biggest crowd for a boxing event since we opened.
“We are excited about bringing a great night of fights to Brooklyn. We welcome Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter back to Brooklyn as they have both fought there once before.
“It’s become tradition to have both of you fight in our ring and we know how popular you are with our fans and we love to have you back.
“This will be the first primetime fight on CBS since the first Muhammad Ali-Leon Spinks fight in 1978 and it’s a big moment for the boxing community for sure. We look forward to hosting everyone on Saturday night.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and w
TICKET GALAXY TEAMS UP WITH WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
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