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DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT STATEMENT REGARDING CUELLAR VS. MARES

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New York, NY (6/17/16) – Regrettably, due to a medical issue that renders former three-division world champion Abner Mares presently unable to fight in New York State, the Cuellar vs. Mares fight has been cancelled and will be replaced on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, telecast next Saturday, June 25. Abner’s condition is in no way life-threatening, nor was it revealed in a blood or urine test; there was no use of any drugs, including PEDs or other banned substances.

 

In honoring Abner’s right to medical confidentiality, no further information will be released on this situation unless he chooses.

 

An announcement will be forthcoming with respect to the replacement bout that will open the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, broadcast.

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Undefeated Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Defends Against Undefeated Irish Star Carl Frampton on Saturday, July 30 Live on SHOWTIME® in an Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast Begins at

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, June 15 at 10 a.m.!

 

BROOKLYN (June 14, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOs) and fellow unbeaten Irish star Carl “The Jackal” Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs) will meet with a world title and two perfect records at stake on Saturday, July 30 in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions event from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins live on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and go on sale tomorrow, June 15 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

Santa Cruz and Frampton collide in a battle of world champions who mix dizzying speed with incredible output that produces exciting fight after exciting fight. This fight will be the fifth featherweight world title fight presented by SHOWTIME in 2016. Frampton, a unified world champion at 122 pounds, a weight class Santa Cruz previously held a title at, will move up a notch in weight and challenge at 126 pounds.

 

“I’ve never been to New York before and I’m looking forward to this big opportunity to put on a show for new fans in a new city,” said Santa Cruz. “I always fight for the fans and I’m excited to be able to do that somewhere I haven’t been before. Frampton is a good fighter. He has power and skills and he moves when he has to, but he has a weak chin. When he gets caught with a good punch, he goes down. He doesn’t like pressure and I have that. I’m looking forward to putting on an exciting show at Barclays Center and I hope I leave with lots of new fans.”

 

“I am in terrific shape, I feel fantastic in the gym and I am ready for the biggest fight of my career,” said Frampton. “On July 30 I will become a two weight world champion. I respect Leo Santa Cruz, he is a great fighter and person, but I am preparing meticulously to overcome any challenge he brings on July 30. I cannot wait to hear the crowd at Barclays Center. It is my first time boxing in New York, where some of the greatest fights have taken place. I know there will be a large number of fans traveling from the UK and Ireland but there is also a huge Irish-American audience and I am eager to show them all what I can do. Get your tickets now, it’s going to be a great fight!”

 

“Santa Cruz vs. Frampton is not only the best fight that can be made in the featherweight division, it truly is one of the most anticipated fights in all of boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Boxing fans can expect nonstop action in this can’t-miss matchup of aggressive styles. There’s no better way for Santa Cruz and Frampton to make their New York debuts than at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, against each other.”

 

“The competitive matchup of Santa Cruz vs. Frampton shines an international spotlight on BROOKLYN BOXING at Barclays Center,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We’re especially excited to host two of the best featherweight boxers in the sport today as they fight in New York for the first time.”

 

The popular Mexican-American Santa Cruz fights out of Los Angeles and won the 126-pound title in a “Fight of the Year” candidate against former three-division champ Abner Mares last August at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. It was just the third fight in the featherweight division for Santa Cruz, who has won belts at 118 and 122 pounds while earning a reputation as one of boxing’s most active and exciting fighters. The 27-year-old also holds victories over Cristian Mijares and Eric Morel. He has competed in world title bouts in 11 of his last 13 fights since 2012. After stopping former world champion Kiko Martinez in the fifth round last Feb. 27, Santa Cruz makes his second world title defense in his East Coast debut.

 

After defeating rival Scott Quigg in their 122-pound unification bout last Feb. 27, Frampton will attempt to capture a world title in a second weight class. Fighting out of Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Irish national amateur champion in 2005 and 2009 expects to bring some of his rabid fans stateside come July 30. The 29-year-old became a world champion in 2014 when he defeatedKiko Martinez to earn a super bantamweight title. He made his U.S. debut in July 2015 when he defeated Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. in Texas before unifying the title against Quigg.

 

# # #

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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JOHN MOLINA OUTPOINTS RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV; DEMETRIUS ANDRADE DELIVERS STATEMENT KO VICTORY AND DEJAN ZLATICANIN WINS 135-POUND TITLE SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Andrade Knocks Out Willie Nelson: VIDEO:http://s.sho.com/1ZHD8CJ

Zlaticanin KOs Franklin Mamani: VIDEO:http://s.sho.com/28tCoqP

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader Replays Monday, June 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE For Images; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

VERONA, N.Y. (June 11, 2016) – John Molina outpunched Ruslan Provodnikov in an all-action fight by revealing a new weapon in his arsenal, a sharp and steady  jab.  Molina captured a surprising unanimous decision in a 12-round junior welterweight bout that featured fierce exchanges throughout Saturday on SHOWTIME from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

In the co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Demetrius Andrade delivered a statement, knockout victory over Willie Nelson, staking his claim as one of the world’s best in the stacked 154-pound division.  In the opening bout, Dejan Zlaticanin knocked out Franklin Mamani to earn the vacant 135-pound world title and make history as the first native of Montenegro to win a world championship.

 

Molina and Provodnikov promised a war, and they delivered.  But what surprised many was the volume of punches and effective jabbing from Molina (29-6, 23 KOs), a veteran more known for engaging in brawls than his boxing prowess.  Molina threw nearly 1,110 total punches, including 643 jabs compared to just 265 for Provodnikov, who failed to close the range on his naturally bigger opponent.

 

“We knew we had to outwork Provodnikov,” said the 33-year-old Covina, Calif., native.  “It was a fight that we needed.  Ruslan Provodnikov is a very notable name.  He’s a tough, tough guy.  He kept moving forward.

 

“People don’t realize I had my amateur career in the pros, and now it’s my time to step out and shine.  I have a new trainer.  Shadeed (Suluki) showed me how to throw punches and use my power.”

 

Molina vs. Provodnikov was scored 116-112, 117-111, 115-113.

 

“I think it (the scorecard) was self-explanatory.  A fighter knows when they won a fight.  I won that fight and it was going to be hard to take it away from me.”

 

The judges agreed on nine of the 12 rounds, a relatively high percentage according to SHOWTIME analyst Steve Farhood.

 

“Today the decision was the right one,” Provnikov said.  “Molina won the fight – he was better tonight.  Everything was scored the way it should have been.

 

“We expected that he was going to box, he was going to move.  We expected him to do that.  It wasn’t my night.  Maybe I don’t have the same hungriness as before.  I’m not going to make excuses, but it was hard for me to find my groove tonight.

 

“I don’t think it’s that (the layoff).  There are no excuses.  I lost the fighttonight.  I couldn’t find the hungriness.  I have to sit down and think of why that happened.

 

“I’m sorry if I disappointed.”

 

Undefeated former world champion Demetrius Andrade put on a masterful performance against top-10 ranked Willie Nelson, flooring the former world title challenger four times including once in the opening round and emphatically in the final round to close the show (TKO 12,1:38).

 

With the win, Nelson, who landed a staggering 57 percent of his power punches in just his second fight in two years, moved one step closer to earning another shot at a title fight.  Andrade, who never lost his belt in the ring, is now the second mandatory challenger for the WBC Super Welterweight World Title, currently held by Jermell Charlo.

 

“I’m coming to get those belts,” said the 28-year-old Andrade.  “People can’t run no more.  The best have to fight the best.  I’m coming for them.

 

“I came back, I’m stronger.  Me and my team worked hard.  We figured out what we need to do to take it to the next level.  I’m ready for the Charlo brothers.  I want them.”

 

Andrade was on his way to pitching a shutout, delivering a statement performance after months of frustration from “boxing politics.”  The former WBO 154-pound champion targeted the head and the body of Nelson, relying on a steady diet of combos to floor the 6-foot-3 Nelson in the first, 11th and twice in the 12th.

 

“I’m young enough and my reaction time is still going,” Andrade said.  “Willie Nelson is a true champion.  He pushed me to the limit where I had to figure out what punches to throw.  But I put the pieces of the puzzle together and got the knockout, baby.

 

Nelson, of Cleveland, dropped to 25-3-1 with 15 KOs.

 

“He was tough,” Nelson said.  “I was forcing my shots too much. I felt like I was getting back into the fight, but he was crafty and mobile.

 

“I am ready for whatever is next and, despite what happened tonight, I am here to stay.  My career won’t end like this.”

 

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME telecast, Zlaticanin blasted late-replacement Mamani with a third round TKO (:54) to win the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship.

 

The 32-year-old Zlaticanin (18-0, 10 KOs) became the first native of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro to capture a world championship.

 

“I’m very proud.  I made Montenegro proud,” Zlaticanin said.  “I want to thank my fans that came to support me.  I think I made my country proud.  I think they will be delighted.  I don’t think they know what this means, but in a few days they will know.”

 

The southpaw Zlaticanin pounced with a powerful straight left that had Mamani in trouble just seconds into the fight.  The Bolivian, who was also aiming to become the first native of his homeland to win a title, survived the round but he was in trouble again in the third.  Zlaticanin staggered with an overhand left and followed with a series of unanswered blows that forced referee Charlie Fitch to halt the contest with Mamani (21-3-1, 12 KOs) defenseless against the ropes.

 

“I knew that I would knock him out.  He stood too close to me.

 

After the fight, Zlaticanin called out Jorge Linares, the WBC Lightweight “Champion in Recess”, who pulled out of a tentatively scheduled match with Zlaticanin due to an injury.

 

“I want Linares next.  He can’t run from me anymore.

 

In undercard action on SHO EXTREME, Willie Monroe Jr. (20-2, 6 KOs) won a unanimous decision (96-92, 95-93, 99-89) over John Thompson (17-2, 6 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight matchup of former world title challengers.  Monroe scored two knockdowns, one in the second and another with a straight right jab in the fifth.

 

In the opening bout on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME, Russian heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (29-3, 24 KOs) scored four knockdowns en route to a sixth round TKO (1:33) of Mario Heredia (11-2, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB).

 

Saturday’s event from Turning Stone Resort Casino was promoted by Banner Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader replaysMonday, June 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.  The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast replays Tuesday, June 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME.

 

Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast, with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood called. the SHOWTIME EXTREME action.  In the Spanish simulcast, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow and former world champion Raul Marquez served as color commentator. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

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RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV & JOHN MOLINA JR., DEMETRIUS ANDRADE & WILLIE NELSON, DEJAN ZLATICANIN & FRANKLIN MAMANI OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PHOTOS

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live on SHOWTIME®Tomorrow From Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. During International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend

 

Click HERE For Photos Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

Junior Welterweight Main Event – 12 Rounds

Ruslan Provodnikov – 140 Pounds

John Molina – 140 Pounds

REFEREE: MARK NELSON; JUDGES: DON ACKERMAN (N.Y.), GLENN FELDMAN (Conn.), JOHN MCKAIE (N.Y.)

 

WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Demetrius Andrade – 154 Pounds

Willie Nelson – 154 Pounds

REFEREE: RICHARD PAKOZDI; JUDGES: WYNN KINTZ (N.Y.), JOHN MCKAIE (N.Y.), TOM SCHRECK (N.Y.)

 

WBC Lightweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Dejan Zlaticanin – 134 Pounds

Franklin Mamani – 133 ½ Pounds

REFEREE: CHARLIE FITCH; JUDGES: DON ACKERMAN (N.Y.), GLENN FELDMAN (Conn.), JOHN MCKAIE (N.Y.)

 

SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME – 7 p.m. ET/PT

 

Middleweights – 10 Rounds

Willie Monroe Jr. – 160 Pounds

John Thompson – 159 Pounds

REFEREE: MARK NELSON; JUDGES: DON ACKERMAN (N.Y.), GLENN FELDMAN (Conn.), WYNN KINTZ (N.Y.)

 

Heavyweights – 10 Rounds

Andrey Fedosov – 225 ½ Pounds

Mario Heredia – 286 Pounds

REFEREE: RICHARD PAKOZDI, JUDGES: WYNN KINTZ (N.Y.), JOHN MCKAIE (N.Y.), TOM SCHRECK (N.Y.)

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

 

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John Thompson chimes in on his bout with Willie Monroe Jr. that takes on on June 11 on SHOWTIME EXTREME®

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For Immediate Release
Verona, NY (June 10, 2016)–They were Boxcino champions, and in each of their last bouts,Willie Monroe Jr. and John Thompson fought for world titles. This Saturday night, June 11 they will meet in a very important bout at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Monroe and Thompson will fight in a middleweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds and will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT).
Both have been training hard for this important bout, for which the winner will most likely land a big opportunity or another shot at a world title.
John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson (17-2, 6 KO’s)–Newark, NJ
“Everything is going great in camp. I am ready to get this party rolling,” said Thompson, who is coming off a 7th round stoppage defeat to Liam Smith in Manchester, England for the WBO Junior Middleweight world title. “In that fight, I learned some good and bad stuff. The only things that make you better is fighting better opposition. I know that after this win in June 11, I will be back in a big fight and I look forward to seeing everyone in Verona.”
On Saturday, June 11, Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs), a former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, and former world title challenger John Molina Jr. (28-6, 23 KOs), of West Covina, Calif., will face each other in the 12-round main event. In the co-feature, undefeated former 154-pound world champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs), of Providence, R.I., will face Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.
Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader is a battle for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship between No. 1 ranked Dejan Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs), of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, and WBC No.5-ranked Franklin Mamani (21-2-1, 12 KOs) of Bolivia. In the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® opener, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KOs) takes on Mario Heredia(11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
Turning Stone Resort Casino is no stranger to hosting high caliber nationally televised boxing events. Last year, Turning Stone hosted the epic battle between Provodnikov and Matthysee, selected over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. When Provodnikov returns to Turning Stone on June 11th, it will mark Turning Stone’s 18th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout fights. Located in Upstate New York, Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, 21 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, five beautiful golf courses, and several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.
Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.
For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/
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RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV & JOHN MOLINA JR., DEMETRIUS ANDRADE & WILLIE NELSON, DEJAN ZLATICANIN & FRANKLIN MAMANI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
Live on SHOWTIME® This Saturday Night
From Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
During International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend
Click HERE For Photos Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
VERONA, N.Y. (June 9, 2016) – The six fighters, including main eventers Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov and John “The Gladiator” Molina, who will compete on this Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), participated in the final press conference Thursday at Turning Stone Resort Casino here.

Russia’s Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) and Molina (28-6, 23 KOs) of Covina, Calif., clash in an eagerly awaited matchup in the main event. Provodnikov, a former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, was involved in the Fight of the Year in 2013 with Tim Bradley; former world title challenger Molina was in the 2014 Fight of The Year with Lucas Matthysse.

A can’t-miss co-feature at Turning Stone Casino will match unbeaten former 154-pound world champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs), of Providence, R.I., against Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Elimination bout. The telecast will begin with a 12-rounder for the vacant WBC lightweight world championship between undefeated No. 1 ranked Dejan Zlaticanin(17-0, 10 KOs), of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, and Franklin Mamani(21-2-1, 12 KOs) of Bolivia.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Also this Saturday, from Turning Stone, former world title challengers Willie Monroe Jr. (19-2, 6 KOs, of Rochester, N.Y. and John Thompson (17-2, 6 KOs), of Newark, N.J., clash in a 10-round middleweight bout in the main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT). In the SHO EXTREME opener, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KOs), of Hollywood, Calif., meets Mexico’s Mario Heredia (11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

Below is what the fighters said Thursday:

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV

(On training camp) …

“This camp went very well. Everything went great. Now I’m just waiting for Saturday.”

(His thoughts on Molina) …
“I have a lot of respect for Molina and his team. He’s a great fighter. These are the types of opponents I like. Most of the fights I’ve had are fights like this, opponents like this. This actually motivates me. I don’t have a problem with getting into a fight like this. This is what I’m looking for. This is the type of fight I expect.”

(On his determination and will to win) …
“Words are not so much associated with explaining this because anybody can talk and anybody can say words. I think the fans or the people have to see how my fights have been and the way that I’ve fought those fights. For me to say right now that I’m going to ‘die in the ring’, they’re words right now. The fight will show, then the fans will have an understanding in their mind of was I just saying that or is that really the way it is. The actions show, not the words.”

(On how he sees the fight playing out) …
“It’s very hard to predict and I usually don’t make predictions. I never make predictions for my fights. Let’s just wait on June 11 and see.

(Final thoughts) …
“I want to take this moment to thank everybody that has to do with this fight. All the people that made this happen.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

(Thoughts and reflections on Muhammad Ali) …

“The world lost a great human being, not only inside the ring but outside the ring. A champion is the best way to describe him. The greatest of all time. An innovator. Somebody that changes the world in and out. My heart goes out to his family.”

(On whether he’s the underdog or this is a 50-50 fight?) …

“In the grand scheme of things, the boxer – experts if you will – I don’t know how many times they’ve been in the ring but for what they do in boxing, they seem to have him as the favorite but rightfully so. In a sense because of the personality and persona that he’s portrayed in past times. I don’t think too much about the hype. We’ve prepped for war on Saturday night. We would be doing ourselves a disservice if we didn’t prepare right for someone like Ruslan. He’s a hell of a fighter, a hell of a competitor and we were both in a Fight of the Year. What people don’t realize is we were both in Fight of the Year on the losing side and now we’re going to be in a Fight of the Year, but both of us going for the winning side. I think the fans are going to be pleasantly surprised. I’m ready. The stage is set to showcase my capabilities Saturday night.”

(On how you prepare for a fighter like Provodnikov) …
“Just like you prepare for a fighter like everybody I’ve faced. Whether it be someone like Matthysse. Whether it be other fighters, I don’t want to go into names because right now my undivided attention is on Ruslan Provodnikov but the preparation is like that of any other man. I hate comparing the guy’s style to other people because again, the whole disservice you’d be doing is to yourself. You can study their style and get used to their mannerisms and what they portray in the ring and you can prepare yourself. With that being said, June 11 will be the first time I ever face Ruslan Provodnikov so what I do to prepare myself is work on my strong points and make sure those are up to par and make sure my energy is set and ready to fire on all cylinders Saturday night and I can tell you that they are set right.”

(On what fans should expect) …
“Fireworks. Like I said, every word that we use in the thesaurus is an understatement. Boxing is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ sport and Saturday night is no different. I believe in my heart of hearts the fans are going to get a treat with Ruslan Provodnikov coming forward, not wanting to take a backward step with myself coming forward not wanting to take a backward step. We’re both going to try and go in there and pose our will on each other and you’re not going to see a boring fight. It won’t be Dancing With The Stars, it’s going to be a fight.”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

(On his opponent and his quality of opposition) …

“Tony Harrison is definitely not Demetrius Andrade. Yes, he’s probably a prospect and doing good things but everybody sounds good, everybody’s a prospect until you get in there with somebody that knows how to fight. They can try to bring the will out of you and that’s what Willie did is bring the will out of himself to beat somebody like Tony Harrison, but Tony Harrison’s definitely not me.

“Willie Nelson, yeah he’s tall, they say he’s strong but I’m all that too. My IQ is greater, smarter and this is my time. This is it. This is something that either makes or breaks me. It’s a good challenge so the people get to see that, due to the layoff and everything. I came back to fight a guy like this and I came back to win the 154 division.

“I came here, chewing bubble gum and kicking ass. I ran out of bubble gum so come June 11, I will be kicking some ass. I am happy that SHOWTIME gave me this opportunity and put me back on the network, put me back on prime TV.

“There’s definitely going to be violence to open up the main event show with Provodnikov and John Molina, which is going to be a tremendous fight. Thanks for everybody coming out … and I am the greatest alive.”

(On the division and possible future opponents) …

“I think that I’m going to make history by beating two twins that hold title belts and it’s going to be a legendary thing for me. So, I’m tuned in, I’m ready and I’m focused. This is my division, it’s my war.”

(On what he sees playing out on fight night) …

“I’m just going in and do my thing, you know, I’m the type of person with character. I’ve been in the ring for many years through the amateur program and fought 300-400 times, against everybody in the whole world. So, there’s not nothing I haven’t seen or fought. A tall guy like Willie Nelson with no legs or upper body, I’m going to push him to the limit. That’s pretty much the plan. I’m going in and its knockout season for me.”

WILLIE NELSON

(On fans not expecting him to win) …

“It’s what happens all the time. I’m always the underdog. It’s OK and I try not to worry about it much.

“I’m not one to predict the fights; about what can and can’t happen, but it’s going to be an interesting fight. We know each other’s background and we have sparred before at the U.S. Training Camp.”

(On Muhammad Ali)…

“It hasn’t really affected my mindset in terms of this fight. With the passing of Muhammad Ali it’s very sad for boxing, and for the world. Because he wasn’t only a great fighter but also a great icon, a great man and a great leader.”

DEJAN ZLATICANIN

(On what fighting for a world title means to him) …

“I’ve prepared for this hard fight for a long time because they changed opponents and it’s hard to be prepared for that. But I have waited for this opportunity for a long time. This is the most important fight of my life, and I am going to win this fight.”

(His prediction) …

“I don’t like to talk too much. I will talk in the ring and I promise I will knock out Franklin Mamani.”

FRANKLIN MAMANI

(On this opportunity)…
“This is the chance of a lifetime, I feel like I have the winning lotto ticket and I just need to cash it in Saturday night. I come for a boxing family of 9 brothers, I have been in boxing since I was 12 years old and I always dreamed of fighting for a world title in the United States. My country (Bolivia) and my family will be watching and I will not disappoint them.”

(On his opponent)…
Zlaticanin is an aggressive, strong and talented fighter. It will be an honor to trade leather with him inside the ring and be able to win the WBC lightweight championship of the world against the number one contender in my division.”
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DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE   TRAINING CAMP NOTES  # PROVIDES INSIGHT ON EXCHANGE    WITH JOSHUA, TRAINING CAMP AND   UPCOMING IBF WORLD TITLE BOUT

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Photo courtesy of Timothy Hernandez.  For more photos click HERE
Upland, California (June 9, 2016) – It has been roughly five weeks since WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (17-0, 15 KO’s) was notified that he would be facing newly crowned IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KO’s). In that time, Breazeale has been continuing to train diligently with world renowned trainer Manny Robles in preparation for his upcoming IBF world heavyweight title challenge.

The heavyweight challenger from Alhambra, California and his trainer from East Los Angeles took some time out of Breazeale’s busy schedule to answer some questions about his training camp and the bout with Anthony Joshua on June 25th.
When you first found out that you were selected as Joshua’s opponent, what were your initial thoughts?
“When I received a call from my advisor Al Haymon and he told me the good news, I was excited. I immediately told my wife and then notified my team that we got the fight. I knew I was one of three possible opponents and I was happy that I got it. Ever since 2008 when I started getting into boxing, it was a dream of mine to be the world heavyweight champion. Eight years later, I’m here.”
Back on May 4th, you traveled to London for the press conference to announce the fight. There was clearly a heated discussion between you and Joshua. What happened?

“Well, prior to going into the press conference, we took some photos outside of the building. Then we had the stare down. I guess he didn’t like that when he looked away, I kept staring at him. So, since he was in front of the cameras, he started acting tough.”

“I just let him know that he was in for a dog fight. I’m not going to back down and he clearly saw that. I’m not coming for a check; I’m coming for that title and bringing it back to the United States where it belongs.”

How is training camp going?
“Training camp has been going really well. I was actually in camp before the fight was announced so I am in great shape. My coaches Manny Robles and Edgar Jasso have a great fight plan for me and we are working hard in the gym. I have great sparring partners and they are helping me as well.”

“My stable mates are also pushing me to train as hard as I can. I’m getting better every day and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Coach Manny: how are things going in training camp?
“Everything is going as expected. This camp is far beyond better than the last camp. Dominic will tell that this is beyond his best camp ever. You know, in his past camps he knew there was a routine every day. The last two camps, he expects something different every day. The variation of training keeps him focused and motivated and he is doing very well. I’m seeing overall improvements, from his ring generalship to his defense and footwork, putting punches together along with his balance and his jab.”
“I see improvement in every aspect of his game and he is becoming a better overall boxer. We are working to win. We are working hard in the gym and that is where the fights are won. Our sparring is going really well as is the training. Strength and conditioning coach Darryl Hudson is doing a phenomenal job with Dominic and the results are showing. We’re coming to win.”
Dominic: How does it feel to be going back to London fighting for a world title?
“It feels great. I couldn’t have written the script any better. This is unfinished business. Back in 2012, I earned a spot on the Olympic team after just a year and half of boxing as a competitive amateur. But everyone knows that the amateur ranks are nothing like the professional ranks. So far in my professional career, I have learned to impose my will on my opponents and that’s why I’m fighting Joshua for the world title. I’m looking forward to going back to London to finish what I didn’t four years ago.”
What are your thoughts on the current state of the heavyweight division?
“The heavyweight division is ripe for the pickings. You have an out of shape fighter like Tyson Fury who now holds two titles after getting a decision over Wladimir Klitchko, who clearly had an off night. I believe Klitchko will KO Fury and Fury retires.”

“Then you have the controversy between Deontay Wilder and Alexander Povetkin. I was really looking forward to that bout. I sparred with Povetkin in Russia a few years ago and I know what he is capable of. I have a lot of respect for Deontay Wilder and it’s too bad that fight didn’t happen.”

What are your expectations for how the bout with Anthony Joshua plays out?
“I’m coming to London to win, plain and simple. I’m going to pressure Joshua and just keep punching. He is going to think that he is fighting two or three Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale’s and I expect to knock him out in the 6th or 7th round. Come June 25th, I will have a place in history as the new IBF world heavyweight champion.”

Do you have anything is closing?

“I want to take the time to offer my condolences to the Ali family. We lost a true legend and the greatest of all time. There will never be another man of his figure.  Mr. Ali always inspired me to not only be the best in the ring, but the best human being possible. The world has lost a great man. My fight will be the first heavyweight bout since his passing and I intend to make him happy.”

“Here Comes Trouble“
 
#
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ANATOMY OF A COMEBACK: RELIVE WHEN JOHN MOLINA Jr.  SHOCKED MICKEY BEY WITH A DEVASTATING 10TH-ROUND COME-FROM-BEHIND KNOCKOUT LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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* * * SHOWTIME BOXING VIDEO ALERT * * *

 

 

 

Molina Set To Meet Heavy-Handed Counterpart Ruslan Provodnikov In Main Event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader This Saturday, June 11, Live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)


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On July 20, 2013, in Las Vegas, John “The Gladiator” Molina rallied from the brink of defeat to hand previously undefeated and highly regarded Mickey Bey the first loss of his career with a dramatic 10th-round stoppage.  It remains one of the most unlikely finishes in the 15-year history of ShoBox: The New Generation.

 

Heading into the last round, Molina was trailing on all three judges’ scorecards by 90-81, 89-82 and 88-83.  But with about 1:25 remaining, he connected with a left hook to the chin that stunned Bey.  Sensing Bey was in serious trouble, Molina followed with a series of shots with both hands. Moments later, the referee, Vic Drakulich, stepped in and stopped the fight.

 

“That’s why you gotta love the fight game. Anything can happen,” said Molina.

 

Molina (28-6, 23 KOs) faces Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) this Saturday as part of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.  In a co-feature, undefeated former 154-pound world champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) will face Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.  Opening the telecast is a battle for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship between No. 1 ranked Dejan Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs), against WBC No. 5 ranked contender Franklin Mamani (21-2-1, 12 KOs).

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ABNER MARES: “I AM GOING TO EARN MY FOURTH WORLD TITLE IN BROOKLYN ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25”

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Featherweight Title On The Line In Cuellar vs. Mares Fight

Live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®On CBS

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions From Barclays Center

 

For Team Mares Training Camp Photos Click Here

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 9, 2016) – Abner Mares, the former three-division world champion boxer, will be taking class, technique and power into the ring when he meets WBA Featherweight World ChampionJesus Cuellar on Saturday, June 25 live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Live coverage begins at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.

 

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

Mares returns to the ring after a loss in one of 2015’s most-watched fights against featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz. In 2016 Mares changed his training camp to work with former world champion boxer and two-time “Trainer of the Year,” Robert Garcia (Mikey Garcia, Antonio Margarito, Marcos Maidana) out of his Riverside, Calif., facility. Mares has continued to work with his longtime strength and condition coach Luis Garcia (Andre Berto, Amir Khan). His fight against Cuellar not only marks his first fight of 2016 but a chance to capture a fourth world title.

 

“This is going to be a technical fight,” said Mares. “Cuellar is a hard-hitting fighter and since the fight was made we’ve been preparing for a real battle. I have no personal vendetta against him, however I am excited to see what monster the Mares-Garcia combination has created and gets unleashed. My power and spirit are 1000 percent. Fans are going to see a fantastic, clean, technical fight.”

 

For Mares’ fans the direction under the guidance of Garcia brings new possibilities for the fighter, and one that Garcia sees as the next step and progression for Abner.
“I’ve been seeing the Abner that the world knew three to four years ago,” said Garcia about Mares’ training. “A warrior with tremendous boxing skills, that’s the Abner I see now. He’s in tremendous shape but it’s a different Abner. He’s been a warrior all his life and he will come to fight – he has that mentality – but his jab, his straight punches and footwork are better than what fans have seen in the past two years.”

 

This fight marks the first fight for Mares in New York.

 

“It’s my first time fighting and being in New York and I plan on giving the fans at Barclays a ‘Fight of the Year’ performance,” he said. “New York is the home of the American dream. Being a Mexican who came to the U.S. as a young child, it’s hugely symbolic for me as well as my family. This is my chance at winning my fourth world title and to do it in the city that started so many dreams and careers and on the first primetime fight on CBS in almost 40 years, it’s an important moment.”

 

ABNER MARES:

 

How are you preparing for this fight? …

 

“I’ve been training with Robert since December. When the original March fight was postponed and I had a chance to fight Cuellar for the title so we never really took a break. We did change our training regimen a bit to stay fresh, get stronger and work on some tactical and technical skills. Robert has a great eye and knowledge of the sport, having worked with so many fighters, including Cuellar. It gives me an advantage in preparation.”

 

Why the change in trainers? …

 

“I knew I needed to change my camp after the last fight. I felt that we had a solid camp but in the end, I didn’t stick to the plan and it resulted in a loss. I am a warrior, I’ll never give up, always come back. I am not afraid to take a fight. But I knew I needed a trainer whose plan I would have to follow versus having a trainer who would fit into mine. Robert and I come from similar backgrounds, his record speaks for itself and I know this partnership is going to deliver big wins.”

 

TRAINER ROBERT GARCIA:  

 

What is Abner’s untapped skill? …

 

“Abner is very candid as a boxer. He has great skills in speed, footwork and power — he has all three and when combined he’s unstoppable. Sparring has been tremendous and if he does exactly what he is doing in gym and follows instructions then he can compete against any top featherweight in the world in my opinion.”

 

How is sparring? …

 

“Abner’s a beast. He’s doing great in our sparring sessions – his power is tremendous and his boxing has just become more effective. He’s always been a tremendous fighter who can box inside and on the outside. What the world saw and loved from him in August – his heart and ability to get in and fight – has been focused and strengthened. We’re very focused on winning and beating a hard-hitting fighter.”

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing @PremierBoxing, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainmentand www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.

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DEMETRIUS ANDRADE PROVIDENCE, R.I. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Unbeaten Super Welterweight Opens Up On The 154-Pound Division, Pros In The Olympics & Muhammad Ali As He Prepares To Face Willie Nelson In WBC Title Eliminator This Saturday, Live on SHOWTIME®

 Demetrius Andrade

 

Click HERE For Images; Credit Stanley Bois / A Team Promotions

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 7, 2016) – A Team Promotions hosted an open media workout on Monday at Bix Six Academy in Providence for undefeated former world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade(22-0, 15 KOs). The 2008 U.S. Olympian, of Providence, R.I., is finalizing preparations for this Saturday 12-round WBC Super Welterweight eliminator against Willie “The Great” Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in one of three fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®  live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

 

Here’s what Andrade, who’ll also be risking his WBO International title, said Monday:

 

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

 

Reflections of Muhammad Ali:

 

“Muhammad Ali certainly shook the world, and not only in boxing.  He was colorful; nobody talked like him.  He helped boxers, too.  Ali is the reason Floyd (Mayweather, Jr.) is who he is because Ali set the bar high.

 

“As an entertaining boxer, Ali brought blacks and whites together and later he spread the word about religion, culture and his other diverse interests.

 

“What young boxer didn’t do the Ali Shuffle?  I know I did, and taunted my opponents like him, too.”

 

About Pros in the Olympics:

 

“I’m for pros in the Olympics as long as an amateur, who has a few Olympic trials, has the first opportunity to qualify for the Olympics.  Coming up in the amateurs, I fought grown men, some who had been Olympians a few times.  I was 21 and some of the opponents were 34-35 and had already been Olympians one or two times.  They had advantages in experience, power and skill.  Unfortunately, Americans only have Olympic opportunities when they’re young amateurs.

 

“Would I go the Olympics now?  Yes! The Olympics is the biggest thing on the planet.  To represent the United States again, yeah, I’d do it now for the chance to win gold.  But I do think headgear should be applied in amateur boxing, including the Olympics.”

 

On the 154-pound division:

 

“I’m putting myself in the best position to fight for the WBO or WBC title.  There are rumors of Canelo fighting (WBO champion Liam) Smith.  Let me fight Smith and the winner gets Canelo.  Or let me fight Canelo with the winner getting Smith.

 

“I’m going to knock out the Charlo twins.  Both guys have fought on SHOWTIME, so those fights shouldn’t be too difficult to make.  Once I take care of business with the Charlo twins, I’ll fight Lara (WBA champion) to clean up the division.”

 

On Gennady Golovkin:

 

“I definitely want to fight Golovkin.  Let me build myself up first, by cleaning out the 154-division, and then we’ll have a mega-fight with two different styles.  GGG is known for his knockouts.  I knock out people, too, but I’m a better boxer than him.  It’ll be one of the biggest fights in the sport of boxing.  I’m going to clean up the 154-division, make my reputation and then it’s a go with GGG.”

 

Relationship with his opponent Willie Nelson:

 

“We were in the U.S. amateurs together, but because we were in two different weight classes – he was 140-147 and I was 152 – there were no problems between us.  We used to watch each other fight and watch other Americans box.

 

“Nelson is experienced having gone through the amateurs.  He fought (Vanes) Martirosyan, who I beat (for the vacant WBO title by 12-round unanimous decision).  He’s fought at this level.  I know he’s tall, but I’m 6-foot-1, so our height difference isn’t serious.”

 

On returning to the ring:

 

“I’m pleased that we have this opportunity.  SHOWTIME has given me this chance and now it’s up to me to prove I can backup what we said.”

 

For more information: Twitter: @AndradeATeam, @BooBooBoxing, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports. Instagram:  @BooBooATeam,www.Facebook.com.DemetriusAndrade