Tag Archives: boxing

boxing, ShoBox

Derrick Webster Confident of Victory Heading into July 17 ShoBox Battle with Arif Magomedov

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 Undefeated southpaw Derrick “Take It to The Bank” Webster is not your typical fighter. He’s not your typical anything, really. But with his enormous size, fast, powerful hands and wealth of athletic ability, he just might be something special.

Actor, model, business owner, singer, basketball player, college graduate and a 6′ 4″ natural at the sweet science, Glassboro, New Jersey‘s Webster (19-0, 10KOs) now finds himself on the verge of possibly career-defining opportunity, as he will face also undefeated and highly touted Arif “Mayhem” Magomedov (15-0, 9 KOs) in a ShoBox quadrupleheader,  scheduled for July 17 at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

 

“It’s just another day at the office for me,” said a confident Webster of facing Magomedov. “I’m used to the bright lights. He (Magomedov) is just a straight forward fighter with no defense. If you stand in front of him, or any fighter really, it can be a dangerous night, but the one important thing I know about him is that he’s about to take a loss because he’s fighting Derrick “Take It To The Bank” Webster, the best southpaw around.”

 

Webster came late to boxing, not starting until age 24 when a gym opened up across the street from his house. He only had 40 amateur fights (38-2) and says the decision to forego a lengthy unpaid career and turn pro immediately came from an unlikely source.

 

“It was (former heavyweight champion and all-time great) Larry Holmes that sat me down and told me I already had the goods to make a name for myself and not to wait to turn pro. He was commentating a tournament I was fighting in, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where I had four fights in the tournament and had four first-round knockouts. He told me a lot of guys ruin their careers and waste a lot time waiting for the Olympics, so I turned pro.”

 

Gifted athletically and intellectually, Webster was a quarterback in high school and played power forward for two seasons for the University of Maryland in basketball while earning a bachelor’s degree Juvenile Criminal Justice. Outside the ring he now owns home-remodeling and construction businesses, among his many business ventures.

 

While he may not have had much of an amateur background, Webster credits a couple factors for his ring success. First, he’s spent considerable time in training camps, serving as a sparring partner to many of boxing’s elite for the last six years including Roy Jones, Jr., Andre Ward, Jean Pascal, Bernard Hopkins, Amir Khan, Andre Dirrell and on and on. And second, the fact that his size and left-handed stance have made him a nightmare for opponents to face.

 

“I learned by sparring with the best in the business instead of in the amateur ring and now I’m unpredictable. I even surprise myself. I’m a hell of a boxer, and most guys my height can’t move like I can. My speed is amazing and I have power. I look at like this: I’ve been pro since 2009 and I’ve seldom known who I ‘m fighting because nobody wants to fight a 6’ 4″ southpaw. Most of my career I’ve gone in not knowing who I’m fighting until I got to the ring. That forced me to prepare for boxers and unorthodox guys and pressure guys and heavy-handed guys at the same time and made me an all-around fighter. I won’t say I’m the next Floyd Mayweather, but I want people someday to say they’re the next Derrick Webster. I want to be the best southpaw of this generation.”

 

Webster’s co-promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions (along with Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions), says many of the questions about Webster’s potential will be answered against Magomedov.

 

“Derrick Webster could be a star in the making. He certainly has all the talent and the tools he needs to compete on the world stage,” explained Cohen. “There comes a time in every prospect’s career where he faces an opponent who brings out his best. This may be that fight for Derrick Webster and we’re confident after he gets the victory, he’ll be on everyone’s lips as an emerging fighter to watch.”

 

Webster vs. Magomedov will be staged by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions. The ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader telecast will also feature GCP/GH3 fighters Antoine Douglas (17-0-1, 11 KOs) vs. Istvan Szili (18-0-2, 8 KOs), as well as Jerry Odom (13-1, 12 KOs) and Adam Lopez (12-0, 6 KOs) against opponents that are TBA currently.
boxing, Goodwin Boxing, UK Boxing

Londoner signs three year contract

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Former Commonwealth Welterweight Champion John O’Donnell has decided to put pen to paper and sign a three year deal with rising manager/promoter Steve Goodwin.

 

29 year old O’Donnell has won 29 from 31 fights including winning both the English and Commonwealth titles and has his eyes initially set on the British title and the winner of Sam Eggington and Glenn Foot.

 

“I can beat both of them in the same night” said O’Donnell. “My aspirations are world title level but winning the British title will be the first step en-route”, John continued “No one has a bad word to say about Steve and we can all see the massive strides he is making. It was an easy decision to make.”

 

Goodwin said “We are delighted to secure the signing of someone with the quality of John. I am determined to assist John is his aspirations and we will be watching domestic developments with interest with the ultimate aim of cracking the world stage later in 2015 and 2016.”

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

CHICAGO (June 10, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions on Spike fight week kicked off in Chicago today with the final press conference before Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs)takes on Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4, 16 KOs) in the main event on Friday, June 12 at UIC Pavilion.

 

Action begins on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/PT with a light heavyweight clash between undefeated knockout artist Artur Beterbiev (8-0, 8 KOs) and Alexander Johnson (16-2, 7 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Group Yvon Michel (GYM) and Star Boxing, are priced at $151, $101, $51, and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:

 

ERISLANDY LARA

 

“I want to thank the fans here in Chicago. This is a great opportunity to show my skills on national television on Spike.

“I’ve been eager to get back in the ring after my first title defense and Delvin Rodriguez is a worthy opponent.

“I’m going to be electrifying on fight night and the fans are going to see a spectacular performance from me.”

 

DELVIN RODRIGUEZ

 

“I’m very excited for this fight. We had a great training camp. We’ve been going for about three months, and I really think this is one of the best camps I’ve ever had.

 

“Everything has fallen into place this time around. As a fighter, you always feel like there may have been something missing. For this fight we had enough time to prepare.

 

“I’m taking this fight as if it’s my last opportunity. That’s how I’m going to fight this fight. That’s how I’ve programmed my mind for this fight, as if my back is against the wall. This is my last chance at a world title.

 

“I’m facing a great boxer. He’s a very technical fighter and he has great skills. And that helps motivate me even more. It made me work so much harder for this fight.

 

“I’ve been reading a lot about what the media is saying about this fight. I promise the fans that whatever I have to do, this is going to be an exciting fight. It has to be an exciting fight for Delvin Rodriguez because this is my last chance.”

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV

 

“I’m very glad to be here in Chicago for this fight. I’m ready for anything in the ring.

 

“If my opponent is going to call himself Alexander ‘The Great’ Johnson, then I’ll be ‘King Arthur’ and I’m here to win. Even though I make that joke I am here to win and that is the truth.

 

“We couldn’t do too much research on the new opponent, but we’ve looked through a couple of videos so we know the opponent is a southpaw and we’re ready for that.

 

“I don’t like to underestimate my opponents and I prepare for everybody the same. I’ll be ready to go against him.

 

“My last fight against Gabriel Campillo was against a southpaw, so it’s something I’m used to and I believe I have the knowledge so that it won’t be a problem.”

 

ALEXANDER JOHNSON

 

“I’m not a big talker. Friday we’ll see, but I think he (Beterbiev) is all hype.

 

“I’m willing to fight anybody any time anywhere. This is just another stepping-stone for my legacy.

 

“I was not aware of him before I took the fight, but I have fought big punchers before and my chin is strong. I will have no problem with his power.

 

“I come to win, no matter what day it is, what time it is, no matter what place it is; I always come to win. I’m always ready to fight. This is a boxer’s life.”

 

ARTUR SZPILKA

 

“I know that Manuel Quezada is a tougher fighter than the guy I fought last time in Chicago, but I’m so much better than I was then.

 

“My Polish fans always help me. When I fought Mike Mollo, and I went down, I heard them screaming my name; I know that I can’t disappoint them. I will always give them my best.

 

“Of course I want to knock Quezada out, and hopefully it will be seen on Spike.

 

“I want to be a bigger part of Premier Boxing Champions, but the most important thing I can do is what my trainer Ronnie Shields wants me to do in order to win.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @DRodriguez1980, @WarriorsBoxProm, @yvonmichelgym, @starboxing and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoand www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Adrien “The Problem” Broner & “Showtime” Shawn Porter Meet the Media

Before Their Saturday, June 20 Showdown At

The MGM Grand Garden Arena

 

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Footage From Today’s Press Conference

Credit: Premier Boxing Champions

 

LOS ANGELES (June 10, 2015) – With just over a week until the Premier Boxing Champions on NBC showdown between Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) and “Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs), takes place on Saturday, June 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, both fighters met with the media in Los AngelesWednesday to discuss the matchup.

 

Coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with a welterweight clash between undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) and bruising veteran Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (37-3, 20 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at

www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Fans who purchase a ticket for this event will be admitted into Sunday’s Premier Boxing Champions on CBS eventthat features former world champions Rances Barthelemy(22-0, 13 KOs)and Antonio DeMarco (31-4-1, 23 KOs) squaring off, plus the welterweight battle between Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) and Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs) with televised coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

 

Here are what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“I’m very blessed to be here. I’ve been through some things that would say I shouldn’t have been here today, but now I’m one of the biggest names in boxing.

 

“This is a big fight because Adrien Broner is on the card. No disrespect to Shawn and Kenny, but I’m coming to win and I’m going to win.

 

“Even if it’s a hard fight, I’m going to win this fight. They say he’s strong, they say he comes like a bulldozer.  Whatever they bring to the table on June 20, I’m ready.

 

“I’m going to be the most powerful fighter on June 20th and definitely the prettiest fighter onJune 20. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“I’m the strongest fighter that Adrien Broner will ever get into the ring with.

 

“I know he’s got more fights as a professional than me but that doesn’t mean he’s got more experience than me. We do all our fighting in the gym, prior to the fight.

 

“I’m still the same ‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter, I still have everything that I need to be great and come out victorious. Not being relevant after this fight is not an option.

 

“Our first mindset isn’t going to be to bully him, but to outbox him and use our speed. I’m going to be better than I ever have.

 

“I’ve learned a lot about how to not be held and how to get guys off of you. That’s part of the process and it will be important in this fight.

 

“Everything has been going really smoothly and I’ve been strong this entire camp. It’s been great and it’s what you need going into a fight.

 

“I haven’t looked at this as a catch weight, but as a weight class. My weight class is 144. Anything that he expects to gain from having me come down to 144, he’s not going to get it.

 

“PBC has been a blessing for these fighters and boxing in general. With all the fights on television it’s just an honor to be a part of. There’s no clearer opportunity than now, on network television to show what I got.”

 

MIKE STAFFORD, Broner’s Trainer

 

“These guys know each other from the amateurs. It’s Ohio, so we are familiar with each other. I’m glad that they took the fight, I love Shawn, I love Kenny, but it’s business and we are here to win.”

 

KEN PORTER, Porter’s Father & Trainer

 

“This is the stage we all want to be on, the pinnacle of the sport. We have two elite fighters up here and I expect they will put on a performance that will be memorable throughout the summer and throughout the rest of the year.”

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

“With the two styles of Adrien Broner and Shawn Porter you can’t expect anything but a great fight.

 

“This is a tremendous platform for Mayweather Promotions. We’ve promoted the biggest fights in the history of the sport. It’s a great feeling to be part of the PBC family.

 

“To step right on in and promote one of the biggest names of the sport in Adrien Broner, we’re expecting a great turnout and great ratings so fans across the country should make sure to tune-in.”

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @AmenazaGarcia, @MayweatherPromo @NBCSports, and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing

 Team N’Dam objects to officials named for IBF middleweight world title fight in Montreal: N’Dam vs. Lemieux, June 20 in Montreal

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

   
L-R) – Hassan N’Dam & Gary Hyde

 

CORK, Ireland (June 10, 2015) – Gary Hyde, manager of International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 1-ranked, mandatory middleweight contender Hassan N’Dam (31-1, 18 KOs), has objected to two officials named to work the June 20th IBF world middleweight title fight between N’Dam and David Lemieux (33-2, 31 KOs) at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

 

Cameroon-native N’Dam, promoted by King Sports, is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) 160-pound division world champion. The IBF No. 4-ranked Lemieux was born and lives in Montreal, Quebec.

 

“On June 2nd,” Hyde explained, “I learned who the officials were for theJune 20th fight at the Bell Centre. I contacted the IBF and objected to two officials who are from Montreal, Quebec, the same city Lemieux is from. Referee Marlon Wright has refereed five of Lemieux’ fights and the judge in question, Benoit Roussel, has worked no fewer than 12 of Lemieux’ fights.

 

“I also objected to the Quebec Commission on the appointment of the two Canadian officials. The selection of two officials from the same city as one of the fighters in an international world championship bout indicates a flawed and unfair procedure and undermines the appearance of fairness and impartiality. In my experience in world championship bouts the officials must always be neutral.

 

“We are hopeful that the Quebec Boxing Commission will replace both Canadian  officials with a pair of neutral officials, so that we can concentrate solely on the job at hand, to beat Lemieux.
boxing

Pinolero Boxing Promotions and Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée Enter into strategic alliance

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Nicaraguan Promoter of the Year adds

Canadian PR & Marketing Firm to its corner

Atty. Michael Schmidt (center) is shown here with Hall-of-Famer Roberto Duran (L) and his son Robin Duran (R)

 

KITCHENER, Ontario, Canada (June 10, 2015) — Marcelo Sanchez, of leading Nicaraguan-based promoter Pinolero Boxing, and Canadian lawyer Michael J. Schmidt, on behalf of public relations and marketing firm Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée, today jointly announced a strategic alliance to expand the Pinolero brand on an International basis.

 

“Both companies have short and long term goals that perfectly fit together,” Schmidt said. “Pinolero Boxing Promotion’s in the business of developing regional, national and World Champions. Both companies will be looking at various means to move Pinolero boxers into a further International framework. Pinolero has a proven track record of developing a strong brand of champions and all efforts are being made to further maximize the Pinolero talent. Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée will provide additional public relations and marketing expertise.”

 

“Obviously,” Schmidt added, “there will only ever be one Alex Arguello, as well as only one Roman “El Chocolatito” Gonzalez – I believe he should have serious consideration as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today – but Pinolero Boxing has a tremendous depth of talented individuals ready to blossom into their own legendary status.”

 

“We are well aware of Mr. Schmidt and Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée through his steady and professional work in Panama, and work he has done for boxing media personalities throughout the world,” Sanchez, speaking on behalf of Pinolero Boxing, commented. “We both agree that there is a tremendous talent which should make for exciting marketing. Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée and Pinolero share the same joy in developing these young men, not only towards National Championships, but also a World Championship vision, focusing on efforts to brand our company and boxers in the ring, and in terms of their image and ability to earn income outside of the ring”.

 

Promising prospects such as 20-year-old Junior Ramirez (12-0, 9 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver super lightweight champion, knockout artist Roberto Arriaza (10-0, 9 KOs), the Nicaraguan welterweight champion, and minimum-weight Byron Rojas (15-2), are all perfect examples of Pinolero Boxing’s stable of rising talent.

 

Schmidt is particularly excited by Nicaraguan fighters such as Cristofer Rosales Gonzalez, a 20-year-old with a record of 13-2, who, Schmidt notes, “hasn’t been afraid to step up and take on undefeated International competition.”

 

Pinolero Boxing will shortly celebrate its 100th promotional show by hosting a major boxing event in Nicaragua. “We will input a full set of resources and expertise, through the direction of Marcelo Sanchez at Pinolero Boxing,” Schmidt remarked. “We are excited to work with a promotional company that, under the direction of Marcelo Sanchez, has such exceptional talent. Hopefully, within the next year or two, the nature of this relationship will show in the form of more boxing champions being crowned under the Pinolero banner, but also in young men who conduct themselves with class and skill, inside and outside of the ring, which is so inherent in the nature of some of the legendary Nicaraguan fighters.”

 

“We look forward to Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée working for and on behalf of Pinolero Boxing in helping to provide add-on services in the development of opportunities and marketing channels appropriate to our boxers,” Sanchez concluded. “Our July show will be a special event for Nicaragua and we welcome having Schmidt and Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée on board.”

 

INFORMATION:

 

Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée: C/O Atty. Michael Schmidt: mjschmidtlaw@hotmail.com, 519-578-1448 (office),
www.schmidtlawoffices.net

 

Pinolero Boxing: www.facebook.com/pages/Promotora-de-boxeo-Pinolero-Boxing/206277329399716
Boxcino, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ERISLANDY LARA ARRIVES IN CHICAGO FOR RODRIGUEZ SHOWDOWN

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Press Release
For Immediate Release

 

CUBAN SENSATION ERISLANDY LARA TO FACE DELVIN RODRIGUEZ AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE RETURNS TO

UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY, JUNE 12

 

CHICAGO (June 9, 2015) – Cuban boxing star, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs), has arrived in Chicago for his upcoming bout with Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4, 16 KOs) as Premier Boxing Champions returns to Spike this Friday June 12, 2015.

This edition of PBC on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET. Doors at UIC Pavilion open at 5 p.m. CT with the first fight set for 5:30 p.m. CT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Group Yvon Michel (GYM) and Star Boxing, are priced at $151, $101, $51, and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @DRodriguez1980, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoand www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Fight Network

FIGHT NETWORK BOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (June 8-14, 2015)

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Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

Monday, June 8

6:30 p.m. ET – Fight New Now Extra– The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Tuesday, June 9

5:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.

7:30 a.m. ET — 8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Wednesday, June 10

7:00 a.m. & 8:00 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.

6:30 a.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Thursday, June 11

1:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Friday, June 12

12:30 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.

7:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Sunday, June 14

2:30 a.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.

8:00 p.m. ET – Ultimate Classic Boxing: Bivins vs. Williams – Featuring Jimmy Bivins vs. Charley Williams from Nov. 21, 1951 in St. Nicholas Arena, New York City.

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

 
ABOUT FIGHT NETWORK:  Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes in the U.S. and Canada, streamed live on website KlowdTV.com, and available on all major carriers in Canada and more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

BORN TO BE WILDER: 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW  ABOUT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER

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Undefeated, Hard-Punching, Local Favorite

Defends Against Eric Molina This Saturday, June 13,
Live On SHOWTIME® From Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.; 

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE To Watch A Video About Wilder’s Return To His Homestate Of Alabama:http://s.sho.com/1FGY1D5

 

NEW YORK (June 9, 2015) – Unbeaten Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (33-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., risks his perfect record and title against  Eric “Drummer Boy” Molina (23-2, 17 KOs), of Raymondville, Texas, this Saturday, June 13, in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

 

To kickoff fight week events, below are 10 fast facts you should know about Deontay Wilder (with his comments):

 

1. He has spent more than 1,000 hours getting tattoos covering his body, including one of the WBC heavyweight championship belt on his left thigh …

 

“It’s probably been more than 1,000 hours. Tattoos are a hobby for me. I enjoy putting my life story on my body.”

 

2. Has sparred over 50 rounds with Wladimir Klitschko, who holds the WBO, IBF, and WBA titles and is a potential future opponent …

 

“It was a great experience. I learned a lot of things from him. Overall it was a great camp. One of the best camps I’ve ever been in. He was preparing for Mariusz Wach (November 2012).”

 

3. He worked at IHOP, Red Lobster and Budweiser after dropping out of college to help pay his daughter’s medical expenses …

 

“I went from IHOP, to AI-Three Company (Mercedes company), Red Lobster and Budweiser. The most interesting job was a delivery driver for Budweiser. I was still an amateur boxer. I had to get up at 4:30-5 a.m. every morning and I had to lift multiple amounts of beer. They probably put 1,000 cases of beer on my truck. I considered that a morning workout.”

 

4. He wrote a children’s book about winning the heavyweight championship …

 

“It’s more of an inspirational book to let kids know that you have to work hard for whatever you want and can’t give up. Don’t let peer pressure stop you from accomplishing your goals. I probably will write another children’s book, because I love kids and I love being a father.”

 

5. He financially supports the Coffeyville (Alabama) gym for kids. It’s located in one of the schools that the town closed. He also helps teach the kids boxing …

 

“We saw an opportunity to help Coffeyville out. It started when they closed the Coffeyville High School. A lot of kids had to wake up earlier than they would normally to travel miles and miles to school. The city was getting a bad rap. We did it to bring positivity to a small city. We wanted to bring something to do to the town. We did it to get the kids off the street and give them something to do. We got with the city and made the high school a gym. We enjoy working with the kids. They were never introduced to boxing. It does our hearts good to see the kids involved in a physical activity and being happy. Who knows? They might become champions one day.”

 

6. He was one of the athletes chosen to be a model for Ralph Lauren’s line of clothing at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing …

 

“They let me model the clothes. I was one of the most handsome 2008 Olympic guys (he laughs). My coach met me one day and told me they wanted me to represent the clothes. I said yes, like I was getting married. It was a great proposal. I didn’t get to keep any of the clothes. I took modeling for granted. Getting into it, I thought it would easy. I understand what those guys go through. I respect models. I doubt you’ll see me on the runway. That was the beginning and the end of my modeling career.”

 

7. Wilder is often/always mistaken for NBA superstar LeBron James when he goes out in public …

 

“All the time. I just smile. When they say I look like him, I politely disagree. The only similarities is our big smiles. I politely exit from that situation.”

 

8. He won the WBC heavyweight title on the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Muhammad Ali (who turned 73 that day) …

 

“That was definitely a special moment for me to do that. Ali is my all-time favorite fighter. I have tapes of him when he was going up in the Olympics. I respect what he’s done in the sport. That was such a happy moment for me. With Martin Luther King, Jr. being one of our great civil right leaders, that did my heart good. It was a historical moment for me. How could I have lost that fight? It was once in a lifetime to get a fight on two special people’s birthdays. I’m still amazed now.”

 

9. His grandmother would not allow anyone to spank him because she said he was special and would grow up to do great things …

 

“She always said I was anointed by God and destined to be great and do great things in the world. She’s not alive now to see what I’ve accomplished. I missed those homemade biscuits, peppermint tea and homemade chicken and dumplings that she used to make.”

 

10. He punched Bermane Stiverne so hard in the world championship fight that he bent the metal rods in his surgically repaired right hand …

 

“That is true. Somewhere in the third or the fourth round. I realized it because my hand started going numb. I knew what it was, because I had it happen before. The first time I did it I knocked him out and I didn’t have to go through the entire fight. With this one it felt OK during the fight. It just let me know that through adversity anything is possible if you have the will and the mind to accomplish your goal. That’s what champions are made of. When you go to battle you’re going to do everything you have to do to win. That wasn’t the only injury. I had one eye going into the fight. I was handicapped the whole fight. The night before the fight I was stretching with a band. It came off my feet and hit me in the eye. When I woke up the next day I couldn’t see anything. Good thing I had my private doctor there. He treated the eye. I was seeing black and white before the fight, but I was already there and I was going to go through with the fight.”

 

# # #

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

 

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

Lara To Throw Out First Pitch Before White Sox vs. Astros Game Tomorrow Night!

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WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before tomorrow (Wednesday, June 10) night’s Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros game at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

 

Cuban boxing sensation Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs) is making the publicity rounds of the Windy City in advance of his Premier Boxing Champions fight, televised live on Spike TV,this Friday (June 12) against Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4, 16 KOs).

 

Wednesday’s Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros game will be broadcast live on WPWR-TV, channel 50 (UHF digital channel 51) and on the radio on WSCR 670 and WRTO 1200 in Spanish.

 

32-year-old Lara has notched victories over Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout and Freddy Hernandez throughout his career. As an amateur, Lara won numerous titles including a national championship at welterweight and also participated in the 2007 Pan-Am games. Originally from Guantanamo, Cuba, but fighting out of Houston, Lara most recently defeated former world champion Ishe Smith on his way to his 20th professional victory.

 

Also scheduled for televised action on Friday night is Russian knockout artist Artur Beterbiev (8-0, 8 KOs), who is set to square off against Maryland’s Alexander Johnson (16-2, 7 KOs).

 

This edition of PBC on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET. Doors at UIC Pavilion open at 5 p.m. CT with the first fight set for 5:30 p.m. CT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Group Yvon Michel (GYM), are priced at $151, $101, $51, and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at(800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).