Tag Archives: Rob Brant

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New WBA Middleweight Champion Rob Brant Basking in the Glow, but Ready for ‘Next Assignment’

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Brand-new WBA World Middleweight Champion Rob “Bravo” Brant says he goes everywhere with his new best friend. “The belt hasn’t left my side since they handed it to me,” laughs the personable new champion from Saint Paul, Minnesota.

 

 

 

28-year-old Brant (24-1, 16 KOs) says he went into his main-event showdown with then champion Ryota Murata (14-2, 11 KOs), last Saturday night at the Park MGM in Las Vegas (and live on ESPN+), unaware he was such a heavy underdog.

 

 

 

“I really did go into it very confident I would win, just off the preparations we did,” said Brant, who was having his first fight with former world champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad as his trainer. “I tried to stay away from news when I was in training, so I had no idea how big of an underdog I was. We had a post-fight press conference and that was when I found out. When reporters were asking about it. I had no idea. It wouldn’t have deterred me anyway if I had known.”

 

 

 

Despite the doubts of the bookmakers, Brant cruised to a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision over 2012 Olympic gold medalist Murata, with two judges giving him all but one round, the other all but two. Brant busted up the now ex-champion with a piston-like jab and peppered him with combinations throughout what turned out to be a surprisingly dominant performance.

 

 

 

According to CompuBox statistics, Brant landed 356 of 1,262 punches (28 percent) while Murata connected with just 180 of 774 (23 percent).

 

 

 

“As a pro, he hasn’t seen what I gave him,” explained Brant. We knew he had a hard time with hand speed and jabs. He locks up when punches are being thrown, so we made sure we kept him backing up and worried about the jab and punches in general. The more he thinks about my shots, the less he throws. We knew we’d be able to keep him on his back foot. Eddie Mustafa is very strict on letting the hands go. We were big on the cardio in training and keeping the punch rate high. And when you’re keeping the jab out there all the time, other shots open up.”

 

 

 

Brant says at fight’s end, he wasn’t worried about the decision going his way.

 

 

 

“I’ve always felt that judges’ decisions are out of my hands. I was nervous about it, you don’t know until they announce your name, but I knew I had done what I felt was my best work. I had a great sense of pride and relief knowing I put it all out there and did everything possible to win. But now that I have won, it’s kind of like having giant weight lifted off my shoulders. It’s definitely my biggest accomplishment ever, winning in Vegas against a former Olympic gold medallist. It’s everything I ever worked for. It was the best feeling in the world. I knew how much I worked for that. Boxing gives back what you put into it and I put my everything into it.”

 

 

 

Although Brant and promoters GCP reportedly agreed to a rematch before the fight, the new champion says he’s not sure the now ex-champion wants it.

 

 

 

“All the talk of a rematch has been from his promoters. I haven’t heard him say anything about it. He might be a little discouraged right now. I’m not saying he won’t be able to come back, but I don’t think he wants it right now. I’ll just go on to bigger and better in the division. Once you win a title, there are no more easy fights. Until you are the undisputed king, you’re always taking steps up in class in every fight.”

 

 

 

Brant says he took a week off but is now back in the gym and ready for what comes next.

 

 

 

“I’m just waiting for the next assignment to work toward. I want to know who my next opponent is as soon as possible, so I can go to sleep at night thinking of what I’m going to do. Watching film and looking for flaws and things I can exploit. That’s when I‘m really the most comfortable. When I have an assignment. It’ll be a big name eventually. I’m there now. So I’m just waiting to see who is next for me to spend all my time watching that person.”

 

 

 

Brant gives a big piece of the credit for his upset victory to the only man to ever beat him. Last October, he stepped up in weight to participate in the World Boxing Super Series as a super middleweight and lost a one-sided decision to former light heavyweight champion Juergen Braehmer in Germany.

 

 

 

“The thought of what happened against Braehmer was always in the background. That’s what really motivated me to be the best I could in this fight. I knew I was better than I was in that fight. I had to prove it by doing what I’m capable of. The loss to Braehmer will be in the back of my mind forever. I won’t let anyone else do that to me again. I will never forget that loss and I’ve been a better fighter from that point forward.”

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Mason Menard training hard for Haney showdown

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Beverly Hills, Calif. (April 25,2018) – Lightweight contender Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) is training very hard for his upcoming battle with undefeated Devin Haney (18-0, 12 KOs)  that will headline a ShoBox: The New Generation card, live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET / PT) on Friday, May 11th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

Menard has set up training camp in Dallas, Texas for this important battle, which is now for the USBA Lightweight title.

 

 

 

“Training Camp is Dallas is going great.  I’m feeling comfortable with my new team around me, and being around elite guys in the gym like Errol Spence, Jermell Charlo, Rob Brant and Cem Kilic has made me a better fighter,” said Menard.  “My only real loss was to world champion Ray Beltran. May 11th can’t come soon enough because I am ready to show the boxing world that Devin Haney is taking too big of a step up, and I am back.”

 

 

 

This will be the first bout with new Manager, Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset Management.

 

 

 

 

“I am excited for Mason’s return to the ring.  With a new management team around him, a repaired shoulder, an elite trainer and quality sparring partners, fight fans will see an improved Mason Menard on May 11th,” said Shapiro, CEO of No Limit Mindset.  “I truly believe that being in the gym with guys like Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo for entire camp will bring out the best in Mason.  Devin Haney is a great fighter, and has a lot of hype around him, but come fight night, he will realize that he took too big of a step up in opposition.”

 

 

 

 

Menard is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on No Limit Mindset, LLC, contact:

 

 

 

 

Shane Shapiro

 

 

 

Phone: (310) 770 – 9077

Shane@NoLimitMNDST.com

www.nlmindset.com

 

 

 

boxing, Super Channel, World Boxing Super Series

TODAY: WBSS Semifinals finale Super Middleweights in Germany: Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken

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WBSS Semifinals finale
Super Middleweights in Germany
 
Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS AFTERNOON
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) Callum Smith & Nieky Holzken
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (February 24, 2018) – This afternoon in the semifinals round finale of the incredibly entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament, undefeated challengersCallum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond champion, and late replacement Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), square-off in the 12-round super middleweight bout, at Nurnberger Versicherung Arena in Nuremburg, Germany.
The Smith vs. Holzken card, starting at 2 p.m. ET, will air live in Canada, exclusively on Super Channel.
Holzken, an undefeated Dutch prospect, replaced two-time world champion Juergen Braehmer, of Germany, who withdrew earlier this week from the WBSS semifinals match due to illness.
The Smith-Holzken winner will advance to the WBSS super middleweight championship final against World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion “Sir” George Groves (28-3, KOs), of the United Kingdom, June 2at The O2 Arena in London, in a battle for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive 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 27-year-old Smith, fighting out of the United Kingdom, won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Erik Skoglund in the WBSS quarterfinals to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond super middleweight title.
“I came here to book a place in the final,” Smith said. “I have had a really good camp and I have improved on stuff from the last fight and people will see a better performance from me. People will see that I am good enough to win the tournament. I just want to win, win well, and look good doing it.
“I always knew from the start of the tournament that there was a massive opportunity that George (Groves) would be waiting in the final. But, for now, I am fully focused on Nieky, and then I can talk more about Groves after the fight.”
Holzken, 34, was preparing to fight Dmitri Chudinov in Saturday’s WBSS Super Middleweight Substitute Fight.
“It’s great to be here,” Holzken commented. “My life has been like a rollercoaster the last days. I was preparing to fight Dmitrii Chudnov, and on Monday I got a call that Juergen Braehmer was out. So, this is a lifetime opportunity and I will take the opportunity with both hands, I’m ready!
“Callum is a good fighter and respectful guy, but I am a big believer, and I believe I can get the victory on Saturday. I am going to do my best to beat him and my best to win the whole tournament.”
Five exciting fights on the “Smith-Holzken” card, presented by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
 
TODAY’S WBSS LINE-UP ON SUPER CHANNEL
MAIN EVENT – WBSS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SEMIFINALS – 12 ROUNDS
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom, 167.5 lbs. (76,0 kg)
vs.
Nieky Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands, 167.5 lbs. (76,0 kg)
CO-FEATURE – WBSS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SUBSTITUTE FIGHT – 10 ROUNDS
Dmitrii Chudinov (20-2-2, 13 KOs), Russia
vs.
Siarhei Khamitski (30-14-3, 14 KOs), Belarus
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
Filip Hrgovic (3-0, 3 KOs), 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Croatia
vs.
Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-1, 8 KOs), Ireland
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
James Kraft (13-0, 9 KOs), Former WBC Youth Light Heavyweight Champion, Germany
vs.
Bernard Donfack (23-17-3, 11 KOs), Germany by way of Cameroon
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Leon Bauer (12-0-1, 8 KOs), Germany
vs.
Marco Miano (6-5 (2 KOs), Italy
SWING BOUT
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Tony Kraft (12-0-1, 4 KOs), Germany
vs.
Jozsef Racz (7-20-1, 2 KOs), Hungary
(all fights & fighters subject to change)
 
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
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.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), Russia
WTKO12
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-1, 20 KOs), Cuba
(Gassiev retained his IBF title and won WBA championship)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom
WDEC12 (117-112, 116-112, 115-113)
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom
(Groves retained his WBA title and won IBO championship)
 
February 24, Nurnberger Versicherung Arena, Nuremburg, Germany
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
vs.
Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
CRUISERWEIGHTS
 
May 11, 2018, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – WBC/WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), WBO/WBC Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), WBA/IBF Champion, Russia – Ring #2
June 2, 2018, The O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom, WBA/IBO Champion – Ring #2
vs.
Callum Smith-Nieky Holzken winner
Connect with Super Channel:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel
 
About MP & Silva
 
MP & Silva is a full service global sports media agency that connects passionate fans with clubs, broadcasters and brands. Founded in 2004, the company has rapidly grown to become a key participant in the global sports marketplace. The company prides itself on using its global team to create value and deliver tailored solutions for its clients and partners; distributing media rights of some of the world’s most prestigious sports events, offering a broad set of sponsorship consultancy services and providing a range of digital services and technology solutions. Headquartered in London and Singapore, MP & Silva has international offices in Beijing, Budapest, Dubai, Dublin, Luxembourg, Monaco, Munich, New York, Paris, Tokyo and Warsaw.
 
Connect with MP & Silva
 
Website: www.mpsilva.com          
Twitter: @MPSWorldwide
boxing, Super Channel, World Boxing Super Series

WBSS Semifinals finale Super Middleweights in Germany:  Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken

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AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) – Nieky Holzken & Callum Smith
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (February 21, 2018) – World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond champion Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs) takes on late replacement Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs) this Saturday in the last World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinals-round match in the super middleweight division, at Nurnberger Versicherung Arena in Nuremburg, Germany
The Smith vs. Holzken card, starting at 2 p.m. ET, will air live in Canada, exclusively on Super Channel.
Holzken, an undefeated Dutch prospect, has replaced two-time world champion Juergen Braehmer, of Germany, who withdrew from the WBSS semifinals match due to illness.
“I have been battling a feverish infection since Sunday,” Braehmer explained. “Unfortunately, a fight in this state is out of the questions. It is not possible for me to go into the ring like this and I would like to apologize to my fans. I was well prepared and looking forward to fighting Callum.”
The Smith-Holzken winner will advance to the WBSS super middleweight championship final against World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion “Sir” George Groves (28-3, KOs), of the United Kingdom, June 2at The O2 Arena in London, in a battle for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive 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.
Smith was the least tested WBSS semifinalist in terms of having faced quality opponents, as well as the youngest at 27. The undefeated Brit is one of four fighting Smith brothers.
In the WBSS quarterfinals, Smith took a 12-round unanimous decision from previously unbeaten Erik Skoglund to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond super middleweight title.
“I gave an interview last week and said it was great there have been no drop-outs,” Smith said. “Looks like I spoke too soon. We got the call as we were boarding the plane. I am committed to fighting Saturday and will fight whoever the World Boxing Super series puts in front of me.”
The 34-year-old Holzken was preparing to fight Dmitri Chudinov in Saturday’s WBSS Super Middleweight Substitute Fight. He has had only four scheduled 10-round matches during his five-year professional career, the most notable being a win by 10-round unanimous decision in 2016 over Farouk Daku (20-9-1) for the vacant BeNeLux super middleweight title.
Holzken is determined to make the most of this opportunity by upsetting Smith, despite his obvious leap in class. “I’ve been waiting for this chance to come,” Holzken commented. “I signed up as a substitute fighter, so I’m in great shape and prepared for Saturday. I’ve watched Callum fight many times. I study everyone in my weight class. He’s a good, solid fighter. We’re both big body punchers. It will make for an excellent fight. Callum, you better be ready, because I am, and I’m coming to beat you!”

Five exciting fights on the “Smith-Holzken” card, presented by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
In the 10-round WBSS Substitute Fight, Dmitrii “Night Wolf” Chudinov (20-2, 13 KOs), of Russia, faces an opponent to be determined in the co-featured event. 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovic (3-0, 3 KOs), of Croatia, faces Irishman Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout; former WBC Youth light heavyweight champion James Kraft (13-0, 9 KOs), of Germany, meets Cameroon native Bernard Donfack (23-17-3, 11 KOs) in an eight round super middleweight match; 19-year-old German super middleweight Leon Bauer (12-0-1, 8 KOs) squares off with Marco Miano (6-6, 2 KOs), of Italy, in a six-round fight to open the Super Channel broadcast. A six-round “swing bout” between German super middleweight Toni Kraft(12-0-1, 4 Kos) and Hungarian Jozsef Racz (7-20-1, 2 KOs) may also be aired.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), Russia
WTKO12
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-1, 20 KOs), Cuba
(Gassiev retained his IBF title and won WBA championship)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom
WDEC12 (117-112, 116-112, 115-113)
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom
(Groves retained his WBA title and won IBO championship)
 
February 24, Nurnberger Versicherung Arena, Nuremburg, Germany
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
vs.
Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
CRUISERWEIGHTS
 
May 11, 2018, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – WBC/WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), WBO/WBC Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), WBA/IBF Champion, Russia – Ring #2
June 2, 2018, The O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom, WBA/IBO Champion – Ring #2
vs.
Callum Smith-Nieky Holzken winner
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
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.
boxing, Super Channel, World Boxing Super Series

Undefeated cruiserweight world champions Murat Gassiev vs. Yunier Dorticos World Boxing Super Series semifinals

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AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) – Yunier Doricos & Murat Gassiev
(Pictures courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (January 31, 2018) – The ultra-entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinals-round concludes this Saturday, when undefeated world champions Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs) throw-down in a unification fight, at Bolshov Ice Dome in Adler, Russia.
Like all WBSS action, the Gassiev-Dorticos card will air live in Canada, starting at 2 p.m. ET, exclusively on Super Channel.
The Gassiev-Dorticos winner will advance this May to the WBSS championship final in Saudi Arabia, to fight WBO/WBC world champion Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), winner of this past Saturday’s WBSS semifinals match against Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs). The WBSS’Muhammad Ali Trophy winner will become the first world cruiserweight champion to hold all four major championship belts at the same time.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive 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 23-year-old Gassiev captured his International Boxing Federation (IBF) crown a year ago with a 12-round split decision victory over three-time world cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (29-1). In the WBSS quarterfinals, Gassiev knocked out two-time world cruiserweight champion Krsysztof Wlodarczysk (53-3-1) in the third round of his initial world title defense.
Dorticos is a well-schooled fighter,” Gassiev noted. “”He has many amateur fights, good speed, and fast hands. He is a great opponent and I have prepared for 12 tough rounds.

“The World Boxing Super Series is a great tournament that gives me the opportunity to unify all the cruiserweight titles. On Saturday, I am going to take another step towards that dream in front of my proud countrymen.”
A Cuban defector who now lives in Miami, Florida, Dorticos stopped interim World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight champion Youri Kalenga (22-2) in the 10th round of their 2016 fight, and he was later elevated to “regular” WBA world champion. Dorticos put Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1) to sleep in the second round of their WBSS quarterfinals match.
“I’m ready to show Gassiev what a champion looks like and give him a challenge he’s never faced before. I want to take his belt. In other words; Gassiev is my next victim. I am preparing my body and soul for the most important fight in my career. Because the only thing I’m going to accept is the victory.
“I have worked hard to be able to be a part of this tournament, I have worked hard to be able to prove that I am the best cruiserweight in the world. I believe I am the best in the world, and I can’t wait to fight again and show the fans all over the world once again what ‘The KO Doctor’ is about.”
Six fights, including four championship matches on the “Gassiev vs. Dorticos” card, which is promoted by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
In the co-featured event, Russian strongman Maksim Vlosov (41-2, 24 KOs) takes on 2008 Nigerian Olympian Olanreqaju Dorolola (27-4, 25 KOs) in the 12-round WBSS Cruiserweight Substitute Fight for the vacant WBC Silver title.   Plus, former world champion Fedor Chudinov(16-2, 11 KOs), of Russia, puts his WBA International super middleweight crown on the line in a 12-round fight against unbeaten 21-year-old American challenger Bobby Gunn, Jr. (9-0, 7 KOs), whose father, Bobby Gunn, is a bare knuckles champion; and WBA International bantamweight titlist Mikhail Aloyan (3-0-0), of Russia by way of Armenia, faces unbeaten Nicaraguan Alexander Espinoza (15-0-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder.   Two swing bouts are also slated: Basir Abakarov (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Denis Bakhtov (39-12, 26 KOs) in a 10-round battle of Russian heavyweights, and a four-round heavyweight match between Russian prospect Tair Kelekhsaev(1-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs), IBF World Champion, Russia – Ring #2
vs.
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, Cuba – Ring #5
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #2
vs.
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #4
 
February 24, Arena Nurnberger Versicherung, Nuremburg, Germany
Juergen Braehmer (49-3 35 KOs), Germany – Ring #10
(Former WBO & WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion)
vs.
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
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.
boxing, Super Channel, World Boxing Super Series

Undefeated cruiserweight world champions Oleksandr Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis opens World Boxing Super Series semifinals

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Undefeated cruiserweight world champions
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis
World Boxing Super Series semifinals
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS AFTERNOON
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

Mairis Briedis (L) & Oleksandr Usyk
(photo courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (January 27, 2018) — Unbeaten cruiserweight world champions Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk and Mairis Briedis open the entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinals today in Latvia, starting at 2 p.m. ET, live exclusively on Super Channel in Canada.

Super Channel acquired the exclusive 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.
 
Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Cruiserweight World Champion is a
two-time Ukrainian Olympian, who captured gold medals at the 2012 Olympics and 2011 World Championships, twice defeating current International Boxing Federation (IBF) Light Heavyweight World Champion Artur Beterbiev, the two-time Russian Olympian now based in Montreal.
“I am going to entertain the crowd at the Arena Riga,” Usyk said. “That I can promise! I have worked on some new thing and Saturday you will see what I’m talking about.”
Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World Champion, will be fighting in his hometown in front of an expected crowd of 10,000.
“My team is doing everything to take pressure off my shoulders,” Briedis commented. “We are just concentrating on the fight. My dream is to deliver a fight that can go into the Boxing Hall of Fame.”
The Usyk-Briedis world title unification winner will advance to the WBSS championship final in May to fight the winner of the other WBSS semifinals match, Feb. 3 in Russia, between IBF World Champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs).
.
Five exciting fights on the “Usyk vs. Briedis” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.
 
TODAY’S WBSS LINE-UP ON SUPER CHANNEL
MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS – WBSS SEMIFINALS
WBO/WBC UNIFICATION CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), WBO Champion, Russia (90,4 kg (199.3 lbs.)
vs.
Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), WBC Champion, Latvia 90,3 kg (199.1 lbs.)
CO-FEATURE – WBSS CRUISERWEIGHT SUBSTITUTE FIGHT – 12 ROUNDS
Noel Gevor (23-1, 10 KOs), Germany by way of Armenia
vs.
Olanrewaju Durodola (27-4, 25 KOs), 2008 Olympian, Nigeria
WBC INTERNATIONAL SILVER LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP — 10 ROUNDS
Yoann Kongolo (10-0, 4 KOs), Switzerland, Champion
vs.
Andrejs Pokumeiko (15-12-1, 11 KOs), Latvia
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
Filip Hrgovic (2-0, 2 KOs), 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Croatia
vs.
Tom Little (10-4, 3 KOs), United Kingdom
CRUISERWEIGHT – 8 ROUNDS (Swing Bout)
Nikolais Grisunins (6-0-1, 3 KOs), Latvia
vs.
Jozsef Darmos (8-1-1, 7 KOs), Hungary
(All fights and fighters are subject to change)
 
 
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
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.
 
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), WBO World Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), WBC World Champion, Latvia – Ring #3
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unificatiion
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs), IBF World Champion, Russia – Ring #2
vs.
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, Cuba – Ring #5
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #2
vs.
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #4
 
February 24, Arena Nurnberger Versicherung, Nuremburg, Germany
Juergen Braehmer (49-3 35 KOs), Germany – Ring #10
(Former WBO & WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion)
vs.
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
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
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World Boxing Super Series Semifinals

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LIVE IN CANADA
STARTING THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
EDMONTON, Canada (January 22, 2018) – Super Channel, the No. 1 destination network for Canadian boxing fans, will air the upcoming semifinals of the popular World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament, featuring world-class cruiserweight and super middleweight divisions action, live from various venues in Europe.
Super Channel acquired exclusive rights in Canada to air the entire WBSS tournament from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
“We are thrilled that the WBSS is returning to Super Channel for exclusive Canadian coverage of the highly anticipated semifinals,” said Troy Wassill, Director of Programming, Domestic Distributors and Sports.  “I have no doubt that every single bout is going to deliver exciting, must-see action for boxing fans, as these world-class fighters compete to see who is going to go head-to-head for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.”
WBSSis a revolutionary bracket-style elimination tournament featuring the world’s best boxers and a total of $50 million in prize money. The knockout format of the competition will see the best boxers ultimately compete for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, the greatest prize in boxing. The tournament is organized by newly-founded Comosa AG, a Swiss-registered company with principal owners Highlight Event & Entertainment, Modern Times Group and Team Sauerland. Comosa AG is working in partnership with boxers, promoters and managers around the world, and in alignment with the four major world boxing federations, to create a new global platform for the sport.
The first of its kind tournament, which is planned to take place on an annual basis, kicked off this past September with quarterfinals competition in two divisions, cruiserweight and super middleweight. An expert panel invited the world’s best boxers to compete, namely the top 15-ranked fighters of the four major federations: WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO. The winners of the two semifinals will advance to the championship round in both divisions this May.
Below find the WBSS semifinals schedule and a preview of the four matches and eight fighters who survived the quarterfinals:
 
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), WBO World Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), WBC World Champion, Latvia – Ring #3
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unificatiion
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs), IBF World Champion, Russia –
Ring #2
vs.
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), WBA World
Champion, Cuba – Ring #5
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #2
vs.
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #4
 
February 24, Arena Nurnberger Versicherung, Nuremburg, Germany
Juergen Braehmer (49-3 35 KOs), Germany – Ring #10
(Former WBO & WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion)
vs.
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
(picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
The two winners in the cruiserweight semifinals will become the first unified world cruiserweight champion since Evander Holyfield in 1987. The eventual WBSS cruiserweight world champion will become the first ever to hold all four major sanctioning body titles – WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO — at the same time.
The four cruiserweight semifinalists, who represent four different countries, have a combined record of 83-0 with 68 knockouts. They are also the top three and fifth-highest ranked cruiserweights in the world by The Ring magazine’s independent ratings.
 
CRUISERWEIGHT SEMIFINALISTS
 
OLEKSANDR USYK: Captured the WBO cruiserweight world title January 17, 2016, by way of a 12-round unanimous decision over undefeated, defending champion Krzysztof Glowacki (26-0).
WBSS: In his third WBO title defense, he stopped former two-time WBO world champion Marco Huck (40-4-1) in the 11th round.
Note: 2-time Ukraine Olympian…. 2012 Olympics and 2011 World Championship gold medalist….twice defeated current IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev – Russia-native now fighting out of Montreal — in the 2012 Olympics and 2011 World Championships.
World Title Fight Record: 4-0 (2 KOs)
Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-0 (1), defeated Glowacki and Huck
MAIRIS BRIEDIS: He became WBC world cruiserweight champion April 1, 2017, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Huck.
WBSS: Won a 12-round unanimous decision from Mike Perez (22-2-1) in his first title defense.
Note: Former professional kickboxer…..also the reigning IBA world cruiserweight champion.
World Title Fight Record: 2-0 (0 KOs)
Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-0 (1 KO), defeated Huck & Manuel Charr
 
MURAT GASSIEV: Won a 12-round split decision December 3, 2016 against three-time world cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (29-1) to capture the IBF title.
WBSS: Knocked out former 2-time world cruiserweight champion Krsysztof Wlodarczysk (53-3-1) in the third round of his first title defense.
Note: Now lives in Big Bear, California, which is known for its rugged training center in the mountains.
World Title Fight Record: 2-0 (1 KO)
Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-0 (1 KO), defeated Lebedev & Wlodarczysk
YUNIER DORTICOS: Knocked out interim WBA cruiserweight Youri Kalenga (22-2) May 20, 2016 in the 10th round and later upgraded to “regular” WBA world champion.
WBSS: Stopped Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1) in the second round of his first world title defense.
Note: Defected to the USA from Cuba, where he was a member of the famed Cuban National Team, and he lives and trains in Miami, Florida.
World Title Fight Record: 2-0 (2 KOs)*
Record vs. current or former world champions: 1-0 (1 KO)*, defeated Kalenga
*includes interim WBA title fight
The super middleweight semifinal round is like a Battle of Britain with three Brits – George Groves,Chris Eubank, Jr. and Callum Smith – and German Juergen Braehmer. All four are ranked among The Ring magazine’s top 10.
SUPER MIDDELEWEIGHT SEMIFINALISTS
GEORGE GROVES: Knocked out defending world champion Fedor Chudinov (14-1) on May 27, 2017 in the sixth round to capture the WBA super middleweight world title.
WBSS: Stopped previously undefeated Jaime Cox in the fourth round.
Note: All three of his career pro losses have been to world champions Carl Froch twice and Badou Jack.
World Title Fight Record: 2-3 (2 KOs)
Record vs. current or former world champions: 3-3 (1 KO), defeated
James DeGale, Glen Johnson & Chudinov.
CHRIS EUBANK, JR.: Crowned IBO super middleweight champ February 4, 2017, when he knocked out Renold Quinlan (11-1) in the 10th round, and successfully defended his title July 15, 2017 with a 12-round unanimous decision win over 3-time, 2-division world champion Arthur Abraham (46-5).
WBSS: Defended his IBO belt with a third-round knockout of Avni Yildirim (16-0).
Note: The son of 2-time, 2-division world champion Chris Eubank, who manages his son’s career.
World Title Fight Record: 3-0 (2 KOs)*
Record vs. current or former world champions: 1-0 (0 KOs), defeated Abraham.
*includes 3 IBO world title fights
JUERGEN BRAEHMER: Former WBA and WBO light heavyweight champion of the world who dropped down one weight class for the WBSS tournament.
WBSS: Won a 12-round unanimous decision from previously unbeaten American Rob Brant(22-0).
Note: Hadn’t fought as a super middleweight in 10-years prior to the WBSS quarterfinals…30-1 (24 KOs) as a super middleweight and he avenged his lone loss…. two other career losses were to world champions Hugo Hernan Garay and Nathan Cleverly….at 39 the oldest WBSS semifinalist.
World Title Fight Record: 9-1 (6 KOs)*
Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-2 (0 KOs), defeated Javier Velasquez &Enzo Maccarinelli
CALLUM SMITH: The least tested WBSS semifinalist in terms of having faced quality opponents, in addition to being the youngest WBSS semifinalist at the age of 27.
WBSS: Took a 12-round unanimous decision from previously undefeated Erik Sjoglund (26-0).
Note: Has three brothers who are also pro boxers: Paul, Stephen and Liam….the holder of numerous regional titles including WBC International, Silver and Diamond, as well as European super middleweight champion.
World Title Fight Record: 0-0
Record vs. current or former world champions: 0-0
 
All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to the WSBB quarterfinals, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 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.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Juergen Braehmer vs. Robert Brant WBSS super middleweight quarterfinals

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Juergen Braehmer vs. Robert Brant
LIVE ON SUPER CHANNEL IN CANADA
2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT
 
Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 * Schwerin, Germany
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS FRIDAY    
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(pictures courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (October 25, 2017) – The final quarterfinals round match-up of the entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament is on tap this Friday when former two-time world light heavyweight champion Juergen Braehmer faces undefeated challenger Rob “Bravo” Brant, airing exclusively in Canada on Super Channel, live from Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany.
The “Braehmer vs. Brant” card, starting at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT,completes live quarterfinals coverage of the WBSS tournament for Canadian boxing fans, exclusively on Canada’s boxing destination network, 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 39-year-old Braehmer (48-3, 35 KOs) is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) world light heavyweight champion who has dropped down in weight to compete in the WBSS super middleweight tournament.
The hard-hitting German is 9-1 in world title fights and the skilled southpaw has defeated two world champions, Hector Javier Velazco and Enzo Maccarinelli. Braehmer will also have the advantage of fighting Brant at home.
“I am very excited that this bout is going to take place in my hometown of Schwerin,” Braehmer said. “In short, I cannot wait to start my journey to win the Ali Trophy. I feel good, top motivated. “I am not underestimating Brant, but I am in this tournament to win it. At the age of 39, this is my last chance to achieve something big, and I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.”
 (L-R) — Juergen Braehmer & Rob Brant
Brant (22-0, 15 KOs), fighting out of Saint Paul, Minnesota, was the only American boxer selected to compete in the WBSS. Unlike Braehmer, however, Brant has moved up one weight class to participate in the WBSS tournament. He is the reigning North American Boxing Association (NABA) middleweight champion.
“Braehmer is well accomplished and a proven boxer worldwide with star power in his own country,” the 27-year-old underdog Brant noted. “I have no problem going into his backyard for a fight, he is a seeded fighter in this tournament.
“I feel this is a pure crossroads fight containing a proven well-known fighter toward the end of his career against a hot prospect looking to make his name in the sport. I feel confident in winning this fight as does everybody in my training circle. After researching Schwerin, I am excited to compete in such a beautiful and historic city.
“Juergen has done it all, seen it all, but he hasn’t fought me. I am very confident that I will win on Friday. I have to be sharp mentally, but I feel in better shape than ever in every way. I know it’s a cliché to say that, but on Friday the crowd and the world will see what I am talking about.”
The Braehmer-Brant winner will advance to the WBSS semifinals early next year for a world title shot against unbeaten Brit Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), who last month won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Erik Skoglund (26-1, 12 KOs), of Sweden, in their WBSS quarterfinals match.
Five exciting matches on the “Braehmer vs. Brant” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel. The Braehmer vs. Brant 12-round main event is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.
 
The 10-round co-feature is a WBSS Substitute Fight between former Interim WBA upper middleweight champion Vincent Feigenbutz (27-2, 23 KOs), of Germany, and his Argentinian opponent, Gaston Alejandro Vega (27-11-2, 11 KOs).
Other undercard bouts scheduled to air on Super Channel include Danish middleweight Abdul Khattab (15-2, 4 KOs) vs. German rival Ronny Mittag (30-2-1, 15 KOs) in an eight-round bout, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovic (1-0, 1 KO), of Croatia, vs. Czech Republic heavyweight Pavel “Pablo” Sour 6-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round match, and Danish heavyweight Kem Ljungquist in his pro debut vs. Revaz Karelishvili (8-2, 7 KOs), of Georgia, in a six-round clash.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

_____________________________________________________________________
WBSS RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS ON SUPER CHANNEL
Sept. 9 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Berlin, Germany
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
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) 
Oct. 7 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final in Stuttgart, Germany
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs), Brighton Sussex, UK
WKO3
Avni Yildirim (16-1, 10 KOs), Sivas, Turkey
(Eubank Jr. retained IBO super middleweight title)
October 14, 2017 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final

George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs), Hammersmith, London, UK

WKO4
Jamie Cox (24-1, 13 KOs), Swinton, Wiltshire, UK
(Groves retained WBA super middleweight title) 
October 21, 2017 — Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals
Murat Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs), Vladikavkaz, Russia
WKO3
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs), Piaseczno, Poland
(Gassiev retained IBF cruiserweight title) 
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
Super Middleweights
Smith vs. Braehmer/Brant winner, Groves vs. Eubank
 ____________________________________________________________________________
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.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

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

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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.
***
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 Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
boxing

Cohen Predicting Brant Will Achieve a ‘Changing of the Guard’ Against Former Champ Braehmer on October 27

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Greg Cohen, promoter of middleweight/super middleweight contender Rob Brant, says his undefeated fighter is headed for a “changing of the guard” fight against Juergen Braehmer.
Brant (22-0, 15 KOs) and Braehmer (48-3, 35 KOs) will meet on Friday October 27, at the Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany, as part of the World Boxing Super Series’ super middleweight division.
The 38-year-old Braehmer is a long-time light heavyweight world champion, who hasn’t fought at super middleweight in a decade. A star in his native Germany, where the fight is taking place, Braehmer seems to be on the tail end of a distinguished career.
27-year-old Brant, from Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the dark horse in this tournament. With comparatively much fewer professional titles and accomplishments thus far in his career, Brant would seem to be taking a huge risk with his undefeated career.
Not so, says Cohen.
“We think Robert Brant is going to win this whole tournament,” said Cohen. “You have the perfect ‘changing of the guard’ type of fight here: an undefeated young buck against an aging former champion.”
But, says Cohen, there are some hidden factors at play in this fight.
“Braehmer is coming down in weight for the fist time in eight or nine years and hasn’t fought since losing his title via TKO stoppage late last year. Meanwhile, Rob has shown constant improvement in each of his fights over the past few years. He’s a world-class fighter on the verge of becoming a household name.”
So confident was Team Brant that Cohen says they have no problem going into the old lion’s den to fight.

“Rob doesn’t care where they fight. He knows he’s got too much for Braehmer. This fight will be his FORMAL introduction to the boxing world. He’s in top shape and ready for anything coming his way. After this fight, Rob Brant will no longer be the secret wild card of the tournament. He’s going to win the whole thing.”