Tag Archives: Ahmed Elbiali

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AHMED ELBIALI RETURNS JAN 12 PBC ON FOX SPORTS 1

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Photo By Premier Boxing Champions 
MIAMI, FL (January 5, 2016) – After a fantastic 2015 where he went 5-0, unbeaten light-heavyweight prospect, Ahmed Elbiali (13-0, 11 KOs) makes his 2016 debut against Andrew Hernandez (10-3-1, 2 KOs) on January 12, 2016 at the Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio, Texas.  Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) “Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays” on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes will televise the 8-round bout beginning at 11PM ET / 8PM PT live on Fox Sports 1.
Known for having power in both hands, Elbiali is looking toward another spectacular year in 2016.  Already on the fast track to the top of the 175-pound division, Elbiali reflects on his career and future plans.
“2015 was incredible for me and I’m very excited about the upcoming year,” said Ahmed Elbiali. “Preparing for fights is getting easier.  My trainer and I are working on all my strengths and weaknesses’.  There are areas that I need to improve on and other areas that I need to sharpen up.  A few months ago, I got some good work with Andre Ward, so my confidence is at an all-time high.  He’s a remarkable fighter and I learned a lot being out there in Oakland.  I feel 2016 will be my year to shine and I can’t wait to be back in the ring fighting on Fox Sports.”
With his opponent now set, Elbiali is going into this fight with a focused mindset.  The Elbiali vs. Hernandez bout will be part of the televised portion of the fight card, headlined by Miguel Flores (18-0, 9 KOs) vs. Mario Briones (27-4-2, 20 KOs).
“I don’t know much about Hernandez but I’m training like it’s the most important fight of my career.” Elbiali continued. “Anytime I fight on television, it’s an opportunity to build on my fan base, so I’m coming to impress.  At this point in my career, there is no room for error, so I must be mentally prepared to fight any style that comes my way. Some guys like to bang and some guys like to box.  I’ll be ready for everything.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $100, $70,$38 and $20 and $650 for VIP tables, $260 for balcony tables and $200 for stage tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302, visit www.leijabattahpromo.com/tickets or buy online at http://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

GERALD WASHINGTON AND AMIR MONSOUR BATTLE TO ENTERTAINING TO 10-ROUND SPLIT DRAW

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Ahmed Elbiali Wins Unanimous Decision Over Mariano Hilario In Co-Main Event
 
Michael Hunter Drops Jason Douglas Four Times En Route To Heavyweight Knockout
 
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS
Photo Credit: Jennifer Rutledge/Premier Boxing Champions
Shelton, Washington (October 14) – Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE Tuesdays on FS1 and FOX Deportes headed to the Pacific NorthwestTuesday night from Little Creek Casino Resort with three exciting bouts that culminated with a thrilling heavyweight match up that ended in a split draw.
Gerald Washington (now 16-0-1, 11 KOs) controlled the early action with his length and superior boxing ability but the smaller southpaw Amir Mansour’s (now 22-1-1, 16 KOs) relentless pressure began to break down Washington as he closed the gap by landing overhand lefts. With the fight up for grabs the two heavyweights traded hard shots in the 10th and final round that led the judges to rule the fight a 10-round split draw scoring the bout 97-93 Washington, 96-94 Mansour and 95-95.
“I think it’s a terrible decision,” said Washington. “I definitely won the fight. No doubt about it. I won the first four rounds for sure. I rested up a little bit in the middle. The last three or four, he wasn’t even touching me. He was chasing me around. He wasn’t landing any shots at all.
“My corner was telling me to just jab and throw straight punches. I was landing all the good shots. He didn’t land any good shots. Why would I do a rematch if they’re going to do me like that? Look at his face, look at his ear. Look at my face, I didn’t take any punishment. I boxed him smart. He was being aggressive, but I was landing all the shots.”
“Washington landed some good shots in there, but I landed most of the shots. I kept the fight active,” said Monsour. “I gave the crowd something that they wanted to see. I gave the crowd excitement. That’s why they’re cheering me and they’re booing him. I’m a boxing fan’s boxer.

“Washington was a bit awkward, I was just trying to gauge the height difference and after three rounds tops of gauging the distance between him and I, I felt like I started pressing him, forcing the action, landing the most shots, and tearing his body up. He couldn’t take the body punches, he was running out of gas. He didn’t give the crowd a fight. He didn’t give himself a fight and that’s just a poor way of winning the fight or even getting a draw.”

The eight-round co-main event saw Cairo, Egypt’s Ahmed Elbiali (now 11-0, 11 KOs) control the fight from start to finish as he faced Mariano Hilario(now 13-4, 5 KOs) in a light heavyweight showdown. Despite two-way action throughout the entirely of the bout, Elbiali remained more active, pressing forward while Hilario attempted to land counter punches unsuccessfully. Elbiali remains undefeated after the judges scored the match a unanimous decision in his favor.
In the opening bout of the evening, Michael Hunter (now 10-0, 7 KOs) outclassed fellow cruiserweight Jason Douglas (now 11-6, 4 KOs) dropping him in the second, third and fourth rounds. The first knockdown came at the end of the second round via a strong right hand. The third round saw a barrage of punches again at the end of the round that sent Douglas to the canvas. Finally, in the fourth round, Hunter battered Douglas until the bell, dropping him for the fourth time via a strong left hook. The ringside physician then called a halt to the contest, following the end of the fourth round.
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Washington vs. Monsour was promoted by TGB Promotions live from Little Creek Casino Resort.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.TGBPromotions.com and http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @gwgallonegro, @hardcoremansour @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Little.Creek.Casino.Resort www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Heavyweight contender Amir “Hardcore” Mansour discusses showdown with Gerald Washington

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Bout to headline FS1 Toe to Toe Tuesday’s on October 13 in Shelton, Washington

For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, PA (October 9, 2015)– Heavyweight contender, Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (22-1, 16 KO’s) is eagerly awaiting his October 13th bout with undefeated Gerald Washington (16-0, 11 KO’s)
The bout will take place on Tuesday, October 13 at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington and will be broadcast live on FS1.
Mansour is very confident of not only a victory but what a win will do to enhance himself for a fight with the elite of the Heavyweight division.
Below is a candid interview with Mansour as he finishes up on his last few days of training camp.
Media outlets may use the video on their websites and digital platforms by copy/pasting the embedded code.

 

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

“TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS” ELBIALI vs. ALBERT OCT 13 PBC ON FOX SPORTS

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Photo By Team Elbiali
MIAMI, FL (October 8, 2015) – Unbeaten light-heavyweight, Ahmed Elbiali (12-0, 11 KOs), has an opponent for his upcoming fight taking place October 13, 2015 at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington.  The heavy-handed puncher Elbiali, will square off against Hungary’s Ferenc Albert (20-7, 9 KOs).  Premier Boxing Champions “Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays” on Fox Sports will televise the 8-round beginning at 9PM ET / 6PM PT live on Fox Sports 1.
Ahmed Elbiali, who boosts a 92% knockout ratio, is a few days away from his nationally televised showdown with Ferenc Albert.  Hailing from Miami, Florida, Elbiali speaks on his training camp, boxing career and more.  Here’s what he had to say.
On facing his opponent Ferenc Albert…
“I don’t really know much about Ferenc Albert, except for the fact that he’s on a ten-fight winning streak.  I know he’s been extremely busy this year, fighting in twelve bouts so far this year.  I know he’s coming into this fight with a lot of confidence so this is no easy fight for me.  This will be a great fight for the fans because both of us are gunning for a victory.”
On having his fight televised live on Premier Boxing Champions “Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays” on Fox Sports…
“Fighting on the PBC on Fox Sports cards has been great for my career.  I’m constantly staying busy and I’m learning what it takes to fight on a regular basis.  The exposure I’m receiving is really getting the fans familiar with my fighting style. Since I’m an aggressive fighter, the “Toe-to-Tuesdays” title fits me well. I’m always going to be letting my hands go, throwing big bombs, trying to get my opponent out of there.  Fans in general want to see the knockout, and that’s what I try to deliver every time I step into the ring.”
On his relationship with longtime Trainer Carlos Albuerne…
“I’ve been with Carlos since my last fight as an amateur.  We have a great relationship and I respect him as a coach.  He’s got a lot of knowledge. Together we make a great team and he knows how to get the best out of me.  He’s always told me that I have the punching power to become a world champion.  I’m grateful to have him in my corner.”
On his progression as a professional fighter…
“With each fight I’m learning something new.  I know as my career moves along there will be times when I will have to go into deep waters, so I’m continuously working on my boxing skills.  Right now I’ve been fortunate to get some early knockouts, but I train to fight twelve rounds.  I’m evolving as a fighter and pretty soon I’ll be better-rounded with my boxing abilities.”
On working at the training facility “Fast Twitch” in Miami…
“Fast Twitch” is a state of the art facility with great strength and conditioning coaches.  I’ve gained a lot of endurance training there and my stamina is always peaking on fight night.  With the training I’m getting at “Fast Twitch”, I’m always on weight.  I love the fact that I’m getting top notch nutrition there as well.  It’s a great place to train if you’re a professional athlete.”
Tickets priced $20, $40, $30, $60 and $100 not including fees, are on sale in person at the Little Creek Casino Resort box office or online HERE.  Doors open at 5PM PT, with the first televised fights starting at 6PM PT.
boxing

AHMED ELBIALI RETURNS OCT 13 PBC ON FOX SPORTS 1

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Photo By Team Elbiali

MIAMI, FL (October 2, 2015) – Undefeated light-heavyweight knockout artist, Ahmed Elbiali (12-0, 11 KOs), makes his way back to the ring against an opponent TBA October 13, 2015 at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington.  Premier Boxing Champions “Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays” on Fox Sports will televise the 8-round beginning at 9PM ET / 6PM PT live on Fox Sports 1.

With seven first round knockouts to his credit, Elbiali, who’s been steam rolling through the light-heavyweight division, will be looking to score another spectacular stoppage when he steps in the ring come fight night.

“First off I would like to say I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be fighting on TV once again,” said Miami Florida’s Ahmed Elbiali. “The exposure I’ve been getting has been incredible. On October 13th I’ll be gunning for another knockout.  I’ve always said the fans like to see knockouts and that’s my goal every time I step in the ring.  I’m in great shape, so if I have to go the distance, I’ll be ready.”

Tickets priced $20, $40, $30, $60 and $100 not including fees, are on sale in person at the Little Creek Casino Resort box office or online HERE.  Doors open at 5PM PT, with the first televised fights starting at 6PM PT.

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT GERALD WASHINGTON TAKES ON  AMIR MANSOUR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 FROM  LITTLE CREEK CASINO RESORT IN SHELTON, WASHINGTON ON  PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS  ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

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Plus! Exciting Heavyweight and 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter and Undefeated Light Heavyweight Knockout Artist Ahmed Elbiali
In Separate Bouts
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
SHELTON, WA. (September 16, 2015) – Undefeated heavyweight Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington, (16-0, 11 KOs) battles Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (22-1, 16 KOs) in the 10-round main event on the Tuesday, October 13 edition of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and Fox Deportes from the Little Creek Resort Casino in Shelton, WA.
Also featured on the card are 2012 United States Olympian and undefeated heavyweight Michael Hunter, (9-0, 6KOs) and light heavyweight knockout artist Ahmed Elbiali, (12-0, 11KOs) in separate bouts. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
“I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring with Amir Mansour,” said Washington. “This is my time to make a statement. I will make an example of Amir Mansour to let the heavyweight division know that there’s a new sheriff in town. No more ‘Mr. Nice Guy’, it’s time for me to bring the pain!”
“Gerald Washington has not even come close to fighting someone of my caliber,” said Mansour. “He has zero advantage except for height and I’m experienced enough to take that away. The match against me is going to introduce Washington to an entirely new world of fighting and I’m sure he isn’t prepared for this type of fight.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $100, $60, $40, $30 and $20, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on now on sale through the Little Creek Casino Resort through their website, www.Little-Creek.com or by calling 1-800-667-7711. The Little Creek Casino Resort is located at 91 W. State Route 108 in Shelton, Washington 98584. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5 p.m. PT.
“We’re very excited to return to the Little Creek Resort Casino with this outstanding card,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Washington and Hunter are two of the brightest rising stars on the American heavyweight scene and Elbiali is one of the best light heavyweight prospects in boxing.”
A two-way player (tight end and defensive end) at the University of Southern California, Washington spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills practice squads on his unconventional path that led him to boxing. The 33-year-old also worked in the Navy as a helicopter mechanic before going to USC and did not get his start in professional boxing until 2012. Fighting out of San Jose, California, he is yet to lose in his latest endeavor and most recently defeated Jason Gavern in March and will be facing his toughest competition against Mansour.
An exciting pressure fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Mansour looks for his third straight victory on October 13. The 43-year-old owns victories over Dominick Guinn, Epifanio Mendoza and Kelvin Price. His last two outings ended with an impressive knockout of Fred Kassi and a victory over Joey Dawejko.
Since turning professional in early 2013 following the London Olympic Games, the 27-year-old Hunter, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV, has continued to shine. With three victories in 2015, the last two by knockout he will be looking to march again into the win column.
A native of Cairo, Egypt now residing in Miami, FL the 24-year-old Elbiali makes a quick return to the ring following a first round knockout of Fabiano Peno on Tuesday, September 8 at the debut of FS1’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS at the Hollywood, Palladium.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.TGBPromotions.com and http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @gwgallonegro, @hardcoremansour @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Little.Creek.Casino.Resort www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AUSTIN TROUT SCORES SIXTH ROUND KNOCKOUT OF JOEY HERNANDEZ IN THE MAIN EVENT OF THE INAUGURAL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FS1 AND FOX DEPORTES EVENT

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Lara vs. Rojas Ends in Technical Draw
 
Photos By Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Hollywood, CA (September 8, 2015) — Former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout,(30-2, 17 KOs) scored a sensational sixth round knockout over contender Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez, (24-4-1,14 KOs) on Tuesday night in the main event debut ofPremier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes’ TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYSfrom a packed house at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Working behind a piston-like jab from the opening bell, Trout of Las Cruces, NM scored at will and frustrated Hernandez of Miami, FL throughout the fight.
In the fourth stanza Hernandez was deducted a point by referee Jack Reiss for body slamming Trout to the canvas.
Trout ended the fight in style as a barrage of punches sent Hernandez stumbling to the canvas where he was counted out at the 3:00 mark of the sixth round. Scores at the time of the stoppage were 50-44 on all three scorecards.
Said Trout after the victory:
“We got a good win with a knockout. I’m happy to be here. I want to thank the fans for showing up. If you didn’t come for me this time, you will next time.
“I’m trying to be the best in my class. I think it’s me and if people don’t believe it, they will.
“I thought I was breaking him down. I was watching his body language and there was
No Doubt I was wearing him down.
(On the body slam) “He wasn’t winning. So it wasn’t like there was a need for the flash. He was getting desperate. Maybe he was hoping I got hurt with the body slam but that wasn’t the case.
“Truly my best is yet to come. At the age of 29, I am a better fighter than I’ve been and I will continue to be a better fighter than I was tonight.
“It’s an honor to fight in the Tuesday night PBC on FS1 debut. I can’t wait to get back in the ring. I would like it to be before the end of the year against a world champion or top name in the division.”
Stated Hernandez in defeat:
“From the first round, I had no legs. I was conditioned, but the day of the weigh-in I had to lose nine pounds. It is hard to come back from that.
“I’m going back to the drawing board after this rough loss. My mind wanted to do it, but my body couldn’t get it done.
“I was trying to catch him because he wasn’t really hurting me until the body shots that ended it.
“I’m too good a fighter to become a full blown opponent.”
In the co-featured, scheduled eight rounder, undefeated light heavyweight Ahmed Elbiali,12-0 (11 KOs) continued to shine, drilling Brazilian Fabiano Pena, 11-3-1 (8 KOs) to the canvas with a massive right halt, which ended the bout. Time of the stoppage was 1:15 of the opening stanza.
Said Elbiali after his first round KO:
“I didn’t have enough time to really show what I can do.
“I want to show people I can box.  I do have great defense. I have great footwork.
“I’m sure one day I will go toe-to-toe with a great fighter, but until that day comes, I am going to keep knocking people out.
Opening the telecast featherweights’ waged war as Jorge Lara, 27-0-2 (19KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico and Jesus Rojas, 22-1-2 (15KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico battled in a scheduled ten round tilt.
Lara was badly cut twice during the bout from a clash off heads. Following the sixth round the bout was stopped as Lara stated to the referee he was unable to see.
Scorecard tallies were 57-57 from all three judges resulting in a very disappointing technical draw.
Stated Rojas after the draw:
“I came here to fight like a man and I’m very disappointed. I wish it didn’t end that way, with an accidental head butt.
“I am definitely looking for a rematch, but I want it to be in Puerto Rico. I came to his house with his crowd and now I want to box and bang on the island.
Said Lara:
“I’m very upset with the way this went. Rojas is a dirty fighter. I came to fight and show people what this sport is all about.
“My eye just kept getting worse and worse as the fight went on. There was no way I could continue.”
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @JoeyHernandez, @FS1, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @ThePalladium and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

AHMED ELBIALI TO FACE PENA ON FOX SPORTS 1

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 Photo By Team Elbiali
MIAMI, FL (September 2, 2015) – On Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California, undefeated light heavyweight power puncher, Ahmed Elbiali (11-0, 10 KOs) is scheduled to fight on the televised portion of the Premier Boxing Champions on Fox Sports 1 card headlined by Austin Trout (29-2, 16 KOs) vs. Joey Hernandez (24-3-1, 14 KOs).  Elbiali will face an Fabiano Pena (12-3-1, 8 KOs) in an 8-round bout.  The PBC telecast will begin at 9PM ET / 6PM PTlive on Fox Sports 1.
Elbiali, who’s known for having heavy hands, is one of the most exciting fighters in the light heavyweight division. With a 90% knockout ratio, Elbiali is being touted as the next great knockout artist.  He’ll look to continue that trend against Pena.
“I’m always looking to end the fight early if I get my opponent hurt,” said Ahmed Elbiali. “A couple of fights ago I went the distance for the first time and I felt good knowing I can fight into the later rounds if need be. I love to let my hands fly and bring exciting fights to the fans. That’s what I try to do in all my fights. On September 8th, I’ll be looking to do the same.”
With Al Haymon guiding the career of Elbiali, sky is the limit.
“Working with Al Haymon has been great for my career.” Elbiali continued. “Fighting on TV once again is bringing great exposure my fighting style, and I’m very appreciative to Haymon for all his hard work.  My goal is to become a world champion and be known as one of the most exciting fighters in my division.”
Tickets priced $28.50 – $78.50 not including fees, are on sale in person at the Palladium box office or online at here.  Doors open at 5PM PT, with the first televised fights starting at 6PM PT.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

UNBEATENS IVAN REDKACH, DEJAN ZLATICANIN  CLASH IN MAIN EVENT ON SHO EXTREME®  WINNER GETS CRACK AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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Rising Star Julian Williams Aims to Remain Undefeated

Saturday, June 13 at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

 

NEW YORK (June 5, 2015) – With a shot at a lightweight world title on the line, undefeated world-ranked contenders Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach and Dejan “El Dinamita” Zlaticanin will square off in a 12-round eliminator Saturday, June 13, in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

 

In the co-feature, unbeaten top 10-ranked super welterweight Julian “J Rock” Williams (19-0-1, 11 KOS, 1 ND), of Philadelphia, will be opposed by Armenia’s Armen Ovsepyan (14-4, 11 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., in a ten-round bout.  Time permitting, hard-hitting light heavyweights Ahmed Elbiali (10-0, 9 KOs, 1-1 WSB), of Miami, Fla, and Donta Woods (8-4, 7 KOs), of Atlanta, will collide in a swing match.

 

Later that evening, in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®main event, undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (33-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will make the first defense of his title when he faces Eric “Drummer Boy” Molina (23-2, 17 KOs), of Raymondville, Texas, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

 

The winner between Redkach (18-0, 1 ND, 14 KOs), of Los Angeles, and Zlaticanin (16-0, 9 KOs), of Montenegro, becomes the mandatory challenger to Jorge Linares, the WBC 135-pound world champion who registered a 10th-round TKO over then-No. 1 contender Kevin Mitchell on May 30.  Zlaticanin and Redkach are the second- and third-rated contenders by the WBC at 135 pounds.

 

Redkach and Zlaticanin are talented southpaws who were both accomplished amateurs in Eastern Europe.  Redkach, a 2008 Olympic Games alternate for his native Ukraine, is known for his aggressive and relentless style.  The 29-year-old is coming off a sixth-round knockout over Yakubu Amidu last Jan. 9 on ShoBox: The New Generation and has been angling for a title shot in 2015.

 

“This is the most important fight of my life,” said Redkach, who made ESPN.com’s “Top 20 Prospects to Watch” lists in 2012 and 2013. “I’ve never trained longer or harder for a fight.  My trainer, Robert Garcia, has me totally prepared and in great shape.

 

“It’s going to be a good action fight.  I’ve watched tapes of [Zlaticanin’s] last two fights so I feel I’m familiar with him.  He’s very strong and he throws a lot of punches.  I thank him [Zlaticanin] for coming to the United States.  I’m honored.  But this is a good matchup for me.  I want to thank my team for giving me this opportunity.  This is another step closer to my dream, the world title.  I’m confident in myself. I’m going to put on a great show.”

 

Dejan (pronounced “DAY-han) Zlaticanin (silent “z” – pronounced “la-ti-CAH-nin) is making his U.S. and 2015 debut.  Zlaticanin’s most significant victory of his career came two outings ago when, as a prohibitive underdog, he earned a well-deserved 12-round split decision over hometown favorite Ricky Burns, a former two-division world champion.

 

The 31-year-old Zlaticanin, who moved training camps to the U.S. for his stateside debut, is an offensive-minded fighter who constantly pressures his opponents, outworks them and wears them down.  Zlaticanin, of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, represents the toughest opponent of Redkach’s career, though he’ll be giving away four inches in height to his opponent.

 

“I think I will knock Ivan Redkach out,” Zlaticanin said. “I don’t like his behavior.  Now that I’m training in America, I think I will be stronger and better than I was before.”

 

The fast-rising Williams, 25, is making his sixth appearance on SHO EXTREME, more than any other boxer.  Ranked in the top ten by multiple sanctioning bodies, the undefeated 154-pounder has won six consecutive fights, four by knockout since a bout with still-unbeaten Hugo Centeno Jr., ended in a fourth-round No Decision in September 2013.  Williams was up, 3-0 in rounds scored, when the fight was halted due to an unintentional clash of heads.  In his last start he scored one knockdown en route to a shutout 10-round decision over veteran Joey Hernandez on April 4.

 

“I’ve seen some tape on my opponent,” Williams said. “He seems to be a really good, solid fighter.  I’m expecting a tough fight, and I’m prepared. I’m ready.”

 

The 29-year-old Ovsepyan trains out of the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles and has campaigned for most of his career in California or Russia.  The aggressive-minded Ovsepyan has had difficulty getting fights in the past and this will be his first ring assignment in 13 months.

 

“I’ve been training for a whole year now,” he said. “They kept telling me that I could get a fight at any minute. I was supposed to have a fight in December, but it was canceled.

 

“I’ve seen Williams fight a couple of times, but it doesn’t matter to me.  I don’t even want to know anything about my opponent.  I just want to get back in the ring and get a win.  I’m hungry and he better not be taking me lightly.”

 

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, undefeated Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza(19-0, 12 KOs), of Cidra, Puerto Rico, will take on Andrey Klimov (19-1, 9 KOs), of Klimovski, Russia, in a 12-rounder for the vacant IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship.

 

Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast with Barry Tompkins calling the blow-by-blow at ringside alongside expert analyst Steve Farhood.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team are on sale now.  Tickets start at only $25 with the best seats in the house going for $200.  VIP packages are also available.  To purchase tickets fans should visit alabamatitlefight.com.  Tickets are selling fast and a sellout is anticipated.

 

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“WILDER vs. MOLINA,” a 12-Round fight for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight Championship, takes placeSaturday, June 13, at The Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala. DiBella Entertainment and Bruno Event Team have joined forces to bring this event to Alabama. In the co-main event co-romoted by DiBella in association with Universal Promotions, Jose Pedraza will face Andrey Klimov in a 12-Round bout for the IBF Jr. Lightweight World Title. It will air live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.dbe1.com follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #WilderMolina, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/