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WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ERROL SPENCE JR. TO DEFEND AGAINST FORMER CHAMPION LAMONT PETERSONSATURDAY, JANUARY 20 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN & PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

Spence Returns for First Title Defense in
 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Main Event
Tickets On Sale Tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. ET
BROOKLYN (Nov. 21, 2017) – Undefeated IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. will make the first defense of his title when he takes on former two-division world champion Lamont Peterson on Saturday, January 20 live on SHOWTIME. The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature undercard attractions that will be announced in the near future.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are priced starting at $50, and go on sale Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Thursday, Nov. 23 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).
“I’m pleased to be promoting Spence vs. Peterson, one of the very best matchups in the welterweight division and in all of boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Spence is not only one of the best welterweights in the world, but one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing. In Peterson, he faces another elite welterweight and a two-time world champion. Spence vs. Peterson will bring the heat to Barclays Center on a chilly January 20. This is yet another night in the outstanding run of big time fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.”
“Spence vs. Peterson is an intriguing matchup between two elite welterweights looking to reach the top of this marquee division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Errol Spence is a rising star with his sights set on title unification and the top of the pound-for-pound list, but he’s going to receive a stern test from Lamont Peterson, a multiple division champion whose resume is filled with top class opponents. It’s going to be another fantastic atmosphere at Barclays Center and a great night of fights live on SHOWTIME.”
“With his breakout performance against Kell Brook, Errol Spence established himself as one of top fighters in the welterweight division, if not in all of boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “Never one to rest on his laurels, Errol continues to seek out the toughest available opponents, and he has found exactly that in Lamont Peterson.  Lamont has never backed down from a challenge, and as a result, he has a wealth of experience with one of the strongest resumes in the division.  This type of high profile, dangerous matchup is the quintessential SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event.”
“BROOKLYN BOXING enjoyed a banner year in 2017, and we are looking forward to carrying that momentum into 2018,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Spence vs. Peterson sets a strong precedent for the year, with two top welterweights returning to the ring at Barclays Center to compete for recognition in one of the sport’s most talented divisions.”
Spence (22-0, 19 KOs), of Dallas, traveled to England to dethrone IBF 147-pound champion and hometown favorite Kell Brook on May 27 on SHOWTIME in one of the defining fights of 2017.  The 27-year-old, who had long been touted as boxing’s next big thing, fulfilled his promise with a breakthrough performance, fracturing Brook’s orbital bone en route to an 11th round TKO.  A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Spence will enter the ring at Barclays Center for the third time after most recently stopping former champion Chris Algieri in an April 2016 main event. He will fight in Brooklyn for the fourth time; he earned his title shot by knocking out Leonard Bundu at the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in August 2016.
“My goal is to unify the welterweight division in 2018, but this fight is a true test and Lamont Peterson is a veteran that I definitely will not overlook,” said Spence. “I sparred him in the amateurs and I know what he brings to the table. I have to get through him to achieve my goals and that is what I plan on doing January 20th.”
Peterson (35-3-1, 17 KOs), of Washington, D.C., has won titles at 140 and 147 pounds while facing some of the biggest names in the sport, including Danny Garcia, Amir Khan and Timothy Bradley.  The 33-year-old won the WBA 147-pound title in his last outing Feb. 18 on SHOWTIME before relinquishing the belt for the chance to challenge Spence. Peterson has won four of his last five outings, twice fighting at Barclays Center. His Brooklyn debut saw him defeat Edgar Santana by TKO in 2014 before dropping a narrow majority draw to Garcia in a 2015 main event in Brooklyn.
“First off, I’m happy to be getting back in the ring,” said Peterson. “I’ve stayed in the gym and I’m ready to go. This is a fight I wanted and as I said before when I became a welterweight, I want to fight the best and make the fights that people want to see. I’m ready to give it my all and give the fans a great show.”
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

YUANDALE EVANS TREATS HOMETOWN FANS TO SPLIT DECISION WIN OVER PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN LUIS ROSA IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Butaev Decisions Gonzales; Fa Hands Latham First Pro Loss;

Cleveland’s Conwell Outclasses Zapata

 

Catch The Replay Monday, Nov. 13 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

CLEVELAND (Nov. 11, 2017) – Two Cleveland boxers stole the show Friday night in the final ShoBox: The New Generation telecast of 2017 live on SHOWTIME.

 

Once-beaten southpaw Yuandale Evans (20-1, 14 KOs) had Cleveland’s fight fans on their feet for the final two dramatic rounds as the East Cleveland boxer earned an exciting, all-action split decision victory over previously undefeated featherweight Luis Rosa (23-1, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Two judges scored the fight in favor of Evans – 96-94 and 97-93 – while the third judge had Rosa winning, 96-94, on Friday night at The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland.

 

It was a night that saw three previously undefeated fighters lose their unbeaten records. Rosa became the 171st fighter to lose his undefeated record in the 16-year history of ShoBox.

 

In the telecast’s first fight, heralded Cleveland boxer and 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell made his television debut and improved to 6-0. But it was the Evans-Rosa fight that fans won’t soon forget.

 

“What a way to end a great year of boxing on SHOWTIME,” said ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood. “Rosa vs. Evans was one of the best main events we have had in the 16 years of the ShoBox series. These were two fighters that understood what was at stake. They both did what they came here to do. At the end, it was all up to the judges. I thought they got it right. It was a split decision. Great action fight between two very well-conditioned fighters.”

 

The Evans-Rosa war included 611 total connected punches and 512 landed power shots were exchanged. There were multiples shifts of momentum throughout the fight as Rosa commanded the early rounds with volume and power while Evans rallied in the middle rounds.

 

“I’m tired but I’m feeling great,” Evans said. “My performance was great. I’ve never felt myself pushed that hard. He’s a tough Puerto Rican. He’s a very tough fighter. The crowd really propelled me to victory tonight, and I’m grateful for that.”

 

Rosa led 268-267 in total connected punches entering the final round, but Evans summoned a huge rally in the 10th (49 of 103 to 27 of 88 for Rosa) to seize a 316-295 overall lead to earn the split-decision victory.

 

“I thought I won the fight, he won maybe three or four rounds,” a disappointed Rosa said after the fight. “I won the fight 6-4, 7-3 at least. I won mostly all of the beginning rounds and I gave him a few after the first six. Four rounds is the most I give him, and that’s being nice. I feel like the judges were swayed by the hometown crowd.”

 

Evans is ready for his next challenge. “I want Gary Russell, I want [Carl] Frampton, I want [Leo] Santa Cruz,” said Evans, who had famed trained Barry Hunter in his corner. “I’m nothing but a contract killer. I’m a contract killer and I want one of those top five guys.”

In the co-main event, undefeated Russian standout Radzhab Butaev (8-0, 6 KOs; WSB: 9-1) earned a hard-fought unanimous decision over Colombia’s previously unbeaten Janer Gonzalez (18-1-1, 15 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup. The three judges scored the fight, 80-72, 79-73, 77-75, in favor of Butaev.

It was a technically sound fight between two accomplished former amateur standouts. Butaev, who dominated from the early rounds, connected on 41 percent of his power punches (66 of 162) compared to 27 percent for Gonzalez (47 or 173).

“I felt like I controlled the whole fight, but he was more durable than I expected,” said Butaev through a translator. “Gonzalez landed good shots but he couldn’t finish me.”

Farhood said Butaev failed to make some key adjustments during the fight. “[Butaev] didn’t have his trainer here,” he said. “Perhaps that is why he failed to make adjustments. He still has a promising future, but this was not his best performance.”

Gonzalez was coached in his corner by noted trainer Ruben Guerrero. “I injured my shoulder in the third round but I stayed in the fight and pushed the fight,” said Gonzalez, “When I injured my shoulder, I couldn’t throw my left jab as well, I couldn’t work the jab. If I hadn’t been injured, I would’ve broken him down more in the later rounds.”

In the second fight of the four-fight telecast, a matchup of undefeated heavyweights, 28-year-old Junior Fa (13-0, 8 KOs) knocked out Pittsburgh’s Freddy Latham (9-1-2, 5 KOs), handing him the first defeat of his pro career just 67 seconds into the fight. It was the 169th time a fighter has lost his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

New Zealand’s Fa sent the former Golden Gloves champion Latham back-pedaling from the opening bell with a barrage of punches as referee Clifford Pinkney jumped in between the fighters. Latham, who had never been stopped, struggled to keep standing as he leaned against the ropes. Click HERE to watch video of the stoppage.

“I was actually going to keep on going, continue fighting but then he dropped. He was out of it. The ref pulled me back,” said Fa, who earned a first-round knockout for the sixth time of his career.

Fa landed 59 percent of his power shots (17 of 29) while Latham managed to land just one of four power punches.

Farhood was impressed by Fa’s dominating performance. “Every time a heavyweight shows power, you have to pay attention,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll see more of him in 2018.”

“I’m hoping for a chance to get in to the top 15,” said Fa, who beat WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker twice in the amateurs. “This fight gave me more confidence in my ability and power, and I think confidence is a great thing.”

In the telecast opener, 2016 U.S. Olympian and local favorite Charles Conwell (6-0, 5 KOs) –buoyed by a huge third round where he scored two knockdowns and another in the fifth – went the six-round distance for the first time in his young career finishing off a game Roque “Rocky” Zapata (4-2-3) with an impressive unanimous decision victory scored 60-51 twice and 60-53.

The super welterweight contest was dominated by Cleveland’s 20-year old Conwell, who used effective body shots to do the most of the damage as he accounted for 80 of his 175 total connects and 75 of his 150 power punches.

Conwell caught the former MMA fighter Zapata in the third round with a strong right cross. It was the first time Zapata, who came into the fight with a three-bout winning streak, had ever hit the floor in his career. Click HERE to watch video of KOs in round 3.

 

“My game plan was to throw some jabs and go to the body, and I think I accomplished that. My jab was key tonight. I ended up dropping him three times,” said Conwell, who averaged 77 punches per round, but gave himself just a B-minus. “I would love to keep fighting on television. I want to showcase my skills.”

 

A left hook by Conwell in the latter stages of the third round dropped Zapata for the second time. Zapata hit the canvas once again in the fifth after a devastating left hook to the body followed by a left hook to the chin. The Culpepper, Va. native stood up at the nine-count and finished the stanza.

 

Zapata was impressed by his opponent’s talent. “I survived, so I’m happy,” he said. “I went the distance with an Olympian and that was the plan. I should’ve done better and cut my angles more instead of standing right in front of him, but I’m proud I went the full distance.”

 

Friday’s quadrupleheader will replay on Monday, Nov. 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

 

The fights were promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

 

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

 

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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.

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TOMORROW/FRIDAY, NOV. 10

 

Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT from The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland

“I think I can be three or four fights away for the chance at a world heavyweight title.”

– Junior Fa, Undefeated Heavyweight Prospect

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

CLEVELAND (Nov. 9, 2017) – SHOWTIME Boxing fans will get their first look at eight promising prospects  with a combined record of 97-2 – including two undefeated up-and-coming heavyweights and a 2016 Super Welterweight Olympian – as ShoBox: The New Generation takes place this Friday, November 10 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland.

Featherweight prospects Luis Rosa Jr. (23-0, 11 KOs) and local favorite Yuandale Evans (19-1, 14 KOs) will square off in a 10-round main event as all eight fighters made their respective weights on Thursday. The ShoBoxquadrupleheader features undefeated Russian standout Radzhab Butaev (7-0, 6 KOs; WSB: 9-1) taking on Colombia’s Janer Gonzalez (18-0-1, 15 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup, and New Zealand’s undefeatedJunior Fa (12-0, 7 KOs) facing former Golden Gloves champion Freddy Latham (9-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight bout. In the telecast opener, 2016 Olympian Charles Conwell (5-0, 5 KOs) will take on Roque “Rocky” Zapata (4-1-3), who is coming off a three-bout winning streak.

Tickets for the DiBella Entertainment event are still available for purchase via the following link HERE.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS, REFS AND JUDGES:

 

Luis Rosa Jr. vs. Yuandale Evans – 10-round Featherweight Bout

 

Rosa Jr.: 125 Pounds

Evans: 125 ½ Pounds

Referee: Shawn Clark (P.A.); Judges: Patrick Casey (P.A.), Larry Hazard Jr. (N.J.), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

 

Radzhab Butaev vs. Janer Gonzalez – Eight-round Welterweight Bout

 

Butaev: 146 Pounds

Gonzalez: 147 Pounds

Referee: George Nichols (C.A.); Judges: Brian Kennedy (Ohio), Patrick Casey (P.A.), Larry Hazard Jr. (N.J.)

 

Junior Fa vs. Freddy Latham – Eight-round Heavyweight Bout

Fa: 262 Pounds

Latham: 261 Pounds

Referee: Clifford Pinkney (Ohio); Judges: Brian Kennedy (Ohio), Phil Rogers (Ohio), Larry Hazard Jr. (N.J.)

  

Charles Conwell vs. Roque “Rocky” Zapata – Six-round Super Welterweight Bout

Conwell: 153 Pounds

Roque Zapata: 155 Pounds

Referee: George Nichols (California); Judges: Patrick Casey (P.A.), Larry Hazard (N.J.), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

LUIS ROSA JR.:

“There was a time in my career when I was one fight away from fighting for a world title at 122 pounds, but I’m a natural featherweight. This fight is at 126 but I’ll fight at 126 or 122. Wherever the opportunity is, I’ll take it.

“I’m going to show a lot of different things. I have more to show than just my boxing skills. Whatever I have to do to get the win, I will do it.

“My opponent is a southpaw, but he’s not the slickest southpaw I’ve seen. We’ve been training with a lot of southpaws. Fighting southpaws is not a big deal for me. I fought so many of them in the amateurs.

“I don’t think I’m going to have any problem with him. I know his left hook is his favorite punch so I’m going to try and take that away from him.

“I think putting together some timely combinations is going to be the key to this fight.

“After I beat [Jorge] Diaz and [Luis] Del Valle in 2015 my opposition dropped. I was knocking on the door but just never got the call. That’s why this fight is so big for me. I’m ready to showcase my skills on national TV. I’m ready for the next step on my career.”

YUANDALE EVANS

“I know all the bigger names are at 126 so I’m going to stay right here. I’ve bounced around from 126 to 130. Lou DiBella, my promoter told me to stay ready and that’s what I did; I’m ready.”

“It took me awhile from me to come back after the loss to Javier Fortuna [in 2012]. But I’ve always stayed sharp and I’ve been in various camps. I’ve trained with guys like Lamont Peterson, Gervonta Davis and Rau’Shee Warren.

“I’ve been doing this since I was 10 years old, but I’m a lot wiser and smarter than in the past. I have knowledge and have been talking to a lot of managers and champions. I’m like an Einstein now. I’m a lot sharper, and craftier. And I have defense now.

“This fight will show the boxing world that I belong. I can be in the top five. This fight means a lot for me and the people of Cleveland.

“I’ve been working with [famed trainer] Barry Hunter for this fight and he’s taught me so much. My opponent has been spoiled and has never had to travel into enemy territory. Until now.

I’ve been a road warrior my entire career. I know the crowd can win the fight for me. Just the energy and hearing them when I’m tired. It’s a big advantage for me to be fighting at home. I will have a lot of fans here and it’s going to be big. I still got guys’ texting me for ringside seats, but there’s none left.

“I want ShoBox to say, ‘We have to have this guy back. We have to go back to Cleveland.’ ”

“[Rosa] is my height. He’s going to be right in front of me. He’s going to come straight at me. He has to.”

“They call me ‘Money Shot’ and ‘Southpaw Machine’ and the ‘Black Mexican’ in the gyms here in Cleveland.”

JANER GONZALEZ

“I’ve been training with Ruben Guerrero for the past couple of weeks, and I like training a lot better here in the United States. I felt like I was mistreated in the past back in Colombia.

“Fellow Colombian Oscar Escandon introduced me to Ruben and here we are. It’s the United States and everyone wants to be over here. The sparring and the training is just so much better here.

“I’m 30 years old now and I have a family back home in Colombia to support. This is my shot. I will not fail them. I have Team Guerrero on my side so I’m ready.

“We all know skills pay the bills and I just have to do my job and not get too crazy in there and get the win.

“I watched Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard when I was younger. I liked how smart and intelligent they fought.”

RADZHAB BUTAEV

“I’ve been in the United States for a year now and really liked training at Wild Card Gym and Wild Card West in Southern California.

                                                                                                                                                      

“I can punch as hard as [Gennady] Golovkin and can move better than [Vasyl] Lomachenko. I’m very confident and my experience is the reason for that.

“I sparred with Demetrius Andrade and Shawn Porter and I have held my own.

“The welterweight division is the best in boxing, everyone knows that. And I’ll fight anybody.

“It doesn’t matter that there’s no YouTube video on Gonzalez. He’s tough and competitive and a boxer who will come to fight.”

JUNIOR FA

“When I beat Joseph Parker [in the amateurs twice] it was my movement and my footwork that was key. He’s such a big puncher I just kept moving because I didn’t want to stand right in front of that.

“I’m a multi-dimensional fighter and my strengths are my mobility.

Deontay Wilder showed that he has plenty of power. He’s always there from the first bell… I like the guy, he’s got plenty of power and is very explosive.

“I like Anthony Joshua’s boxing brain. He’s got power, but it’s a different kind of power from Wilder. I like the way he sees his punches.

“For myself to be known, I’ll definitely have to fight in America. I don’t think I can make too much of a statement being back home in New Zealand.

“I think I can be three to four fights away for the chance at a world heavyweight title. I have to be entertaining in this fight for the American people to get to know me.

“Boxing used to be the biggest thing in New Zealand, but then rugby blew up.

“I live 40 minutes from Joseph Parker but we’ve never sparred. It’s too competitive.”

FREDDY LATHAM

“This is my first time on national TV so I’m excited and nervous.

“He’s taller, but I feel like I’m just as long as he is. I can put my head in his chest and go to war. If it’s going to be a dog fight I’ll get into his chest.

“Yeah, I’ve watched both the heavyweight world champs. I’d beat Joshua now. Wilder, I would have to get serious sparring in. I’d have to change everything I do in my life – the way I train and my lifestyle and everything. Deontay’s the man right now. Joshua burns out after six rounds and that’s why I’d beat Joshua now. I’m two years away from those guys. Tomorrow night is my first step.

“Boxing’s coming back in Pittsburgh and we’ve got two or three other heavyweights there that are popular right now.”

 

CHARLES CONWELL

“When you have a good crowd around you, you know it hypes you up.

“I was the youngest member of the 2016 Olympic team at age 18. It was cool being in high school and making the Olympic team.

“I’m very tenacious and determined, that’s why I’ve been successful so far in my young pro career.

“There’s no rush for me. People want to see me, sure. But there’s no reason to move fast at this point.

I think the competitiveness of boxing is what drives me. Sure the money and the fame are going to be great, but I just love everything about this sport.”

ROQUE “ROCKY” ZAPATA

“I haven’t surprised myself when I’ve beaten undefeated fighters.

“I’m an awkward fighter, in a good way. My angles I learned when I was fighting in MMA.

“The risk and the reward wasn’t worth it [to continue] in MMA. I was making a couple hundred bucks and getting elbows to the face. It just wasn’t worth it.

“Conwell is good and aggressive and I’ve seen him on YouTube. He comes forward and he looks to put you down.

“I just feel so much more comfortable in a boxing ring. I was good at takedowns.

Conor McGregor went 10 rounds with Floyd [Mayweather] and he got paid, so good for him. I’m one of the few guys who have been able to do both MMA and box professionally.”

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Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing 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.

LUIS ROSA JR. vs. YUANDALE EVANS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

 

 

Featherweight Prospects Headline ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader Friday, Nov. 10 from Cleveland, Ohio

 

Click HERE for Photos from Henry Epstein/DiBella Entertainment

 

CLEVELAND (Nov. 8, 2017) – Featherweight prospects Luis Rosa Jr. and Yuandale Evans worked out for the media today at the Thurgood Marshall Recreational Center in Cleveland, Ohio prior to their ShoBox: The New Generation 10-round main event matchup this Friday, November 10 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland.

 

The ShoBox quadrupleheader features undefeated Russian standout Radzhab Butaev taking on Colombia’s Janer Gonzalez in an eight-round welterweight matchup, and undefeated New Zealand’s Junior Fa facing former Golden Gloves champion Fred Latham in an eight-round heavyweight bout. In the telecast opener, decorated fighter Charles Conwell will take on Roque “Rocky” Zapata, who is coming off a three-bout winning streak.

 

Tickets for the DiBella Entertainment event are still available for purchase via the following link HERE.

 

In addition, 2016 U.S. Olympian Conwell and local Cleveland fighters Willie Nelson and Isaiah Steen worked out in front of the media Wednesday.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say:

 

LUIS ROSA JR.

 

“Yuandale’s a solid, tough fighter. He’s got good pop, but I’m ready for everything, I’m here to win.

 

“He wasn’t really on my radar, he sort of came out of the woodwork. We’re looking for a world championship and this is a step closer.

 

“I have no problem coming to Cleveland. I want to be a world champion, not a state champion or the champion of one country. I’ll go anywhere and be victorious.

 

“Boxing fans can expect a powerful, fast, smart fighter-I’m the full package. I fight with both hands, we’ll see if he can take it.

 

“This fight is dedicated to all the people of Puerto Rico. Most of my extended family still lives there and thank God everyone is okay after the hurricane.”

 

YUANDALE EVANS

“I know that’s he a Puerto Rican at heart. He’s a strong fighter that comes forward, a good body puncher. But he doesn’t have any boxing skills. He’s just a banger who keeps coming forward.

“Defensively he leaves himself open with his aggressiveness.

“He was not on my radar. I’ve wanted to fight much tougher guys, higher ranked guys. But once the fight was offered I said yes.

“I want to fight Carl Frampton, Leo Santa Cruz, Gary Russell Jr., and a rematch with Javier Fortuna. I want to fight all the top guys because that’s where I belong.

“Feels great to be fighting at home, been a long time. Just want to give back to the city and community for them supporting me while I’ve been on the road. Even as an 11-year old amateur they supported me.

“Expect a show, this will be a war, I can box and everybody knows I’m a puncher. Fans should be expecting a good fight. I’ll have a huge amount of people backing me.”

 

CHARLES CONWELL

“Means the world to me that I can fight at home and show everyone what they’ve been missing. Last time I fought here [in Cleveland] was in 2015.

“I know Rocky is a tough fighter, he’s beat a couple prospects and he’ll be coming to win.

“I’ve heard from many of my Olympic teammates this week and I’m excited to show them how I look as a professional. I’m looking forward to showing all the boxing fans around the world my skills.

“Should be an entertaining, good fight, I’m ready to go and hopefully close the show early. I’m ready for all six or a first round knockout.

“No pressure fighting at home or on Showtime. After fighting in the Olympics I’m ready for anything.”

WILLIE NELSON

“Right now, I’m at the rebuilding stage of my career to become a world champion.”

“I know a lot about Alexis Hloros, so no issue being a late addition as an opponent, I’m ready.

“I haven’t fought in Cleveland since 2009. I love being able to fight at home, means a great deal to me.

“I want my next opponent to be a top 20 opponent and to fight on Showtime.”

ISAIAH STEED

“I know Nunez is a very strong, come forward fighter, but he’s got no chance on Friday night.

“Last time I fought in Cleveland was as an amateur, three or four years ago.

“No pressure at all fighting at home, thrilled to be fighting at home.

“Charles and I spar all the time helping each other, he’s like my little brother, we make a great team.

“Sign the contract. I’m ready to fight anyone.”

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Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

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

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. TheShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 73 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

CLARESSA SHIELDS TO DEFEND WOMEN’S SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLES AGAINST UNDEFEATED MANDATORY CHALLENGER TORI NELSON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Unified Champion & Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Headlines ShoBox: The New Generation From Turning Stone Resort Casino In Verona, N.Y.

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 8, 2017) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will defend her 168-pound titles against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Tori Nelson on Friday, Jan. 12 live on SHOWTIME.

 

A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) will face her second consecutive undefeated opponent in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Shields dethroned previously unbeaten Nikki Adler Aug. 4 on SHOWTIME to pick up the WBC and vacant IBF titles less than one year after she became the first American boxer to capture back-to-back Olympic gold medals.  The 22-year-old native of Flint, Mich., returns to face Nelson, a seven-year veteran with seven times the professional ring experience.

 

“I’m truly excited to have the chance to demonstrate my skills against an opponent the caliber of Tori Nelson,” Shields said.  “I’m honored to be headlining the firstShoBox of 2018, and I know January 12 will be a great night for the fans.  This will be the beginning of a historic year for me and for women’s boxing.”

 

Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KOs) won a middleweight world championship in 2011 and owns wins over previously unbeaten Alicia Napoleon and Mia St. John.  The 41-year-old Ashburn, Va., native looks to capture her second world title in a showdown with the fastest rising star in women’s boxing.

 

“Ever since Claressa turned pro, I have wanted this fight,” Nelson said.  “She’s young and talented, but my experience will make the difference. Since I became a boxer, I have dreamed of being in big fights on television. I am confident that I will win this fight and remain undefeated. And I plan to retire as an undefeated world champion.”

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, go on sale Monday, Nov. 13 for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at 800.771.7711or online at Ticketmaster.

 

“Claressa’s determination to challenge the best available contenders shows why she is one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport today,” promoter Dmitriy Salita said.  “This is a great matchup and I am confident that we will witness another memorable performance.”

 

Said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation: “Claressa is a star both in and out of the ring who possesses all the intangibles to become the face of women’s boxing.  In just four professional fights, two as headliners on ShoBox, she is already unified champion at 168 with plans to conquer the 160 and 154-pound divisions.  Tori Nelson is undefeated, a former champion, and represents what should be the toughest test of Claressa’s young career.  Only time will tell, but I don’t know if there is any fighter in the world who can stop Claressa Shields.”

 

Shields compiled an amateur record of 77-1 and won her first Olympic Gold when she was only 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the 2012 London Games.  She won a second gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and turned professional three months later.

 

In March 2017 in Detroit, Shields stopped Hungary’s Szilvia Szabados in four rounds in the first women’s main event in premium television history.  Shields returned to headline her second ShoBox telecast in August, knocking out Adler in the fifth round to become unified champion in just her fourth professional fight.  With the win, Shields became the 70th world champion in the history of the prospect developmental series.

 

Active in her community, Shields advocates for several social issues and serves as an inspirational figure in her hometown of Flint, a city beset by problems.

 

Nelson turned professional at the age of 29 and won the WBC 160-pound title in just her fifth professional fight.  She twice fought to a draw in middleweight world title bouts with Teresa Perozzi.

 

The high-pressure Nelson is one fight removed from a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Napoleon, and is fresh off a second round knockout of Latashia Burton in her first hometown fight in Ashburn, Va.

 

Undercard bouts for the ShoBox telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

DEONTAY WILDER RETAINS WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND KNOCKOUT OF BERMANE STIVERNE SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

Shawn Porter Scores Unanimous Decision Win Over Adrian Granados in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
 
Catch The Replay Monday, Nov. 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Watch the Wilder KO: http://s.sho.com/2zguBki
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions 
BROOKLYN (Nov. 5, 2017) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder retained his WBC title in his sixth defense with a dominant first-round knockout of mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday night on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
Wilder (39-0, 38 KO’s) knocked Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs) to the ground three times before referee Arthur Mercante halted the bout at 2:59 of the opening round. After Stiverne took Wilder the distance in their January 2015 title bout, Wilder has now knocked out every single opponent that he has faced in his career. Watch Wilder knocking out Stiverne HERE.
“So much frustration, it just seemed like my career, it’s been crazy. So many guys using PED’s”, said Wilder, the only American heavyweight world champion. “I just want to prove that I am the best. I know I am the best but I want to prove I am the best.”
Wilder first knocked Stiverne to the ground with a devastating one-two combination that caught the Haitian challenger on the nose. Seconds after Stiverne got back to his feet, Wilder landed another clean combination with a big left and an overhand right that sent a stunned Stiverne back to the canvas. The final blow came in the waning moments of the opening round as Wilder landed four clean punches to the face of a wobbly Stiverne.
“You have to give props to Stiverne for getting in the ring,” said Wilder. “It takes a lot of courage and it takes a lot of pride to step in the ring with someone like me. We do what we have to do in the ring and at least he stepped up. He was a clean fighter.”
After the brutal knockout, an emotional Wilder was asked by SHOWTIME Sports®reporter Jim Gray about a possible fight with unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
“I’ve been waiting on that fight for a long time now,” said Wilder. “I declare war upon you. Do you accept my challenge? I’ve been waiting for a long time. I know I’m the champion. I know I’m the best. Are you up for the test?
“A king doesn’t chase the peasants. A king takes kings. I want Joshua. If he doesn’t give me the fight we have other plans. The world wants Joshua, the world wants Wilder, I want Joshua. Joshua come and see me baby. No more dodging, no more excuses. Make the date, don’t wait.”
Former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter (28-2-1, 17 KOs) defeated Adrian Granados (18-6-2, 11 KOs) via unanimous decision (scored 117-111 by all three judges) in an exciting fight between two all-action competitors that served as the co-featured event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. The victory makes Porter the mandatory title challenger for unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman’s WBC belt.
Porter, who injured his left hand in the sixth round, landed the sharper and more accurate punches throughout the fight, including 40 percent of his power punches. Both fighters came out aggressive in the early rounds and exchanged several powerful blows.
“He gave me a little trouble here and there,” said Porter. “I hurt my left hand in the sixth round, but I kept using it. I had to use my jab. It took a toll on me and by the 10th round I just couldn’t throw it anymore.
“The strategy was to keep working the jab. I knew he’d come at me periodically. I was prepared and dug deep to get the win.”
Granados, of Cicero, Ill., fought valiantly and withstood multiple barrages from the powerful Porter and countered with several quick combinations of his own. Granados, who landed just 24 percent of his total punches, disagreed with the judges’ scorecard.
“I thought that I was controlling the fight and keeping up with him the whole time,” Granados told Jim Gray. “He was just trying to use his normal tricks. I rocked him multiple times and he never had me in any trouble.
“He’s a brute. I thought the referee [Gary Rosato] did a good job breaking up the fight at the right times. It was rough but I definitely thought I did better than the scorecards said.”
In the opening bout of the telecast, unbeaten top contender Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs) earned the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Japanese veteran Akihiro Kondo (29-7-1, 16 KOs). The judges scored the fight118-110, 117-111 and 117-111.  
The back-and-forth 12-round world championship fight saw Lipinets control the early rounds with a diversified, creative attack targeting Kondo’s body. An accidental clash of heads in the sixth round, which opened up a deep cut on the forehead of Lipinets, altered the momentum of the fight as Kondo gained confidence and was able to land some powerful punches to the head and body of Lipinets. The 28-year old Lipinets, who earned the title in just his 13th professional fight, was able to regain control in the later rounds to earn the unanimous win.
“I think the scorecards were accurate but it was a good fight,” said Lipinets. “The head-butt really impaired my vision and it led to me walking into some stupid shots.
“I’m happy with my performance. I’m just going to keep getting better from here. I’m ready to take any on challenge thrown my way.”
Kondo, who was fighting for the first time in the United States, proved a worthy opponent on the night. “It was a fair decision,” said Kondo, through a translater. “He hit me with a lot of hard punches and I felt like I needed at least a knockdown in the last round.
“I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to show any pain or fear from his punches. I was determined to keep fighting all night.”
Saturday’s telecast will replay on, Sunday, November 5 at 9 a.m. ET/PT and Monday, November 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.
This event was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions.
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follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions@BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook  at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,  and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO CLIP HIGHLIGHTS FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION BERMANE STIVERNE AHEAD OF HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH

 

 

Feature to air during SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

Heavyweight Championship Nov. 4

 

“He took my title away from me. This is something I need back” – Bermane Stiverne

 

 

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME


Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2iRTWge

Download For Your Video Player: https://we.tl/0vUYWs2gDG

 

Video Restrictions: News outlets are cleared to use this clip on broadcast and digital platforms. Broadcast outlets must verbally mention that Wilder-Stiverne airs LIVE on SHOWTIME on November 4. Digital outlets must reference Wilder-Stiverne, November 4 and LIVE on SHOWTIME in the accompanying copy.

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports today released an advanced look at a video feature of former heavyweight world champion Bermane Stiverneas he prepares to take on reigning champion Deontay Wilder in an attempt to recapture his WBC Heavyweight title.

 

The Heavyweight Championship rematch headlines the November 4 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, a Premier Boxing Champions event LIVE on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

The feature will air in its entirety on Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

 

“This is the fight that everyday runs through my mind and it bothers me,” said Stiverne. “I don’t think I lost the fight because he was better than me. I lost the fight because of health problems.”

 

Looking ahead to Saturday night’s world title rematch, Stiverne explained how there is no love lost between the two heavyweights. “The matter between he and I is very personal,” Stiverne admitted. “He took my title away from me. This is something I need back, but it’s so much more than that. I’ll make him feel my pain.”

 

Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Heavyweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader Saturday, November 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
(Photos include Times Square Photo-op with Wilder)
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (November 2, 2017) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and former world champion Bermane Stiverne went face-to-face and exchanged words onstage Thursday at the final press conference before they battle in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event this Saturday, November 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, the event features former world championShawn Porter taking on Adrian Granados in a welterweight world title eliminator. The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten Sergey Lipinets battling Japan’s Akihiro Kondo for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.
Joining the fighters and press conference participants onstage was Hall of Fame Promoter Don King, who promotes Stiverne and predicted that his fighter would shock the world and deliver an upset on Saturday night.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan:
DEONTAY WILDER
“Stiverne was the only man to survive the ‘Alabama Slammer’ and avoid a knockout. When I knock him out, then nobody will be able to say they made it through against me. He was nothing but a lot of lumps and excuses after the first fight.
“It’s been a long road for me. I’ve had my ups and my downs. The ups I’ve celebrated, but the downs have hurt the most. It’s all led me to here. All I ever wanted to do is prove to the world that I am the best. I am the baddest. I hit the hardest. I am the most feared. My record speaks for itself.
“Winner takes all. I am a man of my word. We’ve heard Bermane Stiverne say these same things before. We’ve heard it all before. What happened the first time? Everybody knows. Hopefully he doesn’t get dehydrated this time.
“This just turned up into a whole other level. The ambulance better be ready. The medical teams better be ready. The referee better be ready. They better have that towel to be able to throw it in because every blow is going to mean something. This just got even more personal.
“There’s nothing different that he can bring to the table. He brought everything he could bring the first time. He brought all his tricks – all his power. There’s nothing he’s going to be able to do this time. The only thing he’s going to be able to do is pick his spot on the ground where he’s going to lay at.”
“I do my talking and my walking in that ring. That’s what it’s all about. That’s why we’re here. November 4 the truth with reveal itself. That’s when it counts. When Deontay Wilder speaks, I mean what I say. But I’m going to show you, instead of tell you, on Saturday night.
“This will be an electrifying fight. That belt isn’t going anywhere. I will unify the division. I will be the undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
BERMANE STIVERNE
“Deontay Wilder has been trying to duck me. He’s been giving a lot of excuses about my career. He should be happy if I’ve been inactive. He should be jumping in the air. Everyone knows that means he’s scared. He knows what time it is.
“He already gave me his best. I had nothing last fight. But now I’m a very dangerous man. Everyone here knows what time it is.
“I feel great and I feel strong. There will be no excuses this time. I can guarantee you this. I’m 100 percent this time.
“Deontay said he fears for my life. Well, I don’t fear for his life. I’m going to do whatever it takes to grab that title. And I’ll walk away with a smile on my face.
“You caught me sleeping last time. Nobody is going to be sleeping this time. I’m going to be on you all night. It’s over for you.
“This is a fighter that I took him the longest rounds in any of his fights. He had never gone past seven or eight.
“He’s like a third round or fourth round knockout guy depending on the level of his opponent. Anyone that would be a decent or strong opponent, he’s not going to last. From rounds six through 12 he didn’t do much. Everything was in the first six.
“His last fights that I’ve watched, I haven’t seen any progress.
Saturday, November 4 I will be two-time heavyweight champion of the world. No one can stop me. He can smile all he wants. But on Saturday I’m taking that belt home with me.”
SHAWN PORTER
“I’m glad to be back. I’m excited to fight once more before the year is done. This is really another tremendous fight card and I’m honored to be a part of it.
“I’m getting the seats warm this time before Deontay comes to close the show. You’re definitely going to want to be paying attention to this fight.
“I wanted to get back in the ring. Adrian Granados was also looking for a fight and was willing to accept the fight. It’s as simple as that. I’m a boxer and my job is to compete against the best. Right now, he’s the best challenge that I have.
“This is a great matchup. This is really fan friendly action everyone is going to see. I know I’m facing an aggressive guy who is going to come at me with everything he’s got.
“I enjoy every bit about fighting at Barclays Center. The energy is always great in that building. The atmosphere is really unbelievable. I’m happy to fight there again.
“The respect that Granados and I have for each other, that’s what boxing is all about. It’s about getting in the ring and competing. We wanted someone that was going to come here and fight me. We didn’t want someone who was going to run or lay down. We want to close the year out in fantastic form, and the best way to do that is by facing Granados.”
ADRIAN GRANADOS
“I’m very grateful to be here and have this opportunity against Shawn Porter. I appreciate it and I thank him and his team. This is definitely going to be a great fight.
“I’m fighting for everyone back home and all the people that are with me every day. Everyone knows how dedicated we are and that will all come together on fight night.
“This is all about proving myself and showing that I belong with the best of the sport. I have to take an opportunity like this when it’s offered to me. There’s nothing to do now but get in the ring and get down to business.
“This is a tremendous opportunity. I’m coming to win, not lay down. I’m here to fight. We both have fan-friendly styles and may the best man win.”
SERGEY LIPINETS
“This is a dream come true for me. I had to work very hard and overcome a lot to get to this point. Now that I’m here, I want to give the fans a great fight.
“I’m going to go for the knockout and become a world champion. This is the thing that motivates me every day through this hard training camp.
“I am prepared for anything Kondo can bring to the ring. He has earned his right to fight for the title and I have to take him very seriously and be at my very best.”
AKIHIRO KONDO
“I’m going to do my best to win for all of my fans in Japan. I’m going to take this world title belt back home to Japan and I’m happy to have the support of my country.
“I’ve come a long way to get here. This is the mecca of boxing. I feel really relaxed and calm. This feels like a normal fight for me still.
“No matter what happens in this fight, I think that is going to come down to heart. I am determined not to lose in that area.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This is a terrific card from top to bottom. I love this show. Dominic Breazeale vs. Eric Molina, Amanda Serrano a pound-for-pound champion, and two undefeated local kids Chris Colbert and Titus Williams, all featured on this card. The show is truly loaded with talent and stars.
“Nothing gets bigger than the defense of America’s only heavyweight championship. Deontay Wilder defending his title against Bermane Stiverne, the only man that Deontay has not been able to knockout.
“This is a dangerous fight. Stiverne is big, strong and he can punch. This is Christmas for him. He has nothing to lose. He can walk out of here with the heavyweight championship of the world.
“Shawn Porter is fighting against a real deserving challenger. Shawn is a champion with or without a belt, and Granados always makes great fights and he’s going to give it 120 percent.
“Kondo is a very accomplished fighter, but he’s going to have his hands full with Sergey LIpinets. Whenever LIpinets gets in the ring, someone gets hurt. I think he has a chance to go very far.”
DON KING, Hall of Fame Promoter
“I want to thank all of these young men up here who are fighting for the crown. Stiverne has something in store for Wilder on Saturday night that will be a shock. It’s going to be the Fight of the Year. Unquestionably.
“Deontay has never really met Bermane Stiverne, so I’m going to introduce them. It’s going to be a fantastic night of fighting at Barclays Center. You will have a tremendous upset on Saturday night when Bermane Stiverne knocks out Deontay Wilder.
“After this happens, we can have a rubber match. It will be an exciting time for me on Saturday night and the start of a ‘November to Remember.'”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“This weekend’s telecast will be the second weekend of heavyweight title fights on SHOWTIME. We all know these two faced each other in 2015, but neither fighter went home happy. Deontay was impressive but he didn’t get the knockout. Stiverne is the only blemish on Wilder’s perfect knockout streak. Ever since that fight, Bermane has been asking for the rematch. On Saturday both men will get their wish. Deontay can send a message to the rest of the division and Bermane gets a second chance at a world title
“The first time they fought, everyone saw it as Deontay’s toughest opponent. Out of 42 media members, 22 predicted Deontay to win and 20 picked Stiverne. This is an all-action heavyweight fight with America’s heavyweight world champion.
“Sometimes a big fight can suck up the attention from the co-featured fights on the card. Both of these opening bouts could have been a main event and would be a main event on any other network. Porter and Granados is an intriguing matchup of all action fighters and if you haven’t seen Sergey LIpinets fight, I urge you to turn on the TV early and get to the arena, because this will be an entertaining fight.
“By the end of the night we will have done 29 world title fights this year alone. There is no other network that could put on that many high quality fights. We look forward to closing the year on a strong note on Saturday night.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
This Saturday will be our last Brooklyn boxing event of the year. It’s been an incredible 2017. It started with Badou Jack vs. James DeGale, then in March the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia fight, which was probably the biggest we ever had at the arena. It hit new marks that we hadn’t seen before. This summer we had the Mikey Garcia vs. Adrien Broner fight and we’ve also seen the Charlo brothers fight at Barclays Center in 2017 and become stars.
“It’s been a great year full of memorable moments and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year than with Deontay on Saturday night. When Deontay defended his title at Barclays Center last year, it was the first heavyweight title fight in the borough of Brooklyn in 115 years and we’re excited to have him back.”
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions@BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook  at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,   and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Heavyweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader Saturday, November 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (November 1, 2017) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and former world champion Bermane Stiverne showed off their power and skills at the media workout Wednesday in Brooklyn before they meet in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, November 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, the event features former world championShawn Porter taking on Adrian Granados in a welterweight world title eliminator. The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten Sergey Lipinets battling Japan’s Akihiro Kondo for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Joining the televised fighters at Gleason’s Gym on Wednesday were five-time world champion Amanda Serrano, who returns to the ring in undercard action Saturday. Also in attendance were unbeaten prospects Chris Colbert and Titus Williams, who meet in an eight-round featherweight attraction.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“Stiverne is going to see me come to Barclays Center and finish the job on Saturday. He survived the first time. He’s the only one to survive on their feet. This is something that I’ve come back to. I will finish the job this time.
“Stiverne had a lot of excuses after the last fight. Nobody wants to hear excuses from the loser. He knows what happened. I beat him 12 rounds in a row. I think this fight will be even easier for me. He hasn’t improved since we last fought, but I’m going to show him a whole new Deontay Wilder. This is the end of Bermane Stiverne’s career right here.
“As soon as Anthony Joshua accepts the fight, then I’ll be there. They’re trying to distract people because they know that I’m a danger to anybody’s career. All their excuses have nothing to do with the sport of boxing. The only thing people care about is the best fighting the best, and that’s what I’m trying to do.
“I thought the first Stiverne fight should have been stopped. He had knots all over his faced and was concussed. I’m not trying to leave any doubt this time around.
“This is my mandatory opponent. I must face him and that’s just what it is. I’ve called out every name in the sport. All the top guys have ducked me, so I just have to take care of the people that are able to get in the ring.”
BERMANE STIVERNE
“I have no fear heading into this fight. It’s not that I didn’t see the openings in the last fight, I just couldn’t physically perform how I needed to.
“I had health concerns last fight but now I’ve turned the chapter on that and I’m focusedon Saturday night. This is going to be a completely different fight this time around
“I’m hungry to win. I’m always motivated and excited about getting into the ring, but obviously this is the biggest chance I’m going to have.
“The stage is set and my destiny is in front of me. I always said I was going to be the first person to beat him, and that is going to come together on Saturday.
“Everything has been perfect in camp. Deontay is going to be in for a real rude awakening on Saturday. I’m going to let my fists do the talking for me.”
SHAWN PORTER
“This is a great style matchup. I think that’s why this fight was made. We are two guys that are going to go in there and go 12 hard rounds. My job is to get in there and outbox him and get him out of there.
“I don’t think I need to make any adjustments because I can come forward, move around the ring, create angles – I think Adrian isn’t exactly ready for that. My foot movement and of course my hand speed will be the difference.
“This is the second eliminator for me. It is about doing it again. I have to get the job done and get that fight with Keith Thurman.
“I want to make it very clear that I’m the better boxer. I want it to be clear that I can do to Adrian Granados what no one else has been able to do – put him on his butt.
“On all of our gear we wrote #VegasStrong. We want to send a message to everyone in Vegas that I don’t just live there, but it is part of my heart now. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the tragedy and now we are over a month past that. I am fighting for the people of Vegas.”
ADRIAN GRANADOS
“It means a lot to me to be in this fight on this stage. I definitely need to win and bounce back from my loss to Broner and show that I have a lot more to give to this sport. I’m far from down and out, I just showed up to the party and I’m ready to leave my mark.
“I think 147 is a weight that I’ll be good at. I’ve fought here and at 140-pounds so I’m comfortable either way. This was just an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.
“I never fight the same way. This is a fight and it’s going to have everything that comes with that. I’m going to be prepared for what Shawn Porter brings to the ring. This fight kind of came out of nowhere but it was easy for me to agree to.
“This is a great opportunity to prove that I’m able to fight with anyone in this sport. I can compete on the highest level and I’m going to show everyone that I’m a force on fight night.”
SERGEY LIPINETS
“I’m very happy right now. I’m very excited to fight for a title, but I know how to contain my emotions and direct them in a positive way. When I get in the ring, I’m going to make everyone else happy with my performance.
“I had great sparring partners for this camp and I’ve worked hard with Buddy McGirt to get in the best shape possible. My team did a great job getting me to this point so I couldn’t be happier.
“At this level, there are no bad fighters. Anyone who walks in the ring and stands in their across from me should be respected.
“My preparation for this fight has been at the same level as it was for all of my other fights. I always train like the title is on the line. I always bring my best and I know that Kondo will do. He’s trying to take advantage of this opportunity too.
“I was here in March fighting on the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia undercard and I knew that one day I would be fighting for the title in that same arena. I love New York and I love the boxing fans here. This is just a great event and I hope everyone sees my performance.”
AKAHIRO KONDO
“I had a really strong training camp. I feel ready to fight. I’m ready to go today If I had to. Everything in camp went as well as I could have hoped.
“I know that Lipinets is a hard puncher and a very good overall fighter. I’m going to do my best to avoid the big shots and use my skills.
“I want to put on a performance that will guarantee that people will remember my name. I think it’s going to be a really good fight and make me more well-known throughout the world. I’m not just doing this for myself, but for everybody back home.
“I’m so grateful and excited to have the opportunity to be on this card. I know how fortunate I am to be in this position and I’m ready to make the most of it.”
AMANDA SERRANO
“Every fight is huge for me to show that I’m still winning and continuing to get better. I love fighting at Barclays Center on big shows like this one. It’s always fun to fight in front of your fans and hopefully as I gain recognition I can bring bigger and better things to women’s boxing.
“I’m always looking for the next big challenge. Eventually I would like to break my own record and look to grab a title in a sixth weight class. I’m ready to take on the best fighters and the biggest challenges.
“You can’t underestimate anyone in this sport, so we trained very hard leading up to this one. She’s coming in here to knock my head off. This camp was actually a little different because I didn’t have to diet for this fight. I could actually eat at this weight and I’m feeling really strong.
“I’m facing a tough girl who’s only been stopped twice, so my goal is to make this one quick. The faster the fight the easier for me and it gives the fans something to get excited about.”
CHRIS COLBERT
“I’m different from a lot of other up-and-coming fighters in this business. I’m willing to take risks. In this boxing game it’s either win or lose, and I’m in it to win.
“I’m familiar with Titus as a fighter and I know that I have what it takes to beat him. That’s the name of the game and that’s the goal on Saturday.
“Training camp was tremendous. This was the longest camp that I’ve ever had. We’ve gone strong for seven weeks straight. No days off, just hard work every day.
“I feel 100 percent healthy right now. Everything happens for a reason. That minor setback that I had, it’s leading to a major comeback starting on Saturday night.
“I love to fight in my city. It’s always great to have my city behind me. Once I get in the ring though, it’s just another day for me. I’m going to show off my skills. I’m going to bring everything I need to get this win.”
TITUS WILLIAMS
“Taking on a fight like this proves that I’m fearless. I’m willing to take on all the challenges in this sport. I’m not looking to pad my record with easy wins. When there is a challenge put in front of me, I’m ready willing and able to face it.
“I’m in the best shape of my life right now. I’ve never felt this good heading into a fight. Mentally and physically I’m in a really good place and ready to go.
“Colbert has speed, he’s crafty and he’s slick. He’s going to come to fight and he’s going to come to win. But I’m going to break his will.
“All of those attributes that he has, I have the same ones. But I have the difference maker. In the professional game, that difference maker is power.
“I’m facing a guy I came up with during the amateurs and went on national trips with. None of that really matters to me when the bell rings. I have to go in there and do my job, and that’s to win.”
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RING RESUME: DEONTAY WILDER

 

 

An Examination Of Wilder’s Career From Olympic Bronze-Medalist To Undefeated WBC Heavyweight Champion Written and Narrated By Steve Farhood

 

To View and Share, Click Here: http://s.sho.com/2z8cRt5

 

Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne | Saturday, Nov. 4

Live on SHOWTIME® At 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

WHAT: International Boxing Hall of Famer and historian Steve Farhood examines the career of WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder in advance of his world title rematch defense against mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne on Saturday, Nov. 4live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

In the latest edition of the SHOWTIME Sports® digital series “Ring Resume,” Farhood takes an in-depth look at Wilder’s career beginning with his 2012 SHOWTIME debut knockout of then-unbeaten Kelvin Price.  The nine-fight examination includes his 2015 world title fight against his Nov. 4 opponent, Bermane Stiverne, and his sensational 2016 Knockout of the Year candidate against Artur Szpilka.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).