Tag Archives: Kiryl Relikh
Rances Barthelemy & Kiryl Relikh Bheka Phambili Big 2018 Kusukela ngoMgqibelo, February 10 Lapho Hlangana in140-Pound World Championship kumeshi Bukhoma ku SHOWTIME
Kusukela Alamodome e-San Antonio & Kwethulwa by
Premier Boxing Champions
Chofoza LAPHA Izithombe kusuka Fight yabo Okokuqala
Photo Credit: Tom Casino / Showtime
San Antonio (UJan. 10, 2018) - unbeaten ezimbili division iqhawe emhlabeni Rances Barthelemy ngaleso sikhathi nalabo bangaphambili isihloko inselele Kiryl Relikh ngeke kokubili sibheke ukuqalisa konyaka wawo omusha nge ukunqoba isicoco emhlabeni lapho bahlangana kumeshi okwesikhathi singenamuntu 140-ganda isihloko Saturday, Feb. 10 bukhoma ku SHOWTIME kusukela Alamodome e-San Antonio kumcimbi eyethulwe Premier Boxing Champions.
I SHOWTIME Championship Boxing telecast kuthoma ngesikhathi 10:15 p.m. KANYE/PT and will be headlined by three-division world champion Mikey Garcia (37-0, 30 Kos) ukuthatha unbeaten 140-ganda iqhawe emhlabeni Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10 Kos).
"Ngokusobala umgomo inombolo eyodwa yawo 2018 iwukwenza ekhaya ukuthi ibhande ku February 10,"Kusho Barthelemy (26-0, 13 Kos). "Khona-ke ngifuna ukuhlanganisa nazo zonke nezinye izingqwele. isinqumo wami uNcibijane luyisikhathi ukuba nginabantu abanesimo esihle futhi uwine izihloko ezweni amaningi. "
"Okokuqala enginakho ukunqoba le mpi Februwari,"Kusho Relikh (21-2, 19 Kos). "Kodwa-ke enginakho amathemba ube unyaka omuhle ekuvikeleni ngebhande lami ngokumelene saziso futhi ekugcineni kokulwa ubunye. Lokhu kuzoba ngonyaka mina bafinyelele ezingeni elisha kulo mdlalo. "
Barthelemy futhi Relikh uzosilwela for the WBA sika singenamuntu Super Esilula Umhlaba Isihloko ngemva isihloko yabo Eliminator iziqubu ngoMeyi zigcine isinqumo debatable ngoba Barthelemy. Lesi sikhathi fighters ayobheka asishiya singenakho ukungabaza nge isihloko sawo esiphelele emgqeni.
"Lokhu elwa isikhathi sami sesibili isihloko emhlabeni futhi kuyoba ngesifundo sesibili mina,"Kusho Relikh. "Lesi yisikhathi sami sokuba iqhawe. Ngidinga ukwenza okuningi ngesikhathi le mpi.
"Kudingeka ngibe nolaka zisuka. Ngiyaqiniseka ukuthi ngidinga Knockout ukuze uthole ukunqoba. Angaba uzame ukusebenzisa, kodwa yena ngeke esaba khona able kuze khumba nga kimi. "
"Ukunqoba lesi sihloko bekungeke kube kufezeka iphupho kimi,"Kusho Barthelemy. "Ngingathanda fighter lokuqala Cuban e umlando ukunqoba isihloko ngezigaba ezintathu ezahlukene. Le mpi yokugcina wayesondelene kakhulu futhi lifanelwe kumeshi.
"Ngisanda Kudingeka unamathele umdlalo uhlelo lwami futhi ubonise wonke umuntu ukuthi Ngingumfana okungcono 140-ganda wokulwa ezweni. Ukhiye kuyoba ukuhlala nangokuhleleka umhlaba isibhamu kabudisi ubusuku boke. "
Bobabili fighters zidele ekamu ukuqeqeshwa endleleni eya lokho okulindelekile kuyoba isikhashana wentokozo ku February 10, ngiziqeqesha kanzima ngokusebenzisa samaholidi ukuze uhlale okuqondiswe impi ebusuku.
"Ithimba lami lonke akwenzele umsebenzi kumnandi kangaka ekamu,"Kusho Barthelemy. "Ismael Salas noJoweli Casamayor unginika namathiphu ezinkulu futhi ugcina kimi igxile umgomo wami. Eyokugcina entsha Ngiye wanezela lesi ekamu Bob Santos umsoco namandla conditioning. It kwenza umahluko omkhulu kwalo njengoba kuza amaholidi lapho Ngivame ukudlela kakhulu. Uthi Ungigciné ukudla okuqinile futhi ukuqeqeshwa akukaze kube ngcono. "
"Lezi last ambalwa amasonto ngokusebenzisa ngamaholide bebelokhu okunzima kunakho yinkamba yami, ngakho kwakungekho indawo iziphazamiso,"Kusho Relikh. "Ngachitha koNyaka Omusha nomkhaya wami futhi ngemva kwalokho ngase ngiyimi emuva ngqo ekamu ukuqeqeshwa ekuseni."
Amabhande ezimbili division 140-ganda emgqeni in ngalobobusuku, winner phakathi Barthelemy futhi Relikh kuyoba esimweni omkhulu ukuqala indlela ngase ubunye ngemva Februwari 10.
"Ngizoba iso lami umcimbi main ngokuqinisekile,"Kusho Relikh. "Ngithathe igxile Barthelemy manje, kodwa ngifuna ukuhlanganisa futhi uma lokho kusho elwa Garcia noma Lipinets, Mina uzolunga. "
"Garcia vs. Lipinets kuzoba empini enkulu futhi Ngempela ngifuna winner,"Kusho Barthelemy. "Nakuba Lipinets kuyinto isinamumva kokuya le mpi, Ngicabanga ukuthi kwenzekani ukunikeza Garcia nke angakwazi ukusingatha kahle. Kodwa Ngisasho namanje ukuthi Garcia kuyophuma phezulu, setting up impi phakathi kwethu e iziqubu ubunye. "
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Mikey Garcia vs. Sergey Lipinets San Antonio Cindezela lenkomfa Quotes & Ama ifotho
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Mikey Garcia vs. Sergey Lipinets Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Ama ifotho
Three-Division World Champion Garcia Faces 140-Pound World Champion Lipinets Saturday, Feb. 10 bephila Showtime®
Kusukela Alamodome e-San Antonio, Texas &
Kwethulwa ngu Premier Boxing Champions
Chofoza LAPHA Izithombe ku-Esteri Lin / SHOWTIME
I-LOS ANGELES (December 18, 2017) – Ezingakanqotshwa emithathu division iqhawe emhlabeni Mikey Garcia futhi unbeaten IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Sergey Lipinets wahamba nazo nobuso okokuqala Monday at a press conference in Los Angeles to discuss their main event showdown on Saturday, Feb. 10 bephila Showtime (10:15 p.m. KANYE/PT). The matchup of top-5 ranked junior welterweights will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and is presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
SHOWTIME Championship Boxing Ukusabalala uyophinde isici ezimbili division iqhawe emhlabeni Rances Barthelemy e kumeshi ngokumelene Kiryl Relikh ngokuba singenamuntu WBA 140-ganda isihloko emhlabeni.
Amathikithi for the event, okuyinto kugqugquzelwa Ringstar Ezemidlalo TGB Amaphromoshini, kuthiwa ontengo yakhe yayinqunyiwe at $250, $150, $75, $50 futhi $20. Amathikithi uzohamba ukudayiswa kusasa at 12 p.m. CT and will be available at Ticketmaster.com.
Lipinets will be making the first defense of his world title while Garcia looks to become only the third fighter in modern history to become a champion at 126, 130, 135 and 140-pounds, joining future Hall of Famers Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao*.
Nakhu press conference iqhaza ayezokusho Monday kusukela Igumbi Conga at L.A. Live:
Mikey Garcia
“A world champion like Sergey Lipinets is more exciting an opponent for me than an easy title defense. I wanted a challenge and this man presents that. He’s a bigger man naturally. He’s going to be very hungry and motivated. He knows a victory over me launches his career to the top. That’s going to make this an interesting fight.
“To win a world title in a fourth division is a big deal to me. My dad always wanted a three-division world champion, and now I have a chance to give him a fourth title. That’s something that really excites me.
“It’s been a great return to boxing since my layoff. When I came back, I wanted to move fast and take on big challenges. That’s what we’ve been doing so far. I want to take on any challenges that people think I can’t achieve. I think slowly we’re proving to everyone that I’m better than ever and I’m going to keep taking on the kinds of fights that will cement my legacy.
“It would be a great accomplishment to be in the discussion with guys like Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, that would be a win in itself. But it wasn’t on my mind when taking this fight. I just want to keep fighting the best out there. There’s still more for me to accomplish until I’m on the same level as Pacquiao and Marquez.
“It’s going to be a great fight. Like I’ve said, the challenge for me is that I’ll be fighting the bigger man. On fight night, that advantage he has on me might be enough to make it that much more exciting. It will be interesting to see how well I adapt to the size. I have to make adjustments to overcome those challenges. This should give the fans the excitement that we want to give them.
“My only focus is on February 10 against Sergey Lipinets. That’s my target throughout the entire camp. There may be more opportunities for me on the horizon, but you’ll see on fight night that I’m one hundred percent focused.
“I know that I have the possibility to be the biggest star in boxing like a Floyd Mayweather, and I think I’m on track to accomplish that. I don’t see a lot of guys in the sport with the resume of accomplishments that I have. I’m going to continue take on the best and beat my opponents convincingly.”
USERGEY LIPINETS
“Mikey Garcia is a great champion and I want to be in the position that he’s reached in this sport. The only way there is to go through him.
“I’m taking on a great challenge against Mikey Garcia, and many people think I’m not ready. This is the fight that I wanted. I’ve had many obstacles in my way throughout my career and I’ve overcome them all. I’m going to overcome Mikey Garcia just like that.
“Every time I have sparred with top fighters, like Terrence Crawford, I have learned more about what I need to improve to get to the next level in this sport. That kind of experience has helped my confidence increase and will help me when I face Mikey Garcia.
“A lot of things can happen when you move up in weight. Usually people use some pop. Whatever version of Mikey Garcia shows up; I’ll be ready for him.
“I believe I’m going to win, Mikey believes he’s going to win, and it will all unveil in the ring. One thing I can guarantee; ukuthi kuzoba empini enkulu.
“Every fight I’ve had has been against a tough opponent who has helped get me to this point. Manje, I’m ready to fight the best, and Mikey Garcia is truly that.
“I had to work very hard to make the transition from champion kickboxer to a champion boxer. I did everything I had to do, moving from gym to gym and sparring everyone. I always aimed for the best and wanted to be the best at what I do.”
ROBERT Garcia, Mikey’s Brother & Trainer
“We know that Sergey Lipinets is a very dangerous fighter. He’s a really strong champion. I know he’s going to be hungry because he wants to become a big name by beating Mikey.
“Mikey is very smart in the ring. We’re going to come in there with a good game plan. We’ll have some big sparring partners. Strong, heavy guys who will give Mikey a big challenge in sparring.
“Mikey has to be in great shape for this fight. You can easily win the first eight rounds, but there are still four left. You have to be able to finish the fight. A great power puncher like Lipinets can finish you in one round.”
BUDDY MCGIRT, Lipinets’ Trainer
“We will be prepared for any and every thing. This way, when fight night comes, we’ll have an answer for everything. The key is that we just have to be on point from the opening bell to the end. There’s no way around it.
“We’re going to cover everything in training camp. You have to have every option available to you on fight night. This way, you’re never surprised in the ring. Sergey won’t go in there swinging to get a knockout, he’s going to be disciplined and focus on getting the victory.
“I believe that Sergey is on a mission. I know Mikey Garcia is on a mission too, and I respect that. I respect that these two men are fighting each other. Champions do what Sergey is doing, and that’s fighting the best.”
RICHARD Schaefer, Usihlalo & CEO Ringstar Ezemidlalo
“This is going to be a huge night for the 140-pound division. It will be another toe-to-toe showdown at the Alamodome in San Antonio, where so many great matchups have taken place before. Tickets start at just $20 so we expect another great crowd of fight fans down in Texas.
“This matchup features two undefeated fighters, two big punchers and 50 kwi, 40 by Knockout, between the two of them. These guys are both champions who are daring to be great. These are exactly the kind of fighters that the public likes. These fighters will push themselves to be great.
“These guys only know one thing, and that is winning. Sergey Lipinets is the biggest puncher at 140-pounds and it seems like Mikey Garcia always seeks out these big punchers.
“Mikey is looking to do something that only Manny Paccquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez have done, in moving up from 126 pounds through 140 pounds winning titles at each division. It is very difficult to carry that power up from featherweight. You have to tune-in to see an exciting fighter like that trying to make history.”
USTEFANU Espinoza, Executive Vice President & Umphathi Ovamile, Showtime Sports
“What boxing needs are great fights. Good, high quality matchups like Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton, Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia and Errol Spence vs. Kell Brook. There needs consistently be good fights, and that’s what we have been doing at SHOWTIME for the last couple of years. No other network has done the quality of fights that SHOWTIME is doing. No other network is as committed to the sport as SHOWTIME has been.
“The best need to fight the best, and that is what Mikey Garcia has done. He came off of a two-and-a-half-year layoff and in 18 izinyanga he’s had four fights, two title fights and will be going for a title in a fourth weight class, something only Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez have done before. That’s what great fighters do.
“Historically the fighters who separate themselves as legendary, are the ones who challenge themselves and travel across weight classes to seek these challenges. But there are two sides to this story. Those who have been paying attention have seen Sergey Lipinets make a lot of noise on SHOWTIME cards lately. He has risen very quickly.
“If you just look at Lipinets’ record, 13-0, and think about him fighting Mikey Garcia it would sound crazy. But if you look at the kind of competition he’s faced, his last seven opponents have a combined record of 163-15. That’s not something you usually see 13 fights into a career. Lipinets is a combat veteran, and whatever happens in the ring, he will be ready for it. It’s going to make for an exciting night.”
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*Pacquiao won lineal championships at 126 and 140-pounds, although he did not win alphabet titles.
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Three-Division World Champion Mikey Garcia Seeks Title in a Fourth Weight Class When He Challenges Unbeaten 140-pound Champion Sergey Lipinets Saturday, Feb. 10 Live on SHOWTIME® at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas & Kwethulwa ngu Premier Boxing Champions
Gary Russell JR. DEFEATS OSCAR ESCANDON IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN CROWD FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR, PHILA ON SHOWTIME®
GERVONTA DAVIS & LIAM WALSH MAKE WEIGHT FOR IBF JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM LONDON
Showtime Championship Boxing® Kusasa/Saturday at 6 p.m. KANYE/3 p.m. PT
Chofoza LAPHA For ifotho; Credit Mark Robinson/SHOWTIME
London (May 19, 2017) – America’s youngest world champion, Gervonta Davis, and undefeated No. 1 contender Liam Walsh both tipped the scale at the 130-pound limit during SangoLwesihlanu official weigh-in at the 133-year-old Theatre Royal Stratford East for NgoMgqibelo IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship on SHOWTIME.
Ngomgqibelo at the sold-out Copper Box Arena in London, the 22-year-old “Tank” Davis (17-0, 16 Kos) will attempt to become the first American to successfully defend his title on British soil in nearly a decade. The 30-year-old Walsh (21-0, 14 Kos) will aim to dethrone a man labeled by Davis promoter Floyd Mayweather as “the future of boxing” in the first defense of his IBF crown.
The referee for Davis vs. Walsh is Michael Alexander, and the judges are Howard Foster (England), Robin Taylor (I-United States) and Deon Dwarte (Iningizimu Afrika).
With fans chanting “Walsh is gonna get you” as Davis stepped on the scale, the Baltimore native narrowly missed the 130-pound limit by two ounces. Per IBF rules, Davis was given two hours to shed the extra ounces and successfully made weight approximately 90 Ngemva kwemizuzu.
“I feel good,” Davis said. “I’m ready.”
After the weigh-in, Walsh downplayed the tense stare down and words exchanged during the faceoff.
"Kusasa we’ll lay hands on each other for real and the best man will come on top. I’m gonna win. I’m going to give every last ounce of what I’ve got.”
Davis vs. Walsh is part of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins on Saturday, May 20, at 6 p.m. KANYE/3 p.m. PT. In the umcimbi main, Gary Russell Jr. will make his second featherweight title defense and long-awaited homecoming against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.
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Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon Final Press Conference Quotes & Ama ifotho
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Featherweight World Championship Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING This Saturday, May 20from MGM National Harbor in Maryland
Chofoza LAPHA for Photos Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
NATIONAL HARBOR (May 18, 2017) – Featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. and top challenger Oscar Escandon went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they square-off in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Also in attendance at NgoLwesine press conference and competing in action on SHOWTIME were super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell futhi JoseUzcategui, who battle for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship, plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy ngaleso sikhathi nalabo bangaphambili isihloko inselele Kiryl Relikh, who meet in a 140-pound title eliminator. The telecast uqala at 6 p.m. KANYE/3 p.m. PT with Gervonta Davis putting his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh from Copper Box Arena in London.
Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, kuthiwa ontengo yakhe yayinqunyiwe at $200, $150, $100 futhi $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go tohttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
Russell Jr. was joined by his brothers, 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell and unbeaten prospect Gary Antonio Russell, as the trio of brothers look to pick up a hat trick of victories in their hometown Saturday night and on the birthday of their father and trainer, Gary Russell Sr.
Nakhu abahlanganyeli ayezokusho Thursday from MGM National Harbor:
Gary Russell JR.
“I never magnify an event, even though it’s at home. The end objective is still the same. But I think it’s cool that everyone in our neighborhood has the opportunity to be in the arena and see what we do.
“Ngingumfana 100 percent physically and mentally ready for the challenge and I’m on top of everything I can be.
“When you get caught up in the hype, it’s a deficiency in yourself. You have to be able to focus on the objective over everything else.
“I believe in my ability but also the ability of my brothers. So I’m not nervous for them. I know what they’ve been taught. They conduct themselves like young men in and out of the ring.
“I want a unification bout after this. I’m ready for any of the other world champions. We can line them all up in the same night if you want. If I can’t get those fights, I’m going to move up in weight and bully around these bigger guys.
“I look at each fighter as their own individual. We don’t prepare the same way for every opponent. He’s a tough fighter who comes forward. He’s very physical and I expect him to be at his best ngomgqibelo. It’s up to me to counteract what he does.
“Ngiyakuthanda kulo mdlalo. Ngiyakuthanda engikwenzayo. I love being able to prepare for no one else, but the person across the ring and then dismantling him.
“We worked on versatility most. We believe in the sweet science. A lot of these guys just win because they’re stronger and faster. We want to be more technically sound too.”
I-OSCAR ESCANDON
“This is a very important fight for my career. This is going to elevate me to where I want to be and give me the platform to do anything in the sport. I’m very well prepared for this.
“I feel strong and healthy at 126-pounds. I’m focused on this fight Saturday ebusuku. I’ll fight anyone but right now I have to get past Gary Russell Jr.
“In my last fight I was the underdog. People counted me out. Same thing applies here. I’ve done the work and I’m confident that I’m going to win.
“I didn’t have complete training camps with my past trainers, but now I’m with Ruben Guerrero. I’m learning so much. You can look at me in my previous fights and you’ll see a vast improvement now.
“I want that green (WBC) belt a lot. Green is my favorite color. I want to be the best and to me, winning that title signifies that I am the best. To do that I have to beat the best, and that is Gary Russell Jr.
“I don’t like to talk much but I will say that I’m coming to bring this world title back to Colombia. I respect Gary but my mindset is that I’m taking this title home.”
ANDRE DIRRELL
“It’s been a long hard journey for me. But I’ve always managed to climb back on top. The hard work that I’ve put in will make Saturday night easy work.
“My opponent is a fantastic fighter. If anyone should be in line for a title it’s this guy. He has the the power and he has the skill. I just believe he’s up against a better and tougher opponent.
“I’m going to get in the ring and display all of my abilities. I’m very confident and ready. It’s time for Andre to get on top and stay on top.
“I’ve been out of the ring for a while but most importantly, I’ve stayed in the gym in training the whole time. I’ve kept positive mentally as well. Everything is going upward right now and I’m going to take advantage.
“Uzcategui has everything a world champion needs to get to that title, but he’s facing a more skilled competitor on May 20. He’s deserving of the opportunity and that’s why I trained so hard for this fight.
“The title means the world to me. We fight for the titles first. We’re all coming from the amateurs where we got trophies. My love will always be here with the sport until the day I retire.”
JOSE UZCATEGUI
“You won’t want to miss any of these fights ngomgqibelo ebusuku. It’s a great card and I’m planning to steal the show.
“I like when my opponent talks a lot. None of the stuff my opponent says can help him in the ring. It’s just me, him and our fists.
“It’s a lot of responsibility to be the top contender for the belt. I have to make it clear that we deserve this so that I can move on to bigger and better things.
“People are going to get to see my power on display Saturday ebusuku, but also my other skills. I can do it all in the ring and I’m going to prove it.
“After this I want to take on James DeGale and Gilberto Ramirez. I’m coming to clean out this whole division and be undisputed. It starts ngomgqibelo.”
RANCES Barthélemy
“I’m living a dream right now that I myself never in a million years imagined. Every time I get to speak with my mother in Cuba, I tell her of this dream that I am currently living and how it is still surreal to me. To be able to fight on these big cards in the U.S. after the long journey, after all the setbacks, I could not be any more grateful.
“Being a world champion in two different weight divisions is something still unreal to me after people doubted whether I would even become a world champion one day. But this journey does not stop here for me. I have the urge to keep on going, make history for my people, and fight the big names in boxing.
“Everyone in my team supports and motivates each other because we know we as Cubans have to work twice as hard as everybody else. There is an unfair representation of Cuban boxers among the press and fans here in America. We are misconstrued as being boring fighters therefore we are determined to erase that stigma and prove to everyone that we can brawl and put on a good show just as much as we can box.
“I have been working on some new and different things to add to my arsenal this training camp. My whole team has been incredible and pushed me every day.
“Ungaphuthelwa le mpi ngomgqibelo ebusuku. It’s going to be eventful and exciting. I’m coming to get a spectacular win.”
KIRYL RELIKH
“I’m very happy to be here and be a part of this great show. I will do my best to give a great fight ngomgqibelo.
“Camp was perfect. I have a great team and I’m ready for anything. We worked hard and it’s going to be a great performance.
“I’m ready for any style that that Rances Barthelemy can bring into the ring. We thought that we got the win in Scotland against Ricky Burns, but it is very hard to win on points on the road.
“I always fight in different countries so this is just another one on my list. It’s normal for me. I’m very ready for the challenge and I’m expecting a great fight.
“I hope that people like my style. I’m going to entertain the fans and get a victory over Rances Barthelemy ngomgqibelo ebusuku.”
GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL
“I get to pick up right where I left off after the Olympics. I’m fighting on the same night with my brothers for the first time in so long. It was one of my first amateur fights when we last did it.
“Ngizizwa okuhle ngempela. We’re making a statement and we’re making history. What’s not to be excited about?
“Mentally and emotionally the Olympics really helped me for the pros. You have to develop over time. We’re constantly training and sharpening our tools. This is a different stage, that’s all.
“I hope everyone is ready for Saturday ebusuku. There were some mishaps at the Olympics. Life is going to throw you bumps to get over, futhi yilokho Ngiya ukwenza. Everyone better keep their eyes open Saturday, because it might be quick.”
Gary ANTONIO Russell
“I’m really excited about this fight and competing alongside my brothers. It feels good to come home and fight. My family and friends will be in the building.
“I can’t wait to get in the ring and show what we’ve been working so hard on. All the hours in the gym with my dad and brothers is going to pay off on fight night.
“I’ve seen some video of my opponent. I know his weaknesses and strengths. We’re going to come exploit it on fight night.”
Gary Russell SR., Father and Trainer of the Russells
“We work hard in the gym. Everybody has a plan until they get hit. We know that he’s going to bring pressure and we’ll be ready for it.
“I’m really happy about this opportunity. We can get it all done in one night and put on a great show for everyone.
“I’m definitely in fight mode. There are no extra nerves at all. I just want to get this done and get it done right.
“I can’t really put Escandon in the same category with the top guys we’ve faced. He’s a short fighter. Most people in these weight classes are taller than Gary. At that size, the only way you can fight is straight forward. He’s not going to out box us.”
Ruben Guerrero, Escandon’s Trainer
“We’re ready over here. We’re going to do what it takes. Siyazi ukuthi thina uku ukuzolwa. He’s one of the best. We’ll prove who is the best ngomgqibelo. This is going to come down to a war. Gary knows what he’s going against.
“I helped Escandon set up a camp in Las Vegas for this fight because this was a huge opportunity. We were up in the mountains and that’s where I wanted him. He’s going to be great on fight night. He’ll be ready to go. It’s not easy to train in Vegas.
“We’re coming to win. We can’t control the judges but we know they’re fair. We’re expecting a fair shake. We’re going to control what we can.”
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ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON
Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. KANYE/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
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GERVONTA DAVIS, LIAM WALSH & PROMOTER FLOYD MAYWEATHER SOUND OFF IN HEATED FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR IBF 130-POUND CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM LONDON
America’s Youngest Champion Makes First Title Defense On The Road Against No. 1 Contender & Local Favorite Walsh Saturday At 6 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME
“I’m just on a whole different level…Ngomgqibelo night you’ll be on your ass.” – Gervonta Davis
“I’m not intimidated one little bit. Not by Floyd, not by Tank, not by anyone.” – Liam Walsh
Chofoza LAPHA for photos; Credit Mark Robinson/SHOWTIME
London (May 18, 2017) – IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Gervonta Davis, No Ezingakanqotshwa. 1 contender Liam Walsh and promoter Floyd Mayweather got into a jarring session during NgoLwesine final press conference at Landmark Hotel in London just two days before NgoMgqibelo world title clash on SHOWTIME from Copper Box Arena.
Baltimore’s “Tank” Davis, America’s youngest world champion, will attempt to become the first American to successfully defend his title on British soil in nearly a decade*, while Walsh (21-0, 14 Kos) aims to dethrone the man that Mayweather has christened the “future of boxing.” (*Inothi: Paulie Malignaggi vs. Lovemore Ndou in 2008)
Davis vs. Walsh is part of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins on Saturday, May 20, at 6 p.m. KANYE/3 p.m. PT. In the umcimbi main, Gary Russell Jr. will make his second featherweight title defense and long-awaited homecoming against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.
The 22-year-old Davis, who has won by knockout in 16 of yakhe 17 kuvelaphi ukulwa professional, will make the first defense of the IBF belt to won via KO over previously unbeaten Jose Pedraza in January. The 30-year-old Walsh has won by knockout in three of his last four bouts and will be a decided local favorite at an expected sold-out Copper Box Arena.
The pound-for-pound great turned promoter Mayweather and Walsh’s two brothers, fellow professional fighters Michael and Ryan, led the jarring during NgoLwesine festivities with Mayweather claiming “I’m 40 years old and I’ll kick all three of your asses in the same night.”
Team Walsh was “not intimidated one little bit” by Mayweather or Tank, while the southpaw Davis promised “Ngomgqibelo night you’ll be on your ass. And then your brothers can get in next.”
Below are highlights of what the participants had to say ngoLwesine:
GERVONTA DAVIS:
“I’m just on a whole different level. I do know they built you good, but you’ve been dropped before. They’ve been protecting you from the power, so I know you have no chin. Ngomgqibelonight you’ll be on your ass. And then your brothers can get in next.
“Please don’t run Saturday ebusuku.
“I’ve just been trying to stay level-headed. Getting that belt brings me that much closer to what I want to do – to take over the sport of boxing. With the performance I put ngomgqibelo night it will bring me a step closer to being the star of boxing and follow after Floyd Mayweather.
“Having Floyd in my corner gives me a lot of confidence. Floyd has been pretty hands on with me, he’s been getting up and training and running with me. He was my hero in the sport of boxing coming up so to just have him in my corner now is amazing.
“I won the belt and now my focus is to take over the sport.
“Growing up in Baltimore, it has a high crime rate. It’s been tough. Where I’m from the gym is in the hood. If it wasn’t for the gym I’d either be in jail or dead. That’s not what I want to be. Boxing saved my life.”
LIAM WALSH:
“I’m always confident. As I’ve said many times, his performance against Pedraza was very good. I applaud him. Tank is the best fighter I’ve come up against in my career so far, but I’m also the best fighter he’s going to come against in his career so far. So it makes for a great fight.
“He’s physically very good. He’s very fast, very powerful. He’s a good puncher and performed beyond his years against Pedraza. You can’t knock his performance whatsoever, but there’s still a lot of questions that he has to answer.
“The southpaw stance doesn’t affect me too much. I can switch between the two. I’m comfortable in both stances so that doesn’t bother me.
“I don’t think I can put it into words what it would mean to win the title. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little child. The feeling, the emotion, I can’t put it into words. This is the biggest night of my life.
“There are definitely flaws in his game and they’re there for me to exploit. I plan to take advantage of his mistakes. Lapho ngineminyaka 22, there were definitely mistakes I made that I wouldn’t make now. So maybe it’s the perfect time to fight him.
“I’m not intimidated one little bit. Not by Floyd, not by Tank, not by anyone.
“I predict I will win the fight. I wouldn’t be shocked if I won by knockout, I wouldn’t be shocked if I won on points. You won’t see me celebrating like a mad man if I knock out Tank because I know I’m capable of it.”
Floyd Mayweather:
“It’s not just one performance. It takes more than just one performance. We truly believe that he can be a great fighter, but he came in his last fight with only 16 fights and beat the champion. We know he’s not going to lay down. This kid has dynamite in both hands. If he keeps going out there beating great fighters he cannot be denied.
“When its lights, ikhamera, action and the bell rings, 17 times he came out victorious and 16 by way of (Knockout).
“His team does a remarkable job, but it’s my job as a friend and a father figure to tell him to come to Vegas to get him the best work. We wanted him to have different looks. We want guys that were going to push him, give him different styles.
“This kid, he busts his ass day in and day out. We’re going to continue to go out there and do what we do.
“I already conquered your country once (with Ricky Hatton) and now we’re going to conquer it again ngomgqibelo.
“I don’t miss being in the gym at all. If I can push this fighter to surpass me and break every record, that’s a goal of mine. That’s what we’re here to do. Amarekhodi zenziwa ukuba basuswe.
“I remember when I met Tank on the Canelo (Alvarez) press tour and he asked to take a photo with me. When I took a photo with him I said, ‘there’s something about that kid that looks special.’
“He came to my gym and put in some real good work and I reached out to him and said, ‘whatever it takes to work with you and get you to the next level, let’s make it happen.’ I told him, ‘if you listen to me and continue to work hard I truly believe you can be world champion within 24 izinyanga.’ And that’s just one stepping stone. As of right now he’s one of the only fighters in boxing facing back-to-back undefeated fighters.
“Frank Warren, Liam Walsh, we just want to commend you guys for stepping up to the plate and making this fight happen and giving the fans what they want to see. The fans want to see blood, sweat and tears.
“Tank is always in tremendous fights, he’s a big knockout artist. I truly believe in my man, and I want to work with him until the end of his career.”
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GERVONTA DAVIS & LIAM WALSH PUBLIC WORKOUT PHOTOS FOR IBF JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM LONDON
America’s Youngest Champion Makes First Title Defense On The Road Against No. 1 Contender & Local Favorite Walsh
Showtime Championship Boxing® Coverage Begins At 6 p.m. KANYE/3 p.m. PT
Chofoza LAPHA For ifotho; Credit Lawrence Lustig/SHOWTIME
London (May 17, 2017) – Gervonta Davis and Liam Walsh participated in public workouts ngolwesithathu at the legendary York Hall in advance of lokhu ngoMgqibeloIBF Junior Lightweight World Championship on SHOWTIME from Copper Box Arena in London.
Baltimore’s Davis (17-0, 16 Kos) was joined in the ring during the workout by his promoter and mentor, all-time great Floyd Mayweather. Davis, who became America’s youngest reigning world champion in January, will make the first defense of his IBF belt on the road against undefeated No. 1 contender and local favorite Walsh (21-0, 14 Kos).
Davis vs. Walsh is the opening bout of a unique split-site, four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event lokhu ngoMgqibelo that begins at 6 p.m. KANYE/3 p.m. PT on Showtime. In the umcimbi main, Gary Russell Jr. will make the second defense of his WBC Featherweight World Championship against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.
Two world title eliminators will round out the quadrupleheader. Top super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 Kos) and José Uzcátegui (26-1, 22 Kos) will face off in an IBF Super Middleweight Eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for champion James DeGale. Undefeated Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 Kos) will meet Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 Kos) in a WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator for unified champ Julius Indongo.
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