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boxing, Showtime Boxing

ADRIEN BRONER WINS FOURTH WORLD TITLE WITH IMPRESSIVE 12-ROUND STOPPAGE OVER TOUGH RUSSIAN KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV

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Pedraza Wins Split Decision Over Edner Cherry
 
Easter and Herring Notch Victories on SHO EXTREME®
 
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS (Photos Forthcoming)
Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
SHOWTIME®  Announces ALL ACCESS Epilogue: Adrien Broner Will be Available on SHOWTIME Sports®  Digital Platforms Next Week
 
CINCINNATI, Ohio — (Oct. 3, 2015) – Cincinnati’s Adrien Broner won a world title in his fourth weight division with an impressive 12-round TKO over Khabib Allakhverdiev fighting in front of 5,932 of his hometown fans at the U.S. Bank Arena and live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®\\. Broner (now 30-2, 22 KOs) put his fast hands, thudding power and love of showmanship on display in an exciting performance.
 
Allakhverdiev (now 19-2, 9 KOs) took Broner’s best shots without going down, but with an in-shape Broner, but with upping the punishment in the last round, Referee Harvey Dock decided to mercifully wave the fight over at 2:23.
 
Broner looked sharp in his return to the super lightweight division. He landed 50 percent of his power punches, with the right uppercut being his most effective tool.
 
“Honestly, a young guy like me, they just threw me a lot of cash at a young age.  It was hard to adjust to the fame, to the lights. After my last fight I said I wasn’t putting my all into it,” said Broner. “It’s definitely all up to me. After that bell, no one can help me. I’m still AB, but this next half of my career I’m going to be about boxing and about business. Nothing has changed. I’m comfortable at whatever weight my opponent is comfortable at. But I’m getting wiser, I’m getting older.”
 
“No question Broner won the fight. He is the real thing and tonight he showed it,” said Allakhverdiev’s promoter Vlad Hrunov.
 
In the opening bout of the telecast, IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose Pedraza (21-0, 12 KOs) stayed undefeated and successfully defended his championship via 12-round split decision over Florida’s Edner Cherry (34-7-2, 19 KOs).
 
Pedraza prevailed in the closely contested and difficult-to-judge battle, by scores of 117-111 Pedraza, 116-112 Cherry and the deciding 117-111 Pedraza.
 
Cherry landed the harder punches and pressed the attack, while the southpaw Pedraza was very elusive and countered well with quick combinations.
 
“I won the fight. It was a very tight fight and very hard fight, but I definitely won the fight,” said Pedraza. “I was very calm when they were reading the scores because I knew I won. I’m very happy. We did a great job and started strong, but Edner had his moments. With my team, we used our intelligence to get the victory. I was able to change my style, switch to southpaw and Cherry couldn’t handle the left hand.”
 
Cherry was gracious in defeat saying, “I just left it in the judges’ hands. If I knocked him out it wouldn’t be up to the judges. It’s them. That’s the judges. That’s what happens when you leave it to the judges. I’m not taking anything away from him. It was a good fight.”
 
Fighting in the main event of the SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® portion of the night, Toledo, Ohio lightweight Robert Easter Jr. moved his undefeated record to 16-0, 13 KOs with a three-round demolition of Argentinean veteran Juan Ramon Solis (now 25-10, 9 KOs).
 
Easter Jr. made it look easy as he dug thudding body shots at Solis and rocked him with hard, accurate shots to the head. Easter threw 177 total punches and landed 68 of them. Solis threw 44 and landed just nine.
 
By the third round, Solis’ corner had seen enough and requested a stoppage at the :45 second mark.
 
“You prepare for the worst in the gym, with these kinds of fights you never know, said Easter Jr. “With a performance like this, you know you’re onto the next level. I showed that tonight.”
 
To open the telecast, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated lightweight Jamel Herring (14-0, 8 KOs) went 10 rounds for the first time in his career while scoring a dominant unanimous decision over durable Ghanaian Yakubu “Black Mamba” Amidu (19-8-2, 19 KOs).
 
Herring showed his tremendous speed and superior strength while firing rapid-fire combinations to Amidu’s head and body. To his credit, Amidu hung tough for the duration and never stopped trying.
 
“I knew he was good. I respected what his experience and what he was putting down,” said Herring. “I showed my skill and went the distance with a veteran that had never been down. It’s a blessing to showcase my talent on a world stage. I’ve worked hard to get here and good things come to those who wait.”
 
The judges’ scores (99-91, 100-90, and 100-90) reflected Herring’s dominance.
 
In non-televised action, Cincinnati’s own Jamontay Clark moved to 7-0, 4 KOs with a brutal two-round stoppage of Hartford’s Joe Wilson Jr. (now 3-3).
 
Using an accurate and powerful left hand as his primary weapon, Clark had Wilson down twice in the first and once more to begin the second before the merciful stoppage at :28.
 
 
# # #
Broner vs. Allakhverdiev was promoted by Warriors Boxing and About Billion Promotions.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @AdrienBroner, @WarriorsBoxProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/AdrienTheProblemBroner
boxing, Showtime Boxing

ADRIEN BRONER VS. KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV  FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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“I will be victorious on Saturday Night.” – Adrien Broner
 
“He can clown around all he wants, but that won’t help him when
 we are in the ring.” – Khabib Allakhverdiev
THIS SATURDAY, OCT. 3, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
FROM U.S. BANK ARENA IN CINCINNATI
 
Click HERE To Download Photos
Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
Tickets Still on Sale!!!
CINCINNATI, Ohio — (Oct. 1, 2015) –Two days before Adrien Broner goes for his fourth world title in his home state of Ohio, Broner and his opponent, Russia’s Khabib Allakhverdiev participated in a final press conference Thursday at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Former three-division world champion Broner(30-2, 22 KOs)returns to his hometown against fellow former world champion Allakhverdiev(19-1, 9 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight world title thisSaturday, Oct. 3 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, undefeated IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) will defend his title against former world title challengerEdner Cherry (24-6-2, 19 KOs). 
In the main event on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME®, top undefeated prospect Robert Easter Jr. (15-0, 12 KOs), of Toledo, Ohio, and Argentinean veteran Juan Ramon Solis (25-9, 9 KOs) will square off in a 10-round lightweight bout.
Opening the SHO EXTREME telecast (8 p.m. ET/PT), unbeaten U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring (13-0, 8 KOs), of Cincinnati will be opposed by former African champion Yakubu “Black Mamba” Amidu(19-7-2, 19 KOs), in 10-round lightweight fight.
Below is what the fighters had to say today:
ADRIEN BRONER
“I told you I wouldn’t do any interviews or talk. Nothing has changed. I just want to thank everyone for coming. I will be victorious on Saturday night, October 3.”
KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV
“I don’t talk too much. I am ready to fight Saturday.
“He [Broner] is nervous. That’s why he’s acting like a clown.
“This is his hometown. It’s his last chance for a world title and he shows up late and makes it look like he’s joking around with everybody and doesn’t care. I’ve seen fighters do this before and it’s because he is scared.
“He knows what will happen on Saturday. He can clown around all he wants, but that won’t help him when we are in the ring.
“I feel great seeing him nervous. For me, this is just another fight and just another win and that’s what it will be. A win for me over this nervous clown. I am going to beat him in front of all his friends.”
JOSE PEDRAZA, IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion
“Everyone says they’re going to come knock me out, good luck to him. It’s not happening.
“He has a lot of experience as a professional, but I have been fighting for a long time as well so I’m not worried about who he’s faced.
“I’m ready for 12 rounds but I want to get him out of there sooner. I’m going to work the body hard to try to get that done.
“I want to face the best. I’d prefer not to face another Puerto Rican but if it’s the best fight out there, I will face anybody.
“I have no prediction for the fight. I have a good strategy for the fight and if it works, I will win by knockout.”
EDNER CHERRY
“I want to thank the fans. Everyone that has supported me. Tune in Saturday night. It will be a great show.”
ROBERT EASTER JR.
“I’m coming out to put on a great show. You know I don’t like to be in the ring too long so you will see a knockout.
“I don’t watch a lot of tape or anything like that. I just work hard in the gym and do the best I can.”
JUAN SOLIS
“My technical abilities are my best qualities in the ring. This is my work and I fight with honor.
“Argentinean boxers are known for giving everything in their fights. I am going to do everything to win Saturday night.”
JAMEL HERRING
“I am honored to be here. Everyone that knows me knows that I come out and I give it my all.
“Expect to see a great fight. Much respect to my opponent for taking this fight, but that’s where it stops. Once we get in the ring its all about business.”
YAKUBU AMIDU
“I have fought some great fighters. I have experience in the boxing game. I am here to give Jamel Herring a good fight. I want you to come and watch a good fight.
“I’m from Ghana. I live in Los Angeles. I have been living there for six years. I started boxing as a pro in Ghana. I went to South Africa. Then I went to England and then I came here. I have a huge advantage in experience.”
MIKE STAFFORD, Adrien Broner’s Trainer
“Adrien is at his weight class this time. We have been fighting at 146 and 147, he’s had the title at 147, but now he is back at his weight. He is mean and lean.
“Adrien knows how important this is. He knows Khabib is a great former champion. We thank you for coming to our city. Not too many people would come into this situation.
“We thank our families and friends and without these guys wouldn’t be up here. These are a great bunch of guys. I am like a stand-in father to all of them and I appreciate you supporting them.”
LEON MARGULES, President of Warriors Boxing
 
“Everyone knows who Adrien Broner is. Adrien has a promotional company called About Billions Promotions and they have been fun, interesting and I hope we get to work together again.
“Not only do we have a great international card, but we have several fighters, up-and-comers from this area.
“When you look at this card, you have one of the more explosive fights boxing fans will see this year. Reigning IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Jose Pedraza and former title challenger that is fighting at the weight class that he wants – Edner Cherry.
“Cincinnati is a great city. It is also a world class sports town. Bengals, Reds, University of Cincinnati, Xavier University and the Cyclones that play in this building. They also have Adrien Broner.
“He is the most talented and naturally gifted fighter in the world today. I believe he can be the next superstar in our sport. He is 26-years-old. His finesse speed and power is unlike any I have seen in a long time. I am proud to be his partner and work with him on this fight.”
 
RAVONE LITTLEJOHN, President of About Billions Promotions
“Thanks Adrien for showing up. He has brought some great things into this camp.
“Thank Adrien Broner for giving me an opportunity to promote this fight. We are ready to go. Tickets are still available. See you Saturday night.”
VLAD HRUNOV, World of Boxing
“Thank you very much. Why do we still not sell out? If we are in your hometown. Welcome to the best fight of this city in boxing history.”
JAVIER BUSTILLO, President of Universal Promotions
“It is a pleasure and honor to be working with Leon Margules. I have been working in boxing for 20 years and I have never seen anyone like Jose Pedraza. We know we are fighting Edner Cherry – a good boxer.
“We call Jose the ‘Sniper.’  You are going to see a sniper Saturday night. He won’t miss a punch.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @AdrienBroner, @WarriorsBoxProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/AdrienTheProblemBroner
boxing, Showtime Boxing

ADRIEN BRONER vs. KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV, JOSE PEDRAZA vs. EDNER CHERRY MEDIA WORKOUT PHOTOS & QUOTES FOR SATURDAY’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME®
From U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio
Click HERE To Download Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
CINCINNATI, Ohio — (Sept. 30, 2015) – Adrien Broner (30-2, 22 KOs) and Khabib Allakhverdiev(19-1, 9 KOs) held a media workout at The Punch House in Cincinnati on Wednesday as they prepare for this Saturday’s WBA Super Lightweight World Championship, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, undefeated IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) will defend his title against former world title challengerEdner Cherry (24-6-2, 19 KOs). 
 
SHOWTIME EXTREME fighters and undefeated prospects Robert Easter Jr. and Jamel Herringalso participated in Wednesday’s workout.  Easter Jr. (15-0, 12 KOs) will take on Juan Ramon Solis(20-9, 9 KOs) while Herring (13-0, 8 KOs) will face Yakubu Amido (19-7-2, 17 KOs) in separate 10-round lightweight bouts this Saturday.  NOTE: Solis is a late replacement for the previously announced Miguel Acosta as an opponent for Easter Jr.
 
While Broner continued his vow of silence with the media, the three-division world champion “let his fists do the talking” in a spirited workout that lasted nearly 90 minutes. 
 
Here’s what the rest of the SHOWTIME fighters had to say on Wednesday:
 
KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV:
“I expect Broner to try to play his game, but we will play our game.
 
“The experience I gained after losing the title in my last fight [against Jesse Vargas] is that I really understand the opportunity that I am being given going into this fight.
 
“I am not worried about fighting in Broner’s hometown.  I have fought many fighters in their own cities and it doesn’t bother me.
 
“On Saturday night, I will show the fans a great fight and come out with the victory.”
 
JOSE PEDRAZA:
“We train hard all the time, we are in great shape and we prepare for every fight like the opponent is the champion.
 
“Edner Cherry is a very experienced fighter.  He is a strong guy and good puncher.
 
“I am in great shape and I’m ready to fight 12 rounds.
 
“This could very well be the toughest fight of my career.  He hasn’t lost in seven years.  But we are very prepared, studied the fight well and are ready to go come Saturday.
 
“My youth will play a huge part in this fight. I’m much younger than him and, without a doubt, I will win this fight.
 
“I can’t wait for the fans to watch this fight and if they can’t be here than I hope they watch on SHOWTIME.  It will be a great fight.”
 
EDNER CHERRY:
 “This will be a very tough fight.  We’ve been training hard and had a great camp.
“I’m not taking anything away from him, he’s a tough fighter.  He’s a champion for a reason.  But on Saturday night I’m coming for that title, that’s my job.
“We trained for 12 hard rounds, but if the knockout comes, then I will be very excited.  All I’m looking for is a very hard 12-round fight.
“Ever since my title loss to Timothy Bradley in 2008, I’ve pushed myself to get back into this position and to give myself the opportunity for a title shot at the right weight class.  I’m finally in the right weight class for me.
“Bradley was the much bigger fighter when we fought [in 2008]. That was a mistake on our end. He just was the bigger guy, but I was in the ring with one of the best fighters in the world and I really learned from that fight.
“I tell people that I am so glad that I didn’t win that title against Bradley because, in my mind, I would’ve been fighting at 140, but that wasn’t my weight class. I would’ve been risking my life fighting at 140.  I glad I didn’t win it, but I’m also glad I hung in there and got myself back into a big fight.
“I’ve been preparing for this fight for 15 years, and it’s going to show on Saturday.”
ROBERT EASTER JR.
 “I have a lot of people coming from Toledo to see me. They’re all excited about it.
 
“This is my second time fighting on SHOWTIME EXTREME and I’m truly blessed.  It’s a good opportunity to showcase my skills on national television.
 
“I know nothing about my opponent, but I do that on purpose.  It’s been the same thing as the rest of my 15 opponents. I didn’t study them at all.  Whoever they put in front of me, that’s the test I have to overcome and so far I’ve been doing excellent and passed them all.”
JAMEL HERRING:
 “He’s my best opponent yet.  He’s a tough guy, very durable.  He’s a lot more durable than my last few opponents.
 
“I take nothing from him, but I’m motivated and looking forward to pushing myself more than anything.  It’s going to be a great step up and people are going to see a lot more than they’ve seen from me in the past.
 
“I’m in great shape.  I just had a fight back at the end of August.  I took literally three days off instead of a whole week and came right back, so I’ve been in shape for the past three months getting to this date.
 
“It’s a blessing to be able to showcase my talent on the national scene instead of the local venues or being on the big cards but not getting any kind of TV exposure.  Now I’m part of the big show.
 
“I don’t take anything for granted or let it get to my head.  To me it’s another fight and I take every fight seriously. It doesn’t matter who I’m in with, every fight is a stepping stone to a title, so every fight is important.”
 
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @AdrienBroner, @WarriorsBoxProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/AdrienTheProblemBroner
boxing, Showtime Boxing

ADRIEN BRONER OPENS UP ABOUT HIS CAREER, YOUTHFUL MISTAKES AND HIS FUTURE IN BOXING

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* * * VIDEO ALERT * * *
 
“You have to learn from your mistakes.  When you understand and you know why you’re losing, then you can fix it.  This next half of my career I’m going to be the AB that’s about business and about boxing.” – Adrien Broner
 
Click on the link or photo below to watch, share and/or embed this video
Photo Credit: SHOWTIME
SHOWTIME Sports® met with Adrien Broner at HeadBangers Gym in Washington, D.C., as he prepares to face Khabib Allakhverdiev this Saturday on SHOWTIME®.  During the lengthy interview Broner spoke candidly about his approach to the sport and learning from past mistakes.  We found the interview compelling and, in lieu of limited access to Broner in the lead up to this event, felt it necessary to share this long form version in preparation for advanced stories you may be working on.
Broner vs. Allakherdiev for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Championship this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @AdrienBroner, @WarriorsBoxProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/AdrienTheProblemBroner
boxing, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS ROBERT EASTER JR. & JAMEL HERRING TO FIGHT IN CO-FEATURED BOUTS ON SHO EXTREME ®

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 FROM U.S. BANK ARENA IN CINCINNATI, OHIO
LIVE AT 8 P.M. ET/PT
 
Adrien Broner To Face Khabib Allakhverdiev For
WBA Super Lightweight World Title
On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
Full Night of Non-Televised Action Inside The Arena Also Features
Unbeaten Up-And-Comers Jamontay Clark and Raynell Williams
 
CINCINNATI (September 24, 2015) – Top undefeated prospects Robert Easter Jr. and Jamel Herring will enter the ring in separate bouts on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® on Saturday, October 3 live at8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.
The SHO EXTREME telecast will lead into SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME® at10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.  In the main event, Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-2, 22 KOs)will take on Khabib “The Hawk” Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KOs)for the WBA Super Lightweight World Championship. In the co-main event, IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) defends his title against veteran Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry (34-6-2, 19 KOs).
Easter Jr. (15-0, 12 KOs) and Herring (13-0, 8 KOs) will look to remain undefeated when they face former world champion Miguel Acosta (29-8, 23 KOs) and former African champion Yakubu “Black Mamba” Amidu (19-7-2, 19 KOs), respectively, in 10-round lightweight fights.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and About Billions Promotions, are priced at $154, $104, $79, $54, and $29 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at the U.S. Bank Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select Kroger stores, call 1-800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Another pair of undefeated local prospects will appear on the undercard action:  Jamontay “Quiet Assassin” Clark (6-0, 3 KOs) faces Romon Barber (5-9, 4 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout and Raynell Williams(9-0, 5 KOs) competes in an eight- round lightweight affair against an opponent to be announced.
Rounding out the action is 32-year-old heavyweight Danny Calhoun (5-1 3 KOs) out of Chicago taking on 24-year-old Toledo-native Calvin Pritchard (2-6-3) in a six-round contest, 27-year-old Cincinnati-born Aaron Hollis (3-0, 2 KOs) facing 27-year-old DeWayne Wisdom (6-25-1, 3 KOs) out of Indianapolis in six rounds of featherweight action and 29-year-old Mel “Black Diamond” Crossty (7-0-1, 1 KO) out of Cincinnati going up against 25-year-old Cleveland-born Thomas Mattice (3-0, 3 KOs) in a 6/8 round lightweight attraction.
An accomplished amateur who was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate, the 24-year-old Easter Jr. will be seeking his fourth victory of 2015 after picking up knockouts over Osumanu Akaba, Miguel Mendoza and Alejandro Rodriguez. Unbeaten since turning pro in 2012, the Toldeo, Ohio-born prospect faces a tough challenge in 30-year-old Amidu. Born in Ghana, Amidu, who trains in Los Angeles, will be fighting for the third time this year.
The 29-year-old Herring represented the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games after winning the U.S. National Amateur title the same year. Fighting out of Cincinnati, Herring hopes for a fourth straight victory in 2015 after beating Hector Velazquez, Ariel Vasquez and Hector Marengo. He faces the toughest opponent of his pro career when he steps up against the 37-year-old Acosta. Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Philadelphia, Acosta won a world title and defended it against previously unbeaten fighters Paulus Moses and Armando Cordoba.
Another talented young fighter to come out of Cincinnati in recent years, Clark cites Aaron Pryor as one of his boxing idols. The slick 20-year-old recently completed his first six-round bout with a unanimous decision over Jonathan Garcia in May and stopped Marco Reyes in September. He returns in his hometown against the 33-year-old Barber out of Wichita, Kansas.
Fighting out of Cleveland, the 2008 U.S. Olympian Williams has been busy in 2015, picking up four victories including two by stoppage. The 26-year-old fights at U.S. Bank Arena for the second time in his career onOctober 3 and will look to make it a perfect 10 victories in a row to start his career.
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @AdrienBroner, @WarriorsBoxProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportsand www.Facebook.com/AdrienTheProblemBroner
Showtime Boxing

ADRIEN BRONER GOES FOR FOURTH WORLD TITLE WHEN HE FACES FORMER CHAMPION KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV ON SATURDAY, OCT. 3, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM U.S. BANK ARENA IN CINCINNATI

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Jose Pedraza Defends IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship
Against Edner Cherry in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
 
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
 
CINCINNATI (Aug. 28, 2015) – Former three-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-2, 22 KOs)returns to his hometown looking for a fourth world title as he faces fellow former world champion Khabib “The Hawk” Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight world title on Saturday, October 3 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, undefeated IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) will defend his belt against veteran former world title challenger Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry (34-6-2, 19 KOs).
“I’m excited to be back in Cincinnati taking on a tough world class fighter who is going to bring it,” said Broner. “This fight means the world to me. It’s a huge deal to have the chance to be a four-division world champion at 26 years old.”
“Broner is a good boxer, he is a fast and talented guy, but as a man I don’t have anything good to say about him,” said Allakhverdiev. “I am looking forward to a world championship winning performance and I know that if he tries to do something to get in my head, to approach me or to push me that I will be as restrained as possible and save my anger for fight night.”
“I’m very excited to be back on SHOWTIME defending my title,” said Pedraza. “This is another step in the direction of becoming a superstar in the sport of boxing.  I will be victorious and make my island proud.”
“I’m in a tough fight on October 3 but I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Cherry. “This is nothing new for me. I’m not taking Pedraza lightly. He’s a champion for a reason. This is something that comes once in a lifetime and I’m going all-in to win this title.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and About Billions Promotions, are priced at $154, $104, $79, $54, and $29 and are on sale NOW. Tickets are available at the U.S. Bank Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select Kroger stores, call 1-800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
The 12-round fight will be Broner’s first since he dropped a unanimous decision to former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter in June 20.  Broner is 8-1 in title fights and has collected belts at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, but has never won a title at 140 pounds.  Dropping down in weight, Broner is looking to add a fourth world title to his resume in his return to Cincinnati, where he defeatedEmmanuel Taylor last September in front of his hometown fans in a 2014 Fight of the Year candidate.
Allakhverdiev’s (pronounced ah-lockh-ver-DEE-ev) only blemish came via controversial 12-round split decision in a title defense to then-undefeated Jessie Vargas in April 2014.  Allakhverdiev, of Moscow, Russia, initially won the WBA 140-pound crown with an eight-round technical decision over previously unbeaten three-division world champion Joan Guzmán in November 2012.  In his lone defense, the southpaw scored two knockdowns in a one-sided 11th-round TKO over former world championSouleymane M’Baye in July 2013.  This is Allakhverdiev’s first start since the questionable loss to Vargas.
Pedraza, of Caguas, Puerto Rico, won the vacant IBF 130-pound title with a dominating unanimous decision over Andrey Klimov on June 13 on SHOWTIME in Birmingham, Ala.  The switch-hitting former Puerto Rican Olympian backed up his “The Sniper” moniker against Klimov as he picked apart the Russian with superior speed and accuracy.  Pedraza earned a shot at the title in his previous bout with a career-best win over former world title challenger Michael Farenas last November.
Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., is a former world title challenger who is 10-0 with 1 NC since 2009.  His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds.  Since the loss to Bradley in a bout for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship in 2008, Cherry has gone undefeated as he made his way down to 135 and 130 pounds.  Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson.