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Tag Archives: boxing
Baranchyk Blitzes Cruz; Witt-Morrison, Cook win in Miami, OK
Miami, OK (June 27, 2016) – Hot junior welterweight prospect Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk kept his perfect record intact following a three round thrashing of previously unbeaten Eliseo Cruz Saturday, June 25 in Miami, OK.
Topping an exciting fight card promoted by Holden Productions, Baranchyk fought his second consecutive match in the Sooner State. Backed by chants of “Beast, Beast, Beast” from the packed house at the Buffalo Run Casino, Baranchyk battered Cruz until his corner threw in the towel at 1:07 of the third round.
Baranchyk, a Russian based in Brooklyn, NY, is now 11-0 with 10 wins by knockout. Cruz, of Chiapas, Mexico, is 9-1-1 with 6 KO’s following his first setback.
“Four State Franchise” member Jesse Cook of Seneca, MO scored an impressive knockout of hard-hitting Balmaro Solis at 57 seconds of round three. After a slow opening stanza, Cook finished strong with a combination to cap the second. Early in round three, Cook connected with a picture perfect left hook to the body that sent Solis down for the count.
Cook improves to 17-1 (12 KO’s) while Solis of Kansas City, MO slips to 12-3 with all 12 wins by knockout.
Undefeated heavyweight Kenzie Witt-Morrison demolished previously unbeaten Robby Mendez in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Witt-Morrison who fights out of Tulsa, OK and is the half-brother of Trey Lippe-Morrison, battered Mendez until the stoppage.
A member of the “Four State Franchise” who bears a striking resemblance to his late father Tommy Morrison, Witt-Morrison is now 9-0-1 with 8 knockouts. Mendez heads back to Topeka, KS with a 2-1 record.
Bartlesville, OK’s Jarrett “Legacy” Rouse (9-0-1, 4 KO’s) and Noel Esqueda of Wichita, KS (6-3-1, 3 KO’s) fought to a six round draw. The competitive bout could’ve gone either way as both men had their moments but the judges ultimately ruled it even.
In other action, Cuban cruiserweight Luis Garcia (14-0, 12 KO’s) stopped Kansas City, MO veteran Demetrius Walker (8-13-2, 4 KO’s) in the first round.
2012 Azerbaijani Olympian Gaybatulla Gadzhialiyev debuted successfully by outpointing Wichita resident Brandon Phillips Black (1-1, 1 KO) in a middleweight contest.
Debuting World Series of Boxing standout Hurshidbek Normatov of Uzbekistan topped Wichita’s Ramon Barber (6-11, 5 KO’s) in a middleweight affair.
“This was an outstanding, talent rich card.” said Tony Holden. “Ivan Baranchyk is quickly building himself a nice fan base here in Oklahoma and two of the “Four State Franchise” members scored knockouts. We expect to have Trey Lippe-Morrison back shortly and continue to provide our ticketholders with outstanding cards.”
Holden Productions’ next fight card will be announced shortly.
Top Prospects Justin DeLoach, “Cowboy” Ryan Karl and Darwin Price Shine in Eight Round Decisions on Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN From the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio
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KEITH THURMAN OUTPOINTS SHAWN PORTER IN FIGHT OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE SATURDAY IN PRIMETIME ON CBS
Jarrett Hurd Knocks Out Oscar Molina In Opening Bout Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, From Barclays Center In Brooklyn
Click HERE for Photos From Esther Lin/Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
BROOKLYN (June 26, 2016) – Prizefighting returned to CBS on Saturday with a Fight of the Year candidate as undefeated welterweight world champion Keith Thurman edged former world champion Shawn Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges.
The 12,718 fans in attendance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the viewers across the U.S. watching the first primetime boxing event on CBS since Muhammed Ali-Leon Spinks in 1978 were treated to a slugfest between two of the brightest stars in boxing’s glamour division.
Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) combined to throw over 1200 punches in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The marquee showdown was a story of accuracy vs. activity, as Thurman landed 50 percent of his power shots, compared to 38 percent for Porter, and 44 percent of his total punches compared to just 36 percent for the challenger. While Thurman landed at a higher percentage, Porter was the busier fighter, throwing over 100 more punches across 12 rounds.
“One Time” and “Showtime” delivered as advertised, with the powerful sharpshooter buckling Porter multiple times, while the swarming and smothering Porter barreled forward to bully Thurman into the ropes. And while there were no knockdowns, the back-and-forth blockbuster never lacked action and culminated in a standing ovation in the second-highest attended boxing event in Barclays Center history.
“I want to thank Shawn Porter for a tremendous fight. He’s a great warrior,” said Thurman. “Defense is the key to victory. He smothers his punches a lot and makes it difficult for the judges to score. I was able to rock him with clear, effective blows and I believe that was the difference today.
“I would give him a rematch. It was great fight. He was a great opponent. Everyone was saying would he be my toughest opponent to date. I wasn’t able to drop him but I did buckle him a few times.”
The former world champion Porter, a perennial underdog but consummate gentleman, didn’t complain about being on the losing end of his second close decision in a title bout.
“We worked hard, Keith is a great champion,” Porter said. “My dad says to keep your head up. I think I won the fight, but I’m satisfied because the competitor came out tonight.
“We need that rematch. I know the fans want that rematch. If he gives me another chance, I’m going to work hard in the ring and leave with his title.”
The opening bout of the CBS telecast featured a matchup of undefeated super welterweights as Jarrett Hurd graduated from prospect to legitimate contender in the stacked 154-pound class with a dominating 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina.
Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) got to work early, flooring Molina for the first time in his career in the opening round with a powerful counter right uppercut. The bigger and taller Hurd was the more active fighter from the outset, dismantling the previously unbeaten Mexican Olympian with a supremely effective inside game. Hurd threw nearly 750 punches over 10 rounds, compared to just 376 for Molina, connecting on 220 power shots at a nearly 40 percent clip.
Hurd put a stamp on his performance in the final round, closing the show by out landing Molina 33-7 in the final round. With Molina taking a brutal beating and seemingly defenseless in the final minute of the final round, Ricky Gonzalez stepped in to halt the contest at 2:02.
“This is definitely a big win for my career,” Hurd said. “He was taking a lot of shots, but he knew how to survive. It was a big uppercut that knocked him down in round one. People know from my last fight that I have a great right uppercut. He was hurt a couple of times. I don’t think it was a bad stoppage. Molina is a very tough guy who just kept coming through.
“This fight here puts me up with the top contenders in the division. I felt like I could have gone three or four more rounds. I was getting stronger as the fight went on. We’re going right back to the gym so we can get in there again.”
Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) protested, but barring a stunning knockout he was just seconds away from suffering the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision.
“I felt like Hurd was throwing a lot of punches in the tenth round but they weren’t really hurting me,” Molina said. “He was staying busy but he was never really hurting me.
“I went low and I had my head down and he caught me with that uppercut in the first round. He got me with a shot I wasn’t expecting but it was definitely a flash knockdown. I wasn’t hurt.
“I was supposed to use my footwork a lot more but I ended up smothering my shots. He had an awkward defense with a lot of bending down and I couldn’t get into a rhythm.
“This was a big opportunity for me and I felt like I fought a good fight. I’m going to come back stronger. We’re going to work on a lot of things and get back in there.”
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
Earlier in the evening on SHOWTIME, undefeated heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF Heavyweight World Championship for the first time with a seventh round knockout of previously unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale at The O2 in London. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/28VGgsa
Below are quotes from Joshua after Saturday’s win on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL:
Many thought that Dominic Breazeale wouldn’t be able to stand up to your power and speed, but were you grateful for the opportunity to work a little bit more of your boxing skills?
“Well, it’s hard because you can see they’re hurt with every shot – well not every shot – but when you start catching them flush, they can feel the shots with these ten ounce gloves on. So, it’s just a matter of time, but in the process I didn’t want to be receiving any haymakers on the way back.
“It’s been tough I had two weeks off after my last fight, and got straight back in the gym so it was tough. I get a nice little break for once and then I can come back with recharged batteries.”
We know Deontay Wilder was watching the fight. Have you got a message for him, the WBC Champion?
“Unbelievable inspirational person. He was patient, 30-odd fights [and] got his hands on the WBC [belt]. I’m following suit. I’m making my way into the U.S. with SHOWTIME backing me as well. So, he watched that.
“He can pick up whatever he wants to pick up from that, but it’s so different when you’re in the ring with each other. So one day we’ll get to experience what each other’s about.”
Who do you want to fight next?
“Well I think it’s gonna have to be the likes of [Joseph] Parker. I was really looking at Fury… I hope he gets better soon. He hurt his ankle unfortunately, which has postponed it because I was hoping to get that some time in the winter if everything went well July 9th like it didtonight, but we’re gonna have to reschedule that and in the meantime, we can look at other opponents like Parker, if he’s vacant, or anyone else that the people want.”
What do you think that you still need to work on?
“Rest. I need to rest. I’m tired, I’m working hard and as I said, now i can get
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz Takes On Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, July 12 From Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT)
Plus! Unbeaten Prospect Malcolm McAllister Battles Brazil’s Gilberto Pereira & Unbeaten Super Welterweights Thomas Hill & Marcos Hernandez Square-Off in Undercard Action
NICE, CALIF. (June 24, 2016) – Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz (17-1, 8 KOs) will battle exciting brawler Levan Ghvamichava (16-2-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, July 12 from Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California.
Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and features undefeated prospect Malcolm McAllister (7-0, 7 KOs) battling Brazil’s Gilberto Pereira (7-2, 4 KOs) in eight-rounds of super middleweight action while undefeated prospectsThomas Hill (6-0, 1 KO) and Marcos Hernandez (7-0, 2 KOs) compete in an eight-round super welterweight fight.
“I’m very excited to get back in the ring on July 12 in this tough matchup,” said Diaz. “This is my first fight back since my close fight with Lamont Peterson but I’m looking forward to shining and getting back on track towards becoming a world champion.”
“I have been making 140-pounds since I was 16-years-old and the move to 147-pounds is very welcome,” said Ghvamichava. “Along with the hard work I’ve been putting in with my trainer Virgil Hunter, I should show a great deal of improvement against the very skillful Felix Diaz.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call the players club at (707) 262-4000.
A two-time Olympian representing the Dominican Republic, Diaz Jr. won a gold medal at his second Olympic games in 2008 in Beijing. Now fighting out of the Bronx, the 32-year-old increased the level of his competition with victories over Emmanuel Lartey, Adrian Granados and Gabriel Bracero before giving former champion Lamont Peterson all he could handle in losing a majority decision last October.
Ghvamichava will look to rebound from a defeat in his last bout after riding a five-fight win streak that had dated back to 2013. The 30-year-old took down previously unbeaten fighters Jonathan Garcia and Chris Singleton in 2014 and followed it up with triumphs over Cameron Kreal and Cosme Rivera in 2015. Originally from Poti, Georgia, Ghvamichava now trains out of Hayward, California.
Fighting out of Long Beach, California, McAllister turned pro in December 2014 and has knocked out every opponent he’s faced. The 25-year-old stayed busy in 2015 as he picked up five victories before making his 2016 debut with a third round knockout of Tyrone Selders in January. He takes on the Goias, Brazil-native Pereira who will make his second start in the U.S. and most recently stopped Humberto Conceicao in March.
A 22-year-old from Milwaukee, but now fighting out of Las Vegas, Hill turned pro in August 2014 and has yet to be defeated. He began 2016 by defeating Tavorus Teague in a six-round bout in February. He takes on the 23-year-old Hernandez who turned pro in 2013 and has also yet to taste defeat. The Fresno-native picked up three victories in 2015.
For more information: visit www.
Baranchyk-Sesma to meet in battle of unbeatens Saturday in Miami, OK
2012 Olympian Gadzhialiyev to make pro debut on undercard
For Immediate Release
Miami, OK (June 23, 2016) – Junior welterweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk puts his perfect record on the line when he faces fellow unbeaten Eliseo Cruz Saturday, June 25 at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.
Raised in Russia, Baranchyk now fights out of Brooklyn, NY and has an outstanding 10-0 professional ledger with 9 wins by knockout. On March 5, Baranchyk sent shockwaves through the boxing world by brutally knocking out unbeaten Nicholas Givhan (16-0-1) in 21 seconds on ShoBox at the Buffalo Run Casino. Prior to that, Baranchyk needed just 2:38 to demolished undefeated Sadhi Shawareb (9-0-2).
Living and fighting out of Chipas, Mexico, Cruz is 9-0-1 with 6 victories via knockout. In December 2015, Cruz scored an eighth round knockout of Luis Zambrano. His bout against Baranchayk will be Cruz’ fifth scheduled for eight rounds or more.
The “somebody’s 0 must go” fight between Baranchyk and Cruz is scheduled for 8 rounds.
Popular 147 pound prospect Jesse Cook of Seneca, MO battles cement-fisted Bulmaro Solis in the six round co-feature. A member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise,” Cook is 16-1-1 with 11 victories by knockout. Solis, who hails from Kansas City, MO, scored knockouts in each of his 12 wins and only has 2 defeats.
Heavyweight Kenzie Witt-Morrison puts his 8-0-1 record on the line against fellow unbeaten Robby Mendez, 2-0, of Topeka, KS in a six rounder. The son of late Tommy Morrison and step brother of rising prospect Trey Lippe-Morrison, Witt-Morrison is a member of the “Four State Franchise” and continues to improve every time out.
Bartlesville, OK’s Jarrett “Legacy” Rouse, 9-0 (4 KO’s), meets Wichita, KS based Noel Esqueda, 6-3-1 (4 KO’s), in a six round welterweight tilt. Like Cook and Witt Morrison, Rose is a member of the “Four State Franchise” and fought seven of his matches at the Buffalo Run. Esqueda, who has only been defeated by unbeaten opponents, scored a first round knockout last November.
2012 Azerbajani Olympian Gaybatulla Gadzhialiyev makes his pro debut against Whichita, KS’ Brandon Phillips, 1-0, and Hurshidbek Normatov of Uzbekistan enters the ring for the first time as a professional versus Ramon Barber, 6-10 (5 KO’s), also of Wichita, KS.
Cuban standout Luis Garcia “El Leon” Garcia looks to improve his record to 14-0 when he squares off against Kansas City, MO based Demetrius Walker, 8-12-2 (4 KO’s). Garcia was rated amongst the top prospects a few years back but was sidelined due to out of the ring issues. The Garcia-Walker match up is scheduled for ten rounds in the cruiserweight division.
“This card will be an exciting crowd pleaser,” said Tony Holden. “There are multiple fights where somebody’s 0 must go and competitive match ups across the board with fighters from all across the globe showcasing their talent under one roof. The fans at the Buffalo Run are in for a special evening of boxing Saturday night.”
Tickets are on sale at the Buffalo Run box office or by calling 918-542-7140.
Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Jarrett Hurd & Oscar Molina Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
(Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)
“There are real stakes on the line Saturday night.
Our careers are on the line.” — KeithThurman
“I’ve never been more excited to fight in my life.” – Shawn Porter
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions,
Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (June 23, 2016) – Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their eagerly anticipated welterweight world title showdown this Saturday, June 25 in primetime as SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, comes to Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Live televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated super welterweights Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina in a 10-round rumble of rising contenders.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,
The press conference took place at the Dream Hotel PHD Rooftop in downtown Manhattan. Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
KEITH THURMAN
“It’s an honor to be on this platform. I’m excited to be back at Barclays Center. My last fight at Barclays Center was the first time I felt the fans give me love and I felt like I made it.
“I’m excited to feel the energy in the arena. We’re recovered and we’re ready. We did what we needed to so that we’re ready forSaturday night.
“As I think about this fight, these are dreams coming true for me. Sometimes I feel like I’m living a dream. I think about how I was raised by Ben Getty to this moment. Ben used to say that my moment was ‘right around the corner,’ and now it’s here. He was a wise man and he knew what he was talking about.
“This is a great fight. This is what the boxing fans want to see. I truly believe you are looking at two of the best welterweights in the world.
“I’m here as an entertainer. I’m here for the love of the sport. The fans want to see these kinds of fights. It’s obvious in the welterweight division that we are the two most exciting and devastating fighters in the division.
“Everybody kept talking about the sparring video, so I just decided to put it out. Sparring is sparring and fighting is fighting. This fight will be judged and this time I’ll have eight-ounce gloves on.
“It’s always been my dream to be the undisputed champion of the world.
“I’m looking forward to a great performance. I’m excited to a great challenge from Shawn Porter. There is a burning desire within myself to have a knockout victory. It’s hard to make world-class fighters quit. The fans ultimately want to see that knockout victory.
“There are real stakes are on the line this Saturday night. Our careers are on the line. My title is on the line. My undefeated record is on the line. It’s a great fight and a great matchup.
“I do believe that with each and every fight, you step up, you step up and you step up. So, thus the stakes are always higher and there are those times where you get a decent fight. But like I said, this is a great fight at a great moment of both athletes’ careers. We are both in our prime. I’m 27-years-old, Shawn is 28-years-old, we’ve both accomplished many great things and a victory on Saturday night is just going to be another thing to add to the resume.
“This really is the best fight of the best. We’re trying to satisfy the fans and we’re trying to challenge ourselves, push ourselves, and see where we fit in and how great we really are. I’m going to show you Saturday night how great Keith “One Time” Thurman really is.
“Just like Ali said, Saturday night, I’m going to show you how great I am.”
SHAWN PORTER
“It’s here. It’s been long anticipated and it’s here. I have never been more excited to fight in my life. It’s a blessing. Along this journey I’ve been able to learn the basics and excel in the basics and I found myself in a position where I’ve been able to be very successful.
“My hometown Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA title is definitely a motivation. It motivates me to be a winner. I want to bring this belt back to Ohio.
“I’m looking forward to this kind of moment to shine. That’s how you gain notoriety and become bigger. There’s no pressure, just excitement.
“I’m just looking forward to getting in there and getting that energetic feeling. I want to feel the excitement of getting into the ring and all the adrenaline that rushes through.
“This is the fight I wanted. I wanted to have fun training for a fight like this. Keith has made it possible. He’s so good it pushes me to be better.
“This isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time that two friends fight. I’m done talking about us being friends because it’s time for us to start punching each other. My plan is to have great defense, avoid getting hit and win the fight.
“I didn’t take much time off after the postponement. We tried to train and stay ready through the cancellation. You never know when the phone is going to ring. We just wanted to stay in shape, get better and be ready for anything.
“I feel like if Floyd Mayweather comes back, he should fight the winner of this matchup. I believe that will be me.
“I’m not going to go in there looking for a knockout and throw my hands wildly. I’m going to keep up the pace that I normally keep up. I’m a great boxer. People consider me a boxer, but I may surprise you.”
JARRETT HURD
“I’m thankful for this opportunity. This is a great shot for me right now. In my last fight I had an opportunity similar to this. I was a fill-in for television and I did what I was supposed to do.
“Success is accomplished when preparation meets opportunity. I know things like this can happen. It doesn’t change anything. We’re going to go out and do what we trained for.
“You always get butterflies before getting in the ring but that’s normal. Molina is very experienced and has good hand speed but I know what I can do. We’re ready for this.
“I’m happy to be on this stage. This could be the biggest fight of the year and I’m extremely blessed to open it up.
“I’m going to go out there and put on another terrific performance. Molina, he’s an Olympian and he has a lot of experience. He’s a crafty fighter and we’re going to do what we have to do to get the victory.
“We’re ready to do what we’re going to do. It’s going to be a great fight on Saturday night.”
OSCAR MOLINA
“I’m ready for this. I’m more than ready for this. These type of fights are what gets me up to train.
“This guy I’m fighting is young, undefeated and a prospect like myself. I know he’s going to be ready and it’s going to be a tough fight but I’m ready for him.
“This is a huge deal for me. I was already excited to be on this huge undercard. When they told me that I was moving up to CBS I knew how big of an opportunity it is for me and my career.
“Hurd is a tall and lanky fighter. I saw his last fight and I see that he does well with guys who are flat footed. My boxing skills and my footwork are something he’s never seen before. Frank Galarza was tailor-made for Hurd and I think I’m going to be able to give him different looks.
“I’m a boxer-puncher and I can adapt to different styles. I also have power for big knockouts but my boxing skills are most important.
“Fighting in the Olympics taught me to adapt to different styles. I have a fan-friendly style and I’m excited to put on a show.”
DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer
“We’re ready for this fight. Keith trains hard every day and we know Shawn and Kenny well. I’ve brought them to my gym and these two guys have gone a lot of rounds together.
“I think Keith Thurman is the most gifted guy in boxing. He does everything right. Saturday night we’re looking for a great fight and I know in my heart that we will be victorious.”
KEN PORTER, Porter’s Father & Trainer
“It’s great to be here. It’s great to be on this stage with Shawn. This isn’t something we just started getting ready for, this is something he’s been getting ready for since birth. I always had a mindset to put Shawn in a position to excel in life. He has not disappointed.
“I know these guys are going to give it everything they have. It will be 100 percent for as long as it lasts. We’re prepared to take the championship. These are great guys here to the right, but on Saturday we’re bringing everything to the table.
“We’re coming to deliver a great show. Enjoy yourselves on Saturday night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This is what it’s all about. This Saturday night, the best is fighting the best. It’s right here in Brooklyn on CBS. It’s the first fight on CBS in primetime since Muhammad Ali fought over 30 years ago.
“This is a terrific card from top to bottom. There is a tremendous undercard, a great co-feature and a main event that boxing fans have been waiting for a long time.
“This is an undercard chock full of talent. You will want to get there early as there are evenly matched bouts all night.
“SHOWTIME has highlighted the 154-pound division in recent shows, so it makes sense that there will be another significant matchup in that division on CBS Saturday night with Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina.
“We’re not going to talk about friendship and respect anymore with these two guys, that’s in the past and the future. These guys know their future is dependent on beating up the other guy and a fight of this magnitude makes the stakes even higher.
“The best want to fight the best and it starts Saturday night. The winner of this fight wants to be the best in the world. Both men want to be an undisputed welterweight champion.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“June 25 is a very special day and night for us at CBS. It begins with the heavyweight world title being contested between Anthony Joshua and Dominic Breazeale and then the return of boxing to primetime CBS for the first time in almost 40 years.
“This was an easy fight to make. Shawn and Keith, neither one hesitated for a second in taking this fight. All credit goes to them for taking this fight. It’s a difficult fight for both on a big stage.
“Boxing takes criticism for not making the right fights at the right time. One of the bad habits we have is that we spend time thinking about fights that might get made. But now we have the right fight, at the right time and at the right venue. It’s a disservice to not recognize that what is going on Saturday is very special and very exciting.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“It’s an exciting week at Barclays Center. Tonight we host the NBA Draft, the weigh-in tomorrow and our big event Saturdaynight. The momentum is building for this fight and we are on pace for the biggest crowd for a boxing event since we opened.
“We are excited about bringing a great night of fights to Brooklyn. We welcome Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter back to Brooklyn as they have both fought there once before.
“It’s become tradition to have both of you fight in our ring and we know how popular you are with our fans and we love to have you back.
“This will be the first primetime fight on CBS since the first Muhammad Ali-Leon Spinks fight in 1978 and it’s a big moment for the boxing community for sure. We look forward to hosting everyone on Saturday night.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and w
Major statement made by Undefeated Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade
 PROVIDENCE (June 23, 2016) – A year after he was stripped of his world super welterweight title by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), undefeated super welterweight Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade has repositioned himself off of his sensational June 11 th stoppage of Willle “The Great” Nelson on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.
The 28-year-old Andrade (23-0, 16 KOs) decked Nelson (25-3-1, 15 KOs) four times, finishing off his game opponent who’d never been knocked out, in the 12th round of their fight at Turning Stone Casino (Verona, N.Y).
Andrade successfully defended his WBO International title and also gained several valuable options in terms of world title and/or major fights. He is now the No. 1 mandatory contender in the World Boxing Council (WBC), waiting to challenge the winner of a mandated title fight between new champion Jermell Charlo and WBC Silver title holder Charles Hatley. The 2008 U.S. Olympian is No. 2 in the WBO, No. 3 in the World Boxing Association (WBA), and Miguel Cotto is No. 1 in both of those sanctioning organizations.
After his sensational, statement-making performance against Nelson, Andrade said he wanted to fight anybody whose name started with “C” and ended in ‘O” – the Charlo brothers (IBF champion isJermall Charlo), Cotto and “Canelo” (Saul Alvarez).
“I am the best fighter in the 154-pound division,” Andrade proclaimed. “I’m the No. 1 contender in the WBO. Liam Smith is holding my belt but I don’t believe he’ll fight me. I’m the WBC mandatory for the Charlo-Hatley winner. Once I get that belt I’ll beat Charlo’s twin for the IBF title and I’ve been calling out (WBA champ Erislandy) Lara for a long time. But ‘Canelo’ is the big money fight out there for me and who I want the most. I can be ready for him in September for his next fight. At the end of the day, we’ll see what’s up, but I want to get right back in the ring as soon as one of these guys step up to fight me.”
During his long layoff, Andrade made a conscious effort to be a more fan-friendly fighter, building up his strength to go along with his superior quickness. Many called his last fight, ‘Mayweather-like,’ in which Demetrius displayed tremendous power and explosiveness, which complemented his incredible boxing skills and defense.
“When I first turned pro,” Andrade explained, “I was getting in the ring with some good fighters, so I was cautious and settled in on just getting a victory. I learned that I needed to change in order to put butts in seats. I don’t get hit and I also showed that I could go 12 rounds, good for experience, and still takeout a tough fighter like Nelson who had never been stopped. I wasn’t going for the knockout but, after I caught him early with a right hook, I knew that it would come if I was patient and kept up the pressure. I think Willie can give any of the other top guys at 154 a good fight. He has a big heart and came to win. It wasn’t as easy as it may have looked on the scorecards. Willie pushed me to look good. During my layoff, I worked hard on my craft to be better, concentrating on strength and conditioning, and it really showed in my last fight. I worked on my fundamentals and had a lot of success going to the body. I believe fans saw improvement in my performance and appreciated it.”
More comfortable knowing his promotional issues are now in the past (his A Team Promotions owns 50% of his rights to go along with 25% each for Banner Promotions (Artie Pelullo) and Star Boxing (Joe DeGuardia), Andrade is prepared to clean out the 154-division before eventually moving up in weight to take on Gennady Golovkin in what Andrade believes can be a mega-fight in due time.
“I’ve always known since I first saw Demetrius in the ring at 14 years old that he was going to become a superstar,” A Team Promotions president Ed Farris commented. “There were so many doubters and obstacles along the way. It sure took a long time to get here but I’m so happy for him that his moment has finally arrived. You don’t know how good it feels to see him fulfill his destiny.”
Andrade, in fact, hasn’t lost inside the ring in nearly eight years, when he was ripped off against Korean boxer Kim Jung-Joo, 11-9, in the quarterfinals of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. The boxer named “Boo Boo” – as a kid with cuts, bumps and bruises – doesn’t plan on changing his unbeaten script.
“I’m still untouchable,” Andrade concluded. “I’ve shown my continued commitment to boxing. It’s ‘Boo Boo’ time!”
INFORMATION
Website: www.ATeamPromotions.com
Twitter: @BooBooBoxing
Instagram: @BooBooATeam
www.Facebook.com.
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ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. DOMINIC BREAZEALE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPTHIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
“You’re in my jungle now” – Anthony Joshua
“I came across the pond to get my belt and take it back home with me” – Dominic Breazeale
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Sport
LONDON (June 23, 2016) – Undefeated IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KOs) and fellow unbeaten American challenger Dominic Breazeale (17-0, 15 KOs), participated in the final press conference on Thursday at Sky Sports Studios in London, just two days before their showdown this Saturday.
The British sensation and 2012 Olympic Games Gold Medalist, Joshua will make the first defense of his title against Breazeale, a 2012 U.S. Olympian from Upland, Calif., this Saturday, June 25 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® from a sold-out The O2 in London, live onSHOWTIME® on at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.
Fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, the undefeated WBC titleholder, will join the SHOWTIME announce team as an in-studio guest analyst for coverage of Joshua-Breazeale from New York.
A few hours later Saturday, in primetime on CBS (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), Keith “One Time” Thurman will defend his WBA Welterweight World Title against former champ Shawn “Showtime” Porter in a welterweight blockbuster that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Below is what the fighters had to say at the final press conference, followed by some recent fight week quotes. (Courtesy Sky Sports and Matchroom Sport)
ANTHONYJOSHUA:
“You’re in my jungle now. There’s no pressure on me.
“Once that bell goes, you can’t hide the instinct, the instinct that you want to get someone out of there. I hope I can go in there, stay relaxed and do what I planned to do. But once that bell rings something just comes over you and you want to get him out of there ASAP.
“There will always be pressure. But look, it’s always been the same concept: Train hard – it’s the same ring. It hasn’t changed.
“I’ve got nothing to lose. I’ve always explained let’s get rid of the belts, the atmosphere, because when the bell goes it’s just me and him in the ring. Two gladiators, two respectful warriors coming together. We’re going to slug it out and put our 0s on the line.”
“I’m prepared, Dominic is prepared well, and one of us has to take a loss.
“Each fight is a stepping stone to the big tests. I want to look like the real deal.”
“I think we’re in the golden era of boxing again.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE:
“I respect you as a fighter, but I’m going to beat you. I’ve got to beat the best of the best.”
“I can’t wait, it’s been an opportunity I’ve been waiting eight years for this. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m ready for this.
“Expect fireworks. We’ll be going round for round, punch for punch and I expect to knock out Joshua.”
“I got a big right hand, I have a big left hook. I stand 6-foot-7, 255 pounds. I’m unorthodox – I’m a guy that can fight on the inside, I’m a guy that can take a punch, I’m a guy that can give a punch. So if any one of those given things show up on Saturday night I’m getting a knockout, for sure.
“It’s a major advantage just for me to have Anthony Joshua the whole time. I don’t want him at any given point for him to feel like he’s in his comfort zone, his own backyard or his own little lion’s den.
“That’s what I came across the pond to do. I came across the pond to get my belt and take it back home with me.
“It’s my Super Bowl. Being a former football player, this is my Super Bowl.”
“Everybody keeps comparing me to Charles Martin, the only thing that we have in common is that we’re both American. We have a completely different fight style, different goals in life.
“I’m a big puncher, so is Anthony Joshua. He has the belt and I intend to have it on Saturday night.
ADDITIONAL FIGHT WEEK QUOTES:
ANTHONY JOSHUA
“I’m 16 fights, 16 wins, Dominic is 17 fights, 17 wins. We’ve been pro for the same amount of time, amateurs for the same time so we’re at a similar level on paper.
“People think this will end in two rounds? Brilliant. I am winning fights early because of my talent and hard work. Where I am in my career, it’s a perfect fight.
“I don’t overlook anyone. People talk and talk, that’s irrelevant. It’s all about whether he can fight. I think he believes in himself, but he knows what’s in store here, he needs to know I’m serious about this boxing. He thinks he’s going to KO me, he’s dismissed Charles Martin — sometimes you just have to humble somebody and show levels, let them know it’s not that easy.
“The second I stepped in to the pros it was ‘Boom!’ — Anthony Joshua – headlining. That’s not down to me, its media channels and people wanting to get to know the guy behind the gloves. So it’s been hard to build a career at the right pace without criticism because people want to see me in massive fights right now.
“You can’t jump from hero to zero, there are people guiding us over a long and a dangerous career. People have to understand that it’s a development of a career, and if I ever train a fighter, I’ll tell them the same thing.”
On fellow heavyweight world champions Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury:
“This won’t be my only defense, I want there to be lots and lots, and at the right time I will fight David Haye, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and the rest. We’re in an era now where we have to fight each other. There’s never been an era when the best don’t fight the best at heavyweight — but they have to happen at the right time, and they will.
“We are all world champions as we hold all the belts that are available. We’re all talented. Deontay has defended his title multiple times so you have to give him credit for that. Tyson and I haven’t defended yet, so I put Deontay at the top. But Tyson beat Wladimir Klitschko who reigned for such a long time.
“I am happy because I became a world champion in my 16th fight and they won theirs later in their careers. But Tyson beat the main man in the division, and Deontay has defended his belt lots of times, so I am in third right now, but I am building my way up.
“Put the belts to one side, they don’t give you magical powers. A lot of fighters lose their belt in their first defense. It’s about developing your raw talent and making sure you keep on an upward curve because there’s hungry young challengers snapping at your heels all the time, ready to expose you – and I refuse that to happen to me.”
On Charles Martin:
“Before the fight, no one criticized (Charles) Martin. He was undefeated, knocking guys out, tall southpaw, dangerous. Bookies were taking a lot of bets on him knocking me out. Tyson Fury backed him to do just that and a lot of people thought it would be tricky. Up until I beat him, he was seen as a worthy fighter. I figured him out quickly and I made him look bad. He didn’t look like the champion people thought he was, but you have to respect him.”
On thinking about losing:
“I think about losing all the time, I’m scared of it. That keeps me humble and working hard. I don’t think people are going to beat me or anything, but I don’t want to lose, and I know that if I work hard and keep improving, I won’t lose.
“I get enough attention from this job. There are 20,000 fans at the fights, millions watching on TV around the world. I don’t need to seek attention. I’m not a trash talker because the fists do the talking.’’
On being a role model:
“I know that there are a lot of kids watching me now and their parents say ‘my son loves you’ and that’s in my mind.
“I’ll be myself all the time, but that sense of being a role model and having kid’s look up to you, that checks the emotions that could come out if you get wound up. You have to conduct yourself.’’
On Tyson Fury:
“Tyson talks a lot. I hear so many different things, if he was consistent with what he says then maybe I’d think he was digging a bit, but it’s just water off a duck’s back. I don’t know him, but as long as people are saying ‘when are you going to fight him?’ then I like him because he is relevant.
“It would be such a huge fight and one that would be part of my legacy. I think because he’s beaten Wladimir once he can do it again. I didn’t think he’d win the first fight, but he pulled it off.
“I’d love to fight Tyson – it’s a match-up that needs to happen. There have been talks, whether they are a quick chat or serious negotiations, but you can’t click your fingers and come up with a mega fight. It takes time, but they are in the pipeline and we’re building towards them, and in the meantime I want to test myself and learn my craft. I need to perform well to prove that I can handle the massive fights.’’
On fellow British heavyweight David Haye:
“David is running the show and people know it, so when he goes in against soft opponents, he’s putting his neck on the line to get the stick. Fans expect more from him and he’s not meeting those levels, and that’s where the backlash comes from. The people he’s calling out versus the two guys he has fought, they just don’t add up, and that’s what people are frustrated about.
“I don’t think you can knock the Shannon Briggs fight. He’s made a lot of noise, he’s old school and it’s a good fight for David to take, win and move upwards. Shannon had made noise and he’s got his moment and who knows? Maybe he can shock the world. He’s old, but he trains hard and he’s in great condition, and that’s why people love the heavyweights because it’s that one shot.
“A fight with Fury and I is the biggest fight in British boxing in my opinion. The Haye fight is big too; there’s enough media interest for it to be big. It’s already big and we’re not even fighting yet, so imagine how big it would be once we get in there. It’d be unbelievable and that’s why I am so interested in the fights.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE:
“I plan on putting on some extreme pressure and taking Joshua to places he’s never been. We’ll find out if he can handle it.
“Do I want to see him go into uncharted territory? Of course, without a doubt.
“I’ve been there, I know what it feels like and I’ve done it several times now. At the same time, I’m not going to let an opportunity pass me. If I see something I can take in the first or second round, I’m definitely going to get him out of there.
“I’ve sparred guys that are bigger than me, I’ve sparred some guys smaller than me. I’ve been the tallest thus far (of his professional opponents), but I don’t think the difference in a matter of inches is going to make that big of a difference. The guys I’ve sparred with are 10 times better than Anthony Joshua.
“I think that it’s going to be one of those situations that it is not going to be a difference of size or weight. It’s going to be the difference of skill and experience.
“When you think of a heavyweight champion you want to make sure he’s fought the best, and I think that’s why Joshua has chosen me as his opponent to defend against. That’s what he plans on getting out of the situation if he can make it through the 12 rounds.
“I think Joshua’s thinking of me as a stepping stone and he’s going to be sorry about that. He’s just wrong. He’s fighting a guy at 6-foot-7, 255 pounds that brings the pressure and a great pace from round-to-round.
“I’m one of those guys that I might take a shot, I might work some defense or I might work a strong jab. Either way, I’m going to make it a fight. All of my opponents have been down on the canvas and I don’t think Joshua is going to come shy of that as well.
“I’ve been picked as the smaller guy in the ring, by the IBF as a stepping stone and I feel like my back is against the wall. I’m going to come out fighting.
“To come here and win the IBF title in London is a major thing for me that I plan to achieve. Then I want to continuing to go after all the titles.
“My mind set has definitely changed. The situation that I’m in mentally is just different compared to some of my fights in the past. My confidence level is through the roof and physically I feel great.
“I think the heavyweight division is getting ready to change. With individuals like myself, Deontay and Tyson, we have guys who are characters who bring a lot of charisma to the division. That’s something that we need. Yes, we are athletes but in the end we are entertainers and we want to see a show. I’m the type of guy that brings a show every single time I fight. It’s action-packed from the opening bell to the end, and fight fans are looking for that. That’s what is going to resurrect the heavyweight division.’’
On his win over Amir Mansour:
“That was another confidence booster for me. It’s one thing to finish a guy in the first round with three punches or something like that. It’s another thing to finish a guy in the sixth, seventh round with a combination of shots.
“Amir put me down on the canvas in the second, I battled back and ended up breaking the man’s jaw.
“It gives me something to work on. I know I was able to come back and be very successful from it. Anytime you get a win of that matter where you get a guy, break him down, break him down where he quits on the stool, it’s a huge confidence booster. It makes you understand as an athlete or as a professional boxer that you’ve got punching power, you just broke another man’s jaw.’’
On returning to London after the 2012 Olympics:
“I think it’s going to beautiful. It’s going to be great to go back to where my amateur career ended and beat the guy who won the gold medal. That’s going to be great. And then, on top of that, take away more hardware with the IBF Heavyweight title. You couldn’t ask for anything better.
“Then again I do understand and believe I’m a completely different fighter — not only am I a professional but I no longer fight an amateur style. I would consider myself a knockout artist with some pretty good punching power and that’s what I plan on showing the UK fans and my U.S. following. It’s a chapter that needs to be closed and I plan on doing that.’’
On the state of the heavyweight division:
“I believe that we’ve got a lot of heavyweights who are doing real well and are real successful in their situations, some being titleholders, some not. But I think it’s going to be a revolving circle. Me fighting Anthony Joshua, then going on to Deontay and Fury, Wladimir Klitschko might even hang around for a while. Will it ever be compared to the Ali days or Riddick Bowe and the Evander Holyfield days? I don’t know. Bowe and Holyfield had one great trilogy and I study it all the time. So it all depends on how much each fighter has left in him.’’
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing and @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/ShoSports
Also follow Dominic Breazeale on Twitter @TroubleBoxing, Anthony Joshua @AnthonyJoshua and use hashtag #JoshuaBreazeale to join the conversation.
TOP WELTERWEIGHTS: THURMAN-PORTER WINNER TOO CLOSE TO CALL
This Saturday, June 25, Live in Primetime at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on CBS
Click HERE For PBC Fighter Prediction Video
NEW YORK (June 22, 2016) – Their peers in the welterweight division – world champions, former champions, contenders and top prospects – can’t pick a definitive winner between defending WBA 147-pound king Keith “One Time” Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs) and former world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs).
The majority of the fighters polled – some of whom are potential opponents down the line for the winner – lean toward Thurman, but most all concede that Saturday’s eagerly awaited main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) at Barclays Center is going to be an intense, exciting, tight fight from start to finish that could go either way.
Here’s how the boxers see “Thurman vs. Porter”:
Danny Garcia (WBC Welterweight Champion): “I think this is a great matchup. Thurman has the boxing ability and the movement while Shawn Porter is the aggressor and he’s going to bring the heat. To be honest with you it’s a 50-50 fight, but I would give the edge to Keith Thurman by a very close decision.”
Kell Brook (IBF Welterweight Champion):”This is a great fight, one I can’t wait to watch. If Shawn can stick to his boxing I think he can become world champion again on points, but Keith is heavy-handed and he could walk Shawn onto one – it’s really a pick ’em fight for me.”
Errol Spence Jr. (Undefeated Welterweight Contender): “I think this is a great fight between young fighters with good skill. Shawn throws a lot of punches while Thurman is a boxer who can punch too. I know Shawn will be aggressive and it should make for a great fight. If Keith can box and keep Shawn Porter on the outside I see Keith Thurman winning. If Shawn stays on the inside and stays in the chest of Keith, I see him winning.”
Andre Berto (Former Welterweight Champion): “Shawn is going to come, but I think Keith will be on his toes and box but also drop hard shots as well when Shawn comes in. Keith can be very versatile in there and has a lot of great skills, while Shawn is more like a bull. Keith will hurt or knock Shawn down but will keep coming all night.”
Sammy Vazquez (Undefeated Welterweight Contender): “Shawn is a pressure fighter and Thurman used to be a pressure fighter but now he boxes. It’s really hard for me to decide who is going to come out on top. Thurman has good power. It all depends on how Shawn is able to take Thurman’s punches. I think Thurman because of the power but Shawn will bring it for 12 rounds.”
Robert Guerrero (Former Welterweight Champion): “This is a fight the fans are going to love watching. Both Thurman and Porter bring exciting styles to the ring. I think if Porter can keep the fight on the inside he’ll have a better chance to come out victorious. But Keith Thurman is a very smart and powerful fighter and will make the right adjustments. I just think Thurman is going to outbox Porter. I’m picking Thurman to win by decision in a very tough fight.”
Luis Collazo (Former Welterweight Champion): “I’m not sure who the favorite is, but I’m going with Porter. I like his style and I think it’s going to be interesting to see how Thurman holds up with the pressure Porter is going to bring.”
Devon Alexander (Former Welterweight Champion): “It’s a very exciting fight. Both fighters are come forward type fighters and they swing for the fences when they throw. I don’t know who will come out on top because they have similar styles. Shawn Porter has decent power, but out of the two Keith has the more power. We’ll see. This is boxing.”
# # #
The live CBS telecast with open with a 10-round matchup between undefeated super welterweight prospects Jarrett Hurd andOscar Molina
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and w