Tag Archives: Julian Williams

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HOMETOWN HERO MAKES HISTORY: DEONTAY WILDER STOPS ERIC MOLINA, WINS BY 9TH-ROUND KNOCKOUT AT BARTOW ARENA 

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Jose Pedraza Claims Vacant Junior Lightweight Title

With Dominating Unanimous Decision Over Andrey Klimov

 

Catch Replay Sunday, June 14 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME® and Monday, June 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME®

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 13, 2015) – In the first title fight in the state of Alabama, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs), had to work harder than expected before dismantlingEric “Drummer Boy” Molina (23-3, 17 KOs) with a ninth round knockout Saturday night in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME.

 

Hometown hero Wilder, who was born and still resides just 60 miles down the road in Tuscaloosa, dropped Molina, of Lyford, Texas, with a straight right hand 63 seconds in the ninth round, prompting referee Jack Reiss to call the fight off as a result of Molina’s fourth and final knockdown of the evening in front of a raucous sold out crowd of 9,347 at Bartow Arena on the campus of University of Alabama Birmingham.

 

A game Molina surprised Wilder with his stamina and heart. “I was surprised by Molina, he showed tremendous heart,” said an elated Wilder as roars from the crowd rang down from the rafters. “All the critics doubted him, but he showed that he was a very tough challenger. I needed a tough guy who had heart and who could get dropped and still come back up.”

 

Wilder knocked down Molina once in the fourth round with a left hook and twice in the fifth round with his deadly right hand, looking as if the fight would be stopped before the start of the sixth round. But Molina was determined to get up and was even able to land a big right hand in the eighth round, stunning a seemingly tired Wilder.

 

Although not the outcome he had hoped for, Molina was grateful for the opportunity. “I gave it everything I had,” a dejected Molina said. “It wasn’t the result I wanted, but what can I do. It was my dream to fight for the title. Wilder is a great fighter and I want him to be great.”

 

Boxing historian and SHOWTIME Analyst Steve Farhood provided interesting insight after the main event. “I thought this fight produced three winners. Deontay Wilder, the state of Alabama and believe it or not, Eric Molina. Expectations were low for Molina, but he is going to get more offers based off this fight. He presented a reasonable challenge and fought with a lot of heart. The crowd was fantastic and I think that everyone would like to see Deontay Wilder fight here again.”

 

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader, Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) dominated Andrey Klimov (20-1, 9 KOs) from the opening bell to claim the vacant IBF Junior Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision victory.

 

Pedraza, making his 2015 debut, triumphed by the scores of 120-108 twice and 119-109.

 

Pedraza was all smiles afterward. “I was very happy because I have sacrificed my life for the last 14 years to become a world champion,” he said. “It wasn’t easy but it’s a dream come true, a dream every fighter thinks about to become a world champion.”

 

From the opening bell, Pedraza, of Cidra, Puerto Rico, used his superior hand speed, combination punching and body jabs to create distance and keep Klimov, of Klimovsk, Russia, at bay. Pedraza landed 50 percent of his power shots compared to a 26 percent rate by Klimov. The Puerto Rican becomes the 62nd fighter  who has appeared on ShoBox: The New Generation, to become world champion.

 

Pedraza used previous Puerto Rican champions as motivation in claiming his first title.“Becoming the seventh Puerto Rican Champion at 130 means the world to me,” he said. “I look up to Miguel Cotto and now young Puerto Rican boxers are going to look up to me.”

After the fight, Klimov revealed why he was covered in blood for most of the night. “On the very first punch of the fight, Pedraza broke my nose and from that point forward I was playing catch up,” he said. “My ability in the ring was hindered because of my nose, as it kept on swelling.”

Although the nose was a factor in the fight, a battered Klimov made no excuses. “Pedraza did an exceptional job, he is a really good, fast fighter.”

Opening the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast undefeated Julian “J-Rock” Williams (20-0-1, 12KOs) of Philadelphia, Pa. delivered an impressive sixth-round TKO (2:43) over Armen Ovsepyan (14-5, 11 KOs) of Yerevan, Armenia, to retain his WBC Continental Super Welterweight Title.

 

Williams started strong knocking Ovsepyan down with a big right hand 35 seconds into the first round. He continued to outbox Ovsepyan, breaking him down with big and accurate body shots with both hands. By the time of the stoppage, Williams had landed 52 percent of his total punches, compared to Ovsepyan’s 19 percent.

 

“I probably could’ve finished him earlier, but I wanted to take my time,” said Williams. “Despite what people may think, he’s a decent fighter and a good puncher. I didn’t want to force the knockout, because that can make a boxer look unpolished.”

 

“I got the knockout and I’m ready for the next stage of my career. I am calling out the entire division, but I’d like to start with Austin Trout. I turned 25 in April and I need to start building my resume because I want to be in the Boxing Hall of Fame someday.”

 

In the SHOWTIME EXTREME main event, undefeated Montenegrin Dejan “El Dinamita” Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs) delivered an upset with the second knockout of the evening, tarnishing the unblemished record of Ukrainian Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach (18-1, 14 KOs) with a TKO at1:24 of the fourth round with a devastating left hook.

 

Redkach had a six inch reach advantage over Zlaticanin, but the Montenegrin was the stronger more accurate man landing 33 percent of his total punches compared to Redkach’s 21 percent. Redkach took a knee in the third after a low blow and an accidental headbutt that led to a small cut. At the time of the stoppage, Zlaticanin was ahead on all the scorecards, 27-30 and 28-29 twice.

 

A virtual unknown to U.S. fans coming in, Zlaticanin couldn’t contain his excitement afterward. “I feel like I am living a dream, I am very happy,” he said. “I beat somebody who is a boxing standout in America. I knew going into the fight that I was the better fighter. I really wanted to hurt him in that ring. I heard that he was a great boxer and power puncher, but he underestimated my talents. I showed the American fan base what I am capable of.”

 

After the fight, Redkach was visibly distraught. “I am very disappointed,” he said. “This is my first professional loss. I don’t understand why the referee stopped the fight when there was still over a minute left in the round. I felt perfectly fine in the ring that was a bad stoppage.”

In a swing bout, promising undefeated prospect Ahmed Elbiale (11-0, 10 KOs) of Miami, Fla. by way of Egypt, scored a 1:04, first round knockout over Donta Woods (8-5, 7KOs) of Atlanta, Ga.

 

# # #

 

“WILDER vs. MOLINA,” a 12-round fight for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight Championship, took place Saturday, June 13, at The Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala. DiBella Entertainment and Bruno Event Team joined forces to bring the event to Alabama. In the co-main event co-promoted by DiBella in association with Universal Promotions, Jose Pedraza faced Andrey Klimov in a 12-round bout for the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title. It aired live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT). The telecast was available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary bouts were televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

boxing, Showtime Boxing

THE HOMECOMING: DEONTAY WILDER VS. ERIC MOLINA  FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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“Everybody knows that Deontay Wilder gets the job done. I worked too hard to get here to just give up the belt. I want all the belts, I’m greedy like that.” — Deontay Wilder

 

“When my dream becomes a reality on Saturday, I’ll come right back here and give Wilder the rematch.” – Eric Molina

 

THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 13, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

FROM BARTOW ARENA IN BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

Tickets Still on Sale!!!

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 11, 2015) – Two days before the first-ever world title fight in the state of Alabama, undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and challenger Eric Molina participated in a tense final press conference Thursday at Embassy Suites in Birmingham.

 

The hard-hitting Wilder (33-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala, will be making the first defense of the heavyweight title he won impressively from Bermane Stiverne in January, when he meets Molina (23-2, 17 KOs), of Lyford, Texas, this Saturday, June 13, in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

 

In the co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, undefeated Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza(19-0, 12 KOs), of Cidra, Puerto Rico, will be opposed by Andrey Klimov (19-1, 9 KOs), of Klimovski, Russia, in a 12-rounder for the vacant IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship.

 

In the main event on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME®, undefeated world-ranked contendersIvan “El Terrible” Redkach and Dejan “El Dinamita” Zlaticanin will square off in a 12-round eliminator. The winner between Redkach (18-0, 1 ND, 14 KOs), of Los Angeles, and Zlaticanin (16-0, 9 KOs), of Montenegro, becomes the mandatory challenger to Jorge Linares, the WBC 135-pound world champion.

 

Opening the SHO EXTREME telecast, unbeaten top 10-ranked super welterweight Julian “J Rock” Williams (19-0-1, 11 KOS, 1 ND), of Philadelphia, will be opposed by Armenia’s Armen Ovsepyan(14-4, 11 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., in an eight-round bout.  Time permitting, hard-hitting light heavyweights Ahmed Elbiali (10-0, 9 KOs, 1-1 WSB), of Miami, Fla, and Donta Woods (8-4, 7 KOs), of Atlanta, will collide in a four/six-round swing match.

 

Below is what the fighters and Hall of Fame promoter Don King had to say today:

 

DEONTAY WILDER, Heavyweight World Champion

 

“I’m thankful to everybody who has put together this great event. This is a dream come true for me. When I made my dream to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, I wanted to do something to change the Alabama sports landscape.

 

“People wanted me to rush my career, even I did at some points, but I’m a man who believes in timing and that there’s a moment when things should happen. We have to wait for our time.

 

“This is my destiny. Once I had my precious daughter she changed my life forever and she became my motivation to get here. She’s the reason I go hard in the gym, she’s the reason I carry myself the way I do.

 

“I worked too hard to get to this position. We’re not planning on this being the end.

 

“It’s a privilege to make history with the first world title fight in Alabama, in any division. I’ve been about making history my entire career since the amateurs.

 

“I love to fight, I love this sport. They say you have to eat, sleep and breathe it and I do. I’m never out of shape. This is my life.

 

“Everybody knows that Deontay Wilder gets the job done. I worked too hard to get here to just give up the belt. I want all the belts, I’m greedy like that.

 

“We respect Eric Molina and what he’s trying to do. It’s a great opportunity for him. I was once where he was, in my last fight.”

 

ERIC MOLINA, Heavyweight Contender

 

“I want to thank all the people of Alabama, who have made me feel right at home this week. My training team has been incredible.

 

“I’ve had Oliver McCall in my camp for four years, and he’s prepped me for my moment to shock the world, just like he did against Lennox Lewis.

 

“I’ve dreamed about that moment, I’ve thought about it since even before I got this fight. I was going to knock someone out and become heavyweight champion of the world. It seemed so real to me in my mind, and when we signed the fight it all came together.

 

“Everybody has written me off. I’ve never been undefeated and I’ve always been the underdog.

 

“When my dream becomes a reality on Saturday, I’ll come right back here and give Wilder the rematch.”

 

 

JOSE PEDRAZA, Undefeated Junior Lightweight Contender

 

“I’m very happy about this opportunity. I’m not worried about the big stage because I’ve been on the big stage before. I’ve been in the big fights before and I just want to make the most of this opportunity.

 

“It’s been a long camp this time but other than that there has been nothing different in training. It’s been the same great preparations as all my other fights.

 

“I have a different level of skills than Klimov. I’m fast and I can do it all. Right and left handed, you’ll see all my skills on Saturday.

 

“This means a lot to me and to the people of Puerto Rico. They want another champion and I’m going to be next. This is the most important fight of my career and I’m going to give it my all in there.

 

“Whoever says they don’t get butterflies before a big fight is lying, but I’ve been on this stage before so I know how to control them. One that bell rings I’m going for it.”

 

ANDREY KLIMOV, Junior Lightweight Contender

 

“I’ve been fighting in the U.S. for five years. I turned pro a little late but I always knew that I had the chance to be a world champion.

 

“Coming in as an underdog is nothing new to me. It’s happened over and over. I’m going to be there to fight, I’ll never give up.

 

“The loss was a learning experience. It was my first time under the real bright lights. I took the fight because I wanted to prove something. I was upset because I knew I could do better.

 

“People are going to talk about me differently after I win this world title. I’ve worked together great with my team. All the bumps in the road have gotten us to here.

 

“Pedraza was a great amateur and a very good fighter. Everyone at this level is a good fighter. If you look at who we fought, my level of competition has been much higher.”

 

JULIAN WILLIAMS, Undefeated Junior Middleweight Contender

 

“We had a very tough training camp. It seems like Ovsepyan comes forward a lot and throws a lot of punches. I’m going to just keep it simple, use the jab and work punches off of that.

 

“I haven’t thought about any other opponents besides Ovsepyan for the past three or four weeks because he’s the guy that I’m fighting, he’s the guy that’s gloved up. Nobody else will be in that ring besides him on Saturday night, so he is who I am worried about.

 

“I definitely tailor my training camp based on the opponent I will be fighting. I get certain guys to come in and spar with me that have similar fighting styles and body types as my opponent. I try to get the closest thing to my opponent in my sparring partners so that I can get a good feel for what the fight will be like.”

 

ARMEN OVSEPYAN, Junior Middleweight Contender

 

“I’m feeling prepared, boxed over 60 rounds for this fight and I’m definitely ready to go.

 

“I’m a fighter; I take hard fights, that’s what real fighters do.

 

“He’s very well-regarded but we’ll see how he likes it when I put a lot of pressure on him from the start. We both have two hands, I can win this fight.

 

“It’s going to be the best fight of the night, whether we need to go the distance or if we get the knockout early.”

 

 

IVAN REDKACH, Undefeated Lightweight Contender

 

“I’m excited for this; I’m never scared of the big moment. June 13 is going to be the most important date of my career.

 

“I’ve been in camp for four months and feel 120 percent that I’m ready to fight.

 

“My opponent always tries to go forward and is very strong. He’s always trying to throw, sometimes weird punches from bottom to side to top.

 

“I have harder fights ahead of me but we’ll see after this one if this is my toughest test so far.

 

“I’m very happy for this chance to fight on SHOWTIME, my teammates have prepared me very well for this and I’m excited.”

 

DEJAN ZLATICANIN, Lightweight Contender

 

“I’m not a novice, I’ve been around and I know how to fight. I’m strong and I’m not afraid to come forward. I know Ivan is the same way, so you know it’s going to be a great fight.

 

“In my mind, I’ve already seen Ivan knocked out. I’ve seen it happen and I’m going to see it again on Saturday.

 

“I’m going to come to work hard. I come from a small country in Montenegro and I’m not here to give anything away, I’m taking full advantage.”

 

 

DON KING, Hall Of Fame Promoter

 

“We’re going to have a terrific fight here in Alabama on Saturday night.

 

“Deontay Wilder has proven to be a tremendous fighter and he last proved it on January 17. I’m certain that Wilder doesn’t mean to transfer the belt like Bermane Stiverne did.

 

“Texans have an out of the box way of thinking, they just take what they want. You’re going to have an unstoppable force against the unmovable object. Only one will win.”

 

 

# # #

“WILDER vs. MOLINA,” a 12-round fight for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight Championship, takes place Saturday, 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-promoted by DiBella in association with Universal Promotions, Jose Pedraza will face Andrey Klimov in a 12-round bout for the IBF Junior 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).

 

WILDER vs. MOLINA Official Weigh-In will be available for viewing across multiple platforms, including LIVE via satellite feed and the SHO Sports YouTube Page.  Friday’s feed from Birmingham City Hall will be hosted by Mauro Ranallo and will be available in High Definition.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team are on sale now.  Tickets start at only $25 with the best seats in the house going for $200.  VIP packages are also available.  To purchase tickets fans should visit alabamatitlefight.com.  Tickets are selling fast and a sellout is anticipated.

 

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

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER,CHALLENGER ERIC MOLINA AND UNDERCARD FIGHTERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME®

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 11, 2015) – Unbeaten Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder, heavyweight challenger Eric Molina, along with co-headliners Puerto Rican junior lightweight Jose Pedraza and Russian amateur standout Andrey Klimov,kicked off fight week working out for the press at Round 1 Gym in Birmingham, Ala. in advance of their SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® bouts this Saturday, June 13, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

 

Also in attendance Wednesday were, undefeated world-ranked contenders Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach and Dejan “El Dinamita” Zlaticanin, who will square off in a 12-round eliminator earlier that night in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

 

Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder

 

“This week has been fun. It’s been exciting. Even to see the people and faces. I’m looking forward to Saturday. It’s always the hard part when you have to wait. Especially when you’ve been training hard and it’s real intense. Everything has been great so far, and I’m glad it’s finally here. I’m looking forward to making history being that this is the first title fight in the state of Alabama. And I’m gonna put my name on it first.

 

“Training camp has been just like any other camp. When I’m at camp, I’m always giving my all, 110 percent. Because when it’s time to go battle, I gotta give 110 percent. I have to perform better than I did the last time. But this is what I do. I love it and enjoy every moment it.

 

“Molina’s height is something to watch out for. Everybody likes two tall guys in the ring. I’m definitely going to find out if his bark is as big as his bite. Right now his bark is loud. But we’ll see if his bite is as loud as his bark.

 

“I don’t watch video or study my opponents because the way you may see them fight someone else is not the same way that they’re going to fight you. I let my people do that and break them down. I trust in believe in them, and I like the challenge as well. That’s another reason I don’t look at film. We’ll find out what he’s about on Saturday.”

 

 

Eric “Drummer Boy” Molina

 

“Deontay is a very strong fighter,a big puncher and a big presence. But just as many strengths as he has, he also has weaknesses. We’re just trying to key in on those weaknesses.

 

“I know this is a big fight for Alabama. I respect that and it’s an honor, but I’m also trying to make history. I plan on being the first Mexican-American Heavyweight World Champion.

 

“My mental focus is on the heavyweight world title. When you expect to fight for the world title, you have to come into someone’s backyard and do what you have to put up with pressure. I can handle pressure.

 

“I’ve accepted my role as the underdog. The whole world has written me off. I’ve embraced the role. I’m used to motivating myself. I’ve never been stronger, more focused. I’ve never been more physically, mentally, spiritually strong. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight.

 

“This is two big guys in the ring, and I can punch just like he can punch. It’s going to be a very exciting fight.”

 

Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza

 

“This was a long, hard training camp. We began training for this shot in December. We have worked extremely hard and are ready to show the world on Saturday night.

 

“We have seen video of Klimov and know what to expect on Saturday night. We will take it round by round and break him down.

 

“We can box, or we can bang. Whatever Klimov brings to the table we will be ready for. I plan on using my boxing technique to control the pace, but if he wants to stand there toe-to-toe, we are fine with that as well.

 

“It is important for me to look better than Crawford did in his victory over Klimov. I want to show the world that I am one of the best fighters in the entire sport.”

 

Regarding the comparisons to fellow Puerto Rican Star Felix Verdejo – “Verdejo is a good fighter and a good guy, but Jose Pedraza will be the next world champion to represent the great country of Puerto Rico.”

 

Andrey Klimov

 

“This was a great camp. We worked very hard, and trained with a lot of different champions. I came out 100 percent mentally and physically ready to go.

 

“I feel that the fight with Crawford actually worked to my advantage more than my disadvantage. I learned a lot in that fight and I will use that on Saturday night against Pedraza. What Pedraza brings to the table on Saturday night I will be ready for it. There will be no surprises on Saturday night, I am ready.

 

“I am very confident going into this fight. Pedraza is a tough opponent but I don’t think he is ready for what I am going to bring.

 

“It is an honor to be here and fighting at this level. On Saturday night you will see a spectacular performance.”

 

Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach

 

“This was the hardest training camp I have ever had. I have been training four hard months for this fight and I am in the best shape of my career.

 

“Dejan is a very tough opponent. He comes forward and is very aggressive, but he is not as good as me. The world will see that come Saturday night. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be victorious.

 

“This fight brings me one step closer to a world title shot, something I have been dreaming about my entire life, and there is no way he is going to stop me from achieving that. The fans are not going to want to miss this fight on Saturday night, because it’s going to be a war.”

 

Dejan Zlaticanin

 

“We had great sparring for this camp and it has helped us become the absolute best possible fighter we can be going into Saturday night.

 

“I have no doubt and no fear. I am the better, more superior fighter.

 

“This fight will not go to the final bell. I am going to knock Ivan Redkach out. There is no doubt in my mind.

 

“The winner of this fight earns the shot to fight Jorge Linares for the world title, and that is exactly the fight I want. On Saturday night I will stop Redkach and earn the right to challenge for the world title.”

 

“It is very important for me to bring this victory back to Montenegro to all my fans and countrymen who are cheering me on.”

 

# # #

“WILDER vs. MOLINA,” a 12-round fight for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight Championship, takes place Saturday, 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-promoted by DiBella in association with Universal Promotions, Jose Pedraza will face Andrey Klimov in a 12-round bout for the IBF Junior 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).

 

WILDER vs. MOLINA Official Weigh-In will be available for viewing across multiple platforms, including LIVE via satellite feed and the SHO Sports YouTube Page.  Friday’s feed from Birmingham City Hall will be hosted by Mauro Ranallo and will be available in High Definition.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team are on sale now.  Tickets start at only $25 with the best seats in the house going for $200.  VIP packages are also available.  To purchase tickets fans should visit alabamatitlefight.com.  Tickets are selling fast and a sellout is anticipated.

 

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

Julian “J Rock” Williams returns this Saturday, June 13 against Armen Ovespyan on Wilder – Molina undercard in Birmingham, Alabama

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Fight to be broadcast live on Showtime Extreme    
Philadelphia (June 8, 2015)–This Saturday, June 13 one of the hottest names in boxing will be back in action as undefeated Jr. Middleweight, Julian “J-Rock” Williams (19-0-1, 11 KO’s) will take on Armen Ovespyan (14-4, 11 KO’s) in a 10-round bout for the WBC Continental America’s Jr. Middleweight title.
The bout will take place in Birmingham, Alabama and be part of the Deontay Wilder – Eric Molina WBC Heavyweight title card that will be televised on Showtime Championship Boxing.
Williams – Ovespyan will be shown live on Showtime Extreme.
“I wanted a bigger fight but if the other top guys are not available,” said Williams.
“I can’t just sit around and be inactive. I’m still improving. I still have to work on my craft. I still have to make money. So sitting around is not an option for me. At one time people had high hopes for Ovespyan. He’s not a bum and I’m definitely not overlooking him,” said the 25 year-old. “At one point during camp I thought I was fighting Frank Galarza in Brooklyn so I was locked in. Then I thought it would be Jan Zaveck. Who is an ex world champion and took Keith Thurman the 12 round distance so I was still super focused. I’ve been told I will get a big fight in September maybe even a title shot, so there is no way I will have a let down against Ovespyan because if I don’t win I won’t get what I have been asking for. I haven’t lost a round in 2 years since the Joachim Alcine fight and I want to continue to build on that and perfect my craft.”
Williams has earned the moniker, “Mr. Do It All” for his versatility in the ring.  Williams has proven to be a master boxer and high quality banger when need be.
Williams is currently ranked #8 by the WBC, #10 by the WBA and #10 by ESPN.com
Williams of Philadelphia has been credited for willingness to take step up fights such as wins over former world champ Joachim Alcine (32-4) Orlando Lora (29-4-2), Freddy Hernandez (30-6), Michael Medina (26-4-2), Eliezer Gonzalez (14-0), Jamar Freeman (13-3-2) and Joey Hernandez (24-2-1).  Williams was also dominating undefeated Hugo Centeno (19-0) before the fight was stopped due to a cut and ruled a no-contest.

 

boxing, Showtime Boxing

UNBEATENS IVAN REDKACH, DEJAN ZLATICANIN  CLASH IN MAIN EVENT ON SHO EXTREME®  WINNER GETS CRACK AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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Rising Star Julian Williams Aims to Remain Undefeated

Saturday, June 13 at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

 

NEW YORK (June 5, 2015) – With a shot at a lightweight world title on the line, undefeated world-ranked contenders Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach and Dejan “El Dinamita” Zlaticanin will square off in a 12-round eliminator Saturday, June 13, in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

 

In the co-feature, unbeaten top 10-ranked super welterweight Julian “J Rock” Williams (19-0-1, 11 KOS, 1 ND), of Philadelphia, will be opposed by Armenia’s Armen Ovsepyan (14-4, 11 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., in a ten-round bout.  Time permitting, hard-hitting light heavyweights Ahmed Elbiali (10-0, 9 KOs, 1-1 WSB), of Miami, Fla, and Donta Woods (8-4, 7 KOs), of Atlanta, will collide in a swing match.

 

Later that evening, in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®main event, undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (33-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will make the first defense of his title when he faces Eric “Drummer Boy” Molina (23-2, 17 KOs), of Raymondville, Texas, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

 

The winner between Redkach (18-0, 1 ND, 14 KOs), of Los Angeles, and Zlaticanin (16-0, 9 KOs), of Montenegro, becomes the mandatory challenger to Jorge Linares, the WBC 135-pound world champion who registered a 10th-round TKO over then-No. 1 contender Kevin Mitchell on May 30.  Zlaticanin and Redkach are the second- and third-rated contenders by the WBC at 135 pounds.

 

Redkach and Zlaticanin are talented southpaws who were both accomplished amateurs in Eastern Europe.  Redkach, a 2008 Olympic Games alternate for his native Ukraine, is known for his aggressive and relentless style.  The 29-year-old is coming off a sixth-round knockout over Yakubu Amidu last Jan. 9 on ShoBox: The New Generation and has been angling for a title shot in 2015.

 

“This is the most important fight of my life,” said Redkach, who made ESPN.com’s “Top 20 Prospects to Watch” lists in 2012 and 2013. “I’ve never trained longer or harder for a fight.  My trainer, Robert Garcia, has me totally prepared and in great shape.

 

“It’s going to be a good action fight.  I’ve watched tapes of [Zlaticanin’s] last two fights so I feel I’m familiar with him.  He’s very strong and he throws a lot of punches.  I thank him [Zlaticanin] for coming to the United States.  I’m honored.  But this is a good matchup for me.  I want to thank my team for giving me this opportunity.  This is another step closer to my dream, the world title.  I’m confident in myself. I’m going to put on a great show.”

 

Dejan (pronounced “DAY-han) Zlaticanin (silent “z” – pronounced “la-ti-CAH-nin) is making his U.S. and 2015 debut.  Zlaticanin’s most significant victory of his career came two outings ago when, as a prohibitive underdog, he earned a well-deserved 12-round split decision over hometown favorite Ricky Burns, a former two-division world champion.

 

The 31-year-old Zlaticanin, who moved training camps to the U.S. for his stateside debut, is an offensive-minded fighter who constantly pressures his opponents, outworks them and wears them down.  Zlaticanin, of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, represents the toughest opponent of Redkach’s career, though he’ll be giving away four inches in height to his opponent.

 

“I think I will knock Ivan Redkach out,” Zlaticanin said. “I don’t like his behavior.  Now that I’m training in America, I think I will be stronger and better than I was before.”

 

The fast-rising Williams, 25, is making his sixth appearance on SHO EXTREME, more than any other boxer.  Ranked in the top ten by multiple sanctioning bodies, the undefeated 154-pounder has won six consecutive fights, four by knockout since a bout with still-unbeaten Hugo Centeno Jr., ended in a fourth-round No Decision in September 2013.  Williams was up, 3-0 in rounds scored, when the fight was halted due to an unintentional clash of heads.  In his last start he scored one knockdown en route to a shutout 10-round decision over veteran Joey Hernandez on April 4.

 

“I’ve seen some tape on my opponent,” Williams said. “He seems to be a really good, solid fighter.  I’m expecting a tough fight, and I’m prepared. I’m ready.”

 

The 29-year-old Ovsepyan trains out of the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles and has campaigned for most of his career in California or Russia.  The aggressive-minded Ovsepyan has had difficulty getting fights in the past and this will be his first ring assignment in 13 months.

 

“I’ve been training for a whole year now,” he said. “They kept telling me that I could get a fight at any minute. I was supposed to have a fight in December, but it was canceled.

 

“I’ve seen Williams fight a couple of times, but it doesn’t matter to me.  I don’t even want to know anything about my opponent.  I just want to get back in the ring and get a win.  I’m hungry and he better not be taking me lightly.”

 

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, undefeated Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza(19-0, 12 KOs), of Cidra, Puerto Rico, will take on Andrey Klimov (19-1, 9 KOs), of Klimovski, Russia, in a 12-rounder for the vacant IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship.

 

Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast with Barry Tompkins calling the blow-by-blow at ringside alongside expert analyst Steve Farhood.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team are on sale now.  Tickets start at only $25 with the best seats in the house going for $200.  VIP packages are also available.  To purchase tickets fans should visit alabamatitlefight.com.  Tickets are selling fast and a sellout is anticipated.

 

# # #

“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, @BronzeBomber, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #WilderMolina, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/

 
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON WINS THRILLING BATTLE OVER SAKIO BIKA IN DEBUT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS IN FRONT OF A RAUCOUS CROWD AT THE PEPSI COLISEUM IN QUBEC CITY

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 (PHOTOS BY: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS)

ARTUR BETERBIEV SECURES KNOCKOUT OVER GABRIEL CAMPILLO

 

JULIAN WILLIAMS WINS AGAINST A TOUGH JOEY HERNANDEZ

QUEBEC CITY (April 4, 2015) – The inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) onCBS card brought fight fans a very exciting afternoon of boxing matchups from Quebec City’s Pepsi Coliseum. The main event featured Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (26-1, 21 KOs) in a thrilling 12-round unanimous decision (115-111, 116-110 and 115-110) win over Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika (32-7-3, 21 KOs).

 

The opening televised bout saw Artur Beterbiev (8-0, 8 KOs) in an impressive fourth round knockout win over Gabriel “The Handsome Man” Campillo (25-7-1, 11 KOs).

 

The telecast also featured highlights from Julian “J Rock” Williams (19-0-1, 11 KOs) win over Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-3-1, 14 KOs).

 

Below are some notable comments from the televised fighters regarding their performancetonight:

 

ADONIS STEVENSON

 

“I worked hard to be able to go for 12 rounds. I dropped him twice. He’s never been knocked out and I knew he’d come prepared to fight.

 

“I said I would be happy with a knockout or going the distance to get the win. So I’m very happy with how I fought today and with the result.

 

“Bika used his head a bit and tried to brawl, but I was able to control the fight. I knew he didn’t just come to Canada for fun, but to win.

 

“Being involved with Premier Boxing Champions and fighting on CBS has been a great experience. This is fantastic for boxing and we’re hoping more and more kids will start getting involved in the sport.

 

“As far as what’s next, I’ll wait and see what Al (Haymon) has for me. I’ll be ready to go again by June or July.”

 

SAKIO BIKA

 

“Adonis deserved to win this fight. I can’t take anything away from him. He fought very well.

 

“I got caught with a right and slipped the first time I went down. When he caught me with the left and I went down later on it didn’t really affect me that much actually. He’s the champ though and he fought a great fight today.

 

“Fighting on CBS has been an amazing highlight for my career. I didn’t get the win, but I put on a great fight for the public to see.

 

“For now, I’ll head back home and enjoy my family. Then I’ll see about another fight.”

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV

 

“In this fight I was able to really show what I’m capable of and my experience paid off.

 

“When I watched footage of Campillo I noticed that he did a lot of running. I wasn’t trying to be the aggressor. I just stuck to my game plan.

 

“I’m very happy to be on the big stage on CBS at such an early point in my professional career. This all came together very quickly and I hope to be back soon.

 

“We’re planning to fight again in May and I’ll leave whoever my opponent will be in God’s hands.”

 

GABRIEL CAMPILLO

 

“I really wanted to push Beterbiev into the late rounds of this fight to see how he’d handle that, but I wasn’t able to get it done.

 

“The most important punch was the first time he caught me in round one. After that shot I wasn’t able to regain myself.

 

“I was thrilled to get this opportunity to fight on CBS. This PBC production was very nice to be a part of and I think the series will do a lot to help grow the sport.

 

“My plan for now is to rest. Then we’ll revisit the situation and see about fighting again.”

 

JULIAN WILLIAMS

 

“There was no underestimating Hernandez for this fight. We studied a lot of film on him and had a pretty good idea of what he would bring into the ring today.

 

“I thought that my jab and my movement were my two biggest strengths in this fight. Cutting off the ring was key.

 

“This PBC series and having the fights on a major network like CBS is huge for the sport of boxing. It’s great to get into so many more homes, and I hope that it helps make the sport more popular. Hopefully this reaches those kids who can’t afford premium cable and helps encourage more young kids to get into the sport.

 

“I’m not sure what’s next. I’ll wait for Al (Haymon) to let me know, but I’m really hoping for a shot at a top 10 fighter before the year’s over.”

 

JOEY HERNANDEZ

 

“Williams is probably the best fighter I’ve faced so far. He’s not the hardest hitter, but he fought a very smart fight. He used his height and reach to keep me off my jab and stay out of my range.

 

“Unfortunately I had to take punches to give punches in this fight. When I got inside I was able to get my punches off, but I couldn’t do enough to get the win.

 

“This was a great fight for the fans and fighting on CBS gave me a great opportunity for so many more people to see these fights.

 

“I’m still young at 30-years-old. I know I’ll be back in the ring. I do this because I want to and I love it, not because I need to.”

 

# # #

The card was promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel. For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @premierboxing and @yvonmichelgym, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. SAKIO BIKA ARTUR BETERBIEV vs. GABRIEL CAMPILLO OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PHOTOS

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Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) On CBS Saturday, April 4, At 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT From Pepsi Coliseum In Quebec City, Canada

WEIGH-IN PHOTOS: (Photo Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS)

BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS: (Photo Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS)

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

ADONIS STEVENSON: 174 ½ Pounds

SAKIO BIKA: 174 ½ Pounds

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV: 175 Pounds

GABRIEL CAMPILLO: 174 ½ Pounds

 

(TV Swing Bout)

JULIAN WILLIAMS: 154 ½ Pounds

JOEY HERNANDEZ: 155 pounds

 

# # #

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Stevenson and Bika, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.  Tickets are on sale now at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. SAKIO BIKAUNDERCARD   PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) On CBS

Saturday, April 4, At 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT From Pepsi Coliseum In Quebec City, Canada
Click HERE for photos from the undercard press conference

Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS

 

QUEBEC CITY (April 2, 2015) – Before the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on CBS telecast begins (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT), a bevy of young stars will look to ignite the Pepsi Coliseum crowd in a series of undercard bouts beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event are on sale and can be purchased at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika and featuring Artur Beterbievas he faces Gabriel “The Handsome Man” Campillo, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.

 

Headlining the undercard action is rising undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J Rock” Williams (18-0-1, 11 KOs), who’ll be looking to continue his rise to stardom when he faces exciting Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-2-1, 14 KOs)in a 10-round welterweight bout.

 

In another top non-televised match, Kevin Bizier (23-2, 16 KOs)returns to the ring in his hometown to face Fouad El Massoudi (12-4, 1 KO)in an eight-round super welterweight showdown. In an eight-round heavyweight scrap, undefeated Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (15-0, 10 KOs) will face Oezcan Cetinkaya (19-9-2, 13 KOs).

 

In a pair of super welterweight bouts, Sebastien Bouchard (9-1, 3 KOs) will take on Denis Farias (19-6-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round clash and Custio Clayton (2-0, 1 KO) will faceRonald Berti (4-3-1, 1 KO)in a six-round showdown.

 

The remainder of the card is rounded out by a trio of Canadian prospects looking to build their pro resumes. Jan Michael Poulin (1-0-1) takes on Michel Tsalla (1-9-2) in a four round middleweight bout, Vislan Dalkhaev (1-0) battles Adel Hadjouis (7-3) in a four-round bantamweight bout and Shakeel Phinn (1-0, 1 KO) faces Roody Rene (0-2-1)in a four-round super middleweight bout.

 

An undefeated prospect hailing from f the great fighting city of Philadelphia, Williams is looking to keep his undefeated record intact and impress on the big stage. The 24-year-old faces a stiff test in Miami-native Hernandez. The 30-year-old Hernandez has battled some of the best in boxing and he intends to hand Williams his first professional loss when the two square off.

After dropping a title-eliminator by split decision in his last bout, Bizier, 30, returns to his hometown of Quebec looking to get back in the win column and into title contention. He hopes to build his case with a victory over the 27-year-old El Massoudi, who is making his North American debut. The fighter out of Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome, France hopes to make an immediate impact in his battle against Bizier.

 

An undefeated heavyweight who represented Columbia at the 2008 Olympics, Rivashas fought exclusively in his adopted hometown of Montreal since turning pro in 2009. He’ll be making his first start at Pepsi Coliseum when he faces Cetinkaya, of Kassel, Hessen, Germany.

 

Fighting for the third time as a professional at Pepsi Coliseum, Quebec’s Bouchard is seeking his second consecutive victory since suffering his lone defeat. The 27-year-old faces a difficult test in the experienced Farias, of Aulnay-sous-bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. This is the 27-year-old Farias’ first fight outside of France.

 

A 2012 Canadian Olympian, Clayton looks to build his professional resume and show why he was considered one of the best amateur boxers to come out of Canada. The 27-year-old from Montreal battles the 27-year-old Berti from Bracquegnies, Belgium.

 

A latecomer to the professional ranks, Poulin is looking to build off of his first career victory in December 2014. The 32-year-old from Quebec faces the 31-year-old Tsalla, who also hails from Quebec.

 

Russian-born but fighting out of Quebec, Dalkhaev is making his second pro start after earning his first pro victory in December 2014. The 26-year-old will be tested by the 28-year-old Hadjouis, of Rueil-Malmaison, Haut-de-seine, France.

 

Rounding out the non-televised undercard, Phinn, 24, will be looking for his second pro victory after picking up a TKO win over Eddie Gates in January of this year. The Quebec-native battles the 36-year-old Rene out of Ontario.

 

Below are quotes from Thursday’s press conference:

 

YVON MICHEL, President of GYM

“In my opinion, the biggest fight in the history of Pepsi Coliseum was Pascal-Hopkins 1, but the scale of this event presented on a general network like CBS exceeds all that was done previously. “We are privileged to have the PBC series for this historic first. All of this is possible thanks to Adonis Stevenson. The undercard is also stacked.

 

“PBC on CBS will also ensure that the people there love the experience. There will be screens everywhere and spectacular entrances. It will be a unique experience!” added the promoter.”

 

BERNARD BARRE, Executive Vice President of GYM 

“There will be 10 fights  Saturday, including nine non-televised bouts that only people who bouthg tickets to be at the Coliseum will see.  It’s a Marathon!”

 

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I’m just looking to perform well and get the win on Saturday. I’ve been preparing and training extremely hard for this fight. I’m taking it one fight at a time, and I’m definitely not looking past a fighter like Hernandez.”

 

JOEY HERNANDEZ

“There’s no excuses this time around. I’ve had some trouble motivating myself for training in the past, but not this time. I respect my opponent and have worked very hard to prepare for this fight. This will be the fight of my life and I’m looking to put on a great show on Saturday.”

 

KEVIN BIZIER“I’m happy to close the Coliseum. It is my home here. And you know I always do good fights! My opponent will come to fight and he loves going inside to brawl. It will be a good battle me and him. May the best man win Saturday.”

FOUAD EL MASSPOUDI

“It is a first time for me in Canada. I am ready for this fight and we have all the weapons to succeed”

 

OEZCAN CETINKAYA

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to box at the Quebec Coliseum. It’s a new year and I look forward to make a statement this year

 

SEBASTIEN BOUCHARD

“We worked hard in the gym and that labor paid off when I stopped Cédric Spera. We continued in the same vein for this fight.”

DENIS FARIAS

“It’s been over a month I’ve been training twice a day for this fight. I came here to win.”

JAN-MICHAEL POULIN

“I look forward to settling something Saturday. It’s nothing personal against Michel Tsalla, but I have a draw to erase against him.”

MARC RAMSAY (trainer of Vislan Dalkhaev)

“I have a special history with Vislan Dalkhaev. Initially, he came here on the recommendation of Artur Beterbiev. The initial goal was to help Artur to acclimate to Montreal and I knew that having a friend here would help. At the gym, however, I discovered that, not only were they friends of the each other, but Vislan was a high-level boxer.” 

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For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @yvonmichelgym, @AdonisSuperman and @Sakio_Bika, follow the conversation using #StevensonBika, become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog athttp://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

RISING STAR JULIAN WILLIAMS BATTLES JOEY HERNANDEZ PLUS, A HOST OF CANADIAN PROSPECTS & CONTENDERS TO BE FEATURED ON ADONIS STEVENSON VS. SAKIO BIKA UNDERCARD

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Don’t Miss Any Of The Action Leading Up To The Inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on CBS Event (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT)

 

First Fight Starts At 1 p.m. at Pepsi Coliseum

 

Click HERE for photos from the undercard press conference

Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS

 

QUEBEC CITY (April 2, 2015) – Before the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on CBS telecast begins (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT), a bevy of young stars will look to ignite the Pepsi Coliseum crowd in a series of undercard bouts beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event are on sale and can be purchased at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika and featuring Artur Beterbiev as he faces Gabriel “The Handsome Man” Campillo, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.

 

Headlining the undercard action is rising undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J Rock” Williams (18-0-1, 11 KOs), who’ll belooking to continue his rise to stardom when he faces exciting Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-2-1, 14 KOs)in a 10-round welterweight bout.

 

In another top non-televised match, Kevin Bizier (23-2, 16 KOs)returns to the ring in his hometown to face Fouad El Massoudi (12-4, 1 KO)in an eight-round super welterweight showdown. In an eight-round heavyweight scrap, undefeated Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (15-0, 10 KOs) will face Oezcan Cetinkaya (19-9-2, 13 KOs).

 

In a pair of super welterweight bouts, Sebastien Bouchard (9-1, 3 KOs) will take on Denis Farias (19-6-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round clash and  Custio Clayton (2-0, 1 KO) will face  Ronald Berti (4-3-1, 1 KO)in a six-round showdown.

 

The remainder of the card is rounded out by a trio of Canadian prospects looking to build their pro resumes.  Jan Michael Poulin (1-0-1) takes on Michel Tsalla (1-9-2) in a four round middleweight bout, Vislan Dalkhaev (1-0) battles Adel Hadjouis (7-3) in a four-round bantamweight bout and Shakeel Phinn (1-0, 1 KO) faces Roody Rene (0-2-1)in a four-round super middleweight bout.

 

“In my opinion, the biggest fight in the history of Pepsi Coliseum was Pascal-Hopkins 1, but the scale of this event presented on a general network like CBS exceeds all that was done previously,” said GYM president Yvon Michel. “We are privileged to have the PBC series for this historic first. All of this is possible thanks to Adonis Stevenson. The undercard is also stacked.

 

“PBC on CBS will also ensure that the people there love the experience. There will be screens everywhere and spectacular entrances. It will be a unique experience!”

 

An undefeated prospect hailing from f the great fighting city of Philadelphia, Williams is looking to keep his undefeated record intact and impress on the big stage.  The 24-year-old faces a stiff test in Miami-native Hernandez. The 30-year-old Hernandez has battled some of the best in boxing and he intends to hand Williams his first professional loss when the two square off.

 

“I’m just looking to perform well and get the win on Saturday,” said Williams. “I’ve been preparing and training extremely hard for this fight. I’m taking it one fight at a time, and I’m definitely not looking past a fighter like Hernandez.”

 

“There’s no excuses this time around,” said Hernandez. “I’ve had some trouble motivating myself for training in the past, but not this time. I respect my opponent and have worked very hard to prepare for this fight. This will be the fight of my life and I’m looking to put on a great show on Saturday.”

 

After dropping a title-eliminator by split decision in his last bout, Bizier, 30, returns to his hometown of Quebec looking to get back in the win column and into title contention. He hopes to build his case with a victory over the 27-year-old El Massoudi, who is making his North American debut. The fighter out of Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome, France hopes to make an immediate impact in his battle against Bizier.

 

An undefeated heavyweight who represented Columbia at the 2008 Olympics, Rivas has fought exclusively in his adopted hometown of Montreal since turning pro in 2009. He’ll be making his first start at Pepsi Coliseum when he faces Cetinkaya, of Kassel, Hessen, Germany.

 

Fighting for the third time as a professional at Pepsi Coliseum, Quebec’s Bouchard is seeking his second consecutive victory since suffering his lone defeat. The 27-year-old faces a difficult test in the experienced Farias, of Aulnay-sous-bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. This is the 27-year-old Farias’ first fight outside of France.

 

A 2012 Canadian Olympian, Clayton looks to build his professional resume and show why he was considered one of the best amateur boxers to come out of Canada. The 27-year-old from Montreal battles the 27-year-old Berti from Bracquegnies, Belgium.

 

A latecomer to the professional ranks, Poulin is looking to build off of his first career victory in December 2014. The 32-year-old from Quebec faces the 31-year-old Tsalla, who also hails from Quebec.

 

Russian-born but fighting out of Quebec, Dalkhaev is making his second pro start after earning his first pro victory in December 2014. The 26-year-old will be tested by the 28-year-old Hadjouis, of Rueil-Malmaison, Haut-de-seine, France.

 

Rounding out the non-televised undercard, Phinn, 24, will be looking for his second pro victory after picking up a TKO win over Eddie Gates in January of this year. The Quebec-native battles the 36-year-old Rene out of Ontario.  

 

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For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @yvonmichelgym, @AdonisSuperman and @Sakio_Bika, follow the conversation using #StevensonBika, become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog athttp://theboxingblog.sho.com.