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DEONTAY WILDER vs. TYSON FURY NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Tempers Flare For Second Straight Day As Three-Day International Press Tour Continues In New York City Ahead of December 1 WBC Heavyweight World Championship LIVE on SHOWTIME PPV ® 

 

“We’ve brought the sport back to life in the heavyweight division.” Deontay Wilder

 

“You’re very nervous right now because all the pressure is on you.” Tyson Fury

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Watch the Full Press Conference HERE

 

 

NEW YORK (October 2, 2018) – The Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury international press tour continued on the flight deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Tuesday and the heavyweight giants wasted no time getting up close and personal with one another once again ahead of their December 1 showdown for the WBC Heavyweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME PPV from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

The fighters were led on to the stage by the Brooklyn Nets Beats Drumline and immediately met face to face. Just like a day before in London, the 6-foot-7 Wilder and the 6-foot-9 Fury had to be separated midway through the press conference when Fury ordered Wilder to take his sunglasses off so he could see his eyes. Watch one of the confrontations HERE.  To watch Tuesday’s press conference in full, visit the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel: https://s.sho.com/2xJsF4f

 

 

 

Wilder vs. Fury, the biggest heavyweight event in the U.S. since Mike Tyson-Lennox Lewis in 2002, tests the raw power of Wilder against the unmatched size and mobility of Fury. America’s only heavyweight champion since 2007, Wilder has 39 knockouts in 40 professional fights, including knockouts in all seven of his title defenses. Fury is a former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world champion who is undefeated in 27 professional fights and holds boxing’s coveted lineal heavyweight title.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow/Wednesday, October 3 at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets are priced starting at $75, plus applicable fees, and are available via AXS.com.

 

 

 

The Wilder vs. Fury International Press Tour concludes Wednesday at The Novo By Microsoft at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Below are flash quotes from today’s event at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York:

 

DEONTAY WILDER

 

 

 

“This fight means everything to the heavyweight division. This division was once in a dark place. A lot of people considered the division boring and not entertaining and not enough great fighters. You know, people always look back at the past and say, ‘Where are the golden days? Where has it gone?’ And now today’s era is different…  We’ve brought the sport back to life in the heavyweight division.

 

 

 

“We all know with me it comes with power and with knockouts. And that’s what I do. I get you guys motivated and I get you guys inspired to come and see a heavyweight fight. Because what you guys come to see in a heavyweight fight is a knockout. And I deliver that each and every time. Like I’ve said before, when I say I promise you, I promise you I’m going to knock out the Gypsy King, as well. TIMBERRRRRR!”

 

 

 

“I’m the one who brought him back. I’m the one who encouraged him when he was in that dark place. I told him, ‘You can do it.’ I dared him to come back. I dared him for this very moment. I want him to have confidence. I want him to have energy. As you can see, that’s nerves. That’s all nerves. Because he knows what’s going to happen. He knows his face is going to get smashed in. And he knows his body will be on the pavement. Let him burn out this energy. It’s entertaining. Because when we get in the ring he’s gonna be all by himself and his demeanor will change. His mannerisms are going to change. He’s so nervous right now. He don’t know what do to with himself.

 

 

 

“Don’t give people false promises. I was born off of false promises and got nothing for free. I promise I’m going to knock you out. I speak it, believe and receive it and it’s mine. I don’t have to show so much energy, baby.”

 

 

 

TYSON FURY

 

 

 

“Even Deontay Wilder knows to sit in the presence of greatness. Why I am going to beat this bum is because he can’t box. He’s a big swinger and he’s knocked a few bums out. He’s been in 40 fights and 35 of them have been against total tomato cans who can’t fight back. So really he’s only had five fights. If he thinks a five-fight novice is going to land one of those big swinging windmills onto my chin, then he can think again. After he feels a bit of power and a few stiff jabs in the face his ass is going to fall out. This is what’s going to happen: At about round five or six I’m going to start landing the overhand right and going downstairs to the body. And then around eight, nine 10, the championship rounds then it’s welcome to my world. He’s only been 12 rounds once in his career, and I’ve been 12 rounds championship distance many, many times.

 

 

 

“I’m very experienced and I’ve come back against all odds. I’m here today having beaten so many, many problems. How am I going to let this little spaghetti noodle beat me? How am I going to do that? They don’t call me the Gypsy King for nothing. I didn’t come to New York and Los Angeles and all these press conferences to be embarrassed by this little skinny runt. I’m going to knock him spark out.

 

 

 

“I’m a big, fat, bearded man who can fight like hell. You don’t need to see this fat. We all know I’m the master of disaster. We all know I have a fat stomach. But it’s going to look even worse for you when you get beaten by a fat man.

 

 

 

“I don’t want the Deontay Wilder belt. I want the Tyson Fury belt. I want the limited edition WBC belt. There’s only one Tyson Fury!

 

 

 

“You are on a suicide mission. You know I’m a CRAZY man. I’m gonna make this bum quit. I’m going to make him quit. I’m going to show him what’s it’s like to fight a real man. A real world champion. Does he even know they don’t just give lineal champion belts away? This man has never beaten a world champion. He fought some bum [Bermane] Stiverne that no one’s ever heard of.

 

 

 

“You already know you’ve lost the fight. You’re very nervous right now because all the pressure is on you.”

 

 

 

LOU DIBELLA

 

 

 

“On Dec. 1 on the floor of the Staples Center it’s going to be bombs away. You’re going to get to see the Power, and the Fury when the undefeated, hardest punching and most feared heavyweight of the world, the WBC champion, the Bronze Bomber Deontay Wilder faces the fearless Gypsy King, the undefeated linear heavyweight champion of the world.

 

 

 

“There’s no magic to making a fight of this magnitude. All it takes is for each champion to want to fight. On December 1 two of the three best heavyweights in the world are fighting each other, and the winner can walk away saying, ‘I AM the man!’ Until proven otherwise. That’s what this is all about. As the heavyweights go, so goes boxing. And the heavyweight division is heading for big things. On December 1 you are going to see a heavyweight fight for the generations.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA

 

 

 

“There is something undeniably unique about a heavyweight title fight. Not just unique in boxing, but unique across sports. There’s a mystique, a mythical quality. Boxing’s heavyweight champions have always been heroic figures; almost super heroes. There’s a feel, a buzz in a heavyweight championship fight that is unique across all sports. And there’s certainly a unique feel to this fight, as well. We have the two tallest men, the biggest men in the heavyweight division – 6-foot-9 and 6-foot-7; two huge figures both literally and figuratively.

 

 

 

“Deontay Wilder: 40 fights, 39 KOs, most in devastating fashion. He’s one of the hardest punchers not just in boxing today, but modern boxing history. In Tyson Fury we certainly have a unique skill set. You do not see athletes who are 6-foot-9 who move the way Tyson Fury moves. He has a unique set of skills with athleticism. Outside of the NBA there’s not another more athletic 6-foot-9 athlete on the planet. It’s a fascinating clash of personalities and it’s a fascinating clash of styles and we are happy to bring it to you on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View.”

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER vs. TYSON FURY LONDON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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 Tensions Rise As Two Larger-Than-Life Personalities Trade Verbal Jabs In Kick-Off Of International Press Tour Ahead of December 1 WBC Heavyweight Title LIVE on SHOWTIME PPV ® 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Mark Robinson/SHOWTIME

Watch the Full Press Conference HERE

LONDON (October 1, 2018) – The Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Press Tour got off to a combative start as the two heavyweight giants went face-to-face in London on Monday, exchanging verbal jabs ahead of their December 1 showdown for the WBC Heavyweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME PPV from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Amidst the back-and-forth jawing, the 6-foot-7 Wilder and the 6-foot-9 Fury had to be separated when Wilder refused to back down from Fury’s challenge to engage in a sparring session.

 

 

 

“I want to feel the power,” Fury said to Wilder. “You’re going to feel the Fury, I want to feel the Alabama slammer.”

 

 

 

“I’m going to show you the full power”, Wilder quipped back. “This ain’t no game!” Watch the confrontation HERE

 

 

 

To watch Monday’s press conference in full, visit the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel: https://s.sho.com/2Qf3mgW

 

 

 

Wilder vs. Fury tests the raw power of Wilder against the unmatched size and mobility of Fury. America’s only heavyweight champion since 2007, Wilder has 39 knockouts in 40 professional fights, including knockouts in all seven of his title defenses. Fury is a former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world champion who is undefeated in 27 professional fights and holds boxing’s coveted lineal heavyweight title.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, go on sale Wednesday, October 3 at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets are priced starting at $75, plus applicable fees, and are available via AXS.com.

 

 

 

In anticipation of the biggest heavyweight event in the U.S. since Mike Tyson-Lennox Lewis in 2002, the Wilder vs. Fury International Press Tour continues Tuesday at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York and concludes Wednesday in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Below are flash quotes from today’s event at BT Sport Headquarters in London:

 

 

 

DEONTAY WILDER

 

 

 

“I believe every word that I say. When I say I’m going to knock a man out and tell him where and how he may lay, it comes to pass. I’m all about devastating knockouts, that’s what I do. There’s no pressure on me. You just need to be there to witness it.

 

 

 

“He has two months to get ready. He’s lost a lot of weight but he needs to lose a little bit more. He already knows he’s going to get knocked out. He can hoot and holler, he can build himself up but he needs to take my advice and speak it, believe it, receive it. He’s going to feel pain he’s never felt before.

 

 

 

“Some people don’t even think I should be fighting Fury at this point in time. Whether they want to see another fight or they don’t think he’s ready right now, we can’t live off other’s opinions. When you come to see a Deontay Wilder fight, you’re only coming to see one thing and that’s me knocking somebody out. You all are looking at the 41st person that’s going to be knocked out.

 

 

 

“The antics aren’t going to work against me. I’m not (Wladimir) Klitschko, this is Deontay Wilder.

 

 

 

“I definitely think I’m the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t feel I was the best. I’m not worried about any other fighters or what they’re saying or how they are hyping themselves up. I already know I’m the part. All you have to do is tune in. I’m about to put him in the oven and make a muffin.”

 

 

 

TYSON FURY

 

 

 

“I am no challenger for no man. I am the lineal heavyweight champion of the world. That means I’m the best of the best. The elite champion. This is two champions colliding, this is equal-rights champion vs. champion.

 

 

 

“I’m savoring nothing. The only thing I’m savoring is smashing Deontay Wilder’s teeth in. The press has all turned up today to see the biggest fight of our generation between two undefeated giants, and boy are you going to get a fight. You’re in for a real treat, don’t worry about that. I’m in no mood to dance around the ring. There’s not a 15 stone man on the planet that can beat Tyson Fury.

 

 

 

“I have no concern at all about my lack of fights in recent years. If you can fight, you can fight. I picked this fight. I said to Frank, get me this fight. I could have fought another 10 bums and won them too. Nobody forced me to fight Deontay Wilder, I picked him because I believe he’s an easy touch.”

 

 

 

“I will stand right in front of him and prove what I will do. I will punch his face seven days a week and twice on a Sunday. If we fought 30 times, I’d win 30 times.”

 

 

 

LOU DIBELLA

 

 

 

“It’s been a long time since the heavyweight division has had two giants like this. Two champions at the top of their game, at the top of their division willing to fight one another. It’s not rocket science making a fight. Deontay spent a lot of time trying to make a fight with another guy from England who didn’t want to fight. When Fury got himself back into the ring and got himself in the shape he is in now, Shelly (Finkel) and Frank (Warren) were able to make this fight very quickly.

 

 

 

“When two great champions want to make a fight, the fight happens. That’s why December 1 is happening. We’re going to know right then and there who the best heavyweight on the planet is until proven otherwise. The winner of this fight will be the best heavyweight on the planet.

 

 

 

“Fury is an interesting guy who has had to overcome a lot of adversity. I think he should be proud of himself for getting his life in order and being able to turn things around. What he’s done in the last six months has been remarkable. I’m still going to admire him after he gets knocked out on December 1.”

 

 

 

SHELLY FINKEL

 

 

 

“I have nothing but respect for our challenger, Fury. When I was handling Klitschko, we didn’t think Fury had a chance against him. He proved me wrong. He won’t prove me wrong twice.

 

 

 

“We didn’t pick to fight Tyson because we thought he was easy, we believe he’s the best out there. We want to fight the best, and only the best. We have respect for you because your countryman didn’t want to fight even though he was offered a fortune to fight. When it was presented, he said no. I commend you for stepping right in.”

 

 

 

FRANK WARREN

 

 

 

“These are the two best heavyweights because they’re willing to step in the ring together. That’s what great fighters do. We are going to see something special on December 1. I think it’s going to be a fight that nobody expects. This is not going to be cat and mouse, it’s going to be a war. Tyson has a fighter’s mentality. He’s not trying to duck out through contracts, through a backdoor method. He wanted the fight and Shelly and I worked together to make this happen. You cannot miss it. This will be one of the best heavyweight fights for a long time.

 

 

 

“Fury is traveling to the other guy’s backyard like he did when he went to Germany and took Klitschko to school. He’s going to take Deontay’s belt and this is a fight you cannot afford to miss.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA

 

 

 

“This is a fight that has captivated America and will continue to captivate America. We have two mythical figures and that’s what people love about the heavyweight division; they are almost superheroes. In particular, these two individuals are the two largest men in the heavyweight division and I mean that in a physical sense as well as their personalities. On paper, in the ring, on the press tour, it’s a phenomenal matchup.”

boxing, UK Boxing

WBC SILVER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION ROBERTO GARCIA ISN’T AFRAID OF MARTIN MURRAY; “I’M READY TO FIGHT JUNE 23”

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Deerfield Beach, FL (June 6, 2018)—Martin Murray is one very upset fighter.

 

 

 

Murray was scheduled to fight for the WBO Middleweight Championship at the O2 Arena in London, England on June 23, but champion Billy Joe Saunders has pulled out of the fight because of an injury for a second time.

 

 

 

WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Roberto Garcia has just the cure for the upset Murray.

 

 

 

“I’m not like Saunders,” said Garcia.  “I’m not afraid of Murray.  I’m willing to risk my title and come to London to fight Murray before his hometown fans.   Let’s get it on!”

 

 

 

Saunders postponed the originally scheduled April 14th fight with Murray because of a alleged hand injury.  Now he is pulling out of the June fight because of an alleged hamstring injury.

 

 

 

“My manager, Lee Holliday, informed me today that my promoter, Don King, has reached out to Warren’s team about making this fight.  I have a “have Belt and will Travel” attitude and ready to back it up tomorrow if necessary.

 

 

 

“No more whining about Billy Joe and his excuses.  If you want to fight on June 23, then put up or shut up.  If not, then you are just Billy Joe with different excuses.”

boxing, UK Boxing

REPEAT!!! BELLEW STOPS HAYE AGAIN

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AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment yet again shows instant classic

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 5, 2018 –Tony Bellew scored his 2nd knockout over David Haye in the last 14 months as the former star of “Creed” scored a 5th round stoppage in a battle of former world champions at the O2 Arena in London.

 

 

 

The Epic rematch was shown live and exclusively in the United State on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment and www.klowdtv.com

 

 

 

Haye came out Early and landed a couple of right hands.  After that it was all Bellew in a big way, as in round three, Bellew scored two monstrous knockdowns.  The first one came from a huge counter right hand.  Moments later, it was a smashing left hook to the jaw that sent “The Hayemaker” to the canvas.

 

 

 

Bellew continued to dominate, and in round five, Bellew landed another head turning left hook that sent Haye to the deck for a third time.  Bellew ended the fight by landed two hard punches on the ropes, and the bout was stopped at 2:14.

 

 

 

Bellew of Liverpool is now 30-2-1 with 20 knockouts.  Haye of London is 28-4.

 

 

 

John Ryder stopped Jamie Cox in round two of their scheduled twelve-round super middleweight bout.

 

 

 

Ryder landed a right to head that Cox went down after a delayed reaction.  Cox got up just as referee Ian-John Lewis reached the count of 10 and the bout was called at 50 seconds in round 2.

 

 

 

Ryder of Islington is now 26-4 with 14 knockouts.  Cox of Swindon is 25-2.

 

 

 

Emmanuel Rodriguez won the IBF Bantamweight title with a 12 round domination of Paul Butler.

 

 

 

In round one, Rodriguez landed a perfect left hook that deposited Butler on the canvas.  Seconds later it was a flurry of shots to the head that put Butler down again.  In round three, Butler began to bleed from the nose.

 

 

 

Rodriguez coasted home by boxing and moving for which Butler had no answer for the skilled Rodriguez.

 

 

 

Butler was ineligible to win the vacant title as he checked in 3 1/2 pounds over the 118 pound limit.

 

 

 

Rodriguez of Puerto Rico won by scores of 120-106 twice and 118-108, and is now 18-0.  Butler Ellesmere Port is 26-2.

 

 

 

2016 Olympic Silver Medal Winner, Joe Joyce stopped Lenroy Thomas in round 2 of their scheduled 12-round heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

At the end of round one, Joyce landed a left to the body that sent Thomas down at the bell.  In round two, Joyce landed two crushing rights rights that sent Thomas down.  Joyce ended things with a flush left hook to chin that sent Thomas slowly to his knees.  Thomas did not beat the 10 count, and the bout was stopped at 2:36.

 

 

 

Joyce of Putney is 4-0 with 4 knockouts.  Thomas of Jamaica is 22-5-1.

 

 

 

Joshua Buatsi remained perfect by stopping Stephane Cuevas in round five of a scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

Buatsi dominated the fight and then landed a huge combination that hurt Cuevas at 50 seconds of round five.

 

 

 

Buatsi, 178.4 lbs of Croydon is now 6-0 with 4 knockouts.  Cuevas, 175 lbs of Toulouse, France is 8-2-3.

 

 

 

James Tennyson survived a 2nd round knockdown, and came back to defeat previously undefeated Martin J Ward via 5th round stoppage in a terrific action-packed super featherweight bout.

 

 

 

In round two, Ward dropped Tennyson with a crunching left hook to the body.  In round three, Tennyson started to bleed from his nose.

 

 

 

The tide turned in round four when Tennyson began to hurt Ward, and round five, Tennyson landed a big 3 punch combination that sent Ward to the canvas.  Moments later, Tennyson landed a flush uppercut that sent Ward Sprawling to the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 2:24.

 

 

 

Tennyson of Dublin is now 22-2 with 18 knockouts.  Ward of Brentwood is now 19-1-2.

 

 

 

 

The fight card will also be streamed live via KlowdTV on the AWE channel. Visitwww.klowdtv.com for additional information.

boxing, UK Boxing

BUTLER MEETS RODRIGUEZ FOR IBF WORLD TITLE ON MAY 5

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AWE to Air Live Bellew v. Haye II, on Saturday, May 5th

 

 

The Highly Anticipated Rematch between Tony Bellew and David Haye to air Live and Exclusively on AWE
 

 

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – April 12, 2018 -Paul Butler gets the chance to become two-time IBF World Bantamweight champion when he tackles undefeated Emmanuel Rodriguez at The O2 in London on May 5, live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

 

 

 

Butler’s clash with Rodriguez is part of a huge night of action in Greenwich as Heavyweight rivals Tony Bellew and David Haye clash in a hotly-anticipated rematch.

 

 

 

Butler landed the IBF strap in April 2014 by taking it from Stuart Hall in Newcastle before vacating the strap to move down to Super-Flyweight in March 2015 to challenge IBF champion Zolani Tete.

 

 

 

The ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ returned to 118lbs and back into title contention when he comfortably saw off Hall in a rematch in Liverpool in September, and is rated at four in the IBF, one spot behind top-rated Rodriguez.

 

 

 

The unbeaten 25 year old visitor is hotly-rated having raced to 17-0 in the paid ranks with 12 wins inside the distance, a rise all the more impressive following an amateur background that was stunted by a car accident.

 

 

 

Rodriguez’s trip to London is his first outside the Americas since turning pro and his first over the championship distance, and Butler intends to make the trip a miserable one for the Puerto Rican and reclaim his title.

 

 

 

“I’m very excited for this,” said Butler. “It’s the reason we came over to Eddie in the first place, I knew he would deliver the big fights for me. We’re just four weeks away. It’s a big test but I’m confident.

 

 

 

“It’s an honor to contest the IBF title again. I want to win it back then hopefully defend which I didn’t have the chance to do last time.

 

 

 

“It sounded a good idea at the time to vacate but looking back now I should have kept hold of the belt. I should have worked on my strength and conditioning, filled out and defended my title. I’ve definitely got some unfinished business with this – it would be brilliant to go out there and win it again.

 

 

 

“It’s a tougher test the last time I won the title, but I’m up for the challenge. I’ve improved myself. He’s touted to be this next big superstar, but how many of them come over here and get turned on their heads?

 

 

 

“I never used to look at my opponents, but since I’ve linked up with Joe he’s always sending me little clips. He looks a good kid, he likes to work at midrange but in truth I don’t want to say too much about what he does and doesn’t do well.

 

 

 

“I don’t care how big and tough he is – we both have two arms, two legs, he’s from Puerto Rico and I’m from Ellesmere Port so let’s get it on. I can see this being a very good fight, we both like to go body to head, head to body but I’ll come out being the two-time IBF World Bantamweight champion.”

 

 

 

Super-Middleweights John Ryder and Jamie Cox clash in a crucial clash in the 168lbs division and Martin J. Ward defends his European Super-Featherweight title against James Tennyson.

 

 

 

Expected start time is 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT.

 

The fight card will also be streamed live via KlowdTV on the AWE channel.

 

 

Visitwww.klowdtv.com for additional information.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

Bellator 200: GEGARD MOUSASI CHALLENGES RAFAEL CARVALHO FOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE AND BRITAIN’S MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE RETURNS AGAINST DAVID ‘CAVEMAN’ RICKELS

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LONDON TO HOST HISTORIC BELLATOR 200 ON MAY 25

 

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TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY

 

LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce its anticipated return to London for Bellator 200 on Friday, May 25. The landmark event will emanate from The SSE Arena, Wembley and will air on Paramount Network.

 

The first two fights, of what promises to be one of the most exciting event in company history, features middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho (15-1) defending his crown against Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2) and the return of London’s own Michael “Venom” Page (12-0), who takes on David “The Caveman” Rickels (19-4, 2 NC). Additional main card bouts will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for the event will be available to the general public on Friday, March 2 at The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com, ssearena.co.uk and axs.com. A special SSE pre-sale will take place Wednesday, February 28, while all other pre-sales, including Bellator Nation, will begin Thursday, March 1.

 

“Bellator continues to place a huge emphasis on its expansion into markets around the globe and creating a strong presence in the U.K. is a very important part of that,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “Our fans are going to be excited about the card we put together for this monumental event, as Bellator 200 will be one of our greatest to date.”

 

Quietly flying under the radar as Bellator’s current longest-reigning champion, Rafael Carvalho receives his toughest challenge to date when he meets Mousasi in London. A product of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Carvalho joined the Bellator roster in 2014, garnering the attention of fans who tuned into Bellator 125 by emphatically finishing Brian Rogers in the first round. The run hasn’t stopped there, as the 31-year-old has gone onto defeat Joe Schilling, Alessio Sakara, Melvin Manhoef (2x) and Brandon Halsey, tying the record for most title defenses in the division’s history in the process.

 

Gegard Mousasi impressed in his promotional debut over former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko, a win that pushed his current unbeaten streak to six fights. “The Dreamcatcher,” who currently trains out of The Netherlands, holds one of the most impressive resumes in all of the sport, at one time winning the STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight title, as well as the DREAM light heavyweight and middleweight titles. With victories against some of the sport’s best, including Chris Weidman, Vitor Belfort, Uriah Hall, Dan Henderson, “Jacare” Souza, Mark Hunt and Ovince Saint-Preux, the Judo black belt will now set his sights on Bellator gold when he enters the cage on May 25.

 

There are few fighters who in such a short span of time have provided the type of highlight-reel entertainment that Michael Page has. Now, “MVP” returns to the Bellator cage for the first time since 2016, a year that saw Page go viral for his perfectly-timed flying knee finish against 40-fight-veteran “Cyborg” Santos and the well-orchestrated celebration that included the toss of a Pokéball. 2017 saw Page successfully enter the realm of boxing, where he won his debut via TKO. At Bellator 200, the London native will make his ninth appearance for Bellator, going unbeaten and finishing his opponent in the opening frame on five occasions.

 

David Rickels has competed under the Bellator banner more times than anyone in promotional history with 19 and will extend the record when he returns to 170-pounds for the first time since the Bellator Season Six Welterweight Tournament in 2012. The fighting pride of Derby, Kansas is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Adam Piccolotti this past December, improving his current winning streak to two. Never one to shy away from a scrap, this matchup should produce fireworks when “The Caveman’s” style clashes with the unorthodox swagger of “MVP.”

 

Updated Bellator 200 Fight Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (15-1) vs. Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2)

Welterweight Main Card Bout: Michael Page (12-0) vs. David Rickels (19-4, 2 NC)

 

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boxing

Jessica McCaskill Gets Her Wish to Face Katie Taylor: Social Media Challenges Turn to Women’s Super Fight on December 13 in London

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Christmas comes a little early this year for hard-punching Warriors Boxing lightweight Jessica ‘CasKILLA’ McCaskill.

All year, she and manager/trainer Rick Ramos have been expressing their wish, via social media, to face Irish gold medalist turned professional world champion Katie Taylor.
On Wednesday, December 13, they will get their wish, as Chicago-based McCaskill (5-1, 3 KOs) will challenge Taylor (7-0, 4 KOs) for her WBA Lightweight Championship at York Hall in London, England, and live before a massive audience on Sky Sports.
“I’m relieved. I’ve been working toward this fight for a long time,” said McCaskill, rated #2 in the world at 135 lbs and #1 in the United States in women’s boxing. “We have been training for this fight since my last fight because we knew it was coming and we’ve definitely bumped up the intensity.”
Before turning professional a year ago, the popular Taylor, from Bray, won lightweight gold at the 2012 London Olympics, as well as an impressive assortment of world and European amateur championships. Known as the Irish athlete of her entire generation, Taylor is regarded as a superstar in the UK because of her aggressive and crowd-pleasing style.
“I’ve never watched a full fight of hers,” professed McCaskill. “I’ve seen some highlights. I see mistakes she makes, but it’s not so much what I see in her. It’s what I see in all her opponents. They’ve all been scared of her. I am not. You won’t see any fear in me. Everybody else was terrified to engage her. They just showed up. I’ll be fighting to the last bell.”
Much of the credit for landing the fight must go to Ramos, who doggedly pursued Taylor and her promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, on social media.
“I felt like offended about comments Katie and Eddie made about how no one wants to fight her,” explained Ramos. “I remember thinking, ‘well, NO ONE called Jessica. We would love to fight Katie!’ That kind of started everything. Eddie Hearn finally did contact me via Instagram and things started getting real. I was happy that my social-media tactic worked!”
McCaskill, who also works full-time in Regulatory and Reporting at R.J. O’Brien & Associates investment bank in Chicago, says she’s not intimidated about stepping into Taylor’s home field for this fight. In fact, she’s expecting a number of her fans to be there as well.
“It’s funny because of my job and my previous investment banking job, I have a lot of contacts and friends over there who are excited to show up for me. My company I work for has a branch that is three miles from the venue. I’ll be expecting a lot of fans there for me as well that night. It would be incredible to headline over there and to break her undefeated record and get my first world title in one night in front of them. I can’t wait!”
About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.
With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.
When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.
boxing, UK Boxing

Billy Joe Saunders vs Willie Monroe, Jr. WBO World Middleweight Title Bout to be Streamed LIVE THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON on Banner Promotions Network Youtube Channel

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Exclusive stream in the United States & Canada to begin at 5:30 PM ET
Philadelphia. Pa.(September 13, 2017)–This Saturday afternoon, WBO World Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders will take on number-2 ranked Willie Monroe Jr. at The Copper Box Arena in London.
Banner Promotions is pleased to announce the fight will be streamed live exclusively in the United States & Canada on the Banner Promotions Network Youtube page beginning at5:30 ET / 2:30 PT, with the Saunders – Monroe Jr. fight beginning at 6:30 PM ET.
“We are happy to be able to bring the fans in the United States & Canada this very important title bout.  With the interest in the fight and the ramifications for the winner to be in line to fight the Canelo Alvarez – Gennady Golovkin winner, we expect a big audience on Youtube to view this fight,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
boxing, UK Boxing

Willie Monroe, Jr. Media Day Quotes, Pictures and Videos

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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia. Pa./Rochester, NY (Aug. 31, 2017) –  This past Tuesday at the Rochester Fight Factory, Willie Monroe, Jr. met a throng of media personel during his media day workout in advance of his September 16th showdown with WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders at the Copper Box Arena in London, England.
Monroe held court and analyzed many topics regarding the fight and his career as he gets ready for his 2nd world title opportunity.
Below are quotes, video interviews and images from the event, which included a visit from Rochester Deputy Mayor Cedric Alexander.
MONROE QUOTES:
“I am battle tested, and I have gone through this and gave a good account of myself against Golovkin. This time, I am going to enjoy the moment a little more. I am enjoying the process.”

“Nothing is given to you, so I have to go take it.”

“I give people from my city hope.”

“The one thing that Golovkin and Canelo need, I am going to get my hands on, so they will have to see me.”

“Saunders is a little mouthy. I am a humble guy. It has me motivated, and come September 16th, he will have heck to pay.”

“I want my rematch with Triple-G, but I think Canelo is the more skilled fighter. It will be a great fight. I appreciate both of them for fighting each other.”

“I might feel like boxing his ears off, or I may want to get him out of there.”

“My application to boxing, shows that I am strongrt then these guys.”
Willie Monroe, Jr roundtable interview
Willie Monroe, Jr roundtable interview
Willie Monroe, Jr 1 on 1 interview
Willie Monroe, Jr 1 on 1 interview


 
Images
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
boxing, UK Boxing

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS V WILLIE MONROE JR, SEPTEMBER 16TH IN LONDON

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THE WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LONDON (JULY 17, 2017)–WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders will make the second defense of his crown against New York’s Willie Monroe Jr. on Saturday, September 16th at London’s Copper Box Arena, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Hatfield’s Saunders (24-0, 12 KOs) defeated Irish hero Andy Lee to take the WBO strap in a close and absorbing fight back in December 2015 that saw the undefeated star floor the former Champion twice in the third round and go on to claim a majority decision from the judges.

A series of injuries led to a frustrating 2016 for Saunders, but he eventually defended his belt last December against Artur Akavov in Glasgow. Saunders was not at his best, but outpointed the game Russian. He was due to take on Avtandil Khurtsidze before the Georgian’s arrest in June.

Monroe Jr (21-2, 6 KOs) has a second chance at winning a World Title after a sixth round stoppage loss against IBF, WBA and WBC Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin back in 2015. Since then the 30-year-old has won two decisions over John Thompson and Gabriel Rosado and holds a number five World ranking with the WBO.

“I am happy for this World Title opportunity,” said Monroe Jr. “I’m always in the gym and I’m ready to go now; I live the life. I can’t wait to show up and show out in London. Saunders is a good fighter and a worthy World Champion but I’m coming for that belt.”

“I gave a good account of myself against Golovkin, but I will admit that I got caught up in the moment. Billy Joe has had a lot of luxuries throughout his career that I haven’t had. All of his fights have been here in his own backyard, he hasn’t had to go into the Lion’s Den to prove himself. He calls me mentally weak but we’ll see on September 16th.”

“Willie is a good fighter and a good boxer,” said Saunders. “This is his big chance and he isn’t coming over here just to make up the numbers. He has been in with some of the best fighters in the World including Golovkin where he came up short.”

“I think it is going to be a very close fight but I already have the mental edge over him. He said he was done against Golovkin and that’s not what a warrior would do. I’d rather get knocked out cold than quit. I haven’t had the chance to show my true skill and talent as of yet as a pro. I can’t afford to overlook him and I’ll be in the best shape of my life on September 16th. I’m 100% going to get the win.”

Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions said: “I am very happy for Willie; this is a great opportunity. A lot of things had to fall into place for Willie to get this fight. Saunders is a great fighter, and this should be a terrific event. I want to thank tthe WBO as well as Frank Warren and Billy Joe Saunders for this opportunity.”
Press Conference Video Highlights courtesy of BT Sports

Saunders’ promoter Frank Warren said: “Bill will have to be at the very top of his game to get the win on September 16th. The winner of this fight will have the missing piece on the Middleweight jigsaw, Canelo and Golovkin both want that WBO belt.”

“If Bill comes through this fight we are pushing hard for the winner of Canelo vs. Golovkin. If Golovkin wins I hope we can do that fight in December, if Canelo wins it could be in the New Year. Bill has to go out there and prove a point, there is a lot on the line.”

Ilford Light-Heavyweight knockout king Anthony Yarde and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois will feature on an action-packed undercard. Yarde picked up the WBO European strap with a first round KO win over Richard Baranyi last time out at the Copper Box Arena while 19 year-old Dubois claimed the WBC World Youth Heavyweight belt in only his fourth contest.

Full undercard details will be announced shortly.

Tickets for Saunders v Monroe Jr priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150, £200 and £300 (VIP/Hospitality) are available from: