Tag Archives: boxing

Kendo Castaneda Remains Undefeated

WHOSE ‘0’ WILL GO 2
KENDO CASTANEDA CAPTURES NABA SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE
Photos by Manny Mitts
San Antonio, TX (December 1, 2018)Last night at the Scottish Rite Theatre in San Antonio, TX, TMB & PRB Entertainment futhi Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions, presented, Whose ‘0’ Will Go 2, lapho Kendo Castaneda (15-0, 7 Kos) captured the NABA super lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory Gilbert Venegas Jr. (10-1, 6 Kos), handing him his first loss as a professional.
In the early rounds, both fighters were having their moments, landing hard shots, but as the fight progressed, Castaneda started to get in a grove by going to the body. Venegas held his own but couldn’t get his punches off like he wanted too, and Castaneda started to take over the fight. In the later rounds, Castaneda was landing three punch combinations, while boxing from a distance, finishing the fight strong. At the end of the ten-round fight, Kendo was up big on the judge’s cards. Amakhadi wamaphuzu afundiwe 98-92, 99-91,100-90, all in favor of Castaneda.
6-Round Co-Main Event for Vacant ABF Middleweight Title
Local hero, Luey Villareal (4-0-1, 1 KO) captured the ABF middleweight title with a stunning TKO against Michael Klekotta (2-4, 1 KO). Villareal broke down Klekotta for the first three rounds before stopping him with a barrage of punches in the fourth round. The time was at the 1:20 uphawu.
4-Round Super Featherweight
18-year old sensation, Ricky Medina (2-0, 2 Kos), scored a second-round KO over Jorge De Leon (0-5). Medina landed a powerful uppercut in the middle of round two, sending De Leon to the canvas. He then followed with a devastating right hook to the temple, knocking out De Leon at the 2:58 uphawu.
4-Round Super Featherweight Bout
Xavier Wilson (9-0, 1 KO) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory against vs Gelacio Cruz (2-4-3, 1 Kos). Wilson used lateral movement to land his punches off angles.Scorecards read 40-36 kabili futhi 39-36 for Wilson.
4-Round Middleweight Bout
In a battle of hometown fighters, George Ramos (2-0, 1 KO) wanqoba Steven Ramos (4-1, 1 KO) ngesinqumo esivumelana ngazwi linye. George Ramos landed the cleaner shots and was the aggressor. Amakhadi wamaphuzu afundiwe 40-36 kabili futhi 39-36 all in favor for George Ramos.
4-Round Middleweight Bout
Local native, Dagoberto Navarez (5-0, 1 Kos) scored a fourth-round majority decision overStetson Horne (0-3). Navarez was the aggressor, coming right at Horne from the opening bell, landing overhand rights. Horne had his moments but didn’t do enough to keep Navarez off him. Amakhadi wamaphuzu afundiwe 39-36 kabili, futhi 38-38 for Navarez.
4-Round Middleweight
In a battle of middleweight prospects, Washington Luiz (1-0, 1 KO), who was making his pro debut, scored a fourth round TKO against David Godley (1-1). Luiz was circling to his right, landing accurate counter punches throughout the fight. A right hook, straight left combo hurt Godly, knocking him out on his feet, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the .45 mark of round four.
4-Round Heavyweight
In his pro debut, Christopher Martinez (1-0, 1 KO) scored a second round TKO overMathew Glover (1-1), siphetfo iziqubu at the 2:59 uphawu. A flurry of right hands sent Glover to the canvas and the referee waved off the bout after Glover was on wobbly legs.
# # #

U-DEONTAY WILDER NO-TYSON FURY BIGHT TO SPLIT-DECISION DRAW IN EPIC BATTLE NGESIKHATHI SOKUBONISA PPV® KUSUKA STAPLES CENTRE E-LOS ANGELES

UJarrett Hurd Uvikela i-WBA, Izihloko ze-IBF 154-Pound Nge-KO Yomjikelezo Wesine Over James Welborn; U-Luis Ortiz Ubhalisa i-10-Round TKO ka-Travis Kauffman; UJoe Joyce Usale Engahluliwe Nge-KO Yomzuliswano Wokuqala Ebhekene noJoe Hanks
Chofoza LAPHA Izithombe ku-Esteri Lin / SHOWTIME

I-LOS ANGELES (Dec. 1, 2018) - UDeontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder kanye noTyson “The Gypsy King” Fury balwe kwaze kwaphuma isinqumo sokuhlukana nge-SHOWTIME PPV® ngoMgqibelo ebusuku bevela e-STAPLES Center, ngokungangabazeki enye yezimpi ezingcono kakhulu ze-heavyweight eminyakeni edlule.

 

 

 

Ngemuva kokulawula impi yeWBC World Championship kusenesikhathi, Ukufutheka (27-0-1, 19 Kos) wanqoba ngokuyisimangaliso ama- knockdown amabili kaWilder (40-0-1, 39 Kos) – okuhlanganisa eyodwa emzuliswaneni 12 - emdwebeni ongenakwenzeka. Abahluleli igoli iziqubu 115-111 ngoWilder, 114-112 for Fury kanye 113-113.

 

 

 

“Ngicabanga ukuthi ngokushaywa kwemingqimuzo emibili nakanjani ngiyinqobile impi,” kusho uWilder, oqophe i- knockdown ngayinye yakhe 41 Izimpi zodumo futhi ubevikela ibhande lakhe le-WBC okwesishiyagalombili kusukela lapho 2015. “Sithulule izinhliziyo zethu namhlanje ebusuku. Sobabili singamaqhawe, kodwa ngalawa maconsi amabili ngicabanga ukuthi ngiyinqobile impi.”

 

 

UFury wabona ngenye indlela, esho ukuthi wayinika konke anakho.

 

 

 

“Sisendaweni engaphandle, Ngiwiswe phansi kabili, kodwa ngisakholwa ukuthi ngiyinqobile leyo mpi,” kusho uFury wase-England, ukubuya kwakhe okumangalisayo kuyaqhubeka kulandela iminyaka emibili nesigamu engekho kulo mdlalo ekuluthweni izidakamizwa notshwala kanye nezinkinga zempilo yengqondo.. Bengingeke ngiwiswe phansi namhlanje ebusuku. Ngikhombise inhliziyo enhle ukusukuma. Ngize lapha ebusuku futhi ngalwa nenhliziyo yami.”​

 

 

Bekuwubusuku obumnandi njengoba kumenyezelwe ukuthi kuzoba khona 17,698 fans, eyayihlanganisa izinkanyezi zaseHollywood futhi ilwa nabalandeli abafana nabaphambili beLakers uShaquille O'Neal, UJerry West, izihlabani ze-NFL uMichael Strahan noMichael Irvin, nezingqalabutho zesibhakela u-Evander Holyfield noFloyd Mayweather.

 

 

 

Ukufutheka, owashiya uWilder 84-71 jikelele, ubanjwe isandla esifushane sokudla uWilder ngemuva nje kwendlebe yangakwesokunxele ukuze awise uFury okwesithathu emsebenzini wakhe emzuliswaneni wesishiyagalolunye.. Kwathi ngo-12, inhlanganisela ye-Wilder yesandla sokudla nehhuku yesokunxele ithumele i-6-foot-9 Fury phansi futhi, eshaya ikhanda phezu kweseyili. Again, ukwazile ukusukuma unompempe uJack Reiss wamvumela ukuthi aqhubeke nokulwa.

 

 

 

“Isibhakela sihlezi siyishashalazi yabantu abebengalindelekile, futhi yilokho ebesinakho kulobubusuku,” kusho umhlaziyi ongungoti we-SHOWTIME u-Al Bernstein.

 

 

 

UBernstein uthe ukubona uFury esukuma eqhubeka nokulwa ngemuva kokushaywa ngesihluku “kungenye yezinto ezimangaza kakhulu engake ngazibona eringini yesibhakela.”

 

 

 

Usomlando wesibhakela we-SHOWTIME nomhlaziyi uSteve Farhood wayenoFury elawula imizuliswano yokuqala nemizuliswano yokuwina uFury 3-8, futhi ekugcineni wahola impi, 115-111.

 

 

 

Ngenxa yesigatshana sokuphikisana, bobabili abalwi babuzwa ukuthi bangathanda yini ukuphinda. “Ngingathanda ukuthi kube yimpi yami elandelayo,” kusho uWilder. "Kungani kungenjalo? Ake sinikeze abalandeli lokho abafuna ukukubona. Bekuyimpi enkulu futhi masikwenze futhi. Akusho lutho kimina lapho sikwenza khona.”

 

 

 

“Amaphesenti ayikhulu sizokwenza impinda,” kusho uFury, ukulwa empini yokuqala yebhande le-heavyweight ekhokhelwayo eMelika kusukela 2002. “Singompetha ababili abakhulu. Mina nale ndoda singama-heavyweight amabili ahamba phambili emhlabeni.”

 

 

 

UWilder uthe uphume kancane waphuthuma izibhakela zakhe. “Angizange ngihlale phansi. Ngangimanqika kakhulu. Ngaqala ukuketula isandla sokudla futhi angikwazanga ukuzijwayeza.”

 

 

 

Ukufutheka, elwa okwesithathu kulo nyaka nomqeqeshi oneminyaka engu-26 uBen Davison ekhoneni lakhe, ubuye waba nomdlali wesibhakela owayengumdlali wesibhakela u-Ricky Hatton kanye nomqeqeshi wonyaka amahlandla ayisikhombisa uFreddie Roach ekhoneni lakhe.

 

 

 

Empini ehamba phambili kaWilder-Fury, "Swift" uJarrett Hurd (23-0, 16 Kos) uvikele ibhande lakhe le-IBF le-WBA lika-154-pounds ngomngqimuzo womlalisaphansi emzuliswaneni wesine ehlula uJames Welborn wase-United Kingdom. (24-7, 7 Kos), owayelwa okokuqala emhlabathini waseMelika.

 

 

UWelborn nguyena ohlasele ngomzuzu wokuqala emzuliswaneni wesine, ukuthumela u-Hurd ezintanjeni ngesibhakela ngemuva kokushaya umzimba nasekhanda. Ngokuphazima kweso ebona ukuthi kungenzeka usenkingeni, Ubunzima be-Accokeek, Md., countered back from sudden adversity in dramatic fashion and sent Welborn back-tracking before a devastating body punch sent him to one knee. He was counted out at 1:55 by referee Lou Moret, who was officiating the final fight of his 30-plus year career.

 

 

 

Emva fight, undefeated super welterweight Jermell Charlo entered the ring to challenge for Hurd’s coveted belts. “We definitely want Charlo,” Hurd told SHOWTIME Sports’ Jim Gray, saying the matchup would likely occur after one more fight. “I’m calling the shots. I’m No. ​1​ right now. When I say answer the phone, answer the phone. I got the date.”

 

 

 

Charlo shot back. “This is easy money. I like those belts – they look real good on you. He said he wants another fight. I’m ready now.”

 

 

 

Hurd, who unified the WBA and IBF belts by beating WBA champion Erislandy Lara in April in Las Vegas, was returning with a surgically repair left shoulder. He threw 118 limgwaza, more than half of the 220 punches he threw in the fight.

 

 

 

“I’m just coming off surgery so I wanted to see how I worked off the jab,” Hurd said. “I felt good I was working behind the jab I got caught on the ropes and got caught with some shots and said ‘that’s enough. He got enough TV time.’ I heard the crowd and I didn’t want to get brave. So I turned it up and got the knockdown.​”​

 

 

 

Former Wilder foe and heavyweight southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (30-1, 26 Kos) returned to STAPLES​ Center​ for a second consecutive victory with a resounding 10th-round TKO against Travis “My Time” Kauffman (32-3, 23 Kos) of Reading, Pa.

 

 

 

The 39-year-old Ortiz of Camaguey, Cuba, registered left-cross knockdowns in the sixth, eighth and 10th rounds before the final blow coming later in the 10th round against a gritty Kauffman. It was the 26th career stoppage for Ortiz, who lost to Wilder in a Fight of the Year candidate back in March.

 

 

 

The fight was officially called at 1:58 of the 10th round. "Ngingumfana iqhawe,” Ortiz said. “Nothing contains me. We didn’t have to knock him out but we wanted to show everything we have in our repertoire, and we showed it tonight.”

 

 

 

Ortiz, who was warned twice for low blows, clipped Kauffman for a second time by a lethal left hand of Ortiz at 2:29 in the round lwesishiyagalombili. But just like the first time he was send to canvas in the sixth round, Kauffman was able to get up and continue fighting.

 

 

 

The technically sound performance by Ortiz included 376 jab attempts to Kauffman’s 99 and out-landing him 66-7. That led to a 135-37 lead in total connects and a 69-30 margin in power connects against Kauffman, who SHOWTIME commentator Paulie Malignaggi called, “a stubborn guy who wouldn’t go away.”

 

 

 

“Of course I’ll fight the winner of this fight [Wilder-Fury],” Ortiz said. “I want that second fight with Wilder. I want to fight anybody.”

 

 

 

In the ​pay-per-view​ telecast opener, Joe “The Juggernaut” Joyce (7-0, 7 Kos) recorded a massive first-round knockout against Joe “The Future” Hanks (23-3, 15 Kos). A rising heavyweight, Joyce, kusukela London, England, ended the fight officially after just 2:25 as he used a right jab to set up a near-perfect left hook sending Hanks to the canvas and down for the count.

 

 

 

Trained by noted trainer Abel Sanchez, Joyce told Gray he’s ready for anyone. “I want to get in some bigger fights,” said the former Olympic silver medal winner who recorded his fourth first-round KO. “I’ve been doing well so there is plenty more to come. All the support from back home in England, thanks for coming. I hope I put on something good to watch.”

 

 

 

It was the second win in the United States for Joyce, who also picked up the vacant WBA Continental heavyweight title. “I’m getting people out quickly,"Uthe. “I’ve got a lot of experience, I’m just going to improve on my strength and my speed. I’ve heard comments that I’m slow but I seem to land the shots and get the job done.”

 

 

 

It was the third time during his career that Hanks, from Newark, N.J., has been knocked down by a left hook.

 

 

 

Earlier in the night on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Adonis Stevenson’s five-and-a-half year reign as the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion of the World ended as Oleksandr Gvozdyk dethroned boxing’s longest reigning champion with a devastating 11th round knockout from Videotron Center in Quebec City. VIDEO: https://s.sho.com/2BMNZIx. Saturday’s one-fight telecast from Quebec City will replay on Monday, December 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®. Isibhakela sesikhathi sombukiso: SPECIAL EDITION streamed live on SHOWTIME Sports social platforms and is archived on the SHO Sports YouTube channel and Facebook page.

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

Ukuze ulwazi olunabile, vakashela www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com futhi www.staplescenter.com ukulandela on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions futhi www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

Ortíz, USantiago noLopez abanamandla ePuerto Rico

'Imikhiqizo Emisha Yesibhakela’ kukhombisile ukuthi abasebasha bawo banamakhono okushaya abaphikisi abaphumelele izihloko zomhlaba.

 

 

 

Kusuka kuPedro 'Perucho’ I-Cepeda Ballpark edolobheni laseCataño, E-Puerto Rico, UJonathan 'Bum Bum’ López (5-0, 3 Kos) kusukela Puerto Rico, Uthole isinqumo esinqunyelwe isinqumo sokunqoba phezu kwe-WBA Interim World Champion kanye nesihloko somhlaba Challenger José 'Torto’ Rodríguez (32-8, 19 Kos) yeMexico, Emgqeni ohleliwe oyisithupha wokulwa esigabeni se-bantamweight (118 amakhilogremu).

 

 

 

URodriguez wahluthwa iphuzu emzuliswaneni wokuqala ngemuva kokushaya kwekhanda. Amajaji amathathu athola amaphuzu 60-53 ye-puerto rican lopez, owayenomsebenzi ovelele wama-amateur (226-12) lokho kufaka phakathi indondo yethusi eWorld Boxing Youth Championship eKiev, ibhande legolide e-Ecuador, futhi kwakungumpetha wezwe wasePuerto Rico iminyaka eyisikhombisa elandelanayo.

 

 

 

Kokunye ukulwa okukhulu, I-WBC Fecarbox Lightweight Champion Alfredo 'ojo’ Santiago (11-0, 3 Kos), Umdabu waseDominican Republic futhi wasuselwa ku-fajardo, E-Puerto Rico, Kuphethwe yisinqumo esivuthayo sangaphambilini i-WBA World Champion Jonathan Víctor Barros (41-7-1, 22 Kos) ye-Argentina. Amajaji amathathu athola amaphuzu 99-91.

 

 

 

UBarros unqobile ngaphezulu kwempetha yezwe laseCelestino Caballero kanye nakulowo owayengumuntu owayengumphikisi wezwe uMiguel Román noSatoshi Hosono. I-Argentina ibuye yabhekana namabhokisi we-caliorkis gamboa, Mikey Garcia, U-Lee Selby noMiguel Berchelt.

 

 

 

Yena, 'Ojo’ ISantiago inokunqoba okuphawulekayo ngaphezu kokuphikisana noJayson Velez kanye ne-Olympian Olympian Arturo Santos Reyes.

 

 

 

Puerto Rr Fempore Featherweight (122 lbs) ukuzwakala, Izandla / Izandla Zamatshe ze-Abimael’ Ortiz (7-0-1, 4 Kos) yahlula i-beaver 'yaseMexico’ Santiago (21-7-1, 8 Kos) ngesinqumo esivumayo kumdlalo oyindilinga ayi-10. Amajaji Athole amaphuzu 100-90 (2x) futhi 99-91.

 

 

 

Kwezinye izimpi:

 

 

 

Ama-Lightweights Steven Rudiaz (4-0, 4 Kos) kaCanovanas wanqoba ngendlela ye 3rd-nxazonke komusi we-mommo’ Lopez (6-2, 6 Kos) of Caguas.

 

 

 

Empini ethokozisayo ekwahlukaniseni i-flyweight, UJesu “Umbala wathi” Soler (10-1-1, 5 KO sika) of Arecibo, anqobile u-Oscar Marrero (5-2, 3 KO sika) kaLuquillo ngesinqumo esivumayo. Amajaji Athole amaphuzu 78-76, 78-74 futhi 77-75.

 

 

 

Jr. welterweights, Emmanuel Morales (8-3, 5 Kos) KaCidra kuchaze i-Adrián Martínez (2-2, 2 Kos) yeSan Lorenzo ngo 3rd-round tko.

 

 

 

Ama-Lightweights, UChristian Barreto (1-0, 1 KO sika) ye-arecibo yehlulwa yizobuchwepheshe Knockout kwi-michael estrada yesine (0-3) Ye-fajardo, kanye jr Featherweight Christian Lebrón (1-0) Ye-fajardo, wahlula uJonathan waseLa Paz (0-7) ngokungqongqoza kwezobuchwepheshe emzuliswaneni wesibili ku- 122 amakhilogremu.

OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK DETHRONES ADONIS STEVENSON TO CAPTURE WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

Watch The Replay On SHOWTIME Sports Social Platforms And Monday At 10 p.m. ET / PT On Showtime obedlulele®

Chofoza LAPHA Thwebula Ama ifotho; Credit Amanda F. Westcott / SHOWTIME

Quebec CITY (December 1, 2018) – Adonis Stevenson’s five-and-a-half-year reign as the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion is over. Oleksandr Gvozdyk dethroned boxing’s longest reigning champion with a devastating 11th round knockout Saturday in Quebec City in a SHOWTIME BOXING: UHLELO OLUKHETHEKILE telecast that immediately preceded the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury SHOWTIME PPV.

 

 

 

Gvozdyk (16-0, 13 Kos) used a powerful multi-punch combination in the penultimate round to put the back-and-forth bout out of question. The former Olympic bronze medalist and amateur teammate of fellow Ukrainians Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk was impressive throughout the entire fight. He executed trainer Teddy Atlas’ game plan to perfection and was the busier of the two fighters. Stevenson (29-2-1, 24 Kos), who was making his 10th isihloko ukuzivikela, was able to land his signature left hand on several occasions, most notably in the tenth round, but never did enough to truly trouble his opponent.

 

 

 

“This win means everything to me. I’ve trained my whole life for this and tonight all of the hard work was worth it,” said Gvozdyk, who was the mandatory challenger for Stevenson. “Having Teddy [Atlas] in my corner was a huge help. He knew exactly what to say to me. We trained so well for this fight and I knew I was going to get the knockout.

 

 

 

“Adonis was a great champion but it’s my time now. He got me with a good shot in the 10th round but I handled it and finished him. Khona manje, I just want to rest before I discuss my next step. I definitely want to stay at 175 ukushaya. "

 

 

 

Stevenson was transported to a local hospital as precautionary measure and was unavailable for comment following the fight.

 

 

 

Saturday’s one-fight telecast from Quebec City will replay on Monday, December 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®. Isibhakela sesikhathi sombukiso: SPECIAL EDITION streamed live on SHOWTIME Sports social platforms and is archived on the SHO Sports YouTube channel and Facebook page.

 

 

 

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analyst. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

 

 

Ukuze ulwazi olunabile, vakashela www.SHO.com/Sports, ukulandela on TwitterSHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,

 

 

 

 

 

Salamov Defends Championships with Unanimous Decision over Ghana’s Anim in Sochi, Russia

Ngomgqibelo, December 1, at the Galaktika Culture Centre in Sochi, Russia, Umar Salamov will defend his Eurasian Boxing Parliament and WBO International Light Heavyweight Championships when he faces once-beaten Emmanuel “Horse Power” Anim in an explosive 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

Salamov (22-1, 17 Kos), from Alkhan-Kala, Russia, is currently ranked WBC #10, WBA #13, IBF #7 and WBO #10 emhlabeni. Anim (13-1-1, 11 Kos), from Accra, Ghana, is a former Ghanaian Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion. The fight will also be televised live in Russia on Match TV.

 

 

 

“I take every fight seriously,” said Salamov. “My preparations have been excellent for this match. I scored a KO in all my wins this year and I’ll do it again on December 1.”

 

 

 

Salamov caught the boxing public’s eye in North America last June with a brutal one-punch knockout over respectable prospect Brian Howard. With top-10 rankings by every major sanctioning body, it’s a matter of time for the 24-year-old slugger.

 

 

 

“The light heavyweight division is one of the most talent-packed in boxing,” said Salamov’s promoter, UDmitry Salita. “Umar is one of the best in the world and with an impressive victory on December 1, he will be one step closer to reaching his goal of becoming a world champion.”

Results from “Rumble at the Rock III” at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino e Hollywood, Fla.

WBO #2 Espinoza Annihilates Vargas in Two Brutal Rounds

 

Mexico’s Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza (21-2, 18 Kos) made the most of his Telemundo appearance in the main event of “Rumble at the Rock III,” tonight (Friday, Nov. 30), at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino e Hollywood, Fla., by destroying previously undefeated Yeison Vargas (17-1, 12 Kos) of Colombia in two rounds

 

 

 

After an uneventful first round, Espinoza impressively opened up and dropped Vargas three times in the second. In the process, Espinoza, the streaking WBO #2 Olwa, picked up a TKO 2 and the WBO Latino Bantamweight Championship. Having never left his homeland for a fight before, Vargas seemed unprepared for the brutal power of Espinoza’s hooks and right hands. The time was 1:19.

 

 

 

In the 10-round welterweight co-main event, Puerto Rican prospect Derrieck Cuevas (19-0-1, 14 Kos) scored an impressive unanimous 10-round decision over Miami via Barranquilla, Colombia veteran Breidis “Khanqueror” Prescott (31-15, 22 Kos).

 

 

 

Cuevas is a wicked puncher. Prescott was down in round one from a thudding left hook and was saved by the bell from a quick KO loss. What followed over the next nine rounds was a clinic from the surprisingly elusive 24-year-old Cuevas on hitting, hard, and not getting hit back.

 

 

 

Always a warrior, the battle-proven Prescott tried for the entire fight, but simply couldn’t reach Cuevas with anything consequential. Cuevas looks to have the goods to continue to climb the 147-lb ladder into contender status. The scores were not announced.

 

 

 

Popular Miami light heavyweight Ulysses Diaz (7-0, 6 Kos) was too much for Sonora, Mexico’s Fabian Valdez (3-5), as he stopped him in two rounds of a scheduled four. “The Monster” Diaz, a serious crowd favorite in South Florida, clubbed Valdez with his trademarked sledgehammers, sending the hapless Mexican reeling around the ring until the slaughter was mercifully waved off at 49 seconds. Valdez was down from a body shot in round one.

 

 

 

Miami lightweight Manuel Correa (3-0, 2 Kos) pounded out a brutal unanimous (40-36 x 3) four-round decision over Dustin Arnold (6-2, 1 Kos) of Coral Springs, Florida.

 

 

 

Lacking the power to get the relentlessly energized fists of Correa away from him, Arnold did well to survive the onslaught. His face didn’t feel so lucky though, as he was reduced to a bloody mask during the carnage. Correa is a pitbull worth having another look at. The normally capable Arnold will have to improve his power to compete with savagery of the type that fighters like Correa can generate.

 

 

 

Miami welterweight Livan Navarro (10-0, 6 Kos) scored an entertaining fourth-round knockout (54 seconds) over Colombian veteran Wilfrido Buelvas (19-11, 13 Kos). The pair of sluggers traded free-swinging haymakers throughout. Buelvas even looked to have hurt Navarro in the second, kodwa, eventually, Navarro’s superior power took over and that was it for the Colombian from Barranquilla.

 

 

 

Buelvas went down twice in round three and twice more in round four, the final time for the full 10 count.

 

 

 

In an eight-round super featherweight bout, former top-ranked veteran Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver (26-10-1, 8 Kos) of Hartford showed the ravages of time, as he flopped twice and quit in the first round against Miami’s undefeated featherweight Hairon “El Maja” Socarras (20-0-3, 12 Kos). What would have been an entertaining scrap a few years ago was more of a sad exhibition as Oliver dropped from the two punches he caught and elected to quit after the second “knockdown.” The time was 50 seconds.

 

 

 

All-action Miami featherweight Jessy Cruz (15-7-1, 6 Kos) continued his winning streak with a four-round beatdown of Mexican veteran Isaias Martin Cardona (25-15, 17 Kos). Cardona, a showboating type, was down in round, one, three and four. After the fourth, saner heads prevailed, and he was prevented from coming out for the fifth. The official verdict was a TKO 5 (0:01).

 

 

 

Miami via Cuba’s hard-punching super middleweight Irosvani Duvergel (5-0, 3 Kos) stayed undefeated by making quick work of Miami’s Yendris Rodriguez Valdez (2-3, 2 Kos) by way of TKO 1 (1:46). The exciting Cuban was too strong for Valdez and after going down from a right hand, Valdez’s corner signaled their man’s surrender.

 

 

 

A four-round featherweight contest ended early when Puerto Rico’s Luis “Chucho” Melendez (3-1, 2 Kos) scored a TKO 2 (2:13) over debuting local Jonathan Conde. After a routine first round, Melendez had Conde down three times, the first with a counter left hook and then twice more with big right hands.

 

 

 

In the four-round heavyweight opener between two Miami-based sluggers, Hector “Ready for War” Hodge (3-3, 1 KO) spoiled the pro debut of Jairus Gladney (0-1) by knockout at 1:43 round amabili. The pair of big men traded wild shots until Hodge found pay dirt with a southpaw left hand, dropping Gladney. Gladney rose but was in no condition and another roundhouse left finished things.

 

 

 

“Rumble at the Rock III” was presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in association with Tuto Zabala of All Star Boxing.

 

# # #

HEAVYWEIGHT LEGENDS ROUNDTABLE QUOTES & IZITHOMBE

Former Heavyweight Champions & Stars Discuss Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Heavyweight Championship Showdown Taking Place This Saturday, December 1 Phila on SHOWTIME PPV® kusukela STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
Chofoza LAPHA Izithombe ku-Esteri Lin / SHOWTIME

 

 

I-LOS ANGELES (November 30, 2018) – One day before the most significant heavyweight event in the U.S. e kuka 15 Eminyakeni, heavyweight legends have descended on Los Angeles to discuss the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury showdown that will be live on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday night from STAPLES Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

A media roundtable featured heavyweight greats Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Riddick Bowe, Gerry Cooney, Earnie Shavers, Buster Douglas futhi Michael Spinks as they broke down Saturday’s battle of unbeaten giants.

 

 

 

Amathikithi for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

 

 

 

The roundtable was hosted by SHOWTIME Sports award-winning reporter Jim Gray from the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, I-Los Angeles. Here is what the heavyweight legends had to say Friday:

 

EVANDER HOLYFIELD

 

 

I feel that Deontay Wilder will win because eventually he’ll land that right hand. He’s very patient. He’s a thinker, but he can also take chances. When people take chances, they win.

 

 

 

Deontay might not have as much experience as we did in our day, but he’s got the power. That’s what the people want to see and I think they’re going to be happy when they see it.

 

 

 

There was a point in time where every great heavyweight was from the United States. We had a very good amateur program. I was the last true heavyweight champion from the U.S. before Wilder and until I lost the decision against Lennox.

 

 

 

To be the heavyweight champion of the world, and to say you’re the best, you have to fight any man.

 

Lennox LEWIS

 

 

 

I think it’s going to be a great fight. Deontay Wilder has a terrific right hand and when it lands, not too many people can stand up to it. I also think that you can’t hurt what you can’t hit. Tyson Fury is not an easy person to hit. He has great ability and movement. I’m going with Deontay early or Fury late.

 

 

 

We all know how it feels to lose the heavyweight championship. We know how hard it is to gain it back. Fury has lost it, and now he wants it back. I can see now that he’s sacrificing and saying to himself that he shouldn’t have lost it, and now he has to regain it.

 

 

 

I think the view in the U.K. is that Tyson Fury is the man that stepped up. The gauntlet was thrown out there and he stood up for Britain. Deontay came to England to challenge Anthony Joshua, but it was Tyson Fury who answered the call.

 

 

 

I would say that there are a couple of meccas in boxing that are places where everyone wants to fight. Las Vegas, New York and of course, I-Los Angeles. My fight against Vitali Klitschko at STAPLES Center was a great fight. My plan that night was not to box to go the distance, I boxed to go a short distance and it did.

 

RIDDICK BOWE

 

 

 

I’m going with Deontay Wilder tomorrow night. He’s going to put on a great show for everyone and get another knockout.

 

 

 

Tyson Fury is skilled and tall, kodwa kimi, he doesn’t do enough on offense. He moves but he doesn’t move his hands enough.

 

GERRY COONEY

 

 

 

I think it’s a great fight tomorrow night. We know that Fury is coming back motivated. If Wilder finds a home for that right, he’s going to take Fury out. I think he’s going to connect at some point during the fight.

 

 

 

I think Tyson Fury is a great man for how far he’s come back in his life and for standing up to Deontay Wilder. Fury called him out, so maybe he knows something we don’t know.

 

 

 

I’m so glad to be up here. Look at all these great heavyweights and great guys. It’s special and they’re all here to watch this fight tomorrow night.

 

EARNIE SHAVERS

 

 

 

Me and Deontay are both from Alabama. I’ll be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame soon and Deontay will be there one day as well. Deontay is a great puncher and I’m pulling for him tomorrow night.

 

 

 

I fought in a great era. If you fight guys on the same level, you’ll get good fights. These guys today could get in there in our day and put on a good show.

 

BUSTER DOUGLAS

 

 

 

I think this is going to be a good competitive fight. If I had to pick, I’d take Deontay Wilder by knockout in the eighth round.

 

 

 

I feel like Tyson Fury has already won by battling back and getting into great shape and being in this position. I’m sure many people thought they’d never see him back here. That’s a victory in itself.

 

 

 

My victory over Mike Tyson changed my life in a great way. I was now the heavyweight champion of the world. My dream had come true. Seeing my two youngest kids being born was the only thing that could top it.

 

MICHAEL SPINKS

 

 

“Kwangathi umuntu umhlabeleli ukunqoba. I don’t know who’s in the best of shape but I think Fury being out of the ring makes me lean toward Deontay Wilder. If Fury is as big in person as they say he is, he’s got a great chance.

 

 

If you’re the underdog, you just have to go on what you know and what you’ve worked on. You can’t pay attention to the doubters. You focus on what you’ve prepared yourself for and give it your all. I always saw myself winning. It’s the greatest feeling to come out of the ring victorious.

 

 

 

# # #

 

ABOUT WILDER vs. FURY

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury pits the WBC Heavyweight World Champion Wilder against the lineal heavyweight champion Fury on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The PPV undercard begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and will featureunbeaten unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take onJason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks.

 

 

 

Ukuze ulwazi olunabile, vakashela www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comfuthi www.staplescenter.com ukulandela on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions futhiwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

WILDER VS. FURY PPV UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & IZITHOMBE

Unified 154-Pound Champion Jarrett Hurd, Cuban Heavyweight Slugger Luis Ortiz & Rising Heavyweight Joe Joyce Talk Respective Showdowns This Saturday, December 1 Phila on SHOWTIME PPV® kusukela Ukudla Center e Los Angeles
Chofoza LAPHA Izithombe ku-Esteri Lin / SHOWTIME
I-LOS ANGELES (November 29, 2018) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s PPV undercard headlined by the heavyweight championship showdown between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury went face-to-face on Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The PPV undercard begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and features unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd defending against the U.K.’s Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz in a 10-round showdown against rugged veteranTravis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce ukuthatha on Joe Hanks in a ukukhangwa 10-round sosondonzima.
Amathikithi for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Los Angeles:
JARRETT HURD
Everything that my team and I have spoken about has come to pass. I’m here as the co-main of a massive card and I’m just really appreciative of everyone who believed in me and helped push me to this moment.
Saturday night I want to show my versatility. Everyone has seen that I’m electrifying. I bring the action. But I want to show that I am swift and I do have defense. I know how to use my height and range. I’m still going to bring the action on Saturday, so you have to make sure to tune-in.
We don’t think of Welborn as a tune-up fight. Jason Welborn is a British champion for a reason. We just want to go out there and establish the game plan we worked on in camp.
I want to show my defensive side and show that I can box and move. I want to show that I don’t have to just keep coming forward. I’m going to be able to do that and start to break him down and get him out of there.
Everybody sees my demeanor, and they know that I carry that to the ring. My composure is my biggest attribute. Kungakhathaliseki ukuthi umuntu uthini, I’m always going to be me.
I’m number one in the division and things are going to play out how I want them. We’ve had three tough camps training for southpaws. When I eventually fight (WBC champion) Jermell Charlo, I’m going to be ready because of all the work on my versatility and defense. I’ll be ready for Jermell Charlo.
I want to be an active champion because I didn’t have a lot of amateur fights. I need to stay in the ring and get all the experience I can. I want to get these good fights in while I’m still young and healthy.
I’m back from my surgery and we’re going to get back to the old Jarrett Hurd. I’m going to show everyone all that I can do. Everyone knows that there’s always going to be action. It’s going to be a wonderful fight on a wonderful card. Don’t blink during this one.
JASON WELBORN
This is a dream come true to be here today. Hurd has worked his way up to get here just like I have. Khona manje, he’s in my way. I hope everyone enjoys what I bring to the table on Saturday night.
I have the belief that I’m born and bred for this game and I’m going to show it to the whole world on Saturday night. I always prove people wrong.
The last two years I’ve become the best in Britain and beaten everyone they put in front of me. When people doubt me, I train even harder. I’m coming to win and I’ve got nothing to lose.
I have to get what I deserve and I’ll do it on Saturday night. I’ve already been through the storm. He’s got what I want.
I’ve got to enjoy the fight and get what I want. He can look past me all he wants, but once he feels what I bring to the table, we’ll see how he reacts. I’m ready for whatever he’s going to bring to the table.
LUIS ORTIZ
I want to thank everyone who has helped me get this opportunity. I like to do my talking in the ring, but I’m happy that Travis Kauffman stepped up. A lot of heavyweights haven’t done that and I’m glad we can make this fight happen.
I’m coming to do my job. This is a heavyweight fight and we know that means one punch can change everything. It’s not going to end well for Travis on Saturday night.
“Bangu 10 rounds to get the job done, and three minutes per round. I’m going to get my job done. The job is to seek and destroy. So I hope that Travis is very prepared to give the fans a great show. Saturday night you’ll see ‘King Kong’ in the ring.
I’ve pushed myself even harder than ever in training camp. We’re sticking with the same game plan of family first and I believe I will be rewarded. My five-year-old boy reminds me that I have a loss and that motivates me to train harder and harder.
I expect Travis to have the great confidence he’s showing. It’s a great chance for him and I’m sure he’ll be motivated. I’m motivated for every fight, because it’s not just about my opponent. My goal is to provide for my family and Travis is in the way. I’ve never deterred from that mentality and it’s got me ready for Saturday night.
Travis KAUFFMAN
I’m thankful to Luis Ortiz for taking this fight. Everybody is afraid to fight him, but I’m not afraid of anyone. We all know that Luis Ortiz can punch, but I don’t care about any of that. It’s my time. I come from a rough background and I won’t back down.
“Lesi yisikhathi yami. There’s nothing that’s going to stop me from taking this guy down. He’s so worried about Deontay Wilder, but he has to worry about me before he gets any rematch.
You might not know who I am right now, but you will after Saturday night. I’m going to make sure people remember my name.
Luis Ortiz is very skilled, but if you want to be the best you have to fight the best. No one actually wants to step up and take this fight, but I really believe this is my time. I bring some heat in the ring and I come to fight every time.
JOE JOYCE
I’m excited to be on this massive card. I’m going to give the whole world a treat as part of a great event. You have to tune-in and watch me start the show off right on Saturday night.
Training in Big Bear has been a perfect environment for me. It’s in the mountains, it has the altitude and it’s secluded. I’ve seen what goes into their training camps and worked alongside the best in the world. They’ve helped me install the kind of style that will have me at my best.
I have the Olympic pedigree, but now it’s about advancing the brute strength and really getting the perfect snap on my shots.
Sparring against Tyson Fury was really top-level work. I know that it’s made me a better fighter. He’s looking fit and strong and it shows when you’re in the ring with him.
“Leli ithuba elikhulu. Abel Sanchez has done a tremendous job getting me ready for this position. I’m excited to show everyone my skills and everything I’ve learned.
I’m glad that Joe Hanks decided to take this fight. I can’t wait to lace up the gloves and get the party started. I’m going to keep my knockout streak going and I guarantee it’s going to be exciting
JOE HANKS
It’s been a long time coming for this moment. I’m thankful to my team and I’m excited to be on this card with other great heavyweights. It’s a great time to be a heavyweight. I’m ready to put my name in the ring to have the chance to really do something special with a great performance Saturday.
The work has been done. I did everything that I had to do. I’ve done more than I did preparing for my past fights. Being the underdog doesn’t mean much to me. I’m from Newark, E-New Jersey, and we’re all underdogs there.
I’ve put the time in and I’ve had everyone supporting me and pushing me and I think it’s going to get me over the hump. I’m just really excited to get in there.
USTEFANU Espinoza, President Sports & Izinkundla Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
When we talk about Jarrett Hurd, he’s a fighter who has seemingly come out of nowhere and has had an incredibly rapid rise to the top. He was not a decorated amateur. He has learned on the job. All he has done since beating Oscar Molina in 2016 is impress. He is recognized as one of the bright young stars in boxing. He has been off due to injury and certainly could have taken an easier fight than Jason Welborn, who is a British Commonwealth champion. We’re expecting an action fight there.
Luis Ortiz is one of the top heavyweights in the world. He has one blemish on his otherwise perfect record, a loss to Deontay Wilder. Perhaps Ortiz was just seconds away from victory. We talk about a slim margin in fights, that was the slimmest of margins. I think he is going to be trying to make a statement on the undercard that he deserves a rematch against Deontay Wilder. Standing in his way will be Travis Kauffman. This is another all-action fight filled with big punchers.
In our opening bout, we have one of the most talked-about rising young heavyweights in the sport – Joe Joyce, who is taking on a tough veteran in Joe Hanks. As we know, the heavyweight division has been the focus more in the last six to nine months than we’ve seen in the last couple decades. Joe Joyce is at the top of the list on the potential next wave of future stars. He is certainly not wasting any time taking on a fighter of Joe Hankscaliber.
When you look at the card overall, you’ve got some of the biggest punchers in boxing. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see several knockouts on this card. Don’t miss the action.
# # #

Introducing undefeated Junior Welterweight Antonio Magruder

Magruder battles Matt Murphy on Saturday night at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.
Tori Nelson to defend UBF Middleweight title against Sanna Turunen
Former world title challenger Dominic Wade in action
Beltway favorites Kareem Martin, Alexander Johnson, Jordan White & George Harris to appear
Undefeated Kiante Irving to see action
WEIGH IN ON FRIDAY AT YARD HOUSE AT 2 PM ET
Washington, D.C. (November 29, 2018)Undefeated junior welterweight Antonio Magruder will be back in action after a two-plus year layoff when he takes on 36-fight veteran Matt Murphy in a six-round bout as part of a 10 iziqubu ikhadi THIS SATURDAY NIGHT at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in

Washington, D.C.
Magruder (5-0, 4 Kos) is looking to get back in the mix for the 1st time since his opening round stoppage over Ronnie Watson on September 30th, 2016.
Magruder has been back in camp, and working hard for the bout.
I have had a good camp. I always love training at home for fights,” uthe 26 year-old Magruder,
Magruder of Washington, D.C. had an amateur career that saw him have about 100 ukulwa, and for two years was considered the number-one fighter in the country in his weight class.
Magruder’s father, Sean, is one of the co-promoters of the event, and the younger Magruder has been helping out while staying completely focused on his opponent.
Most of my fights have been at home, and I love it. Its been a good learning experience helping out with the business end of things.
Magruder, who considers himself as a boxer-puncher, doesn’t go into fights looking for early stoppages.
I don’t go in there looking for knockouts, I just let the fight come to me, but it is great when it happens.
Even though doesn’t possess an outstanding record, he is battle tested who has faced a staggering 23 undefeated foes, and he has proved to be a sturdy opponent.
You can’t overlook anybody who goes in the ring. He is durable, and I know that he will try to win. Lokho okushiwo, I do not know too much about him.
After the long layoff, Magruder sees an opportunity to start making some noise in the junior welterweight division.
I am looking to be more active. I think in 2019, I will make up for lost time, and look to get five or six fights in. That should take me to 12-0, and I should start to get noticed on those prospect lists. I just want people to come out on Saturday. It is a great card with a lot of good fighters. I have been training really hard, and I will put on a great show.
Tori Nelson (18-2-3, 3 Kos) of Ashburn, Virginia will defend her UBF Middleweight world championship against Sanna Turunen (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Tuusulam, Izwe.
In the eziyisithupha-round co-feature, umhlaba owabe isihloko inselele Dominic Wade (18-1, 12 Kos) of Largo, MD takes on Ulises Jimenez (23-23-1, 15 Kos) of Xochimilco, Mexico in a middleweight bout.
Futhi ngo eziyisithupha-round iziqubu:
Kareem Martin (10-2, 3 Kos) of Washington, DC takes on Jose Arturo Esquivel(10-8, 2 Kos) of Chihuahua, Mexico in a welterweight fight.
Alexander Johnson (16-4-1, 7 Kos) of Washington, DC ezolwa Mengistu Zarzar(6-5-1, 5 Kos) of Palmer Park, Maryland in a light heavyweight fight.
Sam Awela (7-0, 5 Kos) of Greenbelt, MD will fight Twon Smith (3-1, 2 Kos) of Oklahoma City, ,Oklahoma in a cruiserweight bout
Ngo ezine-round iziqubu:
Antonio Magruder (5-0, 4 Kos) of Washington, D.C. liba Matt Murphy (3-30-3, 2 Kos) of St. Louis, MO in a junior welterweight tussle.
George Harris (1-0, 1 KO) of Silver Spring, MD fights Lamar Lewis (0-3) of Arkansas in a heavyweight scrap.
Jordan White (6-1, 4 Kos) Washington, DC will square off with Ndira Spearman (1-3) of Lavergne, TN in a featherweight battle.
Kiante Irving of Beaver Falls, PA (2-0, 2 Kos) boxes George Sheppard (1-4-1) of Virginia in a super middleweight contest.
Tyrell Boyd of Baltimore makes his pro debut against David Rohn (0-8) of Villa Park, Il in a middleweight fight.
THE WEIGH IN WILL BE FRIDAY AT YARD HOUSE (812 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001) AT 2 PM ET
Tricky Entertainment has been promoting music, entertainment and lifestyle events in D.C. for the past ten years, and is run by Erwin Pendergrast.
DCFightNight is run by Sean Magruder, and this will be his second boxing show in DC.
The Matchmaker is Chris Middendorf.
Ticket Prices begin at $45 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

Adonis Stevenson vs. OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & IZITHOMBE

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Begins At 7:45 PM ET/4:45 PM PT Live On SHOWTIME® And SHOWTIME Sports® Social Media Platforms Preceding Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury SHOWTIME PPV® Event.

 

Chofoza LAPHA Izithombe kusuka Amanda F. Westcott / SHOWTIME

 

Quebec CITY (November 29, 2018) – Boxing’s longest reigning world champion, Adonis Stevenson, futhi Ezingakanqotshwa, mandatory challenger Oleksandr Gvozdyk faced off Thursday at the final press conference ahead of Stevenson’s 10th defense of his WBC Light Heavyweight Title in a SHOWTIME BOXING: UHLELO OLUKHETHEKILE telecast Saturday, December 1 from Videotron Center in Quebec City.

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: UHLELO OLUKHETHEKILE will air live on SHOWTIME and stream for free on the SHO Sports YouTube channel kanye SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page isiqala at7:45 p.m. KANYE / 4:45 p.m. PT, immediately preceding the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury SHOWTIME PPV. Wilder vs. Fury begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and also features unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce ohlushwa Joe Hanks.

 

 

 

Here is what Stevenson, Gvozdyk and their respective trainers had to say Thursday at Chateau Bonne Entente in Quebec City:

 

Adonis Stevenson:

 

 

 

“Saturday is a big fight. I’m not underestimating Gvozdyk. I know he’s a good fighter and he’s hungry. He’s trained very hard to get my title. But everybody who comes to my home in Canada always wants my title, but it’s never happened and it’s not going to happen now.

 

 

 

“I’m looking for the knockout. That’s just my mentality and the way that I train. Sugar [Hill Steward] trains me to think that way but I can also go 12 emahlandla, it’s not a problem. I know that if he makes a mistake, I’m going to catch him. He only has to slip up once in 12 emahlandla. One mistake, one punch. That’s all it’s going to take. Ngikulungele. I know I can punch and it’s 12 emahlandla. I just need one punch. Just one. I’m going to catch him and the night will be over.

 

 

 

“I’ve been pushing myself in training and I’m going to put on another great performance come Saturday and will defend my title once again. In the words of my old trainer, Emanuel Steward, ‘knockouts selland that’s what I’m going for in this fight. I know I’m facing a good boxer who’s coming in very determined. He’ll be ready, but it won’t be enough. Superman is in the building!"

 

OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK:

 

 

“I’m glad to finally be here. Ngijabulile kakhulu. I want to thank Top Rank and GYM Promotions for finally making this happen. I respect Adonis Stevenson as a fighter, he’s a great champion. But I am ready to accept this challenge and on Saturday night there will be a new champion.

 

 

 

“I have one of the greatest trainers in the history of boxing so I’m very confident. We have a good strategy. We had an excellent training camp and I’m ready. Adonis is a great fighter. He’s a dangerous southpaw and this is a real step-up for me but it’s my time.

 

 

 

“People always ask about Stevenson’s age but George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins performed at a high level when they were 50-years-old. It really just depends on how you maintain your body, your living conditions, how you eat and how you train.

 

 

 

“I’m not worried about what the bookmakers say. It doesn’t mean anything that they think I am the favorite. I try to stay focused on the things that I need to be focused on, not what the bookmakers think. The further this fight goes, the better my chances are. My height, my movement and my patience will win me this fight.”

 

SUGAR HILL STEWARD, STEVENSON’S TRAINER

 

 

 

“I’m happy to be here once again. This is like a second home for Adonis. This fight is just going to be regular Adonis. Adonis wants to get a knockout. Ngiyakuthanda knockouts. This is how we train for every fight. It’s no disrespect to any fighter, but that’s just the mentality that we have. Adonis and I don’t believe in leaving it in the hands of the judges and that’s been working so far. We will continue to do what we’ve been doing.”

 

 

 

“Adonis has been training his whole life for something like this. This is a big world championship fight against a former Olympian. Welcome to big time boxing, this is what it’s all about. Come December 1, Adonis Stevenson is going to get another knockout.”

 

TEDDY ATLAS, GVOZDYK’S TRAINER

 

 

“We knew that this would be a very difficult fight but what we didn’t know was how difficult it would be to get here. That part of the fight is over, thankfully. We spent eight weeks in California preparing for this bout. Preparing for a tremendous champion. I don’t have to speak about how long he’s been a champion, his reign, his experience, how talented and dangerous he is as a puncher. I believe he’s the best or second-best puncher in boxing today. It’s either him or [Deontay] Wilder, whatever you choose.

 

 

 

“Stevenson has all of the qualities a great fighter needs. He has a great heart, he’s gotten off the canvas and showed tremendous heart late in the Badou Jack fight. This is quite a task that’s in front of us. We understand that. The good news is that we know exactly what we’re facing and we’ve prepared the last eight weeks for that. We have not overlooked anything. I have no doubt that although we have a very steep challenge in front of us, that on Saturday night we will have a new Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.”