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CLARESSA SHIELDS WINS IBF AND WBA MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLES FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

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Christina Hammer Defends WBC and WBO Middleweight Belts With Unanimous Decision Against Tori Nelson

 

Catch The Replay Monday, June 25, At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (June 23, 2018) – Claressa Shields became a two-division world champion, and Christina Hammer retained her two world title belts as both scored unanimous decision victories on Friday night on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION from the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

 

 

And now they have their sights set on one another.

 

 

 

The two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Shields of nearby Flint, Mich., was knocked down for the first time in her career 53 seconds into the first round, but she was able to come back and win every round after that to become a two-division world champion capturing the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships against Hanna Gabriels. The judges’ scored the fight 98-91, 97-92 twice.

 

 

 

Hammer entered the ring after the Shields fight, and an emotional Shields pressed toward Hammer and some pushing and shoving ensued. (see video HERE)

 

 

 

“I’m just tired of Hammer disrespecting me all the time,” Shields (6-0, 2 KOs) said. “She comes into the ring after all my rights, talks trash, and then she goes in there and looks like [crap] against Nelson. I’m sick of it. But I let her know I’m more than ready for a fight against her. She wanted me to lose tonight, but I wanted her to win because I want to fight her. We have to unify now.”

 

 

 

Shields and Gabriels started the fight swinging furiously, but it was Gabriels (18-2-1, 11 KOs) who connected on a right uppercut sending Shields to the canvas. (see the knockdown video HERE)

 

 

 

“Once I went down, I took a deep breath and I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m about to whip this girl’ ” Shields said. “I just remember thinking let’s use the jab and be smart.”

 

 

 

Costa Rica’s Gabriels, a unified 154-pound titleholder, was coming up in weight and attempting to become a three-division world champion. (see Shields-Gabriels highlights HERE).

 

 

 

“I trained to go the distance but my heart betrayed me, because after that first knock down, I was looking for another one,” said Gabriels, the reigning WBA and WBO champion who was fighting in her 12th straight world title fight since winning the welterweight title in 2009. “I wanted to show everyone I had a warrior’s heart.

 

 

 

“I didn’t feel I had an advantage after the knockdown. I felt I had to work round after round to even have a possibility to win.”

 

 

 

Added Gabriels: “She has a lot of power. It was a great fight and you have to accept the judges’ decision. She’s powerful and for the fans I think it went well.

 

 

 

Shields suffered a cut on the left cheek in round 10, and also overcame a head butt. She recalled being hurt by Gabriels’ punches to the head just three times in the fight. “The first round, fourth round and the eighth round, other than that she didn’t hit me with no head shots.”

 

 

 

Shields – in her first fight with new trainer John David Jackson – said she learned something about herself after the fight. “I can get put on my ass, get up and come back and win,” she said. “Tonight was my night and I have to show the world I’m the greatest of all-time. I showed who I am. Now, I’m really dangerous because you can even put me down, and I’ll still come back to win.”

 

 

 

The difference in the fight was Shields’ accuracy, especially in terms of her power shots as she connected on 42 percent compared to Gabriels’ 26 percent.

 

 

 

Shields was asked after the fight when she would like to face Hammer. “Hopefully it’s next,” she said. “I don’t need no rest. I could have whipped her tonight. I’m just so sick of her and her whole team.”

 

 

 

 

 

In a lopsided win in her highly anticipated U.S. debut, Hammer (23-0, 10 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision against Tori Nelson (17-2-3, 2 KOs). The scores were 100-90, 99-91 twice, to retain her WBC and WBO Middleweight World Title belts. (see Hammer-Nelson highlights HERE).

 

 

 

“It would have been better to get a KO,” said Hammer, who is 27 years old and from Dortmund, Germany. “I tried everything I could to get the knockout. She was tough. I hope the USA is good with this and I’m still the champ.”

 

 

 

“I’m really looking forward to fighting Claressa. She will try and fight me on the inside but my footwork and my reach will make the difference. The fight with Claressa will be a game-changer. It will be the biggest women’s fight ever. I would like to fight her at a neutral site.”

 

 

 

“I’m very disappointed in my performance tonight,” said an emotional Nelson after the fight. “It’s a loss, of course it’s disappointing. I wasn’t busy enough, I guess.”

 

 

 

In her last fight, Nelson lost a unanimous decision to Shields back in January. “Claressa is better,” Nelson said. “Shields has a jab and uses the ring. Claressa stands there and wants to fight. She has all the punches. Hammer only has one.”

 

 

 

In the telecast opener, Umar Salamov (21-1, 16 KOs) connected on a lethal right hand in knocking out Brian Howard (13-2, 10 KOs) 53 seconds into the ninth round of a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

Salamov, from Alkhan-Kala, Russia, was making his United States debut and trains at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit with Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward. In a fight between two long and lanky fighters, Salamov landed 34 percent of his power punches compared to 27 percent for Howard and was ahead on all three judges’ scorecard at the time of the knockout.

 

 

 

“I was hurt a little bit in the second round from one of his shots, but I didn’t let it bother me because this is my U.S. debut,” said Salamov, a six-year pro who is 24 years old. “I just kept fighting. After I got hit with that punch, I started coming forward and as soon as I did that, the fight changed.”

 

 

 

Salamov said he knew once he connected on the first right that Howard was hurt. “I knew as soon as I landed the punch that he would be very hurt,” he said. “I felt it up to my elbow. I didn’t want to hit him after that because I knew he was finished.”

 

 

 

The former cruiserweight Howard had a couple of highlights and was able to effectively land his right hand on several occasions, including one powerful right cross in the seventh round that seemed to stun Salamov.

 

 

 

“I would say I did fair, I did OK,” said Howard, a former minor league football player who lives outside of Atlanta and was making his SHOWTIME debut. “I was fortunate to get the call by Salamov’s team and by SHOWTIME. I’ll be back.”

 

 

 

Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Monday, June 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

 

 

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

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. HANNA GABRIELS AND CHRISTINA HAMMER vs. TORI NELSON WORLD TITLE FINAL WEIGHTS, PHOTOS AND OFFICIALS TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

From Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION – 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championship

Claressa Shields – 159 ½ lbs.

Hanna Gabriels – 159 ½ lbs.

Referee: Gerard White (California); Judges: Michael Ancona (Ohio), Jeremy Hayes (Toronto, Canada), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

 

 

 

WBC and WBO Women’s Middleweight World Championship

Christina Hammer – 159 ½ lbs.

Tori Nelson – 157 ½ lbs.

Referee: Frank Garza (Michigan); Judges: Katealia Chambers (Michigan), Benoit Roussel (Montreal), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

 

 

 

Light Heavyweight 10-Round Bout 

Umar Salamov – 174 ½ lbs.

Brian Howard – 174 ½ lbs.

Referee: Sam Williams (Michigan); Judges: Ansel Stewart (Michigan), Michael Ancona (Ohio), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

 

 

 

NOTE: see PDF email attachment for bout sheet and all weights.

 

 

 

FLASH QUOTES:

 

 

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

“I have John David Jackson now and I’ve learned so much from him since we got together back in February. I’ve had coaches in the past who tried to change my style and game, but at the end of the day I just have to go in there and fight like I know how to.

 

 

 

“Being in Flint for my last camp, you wouldn’t believe all the things I had to deal with. Just stuff that shouldn’t be happening to a world champion. It was stressful, and I was stressed even the week of the fight [in January]. I had to get out. I was able to train in Florida this time around.

 

 

 

“[Hanna’s] a good fighter. She has skills and just the way she carries herself. She’s very calm and her facial expressions never change. I watched the fight where she got knocked out, and even then her facial expressions didn’t change. I think she’s tough, but not as tough as I am. I know I’m the better fighter.

 

 

 

“Tori underestimated my power. I think Tori has a punchers’ chance [against Hammer]. I don’t wrap my career around Hammer. Our lives don’t intertwine. I have to worry about what’s in front of me. I’m not going to watch that fight.

 

 

 

“I was focused on my diet for this fight. I don’t have much family in Florida and didn’t have any distractions.”

 

 

 

HANNA GABRIELS: 

 

 

“We need to step up to the plate and make sure our game plan is on point and we give the fans what they want to see, which is a great fight. You have to overcome a lot and sacrifice to get to this point, and my team has done that.

 

 

 

“I’ve never feared anyone. Words don’t do anything. When I get in the ring I’m going to be a beast.

 

 

 

“I’m OK with whatever comes, win or loss. I’m a champion and that’s my mentality in the ring. We’re going for the victory, and I’m appreciating everything that’s happening preparing for this fight.

 

 

 

“I don’t underestimate her power. But boxing isn’t just about power, there’s so much more. You can be powerful, but can you land the punch? Can it be precise? There are so many things going on in the ring that you have to worry about.”

 

 

 

CHRISTINA HAMMER:

 

 

“I was very disappointed that I wasn’t able to fight back in January because of my visa issues.

 

 

 

“I was at the Claressa Shields-Tori Nelson fight and now it’s my turn to get in the ring. I like to go forward and be aggressive. When you can finish, you finish. The American people will like my style.

 

 

 

“Boxing is my passion and my job, and I’m prepared and looking forward to this. Now the day is here and it’s on SHOWTIME. We aren’t thinking about Claressa Shields. Out of respect to Tori Nelson, I’m focused on this fight only.”

 

 

 

TORI NELSON:

 

 

“I’m a power puncher and I’ve been using my legs more in camp so this camp has been so much different than what I’m used to.

 

 

 

“They say lighting strikes only once, but I got another chance. I am so grateful I got the call for this fight. This is my second chance. A lot of people don’t get second chances.

 

 

 

‘I really have something to prove. A lot of people have believed in me and I’ve got to show what I can do in the ring.

 

 

 

“I think Christina is overlooking me. It’s disrespectful but I’m glad. It’s better for me that she does overlook me.”

 

 

 

UMAR SALAMOV:

 

 

“This fight is going to be a good test. I know I can make it into the top 10, and this is my start.

 

 

 

“There’s a big difference living here in Detroit, but it’s a lot like Moscow, a big city.

 

 

 

“I love to fight, and this is a dream come true coming to America. Brian Howard is a tough opponent. It will not be an easy fight but I’m confident I can beat him.”

 

 

 

BRIAN HOWARD:

 

 

“I have a little bit of ring rust, but I’m going to be sharp. I’ve prepared well and I’m in shape. I have great metabolism, and can lose weight easily.

 

 

 

“I took my first loss in 2012 and after I took that loss I didn’t have the support I needed. I got back into it and it was just tough getting a fight. I got a lot of nos.

 

 

 

“I’ve seen some tape of my opponent. But you don’t know if he will change or bring something else.

 

 

 

“I box better than I play football. My nickname is MVP – Most Vicious Puncher.

 

 

 

“I don’t look at it that I’m the B-side fighter. This is a real opportunity for me, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100.  VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. HANNA GABRIELS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Christina Hammer Battles Tori Nelson in Co-Feature

Umar Salamov Takes On Brian Howard In Opening Bout

 

Friday, June 22 Live On SHOWTIME®

 

 

“When somebody says that they’re going to beat me, it angers me. I get mad and I punch the bag until it falls.” – Claressa Shields

 

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. HANNA GABRIELS FINAL WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

 

Shields To Fight for World Title in Second Weight Division as She Faces Gabriels for IBF & WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships Friday, June 22 On SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (June 19, 2018) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields and unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels spoke to the media at a workout session in Detroit just days before the two clash to decide the IBF & WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships this Friday on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features the No. 1 fighter at 168 pounds facing the No. 1 fighter at 154 pounds as they both attempt to become champions for the first time in the middleweight division. The telecast also features unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer defending her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson. Also, light heavyweight prospects Umar Salamov and Brian Howard will meet in a 10-round matchup that will open the tripleheader from Masonic Temple in Detroit.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100.  VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

 

 

 

Here is what Shields and Gabriels had to say today at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit:

 

 

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS

 

“It’s been seven weeks of really hard work. A lot of people don’t know and I really don’t like to be open about it, but I got to 183 pounds after my last fight in January and now I’m 160. That’s 23 pounds. I was in camp running and getting ready for the fight and having to focus on weight was very different for me.

 

 

“I feel good and ready to go. I’m happy that she made it in safe and all that but now I’m just excited. You all know how I get before fights. The champ is here.

 

 

 

 

“So much has changed since I first turned pro. In my first fight, I was frustrated against Franchon (Crews Dezurn) during our fight. I was frustrated throughout camp and I really couldn’t handle everything that was going on. Now I know how to handle the media, the workouts, the interviews and still remain disciplined. The fact that I had to lose so much weight this camp only added more discipline.

 

 

 

“It makes me so happy and it just touches my heart to see four female fighters on the main fight poster. I was so happy that they decided to put them on TV. They have put me on before but it’s always been my goal to put other women on so when they decided to put Tori Nelson and Christina Hammer on I was so excited because this has never been done before. Women’s boxing is going somewhere.

 

 

 

“I always knew that it would take me to turn professional for women’s boxing to go to a higher level. That’s why I waited to win a second Gold Medal before I turned professional. To be the one to be the leader is special. I feel like I go out there every fight and give my best and show that I can box better than 90 percent of the men that box. If you have a choice to make a man the main event or me the main event, I always want them to choose me.

 

 

 

“There’s always mutual respect between me and my opponents. I’m thankful for them because I can’t do this by myself. I thank Hanna for stepping up and it’s mutual respect until Friday. I start getting really mean on Thursday,Friday is the fight and then after that we can exchange numbers and be friends.

 

 

 

“I expect her to use her gifts. She’s really good on her legs and she’s strong up top. I think she lacks in speed so I expect her to try to counter me and try to force me to make mistakes with her movement. I think she underrates my power.

 

 

 

“I never said that I wanted to get more knockouts. I’m perfectly fine being 5-0 with two knockouts. At the end of the day, I’m fine with that. The longer I’m in the ring boxing, the better. The more they get to see me on TV, that’s fine. Of course I would love to get the big knockout but look how disappointed Errol Spence Jr. was to get such a quick knockout of Ocampo. That didn’t please his fans. If the knockout comes, it comes.

 

 

 

“This will be my toughest fight. She’s the most skilled and has the most experience. She’s a three-time world champion. I’ve fought former world champions but she’s a three-time world champion to date. The girl that beat her, Hanna avenged that loss. I’m looking forward to her coming out and putting 100 percent in and I hope for us to have a great fight.

 

“I’m always confident going into fights. I’m not leaving the ring without having two new belts.”

 

 

 

HANNA GABRIELS

 

“I think that this is a time right now where women can have this type of platform. Claressa is a great champion and I have faced great women’s champions. I think it’s a great time for boxing fans to enjoy a quality fight. She’s a champion. I’m a champion. This will be a great matchup.

 

 

 

“You are going to see a very technical and aggressive fighter. That’s the only way that you can fight Claressa because she’s so aggressive herself and so tough, you can’t go in the ring passive against her. You have to put your life on the line in there and that’s what I’m planning to do.

 

 

 

“I feel honored to be on such a great card. This is a great opportunity and I just hope everybody sees this the way that I do. We trained hard. In my case, I wanted to bring the very best out of myself so the fans could leave the arena feeling great. This is what boxing is all about. Bringing entertainment and emotions that most other sports don’t bring to people.

 

 

 

“This fight means a lot to me. Every person that I love is going through a hard time right now, including my family. I just want to lead by example and show everybody that all odds are nothing. You can still fight the battle with as many resources or as little resources as you have. I’m dedicating this fight to all my loved ones because I promise there will be better times for us.

 

 

 

“When I was five years old I was sexually abused so my teenage years were tough. Sports always took me away from that. When I got an injury and I had to stop competing in track, I thought my life was over. For the next five or six years, I was very destructive and felt like I didn’t have a purpose. When I turned 24, I started a different passage and learned that everything that happened to me just made me the person I am today.

 

 

 

“We don’t really focus on anybody’s weaknesses because we believe if you’re a good professional and you are dedicating your life to this, you are supposed to get better at your weaknesses. So we focus on her strengths and I think we have a great plan. They say that she’s been underestimating me a lot but I think it’s part of her game and part of what she does.

 

 

 

“I think her strengths are pretty obvious. She has great feet. I don’t know if she punches hard but she’s very explosive. She must have a lot of power and she’s very defensive. She keeps her distance and she’s so big and I’m so small that we will have to risk a lot of things. Her confidence is one of her biggest strengths.

 

 

 

“This will probably be my toughest fight so far. I never had an amateur career, I had just one fight. Claressa has fought 80-something times so my schooling has been in the professional environment and I have had to learn in the process. Every fight has been a hard fight because I have to solve problems and I think she is definitely the toughest opponent because she’s so tall and so fast. She must walk around normally at 185 pounds and I’m not as big so we were a little worried at the beginning at how we would reach her body but we finally were able to figure that out in training and I’m confident that my game is going to surprise her a lot.

 

 

 

“Hopefully we can bring a surprise and people will get to see me and let everybody know that there are more great boxers out there that aren’t getting the same exposure or marketing that Claressa is getting. I don’t feel disrespected, I see this is an opportunity to show what I’ve been working on. Let them plan. Maybe those plans will fall.

 

 

 

“It’s going to be a great fight. She’s coming for the victory and I’m coming for the victory as well. She’s in for a big surprise.”

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECTS UMAR SALAMOV & BRIAN HOWARD TO OPEN CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. HANNA GABRIELS SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION TELECAST

 

 

 

Christina Hammer vs. Tori Nelson in the Co-Feature

 

All Four Women’s Middleweight Titles To Be Contested on Friday, June 22 LIVE On SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK (June 13, 2018) – Light Heavyweight prospects Umar Salamov and Brian Howard will meet in a 10-round matchup that will open the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader Friday, June 22 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Masonic Temple in Detroit.

 

 

 

In the main event, unified champions from different divisions will meet in the middle.  Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Unified Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will face Unified Jr. Middleweight World Champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships. Both fighters have a lot at stake when they meet as Shields will look to become a two-division champion and Gabriels will seek to win titles on a third weight class. In the co-feature bout, women’s unified WBC and WBO Middleweight World Champion Christina Hammer will defend against former world champion Tori Nelson as all four women’s middleweight world titles will be at stake.

 

 

 

Salamov (20-1, 15 KOs), of Alkhan-Kala, Russia, will be making his United States debut and is currently in training at Kronk Gym in Detroit with famed Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward. In his six-year career, the 23-year-old has already won the IBO Youth and World Light Heavyweight, WBO Youth World, European and International, and the IBF East/West Europe Light Heavyweight Championships.

 

 

 

Howard (13-1, 10 KOs) of Bartow Fla., currently resides in Loganville, Ga., outside of Atlanta. He started boxing 12 years ago at the age of 26, after playing three years in minor league football for the Polk County War Eagles. Despite being 38, Howard has shown natural talent and has knocked out previously undefeated fighters in two of his last three appearances.

 

 

 

“I waited a long time to make my U.S. debut and I am thrilled that it’s going to be on SHOWTIME,” said Salamov. “Training at the Kronk Gym in Detroit has been a phenomenal experience. I look forward to putting my skills and experience together to make a powerful statement. Howard is an accomplished and skilled boxer. I am coming in ready and know that it will be an exciting fight for the fans at Masonic Temple. This is my opportunity to show that I belong at the top of the light heavyweight division.”

 

 

 

Howard is also excited to be making his SHOWTIME debut. “It’s one of the opportunities that every fighter hopes to get,” he said. “I want to thank team Salamov for giving me the chance to take part in this event. I look forward to future opportunities and putting on a great show on fight night. I know he’s a champion, which I respect. He’s a skilled fighter who handles himself well in the ring, but I predict I will get him out of there between the fifth and 10thround.”

 

 

 

“I believe Umar has the skills, experience and hunger to be the best light heavyweight in the world,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “Umar will have a chance to prove a point against a big puncher and spoiler in Brian Howard. It will be an exciting fight with both fighters needing a win to get into world title contention.”

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100.  VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

UN-TELEVISED UNDERCARD OF JUNE 22 ‘SHIELDS VS. GABRIELS’ EVENT STACKED WITH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TALENT

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.; Tickets on Sale Now
Eyubov to Face Givhan; Idigov vs. Ballard; O’Quinn vs. Kareem
Franchon Crews Dezurn Returns; Russian Heavyweight Apti Davtaev in Action
Leon Lawson III & Joseph Bonas also Scheduled

 

The un-televised undercard of the “Shields vs. Gabriels” event on Friday, June 22, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, is stacked with great fights between local and international prospects.

 

 

 

Salita Promotions has put together several strong match-ups in addition to the nationally televised SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) portion of the show, which features two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super-Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields (5-0, 2 KOs) taking on unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

Topping the off-TV action will be worldwide fan favorite Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs) of Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan, taking on Nicholas “King Beamen” Givhan (21-1-1, 11 KOs) of nearby Kalamazoo, Michigan, in a 10-rounder for the USBA Great Lakes Region Welterweight Championship

 

 

 

The action will further heat up with a 10-round light heavyweight showdown between Grozny, Russia’s Aslambek Idigov (12-0, 5 KOs) and Detroit’s own James “The Equalizer” Ballard (10-1, 3 KOs).

 

 

 

Detroit bantamweight favorite Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (8-0-1, 5 KOs) will bring his monstrous legion of fans in to watch him go eight rounds for the first time while taking on West Bloomfield, Michigan, veteran Yaqub Kareem (14-9-1, 8 KOs).

 

 

 

The sensational Franchon Crews Dezurn (3-1, 1 KO) of Baltimore will put on a six-round showcase against Ohio’s Crystal Byers; and in an eight-round heavyweight match-up,

Kurchaloi, Russia’s Apti Davtaev (14-0-1, 13 KOs) will attempt to continue his tear through the big man’s division against Catlettsburg, Kentucky, veteran Cory Phelps (16-10-1, 8 KOs).

 

 

 

Appearing in match-ups that are still being made, “Lethal” Leon Lawson (6-0, 4 KOs) of Flint will fight in a super welterweight six-rounder and Detroit’s undefeated Joseph Bonas (3-0, 3 KOs) will go four welterweight rounds. Both opponents are currently TBD.

 

 

 

 

 

Also on Showtime, Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) of Germany defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs) and in the 10-round opener, Russia’s Umar Salamov (20-1, 15 KOs) will face Georgia’s Brian Howard (13-1, 10 KOs) for the IBF North American Light Heavyweight Championship.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

‘BULL VS. MATADOR’ MATCH-UP OF SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECTS BAKHTIYAR EYUBOV VS. NICHOLAS GIVHAN ADDED TO UNDERCARD OF CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. HANNA GABRIELS IBF & WBA WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.; Tickets on Sale Now

Another exciting battle between well-regarded prospects has been added to the un-televised undercard of Salita Promotions’ “Shields vs. Gabriels” event on Friday, June 22, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.

 

 

 

In a classic “bull vs. matador” match-up, Kalamazoo, Michigan’s Nicholas “King Beamen” Givhan (21-1-1, 11 KOs) will face undefeated Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs), from Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan, over 10 exciting super-lightweight rounds.

 

 

 

A six-year pro, Nicholas Givhan has had mixed results, thus far, against stronger opposition. He fought to a draw with France’s 8-1 Freddy Durand in August 2015 and suffered his lone setback against undefeated top contender Ivan Baranchyk in March 2016. Givhan has won five straight fights since then and was last seen scoring a unanimous decision over rugged veteran Agustin Cicero last February. Givhan is a smooth boxer with good instincts in the ring. The 32-year-old stands 5’ 9” and has a 68” reach.

 

 

 

“Training is going great. I’m putting the work in and prepping for the big fight,” said Givhan. “I’m a very good boxer and I’m looking forward to showing off my craft with no mistakes.”

 

 

 

Givhan says he respects Eyubov, but is confident of coming out on top.

 

 

 

“I would say he’s the toughest opponent I’ve faced so far. He comes and keeps coming and coming. He’s a very in-tight fighter and has nice power. It’s hard to say how the fight will go. Real fighters adapt to any style, so I can’t say if his style is made for mine. I just know that whatever he brings, I’ll be able to adapt.”

 

 

 

A six-year pro, Brooklyn-based Eyubov is originally from Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan. A charismatic showman, Eyubov is a fast-rising prospect who has appeared twice on ShoBox: The New Generation. He stopped then 16-2-1 Jared Robinson in three rounds in January 2016 and took an exciting 10-round split decision from veteran Karim Mayfield in August of the same year. He was last seen in January, when an accidental headbutt forced opponent Maurice Chalmers to quit in round one. The fight was ruled a No Contest. The 31-year-old stands 5’ 6” and has a 65.5” reach.

 

 

 

“I look forward to a great fight on June 22. I am the best junior welterweight in the world – a point I will prove it in this fight,” said Eyubov. “I will show my improved skills, strength and power in the ring. I had a great training camp in Brooklyn, New York, with my trainers Nirmal Lorick and Keith Hewitt. This is a very important fight for me I plan on making a statement and showing the world that I am the best and hardest punching man in the division.”

 

 

 

Eyubov says he’ll be looking for another knockout on June 22.

 

 

 

“I know Givhan is a strong fighter and is in great shape and coming to win. The fight is in his hometown but that’s no problem. My plan is not to leave it to the judges June 22nd can’t come soon enough!”

 

 

 

“This is a significant crossroads fight with each fighter understanding the upside of victory and the doom of defeat,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. I know Bakha is hungrier than ever to win this fight and make a statement to the junior welterweight division that he is ready for the best. This match has all the ingredients of a great fight.”

 

 

 

“Shields vs. Gabriels” will feature two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

The main event will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) and will also feature highlights of Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer as she defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

CLARESSA SHIELDS TRAINING CAMP NOTES

http://files.constantcontact.com/78d73a48001/ca3c9c36-075a-41d2-b27e-1038115839e0.jpg

 

 

TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS PREPARES TO FACE FELLOW UNIFIED CHAMPION HANNA GABRIELS FRIDAY, JUNE 22 ON SHOWTIME

 

Flint Native Shields Attempting to Become Two-Division Champion On SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION

 

Tickets on Sale for Event at Ticketmaster and Masonic Temple in Detroit

 

Click HERE for photos; Credit Salita Promotions/Terrell Groggins

 

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields is deep in preparation for her attempt to become a two-division world champion when she faces fellow unified champion Hanna Gabriels at Masonic Temple in Detroit on Friday, June 22.

 

 

 

Shields, a unified champion at 168 pounds, and Gabriels, a unified titlist at 154 pounds, will meet for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

A native of Flint, Mich., Shields (5-0, 2 KOs) was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The 23-year-old turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields now begins her first camp with renowned trainer John David Jackson as she attempts to become a two-division champion.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION will also feature extensive highlights of unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) as she defends her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs).  If both Shields and Hammer are victorious in their 160-pound bouts on June 22, they will meet in a fall blockbuster on SHOWTIME to determine the undisputed women’s middleweight world champion.

 

 

 

How has training camp been so far?

“Training camp has been great. It’s been fun and I’ve been working my butt off. I can’t wait to step in the ring with another champion and make history by winning the world title in my second weight division!”

 

What can fans expect from you on June 22?

“The fans can expect for me to fight like I’m Okoye from Wakanda! I’ve never been more motivated, more ready, and more able to take on the challenges and achieve my goals. I want to fight the best, and I want to be the best ever. I will give everything onJune 22 against Hanna Gabriels to win a world title in my second weight division, then I want Christina Hammer, so we can unify all the middleweight belts, and then my sights will be on getting to the 154-pound world title.”

 

 

 

What are some of your future goals in boxing?  

“I want to lift women’s boxing for all the women past, present and future. I want equality for women and men in boxing. I want to be recognized as one of the pound-for-pound best in the sport among both men and women, no gender labels. And I want to be known as the best female boxer ever. I’m ready. Come to Detroit on June 22 and see me live, watch me on SHOWTIME, and join the team as we make history!”

 

 

What have you learned training with John David Jackson?
“Coach John is very knowledgeable, he’s been working with me on my patience. He admires the beast inside of me, but just wants me to control it more and be smart. He’s been to the biggest battles with some great world champions, and I’m glad to have his experience and knowledge on my team.”

 

What is your typical day like in camp?
“A typical day in camp can go according to either of two plans. Plan 1 is I wake up at 9 am, make myself a small breakfast (2 boiled eggs, 2 pieces of turkey bacon and some steamed asparagus) or a fruit smoothie. At 11 am I’m at the gym training. By1:30 pm, I’m at the gym. My workout usually consists of bag drills, mitt work, shadow boxing, jumping rope, speed bag and ring drills. Then I either swim or run at 6 pm the same day. On the days I do Plan 2, I still wake at 9 am and have my breakfast and then 11 am-1:30 pm, I’m in the gym. But right after that, I do strength and conditioning, which consists of box jumps, dumb bell squats, some drills with weights for my upper body, or a four-mile run.”

 

Have you made any changes to your training and nutrition for your first fight at middleweight?
“Right after my fight with Tori Nelson, I knew I would be fighting next at middleweight, so I stayed in the gym three times a week until Mark (Taffet) told me we secured June 22 on SHOWTIME against Hanna Gabriels. But to properly make middleweight, I had to learn about my body some more. Losing weight is more about a routine than it is about eating less food. The good thing for me is that I like healthy food – my body and mind feel best when I eat that way. The only difference in camp is I eat smaller portions of the food I like and drink a lot more water. This camp I’ve been heavy on fish, all kinds of fish from cod, salmon, Atlantic salmon — with sides of asparagus, sweet potatoes, rice or spinach. And body clock is important, so no eating after 7 pm. I’m feeling great and will be in the best shape of my life when I get in that ring on June 22.”

 

 

Who are your sparring partners?

“So far, I’ve sparred with Matt Korobov and Daniyar Yelluisar. I love to spar with men – I find that the strength and speed helps me get the most out of the sparring.”

 

What have you done differently in preparation for this fight?

“Well I always say this, but I don’t get ready to face my opponents – my trainer John David Jackson focuses more on the opponent than I do. I just get prepared to be the best version of me. I’ve seen film of Hannah and I’m not impressed – I know she’s a champion and I respect that, but I’ve never seen a woman who can stay in the ring with me. It’ll take two of her to even have a chance at beating me.”

CROSSROADS BATTLE OF PROSPECTS ASLAMBEK IDIGOV VS. JAMES BALLARD ADDED TO UNDERCARD OF CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. HANNA GABRIELS IBF & WBA WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.; Tickets On Sale Now

The Salita Promotions professional boxing event on Friday, June 22, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, is heating up even more with the announcement of an intriguing match-up of promising light heavyweight prospects with local ties.

 

 

 

In a fight with explosive action written all over it, Detroit’s own James “The Equalizer” Ballard (10-1, 3 KOs) will face undefeated Aslambek Idigov (12-0, 5 KOs), from Detroit via Grozny, Russia, over 10 exciting rounds.

 

 

 

Fighting mostly in his home city, the 28-year-old Ballard has become a fan favorite for his fearlessly aggressive style. Ballard says he refuses to lose on his home turf of Detroit.

 

 

 

“Expect a war,” said Ballard. “I will go out there and give the fans what they want by going toe-to-toe. I am coming for Idigov’s O. I’m not going to be out-boxed in my hometown. It’s a respect thing. It’s going to be a long night for him. We are training hard and ready to go hard every round if it takes that long. June 22 can’t get here soon enough. I’m more than ready to send Russia back home.”

 

 

 

A compact puncher with pinpoint accuracy, Idigov has fan favorite written all over his muscular frame. Since he began training in Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym, Idigov says he’s learning to fight the American way.

 

 

 

“Training at the Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit has been a great experience for me and I learn a lot and get better every day. I love their philosophy that the best win is a knockout!

James Ballard is a very good fighter. I have no problem fighting him and winning in his hometown, which is becoming my second home as well. Let’s get it on!”

 

 

 

“This is a classic, crossroads fight between two talented and hungry prospects,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “This is a ‘pick em’ type of match that will bring excitement to fans in the championship City of Detroit!”

 

 

 

The skillful pair will duel as part of the untelevised undercard of the blockbuster “It’s Our Time to Shine” event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

The main event will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) and will also feature highlights of Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer as she defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

CHRISTINA HAMMER TRAINING CAMP NOTES

WOMEN’S WBC & WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION TO MAKE U.S. DEBUT IN TOUGH DEFENSE AGAINST FORMER CHAMPION TORI NELSON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 22
Tickets on Sale For Event At Masonic Temple in Detroit Headlined By Two-Time Gold Medalist Claressa Shield’s Attempt To Become A Two-Division World Champion

Unified Women’s WBC and WBO Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer has taken to the mountains of Austria for this leg of her intense training camp.

 

 

 

Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) will make her U.S. fighting debut while defending her titles against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs) on Friday, June 22. The bout will serve as a supporting bout to two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super-middleweight champion Claressa Shields’ attempt to become a two-division world champion against unified women’s 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

 

 

Shields vs Gabriels will be contested for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships and telecast on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME. Extensive highlights of Hammer vs. Nelson will also be shown.

 

 

 

Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, has dominated the women’s middleweight division since 2010. The 27-year-old says training at elevation in the mountains of Austria is bringing the best out of her.

 

 

 

How has training camp gone so far?

 

 

 

“My camp has gone well. We train three times a day and work hard to be in the best shape possible on June 22 in Detroit.”

 

 

 

Can you tell us about your current training location?

 

 

 

“We are in Austria, staying at a place in the mountains that is about 5000-feet elevation. It’s amazing here. The nature and the mountains inspire me and give me power. It’s very comfortable to do my roadwork and go to the boxing gym because everything is situated in a comfortable way.”

 

 

 

What is a typical day like at training camp? 

 

 

 

“We’ve been in Austria for the last 10 days. At 7:30 am, we start the first interval runs. At 9 am, I have breakfast and at 11 am, we go up to the mountains to our gym (which is at 6500 feet high) to do my strength and conditioning work. Later, in the afternoon, we start our boxing work. The nature and beautiful surroundings give me peace of mind.”

 

 

 

How and why is your training camp built into different stages?

 

 

 

“The mountains are perfect to prepare for the fight. You are away from your hometown stay more focused on training. The air is thin and this high level of elevation gives your body a higher level of conditioning. On June 10, we will move on to our next stage of training, which will take place in the United States. That will be to help acclimate me to the new time and climate for fight night on June 22, which is when I will put all of this hard work together and have it pay off in a big way.”

 

 

 

Who is your head trainer?

 

 

 

“My coach is Dimitrie Kirnos. I started my professional career with him. He himself was Soviet Union Boxing Champion and trained many top champions. He is old school and pushes my mind and body to the limit. He is a big part of my team we have a great bond. I have much respect and admiration for him.”

 

 

 

Have you done anything different preparing for this fight?

 

 

 

“I spar with lots of shorter fighters, like Tori Nelson. I guarantee that it will be much more explosive and impressive than Claressa Shields was against her.”

 

 

 

American fans love knockouts. Can they expect a Christina Hammer KO on June 22?

 

 

 

“That’s why I train hard and give everything in the gym. I want to be amazing that night and a knockout would be a perfect ending.”

 

 

 

What is your prediction for June 22?

 

 

 

“I will show my power and skills. People will see who the real unified Middleweight Champion of the world is. My performance will speak for itself!”

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.