NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (Kia 20, 2018) – WBC Light Heavyweight world champion A Tamutu Stevenson and former two-division world champion Badou Jack fought to a highly competitive majority draw Saturday at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. At MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and in the opening bout on SHOWTIME, Gary Russell Jr. (29-1, 17 Koó) patua Hohepa “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (26-1, 14 Koó).

With the draw, Stevenson retains the WBC belt in what was Toronto’s most significant world title fight in more than 30 tau. The judges scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Jack and 114-114 rua. Russell won his fight via unanimous decision, 115-113 a 117-111 rua, to retain his WBC featherweight world title.

The Stevenson-Jack bout was the main event of a split-venue SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader. Teideo recap here: https://s.sho.com/2LgUaqL

It was a day that saw SHOWTIME deliver three world championship fights from three countries.

In a bout filled with momentum swings, it was Jack (21-1-4, 13 Koó) who was the busier and more accurate fighter. While Stevenson (29-1-1, 24 Koó) outpointed Jack in the early rounds, the challenger turned it on in round number seven and dominated the champion in the second half of the fight. In rounds seven through ten, Jack out landed Stevenson 114-40. Heoi, a ferocious body shot from the right hand of Stevenson in round ten altered the momentum back in his favor.

Stevenson, who has resided in Montreal since he was five-years-old, was able to gain a second wind in the 11^thtawhio, riding the momentum of the body shot that injured Jack. With everything on the line in the night’s final round, both fighters emptied the tank and left it all in the ring. Jack rebounded tremendously and when the final bell rang, it was Stevenson who was struggling to stay on his feet.

“I went to the body and saw that he was fatigued,” said Stevenson, who moves to 9-0-1 i roto i te taitara te ao whawhai. “I had to keep the pressure on him. He’s a slick fighter, a two-time world champion but I felt I won the fight.

“I used both hands. I touched him a lot with the right hand on the body and slowed him down. He tried to come and attack me. I feel like I won the fight but I’ll give him a rematch if he wants it.”

Jack, who started the fight sluggishly, thought he did enough in the later rounds to win the fight.

“I thought I definitely won the fight,” Na ka mea a Jack, who drew for the fourth time in his career. “No judge had him winning. I have no idea why I can’t get a decision. It could be that they’re jealous of Floyd and don’t like him. I’m one of his top fighters. I can’t do anything about it. I’m not the judge. I have to respect their decision.

“Maybe I started the fight too slow. I gave away those rounds. He didn’t really hit me. I can’t do anything about it, let’s do a rematch in Las Vegas. I came to his backyard, it’s time he comes out to Vegas.”

In the main event from MGM National Harbor in Maryland, it was a tactical and hard fought battle of two former U.S. Olympians as Russell Jr. (29-1, 17 Koó) defeated Diaz Jr. (26-1, 14 Koó). Russell won the contest via unanimous decision, 115-113 a 117-111 rua, to retain his WBC featherweight world title. The 29-year-old hometown favorite used his hand speed, quickness and relentless attack to overwhelm Diaz Jr., the previously undefeated top-ranked contender.

Russell Jr.’s game plan to dictate the pace and establish the jab was clear, throwing a career-high 587 jabs throughout the 12-round battle. While the number of punches landed were close (199-192 in favor of Russell Jr.), Russell Jr.’s output trumped Diaz Jr.’s accuracy as the champion’s career-high 992 punches thrown were the most ever for him in a CompuBox tracked fight. Diaz Jr. was committed to attacking the body of Russell Jr., but he was unable to break the champion down, who injured his right hand in the third round.

“We train to survive those body shots,” Said Russell Jr. “We put the work in every day in the ring. We consistently grind and push ourselves to be great and we push ourselves to the limit.

“I was disappointed in my performance because I wasn’t planning on going the distance. I hurt the right hand, but I still had to use it, because he could not get past my jab.”

Diaz Jr. showed heart and youthful enthusiasm, closing the fight with a strong final round but ultimately, he lacked the creative, diversified attack needed to truly trouble Russell Jr.

“The game plan was to break him down with the body shots and start attacking him more in the later rounds,” said the South El Monte, Calif. taketake. “But I started attacking him too late and didn’t pick it up until the 8th or 9th round. Gary Russell Jr. is a tremendous fighter and he did a great job keeping me at bay.”

“This will just make me a hungrier fighter. I hope I got the respect of a lot of fight fans. I wanted to become champion against the best featherweight fighter in the world. Tonight wasn’t my night but I’m going to bounce back harder and I’ll be champion soon.”

Earlier in the day of in a live stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page, Josh Warrington became the new IBF featherweight world champion by upsetting Lee Selby in a split-decision victory. ngä nga kaiwhakawa te a'ee 116-112, 115-113 a 113-115.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

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Mō ētahi atu pārongo'a'ahi www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, mayweatherpromotions.com a www.groupeyvonmichel.ca whai i runga i Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, AdonisSuperman, BadouJack, MrGaryRussellJr, @JosephDiazJr, MayweatherPromo, TGBPromotions, GoldenBoyBoxing, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing a www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.. Stevenson vs. Jack was promoted by promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions and Russell Jr vs. Diaz Jr. was promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

Toronto (Kia 15, 2018) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion A Tamutu “Superman” Stevenson is set to make his ninth, and perhaps most difficult, world title defense when he faces two-division world champion Badou Jack Rāhoroi, Kia 19 live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. As fight week events in Toronto near, Stevenson shared some thoughts on his training camp and Saturday’s showdown.

“Badou is a two-time world champion for a reason,” said Stevenson. “Au e kore e underestimating ahau ki a ia. I know he’s durable and that he has attributes like good head movement and I’ll have to be ready for everything.”

Although many consider this Stevenson’s toughest defense in at least a few years, the champion’s mindset is unchanged from any of his other world title fights.

“Every fight is a big fight for me,” said Stevenson. “This fight is nothing different. Badou Jack is a good fighter and people think very highly of him. But in my mind, he’s just the next guy that I have to beat.”

With knockout victories in seven of his nine world title fights, Stevenson has become known for exceptional power, especially in his left hand. This serves as a strategy for the champion and is something he trains for under the guidance of his trainer Javan “Sugar” Hill.

“I’m always going for the knockout,” said Stevenson. “I’m still ready for 12 rauna, but I want the stoppage every time. I’m hungry for knockouts. If Badou comes in aggressive, this could end very quickly.

“You have to step into the ring with me to understand my power. If I connect right just one time, e te reira, lights out. We train specifically for knockouts. You’ll have to wait and see how I do it on May 19.”

As the longest-reigning champion at 175-pounds, and the second longest-reigning champion in boxing, Stevenson has established his case as the best fighter in the division, something he looks to continue to prove on May 19.

“I’m the king at light heavyweight,” said Stevenson. “I beat the king to become the king. I know that I’ve accomplished some great things and me and my team plan to continue to do everything we can to stay on top.

“I’m the best fighter in this division, wā. When I win on May 19, I’ll just be doing my job. People might still talk trash, but I’ll still be the champ.”

Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, JR. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, Kia 19.

Tikiti mo te takahanga ora, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at www.ticketmaster.ca.

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Toronto (Kia 14, 2018) – As two-division world champion Badou Jack “Ko te Ripper” arrives in Canada for fight week in Toronto, he shared his thoughts on training camp and his matchup this Saturday, Kia 19 against WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion A Tamutu Stevenson live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Jack conducted training camp at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas with trainer Lou Del Valle and was able to have one of his smoothest and most effective camps of his career.

“This is the first camp that I haven’t had any injuries or felt sick at all during,” Na ka mea a Jack. “This is definitely one of the best, if not the best, camp of my career. We’ve watched film, kept a strict diet and really focused this camp on gearing up toward fight night.”

After a successful run as a 168-pound world champion, Jack moved up to light heavyweight last August and stopped 175-pound titlist Nathan Cleverly to become a two-division champion. Heoi, Jack had already told his promoter Floyd Mayweather that he had his eye on the longest-reigning light heavyweight champion and he would go on to relinquish his belt to seek this fight against Stevenson.

“I asked for the Adonis Stevenson fight a long time ago and the Cleverly fight got me there,” Na ka mea a Jack. “We’ve been talking to Floyd a long time about this fight. He’s a man of his word and he always said that I was going to fight Stevenson. I’m grateful for what he’s done and now I just have to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Jack is well aware of the challenges presented by Stevenson, who last let an opponent go the distance in 2015, but enters this fight supremely confident in his abilities to bring the title back home.

“Adonis is definitely my toughest opponent on paper, but that doesn’t really mean he will be the toughest on fight night,” Na ka mea a Jack. “Adonis has always fought everyone put in front of him and I respect that. He’s definitely a good fighter, engari au e ahau he toa pai.

“Everyone knows about his power, but he has good skills and overall can do everything you need to in the ring. I am excited to fight him and beat him.”

With the recent birth of his second child and launch of his new nutrition supplement brand “Ripper Nutrition” providing extra motivation but also possible distractions, Jack has been able to maintain a laser focus on May 19 and a matchup he calls “the biggest of my career.”

“Start to finish this camp has really gone smoothly and I feel sharp and ready for fight night,” Na ka mea a Jack. “Boxing is all about fighting the best. He’s one of the best, engari na ko ahau. I’m ready to show everyone on May 19.”

Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, JR. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, Kia 19.

Tikiti mo te takahanga ora, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at www.ticketmaster.ca.

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Mō ētahi atu pārongo'a'ahi www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, mayweatherpromotions.com awww.groupeyvonmichel.ca whai i runga i Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, AdonisSuperman, BadouJack, MayweatherPromo, ranei riro i te tahi i runga i Facebook i www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, , www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionsa www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.PBC is sponsored by Corona, pai rawa Beer.

Toronto (Kia 11, 2018) – Members of the boxing media asked to weigh in on the world title showdown between light heavyweight champion A Tamutu Stevenson and two-division world champion Badou Jack all see a close fight on Saturday, Kia 19 but lean toward the challenger to take the crown from the champion live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, JR. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, Kia 19.

Tikiti mo te takahanga ora, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at www.ticketmaster.ca.

Here is what the media had to say about this matchup:

Steve Simmons (Toronto Sun) – “Jack by decision – Adonis Stevenson is 40 years old and hasn’t fought in the past 11 months and has hardly been active the past two years. Look for Badou Jack to try and box Stevenson, stay away from his immense power and work his way to a 12-round decision.”

Bob Velin (USA TODAY) – “Stevenson, 11th-round TKO: Jack is the bigger man, and has a six-year age advantage, and both men have not been real active recently. But Stevenson, even at 40, is an outstanding boxer-puncher and keeps impressing. I believe he will stop Jack late.”

Lyle Fitzsimmons (Boxing Scene / CBS.com) – “I love this fight. And every time I think about the result, my mind changes. Stevenson is certainly the puncher of the two men, while Jack seems the more dynamic all-around fighter. I can see Badou winning nearly every round based on skill and speed, but it’s harder to envision him getting through 36 full minutes without taking some solid left hands. The hunch here at this moment, ahakoa, is that he can avoid those bombs in the early going and lessen their severity as he wears Stevenson down in the second half — en route to a decision win.Call it 116-112 for Jack.”

Lester Silva (Univision) – “Although Adonis Stevenson hasn’t been tested in years, he possesses one of the best solid left hands in the sport of boxing. His hometown crowd will be on his side May 19 against Badou Jack, who is just getting off with lots of momentum after winning a title. This should be a very interesting fight only if Badou avoids getting caught with that powerful left hand.”

Adam Caparell (Complex) – “His age (40) and the questionable competition he’s fought the last five years has to catch up to Stevenson at some point, matau? Not sure if I see Jack dropping Stevenson, engari I’m taking ‘The Ripper’ in a majority decision.”

Josh Katzowitz (Forbes) – “Every time I think Adonis Stevenson has gotten too old or too inactive to continue to win, I’m always proven wrong. Badou Jack is Stevenson’s biggest test in the past five years, so I’m tempted to pick him to beat Stevenson. But even at 40 tau, Stevenson still has enough skills to hold on to his belt and he’s still strong enough to knock out a fighter like Jack. I’d pick Stevenson to win by late stoppage.”

John Cudney (Reddit Boxing – Sunday Puncher) – “Adonis Stevenson vs. Badou Jack is as close to 50/50 as they come. Stevenson’s left hand is one of the deadliest punches in the sport, and Badou Jack has established himself as one of the game’s best body punchers. To add further intrigue, both men have each suffered a single loss, with each of those losses coming by first round knockout. Either man could win, and the outcome could either be an early KO or a hard-fought decision. I’m going with Badou Jack by decision. I think Jack will be able to avoid Stevenson’s left hand and make this a long and difficult night for the champion. Jack’s body punching will be the perfect weapon to make Stevenson finally feel his age in the ring.”

Rhett Butler (The Shadow League) – “This is honestly a fight for true fight fans who understand the pivotal and unique David vs. Goliath matchup that this truly is. Adonis Stevenson has an illustrious array of light heavyweight bodies on his resume and is a true juggernaut in the division. Tonu, Jack earned a world title in his first jaunt at light heavyweight and as the old adage goes, ‘true champions can do it in multiple weight classes’. Both Stevenson and Jack are hungry but I think that Jack will fell the giant in Stevenson this time out. It’s his time and Stevenson thinks since Andre Ward retired he might be safe from anyone not named Kovalev. It will be a war of attrition, that ultimately Badou Jack will have his hand raised from.”

Gabe Oppenheim (Props) – “I pick Jack by decision, though a late stoppage wouldn’t surprise me.”

Gilbert Manzano (Las Vegas Review Journal) – “In a really close fight, I say Badou Jack pulls it out. Very close, split decision for Jack. I think the fans will witness a couple knockdowns too.”

Andreas Hale (Ring Magazine) – “Katia whawhai! Adonis Stevenson’s age might finally catch up to him and he might be underestimating Badou Jack. We might be in for a little barn burner in the middle of the rounds. I’m gonna say Jack by split decision.”

Salvador Rodriguez (ESPN) – “It’s not an easy fight for anyone. Adonis Stevenson is 40 years old and Jack showed some very good things in his first fight at 175 with the KO over Nathan Cleverly last year. I believe Stevenson has something in his pocket, but not enough to defeat a younger lion like Badou Jack. I go for Jack by points.”

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“I am the best light heavyweight in the world, and Toronto and the world will see that on Kia 19.” – A Tamutu Stevenson “I asked for this fight for a long time and finally we got it. I Kia 19 we’re going to have a three-time world champion.” – Badou Jack Pāwhiritia HERE No te Photos; Credit: Baxter Promotions

TA: WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and former two-division world champion Badou Jack faced off in Toronto on Tuesday to formally announce their highly anticipated showdown Saturday, Kia 19 live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

The southpaw Stevenson (29-1, 24 Koó) is the longest reigning champion in the 175-pound division and one of the hardest hitters in boxing. Jack (22-1-3, 13 Koó) Ko te mua 168 and 175-pound champion who relinquished his title for the chance to challenge Stevenson in the biggest light heavyweight showdown of 2018.

Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, JR. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Tickets for the Premier Boxing Champions event in Toronto, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale Friday, April 27 and will be available at www.ticketmaster.ca.

Below are quotes from the fighters and event promoters.

A Tamutu STEVENSON:

“I love Toronto, I spend a lot of time here. I have fought here before. I have a lot of fans in Toronto, and on May 19 I’m going to put on a show for them. I’m going to give them something to remember.

“Badou Jack is an excellent opponent. He’s smart, he’s been a world champion, and he’s shown he’s a true competitor. But I am the best light heavyweight in the world, and Toronto and the world will see that on May 19.

“Badou Jack is a good champion. He’s not coming to Canada to lose. I know he’s coming to win so we need to train like we’ve never trained before.

“I know Badou is one of the best boxers in the world and I can’t take him lightly. We can’t underestimate this guy – he’s a two-time world champion.

“E rapu ana ahau mo te knockout. I know Badou is ready, Ahau rite, Kia 19 will be exciting.”

Jack BADOU:

“I’m glad to be fighting here in Toronto on May 19. I want to thank Adonis and his team for giving me the opportunity. I’ve been training for a while now, and feel great. Camp has been great. I think I’m getting better and better, and I’m ready to become a world champion again on May 19 and give Toronto a show.

“Ko ia te toa kaha, everybody knows that. He does a lot of things well, not just land the big shots. But I’m a guy who’s great at a lot of things, and who’s coming to win. Fafau atu nei au ki a koe, I’ll leave Toronto a champion.

“We have three more weeks to get ready for one of the biggest fights of my life. I asked for this fight for a long time and finally we got it. I te Mei 19 we’re going to have a three-time world champion.”

YVON Michel, Groupe Yvon Michele:

“We were faced with a situation in Montreal that demanded this fight be moved. I called MLSE, and Lee Baxter, and with the co-operation of everybody here, we knew almost immediately that this fight had a great new home here at the ACC in Toronto.

“Over the duration of his time as world champion, Adonis has become not only one of the best light heavyweights in the world, but one of the best fighters in the sport. But Badou Jack is the toughest opponent that Adonis has faced since becoming champion. Adonis has always risen to the occasion, and on May 19th he’ll do it again and be successful in defending his world championship.”

LEE BAXTER, Baxter Promotions:

“Taking on a project like this with just three weeks to sell the fight is a huge task. But this is an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. We’ve been on a mission to bring boxing to Toronto sports fans and put us back on the sport’s map. I think this is the perfect group of people to pull off this task and turn this endeavor into a huge success.

“I want to thank Yvon Michel, MLSE, Whakatairanga Mayweather, the champion Adonis Stevenson, Badou Jack, and everybody else represented on the dais. This is a great fight, regardless of where it takes place, but because it’s happening here in Toronto at the ACC, with an undercard featuring some of the best local fighters fighting on the biggest stage of their careers, it’s going to be a great Toronto sports event.”

Leonard ELLERBE, Whakatairanga Mayweather:

“Tuatahi, I want to extend our hearts and best wishes to everybody affected by Monday’shorrifying tragedy here in Toronto.

“I know first-hand that Toronto is a great sports city. Floyd and I saw it with our own eyes when we were here last year promoting his fight with McGregor. The fans are passionate, and vocal, and they’re hungry for a good fight. I know they’re going to love seeing Badou Jack become a three-time world champion.”

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