Tag Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. SAKIO BIKA ARTUR BETERBIEV vs. GABRIEL CAMPILLO OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PHOTOS

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Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) On CBS Saturday, April 4, At 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT From Pepsi Coliseum In Quebec City, Canada

WEIGH-IN PHOTOS: (Photo Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS)

BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS: (Photo Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS)

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

ADONIS STEVENSON: 174 ½ Pounds

SAKIO BIKA: 174 ½ Pounds

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV: 175 Pounds

GABRIEL CAMPILLO: 174 ½ Pounds

 

(TV Swing Bout)

JULIAN WILLIAMS: 154 ½ Pounds

JOEY HERNANDEZ: 155 pounds

 

# # #

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Stevenson and Bika, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.  Tickets are on sale now at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. SAKIO BIKAUNDERCARD   PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) On CBS

Saturday, April 4, At 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT From Pepsi Coliseum In Quebec City, Canada
Click HERE for photos from the undercard press conference

Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS

 

QUEBEC CITY (April 2, 2015) – Before the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on CBS telecast begins (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT), a bevy of young stars will look to ignite the Pepsi Coliseum crowd in a series of undercard bouts beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event are on sale and can be purchased at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika and featuring Artur Beterbievas he faces Gabriel “The Handsome Man” Campillo, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.

 

Headlining the undercard action is rising undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J Rock” Williams (18-0-1, 11 KOs), who’ll be looking to continue his rise to stardom when he faces exciting Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-2-1, 14 KOs)in a 10-round welterweight bout.

 

In another top non-televised match, Kevin Bizier (23-2, 16 KOs)returns to the ring in his hometown to face Fouad El Massoudi (12-4, 1 KO)in an eight-round super welterweight showdown. In an eight-round heavyweight scrap, undefeated Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (15-0, 10 KOs) will face Oezcan Cetinkaya (19-9-2, 13 KOs).

 

In a pair of super welterweight bouts, Sebastien Bouchard (9-1, 3 KOs) will take on Denis Farias (19-6-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round clash and Custio Clayton (2-0, 1 KO) will faceRonald Berti (4-3-1, 1 KO)in a six-round showdown.

 

The remainder of the card is rounded out by a trio of Canadian prospects looking to build their pro resumes. Jan Michael Poulin (1-0-1) takes on Michel Tsalla (1-9-2) in a four round middleweight bout, Vislan Dalkhaev (1-0) battles Adel Hadjouis (7-3) in a four-round bantamweight bout and Shakeel Phinn (1-0, 1 KO) faces Roody Rene (0-2-1)in a four-round super middleweight bout.

 

An undefeated prospect hailing from f the great fighting city of Philadelphia, Williams is looking to keep his undefeated record intact and impress on the big stage. The 24-year-old faces a stiff test in Miami-native Hernandez. The 30-year-old Hernandez has battled some of the best in boxing and he intends to hand Williams his first professional loss when the two square off.

After dropping a title-eliminator by split decision in his last bout, Bizier, 30, returns to his hometown of Quebec looking to get back in the win column and into title contention. He hopes to build his case with a victory over the 27-year-old El Massoudi, who is making his North American debut. The fighter out of Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome, France hopes to make an immediate impact in his battle against Bizier.

 

An undefeated heavyweight who represented Columbia at the 2008 Olympics, Rivashas fought exclusively in his adopted hometown of Montreal since turning pro in 2009. He’ll be making his first start at Pepsi Coliseum when he faces Cetinkaya, of Kassel, Hessen, Germany.

 

Fighting for the third time as a professional at Pepsi Coliseum, Quebec’s Bouchard is seeking his second consecutive victory since suffering his lone defeat. The 27-year-old faces a difficult test in the experienced Farias, of Aulnay-sous-bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. This is the 27-year-old Farias’ first fight outside of France.

 

A 2012 Canadian Olympian, Clayton looks to build his professional resume and show why he was considered one of the best amateur boxers to come out of Canada. The 27-year-old from Montreal battles the 27-year-old Berti from Bracquegnies, Belgium.

 

A latecomer to the professional ranks, Poulin is looking to build off of his first career victory in December 2014. The 32-year-old from Quebec faces the 31-year-old Tsalla, who also hails from Quebec.

 

Russian-born but fighting out of Quebec, Dalkhaev is making his second pro start after earning his first pro victory in December 2014. The 26-year-old will be tested by the 28-year-old Hadjouis, of Rueil-Malmaison, Haut-de-seine, France.

 

Rounding out the non-televised undercard, Phinn, 24, will be looking for his second pro victory after picking up a TKO win over Eddie Gates in January of this year. The Quebec-native battles the 36-year-old Rene out of Ontario.

 

Below are quotes from Thursday’s press conference:

 

YVON MICHEL, President of GYM

“In my opinion, the biggest fight in the history of Pepsi Coliseum was Pascal-Hopkins 1, but the scale of this event presented on a general network like CBS exceeds all that was done previously. “We are privileged to have the PBC series for this historic first. All of this is possible thanks to Adonis Stevenson. The undercard is also stacked.

 

“PBC on CBS will also ensure that the people there love the experience. There will be screens everywhere and spectacular entrances. It will be a unique experience!” added the promoter.”

 

BERNARD BARRE, Executive Vice President of GYM 

“There will be 10 fights  Saturday, including nine non-televised bouts that only people who bouthg tickets to be at the Coliseum will see.  It’s a Marathon!”

 

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I’m just looking to perform well and get the win on Saturday. I’ve been preparing and training extremely hard for this fight. I’m taking it one fight at a time, and I’m definitely not looking past a fighter like Hernandez.”

 

JOEY HERNANDEZ

“There’s no excuses this time around. I’ve had some trouble motivating myself for training in the past, but not this time. I respect my opponent and have worked very hard to prepare for this fight. This will be the fight of my life and I’m looking to put on a great show on Saturday.”

 

KEVIN BIZIER“I’m happy to close the Coliseum. It is my home here. And you know I always do good fights! My opponent will come to fight and he loves going inside to brawl. It will be a good battle me and him. May the best man win Saturday.”

FOUAD EL MASSPOUDI

“It is a first time for me in Canada. I am ready for this fight and we have all the weapons to succeed”

 

OEZCAN CETINKAYA

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to box at the Quebec Coliseum. It’s a new year and I look forward to make a statement this year

 

SEBASTIEN BOUCHARD

“We worked hard in the gym and that labor paid off when I stopped Cédric Spera. We continued in the same vein for this fight.”

DENIS FARIAS

“It’s been over a month I’ve been training twice a day for this fight. I came here to win.”

JAN-MICHAEL POULIN

“I look forward to settling something Saturday. It’s nothing personal against Michel Tsalla, but I have a draw to erase against him.”

MARC RAMSAY (trainer of Vislan Dalkhaev)

“I have a special history with Vislan Dalkhaev. Initially, he came here on the recommendation of Artur Beterbiev. The initial goal was to help Artur to acclimate to Montreal and I knew that having a friend here would help. At the gym, however, I discovered that, not only were they friends of the each other, but Vislan was a high-level boxer.” 

#       #       #

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @yvonmichelgym, @AdonisSuperman and @Sakio_Bika, follow the conversation using #StevensonBika, become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog athttp://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

RISING STAR JULIAN WILLIAMS BATTLES JOEY HERNANDEZ PLUS, A HOST OF CANADIAN PROSPECTS & CONTENDERS TO BE FEATURED ON ADONIS STEVENSON VS. SAKIO BIKA UNDERCARD

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Don’t Miss Any Of The Action Leading Up To The Inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on CBS Event (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT)

 

First Fight Starts At 1 p.m. at Pepsi Coliseum

 

Click HERE for photos from the undercard press conference

Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS

 

QUEBEC CITY (April 2, 2015) – Before the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on CBS telecast begins (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT), a bevy of young stars will look to ignite the Pepsi Coliseum crowd in a series of undercard bouts beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event are on sale and can be purchased at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika and featuring Artur Beterbiev as he faces Gabriel “The Handsome Man” Campillo, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.

 

Headlining the undercard action is rising undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J Rock” Williams (18-0-1, 11 KOs), who’ll belooking to continue his rise to stardom when he faces exciting Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-2-1, 14 KOs)in a 10-round welterweight bout.

 

In another top non-televised match, Kevin Bizier (23-2, 16 KOs)returns to the ring in his hometown to face Fouad El Massoudi (12-4, 1 KO)in an eight-round super welterweight showdown. In an eight-round heavyweight scrap, undefeated Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (15-0, 10 KOs) will face Oezcan Cetinkaya (19-9-2, 13 KOs).

 

In a pair of super welterweight bouts, Sebastien Bouchard (9-1, 3 KOs) will take on Denis Farias (19-6-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round clash and  Custio Clayton (2-0, 1 KO) will face  Ronald Berti (4-3-1, 1 KO)in a six-round showdown.

 

The remainder of the card is rounded out by a trio of Canadian prospects looking to build their pro resumes.  Jan Michael Poulin (1-0-1) takes on Michel Tsalla (1-9-2) in a four round middleweight bout, Vislan Dalkhaev (1-0) battles Adel Hadjouis (7-3) in a four-round bantamweight bout and Shakeel Phinn (1-0, 1 KO) faces Roody Rene (0-2-1)in a four-round super middleweight bout.

 

“In my opinion, the biggest fight in the history of Pepsi Coliseum was Pascal-Hopkins 1, but the scale of this event presented on a general network like CBS exceeds all that was done previously,” said GYM president Yvon Michel. “We are privileged to have the PBC series for this historic first. All of this is possible thanks to Adonis Stevenson. The undercard is also stacked.

 

“PBC on CBS will also ensure that the people there love the experience. There will be screens everywhere and spectacular entrances. It will be a unique experience!”

 

An undefeated prospect hailing from f the great fighting city of Philadelphia, Williams is looking to keep his undefeated record intact and impress on the big stage.  The 24-year-old faces a stiff test in Miami-native Hernandez. The 30-year-old Hernandez has battled some of the best in boxing and he intends to hand Williams his first professional loss when the two square off.

 

“I’m just looking to perform well and get the win on Saturday,” said Williams. “I’ve been preparing and training extremely hard for this fight. I’m taking it one fight at a time, and I’m definitely not looking past a fighter like Hernandez.”

 

“There’s no excuses this time around,” said Hernandez. “I’ve had some trouble motivating myself for training in the past, but not this time. I respect my opponent and have worked very hard to prepare for this fight. This will be the fight of my life and I’m looking to put on a great show on Saturday.”

 

After dropping a title-eliminator by split decision in his last bout, Bizier, 30, returns to his hometown of Quebec looking to get back in the win column and into title contention. He hopes to build his case with a victory over the 27-year-old El Massoudi, who is making his North American debut. The fighter out of Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome, France hopes to make an immediate impact in his battle against Bizier.

 

An undefeated heavyweight who represented Columbia at the 2008 Olympics, Rivas has fought exclusively in his adopted hometown of Montreal since turning pro in 2009. He’ll be making his first start at Pepsi Coliseum when he faces Cetinkaya, of Kassel, Hessen, Germany.

 

Fighting for the third time as a professional at Pepsi Coliseum, Quebec’s Bouchard is seeking his second consecutive victory since suffering his lone defeat. The 27-year-old faces a difficult test in the experienced Farias, of Aulnay-sous-bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. This is the 27-year-old Farias’ first fight outside of France.

 

A 2012 Canadian Olympian, Clayton looks to build his professional resume and show why he was considered one of the best amateur boxers to come out of Canada. The 27-year-old from Montreal battles the 27-year-old Berti from Bracquegnies, Belgium.

 

A latecomer to the professional ranks, Poulin is looking to build off of his first career victory in December 2014. The 32-year-old from Quebec faces the 31-year-old Tsalla, who also hails from Quebec.

 

Russian-born but fighting out of Quebec, Dalkhaev is making his second pro start after earning his first pro victory in December 2014. The 26-year-old will be tested by the 28-year-old Hadjouis, of Rueil-Malmaison, Haut-de-seine, France.

 

Rounding out the non-televised undercard, Phinn, 24, will be looking for his second pro victory after picking up a TKO win over Eddie Gates in January of this year. The Quebec-native battles the 36-year-old Rene out of Ontario.  

 

#       #       #

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @yvonmichelgym, @AdonisSuperman and @Sakio_Bika, follow the conversation using #StevensonBika, become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog athttp://theboxingblog.sho.com.
Boxcino, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

DANNY GARCIA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Jeff Fusco

 

PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2015) – As fight week nears for the second installment of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC (8:30 pm ET/5:30 p.m. PT), undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia held a media workout in his hometown of Philadelphia in preparation for his showdown with fellow world champion Lamont Peterson on Saturday, April 11 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Check out what Garcia and his father and trainer Angel had to say on Wednesday.

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“Training is going well, I’ve done everything I have to do and I’m still focused. It’s a week and a half until the fight and I’m ready to go. If the fight were tomorrow I’d be ready.

 

“It’s a big fight and it’s the fight that the fans wanted. We’re going to give the fans a great night of boxing on NBC and it’s time the show the world that Danny Garcia is the star of NBC.

 

“We have common opponents like Khan and Matthysse and we’ve had different results.  They say styles make fights so those results don’t matter. Well, my style is to kick his butt.

 

“I know that this second PBC on NBC show is going to be even bigger and I just feel blessed to be a part of it and I can’t wait to go out there and showcase my skills.

 

“I’m ready for whatever Peterson brings. If he tries to box then I’m going to go with that and if he wants to fight, I’ll be ready. I’m not going to go in and just try to knock his head off, I’m going to be Danny Garcia.

 

“I’d love to be fighting on the biggest stage in boxing against the Mayweather and Pacquiaos, but for now it’s just about taking it one fight at a time, this is history in the making.

 

“A lot of things have changed for me in the last few years, everybody knows me now. A lot of people look at you different now but it doesn’t make my head bigger, it just motivates me to work hard.

 

“I love Brooklyn, it’s my fourth fight at Barclays Center and I’m looking to make it 4-0 on April 11.

 

“This is a blessing for the sport of boxing. Millions of fans haven’t had the opportunity to watch boxing on primetime in years and this is great for the sport.”

 

ANGEL GARCIA

 

“I’ll give Peterson credit for putting the gloves on. He thinks it’s going to be an easy night for him. He sees himself already on top of the mountain. It’s not going to happen like that, we’re going to ruin his party.

 

“I want Peterson to act confident and come forward. They’re talking like Danny isn’t special but he lost to the guys we beat.

 

“It doesn’t matter what anyone says as long as Danny is in here putting in 100 percent every day. It’s all about April 11.

 

“We’re not going to train for eight weeks to go in there and worry about what Peterson is going to do, we’re going to do what we have to do. We train to go in there and win on April 11.”

 

 

#       #       #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. SAKIO BIKA, ARTUR BETERBIEV vs. GABRIEL CAMPILLO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“I’ll definitely be going for the knockout this Saturday on CBS” – Adonis Stevenson

 

“I didn’t come here to Canada just to walk and look around.  I came here to take this belt back home” – Sakio Bika

 

Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) On CBS

Saturday, April 4, At 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT From Pepsi Coliseum In Quebec City, Canada

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC (April 1, 2015) – During Wednesday’s final press conference at Le Bonne Entente in Quebec City, both Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika promised a knockout when they meet in the main event of the debut presentation of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBSTelevision Network this Saturday, April 4,  at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT.

 

The hard-hitting Stevenson (25-1, 21 KOs) will defend his light heavyweight world championship against former super middleweight world champion Bika (32-6-3, 21 KOs) in the  main event from the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City.

 

The case was the same with the co-main event fighters as both undefeated light heavyweight and two-time Russian Olympian Artur Beterbiev (7-0, 7 KOs) and former light heavyweight world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-6-1, 12 KOs) expected to win via KO this Saturday afternoon.  Campillo, sporting a Tom Brady jersey, even promised he would win in dramatic fashion like this year’s Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots.

 

Below are quotes from the fighters and trainers from Wednesday’s press conference:

 

ADONIS STEVENSON:

“I know Sakio is going to try to take my title, but I’m prepared for that.

 

“I know he was a champion.  I made the move from 168 to 175 pounds and it worked well for me.  I expect him to bring his best at 175 pounds.  He’s a former champ so I’m preparing to face a champion.

 

“I’m looking for the KO because I’m from the Kronk Gym.  Knockouts sell.  But I can go 12 rounds, that’s not a problem.  I train for 12 rounds.

 

“My trainer has given me a great plan.  He knows Sakio Bika very well and we’ll see what happens in the ring.

 

“Bika is still going to have the same power moving up in weight.  He should actually be stronger.

 

“I’m very focused because I know Bika is very dangerous.  I know he’s going to come into the ring and try to give me trouble.

 

“I’m a knockout artist. I can do a lot in the ring, but first and foremost I’m a knockout artist.

 

“I’d love to unify the belts eventually, but I’ll let my manager Al Haymon take care of that.

 

“My mentor Emanuel Steward always told me that as soon as I enter the ring the knockout is what sells. I’ll definitely be going for the knockout this Saturday on CBS.”

 

“I’m ready to go toe-to-toe.  Adonis Stevenson vs. Sakio Bika on CBS, baby.”

 

 

SAKIO BIKA:

“To beat a great fighter you have to be your best.  I’m looking to take the WBC title back home.

 

“I’ve fought everyone – I’ve never ducked an opponent – and I don’t know if he can handle the pressure.

 

“I feel more comfortable at 175 pounds.  I want to test the big boy [Stevenson] and I feel like I can do that.  On Saturday we’ll see.

 

“He’s knocked people out, but I’ve never been knocked out.  On Saturday I’ll be the one to knock him out.

 

“I’m very hungry to get a world title back.  I trained very hard at light heavyweight to get a title back.

 

“I didn’t come here to Canada just to walk and look around.  I came here to take this belt back home and I’m very confident I’m going to do that.

 

“Training camp went very well, we put in good work and now we’re here in Canada ready to shock the world.”

 

 

JAVAN “SUGAR” HILL:

“Training camp was very good as always.  Nothing different, just hard work perfecting his boxing and the basic fundamentals.  We’re looking for him to make a mistake and catch him.

 

“The way you prepare for an unorthodox fighter like Bika is to make sure your basics are sound. You have to have a good jab, you have to have good movement and you have to have ‘super power’  And I have “Superman.

 

“Emanuel also told me the knockout sells.  It’s something that we both know and it’s something that is imbedded in us.  We’re looking for the knockout on April 4.  Sometimes I see things that Adonis is looking to do before he does it.  So I’ll just be sitting there waiting for Adonis to catch Sakio Bika making a mistake and getting a knockout.

 

“I’m super proud to represent Kronk Gym.  That’s why I wear my hat here.  Kronk to me is like my family name and that’s what I live by.  I was born into Kronk when I was a little kid going to a tournament with my uncle Emanuel and all I remember is the Kronk fighters winning.  And that’s what I do now: win.

 

“Adonis is an artist, he’s a KO artist.  My prediction for Saturday is a knockout on CBS.

 

“There’s been a lot of talk and now it’s time for action.  Toe-to-toe on April 4.  Don’t miss it.”

 

 

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM:

“We had a great training camp.  Everyone was relaxed.  We had great sparring.

 

“He was making 168 pretty easy, but stepping up he’s able to eat whatever he wants.  The weight is good.  We think he’s going to be good and strong at 175.  It’s a good move for him.

 

“He’s never had any problems with power, so I think the extra weight and energy should be good for him at light heavyweight.

 

“All this talk about Stevenson fighting (Sergey) Kovalev has motivated him pretty good.  I think it gave him a pretty good picture of how the business of boxing works.  He realizes that when the bell rings he needs to do something about it and he’s motivated by that.

 

“I can’t say if Stevenson is overlooking him because I’m not around him enough.  But I know the fans and media want to make the Kovalev fight.  It was good for Bika to hear that because it motivated him.  He knows he has an opportunity to do something about it.  On Saturday afternoon he can change all that.

 

“If Stevenson does what he says he’s going to do – meet him in the center of the ring and go toe-to-toe –  this is going to be a tremendous fight.

 

“If he comes to the center of the ring and fights and goes toe-to-toe then this fight won’t go the distance.  If Stevenson comes to trade I think he gets knocked out.   If he runs around the ring and boxes then it could be a different outcome.”

 

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV:

“I don’t think this is a big challenge for me.   I’m ready to face the world champions and raise the bar higher.  This is just another opponent for me.

 

“This is another step that will move me closer to facing the champions at 175 pounds.  I want to put on a solid fight and show that I’m one of the best fighters in this division.

 

“A knockout is never a goal for me.  I’m trying to show my work and my dedication in the ring, but usually that’s what happens.  Usually I finish with a knockout but that is not my main goal.  My main goal is to box and show my skills.

 

“My motivation is to face the champions.  That’s why I work so hard every day in the gym.  I will get there soon.

 

“Why not face Kovalev?  I’m ready.  When I turned professional my goal was to meet the champions.  He’s a champion now and I’d like to face the champions.”

 

 

GABRIEL CAMPILLO:

“We started training Jan. 1 and camp has been very good.  We’ve been working very hard and I think I’m in great condition for this fight.

 

“Beterbiev may not have a lot of professional experience, but he’s had a very long amateur career. So we know that he’s ready and is a good opponent for us.  We’ll see how he handles things once we get past the 5th, 6th and 7th rounds.

 

“To get ready for a hard-hitter like Beterbiev required lots of conditioning training.  We worked the neck and the chin a lot.  We think we’ve got a great chance in the second half of this fight though considering Beterbiev hasn’t really been tested like that.

 

“As for a prediction, I’m going to knock Beterbiev out in the seventh round.”
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS OMAR FIGUEROA AND RICKY BURNS BATTLE IN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT MAIN EVENT AS PBC ON CBS RETURNS SATURDAY, MAY 9

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BANTAMWEIGHT TITLEHOLDERS TOMOKI KAMEDA

AND JAMIE MCDONNELL CLASH IN CO-MAIN EVENT

 

Live on CBS, May 9 at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

                                                                                

HIDALGO, Texas (April 1, 2015) – Exciting and undefeated former lightweight world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (24-0-1, 18 KOs) will take on former two-division world champion Ricky Burns (37-4-1, 11 KOs) in the main event when Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) returns to CBS on Saturday, May 9 (4 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. PT), at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

 

In the co-main event, a pair of bantamweight world champions square off when Tomoki Kameda (31-0, 19 KOs) battles Jamie McDonnell (25-2-1, 12 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50, and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at the State Farm Arena Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

“I am so excited to be bringing this huge event to my hometown,” said Figueroa. “It is my dream to fight on such a big stage and bring this kind of attention to Hidalgo. My fans have supported me from day one, and I plan on showing them how grateful I am with a stellar performance on May 9.”

 

“I can’t wait for this fight. Ever since it was confirmed I’ve been absolutely buzzing in the gym,” said Burns. “I’ve had some great nights in Scotland winning and defending my world titles at two different weights but I have always wanted to box in America. Our styles gel perfectly for one hell of a fight, neither of us take a step back – bring on May 9!”

 

This will be a home game for Figueroa, who will be making his initial start at 140 pounds after a hard-fought ninth-round knockout over Daniel Estrada in a slugfest last August. The 25-year-old Figueroa vacated his 135-pound belt after that defense. He became a champion in 2013 when he earned a unanimous 12-round decision over Nihito Arakawa in a brutal Fight of the Year battle. Figueroa, despite fighting with a cut on his nose from an accidental head-butt, registered two knockdowns in the memorable slugfest.  Since then Figueroa defended his title twice, first with a split-decision victory over Jerry Belmontes and later with a ninth-round knockout against Daniel Estrada. Now the Weslaco, Texas native will move up in weight when he battles Burns on May 9.

 

An experienced fighter and former two-division world champion out of Scotland, Burns looks to add a huge victory to his resume when he takes on Figueroa. A champion in the junior lightweight and lightweight divisions, the 31-year-old owns victories over a host of accomplished fighters including Roman Martinez, Michael Katsidis and Kevin Mitchell. After suffering consecutive losses to Terrence Crawford and Dejan Zlaticanin, Burns bounced back to defeat Alexandre Lepelley in October 2014 and he will look to keep that momentum going on May 9.

 

An undefeated world champion out of Tokyo, Kameda announced his arrival stateside with a vicious knockout over Pungluang Sor Singyu in July 2014 in Las Vegas. That knockout was Kameda’s second bantamweight title defense after he won the belt from Paulus Ambunda in 2013. The 23-year-old followed up his U.S. debut when he defeated Alejandro Hernandez in Chicago via split decision. His next challenge comes when he faces fellow bantamweight world champion McDonnell.

 

The United Kingdom’s McDonnell has been on a tear since 2008 with 17 consecutive wins. Most recently, he became a bantamweight world champion with a victory over Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat and later successfully defended against Javier Nicolas Chacon.

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by Figueroa vs. Burns, is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Panterita Promotions in association with Matchroom Sport. The event takes place at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas with the CBS telecast beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

 

“We’re very excited to bring this exciting fight to the great fight city of Hidalgo,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “I have no doubt that these two fighters are going to put on an incredible show for the fans at State Farm Arena.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @OmarFigueroaJr, @RicksterKO, @TomokiKameda, @JamieMcDonnell1, @WarriorsBoxPromo and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo andwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog athttp://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON SERVES FOOD AT SOUP KITCHEN IN QUEBEC CITY

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Light Heavyweight Champ Defends Against Sakio Bika

In First Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) Event On CBS

This Saturday, April 4, at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT

(PHOTOS BY: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS)

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC (March 31, 2015) – This Saturday afternoon, April 4, hard-hitting light heavyweight world champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (25-1, 21 KOs) plans to dish out plenty of punishment when he defends against former super middleweight world champion Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika (32-6-3, 21 KOs) in the main event of the debut presentation of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS Television Network (3 p.m. ET/Noon PT) from the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City. 

 

Today, however, in what has become a tradition before his fights at Pepsi Coliseum, Stevenson served food at La Maison de Lauberivière, a local shelter and soup kitchen for homeless men and women. Besides serving food, Stevenson and his team also gave away tickets, autographed posters and posed for photos with people in the shelter and some of his local fans.

 

In Saturday’s second main on CBS, promising undefeated light heavyweight Artur Beterbiev (7-0, 7 KOs) gets tested when he faces former light heavyweight world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-6-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

# # #

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Stevenson and Bika, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu. Tickets are on sale now at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

CBS SPORTSCASTERS KEVIN HARLAN AND BRENT STOVER WITH ANALYSTS PAUL MALIGNAGGI AND VIRGIL HUNTER TO CALL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS

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 Series Premieres This Saturday, April 4, on CBS at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT
NEW YORK (March 31, 2015) – The broadcast team for the April 4 debut of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS features a blend of highly respected sportscasters and shrewd boxing minds.  Hosted by CBS Sports Network’s Brent Stover, the fights will be called by versatile and respected play-by-play veteran Kevin Harlan with ringside analysts Paul Malignaggi and broadcast newcomer Virgil Hunter.

 

The PBC on CBS announce team will usher in the first of up to eight live events this year beginning this Saturday, April 4, at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT.  Light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson (25-1, 21 KOs), of Montreal, will defend his title against former super middleweight world champion Sakio Bika (32-6-3, 21 KOs), of Sydney, Australia.  Opening the two-fight afternoon broadcast will be undefeated Russian-born Canadian light heavyweight Artur Beterbiev (7-0, 7 KOs), of Montreal, facing former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-6-1, 12 KOs), of Madrid, Spain, from Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City.

 

A veteran broadcaster, Harlan has called NFL games for 30 consecutive years.  He joined CBS Sports’ NFL broadcast team as a play-by-play announcer in 1998.  Harlan called CBS Sports’ HDTV coverage of the 2001 AFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXV.  He has called CBS Sports’ coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship since 1999, including this year’s CBS/Turner coverage of the West Regional from Los Angeles.  A well-versed radio broadcaster, this past season Harlan once again called play-by-play for NFL games with Boomer Esiason on Westwood One Radio Sports.  Harlan and Esiason were the lead announce team on Westwood One for “Monday Night Football,” the playoffs, a Conference Championship game and the Super Bowl.  This season marked Harlan’s fifth consecutive Super Bowl.  Harlan called the NCAA Final Four and Championship games for CBS Radio Network and Westwood One for five consecutive years (2003-07), as well as the regionals (2009, 2010, 2011).  Harlan’s boxing experience includes the 1995 Mike Tyson vs. Buster Mathis Jr. bout on FOX and various championship boxing events he has called for radio. Harlan is in his 28th season broadcasting the NBA and has called play-by-play action for Turner Sports’ coverage of the NBA Playoffs since 1996 and regular-season games for TNT and TBS since 1997.

 

The 34-year-old Malignaggi is a two-time, two-division world champion.  He is known for his passionate and honest assessment of live fights and fighters as an analyst for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.  An invaluable asset at ringside, Malignaggi applies a lifetime of personal boxing expertise to dynamic, ever-changing situations in the ring and articulates with aplomb.  He’s been a regular ringside analyst since 2012.

 

The knowledgeable and sage Hunter is one of the most prominent and respected trainers in boxing.  He has coached unbeaten super middleweight kingpin Andre Ward, British superstar and former undisputed 140-pound world champion Amir Khan and former welterweight world champion Andre Berto and was named the 2011 Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America.  Hunter is making his first foray into announcing on April 4 and offers a fresh and unique perspective to the PBC on CBS.

 

Stover has served as studio host for CBS Sports Network since 2011.  He joined the network in 2010 and has held a number of roles, including as play-by-play announcer for football, basketball and for Olympic sports.  Prior to joining CBS Sports Network, Stover served as host, anchor, reporter and play-by-play voice for the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports Net Midwest/Southwest.

 

The second installment of PBC on CBS is Saturday, May 9, and will pit undefeated Omar Figueroa, who vacated his Lightweight World Championship to move up in weight to 140 pounds, against former champion Ricky Burns.

 

Additional dates for Premier Boxing Champions on CBS are to be announced include live broadcasts in June, July and September, with up to three remaining events on the 2015 calendar. The live boxing broadcasts on CBS, other than the aforementioned premiere, will be broadcast live at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

 

The Premier Boxing Champions series was created for television by Haymon Boxing.  It is the first consistent series presentation of live boxing on CBS in 15 years.  The network aired a one-off live event featuring current WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz in 2012.  Prior to that, the last live boxing on the network was in 1997 when then-middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins knocked out Glen Johnson.

 

Live boxing was a staple on the network in the 1980s, consistently featuring future Hall of Famers Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, Roberto Duran, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and others.  Boxing’s history on CBS dates back to 1948 when the Pabst Blue Ribbon Bouts premiered featuring legendary blow-by-blow commentator Russ Hodges.

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

BOB COSTAS, AL MICHAELS & MARV ALBERT TO WORK TOGETHER FOR FIRST TIME EVER ON  APRIL 11 “PBC ON NBC”  PRIMETIME SHOW  LIVE FROM BROOKLYN

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Legendary Announce Trio Has Combined to Work 

25 Super Bowls, 25 NBA Finals, 

23 Olympics & 19 World Series

 

Costas to Present Feature on History of Boxing in New York

 

PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11, Live at 

8:30 PM ET on NBC, Featuring 

Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1) & 

“Irish” Andy Lee (34-2) vs. Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0)

 

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 31, 2015 – One of America’s iconic big-event broadcast voices, Bob Costas, will serve as a special contributor for NBC’s Saturday, April 11 primetime telecast of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC, it was announced today.

 

Costas, host Al Michaels, and blow-by-blow announcer Marv Albert will work together on a broadcast for the first time ever on the PBC on NBC show Saturday, April 11 live at 8:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Costas will present a feature on the long and storied history of boxing in New York.

 

Returning to their native New York for the telecast (Albert and Michaels are from Brooklyn, Costas from Commack, Long Island), the trio is synonymous with the biggest events in sports – combining to work 25 Super Bowls, 25 NBA Finals, 23 Olympics, 19 World Series, and numerous championship boxing events on television and radio.

 

“We are thrilled to have three of sports’ all-time broadcasting heavyweights – in prominence, not weight – working together on TV for the first time,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports and NBCSN.  “Appropriately, these three are teammates on a primetime NBC boxing telecast.”

 

“While I have done many broadcasts with Al and with Marv, this is a one-time opportunity to work on the same broadcast with two of the all-time greats, plus it’s a chance for me and Al to renew our ongoing debate with Marv as to which was the greater cinematic achievement – BASEketball or The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh,” said Costas, who at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games became U.S. television’s first 10-time Olympic primetime host (Jim McKay hosted eight times for ABC).

 

“I never could have imagined this,” said Michaels, who in 2015 on Sunday Night Football begins his record 30th consecutive season as the play-by-play voice of the NFL’s premier primetime broadcast package. “And to have it all happen close to where we all grew up makes it that much more special. Very, very cool.”

 

“It is an honor to be a part of this group,” said Albert, who has been the most recognizable national voice of the NBA since 1990 in addition to his 37 years as the radio and TV voice of the New York Knicks. “I’ve always had great admiration for the work that Al and Bob have done through the years, and I’m proud to call them friends.”

 

Michaels, Albert, and Costas will be joined on the telecast by analyst and six-time world champion “Sugar” Ray Leonard, corner analyst B.J. Flores, and reporter Kenny Rice.

 

The Saturday, April 11 PBC on NBC primetime show features four boxers with a combined 127-4-1 record and 80 KOs – undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs), and middleweight champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) vs. Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs).

 

Following is an additional look at the legendary sports broadcasting trio working its first event together.

 

TALE OF THE TAPE

 

As play-by-play announcer or host, on television or radio, Costas, Michaels and Albert have each worked the Super Bowl, Olympics, NBA Finals and World Series on multiple occasions. Following is a breakdown

 

Announcer Events worked
Bob Costas 11 Olympics, 11 NBA Finals, 7 Super Bowls, 7 World Series
Al Michaels 10 Super Bowls, 8 Olympics, 8 World Series, 2 NBA Finals
Marv Albert 12 NBA Finals, 8 Super Bowls, 4 Olympics, 4 World Series

 

MEMORABLE CALL

 

AL MICHAELS — “Do you believe in Miracles? Yes!” – 1980 Winter Olympics, U.S. Hockey team defeats Soviet Union in semifinal

 

MARV ALBERT – “Yes, and it counts!” – Numerous NBA telecasts

 

BOB COSTAS – “The New York Yankees…World Champions….Team of the Decade…most successful franchise of the century.” – Final out as Yankees sweep Braves in 1999 World Series

 

GREAT TRIOS

 

While we will resist the temptation to compare the Costas-Michaels-Albert broadcasting trio to the equally esteemed Three Tenors (José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti), following is a sampling of great sports trios that at least one of the three has covered:

 

LeBron James-Dwayne Wade-Chris Bosh – Led by the All-Star trio, the Miami Heat  advanced to four consecutive NBA Finals, winning two (2012 and 2013).

 

Greg Maddux-John Smoltz-Tom Glavine – From 1993-2002, the pitching trio led the Atlanta Braves to the playoffs every season, won three National League pennants and captured the 1995 World Series title.

 

Troy Aikman-Emmitt Smith-Michael Irvin — Nicknamed “The Triplets,” the Hall of Fame quarterback-running back-wide receiver combination led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in four seasons (1992-95).

 

Magic Johnson-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar-James Worthy – The Hall of Fame Los Angeles Lakers trio advanced to six of seven NBA Finals from 1983-89, winning three titles with each earning NBA Finals MVP honors once.

 

Wayne Gretzky-Mark Messier-Jari Kurri – The Hall of Fame Edmonton Oilers front line trio won four Stanley Cups in five years between 1984-88.

 

“Sugar” Ray Leonard-Thomas “Hitman” Hearns-“Marvelous” Marvin Hagler – Hall of Fame welterweight/middleweight trio captured 15 boxing titles in late 1970s and 1980s.

 

Larry Bird-Kevin McHale-Robert Parish – The Hall of Fame front court led the Boston Celtics to three NBA titles and two additional trips to the NBA Finals in the 1980s.

 

Pete Rose-Joe Morgan-Johnny Bench – Stalwarts of the “The Big Red Machine,” led Cincinnati Reds to three consecutive National League pennants, winning the World Series in 1975 and 1976.

 

Willis Reed-Walt Frazier-Dave DeBusschere – Trio led the New York Knicks to the franchise’s only two NBA titles in a four-year span (1970 and 1973).

 

The debut PBC on NBC telecast on Saturday, March 7 averaged 3.4 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched professional boxing broadcast in 17 years (“Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Night” on FOX, 5.9 million, Mon., March 23, 1998). The PBC on NBC debut also led NBC to a Saturday primetime victory among Adults 18-49, with a 1.08 rating in the demographic.

 

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live “PBC on NBC” boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

 

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play and Windows Store.

 

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON, SAKIO BIKA & ARTUR BETERBIEV MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL

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Lisa Milner

Thank you, operator.  Thanks everyone for calling in.  We have a great call today to talk about the debut of PBC on CBS taking place next Saturday, April 4th, from the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Canada.  We are going to start with the main event guys it’s Adonis Stevenson, light heavyweight world champion; his trainer, “Sugar” Hill; Sakio Bika, former super middleweight world champion; and his trainer, Kevin Cunningham.  We will also have Artur Beterbiev later.  His opponent is training in Spain.  So, he will not be joining us.  But, first let’s get some opening comments from the fighters and their trainers.  Adonis, would you give us a little bit of information on how training’s going leading into next week’s fight week?

 

Adonis Stevenson

Thanks to all the media. I want to thank Al Haymon, my manager, great job.  This is a good person for me and fight on CBS since like ’80 like Sugar Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali.  You know, this is amazing.  And the first championship they want to start in Canada, Quebec City.  This is amazing.  And I’m very glad to be part of that.

 

L. Milner

Great. “Sugar” Hill, could you add anything to that about training or comments about how Adonis is doing at camp?

 

“Sugar” Hill

The training camp is going fantastic.  We are here in his hometown of Montreal training at his gym.  His gym is just opening.  So, this would be the first training camp held at this gym and for such a fight of this magnitude where Adonis is defending his world championship for the fifth time.  I’ve only been here for one week any other time, but Montreal is a great place and a great place for training as well.  The city has been so good and warm welcoming me here, and I see why Adonis loves Montreal, and I see why Montreal loves Adonis as well.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  Sakio, could you give us a quick opening comment about training camp?

 

Sakio Bika

All right, first of all, I want to thank everybody for giving me this big opportunity at the world title.  .  My training camp is going really well. I want to thank God, you know, to give me this opportunity.  Again, we have a good training camp here.  Everyone is happy.  I’m happy, and my coach is happy.  All my kingdom is happy.  I’m just looking for on April the 4th, to become three time world champion.

 

L. Milner

Awesome.  Thank you.  Mr. Cunningham, are you there?  Could you add anything to that?

 

Kevin Cunningham

Yes.  To piggyback on what Sakio has just said, we’ve had a tremendous training camp, great sparing.  Everything is going well.  Sakio understands the opportunity that’s before him, and we look to come to Canada and Montreal.  And we’re going to into Adonis’ hometown.  So, I’ve been there, done that.  You got to go into the lion’s den and take the title.  So that’s what we’re working on doing and that’s what we plan on doing.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  Okay, we’re going to go ahead and open it up for questions from the media.  Operator, can you please do that?

 

Q

Adonis, so much talk about you fighting the other light heavyweight champions and who the real light heavyweight champion of the world is.  What are your thoughts about these other guys and it is interfering with your concentration for your fight with Sakio on April 4th on CBS? 

 

A. Stevenson

Yeah, I know they have so much talking about that, but I’m very focused on Bika now, because Bika is in my face now.  I don’t see anybody.  I don’t see anybody in my face now.  It’s Bika.  And I don’t underestimate him, and I’m very prepared for him. I will be ready for him April 4th. So, my focus is on Bika. I know that they have so many people talking to me about how to fight this, but I’m very focused on this guy.

 

Q

What is the procedure for drug testing before the April 4th?

 

A. Stevenson

Three time in the training and one time is six o’clock in the morning.  So, they come into the condo and to do a drug test and two times in the training after sparing.  I think it’s good for the boxers, to protect them.  I’m very glad about that.  And when I got to fight, I always do the test, you know?  So, it is not the first time I do the test, but I always to do it.  This is fantastic, I love that.

 

Q

Do you think it was necessary for boxing to have that kind of test?

 

A. Stevenson

Of course it is necessary because, is helps you. So, it is very important to make sure everything is going very well. And that’s part of boxing and that’s the evolution. I’m very glad and happy and support that.

 

Q

Sakio, what do you think about that?

 

S. Bika

I think it is very, very good because I have [unintelligible] since I’ve been here.  I think it’s good for the new generation.  It goes for this sport. For me, I think it is perfect. It’s perfect because, so many people [unintelligible] retire [unintelligible] drug and they never get tested.  And now with new generation, I think it’s very good, you know, for younger kids to try to see if they want to win.  Once you come in this sport you have to have been clean. It’s a perfect organization to get people involved in and test them. It’s the perfect thing to do.

 

Q

So both of you will be tested three times, two times during the training camp, one time before the fight?  Is that correct, guys?

 

 

A. Stevenson

I don’t know for him, but for me it’s three time.  And we do a piss test, and we do a blood test, too.

 

S. Bika

Yeah, for me it was three time.  Then two blood test–like blood test and piss test.  This is the third time them testing me since I was here.

 

Q

The first question that was asked to Adonis about his preparation for the upcoming fight and also the distraction around all future potential opponents, I would like to get to add the same question to Adonis again.

 

A. Stevenson

You know, the kind of stuff like Bika is wild and has shown he come–you know, he just keep coming.  The kind of stuff like that, I love this kind of stuff because he’s large and keep pressuring.  And so, it shows if you make a mistake like that then it will be a knockout very soon in the fight.

 

Q

My question is for “Sugar” Hill.  “Sugar”, I just want to know if you were pleased with the style that was chosen for this upcoming fight, if this is the type of test you were looking for as a trainer.

 

S. Hill

As far as looking for a style for Adonis to fight–and actually it doesn’t really matter to me.  I’m happy with the selection of Sakio Bika.  I have no problem with his style.  I actually like the style because he’s coming forward.  He wants to fight, and Adonis loves to fight.  Adonis likes to go to toe-to-toe, and he likes to box.  This is important for the maturity and, for Adonis learning more about boxing to be able to be in it with a fighter like Sakio Bika, who’s a strong, determined and tough veteran who can withstand. He can take a punch.  He’s never been knocked out or anything like that.  So, this is an opportunity for Adonis to maybe go 12 rounds or into the later rounds, which can build and add to his career as fighting in later rounds, which he has been able to do. This fight here with Bika is a test, and Adonis loves to be tested. I love for him to be tested as well.  This is the only thing that’s going to make him grow and become more of a talented fighter and become a bigger superstar.

 

Q

Adonis, are you looking at a tough 12 round fight or do you see it as motivation as to being the first to knock this guy out if that opportunity presents itself?

 

A. Stevenson

It is motivation for me.  That’s why I train very hard.  I know he’s large as well in his punch.  And he wants to keep me pressured.  I love this kind of style.  And if he goes for 12 rounds I’m ready for 12 rounds. I fight and spar.  My fight is, sparing and training for 12 rounds.When I get in the ring, I’m looking for the knockout.  I don’t look for the 12 round.  If he goes the distance or 12 rounds, this is not a problem.  I can box.  I’m beautiful.  I got a good skill.  I’m a Superman.  So, it’s not a problem for me.  But, first I’m looking for a knockout.  And I think any boxer going in the ring to fight always looks for a knockout. Sometimes, it’s not like that.  But, me, I’m looking for the knockout.  And Emanuel said knockouts sell.

 

Q

You said that you weren’t impressed with Kovalev’s performance over Jean Pascal.  Do you want to put on a better performance?  Do you feel pressure to put on a better performance since you said that?  What do you think about that?

 

A. Stevenson

I’m not going to put pressure on myself.  “Superman” doesn’t feel pressure. I’m going to use my boxing skill, and I’m going to use my head in the ring. I don’t have to put pressure on something like that.  I don’t feel like that. I’m the man.  I’m the guy to get beat.

 

Q

Was Sakio Bika the first opponent they offered to you?

 

A. Stevenson

Yeah, it was the first.  He was the first to open.  We’re happy, and we don’t have a problem.  And I know Sakio he was light–no, super middleweight champion.  It’s very good, because he’s a good boxer. He was champion last two fights.  That’s a good opportunity for him, too, to go from light a heavyweight to fight me.  And it’s a good opportunity for me, too.

 

Q

I want to ask you at what point did you say to yourself, “I have to fight,” or “I want to fight Sergey Kovalev to unify all the belts in the division.”  At what point did you say that in your career?

 

A. Stevenson

I don’t think about Kovalev now.  I think about Bika. It doesn’t matter what I said now because I have a fight coming up with Bika.  But, sure I want to fight for titles, but now–for now I’ve got Bika in my face.

 

Q

You were not impressed with the way that Kovalev looked in the fight the other week against Pascal. Why?

 

A. Stevenson

I’m not impressed by it because this is the first big fight Pascal had since Bernard and he fights one time a year before Bernard Hopkins.  So, in four years he fights one time.  So, that’s why I’m not impressed about that, because Pascal is not an active boxer like he used to be back in the day.

 

Q

You know that Kovalev, because of the WBC is going to be mandatory.  I want to know how hard will you press for that mandatory if you’re successful again.

 

A. Stevenson

Of course, I know. I’m ready to fight a title.  But, I let my team, Al Haymon, care about that. Then after that Kovalev we can unify the title.  It’s not a problem for me because the two titles he gets now he gets Bernard Hopkins’ title, and I should fight Bernard Hopkins.

 

Q

This is a fight that’s going to be on national television in the United States, free TV.  Have you given any thought about the fact that you’ll be performing in front of an audience probably bigger than has ever seen you fight ever?

 

A. Stevenson

Of course.  This is a good opportunity for that.  And first of all, I want to thank Al Haymon for that, too, because, that’s him putting on the show.  And since Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, back in the day it was free.  Now, we offer the public the fight for free and that’s a great opportunity for me.  So, I have a good performance for Sakio Bika.  But, I know Sakio Bika is a tough opponent and he’s very awkward and tough.  We’ll prepare for that, and we’re ready. It’s also very good for the young kids, watching the fight. It’s a good opportunity for everybody.

 

Q

With that big potential audience watching wouldn’t that put you in a position where you’re looking for a knockout?

 

A. Stevenson

Of course.  That gives me a lot of motivation.  That’s why I train really hard for this fight and watch–so people watch me.  Since Muhammad Ali, I’m the first to be poor and the projects.  So, I’m very, very happy, and I’m going to put a good performance.  Like Emanuel said, knockouts sell.

 

Q

Adonis, where are you training this week?  And then, when are you actually going to Quebec City?

 

A. Stevenson

You know I opened a new gym in Quebec City.  This is a good opportunity for me to train in my hometown.  This is the first time since 2011. I can see my kid, too.  So, I love that.  And we train very hard, me and my trainer. We put the hard work pay off.  This is different.  This is a good opportunity for me, and I love that.

 

Q

So, you’re in Quebec City now then?

 

A. Stevenson

I’m in Montreal now.  Quebec City, I’m going this week.

 

Q

So, when will you actually go to Quebec City?

 

A. Stevenson

Sunday.

 

Q

Again, my question goes to Adonis.  I just want to know if a knockout is the result that you absolutely need or would you be disappointed if you didn’t win by a knockout against Bika?

 

A. Stevenson

I know Bika is a tough opponent.  So, I’m prepared for 12 rounds. If the knockout is there, it’s there.  If it’s not, it’s not.  But, in the ring, I’m looking for the knockout.  So, it doesn’t matter for me, but I’m always looking for the knockout.  That’s a Kronk.  The Kronk Gym and my team we’re looking for that.  Since the Kronk it’s been a while.  They’re always looking for the knockout.  If you’re training in the Kronk Gym and any fighter is looking for the knockout.

 

Q

But, it can be dangerous to always be looking for a knockout because then if you don’t get it as quickly as you want then you can get away from your style of boxing.  Is that something that worries you?

 

A. Stevenson

We can go 12 round.  It’s not a problem for me.  We train for that.  We train for that.  I can go 12 round.  And I’m from Kronk Gym, Detroit.  And this place, we have a good, good trainer like Emanuel “Sugar” Hill.  They know boxing.  They teach me very well my skill and everything and my balance.  They know boxing.  And so, they know if the knockout is not there, but we’re going to work.  We’re going to use the good ability to go for 12 rounds.  It’s not a problem.

 

Q

Sakio, I just want to know, how does it feel for you in this training camp to train for a light heavyweight fight after having spent pretty much your entire career at a super middleweight?

 

S. Bika

I feel it was a new challenge to go up and try to fight the big bull. When you see my regimen, nobody ever wants to fight me. It was always a little bit difficult because people don’t want to fight me. For me it’s a big challenge because Stevenson, Adonis is a great champion and I want to become the world champion in life. I’m very sure I can handle him. And come April 4, because I have a good preparation, , a great sparing partner, I just looking for you to see how I can handle the big bull. Adonis is the first one for me at this weight,  but I just feel confident, I feel positive. I’m ready, you know, to go there and show the people in the world I can beat Adonis Stevenson on April 4. I want to tell the big bull.  I want to move up in light heavyweight division, andApril 4 people are going to be see it.

 

Q

Does the weight feel better for you?  Do you see yourself staying at light heavyweight?

 

S. Bika

I see myself like a light heavyweight. I see myself at light heavyweight because you see so many world champions. For me just it’s just a challenge.  I want to challenge myself. I can do light heavy easy. It would be a struggle to do super middleweight.  You know, I can do light heavyweight really easily. I can handle the big bull, because I handle everyone. This is a big opportunity for me to try to see if can I handle the big bull.  I can handle Adonis. come April 4, I will try to test myself.  You all ready? I’m ready. I have a good preparation,. We train very hard for this fight. I’m just looking to come to Quebec and take care of business.

 

Q

At the same time you were at the Sergey Kovalev/Jean Pascal fight, and you went over to HBO commentator at the time, Bernard Hopkins, and you told him that you guarantee that you will fight Sergey Kovalev.  I wanted to see what your answer was to what you think of Sergey Kovalev and his performance on Saturdaynight a couple of weekends ago.

 

A. Stevenson

Pascal doesn’t matter now because we’re talking about Bika. I go to fight April 4 with Bika. It’s a very tough thing about Bika and Kovalev is not a person now when I think about the fight with Kovalev and Pascal and then after I said, “Well, yeah, I’m going to fight.”  He’s not a person for me now.  The person now is Bika.

 

Q

You guaranteed that your next fight would be against Kovalev back in May of last year after 12 rounds against Fonfara.  You beat Fonfara. 

 

A. Stevenson

You can’t guarantee.  It’s not working like that.  It’s not football.  It’s not hockey. And one punch can change anything.  So now I got Bika in my face, and I’m very focused with Bika, because I know this guy gives problems to all the champions.  He was champion.  And I know this fighter is tough.

 

L. Milner

Okay.  Gentlemen, thank you so much for your time.  I think this call really set in motion a great week and a half heading into the fight.  So, thank you so much.  We’re going to switch over to Mr. Beterbiev.

 

Artur Beterbiev

 

I like my training, and I am training hard.  And it was all planned.  So, it all went according to the plan. It’s a serious opponent. I can’t wait to have that fight.

 

Q

Artur, you defeated Sergey Kovalev in the amateurs.  What do you think of him as far as a professional opponent right now?

 

A. Beterbiev

Taking into consideration all his statements that he recently produced, I would like to meet with him and put him back in his place in professional.

 

Q

What do you remember about him as a guy who’s fighting you?  What do you remember?

 

A. Beterbiev

I have a very good memory.  So, I did beat him twice in the amateur ranks, but I’m more focused on the future right now. I would like to beat him again.

 

Q

Artur, could you describe how you feel your career is going up at this point? 

 

A. Beterbiev

I like the way I’ve been led in my professional career. I’m training everyday and working everyday and always thinking about that. I always try to improve and improve my not that strong parts, as part of my preparation.I’m not a future teller.  So, I’m ready to meet all the solid opponents.  And I’m ready for the championship of the world, and I’m ready for any case scenario.

 

Q

Is there any interest in you fighting the winner of Stevenson/Bika?

 

A. Beterbiev

I could fight anybody.

 

Q

What do you think of Campillo and what kind of challenges does Campillo presents to you because he has so much more professional experience than he has?

 

A. Beterbiev

Yes, I have a lot of respect for Campillo because he’s very experienced.  For sure he has more experience than I do.  He has experience winning and losing, and he’s a solid opponent, but the fight’s going to show if his professional language could help him in this fight.

 

Q

What do you learn from a knockdown?

 

A Beterbiev

I don’t think that was a knockdown.  I just lost my balance for an instant. I recovered right away instantly.  But I still think that this is a good lesson for me for this not to happen in the future.  And I’m going to try to avoid any dangerous situations in my future.

 

Q

How do you see Campillo, what kind of a fighter is he, and is there any part of his style–any elements of his style that can be worrisome?

 

A. Beterbiev

This is a solid opponent.He’s working very well, very experienced at attack.  He’s very experienced at defense. The fight is going to show what’s going to happen.

 

L. Milner

Okay, great.  Thank you.  Thank you, Artur.  Thanks everybody for being on.  A special thanks to the media.  This is a great show April 4th on regular CBS, PBC on CBS right from Quebec City.  So, thank you so much and have a great day.

 

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PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Stevenson and Bika, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.
Tickets are on sale now at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @yvonmichelgym, @AdonisSuperman and @Sakio_Bika, follow the conversation using #StevensonBika, become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.