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boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

1988 Olympic gold medalist “Merciless” Ray Mercer Looks back at his Olympic experience

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 11, 2020) – Thirty-two years after he captured an Olympic gold medal, “Merciless” Ray Mercer fondly remembers his Olympic experience like it was last month.  Mercer, who is the only American heavyweight champion to knock out all of his Olympic opponents, went on to become world heavyweight champion as a professional for our “heavyweight double.”

For Mercer, it all started in Germany, where his U.S. Army unit was based. Offered a chance to avoid a 30-day field exercise, Mercer accepted an offer to serve as a sparring partner for the post’s heavyweight boxing champion.  Despite never having put on a pair of gloves before, Mercer was a quick learner who was naturally strong, and he rapidly developed into the 1985 U.S. Army and Inter-service heavyweight champion.

The World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), in which qualified athletes have an opportunity to train fulltime for the Olympics, didn’t exist back then, nor the Olympic qualifier rules of today.  Mercer defeated future world heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison in the opening round of the 1988 Olympic Trials and another future world heavyweight titlist, Michael Bentt (5-0) in the championship final. At the 1988 USA Olympic Box-offs at famed Caesars Pala

ce in Las Vegas, Mercer won a split decision (3-2) over Bentt, but Mercer had already qualified to fight in the Olympic Games by being the U.S. Armed Forces champion.

“When I was in the Army, I had to win in the service, maintain things, and go to the next step,” Mercer remembered.  “I had to beat some good fighters on my way to the Olympics, and I was in the best shape of my life.  There was more discipline in the amateurs than the professional ranks. The final year before the Olympics, I left my home unit, traveled a lot to fight, and stayed in my trainer’s house instead of living in the barracks.

Mercer made history at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, when he became and remains the only Olympic heavyweight champion from the United States to knockout all four of his opponents:  Rudolf Gavenciak (Czechoslovakia – RSC3), Luigi Gaudiano(Italy – KO1), Arnond Vasnderlyde (Netherlands – RSC2) and Baik Hyun-Man (South Korean – KO1).

“I knew I had to knockout the South Korean in the final,” Mercer admitted.  “I just wanted to do what I could to be the Olympic gold medalist.  I don’t think I used a jab.

“Winning the Olympic gold medal resulted in some big-time changes for me.  I became a celebrity, a household name, and it allowed me to make money as a professional. The best thing that ever happened to me was winning the Olympic gold medal, even more than winning the world title as a pro.  Nothing compared to becoming an Olympic gold medalist.  I accomplished my dream.  I had never dreamed of going pro, until after I won the gold medal. 

“It was really important to win that gold medal.  I fought with my heart; no money was involved, celebrated so hard that night (after winning the gold medal) that I lost my medal for a few hours.  My dream had come true, my hands were shaking, and I lost my medal. What a night!”

Mercer offers members of the 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Qualification Team one bit of advice, “Keep fighting, follow your dream and take that last step.”

Mercer, who was born in Jacksonville, Florida, made his much-anticipated pro debut in 1989, stopping Jesse McGhee in the third round of their fight in Atlantic City. “Merciless” won his first 18 pro fights, including a ninth-round knockout of Francisco Damiani, followed by a successful defense against Morrison, who was stopped in the fifth round.

During his 19-year pro career, Mercer compiled a 36-7-1 (26 KOs) record, defeating four world champions in Damiani, Morrison, Tim Witherspoon and Ossie Ocasio.  Five of his eight career losses were to world champions: Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko,Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield and Shannon Briggs. 

“Ray represents everything that makes USA Boxing proud,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director.  “As an Army veteran, Olympic gold medalist, and heavyweight champion of the world, he has demonstrated excellence and professionalism that reflects the best of what USA Boxing has to offer.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing.  Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee.  New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

Mercer’s outstanding amateur boxing career also included a classic match-up against Cuban great and three-time Olympic gold medalist, Felix Savon, at USA vs. Cuba dual match, in which Mercer twice staggered Savon, who survived without suffering additional damage only because the Cuban referee made a questionable intervention that gave his fellow countryman time to recover and a controversial 2-1 victory.

“And he gave me a standing eight-count for no reason,” Mercer added.  “I beat that guy and he knows it.  We’re still in touch even though he doesn’t speak English.  He has a friend translate and we’re in touch on Facebook.  We like each other.”

Today, Mercer is founding a charity at home in North Carolina, which will include free boxing clinics, but, more importantly, give back to the community and teach youths, especially those who are bullied, the skills they’ll need to go out into the real world.

Ray Mercer has reached the zenith twice in boxing as an Olympic gold medalist and world heavyweight champion as a professional. Not too shabby for somebody who never really wanted to box.

“Boxing saved my life,” Mercer concluded.  “I can’t imagine my life without boxing, it certainly wouldn’t be the same.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States.  The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States. 

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The GOAT boxing trainer….. Emanuel Steward

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USA Boxing Alumni Association, Class of 2018 Inductee
(L-R) – The great Tommy Hearns & the late Manny Steward

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 19, 2018) – The late Emanuel Steward, arguably the greatest boxing trainer of all-time, is a member of the Class of 2018 getting inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

The second annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception, held in conjunction with the 2018 USA Boxing Elite and Youth National Championships and Junior and Prep Open, December 2-8, will be held December 7, at the Radisson Hotel (215 S. Temple St.) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

 

 

 

 

Steward was a boxer, trainer extraordinaire, and HBO commentator until his untimely death in 2012 at the age of 68. His boxing career culminated with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996.

 

 

 

At the age of 12, Manny moved with his mother from West Virginia to Detroit, where his life soon turned to boxing. As an amateur boxer, he compiled a 94-3 record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the 1963 National Golden Gloves Tournament as a bantamweight, but he decided against trying out for the US Olympic Boxing Team.

 

 

 

In 1971, Steward became a part-time trainer at Kronk Gym, where he eventually guided many of the country’s top amateur boxers. Kronk Gym later became a property of Steward’s and he developed it into one of the most successful and famous boxing gyms in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Steward also served as National Director of Coaching for USA Boxing in the early 2000’s.

 

 

 

Throughout his incredible career, Steward reportedly trained 41 world champions, perhaps, the most noteworthy were Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. He also trained Julio Cesar Chavez, Miguel Cotto, Oscar de la Hoya, Naseem Hamed, Evander Holyfield, and Mike McCallum. Manny also trained a young Detroit rapper, Eminem, how to box at Kronk Gym.

 

 

 

The last world champion Manny trained was Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, who remains the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) World light heavyweight champion since 2013.

 

 

 

“Emanuel would always say, knockouts sell!” Stevenson fondly remembered. “He was also the first to tell me, ‘You will be a superstar and a world champion. Just make sure you don’t listen to people with bad intentions because you’ve got natural talent.’ He believed in me even if some people did not think I would ever become a world champion.”

 

 

 

“Emanuel Steward impacted the lives of so many who walked through the doors of Kronk Gym,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “While he’s most recognized for his achievement at the professional level, his impact was significant in the amateurs. Manny serves as a model coach for USA Boxing today, and his impact will be felt for a long time. The USA Boxing Alumni Association overwhelmingly supports his induction and looks forward to honoring him as part of this year’s Hall of Fame class.”

 

 

USA Boxing Alumni Association

 

 

 

Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

 

 

 

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events host by the Alumni Association, including the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

 

 

 

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

 

 

 

 

“For years he would come to my National Silver Gloves Tournament that I sponsored and put on in Kansa City just to show his support of the youth program,” added USA Boxing president John Brown added. “Every year I would tell him to let me know if he was coming, so I could VIP him, and every year he would ignore me and just quietly show up. I would notice him in the crowd.  I would ball him out and then we did the same thing the following year.

 

 

 

“I also used to see him at big fights and he would always make me feel special by saying my company saved boxing in the seventies and eighties by providing safe, well-made, fair priced boxing equipment for the sport.  No one else ever gave me that recognition. He was humble and not a blowhard, my kind of guy.”

 

 

 

Emanuel Steward left his mark on earth, not only as a multi-faceted personality in boxing, but he’s also remembered for his magnanimous charity work in Detroit, in which he helped youths in their pursuit of education.

 

 

 

In short, though, he taught boxing, and nobody has ever done it any better.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

TYSON FURY SUCCESSFUL IN HIS RETURN TO BOXING WITH TKO OVER SEFER SEFERI ON SHOWTIME SPORTS SOCIAL PLATFORMS FROM MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

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Click HERE for Photos; Credit Stacey Verbeek/Frank Warren

 

Maurice Hooker Scores Split-Decision Upset Victory Over Terry Flanagan For WBO 140-Pound World Championship Belt

LOS ANGELES (June 9, 2018) – Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury scored a fourth-round TKO over Sefer Seferi at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, on Saturday in a bout that was streamed live to U.S. audiences via SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

 

 

 

The 6-foot-9, 275-plus pound Fury, who outweighed Seferi by more than 65 pounds following Friday’s weigh-in, looked rusty in the scheduled 10-rounder, his first bout in more than 31 months. Seferi sat on his stool after four completed rounds and did not answer the bell for round five.

 

 

 

Fury (26-0, 19 KOs) playfully bounced around for the first few rounds, and was even warned for a lack of activity in the second round against a severely undermanned Seferi (23-2, 21 KOs). Fury is likely to face a tougher opponent in his next fight set for September in a division currently ruled by world title holders Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.

 

 

 

Fury’s return to the ring came after 924 days of inactivity due to bouts of depression and admitted drug use following an upset victory over Wladimir Klitschko to take Klitschko’s WBA, IBF and WBO world titles.

 

 

 

In a fight that preceded Fury-Seferi, undefeated American Maurice Hooker won a split-decision upset victory over hometown favorite Terry Flanagan to capture the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship belt. The scores were 117-111, 115-113 for Hooker, and 117-111 for Flanagan.

 

 

 

With blood streaming down his face, the former lightweight title holder Flanagan (33-1, 13 KOs), who suffered a deep cut on the forehead after an accidental head butt in the seventh round, couldn’t overcome the aggressive Hooker (24-0-3, 16 KOs), who just like training partner Errol Spence Jr., had to travel overseas to win his first world title.

 

 

 

Hooker, a 28-years-old Dallas native, was fighting for the first time outside of the United States against Flanagan, who was a 135-pound champion for three years with five defenses before moving up to the 140-pound class.

 

 

 

With the victory, Hooker became the 76th ShoBox: The New Generation alum to win a world title, joining the likes of Spence and Wilder.

 

 

 

Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix delivered pre and post-fight analysis from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

 

 

Later on Saturday night, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz will rematch former three-division world champion Abner Mares on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (10 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the West Coast) from Staples Center in Los Angeles. In the telecast opener, Houston’s Jermell Charlo will defend his WBC Super Welterweight World Title against former world champion Austin Trout.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, Super Channel

TYSON FURY FACES OFF WITH SEFER SEFERI AT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR LONG-AWAITED RETURN THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME SPORTS® SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

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Click HERE For Photos By Stacey Verbeek / Frank Warren

 

Photo Credit: Stacey Verbeek/Frank Warren

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (June 6, 2018) – Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury took one more step toward ending his 31-month exile from the sport as he met face-to-face with Sefer Seferi at the final press conference Wednesday at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

 

SHOWTIME Sports will live stream the long-awaited return of Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion, this Saturday, June 9 from Manchester Arena when he faces Sefer Seferi in a 10-round heavyweight bout from Manchester Arena. The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® social media offering will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

Here’s what Fury had to say on Wednesday:

 

“If he has knocked out 21 men before, if he gets it on my chin he will knock me out too.

 

“I look at Sefer like I look at Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, anybody. He’s a dangerous puncher.

 

“I could have picked someone a lot easier than Sefer; someone to knock out in a round. But I need rounds.”

 

On his Heavyweight rivals: “They know the message – I’m back. I don’t ever remember feeling any better than I do now.

 

“I feel sharper now, more power. I fell out of love with the game but now the love is thriving, we are back on fire for one another.

 

“You’re going to be the best Tyson Fury you have ever seen.”

 

“There are no nerves at all. I feel like I have been a goldfish in a tank, trapped and now I am getting released back into the river where I belong. So just put me there and watch me swim.”

 

“I don’t ever remember feeling any better than I do now. I feel shaper now, faster than I’ve ever been, more power, I just want it more.

 

“It was a lost relationship, it was like I was married to the game too long and we sort of fell out of love with each other.”

 

In the opening bout of the live stream, local hero Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KO’s) will look to become a two-division world champion when he clashes with unbeaten American Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Super Lightweight crown. This will be the third live streaming boxing event this year on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

 

Live coverage for the Frank Warren promoted event will be provided by BT Sport with U.K. sportscasters John Rawlingproviding the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre and post-fight analysis from Staples Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a highly anticipated rematch against former world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 – 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Fury vs. Sefari From Manchester Arena

Facebook: s.sho.com/FurySeferi 

SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Event Page: https://s.sho.com/2M0rsek

boxing, Super Channel

  Undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury launches comeback after 2 ½ years off vs. Sefer Seferi

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AIRING LIVE THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL IN CANADA
2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT
“He’s Back!”
 
Plus, Terry Flanagan-Maurice Hooker
WBO Super Lightweight world title fight
 
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
(all pictures courtesy of Queensbury Promotions)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (June 5, 2018) – Canadian boxing fans will have the opportunity to watch the long-awaited return of the“Gypsy King,” undefeated former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury this Saturday against Sefer “The Real Deal” Seferi in the 10-round main event, airing in Canada exclusively on Super Channel, live from Manchester Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.
 
He’s Back: Fury vs. Seferi, presented by Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, will air exclusively on Super Channel across Canada, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT.
 
“We couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this highly anticipated bout marking the return of Tyson Fury to the boxing world, to our viewers,” said Don McDonald, President and CEO, Super Channel. “This is exactly the type of exclusive content that Canadian boxing fans have come to expect from Super Channel Sports and is a welcome addition to our growing catalogue of marquee boxing events.”
 
Perhaps boxing’s most polarizing figure, Fury (25-0, 15 KOs) has been sidelined with mental health issues for the past 2 ½ years, after shocking the boxing world November 28, 2015, when he defeated future Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko (64-3, 53 KOs) by way of a 10-round unanimous decision (116-111, 115-112, 115-112).
 
The 6′ 9″ Fury became the undisputed world heavyweight champion, securing the IBF, WBA, WBO, IBO and The Ring championships, only to be stripped and/or relinquish his title belts without a single defense.
 
 
(L-R) – In his last fight, Tyson Fury upset Wladimir Klitschko
 
Canadian boxing fans are more than familiar with Fury, who held his extended training camp in Canada, at Hotel Lac Leamy in Gatineau, prior to his April 20, 2013 fight at famed Madison Square Garden in New York City, in which he stopped multiple world champion Steve Cunningham in the seventh round.
 
“I can’t wait to get in there and prove that I’m a better fighter than I’ve ever been,” the charismatic Fury said. “I’m coming into the prime of my career now and I’ve never felt better. I’m fitter, stronger and faster than the Fury of 2015.
 
“It’s going to be a huge night for the City of Manchester (where Fury was born). I’m delighted to be fighting at the iconic Manchester Arena for the first time in my career. I’m promising the fans a special performance to thank them for their loyal support.”
 
Seferi, fighting out of Albania, has suffered only one loss during his otherwise perfect 11-year pro boxing career, losing a 10-round decision in 2016 to future WBA heavyweight world champion Manuel Charr (29-4) for the vacant WBA International crown.
 
“This is going to be a hard fight for Fury,” Seferi predicted. “I’m very disciplined and always ready to take on everyone and anyone. This will not be an easy night for him. I’m coming to Manchester to beat one of the boxing legends of the 21st century.
 
“He is tall and strong, but he won’t be ready for the pressure that I will bring. Two-and-one-half years out of the ring is a long time and nobody knows if he is still the same fighter that dethroned Wladimir Klitschko. I am going to seize the opportunity with both hands.”
 
The 12-round co-feature features local hero, undefeated Brit Terry “Turbo” Flanagan (33-0, 13 KOs), in his bid to become a two-division world champion, versus unbeaten American Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KOs) for the vacant WBO super-lightweight world title.
Three other exciting fights on the “He’s Back: Fury vs. Seferi” card, in addition to the previously mentioned main event and co-feature, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.
Undefeated prospect Mark “Kid Dynamite” Heffron (19-0, 15 KOs) takes on fellow countryman Andrew “D’Animal” Robinson (21-3, 6 KOs) in a 12-round British battle for the vacant WBC International Silver middleweight title, unbeaten Brit J.J. “Kid Shamrock” Metcalf(17-0, 9 KOs) and Spanish champion Aitor Nieto (22,5 9 KOs) square off in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC International super welterweight crown, and British heavyweight Nathan Gorman (12-0, 10 KOs) meets Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-2, 8 KOs), of Ireland, in a 10-round match.
Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao vs. Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo, Smith vs. Williams II, Frampton vs. Donaire, and the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) quarterfinals and semifinals.
To watch “He’s Back: Fury vs. Seferi” live, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
 
About Super Channel
 
Super Channel is a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.
 
Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience.  With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.
 
Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.
 
Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Alliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.
 
Connect with Super Channel:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO LIVE STREAM THE LONG-AWAITED RETURN OF FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION TYSON FURY ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

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Fury To Face Sefer Seferi; Terry Flanagan To Face Maurice Hooker For Vacant 140-Pound World Title

 

Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

 

NEW YORK (June 4, 2018) – SHOWTIME Sports has secured the U.S. rights to stream the long-awaited return of former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who will face Sefer Seferi in a 10-round heavyweight bout Saturday, June 9 from Manchester Arena. SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

In the opening bout, local hero Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KO’s) will look to become a two-division world champion when he clashes with unbeaten American Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight crown. This will be the fourth live streaming boxing event this year on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

 

 

 

Live coverage for the Frank Warren promoted event will be provided by BT Sport and BoxNation with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling providing the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre-fight and post-fight analysis from Staples Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

 

 

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a rematch against fellow three-division world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

 

 

Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion will end a two-years-and-seven-months exile from the sport on June 9. Fury has been inactive since outpointing Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf in November 2015 due to an injury, personal problems and a doping ban.

 

 

 

“I’m the fittest I’ve ever been,” said Fury, who has teamed up with new trainer Ben Davison. “Timing, reflexes, everything is better than it’s ever been. I kid you not. I’m 29 years old, coming into the prime of my life, I’m stronger and faster, holding more muscle mass than ever. I’m more confident looking at the competition.”

 

 

 

Albania’s Seferi (23-1, 21 KOs) is a 39-year-old Switzerland-based cruiserweight who is stepping up in weight and opposition when he faces the 6-foot-9 Fury. Seferi’s sole loss came in 2016 in a heavyweight bout against now-secondary WBA heavyweight champ Manuel Charr.

 

 

 

“This is going to be a hard fight for Fury,” said Seferi. “Two-and-a-half years out of the ring is a long time and nobody knows if he is still the same fighter that dethroned Wladimir Klitschko.”

 

 

 

Flanagan, the first Englishman to earn a lightweight world title, will seek to capture a title in a second weight class just days away from his 29th birthday. Hooker, a southpaw from Dallas, Texas and ShoBox alum, has been training with Terence Crawford. Hooker will look to follow in the footsteps of fellow Dallas resident Errol Spence Jr., who went to Kell Brook’s hometown of Sheffield, England to capture his first world championship.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale

FNU Combat Sports Show “Fast” Eddie Chambers Interview

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This week Tom, Tony and Rich catch up with Professional Boxer “Fast” Eddie Chambers. Unfortunately, a recording glitch left us without the first half of the broadcast tonight where we had a great discussion about what Chambers accomplished in his career so far. We did save the whole Eddie interview, though. Rich apologizes for the fourth co-host (Tom the Cat) for his constant interruptions in the early going. Be patient, though, folks. This is one of the best interviews we’ve conducted in a long time, and Eddie is a real class act. It is worth the listen and will probably be the first of many chats with Chambers we will likely have in the future.

 

EDDIE CHAMBERS INTERVIEW

 

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Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Induction caps Judging career of Clark Sammartino

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Oct. 28 at Mohegan Sun

Clark Sammartino

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 19, 2017, 2017) – His induction into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) on Saturday night, October 28, as part of the six-member Class of 2017, will cap the boxing career of retiring judge Clark Sammartino at 13TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The other new CBHOF inductees are pioneer boxer “Professor” Charles Hadley, ring physician Dr. Tony Alessi, referee/judge Dick Flaherty, boxing writer Dan Parker and boxer/boxing contributor Hugh Devlin, Sr.
A graduate of Brown University, the now 80-year-old Sammartino has enjoyed two other careers as an oral surgeon and investment advisor at Blue Fin in Providence, in addition to his role as an international boxing judge since 1985.
“I first got into boxing because Joey Angelo married my cousin,” Sammartino explained. “He fought back in the early forties. Joey fought Willie Pep twice and Sandy Saddler. That’s what got me started. We used to have the great Monday Night Fights at Rhode Island Auditorium and I remember watching Rocky Marciano fight “Tiger” Ted Lowry there.”
Because he was a successful oral surgeon, Clark could take long weekends to judge fights all over the world. His first and most memorable world title fight was Vinny Paz-Greg Haughn I. Through his long career, Sammartino judged more than 400 pro fights, including 50 major world title fights.
The list of boxers whose fights Sammartino judged reads like a Who’s Who of Boxing during the past 32 years: Mike Tyson, Oscar de la Hoya, Evander Holyfield, Julio Cesar Chavez, Johnny Tapia, Naseem Hamed, Chris Eubank, Marco Antonio Barrera, Mark Johnson, Wayne McCullough, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennady Golovkin, Anthony Joshua, Sergey Kovalev, Bernard Hopkins, Juan Manuel Lopez, Nonito Donaire, Acelino Freitas, Ivan Calderon, Felix Trinidad, Tommy Morrison and many more.
Sammartino, who proudly says he never missed a day of work in 40 years, has decided to retire, although he’ll remain a boxing fans for the rest of his life. “I started slowing down at my age, doing local shows and maybe three or four world title fights a year, mostly WBO and IBF,” Sammartino remarked. “I had a tough bout with pneumonia the past 5-6 months and that made working difficult.”
His CBHOF induction is a fitting ending and tremendous tribute to Sammartino and his career in boxing. “I’m humbled to be inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame,” he said. “This is a great way to end my career.”
Limited tickets for the CBHOF 13th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are still available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun(1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:00- p.m. ET (cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 13th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF: The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The CBHOF’s new location is in the Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.
Bellator, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: UFC 214 breakdown, Nobody Likes Dana White, Tom and Tony break down Broner vs. Garcia and Lomachenko vs. Marriaga

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This week’s combat sports show is a split personality situation. We had technical difficulties getting all of us together for the show, so we recorded Tom and Tony chatting with each other on Thursday night. I’ve added my portion today. It all worked out to some incredible insight about Mayweather vs. McGregor, Dana White’s growing problem with disgruntled stars in the UFC, Broner vs. Garcia and Lomachenko vs. Marriaga. We also break down Jon Jones beating Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 and the implications for a Brock Lesnar showdown in the Octagon. It’s far from likely, but it’s intriguing. We also touch on the retirements of Juan Manuel Marquez and Wladimir Klitschko.

Tom and Tony Talk Shop:

Rich Wraps it Up:

 

boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Joshua vs. Klitschko Recap, Anderson Silva Threatens UFC Retirement

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The FNU Combat Sports show concentrates heavily on boxing this week with the big heavyweight bout between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko to review and discuss first. Then we move on to preview Cinco De Mayo weekend in The Sweet Science, which is headlined by a Saturday night fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Junior. Additionally, we discuss some additions to UFC 213, Anderson Silva’s retirement threat, the creation of a women’s featherweight division in the UFC for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, and the viral video featuring the demolition of a Tai Chi “Master” by an MMA fighter. Listen to the broadcast below.