Tag Archives: Murat Gassiev

World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Quarter-finals Conclude Saturday with IBF Champion Murat Gassiev Facing Former Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk From Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. & on AUDIENCE Network

 
Winner Moves on to Face WBA Champion Yunier Dorticos in
WBSS Cruiserweight Semi-final
 
NEWARK, N.J. (October 17, 2017) – IBF champion Murat Gassiev and former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk will square-off in the closing matchup of the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarter-finals as both men look to move one step closer to capturing the Muhammad Ali Trophy Saturday, October 21 from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. and on AUDIENCE Network.
Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available atTicketmaster.com. Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.
The winner of this explosive showdown will be on to the WBSS semi-finals and a unification showdown against WBA champion Yunier Dorticos. The cruiserweight semi-finals will feature four world titleholders as these 200-pound champions each look to prove they’re the class of the division.
Click HERE for video highlights from the first round of WBSS action and see below for recaps of the cruiserweight action so far.
September 9, Berlin – Usyk-Huck, Ali Trophy cruiserweight quarter-final
The first contest of the World Boxing Super Series was the cruiserweight quarter-final between WBO World Champion Aleksandr Usyk and Marco Huck at the Max-Schmeling-Halle.
Ukranian Usyk retained his WBO cruiserweight title and moved on to the next round of the Ali Trophy tournament by stopping German Huck in the 10th round.
The Olympic gold medalist from London 2012 forced his German opponent backwards and dominated with his power throughout the fight which proved why the number one seed is the tournament’s favorite.
In addition, the Ukrainian got new fans all around the world with his charisma inside and outside the ring.
 
September 23, San Antonio – Dorticos-Kudryashov, Ali Trophy cruiserweight quarter-final
With a combined 41 knockouts over 42 victories, Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov at the Alamodome promised an all-action fight. In a fight between two KO artists, Cuban Dorticos showed that he mastered his skill better than his Russian opponent.
The WBA World Champion proved that he is a dangerous challenger for everyone in the tournament when a perfect right hand sent Kudryashov crashing to the canvas in round two. Kudryashov was counted out and Dorticos lived up to his nickname: ‘The KO Doctor’.
September 30, Riga – Briedis-Perez, Ali Trophy cruiserweight quarter-final
10.000 ecstatic fans at the Arena Riga got what they came for: A victory for their hero, WBC World Champion Mairis Briedis when beat Cuban Mike Perez (22-3, 14 KOs) by a 12 round unanimous decision in a very competitive fight.
The judges scored the fight 116-110, 115-111, and 114-112 and paved the way for an explosive quarterfinal: Usyk vs. Briedis!
 
Featured bouts on October 21 will see Polish contender Mateusz Masternak facing once-beaten Stivens Bujaj in a WBSS cruiserweight reserve match and unbeaten Polish contender Maciej Sulecki taking on former title challenger Jack Culcay.
For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries@Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES
21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

 
ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on TwitterFacebook, or Instagram.

Unbeaten Polish Contender Battles Former Title Challenger  Jack Culcay Saturday, October 21 from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Maciej Sulecki Training Camp Notes
(Photo Credit: Team Sulecki)
 
 
NEWARK, N.J. (October 13, 2017) – Unbeaten contender Maciej Sulecki will face his toughest competition since moving to the super welterweight division when he takes on former title challenger Jack Culcay in a special undercard attraction on Saturday, October 21 from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Sulecki was unbeaten in his first 23 pro fights, all at middleweight, including a dominant stoppage of then unbeaten contender Hugo Centeno Jr. in June 2016. He’s scored two straight knockouts in 2017 after making the move down to 154-pounds.
“My promoter suggested I move down in weight so I tested it, and I liked it right away,” said Sulecki. “I’m a very stubborn man, who will most likely do the opposite of what I’m told, but this has made me a better fighter. I’m happy to be part of this division. I have the same strength, but with more speed and more precision in my punches.
Culcay won eight fights in a row from 2013 to 2016, including a decision over Maurice Weber that helped him capture an interim super welterweight title in 2015. He continued to defend that belt until losing a close split-decision to Demetrius Andrade in a world title showdown in March.
“On paper he is my toughest opponent,” said Sulecki. “You never know what will happen. I hope that Culcay is as good as advertised. He’s an intelligent fighter, he moves well and is technically skilled. It could have been an off night, but he made Andrade look bad in their bout.
“I never thought that Culcay would fight outside of Germany, but I’m glad that he changed his mind. He will be a great addition to my resume of victories. I am an aggressive fighter, but I’m going to replace aggression with terror for this fight. I’m going to terrorize him from the opening bell.”
If Sulecki can live up to his words on October 21, a world title shot in the deep and talented 154-pound division could be on the horizon.
“Everyone knows that I want the belt as soon as possible,” said Sulecki. “This is a great chance for me to prove I deserve it. I couldn’t imagine a better place to have a real evenly-matched fight. I know the crazy Polish fans will be in the building and cheering hard. What more motivation could I need to be at my best?”
The October 21 event is headlined by the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarterfinal showdown between IBF Champion Murat Gassievand former cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk live on AUDIENCE Network. Featured bouts also include Polish contender Mateusz Masternak facing once-beaten Stivens Bujaj in a WBSS cruiserweight reserve match.
Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available atTicketmaster.com. Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.
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For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries@Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

 
ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on TwitterFacebook, or Instagram.

Murat Gassiev Training Camp Notes

 
IBF Cruiserweight Champion Takes on Former Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Quarter-final Saturday, October 21 from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
& on AUDIENCE Network
 
NEWARK, N.J. (October 10, 2017) – IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev shared his thoughts from training camp in Big Bear, Calif., as fight week nears for his World Boxing Super Series quarter-final showdownSaturday, October 21 against Krzysztof Wlodarczyk from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J and on AUDIENCE Network.
Gassiev first arrived to train in the U.S. in 2014 and has worked with the renowned Abel Sanchez, eventually capturing his title with a victory over Denis Lebedev in December 2016.
“Abel is an amazing guy and he has pushed me very hard in the gym,” said Gassiev. “He’s really a father figure here in the gym. I have so much respect for him and the way that he treats people. The best thing that I ever did was come here to train with Abel Sanchez.
“We have very hard and intense training, but this is not ballet. He’s preparing me for battle and I trust that he knows exactly what we need to do to have success.”
“There are no world champions in my gym,” said Sanchez. “Your belts stay at home. My gym is just a place to work and get better. I can already see the improvements in this training camp for Gassiev. He had Lebedev down but didn’t finish him. Moments like that, you have to finish the job.”
The 23-year-old from Vladikavkaz, Russia had a winding road to success in the squared circle, but quickly embraced the sport upon picking it up at 15-years-old.
“Boxing was actually not my first sport,” said Gassiev. “My city has produced lots of Olympic and world champion wrestlers, so that was my first sport. Then I tried soccer, but that wasn’t quite right either. One day I went to a boxing gym with my friend and right away I knew, this was what I needed. Eight years later, and I’m very happy where I am.”
Gassiev has trained alongside the likes of middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin up in the unique atmosphere and altitude of Big Bear.
“It’s very important to be in a place like this because the only focus is training,” said Gassiev. “This is what we do all day. This is exactly what I need to be at my best and win this tournament. I don’t see my family for a long time, but it’s part of my life. This is my business and I’m doing all of this for my family.
“We have a very diverse group of fighters here in Big Bear. We’re all family and support each other. It’s been a great experience for me and I’ve learned a lot about different cultures.
“Some guys who come in for sparring in Big Bear really don’t anticipate how the altitude changes things. They think they can fight 10 rounds, but after three it is too much. This is the best place to prepare for tough fights.”
“This has been a really smooth camp,” said Sanchez. “I haven’t had any more problems with sparring partners vanishing after a couple days in the ring with Gassiev. We have the tools to make him even better than in his last performance.”
The winner of the Gassiev vs. Wlodarczyk fight will meet WBA champion Yunier Dorticos in a unification showdown in the WBSS semi-finals. However, Gassiev knows he cannot look past the two-time champion standing in his way in the quarter-finals.
“I know that I have to prepare myself for a tough fight,” said Gassiev. “I’m facing an experienced fighter and it’ll be a great test for my career. I’m ready for this.
“I have worked hard in this sport to become a world champion. I believed in myself and in my team. This tournament gives me the opportunity to be a unified champion and to fight the best fighters to prove it. I will show everyone who I am.”
“This tournament is a peculiar beast and there are no second chances,” said Sanchez. “I’ve always hoped for a great tournament where each fight is tougher than the last. I have big respect for Wlodarczyk and his trainer, but Gassiev has to knock him out if the chance arrives. I’m expecting this to be another great experience for Gassiev.”
Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available atTicketmaster.com. Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.
Featured bouts on October 21 will see Polish contender Mateusz Masternak facing once-beaten Stivens Bujaj in a WBSS cruiserweight reserve match and unbeaten Polish contender Maciej Sulecki taking on former title challenger Jack Culcay.
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For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries@Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

Unbeaten New Jersey Prospect Julian Rodriguez Competes in Welterweight Attraction that Highlights Undercard Action Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark N.J.

 
Plus! 2016 Olympians Eimantas Stanionis, Efe Ajagba & Unbeaten Prospect Money Powell IV Compete in Separate Bouts
NEWARK, N.J. (October 9, 2017) – Local prospect Julian Rodriguez (16-0, 10 KOs) returns to the ring as the New Jersey-native defends his perfect record in a six-round welterweight bout that highlights an exciting night of undercard attractions on Saturday, October 21 from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available atTicketmaster.com. Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.
The October 21 event is headlined by the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarterfinal showdown between IBF Champion Murat Gassievand former cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk live on AUDIENCE Network. Featured bouts also include Polish contender Mateusz Masternak facing once-beaten Stivens Bujaj in a WBSS cruiserweight reserve match and unbeaten Polish contender Maciej Sulecki taking on former title challenger Jack Culcay.
Also competing in undercard bouts are 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (3-0, 3 KOs), who enters the ring for an eight-round welterweight fight, 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajaba (1-0, 1 KO) in a six-round heavyweight showdown and rising unbeaten prospect Money Powell IV (4-0, 3 KOs) against Detroit’s Antonio Urista (9-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight affair.
Rounding out the night of fights is powerful super welterweight Skender Halili(14-2, 13 KOs) of Kosovo in a six-round bout against Samuel Amoako (19-15, 16 KOs) and Nigerian cruiserweight Efetobor Apochi (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round fight against Lawrence Gabriel (1-1-1).
Representing Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., Rodriguez had a stellar amateur career that included a 2013 National Golden Gloves title, a 2012 U.S. Amateur Championships silver medal and a spot as an alternate on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. The 22-year-old has continued to impress since turning pro in 2013, delivering knockouts in nine of his first 10 fights. Rodriguez has picked up victories over Jerry Belmontes and Dario Ferman in 2017 and will fight in his home state for the first time since he stopped Peter Oluoch in round one at Prudential Center in May 2015.
An accomplished amateur representing Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis is looking to become the next Eastern European fighter to make a splash in the U.S. The 23-year-old had a 141-19 record as an amateur and earned four senior national championships before winning gold at the European Olympic Qualifier to earn his trip to the 2016 Games. A gold medalist at welterweight at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships, Stanionis has impressed with knockouts in his first three starts since turning pro in April, including a first round destruction of Oscar Valenzuela in September.
The 23-year-old Ajagba is set to turn pro after beating the odds and making the 2016 Rio Olympics to represent his native Nigeria. Although he lost in the quarterfinals, Ajagba made a splash by delivering a highlight reel knockout in his opening bout against Trinidad and Tobago. The fighter known as “King Kong” also won an African games gold medal during his impressive amateur career delivered a first round knockout in his pro debut in July.
Born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military, Powell IV dedicated himself to boxing for good when his family moved back to the U.S. in 2011. The 19-year-old has quickly made a name for himself since then, winning the 2016 Youth Welterweight National Championship to earn the top ranking in the 152-pound division by USA Boxing. Fighting out of Fort Mitchell, on the state line of Alabama and Georgia, Powell has scored stoppage victories in three of his four pro victories.
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For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries@Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on TwitterFacebook, or Instagram.

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk Training Camp Notes

 
Polish Former World Champion Battles IBF Champion Murat Gassiev in World Boxing Super Series Quarter-final Showdown Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. &
On AUDIENCE Network
 
Click HERE for Wlodarczyk Training Video
(Credit: Knockout Promotions/Ringpolska)
 
NEWARK, N.J. (October 4, 2017) – Already a two-time cruiserweight world champion, Krzysztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk will seek to become a champion a third time, and also put himself into the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semi-finals, when he battles IBF Champion Murat Gassiev on Saturday, October 21 in quarter-final action from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J and live on AT&T AUDIENCE Network.
Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available atTicketmaster.com. Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.
“Anyone who knows me and my experience in this sport knows that I will be ready on October 21,” said Wlodarczyk. “Everything that I’ve done so far in training camp and in sparring is to show my Polish fans in American that ‘Diablo’ is back.”
The Polish former champion not only has a chance to further solidify his place as one of the greatest Polish fighters of this generation, but he can put himself into a position to became the undisputed king of the division.
“I know how important this matchup is and that’s why I’m leaving no stone unturned in training,” said Wlodarczyk. “This fight is for my legacy and I’ve worked hard to have the opportunity. If I can take full advantage of this, then I can send a lot of my fans home happy and that will be my goal onOctober 21.”
If Wlodarczyk defeats Gassiev and captures the IBF crown, he will move on to the semi-finals to face WBA Champion Yunier Dorticos and put himself even close to winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy in a finals showdown with either WBO Champion Oleksandr Usyk or WBC Champion Mairis Briedis.
“Murat Gassiev is a strong dynamic fighter, but he’s not without flaws,” said Wlodarczyk. “He beat Denis Lebedev in Moscow, and I have to respect that, but I’m working hard with my trainer to catch Gassiev with something that he will not be prepared for. They say he hits hard, but I hit harder.
“When there’s nothing to lose, I’m always the better fighter. Don’t be surprised if Gassiev is on the defensive from the beginning. This is my first time fighting in front of the great Polish fans in New Jersey and New York and I’m going to give them something to remember.”
Wlodarczyk was unable to get revenge for his last defeat in a world title bout against Grigory Drozd after losing in 2014 and suffering an injury before their 2015 rematch. Wlodarczyk earned a 2016 title shot against Beibut Shumenov before Shumenov withdrew from their match with an injury. Overall ,Wlodarczyk has won four contests in a row leading intoOctober 21.
 
“I’m very happy to be injury free and physically feel at the top of my game,” said Wlodarczyk. “My message to my supporters around the world – don’t doubt my chances. Believe in me like I believe in myself. I’m not only there to beat Gassiev and become the IBF champion. I want to beat him and go all the way and bring that Muhammad Ali Trophy back to Poland!”
Additional action on October 21 will feature a WBSS reserve match between hard-hitting Polish contender Mateusz Masternak and once-beaten Stivens Bujaj, plus a 10-round super welterweight bout between unbeaten Polish contender Maciej Sulecki and former title challengerJack Culcay.
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For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries@Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on TwitterFacebook, or Instagram.

Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Avni Yildirim WBSS super middleweight quarterfinals

         
Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Avni Yildirim
IBO Super Middleweight World Championship
LIVE ON SUPER CHANNEL IN CANADA
2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT
 
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 * Stuttgart, Germany
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
  (photo courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (October 4, 2017) – The spotlight shifts back to the super division for this Saturday’s World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament when International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. defends his title against undefeated challenger Avni “Mr. Robot” Yildirim in quarterfinals action, airing live in Canada exclusively on Super Channel from Hanns-Martin-Schleyer in Stuttgart, Germany.
The “Eubank Jr. vs. Yildirm” card, starting at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT,keeps Canadian boxing fans at ringside during the entire $50-million WBSS tournament, live this weekend from Germany and exclusively on Super Channel, which acquired the rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
The 28-year-old Eubank Jr. (25-1, 19 KOs), fighting out of the United Kingdom, is managed by his father, Chris “Simply The Best” Eubank (45-5-2, 23 KOs), who is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO super middleweight champion.
In 2015, Eubank Jr. stopped Tony Jeter (20-4-1) in the second round to capture the Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight crown. Eubank Jr. captured his IBO title this past February, knocking out Renold Quinlan (11-0) in the 10th round. In his most recent action, the skilled Brit won a 12-round unanimous decision over multiple world champion Arthur Abraham (46-5) in his first and only world title defense to date.
“This is the first fight for me in this tournament and I am here to make a statement,” Eubank Jr. said. “I am the man; I’m the man to beat. There will be no mercy for Yildirim. I am here to win, I am not here to make friends. I am not here to look pretty and be a celebrity, I am here in this tournament to become the champion.
I am very much looking forward to this fight. I think it is a great match-up. Styles make fights and the reason I picked this man at the Draft Gala is that he is a fighter. He comes forward. He is very active, he is very open, he takes risks, which he will pay for this fight. I can’t wait!
“I have a goal. I have a challenge that I have to complete and that is to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy and prove that I am the best in the world.”
Upset-minded Yildirim (16-0, 10 KOs). 26, is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) International Silver super middleweight champion, which he originally captured two years ago, taking a 10-round decision from former world champion Glen Johnson (54-20-2). Yidirim has successfully defended his title five times against Janne Forsman(KO1), Walter Sequeira (17-2), Jackson Junior (KO2), Schiller Hyppolite (TKO3),Aliaksandr Sushchyts (KO12) and Marco Antonio Periban (DEC12).
“This tournament is a chance for me to fight the best in the world,” Yildirim commented. “It is an honor for me. I am here to destroy everyone in the tournament. I am not an Instagram or Facebook fighter like Eubank Jr. I am Avni Yildirim and I am here to destroy. I will do anything to win this fight and win this tournament. I feel good. I am very prepared. Let’s fight!”
Five exciting bouts on the “Eubank Jr. vs. Yildirim” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel. The Eubank Jr. vs. Yildirim main event is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.
 
In the 10-round co-featured event, Germany’s undefeated prospect Stefan Haertel (14-0, 1 KOs) faces Ukrainian challenger Viktor Polyakov (13-1-1, 6 KOs) in a WBSS super middleweight substitute fight.
Other televised fights on Super Channel includes International Boxing Federation (IBF) Youth super middleweight champion Leon Bauer (12-0, 8 KOs) vs. Atin Karabet (3-1, 2 KOs), of Germany, in the six-round televised opener, German super middleweightDenis Radovan (6-0) vs. German Tiran Metz (14-2-4, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout, and undefeated British super middleweight Zach Parker (13-0, 10 KOs) vs. Matingu “Zulu King” Kindele (9-6, 3 KOs) in an eight-round match
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
WBSS RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS ON SUPER CHANNEL
 
Sept. 9 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Berlin, Germany
WBO Cruiserweight World Championship 
 
Oleksandr Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), Kiev, Ukraine
WTKO10
Marco Huck (40-5-1, 27 KOs), Berlin, Germany
(Usyk retained WBO cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 16 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final in Liverpool, UK
WBC Super Middleweight Diamond Championship
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
WDEC12
Erik Skoglund (26-1, 12 KOs), Nykoping, Sweden
(Smith won WBC Diamond super middleweight title)
Sept. 23 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in San Antonio, Texas, USA
Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), Miami, Florida, USA by way of Cuba
WKO2.
Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs), Challenger, Volgodonsk, Russia
(Dorticos retained WBA cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 30 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Riga, Latvia
Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), Champion, Riga, Latvia
WDEC12
Mike Perez (22-3-1, 14 KOs), Challenger, Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba
(Briedis retained WBC cruiserweight title)
 
October 14, 2017 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom
WBA Super Middleweight World Championship
“Saint” George Groves (26-3, 19 KOs), Champion, Hammersmith, London, UK – The Ring #3
vs.
Jamie Cox (24-0, 13 KOs), Swinton, Wiltshire, UK

October 21, 2017 — Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals: 
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

IBF Cruiserweight World Championship
“Iron” Murat Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs), Champion, Vladikavkaz, Russia – The Ring #2
vs.
Krzysztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs), Challenger, Piaseczno, Poland – The Ring 10
Former IBF & WBC Cruiserweight World Champion

October 27, 2017 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Finals:

Sport and Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

Juergen Braehmer (48,3 35 KOs), Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommem, Germany
Former WBO & WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion
vs.
Rob “Bravo” Brant

(22-0, 15 KOs), Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
 
SEMIFINALS
 
Cruiserweights
Usyk vs. Briedis, Dorticos vs. Gassiev/Wlodarczyk winner
 
Super Middleweights
Smith vs. Eubank/Yildirim winner, Groves/Cox winner vs. Braehmer/Brant winner
All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
Super Channel has recently aired major boxing events live like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga and Crawford vs. Indongo.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

Polish Contender Mateusz Masternak Meets Once-Beaten Stivens Bujaj in World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Reserve Match Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

 
Plus! Unbeaten Polish Super Welterweight Maciej Sulecki Takes On Former Title Challenger Jack Culcay
 
Headlined by Cruiserweight Champion Murat Gassiev Battling Former Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk 
in WBSS Quarter-final Action
 
NEWARK, N.J. (September 27, 2017) – Hard-hitting Polish contender Mateusz Masternak (39-4, 26 KOs) will battle once-beaten Stivens Bujaj (16-1-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight reserve match on Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Additional action will feature a 10-round super welterweight bout between unbeaten Polish contender Maciej Sulecki (25-0, 10 KOs) and former title challenger Jack Culcay (22-2, 11 KOs).
The October 21 event is headlined by IBF champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev and former world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk squaring-off in World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarter-final action.
“This is going to be a fantastic show for fans to come out and get a night full of action on October 21 in Newark, New Jersey,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Polish pride will be in full force as Mateusz Masternak and undefeated Maciej Sulecki take on tough opponents in important matchups as they chase their world title aspirations. This of course will all lead up to the main event and the final World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarter-final pitting the champion Murat Gassiev against the former champion from Poland,Krzysztof Wlodarczyk.”
Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available atTicketmaster.com. Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.
“In my top form I know that I can beat better fighters than Bujaj,” said Masternak. “I don’t think he can hurt me. Every fight is important, boxing teaches you that every day. But Bujaj is a stepping stone for me to bigger fights. He is saying that he beat me in sparring a few years ago, but how well could it have gone if he departed faster than he arrived? I have no time to make a mistake and lose a fight like this so I will be ready for anything when we enter the ring.”
Fighting out of Wroclaw, Poland, Masternak has fought a slew of top champions and challengers in the cruiserweight division and enters this fight the winner of his last three contests. The 30-year-old has battled Tony Bellew, Grigory Drozd and Youri Kalenga while also picking up the European cruiserweight championship with a victory over Juho Haapoja. Masternak has fought in nine countries throughout his career and returns to the fight the U.S. for the first time since his fourth pro bout in 2006.
“Get ready to see the best Stivens Bujaj ever,” said Bujaj. “I’ve been training two, sometimes three times a day. I’ve been in this sport since I was 15 years old, and it all comes down to this moment. This is my world championship. It’s going to be the fight of my life and I’m ready to do whatever it takes. I’ve sparred Masternak before and I dominated for eight rounds and they sent me home. I’m ready to finish what I started onOctober 21!”
An Albanian fighter living in New York, Bujaj was a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion before turning pro in 2010 and going unbeaten in his first 18 pro bouts. The 27-year-old won three times in 2016, including a victory over then unbeaten Sergio Ramirez before dropping a bout to undefeated Constantin Bejenaru. Bujaj has been hampered by injuries during his career but returns to the ring healthy and ready to resume his climb to the top of the division.
Representing Warsaw, Poland, Sulecki pulled off his most impressive victory to date last year when he stopped then unbeaten contender Hugo Centeno Jr. in the 10th and final round of their fight. The 28-year-old has picked up victories over Damiam Bonelli and Michi Munoz since then as he seeks a world title at 154-pounds. Sulecki will return to Prudential Center for the second time after knocking out Jose Miguel Berrio in 2015 at the venue in Newark.
Culcay was originally born in Ecuador but grew up in Germany and in 2008 he represented the Germans at the 2008 Olympics. The 32-year-old was dominant in winning his first 14 pro fights and picking up the WBA inter-continental super welterweight title. Culcay put together another seven-fight winning streak and won the WBA interim super welterweight title before dropping a world title bout to Demetrius Andrade by close split-decision in March.
***
For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World)
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

28/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez card start time change in Canada on Super Channel – 2 PM / ET

Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez
WBSS cruiserweight quarterfinals  
 
START TIME CHANGE NOTICE
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
   (photo courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (September 27, 2017) – The start time for this Saturday’s airing in Canada of additional World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament action, featuring World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World Champion Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs) against challengerMike “The Rebel” Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs), is 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, exclusively on Super Channel live from Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia.
 
Preliminary bouts will start airing on Super Channel at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, the Briedis-Perez main event is scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. / 2 p.m. PT.

Four exciting bouts on the “Briedis vs. Perez” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.

 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
WBSS RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS ON SUPER CHANNEL
 
Sept. 9 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Berlin, Germany
WBO Cruiserweight World Championship 
 
Oleksandr Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), Kiev, Ukraine
WTKO10
Marco Huck (40-5-1, 27 KOs), Berlin, Germany
(Usyk retained WBO cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 16 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final in Liverpool, UK
WBC Super Middleweight Diamond Championship
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
WDEC12
Erik Skoglund (26-1, 12 KOs), Nykoping, Sweden
(Smith won WBC Diamond super middleweight title)
Sept. 23 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in San Antonio, Texas, USA
Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), Miami, Florida, USA by way of Cuba
WKO2.
Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs), Challenger, Volgodonsk, Russia
(Dorticos retained WBA cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 30 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Riga, Latvia
WBC Cruiserweight World Championship
Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs), Champion, Riga, Latvia
vs.
Mike Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs), Challenger, Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba
All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
Super Channel has recently aired major boxing events live like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga and Crawford vs. Indongo.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all th

Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez WBSS cruiserweight quarterfinals continue

AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
   (photo courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (September 26, 2017) – World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World Champion Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs) risks his world title and undefeated record against Cuban-born challenger Mike “The Rebel” Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs) this Saturday when the highly-competitive World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament continues with more quarterfinals action, starting at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, to air live in Canada exclusively on Super Channel from Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia.
The “Briedis vs. Perez” card will give Canadian boxing fans another opportunity to watch world-class prize-fighters competing in the $50-million WBSS tournament, live from Latvia, exclusively on Super Channel, which acquired the rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
The 32-year-old Briedis, who captured the WBC cruiserweight world title in his most recent fight, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from former world champion Marco “Capt’n” Huck (40-3-1) last April in Germany. A former European kickboxing champion, Briedis will have a distinct advantage fighting Perez at home in Riga, Latvia.
“I’m real happy being able to start the World Boxing Super Series at home in front of my own crowd,” Briedis said. “We fight to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy, but I am also putting my world title at stake. This is a big thing. For Latvia, this will be the first major world championship bout in history, so I hope to see a sold-out arena.
“From my previous experience with the Latvian crowd, I can really tell Mike Perez that boxing in front of a Riga crowd will not be easy for him. The boxing community around the world will learn how passionate and loud Latvia fans can be! My preparation camp has been going very well so far and I can assure my fans that I’ll be at my best when the 30th of September arrives.
“This is the first fight of the tournament, the first defense of my WBC World cruiserweight title, and I’m really happy that I will be able to do it in front of my home crowd. There are no easy fights in this tournament. Mike Perez has already made his name in the heavyweight division and seems to be in the shape of his life coming down to cruiserweight.”
Based in Cork, Ireland, where he defected to from Cuba, Perez will be fighting as a cruiserweight for only the second time having campaigned for most of his 9 ½-year pro career as a heavyweight. The 31-year-old southpaw doesn’t fear fighting Briedis in his backyard and he remains confident.
“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime,” Perez remarked. “Fighting in Latvia isn’t an issue for me. I don’t care where I fight. I’ll fight anywhere. I feel good, I’m confident, and I’m looking forward to Riga. I have a chance to become world champion in my very first fight in the tournament, so I couldn’t have asked for better.
Breidis is a good champion but I can’t wait to bring the belt home. I’m so lucky to fight for the Muhammad Ali Trophy and also become the undisputed cruiserweight champion in this tournament. I have no doubt that I will do just that. I have worked hard for these last couple of years and really dedicated myself to get this chance and nobody is going to take it rom me. I have lots of experience as both an amateur and professional, a lot of ability and now at cruiserweight I’m much faster on my feet and can throw faster combinations, so I feel like I’m a much better fighter. I really believe I can win the Muhammad Ali Trophy. That is how I see it. I think I will win. I cannot see anyone else winning it. I am the best cruiserweight in the competition.”
The “Briedis vs. Perez” winner will advance to the semifinals to face the WBSS No. 1 seed, undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) cruiserweight champion Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), who stopped Huck in the 10th round of their WBSS quarterfinals fights this past Sept. 9 in Berlin.
Four exciting bouts on the “Briedis vs. Perez” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.
 
In the co-featured event, former WBO Cruiiserweight World Champion Krzysztof Glowacki (27-1, 17 KOs), the dangerous Pole who ironically lost his title belt to Usyk a year ago, is slated to faceLeonardo Damian Bruzzese (18-3, 6 KOs), of Italy by way of Argentina, in a 10-round WBSS Cruiserweight Substitute Fight. Also airing live on Super Channel is a 10-round light heavyweight match between Norwegian Tim Robin (16-3, 9 KOs) and Sergey Gorokhov (8-2, 6 KOs), of Russia. The televised opener finds 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovic, of Serbia, making his debut against unbeaten Belgium heavyweight Ali Baghouz (10-0-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
WBSS RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS ON SUPER CHANNEL
 
Sept. 9 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Berlin, Germany
WBO Cruiserweight World Championship 
 
Oleksandr Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), Kiev, Ukraine
WTKO10
Marco Huck (40-5-1, 27 KOs), Berlin, Germany
(Usyk retained WBO cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 16 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final in Liverpool, UK
WBC Super Middleweight Diamond Championship
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
WDEC12
Erik Skoglund (26-1, 12 KOs), Nykoping, Sweden
(Smith won WBC Diamond super middleweight title)
Sept. 23 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in San Antonio, Texas, USA
Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), Miami, Florida, USA by way of Cuba
WKO2.
Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs), Challenger, Volgodonsk, Russia
(Dorticos retained WBA cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 30 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Riga, Latvia
WBC Cruiserweight World Championship
Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs), Champion, Riga, Latvia
vs.
Mike Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs), Challenger, Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba
All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
Super Channel has recently aired major boxing events live like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga and Crawford vs. Indongo.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
About Super Channel
 
Super Channelis a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.
 
Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience.  With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.
 
Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.
 
Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Alliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.
 
Connect with Super Channel:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel

Yunier Dorticos Delivers Powerful Second Round Knockout Over Dmitry Kudryashov in World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Quarter-final Saturday Night from the Alamodome in San Antonio

 
Once-Beaten Keith Tapia Drops Lateef Kayode on His Way to Unanimous Decision Victory in WBSS Cruiserweight Reserve Match
&
Former World Champion Nonito Donaire Returns & Wins Unanimous Decision over Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez
Click HERE for Photos from Francisco Perez/Ringstar Sports
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 24, 2017) – WBA Cruiserweight World ChampionYunier Dorticos (22-0, 21 KOs) retained his title and stamped his place in the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Semi-finals Saturday night with a sensational second round knockout of Dmitry Kudryashov (21-2, 21 KOs) in their quarter-final bout from the Alamodome in San Antonio.
The unbeaten champion Dorticos landed a thunderous overhand right after Kudryashov threw a glancing jab during a second round exchange and sent the Russian to the canvas. Kudryashov attempted to get to his feet, but referee Rafael Ramos had seen enough and ended the bout at 2:10 into the second round.
“I knew that he was going to come at me and I waited and delivered the shot,” said Dorticos. “Once it landed I knew it was over. It is an honor to be competing in the World Boxing Super Series. To be able to go after the Muhammad Ali Trophy is a privilege and a pleasure. I want to prove to the world that I am the best cruiserweight in the world right now.”
After a first round that saw both men feel each other out and land only a few significant blows, a heated exchange erupted in the opening moments of the second round with power punches being thrown from all angles.
Dorticos appeared to hurt Kudryashov early in the round as he connected with a right hand that froze Kudryashov on the ropes. Dorticos piled on and delivered numerous right hooks with no response from his opponent until Kudryashov was eventually able to fight off of the ropes.
“I’m very upset right now,” said Kudryashov. “I was very well prepared. We’re at a heavy weight and one punch can change everything. He hit me with a good shot and I have no excuses. I thought that I would be able to get up at the eight count but the ref decided to stop the fight. The ref knows when to stop the fight so I agreed with it. All respect to Dorticos but I was expecting a victory and I was expecting to stop him. I have to give him all the credit tonight.”
Shortly after the action returned to the center of the ring, Dorticos was able to land the decisive blow and signal an end to the match. Dorticos will continue his quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy in the semi-finals when he takes on the winner of the WBSS quarter-final bout between IBF Champion Murat Gassiev and former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk on October 21 in New Jersey.
“I know that I want to fight Murat Gassiev,” said Dorticos. “I know he’s watching me, and I’ll be watching him. If he can take care of business, I would love to fight him. I’m ready to make that fight happen.”
In the WBSS cruiserweight reserve match, once-beaten Keith Tapia (18-1, 11 KOs) dropped previously once-beaten Lateef Kayode (21-2, 16 KOs) and won a unanimous decision in their 10-round contest.
“I usually start warming up in the fourth or fifth round, but I started much fastertonight,” said Tapia. “I knew I had the advantage in speed and I took advantage of it. I haven’t been in the ring for a year, but my team got me ready and in great shape for this fight. My timing was the key to the fight. My trainer told me Kayode would drop his left hand and I’d be able to land my right hand, and that’s what I did.”
Tapia sprinted out of his corner to start the fight and set the tone early, smothering Kayode in the corner with a flurry of punches. While Kayode was able to survive the round on his feet, it set the pace for the remainder of the match.
“I tried to stay on my game plan,” said Kayode. “He was very fast but he did not hurt me. I thought I deflected a lot of his shots. When I tried to attack him he started moving. I had to adjust my game plan. I didn’t see the punch that knocked me down. I heard the bell and then the punch was there. I think he started the punch before the bell rang.”
Representing Puerto Rico, Tapia found a home for his powerful right hand all night and connected flush on Kayode’s chin and dropped him as the bell sounded to end round six. Kayode was again able to continue to continue but found more trouble in the late rounds as he was stunned late in round eight and had a cut that started earlier in the fight open up at the end of round nine.
After 10 rounds the judges awarded Tapia the unanimous decision by scores of 100-89 twice and 99-90.
“Fights like this are going to get me to the championship level,” said Tapia. “I’ve always felt like I’m a champion since I started in this sport. I’m ready to fight anybody. I’ll take a couple days off then get right back in the gym.”
Additional action saw former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KOs) return to the ring and score a dominant unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez (22-3-1, 9 KOs) in their 10-round fight for the WBC Silver Featherweight World Title.
“I boxed very well, which is something I haven’t done in a long time,” said Donaire. “I moved my legs well and maintained it throughout the whole fight. I’ve always been an aggressive boxer but this time I used my jab and combinations. I had the urge to just brawl and I felt like I hurt him. But ultimately I did a great job showing versatility in my game.”
Donaire was able to control the fight with his speed and movement that was unmatched by his opponent. Hernandez was game and continued to come forward all night, but was unable to disrupt Donaire.
“Nonito was very smooth and moved around well,” said Hernandez.  “I couldn’t get to him because of that. He adjusted to everything I did. It was a fair decision at the end of the night. I thought he was going to come to brawl but he changed the strategy on me. I thought I fought hard and I’m going to work hard to get back in the ring.”
Hernandez’s aggressiveness was used against him by Donaire, who waited for his charging opponent and was able to pick him off with an array of hooks and uppercuts.
After 10-rounds all three judges saw the fight in favor of Donaire by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 97-93.
“It’s a great pleasure to be part of the Ringstar Sports family,” said Donaire. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I know there is more to come. I’m going to get back in there and keep showing what I can do.”
***
For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World)
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

28/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs