Tag Archives: World Boxing Super Series

Crushing Power Puncher Shohjahon Ergashev Returns This Saturday in Chicago

Fearsome super lightweight crusher Shohjahon “Descendant of Tamerlane” Ergashev will return to action this Saturday, November 10, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago against Springfield, Massachusetts, veteran Zack “AK47” Ramsey.

 

 

 

Ergashev (13-0, 12 KOs) of Detroit via Uzbekistan and Ramsey (8-4, 4 KOs) will meet in a six-round battle on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Tournament doubleheader featuring former WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Krzysztof Glowacki (30-1, 19 KO), from Walcz, Poland, will face Maksim Vlasov (42-2, 25 KO) of Samara, Russia, in a 12-round battle for the Interim WBO World Championship and former WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Mairis Briedis (24-1, 18 KO) from Riga, Latvia, will take on Hamburg, Germany’s Noel Mikaelian (23-1, 10 KO) for the WBC World Diamond Belt Championship.

 

 

 

Ergashev is off to a roaring start as a professional, going the distance only once, thus far. He is the current World Boxing Association International Super Lightweight Champion. The 26-year-old moved from is native Uzbekistan to train at Detroit’s Kronk Gym last year and his thudding power has only improved.

 

 

 

“I have been training in Detroit for seven weeks and I feel that I am getting better and better with each camp,” said Ergashev. “I look forward to putting my skills on display November 10 in Chicago.”

 

 

 

Dmitrriy Salita, the promoter mining Russia and Central Asia for super prospects like Ergashev, says the powerful southpaw is headed for greatness.

 

 

 

“Shohjahon Ergashev is the best super lightweight in the world and, pound-for-pound, one of the hardest punchers in boxing,” said Salita. “I look forward to another impressive showing from him on a big championship night of boxing in Chicago.”

Vlasov: ‘It’s Either Do or Die’

Poland’s Krzysztof Glowacki and Russia’s Maksim Vlasov have studied each other thoroughly before their Ali Trophy Cruiserweight Quarter-Final November 10 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

 

 

 

Tickets are available via TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

 

 

 

“I’ve watched a lot of his (Vlasov’s) fights together with my coach and we have tactics ready,” said 32-year-old Glowacki (30-1, 19 KOs). “Of course, he does have a lot of weak points but he also has a lot of strengths.

 

 

 

“But I’m not focused on him, really. I don’t care what he does, what he eats or whether he sleeps a lot. I’m mostly interested in myself and what I do. Because I know that if I give everything, I’ll win.

 

 

 

“What am I bringing to the tournament? My faith for the most part, my faith that I’m going to win and I know there can only be one champion.”

 

 

 

Vlasov, a fighter with success at multiple weights, is well prepared for the challenge.

 

 

 

“I know a lot about my opponent Krzysztof Glowacki,” said 32-year-old Vlasov (42-2, 25 KOs). “I watched many of his fights, he is a difficult and dangerous boxer. He is a fighter who can shoot at any moment and one always need to watch him and stay focused.

 

 

 

“At this stage of my career, this fight against Glowacki is key. It’s either do or die.”

 

 

 

Latvia’s Mairis Briedis vs Germany’s Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs Maksim Vlasov are the two Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

 

 

 

Fans in the U.S. can watch the quarter-finals LIVE on DAZN, the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

 

 

 

Several local prospects will highlight the exciting undercard.

Mikaelian: ‘I Am the Smarter One’

Germany’s Noel Mikaelian believes he has what is takes November 10 in the Ali Trophy Cruiserweight Quarter-Final against Latvia’s Mairis Briedis at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA.

 

 

 

Tickets are available via TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

 

 

 

“Boxing is a really tough sport and somehow you get addicted to it,” said 28-year-old Mikaelian (24-1, 10 KOs).

 

 

 

“If you are a boxer, you are a boxer for life. Boxing taught me that I am really disciplined; I got a dedication for the sport and I never give up.”

 

 

 

Mikaelian is a former WBO Youth champion and WBO International Cruiserweight Champion, but his biggest test to date is only days away.

 

 

 

“The quarter-final against Briedis… it is going to be a tough fight. He is the favorite, he is a really good fighter. He has a good school, the Soviet school, punching power. He is also a thinker in the ring, but I think I am the smarter one.

 

 

 

“I will do what is necessary to win. I fight after the model; hit and not get hit. That is boxing to me and how boxing should be.”

 

 

 

“I’ve been giving a second chance,” said Briedis (24-1, 18 KOs) one of the stars of Season I of the World Boxing Super Series.

 

 

 

And the Latvian sports hero is undoubtedly a favorite to take home this season’s Ali Trophy in the 200 lb division.

 

 

 

“I want to use this second opportunity. I am going to use it, and let us see how far I get. Each one of us in the tournament is different. It’s a very big test for myself. Both physically and psychologically.”

 

 

 

Last year in October the former WBC World Champion was awarded as Commander of the Order of the Three Stars, the highest state award in Latvia, for ‘outstanding achievements in sports and significant contribution to the promotion of Latvia in the world.’

 

 

 

“I want to show by my example that there is a need for Latvians, and not only Latvians, but for everyone in general to pull together. That people need to have fighting spirit,” said the 33-year-old.

 

 

 

“There are many things I have to work on myself, both physically and psychologically. I am not getting any younger, but I am going to do everything I can.

 

 

 

“Physically I feel good in myself. My physical indexes are good. Now, the most important thing, with God’s help, is to work hard with all my boxing techniques. I want to show what I am capable of in boxing and show what I am like.”

 

 

 

Mairis Briedis vs Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs Maksim Vlasov are the two Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

 

 

 

Fans in the U.S. can watch the quarter-finals LIVE on DAZN, the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

 

 

 

Several local prospects will highlight the exciting undercard.

Briedis vs Mikaelian & Glowacki vs Vlasov Quarter-Finals in Chicago Nov 10

Season I star Mairis Briedis vs. Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs. Maksim Vlasov are the two Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA.

 

 

 

“I am really looking forward to fighting in Chicago,” said Briedis (24-1, 18 KOs). The Latvian hero is undoubtedly one of the favourites to take home Season II’s Ali Trophy in the 200-lb division.

 

 

 

“I am happy to be back in the World Boxing Super Series, and I am looking forward to fighting in front of a U.S. crowd. I am sure there will also be a lot of Latvians in the arena to help create a fantastic atmosphere.”

 

 

 

Briedis’ opponent, Germany’s Noel Mikaelian (23-1, 10 KOs), is eager to perform on the biggest stage – only a split decision defeat, in an IBF eliminator against Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, prevented him of participating in Season I.

 

 

 

“There are only world class fighters in this tournament, but I believe my ring IQ will give me the edge to win it,” said Mikaelian.

 

 

 

The second main event in Chicago on November 10 is a potent match-up between Poland’s former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki and Russia’s Maksim Vlasov.

 

 

 

“The plan is simple: take it all, give nothing back,” said Glowacki (30-1, 19 KOs)

 

 

 

The exciting southpaw fought Season I winner Aleksandr Usyk in 2016 – relinquishing the WBO belt over 12 rounds, he won the belt in 2015 via knockout against Marco Huck.

 

 

 

“I have been waiting for a long time for my chance, and I am full of power and great energy. I am going to win this tournament and become world champion again!”

 

 

 

Vlasov (42-2, 25 KOs), a fighter with success at multiple weights, likewise enters the quarter-final with great confidence after winning 12 straight fights since moving up in weight in 2015.

 

 

 

Tickets will be available to buy via TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 on Monday 1 October. Fans can be alerted by email when tickets go on sale by signing up for Ticket Alerts here.

 

 

 

Ahead of Season 2, US-based boxing fans are able to watch Season I’s Ali Trophy Super Middleweight Final, George Groves vs Callum Smith on Friday, 28 September, LIVE on the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

 

 

 

Dates and venues for the six weeks of Ali Trophy quarter-final action this autumn:

 

 

 

  1. October 7th, Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals 

Naoya Inoue (Japan) vs. Juan Carlos Payano (Dominican Republic)

WBA ‘Regular’ Bantamweight Championship

&

Kiryl Relikh (Belarus) vs. Eduard Troyanovsky (Russia).

WBA Super-Lightweight Championship

 

 

 

  1. October 13th,  Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals

TBA

 

 

 

  1. October 20th, CFE Arena, Orlando, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals

Emmanuel Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) vs. Jason Moloney (Australia)

IBF Bantamweight Championship

&

Yunier Dorticos (Cuba) vs. Mateusz Masternak (Poland).

Cruiserweight Quarter-Final

TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com

 

 

 

  1. October 27th, U.N.O. Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals

Regis Prograis (United States) vs. Terry Flanagan (England)

WBC Super-Lightweight Diamond Title

&

Ivan Baranchyk (Belarus) vs Anthony Yigit (Sweden)

IBF Super-Lightweight Championship

TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com

 

 

 

  1. November 3rd, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals 

Ryan Burnett (Northern Ireland) vs. Nonito Donaire (Philippines)

WBA ‘Unified’ Bantamweight Championship & WBC Bantamweight Diamond Title

&

Josh Taylor (Scotland) vs. Ryan Martin (United States)

WBC Super-Lightweight Silver Title

TICKETS: From £35 (plus fees) here: thessehydro.com

 

 

 

  1. November 10th, UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals

Mairis Briedis vs. Noel Mikaelian

Cruiserweight Quarter-Final

&

Krzysztof Glowacki vs. Maksim Vlasov

Cruiserweight Quarter-Final

TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com (On sale: Mon 1 Oct)

 

 

 

Season II divisions and Ali Trophy quarter-final match-ups:

 

 

 

Bantamweight: 

Ryan Burnett (Northern Ireland) vs. Nonito Donaire (Philippines)

WBA ‘Unified’ World Championship and WBC Diamond Title

 

 

 

Zolani Tete (South Africa) vs. Mikhail Aloyan (Russia)

WBO World Championship

 

 

 

Naoya Inoue (Japan) vs. Juan Carlos Payano (Dominican Republic)

WBA ‘Regular’ World Championship

 

 

 

Emmanuel Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) vs. Jason Moloney (Australia)

IBF World Championship

 

 

 

 

Super-Lightweight:

 

 

Regis Prograis (United States) vs. Terry Flanagan (England)

WBC Diamond Title

 

 

 

Josh Taylor (Scotland) vs. Ryan Martin (United States)

WBC Silver Title

 

 

 

Kiryl Relikh (Belarus) vs. Eduard Troyanovsky (Russia)

WBA World Championship

 

 

 

Ivan Baranchyk (Belarus) vs. Anthony Yigit (Sweden)

IBF World Championship

 

 

 

 

Cruiserweight:

 

 

Mairis Briedis (Latvia) vs. Noel Mikaelian (Germany)

 

 

 

Yunier Dorticos (Cuba) vs. Mateusz Masternak (Poland)

 

 

 

Krzysztof Glowacki (Poland) vs. Maksim Vlasov (Russia)

 

 

 

Ruslan Fayfer (Russia) vs. Andrew Tabiti (United States)

IBF Eliminator

WBSS Championship Final Super Middleweight Division: George Groves vs. Callum Smith

      
GEORGE GROVES vs. CALLUM SMITH
WBA Super Middleweight World Championship
LIVE ON SUPER CHANNEL IN CANADA
Friday, September 28, 2018
2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT
WBSS Championship Final
Super Middleweight Division
 
George Groves vs. Callum Smith
 
AIRING LIVE THIS FRIDAY IN CANADA
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
  (Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 

EDMONTON, Canada– The postponed first-season finale of the World Boxing Super Series’ (WBSS) super middleweight division will take place this Friday (Sept. 28), when World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight world champion “Saint” George Groves is challenged by undefeated fellow Brit, Callum “Mundo” Smith, to air live from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, starting at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, exclusively on Super Channel in Canada.

Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.

 

 

Groves vs. Smith, presented by Sauerland Event, was postponed from its originally planned June 2 date due to Groves’ shoulder surgery from an injury he suffered in his February17th WBSS semifinals 12-round unanimous decision victory against Chris Eubank, Jr.

The 30-year-old Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), fighting out of London, knocked out defending WBA super middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov (14-1) in the sixth round of their May 27, 2017 title fight.

His first title defense was a fourth-round stoppage of Jaime Cox in the opening round of the WBSS, followed this past Feb. with his aforementioned win over Eubank (26-1). In addition to Chudinov, No. 1 -tournament seeded Groves has defeated world champions Glen Johnson and James DeGale, “It has been a long preparation for the fight. I am fit, I am healthy, I have put in the work.

“This will be the toughest test yet in the tournament, but I am boxing better than ever, and I don’t see Callum posing a threat, I expect another comfortable win. We are preparing for the very best Smith possible. We know what to do and I am capable of it, I just need to get it done.”

Smith (24-0, 17 KOs), 28, won a 12-round unanimous decision from previously undefeated Erik Sjoglund (26-0) in the WBSS opening round. The Liverpool boxer whose three brothers are boxers was supposed to fight former WBA and WBO light heavyweight Juergen Braehmer in the WBSS semifinal round, but Braehmer pulled out and he was replaced late by unbeaten Nicky Holken (13-0), who Smith defeated by way of a 12-round unanimous decision.

“I am in a good place, feeling good,” WBC Diamond belt holder Smith commented. “I feel comfortable in winning. I just feel I am a better fighter than anyone he has fought in this tournament. I feel confident I will come out on top. The fans should be in for a treat, I am looking forward to becoming a world champion.”

 

 

Five exciting fights on the “Groves vs. Smith” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.

In the co-featured event, Eubank (26-2, 20 KOs) takes on his Irish opponent, J.J. “Slick” McDonagh (16-4, 8 KOs), in a 10-round bout. British super lightweights Darren Surtees (8-0, 5 KOs) and Kane Baker (8-4) square off in an eight-round bout, undefeated British cruiserweight Mikael Lawal (7-0, 5 KOs) meets Tamas Kozma (6-6-3, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder, and Dutch heavyweight Kem Ljungquist (4-0, 2 KOs) faces Mourad Omar (4-1, 4 KOs), of Egypt, in an eight-round match to open the broadcast.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

All WBSS super middleweight championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.

Super Channel has aired major boxing events during the past two years like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo, Smith vs. Williams II, Frampton vs. Donaire, Fury vs. Seferi, Frampton vs. Jackson, and the entire first WBSS season.

To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, 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.

KlowdTV to Air Live & Exclusively Usyk v. Gassiev THIS SATURDAY in the United States

Undefeated WBC and WBO World Title Holder Oleksandr Usyk set to Battle Undefeated IBF and WBA Champion Murat Gassiev for the Unification of the Four Cruiserweight Belts Live and Exclusively on KlowdTV

 

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – July 17, 2018 – On Saturday afternoon, July 21st, the world’s best and undefeated cruiserweights, Oleksandr Uysk and Murat Gassiev, will battle for four world titles and the bragging rights to be crowned the undisputed World Cruiserweight Champ. Both fighters possess perfect undefeated records, tremendous explosive power, and with the winner taking all the major recognized belts, this is the must-watch Cruiserweight battle of the year. This amazing showdown featuring Usyk v Gassiev for the undisputed Cruiserweight championship and will air live and exclusively on KlowdTV in the United States.

 

 

 

The bout will take place in Moscow, Russia beginning at 3 PM ET. “We are very proud to be able to bring this outstanding fight to KlowdTV,” said Robert Herring Sr., CEO of KlowdTV. “I know how much interest there is in this fight from all the interest on boxing sites and social media. The fans have been clamoring for the fight to find a United States home, and KlowdTV is once again stepping up to answer the call of US boxing fans.”

 

 

 

Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs) of Kiev, Ukraine is WBC and WBO world cruiserweight champion.

The 2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner won the WBO world title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Krzysztof Glowacki on September 17, 2016 in Poland. Usyk defended the title twice with a 9th round stoppage over Thabiso Mchunu and a 12-round unanimous decision over Michael Hunter.

 

 

 

Usyk scored a 10th round stoppage over former world champion Marco Huck. In his latest bout, Usyk captured the WBC World Cruiserweight title with a majority decision over Mairis Briedis on January 27th in Latvia.

 

 

 

Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs) of Russia, is the IBF and WBA Super Cruiserweight champion.

Gassiev now trains in Big Bear, California under famed trainer Abel Sanchez. The 24-year-old Gassiev won IBF championship on December 3, 2016 with a 12-round unanimous decision over Denis Lebedev.

 

 

 

Gassiev registered a 3rd round destruction of former world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk. In his last bout, Gassiev won the WBA World Super Cruiserweight title with a 12th round stoppage over previously undefeated Yunier Dorticos on February 3, 2018.

 

 

 

KlowdTV is your 24/7 live streaming service, featuring over 30 live channels plus 50 music channels. The fight is free to KlowdTV subscribers. New subscribers can enjoy the fight for the $9.99/month subscription fee, which includes numerous live channels including Fight Network, GolTV, FNTSY Sports Network, Pursuit Channel, Sony Movie Channel and more. Simply visit www.klowdtv.com to enjoy this “can’t-miss” fight and 30 days of KlowdTV for just $9.99 per month. KlowdTV can be accessed on any device that includes Smart TV’s, computers, ROKU, Amazon, Android and iOS phones and tablets.

WBSS Unified World Championship Oleksandr Usyk vs. Murat Gassiev

          
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Murat Gassiev
Unified World Cruiserweight Championship
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
2 p.m. ET start / 11 a.m. PT
WBSS Unified World Championship
 
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Murat Gassiev
 
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
 
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)

 

EDMONTON, Canada (July 17, 2018) – Canadian boxing fans will be able to watch the much-anticipated World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) cruiserweight championship finale this Saturday afternoon, as they have throughout the wildly entertaining semifinals and quarterfinals rounds, exclusively on Super Channel.

 

 

 

All four-major sanctioning body world title belts, plus The Ring magazine’s strap, will be on the line at the Olympic Sport Complex in Moscow, when WBC/WBO champion Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs) and IBF/WBA title-holder Murat Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs) square off for the inaugural Muhammad Ali Trophy, in addition to determining the first totally unified cruiserweight champion in the world in what is a legitimate Fight of the Year candidate.

 

 

 

The 31-year-old Usyk, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist from Ukraine, stopped Marco Huck in the 10th round of their WBSS quarterfinal match, and he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Mairis Briedis in the semifinals. Russia-native Gassiev, 24, knocked out Krzysctof Wlodarczyk and Yunier Dorticos, respectively, in the third and 12th round of the quarterfinals and semifinals.

 

 

 

“He (Gassiev) is a strong guy,” Usyk said, “And now, thank God, Murat and I will fight for the Muhammad Ali Trophy and the absolute world champion’ title.

 

 

 

“I feel excellent about (fighting in Russia) it. I am an athlete, a warrior. I do not care where I fight, I just want to fight. I know there will be support coming in from Ukraine which is great.

 

 

I am ready, my team is ready. When the strong guys meet, the fights are interesting! This is what is so great about this tournament. It is necessary for the sport. I have said it before and I will say it again: the fans should expect a beautiful final.

 

 

 

“The training camp before the final has been the same as before my other fights,” Gassiev commented. “My opponent is a southpaw, so I have had different sparring partners and you have to do things a bit different tactically against a southpaw. But, besides that nothing has changed.

 

 

 

“I have been doing the same amount of running, physical exercising and sparring. I am not thinking about what he is doing. I need to be Murat Gassiev and do my best… I am only thinking about myself, my skills and my condition. That’s it.

 

 

 

“I would fight anywhere in the world, but it is a plus for my mother and brother that they easily can watch the fight live. I am sure the final will be a very interesting and good fight for fans all over the world. May the best man win!”

 

 

 

Four potentially explosive fights are on the “Usyk vs. Gassiev” card, presented by Patriot Boxing Promotions, airing exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.

 

 

 

In the 10-round co-feature, former world champion Briedis faces Brandon Deslaurier (11-1-1, 10 KOs). The undisputed pound-4-pound Queen of Boxing, undefeated Colombian Cecelia “First Lady” Braekhus (33-0, 9 KOs), who fights out of Finland, defends her unified world welterweight titles versus Russian challenger Inna “Ice Queen” Sagaydakovskaya (7-0, 3 KOs) in a 10-round match. WBA International super middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov(17-2, 12 KOs) defends at home against Nadjib “Iron Djib” Mohammedi (40-5, 23 KOs), of France, in a 12-round bout,

 

 

 

Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.

 

 

 

All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand. The postponed WBSS world super middleweight champion final hasn’t been rescheduled at this time.

 

 

 

In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live the past 1 ½ years including Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo, Smith vs. Williams II, Frampton vs. Donaire, and Fury vs Seferi.

 

 

 

To watch the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight championship final live, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans in Canada may 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.

TODAY: WBSS Semifinals finale Super Middleweights in Germany: Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken

WBSS Semifinals finale
Super Middleweights in Germany
 
Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS AFTERNOON
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) Callum Smith & Nieky Holzken
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (February 24, 2018) – This afternoon in the semifinals round finale of the incredibly entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament, undefeated challengersCallum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond champion, and late replacement Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), square-off in the 12-round super middleweight bout, at Nurnberger Versicherung Arena in Nuremburg, Germany.
The Smith vs. Holzken card, starting at 2 p.m. ET, will air live in Canada, exclusively on Super Channel.
Holzken, an undefeated Dutch prospect, replaced two-time world champion Juergen Braehmer, of Germany, who withdrew earlier this week from the WBSS semifinals match due to illness.
The Smith-Holzken winner will advance to the WBSS super middleweight championship final against World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion “Sir” George Groves (28-3, KOs), of the United Kingdom, June 2at The O2 Arena in London, in a battle for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
The 27-year-old Smith, fighting out of the United Kingdom, won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Erik Skoglund in the WBSS quarterfinals to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond super middleweight title.
“I came here to book a place in the final,” Smith said. “I have had a really good camp and I have improved on stuff from the last fight and people will see a better performance from me. People will see that I am good enough to win the tournament. I just want to win, win well, and look good doing it.
“I always knew from the start of the tournament that there was a massive opportunity that George (Groves) would be waiting in the final. But, for now, I am fully focused on Nieky, and then I can talk more about Groves after the fight.”
Holzken, 34, was preparing to fight Dmitri Chudinov in Saturday’s WBSS Super Middleweight Substitute Fight.
“It’s great to be here,” Holzken commented. “My life has been like a rollercoaster the last days. I was preparing to fight Dmitrii Chudnov, and on Monday I got a call that Juergen Braehmer was out. So, this is a lifetime opportunity and I will take the opportunity with both hands, I’m ready!
“Callum is a good fighter and respectful guy, but I am a big believer, and I believe I can get the victory on Saturday. I am going to do my best to beat him and my best to win the whole tournament.”
Five exciting fights on the “Smith-Holzken” card, presented by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
 
TODAY’S WBSS LINE-UP ON SUPER CHANNEL
MAIN EVENT – WBSS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SEMIFINALS – 12 ROUNDS
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom, 167.5 lbs. (76,0 kg)
vs.
Nieky Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands, 167.5 lbs. (76,0 kg)
CO-FEATURE – WBSS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SUBSTITUTE FIGHT – 10 ROUNDS
Dmitrii Chudinov (20-2-2, 13 KOs), Russia
vs.
Siarhei Khamitski (30-14-3, 14 KOs), Belarus
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
Filip Hrgovic (3-0, 3 KOs), 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Croatia
vs.
Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-1, 8 KOs), Ireland
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
James Kraft (13-0, 9 KOs), Former WBC Youth Light Heavyweight Champion, Germany
vs.
Bernard Donfack (23-17-3, 11 KOs), Germany by way of Cameroon
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Leon Bauer (12-0-1, 8 KOs), Germany
vs.
Marco Miano (6-5 (2 KOs), Italy
SWING BOUT
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Tony Kraft (12-0-1, 4 KOs), Germany
vs.
Jozsef Racz (7-20-1, 2 KOs), Hungary
(all fights & fighters subject to change)
 
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, 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.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), Russia
WTKO12
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-1, 20 KOs), Cuba
(Gassiev retained his IBF title and won WBA championship)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom
WDEC12 (117-112, 116-112, 115-113)
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom
(Groves retained his WBA title and won IBO championship)
 
February 24, Nurnberger Versicherung Arena, Nuremburg, Germany
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
vs.
Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
CRUISERWEIGHTS
 
May 11, 2018, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – WBC/WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), WBO/WBC Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), WBA/IBF Champion, Russia – Ring #2
June 2, 2018, The O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom, WBA/IBO Champion – Ring #2
vs.
Callum Smith-Nieky Holzken winner
Connect with Super Channel:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel
 
About MP & Silva
 
MP & Silva is a full service global sports media agency that connects passionate fans with clubs, broadcasters and brands. Founded in 2004, the company has rapidly grown to become a key participant in the global sports marketplace. The company prides itself on using its global team to create value and deliver tailored solutions for its clients and partners; distributing media rights of some of the world’s most prestigious sports events, offering a broad set of sponsorship consultancy services and providing a range of digital services and technology solutions. Headquartered in London and Singapore, MP & Silva has international offices in Beijing, Budapest, Dubai, Dublin, Luxembourg, Monaco, Munich, New York, Paris, Tokyo and Warsaw.
 
Connect with MP & Silva
 
Website: www.mpsilva.com          
Twitter: @MPSWorldwide

WBSS Semifinals finale Super Middleweights in Germany:  Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken

AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) – Nieky Holzken & Callum Smith
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (February 21, 2018) – World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond champion Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs) takes on late replacement Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs) this Saturday in the last World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinals-round match in the super middleweight division, at Nurnberger Versicherung Arena in Nuremburg, Germany
The Smith vs. Holzken card, starting at 2 p.m. ET, will air live in Canada, exclusively on Super Channel.
Holzken, an undefeated Dutch prospect, has replaced two-time world champion Juergen Braehmer, of Germany, who withdrew from the WBSS semifinals match due to illness.
“I have been battling a feverish infection since Sunday,” Braehmer explained. “Unfortunately, a fight in this state is out of the questions. It is not possible for me to go into the ring like this and I would like to apologize to my fans. I was well prepared and looking forward to fighting Callum.”
The Smith-Holzken winner will advance to the WBSS super middleweight championship final against World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion “Sir” George Groves (28-3, KOs), of the United Kingdom, June 2at The O2 Arena in London, in a battle for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
Smith was the least tested WBSS semifinalist in terms of having faced quality opponents, as well as the youngest at 27. The undefeated Brit is one of four fighting Smith brothers.
In the WBSS quarterfinals, Smith took a 12-round unanimous decision from previously unbeaten Erik Skoglund to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond super middleweight title.
“I gave an interview last week and said it was great there have been no drop-outs,” Smith said. “Looks like I spoke too soon. We got the call as we were boarding the plane. I am committed to fighting Saturday and will fight whoever the World Boxing Super series puts in front of me.”
The 34-year-old Holzken was preparing to fight Dmitri Chudinov in Saturday’s WBSS Super Middleweight Substitute Fight. He has had only four scheduled 10-round matches during his five-year professional career, the most notable being a win by 10-round unanimous decision in 2016 over Farouk Daku (20-9-1) for the vacant BeNeLux super middleweight title.
Holzken is determined to make the most of this opportunity by upsetting Smith, despite his obvious leap in class. “I’ve been waiting for this chance to come,” Holzken commented. “I signed up as a substitute fighter, so I’m in great shape and prepared for Saturday. I’ve watched Callum fight many times. I study everyone in my weight class. He’s a good, solid fighter. We’re both big body punchers. It will make for an excellent fight. Callum, you better be ready, because I am, and I’m coming to beat you!”

Five exciting fights on the “Smith-Holzken” card, presented by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
In the 10-round WBSS Substitute Fight, Dmitrii “Night Wolf” Chudinov (20-2, 13 KOs), of Russia, faces an opponent to be determined in the co-featured event. 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovic (3-0, 3 KOs), of Croatia, faces Irishman Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout; former WBC Youth light heavyweight champion James Kraft (13-0, 9 KOs), of Germany, meets Cameroon native Bernard Donfack (23-17-3, 11 KOs) in an eight round super middleweight match; 19-year-old German super middleweight Leon Bauer (12-0-1, 8 KOs) squares off with Marco Miano (6-6, 2 KOs), of Italy, in a six-round fight to open the Super Channel broadcast. A six-round “swing bout” between German super middleweight Toni Kraft(12-0-1, 4 Kos) and Hungarian Jozsef Racz (7-20-1, 2 KOs) may also be aired.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), Russia
WTKO12
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-1, 20 KOs), Cuba
(Gassiev retained his IBF title and won WBA championship)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom
WDEC12 (117-112, 116-112, 115-113)
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom
(Groves retained his WBA title and won IBO championship)
 
February 24, Nurnberger Versicherung Arena, Nuremburg, Germany
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
vs.
Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
CRUISERWEIGHTS
 
May 11, 2018, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – WBC/WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), WBO/WBC Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), WBA/IBF Champion, Russia – Ring #2
June 2, 2018, The O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom, WBA/IBO Champion – Ring #2
vs.
Callum Smith-Nieky Holzken winner
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, 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.

Undefeated cruiserweight world champions Murat Gassiev vs. Yunier Dorticos World Boxing Super Series semifinals

AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) – Yunier Doricos & Murat Gassiev
(Pictures courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (January 31, 2018) – The ultra-entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinals-round concludes this Saturday, when undefeated world champions Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs) throw-down in a unification fight, at Bolshov Ice Dome in Adler, Russia.
Like all WBSS action, the Gassiev-Dorticos card will air live in Canada, starting at 2 p.m. ET, exclusively on Super Channel.
The Gassiev-Dorticos winner will advance this May to the WBSS championship final in Saudi Arabia, to fight WBO/WBC world champion Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), winner of this past Saturday’s WBSS semifinals match against Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs). The WBSS’Muhammad Ali Trophy winner will become the first world cruiserweight champion to hold all four major championship belts at the same time.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
The 23-year-old Gassiev captured his International Boxing Federation (IBF) crown a year ago with a 12-round split decision victory over three-time world cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (29-1). In the WBSS quarterfinals, Gassiev knocked out two-time world cruiserweight champion Krsysztof Wlodarczysk (53-3-1) in the third round of his initial world title defense.
Dorticos is a well-schooled fighter,” Gassiev noted. “”He has many amateur fights, good speed, and fast hands. He is a great opponent and I have prepared for 12 tough rounds.

“The World Boxing Super Series is a great tournament that gives me the opportunity to unify all the cruiserweight titles. On Saturday, I am going to take another step towards that dream in front of my proud countrymen.”
A Cuban defector who now lives in Miami, Florida, Dorticos stopped interim World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight champion Youri Kalenga (22-2) in the 10th round of their 2016 fight, and he was later elevated to “regular” WBA world champion. Dorticos put Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1) to sleep in the second round of their WBSS quarterfinals match.
“I’m ready to show Gassiev what a champion looks like and give him a challenge he’s never faced before. I want to take his belt. In other words; Gassiev is my next victim. I am preparing my body and soul for the most important fight in my career. Because the only thing I’m going to accept is the victory.
“I have worked hard to be able to be a part of this tournament, I have worked hard to be able to prove that I am the best cruiserweight in the world. I believe I am the best in the world, and I can’t wait to fight again and show the fans all over the world once again what ‘The KO Doctor’ is about.”
Six fights, including four championship matches on the “Gassiev vs. Dorticos” card, which is promoted by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
In the co-featured event, Russian strongman Maksim Vlosov (41-2, 24 KOs) takes on 2008 Nigerian Olympian Olanreqaju Dorolola (27-4, 25 KOs) in the 12-round WBSS Cruiserweight Substitute Fight for the vacant WBC Silver title.   Plus, former world champion Fedor Chudinov(16-2, 11 KOs), of Russia, puts his WBA International super middleweight crown on the line in a 12-round fight against unbeaten 21-year-old American challenger Bobby Gunn, Jr. (9-0, 7 KOs), whose father, Bobby Gunn, is a bare knuckles champion; and WBA International bantamweight titlist Mikhail Aloyan (3-0-0), of Russia by way of Armenia, faces unbeaten Nicaraguan Alexander Espinoza (15-0-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder.   Two swing bouts are also slated: Basir Abakarov (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Denis Bakhtov (39-12, 26 KOs) in a 10-round battle of Russian heavyweights, and a four-round heavyweight match between Russian prospect Tair Kelekhsaev(1-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs), IBF World Champion, Russia – Ring #2
vs.
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, Cuba – Ring #5
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #2
vs.
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #4
 
February 24, Arena Nurnberger Versicherung, Nuremburg, Germany
Juergen Braehmer (49-3 35 KOs), Germany – Ring #10
(Former WBO & WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion)
vs.
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, 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.