Tag Archives: A Wealth of Entertainment

boxing

BELLEW – HAYE FINAL LONDON PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO

Leave a comment

 
AWE to Air Live Bellew v. Haye II, THIS SATURDAYSaturday, May 5th
Start Time: 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 3, 2018 -Below is the final and explosive press conference video for the much anticipated rematch between former world champions, Tony Bellew and David Haye that will take place at The O2 in London THIS SATURDAY, May 5, live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.
The American broadcast will begin at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
Explosive Head to Head
Explosive Head to Head
Full Press Conference
Full Press Conference


(Videos / Matchroom Boxing)

The fight card will also be streamed live via KlowdTV on the AWE channel. Visit www.klowdtv.com for additional information.
boxing, UK Boxing

BUTLER MEETS RODRIGUEZ FOR IBF WORLD TITLE ON MAY 5

Leave a comment

 

 

AWE to Air Live Bellew v. Haye II, on Saturday, May 5th

 

 

The Highly Anticipated Rematch between Tony Bellew and David Haye to air Live and Exclusively on AWE
 

 

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – April 12, 2018 -Paul Butler gets the chance to become two-time IBF World Bantamweight champion when he tackles undefeated Emmanuel Rodriguez at The O2 in London on May 5, live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

 

 

 

Butler’s clash with Rodriguez is part of a huge night of action in Greenwich as Heavyweight rivals Tony Bellew and David Haye clash in a hotly-anticipated rematch.

 

 

 

Butler landed the IBF strap in April 2014 by taking it from Stuart Hall in Newcastle before vacating the strap to move down to Super-Flyweight in March 2015 to challenge IBF champion Zolani Tete.

 

 

 

The ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ returned to 118lbs and back into title contention when he comfortably saw off Hall in a rematch in Liverpool in September, and is rated at four in the IBF, one spot behind top-rated Rodriguez.

 

 

 

The unbeaten 25 year old visitor is hotly-rated having raced to 17-0 in the paid ranks with 12 wins inside the distance, a rise all the more impressive following an amateur background that was stunted by a car accident.

 

 

 

Rodriguez’s trip to London is his first outside the Americas since turning pro and his first over the championship distance, and Butler intends to make the trip a miserable one for the Puerto Rican and reclaim his title.

 

 

 

“I’m very excited for this,” said Butler. “It’s the reason we came over to Eddie in the first place, I knew he would deliver the big fights for me. We’re just four weeks away. It’s a big test but I’m confident.

 

 

 

“It’s an honor to contest the IBF title again. I want to win it back then hopefully defend which I didn’t have the chance to do last time.

 

 

 

“It sounded a good idea at the time to vacate but looking back now I should have kept hold of the belt. I should have worked on my strength and conditioning, filled out and defended my title. I’ve definitely got some unfinished business with this – it would be brilliant to go out there and win it again.

 

 

 

“It’s a tougher test the last time I won the title, but I’m up for the challenge. I’ve improved myself. He’s touted to be this next big superstar, but how many of them come over here and get turned on their heads?

 

 

 

“I never used to look at my opponents, but since I’ve linked up with Joe he’s always sending me little clips. He looks a good kid, he likes to work at midrange but in truth I don’t want to say too much about what he does and doesn’t do well.

 

 

 

“I don’t care how big and tough he is – we both have two arms, two legs, he’s from Puerto Rico and I’m from Ellesmere Port so let’s get it on. I can see this being a very good fight, we both like to go body to head, head to body but I’ll come out being the two-time IBF World Bantamweight champion.”

 

 

 

Super-Middleweights John Ryder and Jamie Cox clash in a crucial clash in the 168lbs division and Martin J. Ward defends his European Super-Featherweight title against James Tennyson.

 

 

 

Expected start time is 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT.

 

The fight card will also be streamed live via KlowdTV on the AWE channel.

 

 

Visitwww.klowdtv.com for additional information.
boxing, UK Boxing

BURNETT: I WANT TO EMULATE FRAMPTON IN BELFAST

Leave a comment
Unbeaten talent can become Northern Ireland’s latest World champion on Saturday
SAN DIEGO (JUNE 8, 2017) – Ryan Burnett says he can follow in Carl Frampton’s footsteps and become a huge star in Belfast as he challenges Lee Haskins for the IBF World Bantamweight title at the SSE Arena Belfast on Saturday, LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 PM Noon PT.

Burnett tackles his first World title fights in his first fight on home-turf in nearly three years, while the Bristolian puts his crown on the line for the third time.
If Burnett can rip the IBF crown from Haskins, he’ll become the latest World champion from Belfast, following in the footsteps of Carl Frampton. ‘The Jackal’ also made the red belt his first World title in the Titanic Quarter back in September 2014, and Burnett hopes that Saturday is the first step on emulating the former two-weight World champion.
“People keep saying that I am the second coming of Carl Frampton – that’s a big statement,” said Burnett. “I do believe that I can emulate his success and be a big hit in Belfast. I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from Carl and seeing a Belfast lad become a World champion.
“He’s taken the steps that I am taking now and seeing the level that he’s got to and what he’s achieved – and what he can still achieve – is massive. He’s done so much for boxing in Belfast, and I want to have the same impact.”
Burnett’s clash with Haskins is part of a huge night of action in Belfast where Paul Hyland Jr faces Adam Dingsdale for his first pro title with the IBF European Lightweight strap on the line.
James Tennyson tackles Ryan Doyle for the WBA International Super-Featherweight belt, Ian Tims and Luke Watkins meet for the Irish Cruiserweight title, there’s the Cruiserweight debut of Mike Perez, and local favorites Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.
Photos By : Lawrence Lustig
 
About AWE LIVE BOXING 

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.
boxing, UK Boxing

HASKINS SAILING INTO STORMY WATERS IN BELFAST

Leave a comment
IBF champ heading to Belfast on the ferry today
SAN DIEGO (JUNE 7, 2017) –Lee Haskins gets over his first major hurdle in defending his IBF Bantamweight title against Ryan Burnett in Belfast on Saturday – by taking the ferry today due to his fear of flying.
Haskins puts his crown on the line for the third time at the SSE Arena Belfast, live on AWE–A A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 PM Noon PT and the Bristolian knows he’s in for a hostile reception as he tries to hand Burnett his first pro defeat in front of the passionate Belfast fans.
‘Playboy’ says that the hometown support won’t be a problem as it’s nothing he hasn’t experienced before – but knows the fight will be far from plain sailing against the unbeaten hometown star.
“I’m not the greatest on planes so we chose to get the ferry over,” said Haskins. “My family and I decided to go a bit earlier and make more of a trip about it.
“It’s not too far so it gives me and the kids a bit of time to catch-up and it’s something different, rather than just jumping off a plane straight into the hotel. Now we get to have a little detour and have a little adventure.
“It’s going to be a hostile crowd but truthfully it doesn’t bother me. I’ve boxed away time and time again so I know what’s coming. I’ve boxed in Monaco, Belgium and Morocco and in plenty of backyards in the UK. It doesn’t bother me, a ring is a ring.
“I hope the Belfast fans don’t give me too much of a hard time! I’m really looking forward to fighting in front of such a knowledgeable crowd and of course to my own fans, I’m always grateful for your continued backing.
“I am very excited – I’m more excited for this one than I have been for a long, long time. I’m happy and content going into this fight and I’m looking forward to visiting Belfast.”
Haskins’ clash with Burnett is part of a huge day of action in Belfast where Paul Hyland Jr faces Adam Dingsdale for his first pro title with the IBF European Lightweight strap on the line.
James Tennyson tackles Ryan Doyle for the WBA International Super-Featherweight belt, Ian Tims and Luke Watkins meet for the Irish Cruiserweight title, there’s the Cruiserweight debut of Mike Perez, and local favorites Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.
Photos By : Jamie McPhilimey
boxing

TENNYSON FACES DOYLE FOR WBA INTERNATIONAL STRAP

Leave a comment
Belfast ace welcomes Manchester man on Saturday night
SAN DIEGO (JUNE 6, 2017) James Tennyson feels he’s above domestic level – and says he’ll prove that on Saturday when he faces Ryan Doyle for the WBA International Super-Featherweight title at the SSE Arena Belfast, live on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT.
 
Tennyson’s clash with Doyle is part of a huge night of action in Belfast as Ryan Burnett challenges Lee Haskins for the IBF World Bantamweight title.
Tennyson has won Celtic Featherweight and Irish Super-Featherweight titles but fell short when he met Ryan Walsh for the British Featherweight crown last April.
The 23 year old believes he’s better prepared for more title assaults now, and wants to show that in what he believes will be a cracking fight against the English Featherweight champion from Manchester.
“I’m very excited, said Tennyson. “I’m pleased to be a part of the show and hopefully Ryan Burnett becomes Ireland’s next World Champion and these big nights can continue to come back to Belfast.
“I believe I’m beyond Irish title level. I’m not going to gain or learn much more at that level or by boxing journeyman. I’ve gone through that now. This is a fight that I needed and help bring my career to the next level.
“I’ve watched Ryan and this is going to be a really entertaining match up. With the WBA International title on the line, it gives it a little more spice.
“Usually I don’t look too much into my opponents, I get in there and take it as it comes. I’m confident in my own ability to get the job done. My team already know a bit about the boy so they are telling me the plans which we’ll adopt on the night.
“I’ve prepared for a tough fight no matter what so the late change of opponent doesn’t really change all that much for my planning.
“It’s all work in progress. I want to get to World level. This is a great stepping stone to help get where I want to be.
“I don’t really go in thinking ‘I’m going to knock this guy out’, I like to box. It’s going to be a good fight for the fans to watch. I’m an aggressive, come forward fighter.
“Camp has gone well. I’m pretty happy going into the last few days. Now it’s all about getting the weight right, all the hard work has been done now. I’m just looking to get this show on the road now.”
Paul Hyland Jr faces Adam Dingsdale for his first pro title with the IBF European Lightweight strap on the line, Ian Tims and Luke Watkins meet for the Irish Cruiserweight title, there’s the Cruiserweight debut of Mike Perez, and local favourites Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.
About AWE LIVE BOXING 

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.
For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.
boxing

Kal Yafai retains WBA Flyweight title with decision over Muranaka

Leave a comment

World title bout headlined thrilling day of boxing on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 14, 2017 – On Saturday, Kal Yafai thrilled his hometown fans in Birmingham, England, and made the first the defense of the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Suguru Muranaka.
The bout headlined another tremendous day of action AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

“I am thrilled to be able to bring this action-packed cards to the American fight fans,” said Charles Herring, President of AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

“In recent months, The super-flyweight division has been one of the divisions that has featured terrific fights, and today Kal Yafai proved that he is one of the elite in the division. Sam Eggington carried on the momentum of stopping Paulie Malignaggi, and won in another thrilling fight. We have a great Spring and Summer fight schedule that we will be excited to share with the fans very shortly.”

Yafai looked like he was going to have an early day as he sent his Japanese challenger down to the canvas in round two. Muranka proved sturdy and even had a few moments in the fight. Yafai was deducted a point in round eight for low blows, but he was comfortably ahead, and won by scores of 119-107 twice and 118-108.

Yafai is 22-0. Muranaka is 25-3.

Rising welterweight contender Sam Eggington stopped Ceferino Rodriguez in round ten of their scheduled 12-round welterweight bout.

It was an exciting fight throughout, but the taller Eggington took control of the bout and drilled Rodriguez with ahard uppercut on the inside that sent him to the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Eggington, 146.8 lbs is is 21-3 with 13 knockouts. Rodriguez, who is managed by former world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is 24-2.

Gamal Yafai dropped Sean Davis six-times en-route to a seventh round stoppage over Sean Davis in a scheduled 10-round Super Bantamweight bout featuring Birmingham based fighters.

Yafai dropped Davis three times in the 7th round, focusing mostly on the body and the bout was stopped at 2:27.

Yafai, 121.9 lbs is now 12-0 with 5 knockouts. Davis, 121.3 lbs is nos 12-1.

Former world title challenger Frankie Gavin won a eight-round decision over Renald Garrido in a super welterweight bout.

Gavin, 148.9 lbs won a a referee score of 77-75 ans is now 24-3. Garrido, 145 lbs is 18-15-1.

Josh Kelly stopped Jony Vina in round four of their scheduled six-round welterweight contest.

In round four, Kelly dropped Vina with a right hand. Kelly continued to pound Vina and the bout was stopped at 1:27.

Kelly is 2-0 with 1 knockout. Vina is 6-2.

In a spirited battle of undefeated middleweight’s, Adam Harper won a decision over Ryan Kelly.

The referee scorecard read 97-95 for Harper, 152.9 lbs and is now 8-0. Kelly 153.9 lbs is 8-1.
boxing

YAFAI: I’LL TURN BIRMINGHAM INTO A FORTRESS

Leave a comment
   

Super-Fly king makes first defence – and is targeting unification clashes

NEW START TIME–2 PM ET / 11 AM PT
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 12, 2017 – Kal Yafai believes he can build something special in Birmingham and wants to unify the Super-Flyweight division as he prepares to make the first defense of his WBA title against Suguru Muranaka at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Saturday LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 2 PM ET / 11 AM ET

For fans who do not have AWE, they can access the fight on the AWE channel on www.klowdtv.com

Yafai became the second city’s first World champion in December with a punch-perfect display against Luis Concepcion in Manchester, and the unbeaten 27 year old wants to turn the Arena into a fortress – starting this weekend.

“It’s such an honor to be Birmingham’s first World champion. I consider myself to be the flag bearer for Midlands boxing now, I just want to make sure there’s more talent and inspire more fighters to achieve the same.

“I want to be a big role model for Birmingham and the Midlands all together. Birmingham has been craving World Championship boxing for some time, for me to be bringing the World title back and with being born and bred in Birmingham is an honour.

“Walking out in front of my fans with the belt is a privilege and I can’t wait. I’d love to turn the Barclaycard Arena into my fortress.”

Yafai is in a talent heavy division with Muranaka’s countryman Naoya Inoue holding the WBO crown, Jerwin Ancajas the IBF and the WBC belt in the possession of Wisaksil Wangek, who edged out pound-for-pound star Roman Gonzalez in March – and Yafai wants to face the best to add more belts to his collection as soon as possible.

“Unification bouts are very much part of my plan – and sooner rather than later,” said Yafai. “Whatever my team puts in front of me, that’s what I’ll take. I’ve got the best team in the business around me who advise me what to do and when to do it, so I listen to them first and foremost but I like to take it all one fight at a time. I’ve got to concentrate on this fight solely and then we’ll go from there and see what is next.

“I haven’t really studied Inoue much. I’ve seen a couple of his fights when he’s boxed lately. Obviously, he’s massive talent and a very good fighter. If that could happen down the line then that would be great.

“I thought Gonzalez nicked the fight with Wangek by a couple of rounds. In the rematch which seems to be on the cards, I think he’ll win convincingly. Before that fight Gonzalez was up there at number one on my pound for pound list and he’s still up there in my top three.

“Ancajas could be the likeliest of unification’s but it depends what and when they are available. Either or, I’m not really bothered. I’d love to fight Gonzalez, obviously he’s the name in the division. If I had to hold out and wait, have another defence or two before fighting Gonzalez then I’d do that.”

Yafai’s World title defense is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham, where Sam Eggington challenges Ceferino Rodriguez for the European Welterweight title.

Yafai’s brother Gamal defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight championship against fellow Birmingham man Sean Davis, Ryan Kelly and Adam Harper meet for the Midlands Area Middleweight Title.

Frankie Gavin is back in action in his first fight with trainer Jon Pegg, and there’s action for Lennox Clarke, unbeaten Olympian Josh Kelly, Kieron Conway, Aaron Lovell, Jordan Clayton, Charlie Williams and Cori Gibbs.

Photos By Lawrence Lustig
boxing

Gamal Yafai and Frankie Gavin speak about undercard bouts this Saturday, Live on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment

Leave a comment
   

Kal Yafai defends WBA Super Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka This Saturday, May 13th on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment

NEW START TIME–2 PM ET / 11 AM PT
 SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 10, 2017 – Gamal Yafai says he can beat Sean Davis any way he wants to when he challenges his local rival for the WBC International Super-Bantamweight title at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Saturday LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at a NEW START TIME 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT.
In the main event, Kal Yafai defends the WBA Super Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka.
For fans who do not have AWE, they can access the fight card on the AWE channell on www.klowdtv.com

Yafai and Davis finally get their hands on each other after their proposed meeting for Yafai’s Commonwealth title fell through in October after the champion damaged his ankle in training.
Davis instead met Paul Economides for the crown he defends tonight, while Yafai returned from injury in Germany in March in a six rounder. The 25 year old now meets ‘Showtime’ on the undercard of his brother Kal’s World title defence, and Yafai plans to do a comprehensive job on Davis to show he’s ready to move to the next level.
“I can’t wait for this,” said Yafai. “Fighting in front of my home fans on big shows is something I’ve always wanted to do and it’s a bonus to be alongside my brother. To do it so early into my career is massive for me. I’m so happy to be one of the big names in Birmingham.
“I know a bit about Sean. I didn’t know him a year ago until his coach messaged me on Facebook for a bit of sparring and we done a little bit of work.
“It’s my job to answer whatever Sean brings. I’m capable of that. I am more than just a puncher, I can outbox Sean and outpunch him – I beat him in every department.
“I was preparing for the Davis fight doing box jumps. I’ve got it on video, it was on CCTV where I was training. I went over on it, it’s hard to describe how I done it. The pain and rehab was unreal. I couldn’t do anything for two months solid.
“It was horrible being out of the ring so long. I couldn’t train and obviously wasn’t getting paid. It’s hard when you can’t fight but it only makes you stronger.
“I didn’t have any surgery, just had to let it rest. It was so bruised and I tore a few ligaments but it’s in the past now.
“I’m entering the next phase of my career now. I learnt a lot as an amateur so I didn’t have to have as many learning fights so to speak. I didn’t need that long like other fighters might do. I was a World class amateur so I think I’ve done alright so far and I’m ready for the next step in my career.”
Yafai’s clash with Davis is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham where Kal Yafai defends his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka.
Sam Eggington challenges Cerefino Rodriguez for the European Welterweight title, Ryan Kelly and Adam Harper meet for the Midlands Area Middleweight Title.
GAVIN FACES DANGER MAN GARRIDO IN BIRMINGHAM
‘Funtime’ faces French challenger on Saturday night
Frankie Gavin admits he’s heading to the last chance saloon as he faces Renald Garrido.
Gavin is back in action after his loss in the same arena to Sam Eggington in a thrilling fight in October, and the former World title challenger is kicking off a new chapter in his career having switched to Eggington’s trainer Jon Pegg.
Garrido is a familiar face in the UK having beaten Bradley Saunders and gone the distance with Jack Catterall, Martin Lindsay and Robbie Davies Jr, and Gavin knows he must be at his best if he wants to bounce back with a win and move onto major title fights later in the year.
“I’m heading to the real last chance saloon now,” said Gavin. “I’m in a gym with a lot of fighters and that’s good for me – it’s keeping me on my toes and hungry.
“I want a big fight next so I need a good performance on Saturday to prove that I can still win massive titles. Garrido is a good test for me, he always comes to win and he’s dangerous, so I need to be on my guard.”
Gavin’s clash with Garrido is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham as Kal Yafai makes the first defence of his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka.
Eggington challenges Cerefino Rodriguez for the European Welterweight title, Yafai’s brother Gamal defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight championship against fellow Birmingham man Sean Davis, Ryan Kelly and Adam Harper meet for the Midlands Area Middleweight Title.
There’s action for Lennox Clarke, unbeaten Olympian Josh Kelly, Kieron Conway, Aaron Lovell, Jordan Clayton, Charlie Williams and Cori Gibbs.
About AWE LIVE BOXING 

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.
boxing

YAFAI: JOSHUA HAS INSPIRED ME TO UNIFY THE DIVISION

Leave a comment

Kal Yafai defends WBA Super Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka This Saturday, May 13th on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment
 SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 9, 2017 – Kal Yafai says Anthony Joshua MBE has set a new benchmark for British fighters to follow as he prepares to make the first defence of his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Saturday LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT.
For boxing fans who don’t have access to AWE, the fight will be available on the AWE channel on www.klowdtv.com

Yafai and Joshua are close from their days as Team GB teammates, and Yafai won the crown he defends on home turf this weekend on the undercard of Joshua’s win over Eric Molina in Manchester in December.
Yafai was unable to attend Joshua’s epic win over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium last weekend, but the 27 year old was bursting with pride as Joshua KO’d the Ukrainian in the 11th round, and believes that Joshua has raised the bar higher than ever for British fighters.
“I was unbelievably proud and happy for Anthony Joshua,” said Yafai. “When he got put down I was very nervous, I was praying for him to get up and recover and that’s what he did. It showed what a World Champion needs to do when it gets tough in there.
“He has completely smashed it now, onto bigger and better things for him. The world is his oyster. It was such a hard and big fight. I’d like to see him fight Tyson Fury but it doesn’t sound like that’s possible to happen next. If he can get a defence for one of his Titles against a contender then move onto one of the other Heavyweights like Wilder would be great.
“I still see him regularly. We come on the Team GB squad together. He’s a good lad, one of the nicest people in boxing. He loves his boxing so much. He soaks everything up like a sponge. He just still wants to learn, he’ll get better and better as he goes on. I mean he’s still only young! Realistically a novice still. He’s a funny lad and good to be around. I’ve got a lot of time for him. He’s raised the bar now – beating Klitschko at Wembley is just massive, and it’s something that we’ve all got to aspire to.
“Winning the World Title on his undercard was great. It took me four and a half years going from amateur into the pro game and winning a World Title. Doing it on a massive show headlined by AJ was special.  We are Eddie Hearn’s only two World Champions who he’s had from their debuts.
“I was very pleased with my performance that night. I had to do what I had to do. I stayed focused on my own game plan, even after he failed to make the weight. I got in there and done the business. I out boxed him for 12 rounds. I made it as easy as possible.”
Yafai’s World title defence is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham, where Sam Eggington challenges Cerefino Rodriguez for the European Welterweight title.
Yafai’s brother Gamal defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight championship against fellow Birmingham man Sean Davis, Ryan Kelly and Adam Harper meet for the Midlands Area Middleweight Title.
Frankie Gavin is back in action in his first fight with trainer Jon Pegg, and there’s action for Lennox Clarke, unbeaten Olympian Josh Kelly, Kieron Conway, Aaron Lovell, Jordan Clayton, Charlie Williams and Cori Gibbs.
boxing

Kal Yafai defends WBA Super Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka This Saturday, May 13th on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment 

Leave a comment

 SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 8, 2017 – Undefeated WBA Super Flyweight champion Kal Yafai will make his first defense of his crown when he takes on top 10 rated Suguru Muranaka This Saturday, May 13th live on AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment.

The card will originate from Yafai’s hometown of Birmingham, England. AWE’s live coverage begins at 3 pm ET.

 
For boxing fans, who do not have AWE, the fight can be accessed on the AWE channel on

www.klowdtv.com

“We’re thrilled to air another great world title fight live on AWE,” said Robert Herring, CEO of AWE.  “This will be an outstanding matchup. We’re pleased to continue to introduce some of the best world champions from around the world to AWE boxing fans and Yafai is no exception.”

Yafai will step into the ring with a perfect record of 21-0 with 14 knockouts. The 27 year-old is a five year professional, and comes from a fighting family. Yafai’s brother, Gamal, is an undefeated super bantamweight, and is also on the May 13th card.

Yafai won the WBA Super Flyweight crown with a 12-round unanimous decision over Luis Concepcion on December 10th in Manchester, England.

Yafai earned his way to a title shot with wins over Jozsef Ajtai (15-3), Dixon Flores (12-3-2), Jason Cunningham (17-2), Cristofer Rosales (10-1), Yaqub Kaleem (13-3-1) and Scott Gladwin (5-1).

“It’s a tough first defense and that’s what I need,” said Yafai. “I want hard fights that are going to help me when I face unification fights.”

“This is what I started boxing for. I wanted massive nights in Birmingham and it doesn’t get better for me. It’s been amazing since winning the title. Every time I’m walking around the city I get stopped for photos and for autographs, but I know that it’s harder to keep a title than it is to win it, so the real work is only just beginning.”Muranaka of Tokyo, Japan has a record of 25-2-1 with eight knockouts, and is undefeated in his last 19 fights, which spans 11 years.

Muranaka is coming off a eight-round majority decision over Hiroyuki Hisataka on December 5, 2016 in Tokyo.

The 31 year-old Muranaka has signature wins over Renoel Pael (19-3-1), Tetsuma Hiyasji (25-2-2), Masayuki Kuroda (21-4-3), Takuya Kogawa (22-2), Tamoya Tateyama (8-1-1) and Toyoto Shiraishi (6-0-1).

This will be Muranka’s first bout outside of Japan. The full undercard will be announced shortly.

About AWE LIVE BOXING 

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.