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Tag Archives: boxing
Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver Credits USA Boxing for giving him Structure that carried him to top
 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 21, 2018) – Future Hall of Famer Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver (31-6-1, 1 NC, 22 KOs) has just about done it all as a boxer having been an Olympic medal winner and world champion as an amateur, along with capturing five major light heavyweight world titles as a professional, as well as a pair of The Ring magazine’s top honors, and four other world championships in two different divisions.“I credit USA Boxing for giving me structure for the first time in my life,” Tarver explained. “Everything was scheduled; curfew, eating, training, sleep….everything! I then understood that I had to be accountable for everything I did. I had talent, but I wasn’t structured, and that was bigger than me. I had to adjust to authority. My determination took off, giving me support I never had before. I went on to make speaking engagements and get sponsors. I broke barriers. I’ve been the best at every level that I fought at in the world.”
Tarver was a highly decorated amateur who had an amazing 158-12 record. He is the only boxer to capture gold medals at World Amateur Championships, U.S. National Championships and Pan-American Games in the same year (1995). The Orlando, Florida-born southpaw won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, losing in the quarterfinals to future world champion Vassiliy Jirov, who Tarver had defeated in the semifinals of the 1995 World Amateur Championships. Tarver also won top honors at the 1994 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 1995 World Championships Challenge.
“I went on a winning roll in 1995 and went into the Olympics in rare form,” Tarver said. “And that’s why I was favored to win a gold medal. I was hitting him (Jirov), the same guy I’d beaten in the World Championships, but no points were registering for me. I had a good second round, but I was down three points, so I threw my game plan away in the third round. I felt I had to do more and got away from my style: counter punching, not getting hit, and being patient. I thought I had won and so did a lot of people. I made up for that, though, with a gold-medal professional career.
“I had been faced with a decision about going pro after I was beaten in the ’92 Olympic Trials. I decided to stay in the amateurs, despite not having any guarantees about making the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team. I sacrificed four years of my pro career, which is why I turned pro at a relatively late age (27). I was determined when I found out the 1996 Olympics were in Atlanta. I think I made the right decision and I have no regrets.
“I had always dreamed of going to the Olympics. I saw Roy Jones, Jr – we first fought each other at 13 – get robbed of gold. I was watching that on television, jumped up, and knew where I was heading: The Olympics! We both suffered horrible decisions in the Olympics and I knew then that our careers would be parallel.
Tarver made his pro debut February 18, 1997 in Philadelphia, stopping Joaquin Garcia (4-0) in the second round.
“I was an Olympic bronze medal winner but when I first turned pro,” Tarver added, “I didn’t have a promoter or manager. Nobody was willing to take a chance on me until I was 4-0, when I signed by first contract with Russell Peltz. I felt nobody could beat me.”
Nobody was able to beat Tarver, at least until his 17th pro fight, when Eric Hardingdefeated Tarver by way of a 12-round unanimous decision.
Two years later, Tarver embarked on a 12-fight murderer’s row stretch during the next seven years, arguably establishing him as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. It all started with a successful rematch with Harding (21-1-1) in Indianapolis, when Tarver dropped Harding in the fourth round, plus twice more in the fifth, on his way to a fifth-round technical knockout to avenge his lone pro loss to that date.
Next up for Tarver was a showdown with 44-3 Montell Griffin for the WBC and IBF 175-pound division titles, which were vacated by Roy Jones Jr., April 26, 2003 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. In his first world title shot as a pro, Tarver pitched a complete shutout, decking Griffin in the first and last rounds to shut out his opponent by scores of 120-103 from all three judges.
Seven months later, however, Tarver lost a controversial 12-round majority decision and his WBC crown (he was stripped of his IBF belt) to WBA Super and IBO champion Jones in Las Vegas. The following May at the venue, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, though, Tarver became the first to knockout Jones, putting him to sleep in the second round.
Tarver then became a mainstream celebrity, appearing on late-night shows and covers ofThe Ring magazine and KO Magazine, and co-hosting an ESPN Friday Night Fights telecast.
“I was robbed in my first fight with Roy,” Tarver insisted. “They called my knockout of Roy the greatest upset in light heavyweight history. Why didn’t they see me coming? I had beaten everybody ranked ahead of me. Roy was the pound-4-pound king, but he knew. I may not be the fastest, the quickest, or the strongest, but I doubt that there’s ever been a pro fighter to enter the ring with a higher IQ than me. Even at my age, I still feel that way today.”
The WBC stripped Tarver of his title in 2004 for fighting IBF champion Glen Johnson (41-9-2) instead of the WBC mandatory challenger. Johnson, ironically, was stripped of his IBF title for the same reason right before his fight in Los Angeles with Tarver. Tarver and Johnson fought for The Ring and IBO titles and Johnson won a 12-round split decision.
In their rematch six months later in Memphis, Tarver won a unanimous 12-round decision over Johnson to capture the IBO strap. Tarver completed his trilogy with Jones, retaining his IBO title with a unanimous 12-round decision (117-111, 116-112, 116-112).
Tarver lost a 12-round decision June 10, 2006 in Atlantic City to Bernard Hopkins for the IBO championship, which was soon vacated and recaptured by Tarver with a 12-round majority decision over Elvir Muriqi (34-3).
Tarver traveled to Australia in 2011 to challenge IBO cruiserweight champion and local hero Danny Green, who retired after nine rounds, as Tarver added another title belt to his display case.
In December of 2013 in Temecula, California, Tarver knocked out Jonathon Banks (29-2-1) in the seventh round, and Tarver’s last fight was a 12-round split decision draw with former world champion Steve Cunningham (28-7) in Newark, New Jersey.
In 2006, Tarver starred as Mason “The Line” Dixon, the heavyweight champion in the film,Rocky Balboa.
Tarver, as he marches towards his planned history-making performance by becoming the oldest heavyweight world champion of all-time, also has served as a color commentator in boxing for Spike TV and Showtime.
Today, at the age of 49, Tarver is still technically active, and he also trains his son and undefeated middleweight prospect, Antonio Tarver, Jr. (5-0 (4 KOs), where they live in Tampa, Florida.
“I was older than the rest of the boxers on the U.S. Olympic Team and the U.S. National Team,” Tarver remarked. “What a team! Guys like Diego Corrales and Zab Judah didn’t make that Olympic Team. I gave Floyd Mayweather, Jr. his first moniker, ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’, until he changed it years later to ‘Money’. We had a bond on that Olympic team with Floyd, Fernando Vargas, David Reid, Zarim Raheem and the others.”
Although at the age of 49 he is still an active fighter, Tarver occassionally does some color commentating and he trains pro and amateur boxers at a gym in Tampa, Florida. “I’m not retired as a fighter,” Tarver commented. “I started a program, ‘Train with The Champ’, and it includes room rent and training. I like to say it’s an AirB&B for boxing. I train my son (5-0 middleweight Antonio Tarver, Jr. there. I learned a lot from my early days, training in Orlando with my coach, Lou Harris, and I reunited with Jimmy Williams, who is 90 now, training my son together in Tampa.
Tarver also is an advocate of the relatively new “USA Boxing Alumni Association,” which was created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — the Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
“I’m going online to join,” Tarver said. “I’m looking forward to attending an Alumni Association meeting, June 24-30 during the Junior Olympics in Charleston, West Virginia.
Everything that goes around, comes around, in USA Boxing. Just ask future Hall of Fame candidate Antonio Tarver.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
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ADONIS STEVENSON RETAINS WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER BATTLING BADOU JACK TO MAJORITY DRAW IN HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BOUTSATURDAY IN SPLIT-SITE DOUBLEHEADER ON SHOWTIME®
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Gary Russell Jr. Outpoints Joseph Diaz Jr. to remain WBC Featherweight Champion at MGM National Harbor
in Maryland
Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On
SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click HERE For Stevenson-Jack Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE For Additional Stevenson-Jack Photos; Credit Janer Bigio/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE For Russell Jr.- Diaz Jr. Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
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NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (May 20, 2018) – WBC Light Heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson and former two-division world champion Badou Jack fought to a highly competitive majority draw Saturday at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. At MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and in the opening bout on SHOWTIME, Gary Russell Jr. (29-1, 17 KOs) defeated Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (26-1, 14 KOs).
With the draw, Stevenson retains the WBC belt in what was Toronto’s most significant world title fight in more than 30 years. The judges scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Jack and 114-114 twice. Russell won his fight via unanimous decision, 115-113 and 117-111 twice, to retain his WBC featherweight world title.
The Stevenson-Jack bout was the main event of a split-venue SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader. Video recap here: https://s.sho.com/2LgUaqL
It was a day that saw SHOWTIME deliver three world championship fights from three countries.
In a bout filled with momentum swings, it was Jack (21-1-4, 13 KOs) who was the busier and more accurate fighter. While Stevenson (29-1-1, 24 KOs) outpointed Jack in the early rounds, the challenger turned it on in round number seven and dominated the champion in the second half of the fight. In rounds seven through ten, Jack out landed Stevenson 114-40. However, a ferocious body shot from the right hand of Stevenson in round ten altered the momentum back in his favor.
Stevenson, who has resided in Montreal since he was five-years-old, was able to gain a second wind in the 11thround, riding the momentum of the body shot that injured Jack. With everything on the line in the night’s final round, both fighters emptied the tank and left it all in the ring. Jack rebounded tremendously and when the final bell rang, it was Stevenson who was struggling to stay on his feet.
“I went to the body and saw that he was fatigued,” said Stevenson, who moves to 9-0-1 in world title fights. “I had to keep the pressure on him. He’s a slick fighter, a two-time world champion but I felt I won the fight.
“I used both hands. I touched him a lot with the right hand on the body and slowed him down. He tried to come and attack me. I feel like I won the fight but I’ll give him a rematch if he wants it.”
Jack, who started the fight sluggishly, thought he did enough in the later rounds to win the fight.
“I thought I definitely won the fight,” said Jack, who drew for the fourth time in his career. “No judge had him winning. I have no idea why I can’t get a decision. It could be that they’re jealous of Floyd and don’t like him. I’m one of his top fighters. I can’t do anything about it. I’m not the judge. I have to respect their decision.
“Maybe I started the fight too slow. I gave away those rounds. He didn’t really hit me. I can’t do anything about it, let’s do a rematch in Las Vegas. I came to his backyard, it’s time he comes out to Vegas.”
In the main event from MGM National Harbor in Maryland, it was a tactical and hard fought battle of two former U.S. Olympians as Russell Jr. (29-1, 17 KOs) defeated Diaz Jr. (26-1, 14 KOs). Russell won the contest via unanimous decision, 115-113 and 117-111 twice, to retain his WBC featherweight world title. The 29-year-old hometown favorite used his hand speed, quickness and relentless attack to overwhelm Diaz Jr., the previously undefeated top-ranked contender.
Russell Jr.’s game plan to dictate the pace and establish the jab was clear, throwing a career-high 587 jabs throughout the 12-round battle. While the number of punches landed were close (199-192 in favor of Russell Jr.), Russell Jr.’s output trumped Diaz Jr.’s accuracy as the champion’s career-high 992 punches thrown were the most ever for him in a CompuBox tracked fight. Diaz Jr. was committed to attacking the body of Russell Jr., but he was unable to break the champion down, who injured his right hand in the third round.
“We train to survive those body shots,” said Russell Jr. “We put the work in every day in the ring. We consistently grind and push ourselves to be great and we push ourselves to the limit.
“I was disappointed in my performance because I wasn’t planning on going the distance. I hurt the right hand, but I still had to use it, because he could not get past my jab.”
Diaz Jr. showed heart and youthful enthusiasm, closing the fight with a strong final round but ultimately, he lacked the creative, diversified attack needed to truly trouble Russell Jr.
“The game plan was to break him down with the body shots and start attacking him more in the later rounds,” said the South El Monte, Calif. native. “But I started attacking him too late and didn’t pick it up until the 8th or 9th round. Gary Russell Jr. is a tremendous fighter and he did a great job keeping me at bay.”
“This will just make me a hungrier fighter. I hope I got the respect of a lot of fight fans. I wanted to become champion against the best featherweight fighter in the world. Tonight wasn’t my night but I’m going to bounce back harder and I’ll be champion soon.”
Earlier in the day of in a live stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page, Josh Warrington became the new IBF featherweight world champion by upsetting Lee Selby in a split-decision victory. The judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113 and 113-115.
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, mayweatherpromotions.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @AdonisSuperman, @BadouJack, @MrGaryRussellJr, @JosephDiazJr, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.. Stevenson vs. Jack was promoted by promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions and Russell Jr vs. Diaz Jr. was promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions.
Subriel Matías shines; defeated Mexican Adrián Estrella
Cataño, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rican super prospect Subriel Matias (10-0, 10 KO’s) from the Maternillo neighborhood of Fajardo, won by technical knockout in the fifth round over Mexican Adrián Estrella (28-2, 24 KO’s) in combat held at the park Pedro ‘Perucho’ Cepeda in Cataño as part of the event promoted by Fresh Productions Boxing.
In the first two rounds, Estrella was able to establish his boxing, but entering the third round, the Puerto Rican began to throw an accurate jab that led him to combine more shots to take the round.
The fourth round was a action packed for both fighters. Both were connecting blows with bad intentions, but in the second half of the round, Matías was able to connect accurate shots to the body and face of the Mexican Estrella who was in bad shape once the round was over. After that, Estrella decided not to continue with the bout.
“I have a lot to improve,” said Subriel Matias, “I lost the first two rounds, he dominated me, but we knew that the victory was ours because I go from less to more and already entering the third round, I was better. I knew I was going to catch it. I know I could have given more in the victory, but we won and I’m happy. I want to thank Adrián Estrella for the opportunity to face him”.
Promoter Juan Orengo of Fresh Productions Boxing said that “Subriel showed that he is a boxer that has to be taken seriously. His punch made a Mexican warrior take off in the middle of the fight. We put strong tests on Subriel because we know that he has all the tools to win and for now, without getting hurt. His resume is very advanced and expect more interesting fights along the way. We will be announcing the next steps soon”.
Before the match, Matias already had strong victories by way of the knockout over world title challenger Daulis Prescott of Colombia, former Olympian Patrick Lopez, former rising prospect Jeffrey Fontánez of Caguas, Puerto Rico and Brazilian power puncher Joaquim Carneiro.
Estrella, on the other hand, has victories over former world champions Celestino Caballero and DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley and over world title contenders, Balweg Bangoyan and Dante Jardón.
In other battles:
In the super welterweight, Derrieck Cuevas (17-0-1, 14KO) defeated Mexico’s Jesús Álvarez (15-5, 11 KO) in a seventh-round TKO.
In the lightweights, Nestor Bravo (13-0, 9 KO) defeated by technical knockout in the first round Colombian Jean Sotelo (26-16-2, 16 KO) in 8-round bout.
At bantanweights, Jonathan ‘Bum Bum’ López (3-0, 3 KO) of Humacao looked impressive when he won by technical knockout in the first round over Frankie Santiago (1-2). Santiago visited the canvas three times.
In the 110 pounds and six rounds, Óscar Marrero (3-1, 2 KO) won by unanimous decision to Alexis Díaz (1-18-1) of Trujillo Alto. The three judges scored 60-54.
In the welterweight division, Alberto Amaro (7-6, 3 KO) defeated by technical knockout in the third round Heriberto Salamán (0-4) of Carolina.
In the super featherweight division, Michael Adorno (3-0, 3 KO) of Vega Alta won by technical knockout in the third round on José Luis Cortés (0-2) of Aguadilla.
In duel of debutantes in the featherweight division, Luis Enrique Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) of Catano knocked out Joshue Mercado ( 0-1 ) in the first round.
JOSH WARRINGTON UPSETS LEE SELBY TO EARN THE IBF FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN FANS LIVE ON SHOWTIME SPORTS SOCIAL PLATFORMS FROM LEEDS, U.K.
WATCH THE FULL FIGHT: https://s.sho.com/2L5dV4G
NEW YORK (May 19, 2018) – Josh Warrington became the new IBF featherweight world champion by upsetting Lee Selby in a split-decision victory. The bout was streamed live to U.S. audiences via the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page from Elland Road Football Ground in Leeds, U.K. The judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113 and 113-115.
Warrington (27-0, 6 KOs), from Leeds, used the energy of the home crowd and established control of the fight from the onset. He was the more aggressive fighter, catching Selby with a clean left hook to the jaw and an equally powerful right hand in the second round. In the same round, Selby, who was making the fifth defense of the IBF title that he earned in 2015, suffered a substantial cut above his left eye from an accidental headbutt. The cut would plague him for the remainder of the fight. In the middle rounds, Warrington continued the barrage to the head of Selby, who was taken to the corner in the sixth round for inspection after a second accidental headbutt but was allowed to continue. (Click HERE to watch the accidental headbutt)
Selby (26-2, 9 KOs), of Cardiff, Wales, showed the experience and skills that made him champion in the later rounds despite the blood flowing down his face. He was able to regain his composure, establish his jab and land several impressive combinations, doing enough to earn the win in the eyes of one judge. But in the eyes of Warrington, who becomes Leeds’ first ever world champion, it was clear who the victor was. (Click HERE to watch Warrington’s reaction to victory)
“I can’t put into words how I feel. I got into the ring tonight with the expectation of the city on my shoulders,” said Warrington. “I outboxed the boxer tonight.
“I’m overcome with emotion. We worked on gameplans but that all went out of the window and it was sheer grit and determination and this crowd got me through tonight.”
Following Carl Frampton’s victory over Nonito Donaire last month, Warrington’s victory was the second of four high-stakes featherweights’ fights in quick succession on SHOWTIME platforms featuring seven of the consensus top-10 ranked featherweights, including three world champions and four former multi-division champions. Also on Saturday night, WBC World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defends his belt against Joseph Diaz live on SHOWTIME and on June 9, Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares will meet live on SHOWTIME in a highly anticipated rematch for the WBA Featherweight World Title.
Steele spoils Upsher’s comeback bid
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania…. “Right idea, wrong fight”, those were the words of Dallas welterweight, Jonathan Steele who gained his 8th victory as a professional on WFC 87 at Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Steele, who entered the ring on Saturday with 9 fights under his belt squared off against the seasoned veteran, Steven Upsher, 25-5-1(6kos), who was attempting a comeback bid in front of his hometown crowd. Steele dominated the fight from the opening bell, banging Upsher to the body, which ultimately led to the 31 fight veteran to quit in the 5th round of their scheduled 8 round bout.
“We took the fight on a two week notice. My initial fight on May 18th was canceled, and Upsher’s opponent pulled out at the last minute. I didn’t care what his record was, or who he fought. I knew he had never faced a guy like me before.” Steele added.
The 27-year old former United States Marine is managed by Dallas based boxing manager, Adrian Clark.
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This Week’s Combat Sports Show: Nunes vs. Pennington Recap, Lomachenko vs. Linares analysis, Liddell Unretires and calls out Jon Jones
This week’s fight news unlimited combat sports show is a great mix of boxing and mixed martial arts. Tom, Tony and Rich cover all the action from last weekend and marvel at the master of his craft that is Vasyl Lomachenko. We discuss Chuck Liddell coming out of retirement with Golden Boy MMA, and Tito Ortiz taking the debate to be his first opponent. We also have a bit of a debate about Raquel Pennington telling her corner she wanted to be done after the fourth round against Amanda Nunes. Her coaches pep talked her into continuing, which led to more blood loss and facial damage from a clearly more hyped up and fresh opponent. Weigh in right here in the comment section if you have your own opinion on the situation.
Listen to the show live through this link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8igg415vwt22dij/tomtonyrichmay18th2018.mp3?dl=0
Australia, Turkey, Japan and England to host WBO bouts
The World Boxing Organization (WBO), chaired by Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, will have seven fights in different parts of the world this upcoming weekend.
Saturday, May 19:
In Australia, there will be a duel of unbeatens when the popular Australian Liam Paro (13-0, 9 KO’s) faces Sebastian Bytyqi (11-0-1, 8 KO’s) of the Czech Republic for the vacant WBO Youth Jr. Welterweight title. The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds and it’ll take place at the Southport Sharks AFL Club in Southport.
“Paro and Bytyqi have the backing of world champions for this fight. Paro has been sparring with our WBO world champion Jeff Horn and in Bytyqi’s corner, he has Lukas Konecny, a former interim WBO champion and is the best fighter the Czech Republic has given so far”, said Valcárcel.
In Turkey, from the Spor Salonu in Trabzon, former world champion and WBO #2 Firat Arslan (47-8-2, 26 KO’s) will face Isaac Paa Kwesi Ankrah (14-7, 12 KO’s) of Ghana in a 10 round bout for the WBO Inter-Continental Jr. Heavyweight belt. Former Olympian, current WBO junior welterweight European champion and #12 ranked, Fatih Keles (10-0-1, 5 KO’s) of Turkey, will be making the third defense of his title against Russian Maxim Churbanov (8-3-1) and former Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen (8-0-0) will defend his WBO European Heavyweight Title against Georgia’s Tornike Puritchamiashvili (11-8-0, 7 KO’s).
In England, WBO Inter-Continental Junior Welterweight title holder and 4th ranked Jack Catterall (20-0, 11 KO’s) will be making his seventh title defense against Frenchman Christopher Sebire (26-10-1, 9 KO’s). Then, in duel of Englishmen, Darren Tetley (15-0, 6 KO’s) will face Mason Cartwright (13-0-1, 5 KO’s) for the vacant WBO welterweight European belt. The fight venue is the Elland Road Football Ground in Leeds.
Sunday – May, 20 2018
The boxing movement of WBO regional titles continues, and will take place in Japan, where the WBO Asia-Pacific lightweight champion and #2 ranked Nihito Arakawa (31-6-1, 18 KO’s) will put his title on the line against Filipino, Rimar Metuda (12-3, 7 KO’s) in a bout that’ll take place in the Ota-City General Gymnasium.
“We are very active all around the world. We are extending our organization so that the best fighters represent the WBO. Several of the fighters who will see action this weekend are close to going for a world title. Arakawa, Catterall, Arslan, Demirezen and Keles are very well ranked. If they continue with their winning streaks, great things will come for them”, expressed Valcárcel.
Split-T Management signs undefeated Junior Lightweight Erick De Leon
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New York, NY (May 18, 2018)-Split-T Management has signed undefeated junior lightweight contender Erick De Leon to an exclusive managerial contract.
De Leon, 26 years old of Detroit by way of Sabina Nuevo Leon, Mexico has a record of 17-0-1 with 10 knockouts.
Before turning professional, De Leon was a three-time (2009-2011) National Golden Gloves champion as well as a Ringside World champion in 2008. He also was a 2008 National Silver Gloves champion.
De Leon turned professional in 2012, and has amassed wins over Fidel Navarrete (8-1-2), Jose Salinas (10-2-1) & Daulis Prescott (31-4).
In his last bout, De Leon waged a ten-round battle with fellow undefeated top 130-pound contender Andy Vences which ended in a draw.
“I am very happy and blessed to join the Split-T Management family,” said De Leon. “I am motivated, and I know we will do big things together. I can do everything in boxing. My preference is to be aggressive and make it exciting for the fans but it comes down to what I need to do to win. Whether it is boxing or brawling, I’ll do what I have to do get the W. I am a gym rat, and I want to be the best, which means I want to fight the big dogs in the 130 pound division.”
Said Split-T Management CEO, David McWater, “I am ecstatic to have a fighter of Erick De Leon stature in the Split-T Management family as well. He is one of the best Junior Lightweights in the world, and I am looking forward to help him achieve his dream of becoming the Undisputed Jr. Lightweight in the world!
ABOUT SPLIT-TMANAGEMENT
Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.
Their impressive roster includes:
World Rated Contenders
IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk
Welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson
Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Antonio Nieves
2016 Olympians
Lightweight Teofimo Lopez
Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell
Bantamweight Antonio Vargas
Undefeated Prospects
Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw, Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako
Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones
Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov
Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, De
Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller
Junior Middleweights: Ardreal Holmes, Hurshidbek Normatov, Fred Wilson, Jr.
Welterweight’s Janelson Bocachica, Poindexter Knight, Mark Dawson, Boubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo
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Gary Russell Jr. vs. Joseph Diaz Jr. Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
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NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (May 17, 2018) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. and unbeaten top contender Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they enter the ring May 19 live on SHOWTIME (10:05 p.m. ET/PT) in the main event from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
The battle between the 2008 U.S. Olympian Russell Jr. and the 2012 U.S. Olympian Diaz Jr. is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that will feature WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson defending his title against two-division world champion Badou Jack in a main event from Toronto.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions, are on sale now and are available by visitinghttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
Both fighters were joined on stage by their fathers who also train them, with Gary Russell Sr. and Joseph Diaz Sr. sitting by their sons ahead of Saturday’s matchup. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from MGM National Harbor:
GARY RUSSELL JR.
“We’re 120 percent ready for fight night. We’re hungry. As long as I have this strap, nobody is walking in here and taking it. I know Diaz is going to bring his best to the table, but we’re ready. The strap is staying at home.
“Me and my little brothers Gary Antuanne and Gary Antonio are on the undercard and they’re going to show the work they’ve been doing. Our dad’s birthday is the day after the fight so you know we have to make it special for him.
“It’s cool that both me and ‘JoJo’ are trained by our fathers. Because at the end of the day, when you look at your coach, that’s your last line of defense. When everything else goes wrong, you have to go the corner. You have to have a level of trust and belief in your corner, so who better to have than a parent there?
“It’s difficult for me to know if ‘JoJo’ is my toughest opponent since Vasyl Lomachenko because I never train with a lot of worry about my opponents. I think that the biggest thing is preparing myself to the best of my ability and being the best that I can possibly be.
“I believe in my ability to make the necessary adjustments, no matter what my opponent brings to the ring. If he wants to come in and box, we are equally as comfortable boxing long ranged as we are making the fight rugged. In order to be great at anything, you have to have a level of versatility. That’s something I bring to the table that a lot of fighters don’t bring.
“Diaz worked his way up the ranks to get this fight. He did everything you have to do to get in position to fight for a world title. He’s already mentioned that I’m the best fighter in the division and he knows that all the other champions in the division are afraid to step up and compete against me.
“Any fighter who has two months or more to prepare for one opponent is definitely dangerous. We never overlook anyone. I believe in my hand speed, my punching power, my ring generalship and in my ability to make adjustments.
“If we can get through this bout, I would love to get in the ring and unify with any of the other featherweight champions. The timing is perfect right now for any of these unification fights. If they still don’t want it, I’m willing to move up in weight to meet any of the guys who have a name. It’s time to make it happen.
“I take my hat off to him and to his team for having the guts to step into the ring. There are only certain people who can be made for this sport and it speaks volumes about him as an individual. I don’t expect anything less than a worthy opponent.
“It’s a pleasure being here for this fight right near my hometown. We had a very long training camp and everything is feeling good heading into the fight.”
JOSEPH DIAZ JR.
“It’s right here and around the corner. I’m very excited for the moment to be here. I’ve been waiting for this my whole entire life and I’m not going to take anything for granted. I trained extremely hard for this fight.
“I absolutely think Gary is overlooking me. I think he underestimated me. I’ve trained for this my whole entire life. This opportunity has been presented to me by my hard work and it’s really the opportunity of a lifetime. I can’t wait to show everybody my skills and what I’m truly about.
“It’s all about timing. Gary has the fastest hands in boxing but we’ve watched a lot of tape and we see a lot of flaws. Every fighter has flaws. We’re just going to capitalize on what we see and take full advantage on Saturday night.
“I don’t think Gary having not fought since last year will be any kind of advantage. I want Gary Russell Jr. to be at his best come fight night. I know that I’m at my best and the best man should win on fight night. There shouldn’t be any excuses after this fight and after I win the title.
“I believe after I win this title on Saturday night that I’ll be on top of the throne in the featherweight division. Hopefully I can get some big fights soon after that.
“I’m prepared for everything he’s going to offer. He’s going to come out and box a little bit and look to use his jab, create angles and use his speed to keep me out of range. It’s going to come to the point where he’s not going to want to move as much and he’ll starting fighting on the inside. That’s where I want to be. We’re going to deliver some great blows and may the best man win.
“I know what Gary Russell Jr. brings to the table. I know he’s the toughest fighter in the division but I’m ready to go out there and bring back the WBC title. I’m ready to fight the best and unify all the titles.
“It’s going to be fireworks on Saturday night. I’ve had a perfect training camp and I’m on weight. Everything feels great and I can’t wait to step into the ring.
“I’m ready for anything. If it stops early or goes the distance, I’m going to keep pushing each round more than the last.
“It would mean everything to win this world title. Not just for myself, but for my whole family. All the hard work and struggles that we’ve been through, it’s finally here. I’m going to do everything I can to come out victorious. Our lives are going to change and I’m going to inspire the youth and the people around me. I want people to know that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible.”
GARY RUSSELL SR., Russell’s Father & Trainer
“The reason for the inactivity is just politics. We always have the intention on fighting but we want to find the best opponent for Gary. ‘JoJo’ is the mandatory so we’re going to fight him and after we get this win, we’re looking at Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Carl Frampton. We want to unify.
“Before Gary retires from the sport, he’ll move up and do whatever it takes to get a rematch with Lomachenko.
“We like to say that this is just Gary’s occupation. He gets paid to fight and he’s able to support his family because of that. All of the accolades don’t really mean anything to him or to us. The WBC belt is definitely the most prestigious, but like Gary said, we’re not really into the little trinkets. He would take it to the pawn shop if he could. We’re not really into those type of accolades. We just want to conduct ourselves as gentlemen, set an example and get paid.”
JOSEPH DIAZ SR., Diaz’s Father & Trainer
“It’s a blessing to be in this position. I really believe that god didn’t bring us this far only to bring us this far. I really think the journey is going to continue. I’m very proud of my son. He has worked really hard and has shown a lot of will and determination. It means the world to me that he’s pursuing his career and is doing something that he loves doing.
“It’s exciting to finally have a fight on the east coast. It’s beautiful out here. Joseph has been wanting to fight out here and now he has that opportunity to meet some of the fans he has out here that he hasn’t had the chance to meet.
“Russell Jr. is a fast fighter. He’s skilled and he’s smart in there. We’ve been working on Joseph’s timing. Joseph’s a little deceiving because he kind of moves a little slow but he’s actually much faster than people think he is. The speed of Russell doesn’t affect us at all. Joseph has sparred and fought fast fighters especially in the amateurs.
“The plan is to go in there and beat Gary Russell up. And we’re hoping this win sets up bigger and better fights with the Santa Cruz and the Selby’s of the world. All of the champions. We’re hoping to get some of those opportunities because it will bring a lot of attention to the boxing world. Joseph will be a very good ambassador for the sport of boxing.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc.
“We’re thrilled to be here at MGM National Harbor. MGM is an incredible brand that means a lot in boxing. It is a brand that is known throughout the sport at the highest level and we appreciate the entire MGM organization and their support for the sport.
“Gary Russell Jr. vs. ‘JoJo’ Diaz which is an outstanding matchup. Gary is without questions one of the most skilled-if not the most skilled fighter in any division. He’s known for having the fastest hands in the sport. ‘JoJo’ Diaz is a young rising star who I’ve known personally since he turned pro. These are two action fighters. They’re fan-friendly fighters who will deliver an action packed night.
“It’s been an interesting couple of weeks in boxing. A lot of announcements, new ventures and big promises. But here at SHOWTIME we just keep doing what we’ve been doing, and what we’ve been doing is delivering the best fighters, the biggest fights, week after week and month after month.
“SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is the home of more world champions and more world championship fights than anywhere on any other network. Speaking of title fights, we’re going to have three of them, from three different countries. At 5 p.m. ETstreaming on the SHOWTIME Facebook and Social Media platforms, we have IBF Featherweight Champion Lee Selby against challenger Josh Warrington. At 10:05 p.m. ET, we will have Russell Jr. vs. Diaz Jr. for the WBC Featherweight title, and immediately following that we’ll take you to Toronto for a light heavyweight world title fight between Adonis Stevenson and Badou Jack.
“All six of these fighters competing in Saturday’s world title fights are ranked in the top 10 of their division and have a combined record of 157 wins with only four losses.”
PETE BRASCIA, Senior VP of Marketing & Operations, MGM National Harbor
“We’re very excited to welcome these fighters and everyone involved in this event, back to MGM National Harbor. One year ago I was on a similar stage as we prepared for Gary Russell Jr. to defend his world title, and he did not disappoint his fans.
“The fans here in Prince George’s County and the whole region love a good show and a good fight. They love it even more when they can root on their hometown hero. Saturday night, will be no different.
“This will be an incredible show between Gary Russell Jr. and the undefeated Olympian ‘JoJo’ Diaz. I’m hoping for good weather Saturday night, but I’m certain we’re going to get a good show.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, , @MrGaryRussellJr, @JosephDiazJr, @TGBPromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.