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KELL BROOK vs. ERROL SPENCE JR. FINAL WEIGHTS & PHOTOS FOR WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ON SHOWTIME® AT BRAMALL LANE IN SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND

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Tomorrow/Saturday, May 27 At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT

Click HERE To Download Photos by Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT

Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence Jr. – IBF Welterweight World Championship

Kell Brook – 146 ½ pounds

Errol Spence Jr. – 146 ¼ pounds

 

Live at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT exclusively in the U.S. on theSHOWTIME Sports Facebook page and the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel.

George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov – vacant WBA Super Middleweight World Championship

George Groves – 167 ¼

Fedor Chudinov – 167

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IBF WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION KELL BROOK AND MANDATORY CHALLENGER ERROL SPENCE JR. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Saturday, May 27 Live On SHOWTIME® At 5:15 p.m. ET / 2:15 p.m. PT From Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England

 

Download Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME HERE

 

SHEFFIELD (May 24) – Kell Brook will make his fourth IBF Welterweight World Title defense against U.S. star Errol Spence Jr. at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England this Saturday May 27, live on SHOWTIME (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT).

 

Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) and mandatory challenger Spence, (21-0, 18 KOs), clash on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in one of the biggest fights in the 147-pound division, and the elite pairing are promising to deliver an electric night of action.

 

Both fighters participated in a public media workout today, Wednesday, at Peace Gardens in Sheffield, England. Below is what they had to say:

 

KELL BROOK

“We are going to rock Sheffield on Saturday night. I’m ready, I’m pumped, I can’t wait.

 

“There is a lot of pressure but I always perform better under pressure. I’m meant to be on the big stage, I’m ready for the pressure and to see the bright lights.

 

“[Errol Spence] is a serious dude from America, he’s a young hungry lion, but he’s not beaten anyone like me. I’m a champion and I’ve been a champion. I’m defending. I know both sides of the coin, I’ve prepared very well.

 

“I’m ready for a war. And that’s what you’re going to see – a war Saturday night. There are going to be two winners Saturday night: that is going to be myself and everyone watching.

 

“There’s no way he can beat me.  I’m a man possessed and I have a serious job to do.  This is my night to shine.

 

“I love it [being the underdog].  I was born for it.  People don’t have me winning this fight, but that just gives me the extra energy I need to go out and prove them all wrong.

 

“This guy is a talented guy, but he’s never been tested.  He’s never been in with someone who is so determined like me.  Who’s bigger, stronger, who has all this energy, who’s meant for this game, who’s meant to be a winner.  He hasn’t been in with someone with that mindset, and that’s what I’m coming to bring on Saturday.

 

“All the hard work has been done.  The talking will stop; we’re ready to let some fireworks fly now.

 

“I can see us both maybe hitting the canvas.  You’re going to be on the edge of your seat from round one.  He’s not going to take a backwards step, and I’m not [either].  All I can say is it’s going to be a thriller.

 

“I’ve arrived.  It’s a dream come true.  It’s going to be so perfect for me that night to walk out and just see everyone.  The electricity is going to be phenomenal.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“This is my time, this is my era.  This is my time to shine.  This is my time to get the belts, this is my time to unify and become the undisputed welterweight champion of the world.  This is just another stepping stone to get to where I want to be.

 

“I’m 100 percent prepared, I’m 100 percent focused, and I’m 100 percent ready to give the fans what they want, which is a real great fight.

 

“I can’t let the fans get to me.  I’m not worried about him having his hometown fans.  Eventually everyone will be my fans by the end of the night.

 

“I don’t feel the pressure at all.  I feel like there is more pressure on him because he’s fighting at home.  Of course there’s pressure on me to win, but I welcome that pressure.  It’s going to do nothing but motivate me, make me more hungry and make we want to win even more.

 

“You just have to have that ‘it’ factor, and I think I have it.  I’m not worried about the crowd, I’m not worried about the boos or anything like that.

 

“It’s a good step-up.  Kell Brook is a good fighter, he has great skills.  I welcome this step-up – I’ve been asking for it for a long time and I’m finally getting my opportunity.

 

“My confidence comes from my hard work.  I know the hours and time that I put in the gym.”

 

“This is an ideal situation. I would be disappointed if I was fighting someone else because he vacated. I’m a real fighter, I want to fight the best, I want to fight the champion and earn it the right way.  I can’t wait to prove I am one of the best fighters in the welterweight division.

 

“I’ve been on the USA team for a long time. As an amateur, representing U.S. in the Olympics and as a pro having this USA patch on me and fighting for my country.  I feel Saturday is kind of like a USA vs UK battle. And  U.S.A. is going to win.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

 

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CURRENT & FORMER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONS WEIGH-IN ON KELL BROOK vs. ERROL SPENCE IBF 147-POUND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter & More Discuss The Latest In Series Of Welterweight Blockbusters

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT From Bramall Lane In Sheffield, England

 

NEW YORK (May 23, 2017) – IBF Welterweight World Champion Kell Brook and undefeated rising star Errol Spence face off this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) in the latest in a series of significant welterweight matchups between the best fighters in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

 

Six of the top eight welterweights in the world* will have fought in the first five months of 2017 – all on SHOWTIME or CBS – as a de facto tournament continues in the 147-pound class to determine the No. 1 fighter in a division long controlled by the retired Floyd Mayweather.

*Source: Transnational Boxing Rankings

 

WBA and WBC Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman unified the titles on March 4 with a split-decision victory over Danny Garcia in a rare matchup of undefeated champions.  Lamont Peterson picked up the secondary WBA Regular title on Feb. 18, and on April 22 Shawn Porter knocked out Andre Berto to become the mandatory challenger to Thurman’s WBC belt.  The remaining welterweight champion, Manny Pacquiao, is set to defend his WBO title against Jeff Horn on July 2.

 

Now it’s Brook and Spence’s turn to take center stage in boxing’s glamour division.

 

This Saturday in Sheffield, England, Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) will make the fourth defense of the IBF belt he won via majority decision over Porter in 2014.  The 31-year-old, who has never been knocked down, will be the decided hometown favorite in front of what is expected to be 25,000-plus fans in the first world title fight in the 162-year history of Bramall Lane.

 

The 27-year-old Spence (21-0, 18 KOs) has long been considered one of boxing’s most prized prospects.  The IBF’s No. 1 contender has knocked out eight straight opponents and has improved as his level of opposition has risen – his last six opponents held an impressive combined record of 151 wins against just eight losses.  The Dallas resident travels abroad for this long-awaited title opportunity as he attempts to become the first American to dethrone an Englishman on British soil in nearly a decade.**

 

With both Spence and Brook affirming their intention to unify the division after May 27, see below for what legendary Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard and current top welterweights have to say about Saturday’s IBF title matchup.

 

SUGAR RAY LEONARD – Former Undisputed Welterweight World Champion

“I’m really excited about this fight in particular, mainly because both fighters have to be on their A-game.  I know there is talk about Kell’s eye surgery being a psychological problem, but from personal experience, I don’t see that being the case.  I never thought about my eye once the doctor gave me the green light.

 

“To ask me who is going to win this fight, I have my favorite in Errol Spence.  But, based on the each fighter’s physical artillery, one punch can turn the tables around.  That being said, I am going to sit back and watch a great night of boxing.”

 

KEITH THURMAN – Unified WBA & WBC Welterweight World Champion

“This is an interesting fight.  I have not followed Kell too much, but I have obviously seen Errol fight in the U.S.   Errol is a tough, young fighter who is just getting into the public’s eye, and Kell obviously has the strength of the British crowd on his side.

 

“It should be a tough fight that really speaks to the strength of the welterweight division.  Both fighters are men that I would be open to fighting as I continue to unify the division in 2018.   As a fight fan, let’s see what’s ‘Special’ about Kell Brook, and we’ll see if Errol Spence can show us he’s ‘The Truth.’  It should be a great fight and I’ll be watching.”

 

DANNY GARCIA – Former Welterweight World Champion

“I think this is a 50/50 fight.  I think the person with the better game plan is going to win.  There is a lot of pressure to go into someone’s backyard like Spence is doing, and he’s never faced a fighter in his prime before like Brook.   It is definitely a test for him and a big step up in competition.  If he is ready, he can do it.  He just has to go in there and stay focused.

 

“The welterweight division is the best division in boxing.  I still feel like I am one of the best welterweights in the world even though I came up short.  I never thought I would say a loss would make me stronger because I didn’t see myself losing.  I want my titles back and to be seen as the best in the best division.”

 

SHAWN PORTER – Former Welterweight Champion & Current WBC No. 1 Contender

“I’m glad Errol is getting his title shot, and I’m happy he’s going to England for it.  I’m obviously pulling for the American.  Errol is a phenomenal athlete and a great boxer.  I think he’s ready to show the world something, but Kell is right up there in that top tier of welterweights.  People who tune in should be thrilled. I know I’m looking forward to it.

 

“The welterweight division is awesome, top to bottom.  We’re right where we need to be and should be.  Boxing returning back to the masses with PBC came at the perfect time for me and the rest of the top welterweights. There are so many of us capable of winning a title right now.”

 

LAMONT PETERSON – WBA (Regular) Welterweight World Champion

“This is going to be a tough fight, but I think Errol should win.  At least I’m pulling for Errol to win.  He’s got to overcome the idea that there will probably be 30,000 people cheering against him, so he has to show the judges that he deserves to win.

 

“Brook is a good fighter and is going to bring his best, but I think Errol, in the end, is the better fighter. But he will have to prove it.

 

“The welterweight division is one of the best in boxing right now.  We’ve got a lot of good fighters in their prime making the division strong.  And guys are willing to fight each other.  We are seeing the kind of fights the fans want to see.  If this keeps up it could bring boxing back to where it was in the days when Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler all fought each other.  So it’s really good for boxing right now.”

 

**Timothy Bradley dethroned another Sheffield native, Junior Witter, in 2008 in Nottingham.

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

 

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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION CELEBRATES 2017 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND WITH SPECIAL DOUBLEHEADER FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, N.Y.

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 Unbeatens Regis Prograis and Joel Diaz Jr., Collide In Main Event On Friday, June 9 Live On SHOWTIME® at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

2017 Hall of Fame Inductees Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood To Be Joined By Fellow Hall of Famers Al Bernstein & Jimmy Lennon Jr.

 

NEW YORK (May 23, 2017) – ShoBox: The New Generation will celebrate the 2017 Hall of Fame weekend with a special doubleheader on Friday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino, just minutes from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y.

 

Longtime ShoBox analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood will call the actionon Friday before their induction in the “Observer” category on Sunday as part of a 2017 class headlined by boxing greats Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapia.

 

Fellow Hall of Famers Al Bernstein and Jimmy Lennon Jr. will join Farhood and Tompkins on-air during the special Hall of Fame edition of the prospect oriented series.  Lennon Jr. returns to Canasota for the posthumous induction of his father, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Sr.

 

In the 10-round main event, undefeated super lightweights Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (19-0, 16 KOs) and Joel Diaz Jr. (23-0, 19 KOs) will meet in a quintessential ShoBox matchup that could thrust the winner from prospect to legitimate title contender.  Viewers have seen both fighters develop on the series – this will be Prograis’ fourth start and Diaz’ third on ShoBox.

 

In the co-feature, unbeaten Canadian super middleweight Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 KOs) makes his second start on ShoBox when he faces the dangerous Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round match.

 

“I think I can speak on behalf of all of us here at SHOWTIME about how happy and proud we are to see both Steve and Barry’s careers validated with their induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Gordon Hall, ShoBox Executive Producer and SVP Production, SHOWTIME Sports.  “And when you add four fighters with only one loss between them in a quintessentialShoBox card, it just doesn’t get much better than that.”

 

Tompkins and Farhood are the one-two punch behind ShoBox: The NewGeneration.  Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow and Farhood offers his wealth of boxing knowledge and expert analysis. The series announce team also includes former world champion Raul Marquez, who also serves as expert analyst.

 

This will be the fifth ShoBox visit to Turning Stone Resort Casino, which hosted its first ShoBox telecast during the 2013 Hall of Fame weekend.

 

Tickets for the event, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, are priced at $65 for ringside, $50, $40 and $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

 

REGIS PROGRAIS VS. JOEL DIAZ JR. – SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT – 10 ROUNDS

 

Ranked No. 4 by the WBC, the 28-year-old Prograis has scored knockouts in 12 of his last 13 fights.  Originally from New Orleans but currently fighting out of Main Street Gym in Houston, the 5-foot-9 Prograis is an aggressive-minded southpaw with stunning accuracy on his power shots.

 

Prograis has beaten two previously undefeated fighters on ShoBox – an eight round stoppage of Abel Ramos and an eight-round decision over Amos Cowart – in addition to his most recent performance, a first round KO of veteran Aaron Herrera.  The former amateur standout is coming off a first round knockout of Wilfrido Buelvas on Feb. 11.

 

“It’s ‘Rougarou Time’,” said Prograis, whose nickname originates in Louisiana folklore and is defined as a werewolf-like creature. “This is a crossroads fight for me.  I am ranked No. 4 by the WBC and fifth by The Ring at 140 pounds.  I have worked hard to get here, and I am on a hunt for the title belts.

 

“Diaz is standing in the way of my ultimate objective and I know that I must defeat him to get where I want to be. He needs to get past me to move onto the next level himself, so I am sure he is equally motivated.  That is what makes for great fights.”

 

Joel Diaz Jr., of Palmdale, Calif., will return to ShoBox for the third time.  He debuted on the SHOWTIME series in just his sixth pro bout, stopping unbeaten prospect Guy Robb in seven rounds in 2012.  Diaz Jr. returned to headline aShoBox event on May 16, 2014, dominating Canadian Tyler Asselstine over 10 rounds en route to a unanimous decision.

 

The 25-year-old won all of his starts by stoppage in 2016.

 

“I am honored to be back on SHOWTIME and am thankful to my promoters DiBella Entertainment and Jean Pascal Promotions for the opportunity,” said Diaz Jr.  “OnJune 9, I will be more than ready to hand Regis Prograis his first defeat.  ShoBoxfans are in for a treat as this will be a thriller while it lasts.  When the smoke clears, I know that I will be the one left standing.”

 

STEVE ROLLS VS. DEMOND NICHOLSON – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT – 8 ROUNDS

 

Steve Rolls, of Toronto, Canada, earned his biggest victory in his ShoBox debut in December 2015, stopping then undefeated prospect and amateur standout Steed Woodall inside four rounds.  He has since earned two impressive knockout wins in 2016.

 

Rolls had a successful amateur career, competing on both the 2009 and 2010 Canadian National boxing teams and finishing with an 83-14 record overall.  In 2009, he went to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Men’s Boxing Championship in Milan, Italy, where he lost in the Round of 16 to 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh.

 

“It feels great to be back on ShoBox and I’m looking forward to putting on another spectacular performance,” Rolls said.  “I know that Nicholson can fight and I expect him to come prepared.  Training camp has been going very well and on June 9, I will be more than ready.”

 

Demond “D’Bestatit” Nicholson is a super middleweight from Laurel, Md. with devastating power, scoring all but one of his wins by knockout, including 10 in the first round.  The 24-year-old has won seven fights with one draw since his only defeat in 2014.

 

Nicholson, who owns an impressive victory over former world title challenger Milton Nunez, is coming off of a questionable draw against Immanuwel Aleem –who recently stopped Ievgen Khytrov in a back-and-forth brawl that aired on SHOWTIME.   As an amateur, Nicholson accumulated a record of 110-15, before turning pro in July 2013.

 

“My time is now,” said Nicholson. “Any time that I am able to showcase my talent in front of a national audience means a lot.  I am very humbled and thankful to be a part of this card.  I’ve had great sparring, making adjustments every session.  I saw Rolls’ fight against Steed Woodall – I think he has a lot to learn, and I will teach him a lesson.  I look forward to victory and continuing to move up the world rankings.”

 

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

 

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

 

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 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, 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 and more.

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Savile Row Tailor, Steed Bespoke Tailors, appoint their first brand ambassador, Paulie Malignaggi, two-weight world champion and Boxing Analyst for Showtime and Sky Sports 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today Steed Tailors have announced that former Two-Weight World Champion and Award-Winning Showtime Sports Boxing Analyst, Paulie Malignaggi has become their first official Ambassador. As Steed’s Ambassador, Paulie will exclusively be dressed in the finest Savile Row Bespoke Clothing, both sides of the Atlantic, whenever he is working as an Expert Boxing Analyst for both Showtime Sports & Sky Sports UK. 

Since 2015, Malignaggi has commissioned many handcrafted Bespoke pieces from Steed, most recently, a Steed Bespoke Sport Coat worn during the weigh-in to the Blockbuster Heavyweight Showdown between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium, London.

Malignaggi’s next appearance will feature a newly commissioned Steed Bespoke Suit on May 27th, when he will be working as a ringside announcer at the Kell Brook vs Errol Spence Jnr World Title Fight in Sheffield, England.

For fans of Malignaggi that can’t make it across the Atlantic, Steed makes 5 trips per year to New York City and 3 trips per year to 7 other U.S. cities to ensure their American clients have access to the finest suits Savile Row has to offer.

Quotes From Paulie Malignaggi:
“I’ve always prided myself on my appearance – and I know there’s no other suit out there that compares to my bespoke suit made for me, personally by Matthew & Edwin at Steed Tailors. They’re world class experts in tailoring, and I know I won’t have my suits made anywhere else. The fact they come out to the U.S. so often is an added bonus!”

On his relationship with Matthew DeBoise:
“I think we’ve developed a friendship while working together and to me, that’s meant a lot.”

Quotes From Matthew DeBoise, Managing Partner of Steed:
“It’s an honour to announce Paulie as Steed’s first ever brand Ambassador. To have started as an admiring fan during his illustrious Boxing to career, beginning with his fight against Miguel Cotto in 2006 when I was just 17 years old. Culminating with meeting and subsequently, building a strong friendship, alongside a key working relationship over the past 18 months is amazing if not a little surreal!
I’m excited to get working on the new Bespoke commissions we are lining up for the various Boxing Events that you’ll see him in the future.”

Special Thanks to Anthony Catanzaro & Mark Dunsford:
Both Edwin & Matthew DeBoise would like to say a special thank you to Paulie’s Long-Time Manager and close friend, Anthony Catanzaro who facilitated the agreement, swiftly and has been a pleasure to work alongside from day one.

Thanks also go to Mark Dunsford, owner of Harrison’s of Edinburgh who will be working with Steed to provide the world’s finest fabrics for all of Paulie’s Bespoke clothing.

About Steed Tailors

Established in January 1995, Steed has gained a reputation as one of Savile Row’s finest Bespoke Tailors, offering clients a soft, understated elegance. Founded by Edwin DeBoise, Savile Row, Master Tailor and his son, Matthew DeBoise, who is now both a Managing Partner and Chief Stylist. The last few years has seen Steed’s client list gain other well-known Sportsmen such as Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal & Wales International Footballer), Darren Barker (World Champion Boxer) and Darren Clarke (2016 European Ryder Cup Captain & Former Open Champion).
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GARY RUSSELL JR. DEFEATS OSCAR ESCANDON IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN CROWD FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Andre Dirrell Wins Via Disqualification Stoppage, Rances Barthelemy Earns Hard-Fought Decision Win
 
Gervonta Davis Stops Liam Walsh to Retain IBF Junior Lightweight Title from Copper Box Arena in London
 
Catch The Encore Presentation of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®
 on Monday, May 22 at 10 p.m. on SHO EXTREME
 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE To Watch Gary Russell Jr.’s TKO
National Harbor (May 20) – From the MGM National Harbor “Mr.” Gary Russell Jr., (28-1, 17 KOs) had a successful homecoming in front of a nearly sold out crowd as he defended his WBC Featherweight World title with a seventh-round stoppage against the very tough, strong-willed Columbian Oscar Escandon (25-3, 17 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.
Russell Jr. took control of the action from the outset, peppering the shorter Escandon at will and dropping him in the third.
However, the brave Escandon fought his way back into the fight in the fourth and fifth stanzas, but Russell stormed into the seventh, battering the hurt Escandon and dropping him early, causing referee Harvey Dock to stop the fight at the 0:59 mark of the round (Click HERE to watch the TKO).
About the victory, Russell Jr. said, “First and foremost, I want to say happy birthday to my father. Secondly, I’d like to tell all the fans that came to support me: I love you all. Thank you.
“I fought a tough competitor. I knew Escandon wanted to come and bring his best. I knew he was going to come forward. I was ready for him. We are warriors.
“I want Lomachenko [next], that’s a no-brainer. I don’t want to do it for the fans or for the media, I want to do it for myself. And I want to do it twice. I’ll knock him out the first time and then, he’ll want me to fight him again.
“I’d love to unify against all the other guys in the featherweight division. I’d like Leo Santa Cruz, Lee Selby, Oscar Valdez.”
About the knockout loss, “I was getting my rhythm going and I felt like Gary was getting tired. I didn’t see him coming with the big punch he threw at the end and that was it. I went down and was hoping to get a 10 count, but the referee didn’t give it to me and he stopped the fight.
“I knew that Gary was going to go fast from the first to the fifth round and it was part of my strategy to let him do that and get tired. It didn’t work unfortunately.
“Now we need to go back to the drawing board to rest and see what my manager has planned for me.”
Said trainer and father Gary Russell Sr., “I’m ecstatic. I’m really happy. I got three wins. Three stoppages. It’s my birthday. I’m 15 minutes from home and I can go home and relax.
“We prepared fully for Mr. Escandon. We knew he was going to do what he did – come forward. I don’t want to diminish or take anything away from Mr. Escandon. He really is a hard, rough fighter. Throughout the course of the fight, I instructed Gary to hit him with some good shots. Some hard shots. It is a brutal sport.”
Co-featured on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in a 12-round clash for the IBF Interim Super Middleweight Title, Flint, Michigan’s Andre Dirrell, (26-2, 16 KOs), was declared the winner after round eight as Jose Uzcategui, (26-2, 22 KOs) of Merida, Venezuela, was disqualified for a punch after the bell sounded to end the eighth round.
Uzcategui started fast, battering Dirrell from the opening round, cutting off the ring and slamming away with body and head shot through the first three rounds. Dirrell saw success starting in the fourth round, countering Uzcategui and scoring
well.
Over the next four rounds, the contenders traded even as the fight became more hotly contested. At the end of the eighth round, with Dirrell backed into a neutral corner, Uzcategui let loose with a three-punch combination, the last left hand hitting the southpaw after the bell as he fell to the combination.
Following a delay to allow medical personnel to attend to Dirrell, referee Bill Clancy declared that Uzcategui was disqualified with Dirrell being declared the winner.
Said referee Bill Clancy about his decision, “The bell rang to stop the round. The round was over and Andre [Dirrell] was knocked out with an illegal punch. So therefore, Dirrell will win this fight by disqualification.
“That’s a blatant foul. Earlier in the fight, I had warned Uzcategui. I warned him. Dirrell wins the fight, he was clearly unable to continue.”
About the ending, Dirrell said, “All I remember was him [Uzcategui] throwing a shot at me at the same time the bell rang. After that everything was blurry. I remember a shot and then all went fuzzy.
“I forgive Uzcategui. I forgive his camp. I don’t want to win a championship like this. I wanted to win fair and square. But I forgive him.
Following the decision, Dirrell’s trainer and uncle Leon Lawson punched Uzcategui in the corner, sparking a brief altercation in the ring that was quelled by MGM National Harbor security and local police.
“I’m sorry for what my coach has done. My coach is my family, my uncle, and he was worried. He cares for me. He loves me. Please forgive him.
“I’m going to stand up like a man. I didn’t win like I wanted to, but I’ll be back. I’m going to come back as soon as they let me.”
Stated a very disappointed Uzcategui, “I felt very good. I was hurting him the entire fight. I felt like I could hurt him anytime I wanted. Nothing he hit me with hurt me.
“I was throwing a three-punch combination and I didn’t hear the bell. I didn’t mean to hit him. The third punch wasn’t that hard of a punch. I was surprised he stayed down.
“He did the same thing against Abraham that he did against me tonight. He quit against me and he quit against him. I deserve to be the winner.”
The live televised fights in The Theater kicked-off with two-division world championRances Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs) winning a 12-round unanimous decision over valiant Kiryl Relikh, (25-3, 16 KOs), of Baranovichi, Byelorussia. Scores in the WBA Super Lightweight eliminator were 116-110, 115-111 and 117-109.
The opening two rounds of the fight featured excellent action with both fighters attempting to impose their will.  In the third round Relikh suffered a low blow resulting in a two-minute delay, however, no point deduction was made by referee Kenny Chevalier. Following the low blow, the shorter Relikh became much more aggressive.
With the undefeated, blue-haired Barthelemy switching stances often in the fourth stanza, he was able to score at will against Relikh.
However, Relikh came out charging in the fifth, battering away against Barthelemy who was caught against the ropes and scoring a knockdown when the ropes held the Cuban up from a barrage of hard punches.
Recovering nicely in the sixth and seventh, Barthelemy badly hurt Relikh with a multitude of body shots from both hands.
In the eight round Barthelemy truly turned the tide for good in the ninth, drilling Relikh to the canvas with a blistering left hook to the body. Through the championship rounds it was all Barthelemy who finished strong against the game but outgunned Relikh.
Said the victorious Barthelemy, “It feels great to be going forward. The 11-month layoff really took a toll on my body and I felt it in the ring.
“I knew it was a close fight but knew I should get a unanimous decision.
“Relikh was a hard hitter. He surprised me with a right hook in the 5th round and I hit the canvas, so I knew I had to be careful going forward. I knew I had lost that round and had to come back stronger.
“I took the sixth round to take a breather and then I came back to work the body. Once I knocked him down, I saw that he was hurt and protecting himself upstairs a lot more so I knew I was going to have to be more strategic to come out victorious.”
Replied a very disappointed Relikh, “Of course I thought I won. Even TV thought I won. The referee did his job when he called it a knockdown in the fifth. I thought it was over.”
“The two low blows definitely affected me. It takes the wind out of you. This is boxing not MMA.”
Hot super bantamweight prospect Gary Antonio Russell improved to 8-0 with six knockouts with a dominating performance and knockout stoppage of Puerto Rico’s Jovany Fuentes, (7-9, 6 KOs). Following knockdowns in the second and third stanzas, the bout was called to a halt at 0:22 of round three.
Making his pro debut, super lightweight Gary Antuanne Russell, (1-0 1 KO) wasted no time dropping Joshua Ross, (2-4-4) of Monroe, LA to the canvas three times enroute to a stoppage victory at the 2:25 mark of the initial stanza.
Gervonta Davis went on the road in the first defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship and made a statement with an emphatic third-round TKO of previously undefeated local favorite Liam Walsh in the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from Copper Box Arena in London.
The southpaw Davis (18-0, 17 KOs) set the pace from the opening bell, connecting seemingly at will with a strong left hook.  In the third round, America’s youngest world champion floored Walsh with a strong left after a series of brutal connecting combos on the inside.  Walsh got up, but the onslaught continued seconds later and referee Michael Alexander stopped the championship bout at 2:11, with Walsh defenseless and on unsteady legs.
“Tonight we were in the groove,” Davis said.  “I think he was hurt pretty bad.  The ref did his job and it was just a matter of time.  I used my boxing IQ tonight and picked my shots, and when I picked my shots I got him out of there.
“I’m still on the rise.  I became a champion super-fast, but I’m still rising and there’s more to come.”
Promoter Floyd Mayweather was ringside in London to support his fighter, who he’s christened “the future of boxing.”
Walsh (21-1, 14 KOs), who entered the bout as the No. 1 challenger and the decided local favorite at Copper Box, was disappointed with the stoppage.
“He’s very fast, very active, but that was too quick,” Walsh said.  “He won fair and square, but sometimes they stop the fight too early.  I never got an opportunity.  I’m not saying the result would be different, but give me a chance.
“I’d love to fight him again.  I’d fight him for next to nothing.”
# # #
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air on Sunday, May 21 at 9 a.m. on SHOWTIME and on Monday, May 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.  The telecast will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.
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GERVONTA DAVIS & LIAM WALSH MAKE WEIGHT FOR IBF JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM LONDON

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tomorrow/Saturday at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Mark Robinson/SHOWTIME

 

LONDON (May 19, 2017) – America’s youngest world champion, Gervonta Davis, and undefeated No. 1 contender Liam Walsh both tipped the scale at the 130-pound limit during Friday’s official weigh-in at the 133-year-old Theatre Royal Stratford East for Saturday’s IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship on SHOWTIME.

 

On Saturday at the sold-out Copper Box Arena in London, the 22-year-old “Tank” Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) will attempt to become the first American to successfully defend his title on British soil in nearly a decade.  The 30-year-old Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) will aim to dethrone a man labeled by Davis promoter Floyd Mayweather as “the future of boxing” in the first defense of his IBF crown. 

 

The referee for Davis vs. Walsh is Michael Alexander, and the judges are Howard Foster (England), Robin Taylor (United States) and Deon Dwarte (South Africa). 

 

With fans chanting “Walsh is gonna get you” as Davis stepped on the scale, the Baltimore native narrowly missed the 130-pound limit by two ounces.  Per IBF rules, Davis was given two hours to shed the extra ounces and successfully made weight approximately 90 minutes later. 

 

“I feel good,” Davis said.  “I’m ready.”

 

After the weigh-in, Walsh downplayed the tense stare down and words exchanged during the faceoff.

 

“Tomorrow we’ll lay hands on each other for real and the best man will come on top.  I’m gonna win.  I’m going to give every last ounce of what I’ve got.”

 

Davis vs. Walsh is part of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins on Saturday, May 20, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.  In the main event, Gary Russell Jr. will make his second featherweight title defense and long-awaited homecoming against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C. 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

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Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Featherweight World Championship Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING This Saturday, May 20from MGM National Harbor in Maryland
 
Click HERE for Photos Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
 
NATIONAL HARBOR (May 18, 2017) – Featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. and top challenger Oscar Escandon went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they square-off in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference and competing in action on SHOWTIME were super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and JoseUzcategui, who battle for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship, plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy and former title challenger Kiryl Relikh, who meet in a 140-pound title eliminator. The telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with Gervonta Davis putting his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh from Copper Box Arena in London.
Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go tohttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
Russell Jr. was joined by his brothers, 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell and unbeaten prospect Gary Antonio Russell, as the trio of brothers look to pick up a hat trick of victories in their hometown Saturday night and on the birthday of their father and trainer, Gary Russell Sr.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from MGM National Harbor:
GARY RUSSELL JR.
“I never magnify an event, even though it’s at home. The end objective is still the same. But I think it’s cool that everyone in our neighborhood has the opportunity to be in the arena and see what we do.
“I’m 100 percent physically and mentally ready for the challenge and I’m on top of everything I can be.
“When you get caught up in the hype, it’s a deficiency in yourself. You have to be able to focus on the objective over everything else.
“I believe in my ability but also the ability of my brothers. So I’m not nervous for them. I know what they’ve been taught. They conduct themselves like young men in and out of the ring.
“I want a unification bout after this. I’m ready for any of the other world champions. We can line them all up in the same night if you want. If I can’t get those fights, I’m going to move up in weight and bully around these bigger guys.
“I look at each fighter as their own individual. We don’t prepare the same way for every opponent. He’s a tough fighter who comes forward. He’s very physical and I expect him to be at his best on Saturday. It’s up to me to counteract what he does.
“I love this sport. I love what I do. I love being able to prepare for no one else, but the person across the ring and then dismantling him.
“We worked on versatility most. We believe in the sweet science. A lot of these guys just win because they’re stronger and faster. We want to be more technically sound too.”
OSCAR ESCANDON
“This is a very important fight for my career. This is going to elevate me to where I want to be and give me the platform to do anything in the sport. I’m very well prepared for this.
“I feel strong and healthy at 126-pounds. I’m focused on this fight Saturday night. I’ll fight anyone but right now I have to get past Gary Russell Jr.
“In my last fight I was the underdog. People counted me out. Same thing applies here. I’ve done the work and I’m confident that I’m going to win.
“I didn’t have complete training camps with my past trainers, but now I’m with Ruben Guerrero. I’m learning so much. You can look at me in my previous fights and you’ll see a vast improvement now.
“I want that green (WBC) belt a lot. Green is my favorite color. I want to be the best and to me, winning that title signifies that I am the best. To do that I have to beat the best, and that is Gary Russell Jr.
“I don’t like to talk much but I will say that I’m coming to bring this world title back to Colombia. I respect Gary but my mindset is that I’m taking this title home.”
ANDRE DIRRELL
“It’s been a long hard journey for me. But I’ve always managed to climb back on top. The hard work that I’ve put in will make Saturday night easy work.
“My opponent is a fantastic fighter. If anyone should be in line for a title it’s this guy. He has the the power and he has the skill. I just believe he’s up against a better and tougher opponent.
“I’m going to get in the ring and display all of my abilities. I’m very confident and ready. It’s time for Andre to get on top and stay on top.
“I’ve been out of the ring for a while but most importantly, I’ve stayed in the gym in training the whole time. I’ve kept positive mentally as well. Everything is going upward right now and I’m going to take advantage.
“Uzcategui has everything a world champion needs to get to that title, but he’s facing a more skilled competitor on May 20. He’s deserving of the opportunity and that’s why I trained so hard for this fight.
“The title means the world to me. We fight for the titles first. We’re all coming from the amateurs where we got trophies. My love will always be here with the sport until the day I retire.”
JOSE UZCATEGUI
“You won’t want to miss any of these fights on Saturday night. It’s a great card and I’m planning to steal the show.
“I like when my opponent talks a lot. None of the stuff my opponent says can help him in the ring. It’s just me, him and our fists.
“It’s a lot of responsibility to be the top contender for the belt. I have to make it clear that we deserve this so that I can move on to bigger and better things.
“People are going to get to see my power on display Saturday night, but also my other skills. I can do it all in the ring and I’m going to prove it.
“After this I want to take on James DeGale and Gilberto Ramirez. I’m coming to clean out this whole division and be undisputed. It starts on Saturday.”
RANCES BARTHELEMY
“I’m living a dream right now that I myself never in a million years imagined. Every time I get to speak with my mother in Cuba, I tell her of this dream that I am currently living and how it is still surreal to me. To be able to fight on these big cards in the U.S. after the long journey, after all the setbacks, I could not be any more grateful.
“Being a world champion in two different weight divisions is something still unreal to me after people doubted whether I would even become a world champion one day. But this journey does not stop here for me. I have the urge to keep on going, make history for my people, and fight the big names in boxing.
“Everyone in my team supports and motivates each other because we know we as Cubans have to work twice as hard as everybody else. There is an unfair representation of Cuban boxers among the press and fans here in America. We are misconstrued as being boring fighters therefore we are determined to erase that stigma and prove to everyone that we can brawl and put on a good show just as much as we can box.
“I have been working on some new and different things to add to my arsenal this training camp. My whole team has been incredible and pushed me every day.
“Don’t miss this fight on Saturday night. It’s going to be eventful and exciting. I’m coming to get a spectacular win.”
KIRYL RELIKH
“I’m very happy to be here and be a part of this great show. I will do my best to give a great fight on Saturday.
“Camp was perfect. I have a great team and I’m ready for anything. We worked hard and it’s going to be a great performance.
“I’m ready for any style that that Rances Barthelemy can bring into the ring. We thought that we got the win in Scotland against Ricky Burns, but it is very hard to win on points on the road.
“I always fight in different countries so this is just another one on my list. It’s normal for me. I’m very ready for the challenge and I’m expecting a great fight.
“I hope that people like my style. I’m going to entertain the fans and get a victory over Rances Barthelemy on Saturday night.”
GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL
“I get to pick up right where I left off after the Olympics. I’m fighting on the same night with my brothers for the first time in so long. It was one of my first amateur fights when we last did it.
“I’m feeling really good. We’re making a statement and we’re making history. What’s not to be excited about?
“Mentally and emotionally the Olympics really helped me for the pros. You have to develop over time. We’re constantly training and sharpening our tools. This is a different stage, that’s all.
“I hope everyone is ready for Saturday night. There were some mishaps at the Olympics. Life is going to throw you bumps to get over, and that’s what I’m going to do. Everyone better keep their eyes open Saturday, because it might be quick.”
GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL
“I’m really excited about this fight and competing alongside my brothers. It feels good to come home and fight. My family and friends will be in the building.
“I can’t wait to get in the ring and show what we’ve been working so hard on. All the hours in the gym with my dad and brothers is going to pay off on fight night.
“I’ve seen some video of my opponent. I know his weaknesses and strengths. We’re going to come exploit it on fight night.”
GARY RUSSELL SR., Father and Trainer of the Russells
“We work hard in the gym. Everybody has a plan until they get hit. We know that he’s going to bring pressure and we’ll be ready for it.
“I’m really happy about this opportunity. We can get it all done in one night and put on a great show for everyone.
“I’m definitely in fight mode. There are no extra nerves at all. I just want to get this done and get it done right.
“I can’t really put Escandon in the same category with the top guys we’ve faced. He’s a short fighter. Most people in these weight classes are taller than Gary. At that size, the only way you can fight is straight forward. He’s not going to out box us.”
RUBEN GUERRERO, Escandon’s Trainer
“We’re ready over here. We’re going to do what it takes. We know what we’re up against. He’s one of the best. We’ll prove who is the best on Saturday. This is going to come down to a war. Gary knows what he’s going against.
“I helped Escandon set up a camp in Las Vegas for this fight because this was a huge opportunity. We were up in the mountains and that’s where I wanted him. He’s going to be great on fight night. He’ll be ready to go. It’s not easy to train in Vegas.
“We’re coming to win. We can’t control the judges but we know they’re fair. We’re expecting a fair shake. We’re going to control what we can.”
#          #          #
ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON
Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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GERVONTA DAVIS, LIAM WALSH & PROMOTER FLOYD MAYWEATHER SOUND OFF IN HEATED FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR IBF 130-POUND CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM LONDON

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America’s Youngest Champion Makes First Title Defense On The Road Against No. 1 Contender & Local Favorite Walsh Saturday At 6 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME

 

“I’m just on a whole different level…On Saturday night you’ll be on your ass.” – Gervonta Davis

 

“I’m not intimidated one little bit.  Not by Floyd, not by Tank, not by anyone.” – Liam Walsh

 

Click HERE for photos; Credit Mark Robinson/SHOWTIME

 

LONDON (May 18, 2017) – IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Gervonta Davis, undefeated No. 1 contender Liam Walsh and promoter Floyd Mayweather got into a jarring session during Thursday’s final press conference at Landmark Hotel in London just two days before Saturday’s world title clash on SHOWTIME from Copper Box Arena.

 

Baltimore’s “Tank” Davis, America’s youngest world champion, will attempt to become the first American to successfully defend his title on British soil in nearly a decade*, while Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) aims to dethrone the man that Mayweather has christened the “future of boxing.” (*Note: Paulie Malignaggi vs. Lovemore Ndou in 2008)

 

Davis vs. Walsh is part of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins on Saturday, May 20, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.  In the main event, Gary Russell Jr. will make his second featherweight title defense and long-awaited homecoming against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.

 

The 22-year-old Davis, who has won by knockout in 16 of his 17 professional fights, will make the first defense of the IBF belt to won via KO over previously unbeaten Jose Pedraza in January.  The 30-year-old Walsh has won by knockout in three of his last four bouts and will be a decided local favorite at an expected sold-out Copper Box Arena.

 

The pound-for-pound great turned promoter Mayweather and Walsh’s two brothers, fellow professional fighters Michael and Ryan, led the jarring during Thursday’s festivities with Mayweather claiming “I’m 40 years old and I’ll kick all three of your asses in the same night.”

 

Team Walsh was “not intimidated one little bit” by Mayweather or Tank, while the southpaw Davis promised “On Saturday night you’ll be on your ass.  And then your brothers can get in next.”

 

Below are highlights of what the participants had to say on Thursday:

 

GERVONTA DAVIS:

“I’m just on a whole different level.  I do know they built you good, but you’ve been dropped before.  They’ve been protecting you from the power, so I know you have no chin.  On Saturdaynight you’ll be on your ass.  And then your brothers can get in next.

 

“Please don’t run Saturday night.

 

“I’ve just been trying to stay level-headed.  Getting that belt brings me that much closer to what I want to do – to take over the sport of boxing.  With the performance I put on Saturday night it will bring me a step closer to being the star of boxing and follow after Floyd Mayweather.

 

“Having Floyd in my corner gives me a lot of confidence.  Floyd has been pretty hands on with me, he’s been getting up and training and running with me.  He was my hero in the sport of boxing coming up so to just have him in my corner now is amazing.

 

“I won the belt and now my focus is to take over the sport.

 

“Growing up in Baltimore, it has a high crime rate.  It’s been tough.  Where I’m from the gym is in the hood.  If it wasn’t for the gym I’d either be in jail or dead.  That’s not what I want to be.  Boxing saved my life.”

 

LIAM WALSH:

“I’m always confident.  As I’ve said many times, his performance against Pedraza was very good.  I applaud him.  Tank is the best fighter I’ve come up against in my career so far, but I’m also the best fighter he’s going to come against in his career so far.  So it makes for a great fight.

 

“He’s physically very good.  He’s very fast, very powerful.  He’s a good puncher and performed beyond his years against Pedraza.  You can’t knock his performance whatsoever, but there’s still a lot of questions that he has to answer.

 

“The southpaw stance doesn’t affect me too much.  I can switch between the two.  I’m comfortable in both stances so that doesn’t bother me.

 

“I don’t think I can put it into words what it would mean to win the title.  It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little child.  The feeling, the emotion, I can’t put it into words.  This is the biggest night of my life.

 

“There are definitely flaws in his game and they’re there for me to exploit.  I plan to take advantage of his mistakes.  When I was 22, there were definitely mistakes I made that I wouldn’t make now.  So maybe it’s the perfect time to fight him.

 

“I’m not intimidated one little bit.  Not by Floyd, not by Tank, not by anyone.

 

“I predict I will win the fight.  I wouldn’t be shocked if I won by knockout, I wouldn’t be shocked if I won on points.  You won’t see me celebrating like a mad man if I knock out Tank because I know I’m capable of it.”

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER:

“It’s not just one performance.  It takes more than just one performance.  We truly believe that he can be a great fighter, but he came in his last fight with only 16 fights and beat the champion.  We know he’s not going to lay down.  This kid has dynamite in both hands. If he keeps going out there beating great fighters he cannot be denied.

 

“When its lights, camera, action and the bell rings, 17 times he came out victorious and 16 by way of (knockout).

 

“His team does a remarkable job, but it’s my job as a friend and a father figure to tell him to come to Vegas to get him the best work.  We wanted him to have different looks.  We want guys that were going to push him, give him different styles.

 

“This kid, he busts his ass day in and day out.  We’re going to continue to go out there and do what we do.

 

“I already conquered your country once (with Ricky Hatton) and now we’re going to conquer it again on Saturday.

 

“I don’t miss being in the gym at all.  If I can push this fighter to surpass me and break every record, that’s a goal of mine.  That’s what we’re here to do.  Records are made to be broken.

 

“I remember when I met Tank on the Canelo (Alvarez) press tour and he asked to take a photo with me.  When I took a photo with him I said, ‘there’s something about that kid that looks special.’

 

“He came to my gym and put in some real good work and I reached out to him and said, ‘whatever it takes to work with you and get you to the next level, let’s make it happen.’  I told him, ‘if you listen to me and continue to work hard I truly believe you can be world champion within 24 months.’  And that’s just one stepping stone.  As of right now he’s one of the only fighters in boxing facing back-to-back undefeated fighters.

 

“Frank Warren, Liam Walsh, we just want to commend you guys for stepping up to the plate and making this fight happen and giving the fans what they want to see.  The fans want to see blood, sweat and tears.

 

“Tank is always in tremendous fights, he’s a big knockout artist.  I truly believe in my man, and I want to work with him until the end of his career.”

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

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GERVONTA DAVIS & LIAM WALSH PUBLIC WORKOUT PHOTOS FOR IBF JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM LONDON

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America’s Youngest Champion Makes First Title Defense On The Road Against No. 1 Contender & Local Favorite Walsh

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Coverage Begins At 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Lawrence Lustig/SHOWTIME

 

LONDON (May 17, 2017) – Gervonta Davis and Liam Walsh participated in public workouts on Wednesday at the legendary York Hall in advance of this Saturday’sIBF Junior Lightweight World Championship on SHOWTIME from Copper Box Arena in London. 

 

Baltimore’s Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) was joined in the ring during the workout by his promoter and mentor, all-time great Floyd Mayweather. Davis, who became America’s youngest reigning world champion in January, will make the first defense of his IBF belt on the road against undefeated No. 1 contender and local favorite Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs).

 

Davis vs. Walsh is the opening bout of a unique split-site, four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event this Saturday that begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.  In the main event, Gary Russell Jr. will make the second defense of his WBC Featherweight World Championship against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C. 

 

Two world title eliminators will round out the quadrupleheader.  Top super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and José Uzcátegui (26-1, 22 KOs) will face off in an IBF Super Middleweight Eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for champion James DeGale.  Undefeated Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) will meet Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) in a WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator for unified champ Julius Indongo. 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.