From Masonic Temple in Detroit, mig.
Klicka HÄR För Foton; Credit Stephanie Trapp / SHOWTIME
SHOWTIME BOXNING: SPECIAL EDITION – 10 p.m. OCH/PT
IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championship
Claressa Shields – 159 ½ lbs.
Hanna Gabriels – 159 ½ lbs.
Domare: Gerard White (Kalifornien); Judges: Michael Ancona (Ohio), Jeremy Hayes (Toronto, Kanada), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Kanada)
WBC and WBO Women’s Middleweight World Championship
Christina Hammer – 159 ½ lbs.
Tori Nelson – 157 ½ lbs.
Domare: Frank Garza (Michigan); Judges: Katealia Chambers (Michigan), Benoit Roussel (Montreal), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Kanada)
Light Heavyweight 10-Round Bout
Umar Salamov – 174 ½ lbs.
Brian Howard – 174 ½ lbs.
Domare: Sam Williams (Michigan); Judges: Ansel Stewart (Michigan), Michael Ancona (Ohio), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Kanada)
OBSERVERA: see PDF email attachment for bout sheet and all weights.
FLASH QUOTES:
Claressa Shields:
“I have John David Jackson now and I’ve learned so much from him since we got together back in February. I’ve had coaches in the past who tried to change my style and game, but at the end of the day I just have to go in there and fight like I know how to.
“Being in Flint for my last camp, you wouldn’t believe all the things I had to deal with. Just stuff that shouldn’t be happening to a world champion. It was stressful, and I was stressed even the week of the fight [i januari]. I had to get out. I was able to train in Florida this time around.
"[Hanna’s] a good fighter. She has skills and just the way she carries herself. She’s very calm and her facial expressions never change. I watched the fight where she got knocked out, and even then her facial expressions didn’t change. I think she’s tough, but not as tough as I am. I know I’m the better fighter.
“Tori underestimated my power. I think Tori has a punchers’ chance [against Hammer]. I don’t wrap my career around Hammer. Our lives don’t intertwine. I have to worry about what’s in front of me. I’m not going to watch that fight.
“I was focused on my diet for this fight. I don’t have much family in Florida and didn’t have any distractions.”
HANNA GABRIELS:
“We need to step up to the plate and make sure our game plan is on point and we give the fans what they want to see, which is a great fight. You have to overcome a lot and sacrifice to get to this point, and my team has done that.
“I’ve never feared anyone. Words don’t do anything. When I get in the ring I’m going to be a beast.
“I’m OK with whatever comes, win or loss. I’m a champion and that’s my mentality in the ring. We’re going for the victory, and I’m appreciating everything that’s happening preparing for this fight.
”Jag kan inte underskatta sin makt. Men boxning är inte bara om makt, det finns så mycket mer. Du kan vara kraftfulla, men du kan landa stansen? Kan det vara exakt? Det finns så många saker som händer i ringen som du behöver oroa dig.”
CHRISTINA HAMMER:
”Jag var mycket besviken över att jag inte kunde slå tillbaka i januari på grund av mina visumfrågor.
”Jag var på Claressa Shields-Tori Nelson kamp och nu är det min tur att få i ringen. Jag gillar att gå ut och aggressiv. När du kan avsluta, du är klar. Det amerikanska folket kommer att gilla min stil.
”Boxning är min passion och mitt jobb, och jag är beredd och ser fram emot detta. Nu dagen är här och det är på Showtime. Vi tänker inte på Claressa Shields. Out of respect to Tori Nelson, I’m focused on this fight only.”
TORI NELSON:
“I’m a power puncher and I’ve been using my legs more in camp so this camp has been so much different than what I’m used to.
“They say lighting strikes only once, but I got another chance. I am so grateful I got the call for this fight. This is my second chance. A lot of people don’t get second chances.
‘I really have something to prove. A lot of people have believed in me and I’ve got to show what I can do in the ring.
“I think Christina is overlooking me. It’s disrespectful but I’m glad. It’s better for me that she does overlook me.”
UMAR SALAMOV:
“This fight is going to be a good test. I know I can make it into the top 10, and this is my start.
“There’s a big difference living here in Detroit, but it’s a lot like Moscow, a big city.
“I love to fight, and this is a dream come true coming to America. Brian Howard is a tough opponent. It will not be an easy fight but I’m confident I can beat him.”
BRIAN HOWARD:
“I have a little bit of ring rust, but I’m going to be sharp. I’ve prepared well and I’m in shape. I have great metabolism, and can lose weight easily.
“I took my first loss in 2012 and after I took that loss I didn’t have the support I needed. I got back into it and it was just tough getting a fight. I got a lot of nos.
“I’ve seen some tape of my opponent. Men du vet inte om han kommer att ändra eller ta med något annat.
”Jag rutan bättre än jag spela fotboll. Mitt smeknamn är MVP - Mest onda Puncher.
”Jag ser inte på det att jag är B-sidan fighter. Detta är en verklig möjlighet för mig, och jag kommer att dra full nytta av det.”
Biljetter till evenemanget, som främjas av Salita kampanjer, finns tillgängliga på Ticketmaster.com eller på Masonic Temple Box Office på (313) 832-7100. VIP-biljetter är prissatta på $300, ringside biljetterna på $125, och kvarvarande biljetter på $75, $50 och $35.
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