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Salita Congratulates Newest Signee Arnold Khegai for Impressive Victory over Adam Lopez

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Salita Promotions’ ever-growing stable of top contenders and rising stars grew again recently with the signing of his latest “Beast from the East,” last Friday night, as Ukrainian-born ethnic Korean super bantamweight slugger Arnold Khegai announced his presence on the world stage with an impressive unanimous decision over capable Texan Adam Lopez.

 

 

 

Fighting in the opening bout of a four-fight telecast of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Khegai (12-0-1, 8 KOs) dominated the capable and experienced Lopez over eight mostly one-sided rounds (scores of 77-74, 77-74 and 78-73).

 

 

 

It was the US fighting debut for the 26-year-old Khegai… one that his promoter, Dmitriy Salita, could not be happier about.

 

 

 

“I congratulate Arnold on a sensational performance. He did a great job in his US Showtime debut,” said Salita. “Dominating a skilled and experienced Adam Lopez, who beat and fought some of the best in the division. Arnold’s skills and power make him one of the best fighters in the division.”

 

 

 

Khegai showed world-class strength, speed and power against Lopez, who was previously considered a top-5 contender in the world.

 

 

 

“I am happy that I got the victory and finally made my US debut,” said Khegai. “I thank Salita Promotions and Showtime for the opportunity. US fans saw a glimpse of my potential and I got a lot more to show. I look forward to fighting the best in the world and becoming a world champion in the near future.”

 

 

 

Salita says he’ll have his newest “one to watch” back in action quickly.

 

 

 

“Arnold is a ‘made for TV’ fighter and I’m looking forward to moving him quickly. He was able to dominate a world-class opponent with relative ease and that’s just the beginning for him. He’s going to be a real force in the super bantamweight division and we will have him back for the fans’ enjoyment very soon.”

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Badou Jack Training Camp Quotes & Photos

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Two-Division World Champion Jack Challenges Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME® from Air Canada Centre in Toronto
 
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

“Adonis is definitely my toughest opponent on paper, but that doesn’t really mean he will be the toughest on fight night,” said Jack. “Adonis has always fought everyone put in front of him and I respect that. He’s definitely a good fighter, but I’m a better fighter.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

“Start to finish this camp has really gone smoothly and I feel sharp and ready for fight night,” said Jack. “Boxing is all about fighting the best. He’s one of the best, but so am I. I’m ready to show everyone on May 19.”

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at www.ticketmaster.ca.

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, mayweatherpromotions.com andwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @AdonisSuperman, @BadouJack, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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DEVIN HANEY DEFEATS MASON MENARD BY TKO IN DOMINATING PERFORMANCE FRIDAY ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®FROM 2300 ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA

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Joshua Greer knocks out Glenn Dezurn, Charles Foster dominates Alvin Varmall Jr. & Arnold Khegai defeats Adam Lopez in co-featured bouts

 

 

 

Catch The Replay Monday, May 14 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

 

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2018) – Blue chip lightweight prospect Devin Haney rose to the occasion in what was the toughest test of his career, defeating veteran Mason Menard via ninth-round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Haney (20-0, 13 KOs) entered the fight as a highly regarded prospect who had never been tested. He faced his first test on Friday in what was a scheduled 10-round bout against ShoBox veteran Menard (33-3, 24 KOs).

 

 

 

Haney took control of the fight from the opening bell and never relinquished it. The 19-year-old picked off Menard with a dominating jab from the outside and used lateral movement to avoid getting hit.  Menard was unable to land any meaningful punches and he looked sluggish compared to Haney’s consistent movement and athleticism. 

 

 

 

After nine rounds of domination, Menard’s corner had seen enough and stopped the fight following the round. Haney passed the toughest test of his career with flying colors, never once letting Menard take control of the fight.

 

 

 

“The plan was to go in there and work off the jab,” Haney said. “If the knockout came, I would take it but I just went in there, put on a boxing clinic and showed the world that I could go the full 10 rounds.

 

 

 

“I feel like I put on a performance. I was relaxed and did my job.  I’m definitely the next superstar.  There’s only bigger and better things from here on out.   I work very hard.  I went in and put on a good performance against a guy that people said could knock me out or hurt me.”

 

 

 

Following the fight, a defeated Menard was respectful of Haney’s performance.

 

 

 

“He never hurt me. He was catching me with the best shots he could and never hurt me. But the kid can definitely fight,” Menard admitted. 

 

 

 

In the 10-round co-feature, super bantamweight prospect Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer (17-1-1, 9 KOs) scored his third ShoBox knockout against Baltimore native Glenn Dezurn (9-1-2, 6 KOs).

 

 

 

The fight was explosive from the outset, with both fighters pushing the pace. Greer took advantage of Dezurn’s high guard to work the body, while Dezurn pushed forward to engage Greer on the inside. Greer began to dominate in the third round, when a big right hand hurt Dezurn with two minutes remaining.

 

 

 

“I knew he would come hard so I put I the work in the gym to make sure I was ready,” said Greer. “I’m just happy everything paid off.”

 

 

 

Greer hurt Dezurn again in the fifth round with a straight left, and eventually tied him up against the ropes with a succession of blows that almost had Dezurn’s trainer Barry Hunter stopping the fight. After the round, Hunter warned Dezurn that he would stop the fight if Dezurn didn’t fight back.

 

 

 

Despite almost going down in the fifth, Dezurn survived for three more rounds. The injured and exhausted Dezurn wasn’t able to put anything behind his punches and hit the canvas in the eighth round for the first time in his career before referee Benjy Esteves stopped the fight with 1:47 remaining.

 

 

 

“I got caught with a few good shots, but I recovered quickly and I was still in the fight,” Dezurn said.  “I have a lot of heart, which is a gift and a curse for me.”

 

 

 

A confident Greer was pleased with his performance after the fight.

 

 

 

“I wasn’t surprised I could knock him out,” Greer said. “I knew I could break his will.”

 

 

 

In an eight-round featured attraction, light heavyweight prospect Charles Foster (16-0, 8 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision win against Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-2, 12 KOs), scored 77-75, 78-74, 79-73.

 

 

 

Foster dominated the fight from the outset, controlling the scrappy Varmall, who became the 174th fighter to suffer his first loss on ShoBox. Varmall made a valiant attempt to get inside in the early rounds, but a more disciplined Foster held him at bay, with Vermall stumbling and getting tied up inside.

 

 

 

“My experience was the difference,” Foster said. “He was loading up on one punches and I was sticking to my game plan – sticking behind the jab, working the body.”

 

 

 

Foster peppered Varmall with his lead left hand, tagging his opponent enough to break him down and eventually tire him out. Varmall landed a couple of statement shots but wasn’t able to hurt Foster and by the later rounds, his punches lacked power.

 

 

 

“When he would come on the inside he couldn’t hurt me,” Foster said.  “I was the one controlling the entire fight.”

 

 

 

In the opening bout of the four-fight telecast, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai kept his unblemished record intact with a unanimous decision over veteran Adam Lopez, scored 77-74, 77-74, 78-73.

 

 

 

Making his U.S. debut, the controlled Khegai (12-0-1, 8 KOs) pressed the action from the start. Khegai worked the jab and stayed mobile, capitalizing on a wobbly Lopez (16-2-3, 8 KOs) with a perfectly timed counter punch with 30 seconds remaining in the second round. Khegai stayed busy in the early rounds with consistent counter punches, but earned a point deduction for a hit to the back of Lopez’s head with seconds remaining in the sixth round.

 

 

 

“That was my first fight in the U.S. and I wanted to show something special,” Khegai said. “Everyone was waiting for the knockout, but I wanted to show my boxing skills.  I could have gone for the KO in the middle of the fight, but I wanted to prove that I could box.”

 

 

 

Despite a slight dip in productivity in the later rounds, the Ukrainian stayed efficient, landing 31 body shots compared to just 15 from Lopez.

 

 

 

Lopez, caught off guard by Khegai’s fighting style, was disappointed by his performance in his record-setting seventh ShoBox appearance.

 

 

 

“I was expecting him to be a dirty fighter, but it kind of threw me off my game. The referee kept telling me ‘don’t retaliate, don’t retaliate.’

 

 

 

“I couldn’t really land my hard shots. I landed a couple,” Lopez said. “I stunned him in the fourth or fifth with a right uppercut. He got rocked a little bit, but he’s a good fighter. He got out of it.”

 

 

 

 

The event was promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Devin Haney Promotions and Hard Hitting Promotions.

 

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Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

 

 

 For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

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Adonis Stevenson vs. Badou Jack Media Predictions

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Writers See Close Contest in Light Heavyweight Title Showdown but Lean Toward Two-Division Champion Jack Over Long-Reigning Champion Stevenson
 
Stevenson vs. Jack Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME®from Air Canada Centre in Toronto

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at www.ticketmaster.ca.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, mayweatherpromotions.com andwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @AdonisSuperman, @BadouJack, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. and Unbeaten Top Contender Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz Jr. Media Workout Quotes and Photos

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Photos of Gary Russell Jr. by Kent Green – Click HERE
 
Photos of Joseph Diaz Jr. by Lina Baker / Golden Boy Promotions – Click HERE

(May 11, 2018) – Featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. and undefeated mandatory challenger Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. met members of the media on opposite coasts on Thursday, just one week out of their WBC world title showdown on Saturday, May 19, from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

 

 

 

Russell will defend his WBC title against Diaz in a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10:05 p.m. ET/PT) and will feature WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson defending his title against two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 12-round main event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Toronto.

 

 

 

Russell was joined by his younger brothers, Gary Antuanne Russell and Gary Antonio Russell at The Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol Heights, Md., while Diaz took part in a workout at Azteca Gym in the City of Bell, just east of downtown Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Tickets for the MGM National Harbor show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions, are on sale now and are available by visiting http://mgmnationalharbor.com/.

 

 

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday:

 

 

 

GARY RUSSELL JR.

 

 

 

“Sometimes you tend to magnify an event because of the fact that it’s in your hometown and it’s on a major card. It tends to take away from the true goal and the true purpose. I just need to focus on what the objective is. We never magnify the events. I think it’s cool that the neighbors and the mail lady and the people who honk their horns as they see me jogging down the street have the ability to get in their car and drive 15 minutes down the road to be a part of everything that’s going on and get to see a product of their environment.

 

 

 

“I draw my energy from my family, my friends, the true fans of Gary Russell Jr. That’s what I ultimately do it for. Regardless of what our profession is, we try to have a sense of financial stability for our families and that’s my objective as well. That’s what keeps me motivated.

 

 

 

“Diaz already made the statement that I am the best fighter in the featherweight division. He already made the statement that none of the other world champions are willing to step into the ring to compete against me. The managers and the promoters aren’t willing to put their fighters in the ring against me.

 

 

 

“I welcome the fact that Diaz wants the fight. As a world champion, I wouldn’t want or expect anything less. I want a competitor that’s ready to fight and that’s going to bring their best. I believe that he’s going to be the best that he can possibly be. My objective is to prepare myself to the best of my ability. I never really focus too much on my opponents. If Gary Russell Jr. is the best that he can be on fight night, then we’re good.

 

 

 

“I know that Diaz is young, he’s hungry. He’s the number one contender. He has eight weeks to prepare for nobody else but me. That’s always a recipe for somebody who’s really going to be ready and hungry. I think he knows that he’s getting in the ring with one of the best fighters in the world so he’s going to be ready.

 

 

 

“I love what I do. Even when I’m done with the sport of boxing, I’ll still be in the gym training and looking to spar. I’ve been competing since I was seven years old. I’ll be 30, it’s a lot of time that I’ve spent grinding. I just want to be able to spend time with my family and my friends and help give back to this younger generation.

 

 

 

“I take my hat off to him for getting in the ring and making this fight happen. You have to appreciate that as a fellow warrior and as a fellow gladiator, I respect it.

 

 

 

“I have the strength, the speed, the power, ring generalship, boxing IQ – all of that will come together on the 19th.

 

 

 

“I definitely see my hand speed being effective but it’s more than that. That’s just a physical attribute. What happens when you see two fighters who have an equal amount of hand speed and an equal amount of power? It’s the mindset.

 

 

 

“It’s always cool to compete with my younger brothers and share the field of battle with them. But I try not to magnify the event. The true focus is being victorious on the 19th.

 

 

 

“It’s always important to see my brothers develop, even if it wasn’t on my card. We have a concept of a dynasty. My definition of that is information being passed down from generation to generation. I feel as though when my younger brothers get to the age I am, I expect them to be better than what I am now. The sky is the limit and I want them to keep developing not just as fighters but as men.

 

 

 

“We put the city on the map. We’re bringing boxing back to the DMV area. Gervonta Davis is a fighter that I’ve watched come up through the amateurs and now he’s a world champion. Jarrett Hurd is another one that I’ve watched come up in the amateurs. He used to watch me train getting ready for the Olympics and now he’s a world champion as well. It goes to show that if you keep pushing, you stay hungry, diligent and you don’t cut corners, the sky is the limit.”

 

 

 

JOSEPH DIAZ JR.

 

 

 

“I have no hostility toward Gary Russell Jr. I respect Gary Russell Jr., and I know what he brings to the table. Ever since I was brought up as a professional fighter I was always humble and I was always down to earth. Now that I have the opportunity to become the champion that I know I can be I feel like I’m more outspoken because I know that the opportunity is finally here, and I know what I’m capable of doing.

 

 

 

“I want to fight the best at 126 pounds and I want to show all the fans that I’m the real deal. By fighting and bringing on the toughest 126 pounders like Gary Russell Jr., and defeating him, that’s going to showcase to the whole boxing world that I am the real deal and I will be the king at 126 pounds.

 

 

 

“He’s been inactive and used to fighting just once a year now. But what makes him so dangerous is he’s very, very speedy and has great hand speed. And not only that but he knows how to use his hand speed and counter when guys are opening up. My father and I know what we are bringing to the table, and I’m fast, as well. I have a very high boxing IQ and I’m very powerful in there. I know how to land sneaky body shots and I’m a big 126-pound fighter, and that will be the key to victory. He will try and land his power shots, but they’re not going to be effective because I’m the bigger fighter.

 

 

 

“I need to bring this WBC belt back to L.A. and to South El Monte. I’ll be the first champion coming out of there and I’m a role model to a lot of youth. That’s what makes me hungry and I’m one hundred percent confident I’ll be the champion and we will have a big parade in South El Monte, and you’re all invited!

 

 

 

“I’m like Pernell Whitaker and an Oscar De La Hoya mix. Pernell because he’s fast and Oscar because he applies the pressure and throws combinations. That’s what I plan on bringing to this fight. Applying the pressure and taking him to a point where he’s never been before. He drops his hands a lot and his defense is not that good, so I’ll be taking advantage of that. I’ll be landing body shots, and let’s see if he can take it for 12 rounds.

 

 

 

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Fighting for a world title against Gary Russell Jr., is a dream come true. I feel like I’m so much better a fighter now than I was at the Olympics. If feel like if I fought that kid who was in the Olympics now I’d stop him in the first round. My management and trainers have groomed me for this fight on May 19. I fought some undefeated fighters, some experienced fighters and some real live dogs. I just feel like all the experience I’ve gained in the past will serve me well.

 

 

 

“I’d like to fight all the best in the 126-pound division, Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Oscar Valdez and Lee Selby. These are big fights that I really want to make and I want to fight the best and be the best.”

 

 

 

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

 

 

 

“We’re in the ring with Gary every day, so we see a lot of things that other people don’t. People only judge him for his hand speed and are just starting to recognize his power, but nobody has seen his full potential yet. No fighter he has faced has forced him to bring it out.

 

 

 

“Diaz doesn’t know what he has coming for him. Most fighters are one-dimensional. Gary is comfortable fighting anyway. He can fight on the inside, the outside, he can counter, he can box you, JoJo Diaz does not know what to expect.

 

 

 

“There’s never a time when we’re in the gym together when we’re not critiquing each other and learning. That’s the whole point of being in the gym every day. Once you feel you’re learning has stopped, I think you should give it up. We’re always in here trying to sharpen our game.”

 

 

 

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

 

 

“It’s more enjoyable fighting with my brothers. As a child, if you had three kids and one of them went to school by himself, it would be a little rough. It’s great having that support and the comfort having your brothers on the same card.

 

 

 

“We try to gravitate towards our brother and take certain things from him. We notice his hand speed and we’re his younger brothers, of course we have that alter ego where we think we could be faster than him or hit harder than him. That competitiveness drives us. It’s always there.”

 

 

 

GARY RUSSELL SR.

 

 

 

“The camp has been good. We’ve been getting the work in. Everybody seems to be on point. We’re always in camp together.

 

 

 

“JoJo Diaz has a lot of confidence. All fighters pretty much all do the same thing, unless they have incredible physical attributes that make them stand out. JoJo believes in himself and that’s something that’s a plus for any fighter. Whether or not he’s ready to go out of his shell, that remains to be seen. He loves his left hand, he tries to go to the body. He impressed me as a good inside fighter.

 

 

 

“This is a huge plus for us. We’re only 15 minutes from home. We just get to do what we have to do and go home.

 

 

 

“Antonio is a really hard puncher. A lot of people don’t know it, but for that weight class, he hits extremely hard. Antuanne is starting to develop into a complete fighter. He’s always learning. You never get to the point where you have it all, it’s a constant growth but he’s really starting to understand the technical aspects of the sport. I’m happy with both of them.”

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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‘MIKE TYSONESQUE’ LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT ALVIN VARMALL JR LOOKING TO IMPRESS AGAINST CHARLES FOSTER ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MAY 11

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A short, but murderous puncher, fighting behind a squat, peekaboo style, light heavyweight Alvin “Iron Majik” Varmall Jr. enjoys the comparisons people make between himself and former heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson.

 

 

 

“I always appreciate the comparison,” said Varmall, “I added ‘Iron’ to my old nickname ‘Majik’ because Mike Tyson is one of my favorite fighters and, by the grace of God, I ended up training at Cus D’Amato’s KO Boxing Gym in Catskill, New York, the same gym that Tyson did, and learning his style in its purest form.”

 

 

 

Currently the only pro fighter training out of the famed gym, Varmall (15-0-1, 12 KOs), originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, will take on New Haven, Connecticut’s Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs) this Friday, May 11 in an eight-round featured attraction of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

In the 10-round main event Louisiana’s Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) takes on undefeated Devin “The Dream” Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas for the USBA Lightweight Championship. In the 10-round co-feature, super bantamweight prospects Josh “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and Glenn Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs) will meet and in the opening televised fight, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout. 

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Hard Hitting Promotions & Devin Haney Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $70 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

 

 

 

The 26-year-old Varmall says he’s been emulating the all-time-great Tyson from his earliest days in boxing.

 

 

 

“The Cus D’Amato style, I guess you could say, is my foundation. From the beginning of my career as an amateur, my first trainer, Rodney Jenkins, he started me out with the peekaboo style and it works the best for me. I ended up having 21 fights with 19 KOs and won the USA Nationals at heavyweight.”

 

 

 

Varmall says he’s in perfect shape and ready to begin carving out his own prize fighting legacy.

 

 

 

“I’m absolutely ready for this opportunity. I’ve waited a long time for it and it’s finally here. I trained the hardest I’ve ever trained and did a lot of things different for this camp. I’m definitely ready to showcase my talents and abilities. To say I’m not nervous, I’d be lying, but it’s about controlling that feeling. That’s what we learn at the Cus D’Amato Gym, how to control our feelings and use that as something to catapult us, instead of hindering us. After it’s all said and done, everyone can say what they want about my performance because I always come to bring my very best.”

 

 

 

Varmall says he realized early in his career that his punching power was well above average by sparring with a full-size heavyweight veteran in Louisiana.

 

 

 

“I was sparring with this guy, “Big” Fred Kassi. He’s from New Orleans. You know how big Fred is. One time, before sparring, he came to the corner and he said, ‘Majik, let me check your gloves. I just want to make sure we’re playing fair.’ After that, my trainer said, ‘see? I told you, you punch hard!”

 

 

 

At the end of the day, Varmall says, he’s not out to match the great Tyson in achievement or legend. He’d rather carve out his own place.

 

 

 

“At the end of the day Mike Tyson was Mike yson and Alvin Varmall Jr. is Alvin Varmall Jr. Even though we both have the foundation of the same style, I do it in the way that is most comfortable for me. That’s what Mike did too. That’s what’s going to help me reach my full potential.”

 

 

 

About Greg Cohen Promotions

 

 

 

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

 

 

 

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

 

 

 

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

 

 

 

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

 

 

 

Cohen currently promotes undefeated WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion a top contender Jarrell Miller, top-rated middleweight contender Robert Brant, and former WBO NABO Lightweight Champion and world-rated contender Mason Menard, among many others.

 

 

 

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

 

 

 

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Adam Lopez Reunites With Former Trainer For Must-Win Fight This Friday On ShoBox: The New Generation

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Lopez Battles Undefeated Arnold Khegai Live on SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/PT From 2300 Arena In Philadelphia

 

Nutley, N.J. (May 9, 2018) – Super Bantamweight prospect Adam Lopez has reunited with his former trainer for his eight-round matchup with undefeated Arnold Khegai this Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation in the opening bout of a four-fight SHOWTIME telecast (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) is back under the tutelage of former world champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez, returning to his hometown of San Antonio after completing his previous two camps in New Jersey.

 

 

 

“This fight is do or die,” Lopez said. “In the situation I am in now, this could make or break my career. Everything is really good and I’m happy to be back with Carlos Hernandez. Once I got back with him, a lot of what we worked on before is coming back. The sport is repetitive, and I have been sparring with aggressive guys.”

 

 

 

In Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs), Lopez is facing a tough and hard-nosed fighter from Ukraine. Lopez has done extensive scouting on his adversary, who will be making his American debut.

 

 

 

“I have seen just about all of his fights, and he is definitely aggressive,” Lopez said. “I know he is a former kickboxer. He is a rugged guy, but I am a veteran, who has faced many styles, so I am ready for whatever he will bring on Friday.”

 

 

 

Lopez has become a favorite on ShoBox and Friday is his record seventh appearance on the prospect developmental series. He is committed and ready to seize this opportunity against an undefeated prospect.

 

 

 

“I need to take advantage of this opportunity,” Lopez said. “I think I have always performed well on ShoBox, and I have gained a lot of fans because I have been on a handful of times.Friday, I want to put on a great show, and then get in the mix with all of the top 122-pound fighters. I am recently married, and on Friday night, it will prove to be my time.”

 

 

 

“Adam knows that this is a big opportunity,” said GH3 Promotions CEO, Vito Mielnicki. “Adam has shown his willingness to take on all comers, and Friday will be no different.   For him to be making his seventh ShoBox appearance, shows what kind of fighter he is.”

 

 

 

Lopez is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

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Jermell Charlo vs. Austin Trout Los Angeles Media Luncheon Quotes & Photos

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Super Welterweight World Champion Charlo Meets Former World Champion Trout Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by 

Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2018) – Unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo and former world champion Austin Trout went face-to-face Tuesday as they met with media in Los Angeles to discuss their showdown Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a rematch between featherweight world champions and Southern California rivals Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

 

 

 

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday at Palm Restaurant Downtown Los Angeles:

 

 

 

JERMELL CHARLO

 

 

 

“Me and my brother talk the talk and we walk the walk. From this point on in our careers, we’re going full force and it’s going to be nothing but knockouts.

 

 

 

“Every fight in my life is important because the man standing across from me is there to beat me. Kobe Bryant used to talk about how he knew everyone was going to come at him extra hard whether it was practice or a game, because of who he was and the status he had. I know that I can’t take anyone lightly.

 

 

 

“I’m an animal. I love to train. I’m right on weight and really happy about how I feel. I’m in dog shape. I’m going to show everyone on June 9 what’s supposed to happen. You all know what to expect.

 

 

 

“Our careers and our records are growing and you’re getting to see more of the Charlos. We’re jolts of lightning for this sport. We’re giving people real problems. We just get in there and do what we do.

 

 

 

“We’re ready to keep putting on shows for everyone. My brother just did his thing in Brooklyn and now we’re taking it to the West Coast. I love Los Angeles. I live here and I love training here. Me and Jermall both have knockouts at STAPLES Center and we’re going to turn it out on June 9.

 

 

 

“I know that I have to get in there, put my mind to it and do what I have to do. It’s his job to beat me and I’m preparing to stop him. The ‘Charlo Show’ is going to keep going. I’m not worried about Trout’s fight with my brother. Every fight we’ve been growing and changing.

 

 

 

“I didn’t have to go through what Trout had to in his last big fight against Hurd. I’m the fresher younger fighter. I don’t take away anything from what he’s done in his career, but I have my own career and legacy and he’s standing in my way.

 

 

 

“Me and my brother are a force to be reckoned with. We train super hard. I’m not leaving that hard work in camp, I’m taking it to the fight.”

 

 

 

AUSTIN TROUT

 

 

 

“We’re going out there to steal the show. Which will be hard to do because the main event is a barnburner. But I just hope they’re not sleeping on me, because they’ve awoken a sleeping giant. I’ve been busy and active so I feel like I’m very dangerous right now.

 

 

 

“I respect Charlo because he didn’t have to take this fight. Now it’s time to get it on. When I fought his brother, I remember people counted me out and said history had been made before I even stepped into the ring. I’m here again to try to stop the ‘Charlo Show’ and start the ‘Trout Show.'”

 

 

 

“I’m very excited about this fight. I love fighting in Los Angeles. I’m undefeated here and I plan to remain undefeated here. Being at STAPLES Center is a great honor. I’m a big basketball fan so I know what that building means.

 

 

 

“The Charlos act similar, but they’re not the same and they definitely don’t fight the same. I think the difference in this fight is that I’ve been busier leading up to it. I just fought in February so my skills were more refined coming into this camp.

 

 

 

“We started camp already 50 percent of the way there because of my recent activity and it’s allowed me to work even more on game plan. We’re going to be prepared for everything he has. It’s going to add up to my victory.

 

 

 

“My skills are going to be sharper than fans are used to seeing in recent years. The dog in me is fully ready to go. I’m starving. I feel like I’m young and this is my opportunity to prove I’m still the king of this division.

 

 

 

“I’m just using the past disappoints as motivation. Including the fight against Jermall. That’s all the fuel that I need.

 

 

 

“On June 9 you can expect to see my hand raised. It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be a dog fight. It’s going to be a great fight and I’m going to come out on top. That belt is going to look on me.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“The only way to make a card like this bigger than it already was with Santa Cruz vs. Mares 2, was to add a world title fight like this with two incredibly talented fighters. Austin Trout is a true champion outside of the ring and inside the ring and he knows what a win over Jermell Charlo would do for his career. He’ll be aided by having a man in his corner in Barry Hunter who always seems to come up with the right game plan.

 

 

 

“There are a lot of great fighters with talent and skill, but you can’t tell me five fighters who can combine those skills with the charisma and personality that the Charlo twins have. The last time I saw crowds of reporters engaged with fighters like this was with Floyd Mayweather. But these guys aren’t following in anyone’s footsteps, they’re doing it their way and they’re doing an absolutely amazing job.

 

 

 

“The Charlo twins are pound-for-pound one and two as having the overall package of skill and charisma. You can’t teach that. You either have it or you don’t.

 

 

 

“The Charlos go into every fight with a target on their back. They know their opponent will be in their best shape possible. That is exactly the personality of Austin Trout and what makes him such a dangerous opponent who has years of experience in big fights to fall back on. Jermell knows that and he will be ready. I know these guys can’t wait to face each other on June 9.”

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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‘BLUE COLLAR’ DEZURN NOT FAZED BY PRE-FIGHT HYPE, READY TO GO TO WORK AGAINST JOSH GREER ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON FRIDAY, MAY 11

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Maryland native Glenn Dezurn says it really doesn’t matter what his normally talkative opponent, Chicago’s Josh “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) says or does before they meet in their 10-round super-bantamweight showdown Friday, May 11 live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

When you’re where he’s from and seen what he’s seen, inside the ring and out, an opponent who likes to talk doesn’t faze you. Not at all.

 

 

 

The pair will meet in the co-featured bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Hard Hitting Promotions & Devin Haney Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $70 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

 

 

 

Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs), who had 94 amateur fights before turning professional five years ago, says opponent Greer, known for pre-fight hype including a pillow emblazoned with “Night Night,” is only hurting himself with the trash talk.

 

 

 

“The pressure isn’t on me,” he explained. “Where I come from, if you talk it, make sure you can walk it. The pressure is on him to back up whatever he says. It doesn’t bother me. I’m more of a doer than a talker. I only speak when I need to.”

 

 

 

Describing himself as a “blue-collar” fighter, the humble Dezurn won’t make a pre-fight prediction heading into battle, but will only say that he and trainer Barry Hunter are treating this fight no differently.

 

 

 

“Nothing is written in stone in boxing and there is no guarantee of winning against any fighter. You put in the work and believe in yourself. Fights are won in the gym with hard work. I will win because of my personality and my work ethic. I come to do my job and put my life on the line to entertain. My game plan in every fight is always the same: I just make adjustments in the ring as the fight goes on and react to whatever he is doing. I have a high ring IQ and I can adjust to anything.”

 

 

 

The 30-year-old says he’s set one goal in boxing and is enjoying his journey to reach it.

 

 

 

“I want to win a world championship. I set that goal for myself and once I achieve that, I can go on to my other goals in other areas of life. I’m earning my way to the championship the hard way against good fighters. That’s what I want. I’m living my dreams right now. And I will get there one day.”

 

 

 

“You will not meet a more humble, more down-to-earth fighter than Glenn Dezurn,” said his promoter, Greg Cohen. “He and his wife, Franchon, are very nice people who work hard to get they are. Glenn isn’t about flash. He’s about doing everything you have to do to be successful and he will get wherever he wants to be in life because of that.”

 

 

 

In the 10-round main event on SHOWTIME, Louisiana’s Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) takes on undefeated Devin “The Dream” Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas for the USBA Lightweight Championship. In other televised action, light heavyweight Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs) over eight rounds; and in the opening bout, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

VIDEO: UNDEFEATED PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY HAS ASPIRATIONS OF GREATNESS HEADING INTO SHOBOX DEBUT THIS FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Photo Credit: SHOWTIME Sports

“I’m not going to stop until I am the face of boxing.”

 

Haney Faces Mason Menard In The Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Live On SHOWTIME At 10 p.m. ET/PT


Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: https://s.sho.com/2I1ziSC

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WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports delivers a behind-the-scenes look into the life and training camp of blue-chip prospect Devin Haney as he prepares for the toughest test of his career against Mason Menard in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, May 11, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pa.

 

 

 

The undefeated Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) makes his ShoBox debut against the seasoned Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a four-fight telecast featuring a number of ShoBox veterans.

 

 

 

The young and flashy Haney turned professional at the age of 16 in Mexico. He has earned a reputation as a boxing prodigy, having sparred with Sean Porter, Jessie Vargas and Floyd Mayweather, who he aspires to emulate both in and out of the ring.

 

 

 

“Coming up in the area with Floyd, you see all the cars, all the jewelry, all the money he has,” Haney said. “That’s what I’m working for.

 

 

 

“I’ve been calling out all the big games names in my weight class. A lot of them have been turning me down.”

 

 

 

In the co-feature, super bantamweights Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and Glenn Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs) both return to ShoBox for the third time. In an eight-round featured attraction, former national champion Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs) in a matchup of undefeated light heavyweight prospects.

 

 

 

In the eight-round opening bout, undefeated super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will take on skilled veteran Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs). It will be the record seventh appearance for Lopez on ShoBox.