ANDRE WARD VS. PAUL SMITH & UNDERCARD MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD VS. FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER PAUL SMITH ON JUNE 20, 2015 AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, LIVE ON BET NETWORKS & TIDAL.COM, PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS
Oakland, CA (Rau hli ntuj 17, 2015) – On Tuesday, Rau hli ntuj 17, Olympic Gold medalist and WBA Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO's) and former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO's) of England participated in a media workout at King’s Gym in Oakland, California in advance of their June 20 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland in a 12-round fight that will be televised live televised live on BET and streamed globally on TIDAL.com at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT. Undercard fighters Wang Zhimin, Meng Fanlong and Aaron Coley also partook in the open training session.
PHOTOS:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ud1jq49v4g8ml51/AAA8v8BNwkNm1butPgB08eVDa?dl=0
PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports
VIDEO:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3ha7kllmuc2yyvw/AAAB10itDL-u9DBopLKnWNzRa?dl dl=0
VIDEO CREDIT: Roc Nation Sports
Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO's) – Olympic Gold Medalist and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion
“I haven’t felt this feeling, fight week in Oakland, in awhile. Last week those emotions started to set in. I’ve been focused and getting ready, but fight week is just different. No matter the magnitude of the fight you should feel like this. I’m excited. I’m used to this kind of pressure.”
“Smith is a European champion. He’s got no problem traveling. He doesn’t care if he bleeds. If you knock him down, he’s coming to win, and that’s why we picked him. We didn’t pick him because there was anything soft about him. We picked him because he’s a tough competitor. I’m glad that all of a sudden he started talking like he did last week. I was almost getting offended that he wasn’t saying anything. I’m so used to guys talking a lot. So, he finally started talking and I loved it. It’s not that I needed more motivation, but it’s just a little bit extra.”
“I’m coming back off of two layoffs. During this past camp, I felt a lot better than I have in the past. I did more. My shoulder feels stronger and I think you all are going to see that on Saturday night.”
“Each fighter has their own personal struggles. You can’t predict what those challenges and struggles are going to be and you can’t predict how long they are going to be. I was able to persevere through that. Paul Smith is not just fighting Andre Ward off of an eight week camp, he’s fighting Andre Ward off of everything I just went through. All the frustrations, all the delays, all of those emotions…he’s fighting that guy come Saturday night.”
“Every fight for me is a Super Bowl. I haven’t lost in a very long time. We prepared for everything that Paul Smith is going to have and everything he’s going to bring to the table. It’s a beautiful thing when fight week comes around and you know that you didn’t cut any corners. Every rep counted for me in this camp. Every round counted for me. I pushed past what my coach wanted me to do. There was nothing light about this camp. I hear Smith’s camp talking a lot about ring rust and if that’s what they are banking on, they have the wrong game plan come June 20.”
“The game plan is to razzle, dazzle, be explosive and do it all. I have to be aware as a professional. Virgil has told me this whole camp ‘There is no game plan for Paul Smith. Let it come to you. You’ve been boxing long enough that when you get in the ring you’ll know what to do.’ We’ll make adjustments along the way, but there isn’t a specific game plan for Paul Smith. I think you are going to see everything come Saturday night. I’m not going to force it. I’m just going to let it flow.”
“This town is a major fight time. It’s not just Oakland. It’s San Francisco. It’s Haywayd. It’s Stockton. It’s all the surrounding cities. Any time they have one of their own in the forefront, they support and that’s what I love about the Bay Area.”
Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO's) – Former World Title Challenger
“The last big gym session I had was this past Friday. Everything I could have possibly done happened during my training camp. The last week is all about relaxing, resting, getting your energy levels up and your weight down.”
“When [trainer] Joe [Gallagher] gets in [to Oakland], we’ll sit down and he will point out things straight away that we need to work out…what needs pushing, the game plan. Concentrate on the game plan and tactics. We’ll be watching tapes of Ward and dissecting them.”
“It’s great having people in the gym today. Yesterday, we came to King’s Gym to do a work out and it was a bit more quiet. It’s nice having a good atmosphere like this in the gym. Everyone knows there’s a fight this week and it’s great having the kids (from the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland) here.”
“I love Oakland. It’s tough, but it’s tough where I am from too. Liverpool is tough. I’m really hoping that the Finals go to game seven so it’s a big weekend for Oracle Arena. It would bring some atmosphere to the arena the night before the fight. I probably won’t get any sleep because of the noise.”
“There’s not much more I can do to prepare now. There’s nothing Andre can do today to help beat me on Saturday night. Whatever we have both done in the weeks before is what we are going in the ring with. I can’t get any more fit. The game plan is done. I’m in a position where I’m getting to fight the best fighter in my division on the planet. I know that more than anyone. No one needs to remind me of that, but I also know I have a chance of beating him. I know that I just have to do what I have to do and stick to the game plan.”
Aaron Coley (9-1-1, 6 KO's) – Junior Middleweight Prospect
“I have been training in the same gym as Andre Ward for this fight. It’s very exciting for me to fight in Oakland. I have about 200 people coming to the fight. I’m looking for a stoppage in this fight, for real. I’m coming off of the first loss of my career and I’m fighting for the first time in Oakland, so I’m looking to impress. I want to get that stoppage early.”
Meng “Cold Blood” Fanlong (1-0) – Light Heavyweight Prospect
“I’m very happy and honored to be on this great event at Oracle Arena on Saturday, Rau hli ntuj 20 featuring Andre Ward. I am very honored to be fighting on the same card as World Champion Andre Ward.”
Wang “Jimmy” Zhimin (9-1) – Junior Welterweight Prospect
“I’m looking forward to my fight on Saturday, Rau hli ntuj 20 at Oracle Arena in Oakland. I am very happy to be on this great card with Andre Ward and Go Warriors.”
Ward vs. Smith, ib 12 round bout presented by Roc Nation Sports, yuav tau ua dua muab hnub vas xaum, Rau hli ntuj 20 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, will be televised live on BET and streamed globally on TIDAL.com at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT and is presented in association with Matchroom Sport. The fight is sponsored by The Waterfront Hotel, Venue Kings, Shoe Palace, CTMS Travel, U-BOAT, FanDuel, Fandango, Q 102.1, 95.7 the GAME and KBLX 102.9. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Nipsey Hussle taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee Sway Calloway and will also feature hit master DJ Franzen who will serve alongside Sway throughout the night. Tickets priced at $250, $125, $90, $60 thiab $30, thiab tsis muaj kev tsub thiab se, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. Qhov rooj qhib thaum 3:00 PM, the first fight begins at 3:30 PM and the BET telecast and TIDAL.com stream begin at 10:00PM ET/7:00 PM PT.
For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.
Marcus Upshaw Still chasing his dream Takes on Lanell Bellows this Sunday in his Las Vegas debut
MIAMI (Rau hli ntuj 17, 2015) – Modern-day road warrior Marcus “Arillius” Upshaw (17-13-4, 8 KOs) is still chasing his boxing dream. The next installment of his unusual story is this Sunday against hometown favorite Lanell “KO” Bellows (17-1-1, 7 KOs) at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“I’m chasing the dream but, at the same time, the dream is chasing me,” Upshaw said. “My mind is finally right and now I have a great trainer (Orlando Cuellar) who has my back. It just wasn’t my time before but this is it. I’ve fought all over but this is my first time fighting in Las Vegas. It’s about time! I’ve always wanted to fight in Vegas. I’m going to be fighting in front of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and coming away with a victory.”
A native Floridian who was born in Jacksonville and trains in Miami, the 34-year-old Upshaw is 2-1-2 in his last five bouts. In his last 11 fights, Upshaw has fought twice in Mexico, Washington D.C., Minnesota and the Dominican Republic, as well as once in Texas, Canada, and Connecticut. In almost every case he fought either a hometown fighter and/or a boxer handled by the show’s promoter.
During the course of his nine-year professional career, he’s also fought in Mississippi, Illinois, California, Rhode Island, New York, Maryland, South Carolina and North Carolina. Only 11 of his 34 fights have been in Florida, the majority of those during the early part of his career. If draws and split and/or close decision losses in opponents’ backyards are generally considered “wins” in boxing, Upshaw’s record could very well be a much different 25-5.
It’s surprising that his first in Las Vegas will be this Sunday, against an opponent who is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, which is co-promoting the Premier Boxing Champions on CBS card with TBG Promotions, and advised by powerful Al Haymonwhose company, Haymon Boxing, presents the PBC series.
In addition to the aforementioned stacked deck against him, Upshaw is a natural middleweight who, once again, will be fighting a super middleweight. “I don’t care about that stuff as long as the fight makes sense,” Upshaw explained. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have taken it. I’m a middleweight who has fought a few times at 168 pounds and did well against Aaron Pryor Jr. (controversial 8-round draw), Vladine Biosse (WTKO8) thiab Durrell Richardson (WDEC6). I will be the toughest opponent Bellows has ever faced. He lost to an 8-9-2 guy and had a draw with an opponent who had a 5-6-1 record. He’s never fought anybody close to the caliber of fighters I’ve been in with. I’m a middleweight and even though he fights in a higher weight class, I’ll be the stronger, better fighter. Pressure, pressure, pressure is the game plan for this fight. I’m not going to let the judges rob me again. This is an awesome opportunity for me, plus, I’m fighting in Las Vegas for the first time!”
Upshaw’s signature win, thus far, was in 2010 when he traveled to Quebec City and upset 21-1-1 local hero Renan St. Juste by way of a 10-round decision, elevating Marcus in world middleweight rankings to IBF #6, WBO #9 and WBC #11.
Upshaw has displayed his potential, talents and guts by going the complete distance in rounds, albeit in losses, with the likes of Mario Antonio Rubio, David Lemieux,Gilberto Ramirez Sanchez, Edwin Rodriguez, Patrick Majewski thiab Tarvis Simms.
“Marcus has a very deceiving record,” noted Cuellar who will be in Upshaw’s corner for only the second fight. “His record is better than it looks on paper. Check some of the guys he’s been the distance or fought draws with. His opponent is untested but that doesn’t mean he won’t come through. Sometimes fighters are protected by their handlers but step up in fights against better competition. Fighters are sometimes like a box of chocolates, you don’t know what you’re going to get until you open it and take a bite.
“Marcus is like a cat up against the wall. His opponent doesn’t know what he’s really capable of doing in the ring. Marcus is ready to flip the script, turn the table on this hometown guy. I told him that this guy is in his way of making good money, so it’s time for him to take control and be the boss. Marcos should win this fight inside the ropes but, because he’s fighting the hometown favorite on his promoter’s show, Marcus needs to take out the judges with a knockout, or very convincing performance so that they can’t take a win away from him.”
Upshaw has always had, standing 6′ 4″, a size advantage to go with his rich athletic bloodlines; his uncle, the late Gene Upshaw, was an NFL Hall of Fame offensive guard for the Oakland Raiders. Now, it’s time for him to go all in and cash out big-time in his first Las Vegas fight, registering a career-defining triumph to set him up for a major showdown in the not too distant future.
INFORMATION:
Twitter @MarcusUpshaw or @MarcusArilliusUpshaw
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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT
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MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DANIEL JACOBS TO FACE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION SERGIO MORA ON TELEVISED OPENER OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN IN PRIMETIME ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
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SPIKE TV AND BELLATOR MMA PRESENT THE DEFINITIVE LOOK AT TWO OF THE MOST WELL-KNOWN AND COMPLICATED FIGHTERS IN MMA HISTORY WITH “FINALLY: KIMBO vs. SHAMROCK”
Spike TV and Bellator MMA present a compelling and insightful look at one of the most talked about fights of 2015 nyob rau hauv “Finally: Kimbo vs. Shamrock.” Produced by Leigh Simons, the one-hour documentary debuts on Spike WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 tom 11:00pm ET/PT.
Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice took very different paths to stardom. Kimbo Slice was an internet sensation thrust into the spotlight seemingly overnight while Ken Shamrock was an MMA pioneer who fought his way to the top with workman-like resolve and dedication.
Their two paths were supposed to cross in the cage seven years ago. However, on that fateful day of October 4, 2008, a freak accident robbed the MMA world of one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport. A fight of epic proportions that never was – now finally will be. Rau Hnub vas Xuv, Rau hli ntuj 19, the infamous street fighting legend and YouTube sensation Kimbo Slice and “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” Ken Shamrock will now meet in the main event of “Bellator: Unfinished Business.”
“FINALLY” will take an in-depth look at the events seven years ago and addresses the various conspiracy theories relating to the fight’s cancellation. The show travels to the gritty streets of Miami where Kimbo made a name for himself and to San Diego to visit Ken Shamrock’s unorthodox training facility. Viewers will get a rare glimpse of these complicated warriors outside of the cage with a first person account of their personal struggles and achievements.
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 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 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.
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER J’LEON LOVE BATTLES JASON ESCALERA AND UNDEFEATED LYDELL RHODES TAKES ON JARED ROBINSON ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA
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All shows at York Hall for only £199
Goodwin Boxing have launched another innovative scheme with the launch of the “Goodwin Boxing Season ticket”.
Available at just £199 this season ticket will provide the holder access to a minimum of 12 shows in a 12 month period at the historic York Hal, Bethnal Green.
The season ticket holder will also be able to get discounted tickets for friends and family, discounted upgrades to reserved ringside and VIP packages as well have access once a year backstage to meet the boxers.
The season ticket holder will also be invited to the annual Goodwin Boxing party where they will meet trainers and boxers.
Steve Goodwin said “We have built up a large database of boxing fans and we believe a package like this will not only suit our existing clients but will also encourage a new fan base for the boxing industry. We have already trial marketed this to the business world and the results have been phenomenal so we are now ready to launch it to the public.”
Goodwin continued “These will make an ideal birthday and Christmas present as well as a corporate gift. They can be purchased online, in person at our offices or by cheque. We are always looking for innovative schemes to help to develop boxing and its fan base and believe this concept will be very successful”.
Three Big Events at Gleason’s Gym This Weekend
RE: Three Big Events at Gleason’s Gym
This Weekend
The Gym will
Close
Hnub vas Xuv thiab Hnub vas xaum
June 19th and 20th.
We are hosting the
Gleason’s International Master Tournament
No hnub Friday thiab Hnub vas xaum,
June 19th and 20th tom 6:00PM
We will host
Gleason’s International Master Tournament
One hundred and seven men and women from around the World are signed up for this year’s tournament.
All our bouts are sanctioned by USABoxingMetro. All boxers must have their boxing book with them in order to participate.
The weigh-in for the shows will begin at 4:00PM and the first bout will begin at 6:00PM.
The ticket price is $20 ib tug neeg twg. Children 6 and under are not charged. All gym members and registered amateurs with their books in hand pay $15 ib tug neeg twg.
P.S. If you can’t make it but still want to see the fights, they’ll be streaming at Gleason’s Gym website: www.gleasonsgym.net
Hnub xya, June 21st
First Edition
Italian-American Boxing Awards
A tale of Emigrants, Culture, Hope and Boxing.
6:00 PM
Welcoming speech.
6:30 PM
Discussion:
Rise of the Italian American boxer, exploring the social and historical conditions that all
Italian American confronted and overcame.
Conference beginning with the chairing by Prof. Joseph Perricone from Fordham
University.
7:15 PM
Refreshment with Italian products.
8:00 PM
Boxing Show Exhibition between the two Italian Champions Floriano Pagliara and
Francesco Tamburiello.
8:30 PM
Award Ceremony, Conclusion and Regards.
TUA NETWORK BOXING PROGRAMMING CAIJ NYOOG (Rau hli ntuj 15-21, 2015)
Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.
Monday, Rau hli ntuj 15
6:30 p.m. LI – Fight News Now Extra– The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
Hnub, Rau hli ntuj 16
5:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. LI – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
7:30 p.m. LI — 8:30 p.m. LI – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
Hnub peb, Rau hli ntuj 17
7:00 a.m. & 8:00 p.m. LI – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
6:30 p.m. LI – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
Hnub plaub, Rau hli ntuj 18
1:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. LI – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.
8:30 p.m. LI — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
Hnub vas Xuv, Rau hli ntuj 19
12:30 p.m. LI – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.
7:30 p.m. LI — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
Hnub xya, Rau hli ntuj 21
8:00 p.m. LI – Ultimate Classic Boxing: Beecham vs. Constance – Featuring Jimmy Beecham vs. Hector Constance from Oct. 3, 1956 in Miami Beach, Florida.
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram @fightnet