Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico – With its consistent social commitment, the World Boxing Organization (WBO), chaired by Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, Esq, and through the program WBO Kids Drug Free, brought joy and gifts for the children of the ‘Educational Center: Play, Explore & Learn’ and ‘Hacienda Don Antonio’. Both centers are located in the city of Aguas Buenas.
During the busy event
that took place in the municipal boxing gym of Aguas Buenas, the children
received backpacks with school supplies and sporting goods. Also, motivational
speeches were given, bicycles were raffled, and lunch was served for them.
“We have no words
for what the WBO did for our city. It was the second time this year our
children saw the WBO visiting and helping us. In the future, this will reflect
on their lives. Our gratitude is infinite. Thanks Paco, for this gesture of
love”, said the mayor of Aguas Buenas, Javier García Pérez.
“Thanks to the
mayor for putting the sport of his city first. These activities serve to
motivate, but the most important thing is that we have to be consistent in
maintaining that. This isn’t done overnight; this is a process that we work
with a lot of love and in the long term, we see extraordinary results”,
Valcárcel said.
The WBO Interim Latino
Heavyweight champion Víctor Bisbal, WBO Latino Jr. Welter Champion Jean Carlos
“Lobo” Torres, WBO/NABO Flyweight Champion Jonathan “Bomba” González, and WBA
World Featherweight Champion Jesús Rojas participated as volunteers, along with
prospects Yomar Álamo, Emmanuel “Tito” Morales, Alfredo “El Salsero” Cruz,
Patrick Cora and John Karl Sosa. Amateur boxing was represented with the
presence of Alexamil Cotto, Tatiana Ortiz, Ryan Montes, Ramón Montes, Kenneth
Molina, Ivan Silva, Yadel Hernández, Gabriel Menard, Joshua Carrión, Carlos
Rivera, Carlos Díaz, Ángel Javier, Christian Rivera and Adrián Ortiz.
Also in attendance was manager Orlando Piñero, trainers
Álex Caraballo, Jesús “Tongui” Ortiz, Yoel “Yowy” González, Félix Pagán Pintor,
Armando Álamo, Efraín Román, Eliezer González and Edwin Delgado. The professional boxing referees Luis Pabón,
José Hiram Rivera, Melva Santos and Roberto Ramírez,Jr were also present, as
well as professional boxing judge Luis Ruiz. From the WBO, other than
Valcárcel, legal advisor Gustavo Olivieri,Esq, treasurer Adolfo Flores, and the
Vice Chairman of the Championship Committee Enrique Mendoza, Esq were also in
the activity.
WBO Kids Drug Free is an
international program aimed at children and young people in order to carry a
message of prevention of drug use and to motivate them to continue studying and
using sports as a tool to stay on the right path, as well that support causes
directed to those in need in order to contribute to a better quality of life.
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions from
StubHub Center (Soon to be Dignity Health Sports Park) in Carson,
Calif., Live on SHOWTIME®
Tickets on Sale Saturday, December 22!
CARSON, CALIF. (December 19, 2018) – Two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis will defend his WBA title against three-division world champion Abner Mares on Saturday, February 9 live on SHOWTIME in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Davis vs. Mares promises fireworks and high-stakes action as both men bring their fan-friendly styles to the ring. Davis, an unbeaten southpaw who earned his nickname “Tank” by powering through opponents, has thunder in both fists with 19 of his 20 fights ending in knockout. Mares, who has engaged in many memorable fights throughout his storied career, will be moving up in weight and looking to capture a world title in a fourth weight class.
Tickets for the event,
which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports,
go on sale Saturday, December 22 and can be purchased at AXS.com.
“This
matchup is sure to make for a crowd pleaser, as both guys are known for
delivering action when they step into the ring,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO
of Mayweather Promotions. “Mares has
an impressive resume and is determined to
hand Davis his first loss. Davis has made a lot of noise in the sport at a
young age and isn’t slowing down. He executes impressively and continues to
prove that he will be the next big star in boxing.”
“Abner Mares is
looking to join a select group of boxers by winning a title in his fourth
different weight class and carrying that kind of motivation into the ring is
the thing that can propel a boxer to greatness,” said Tom Brown, President of
TGB Promotions. “We’ve already seen the kind of speed and explosive
punching power that Gervonta Davis brings into the ring. I expect that Mares
will push him to even higher levels and that is the kind of match that should
excite all boxing fans.”
“The matchup
between Gervonta Davis and Abner Mares features pound for pound two of the most
exciting boxers,” said Richard Schaefer of Ringstar Sports. “For Gervonta
it is the biggest test in his career and for Abner it is simply “Dare to
be Great”. These two are the definition of modern day gladiators who will
put it all on the line on February 9. The winners of this exciting matchup are
us – the fight fans and the general public who will be in for a treat!”
“This is an
intriguing matchup for both men at crucial points of their careers,” said
Stephen Espinoza, President, SHOWTIME Sports. “Abner Mares has never
backed down from a challenge, quietly building one of the strongest resumes in
all of boxing while consistently delivering fight-of-the-year performances.
In his first fight in the super featherweight division, Abner will be
facing Gervonta Davis, one of the strongest, most talented and most exciting
young champions in all of boxing. Abner seeks another signature upset in
a remarkable career, while Gervonta looks to continue his streak of 11 straight
stoppages against the most experienced and accomplished opponent he has faced
to date. With these two come-forward, all-action fighters, boxing fans
can expect another thrilling Showtime Championship Boxing main
event.”
Davis (20-0, 19 KOs)
became the youngest reigning American world champion in 2017 when he delivered
a star-making performance on SHOWTIME by knocking out Jose Pedraza for the IBF
130-pound title at just 22 years old. He became the youngest two-time world champion
in April when he knocked out Jesus Cuellar in the third round of their WBA
Super Featherweight Championship bout. The 24-year-old from Baltimore, Md., has
earned the reputation as a power-punching menace as he has stopped all but one
of his professional opponents.
“I’m
very excited to be showcased in my first main event in the United States on
February 9,” said Davis. “I want to make a statement in this fight by
putting on a tremendous performance against an experienced world champion like
Abner Mares. I plan on showing everyone why I belong in pound-for-pound
discussions and why I’m the most exciting champion in boxing today. You don’t
want to miss it!”
The 33-year-old Mares
(31-3-1, 15 KOs) will be moving up to 130 pounds as he aims to become just the
fourth fighter born in Mexico to win titles in four divisions, joining Juan
Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Jorge Arce. Mares, who was born in
Guadalajara, Jalisco and now lives in Montebello, Calif., was a member of the
Mexican Olympic boxing team in the 2004 Athens Olympics before going on to win
world titles at bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight. His two
battles for the featherweight world title against Leo Santa Cruz epitomized the
kinds of high-volume clashes that have set Mares apart from many of his
contemporaries in the same weight classes. He lost a unanimous decision to
Santa Cruz in his last fight in June and aims to tackle another weight class on
February 9.
“I wanted this
fight and I want this challenge against Gervonta Davis,” said Mares.
“I’m preparing well and I will add my fifth world title in my fourth
weight class on February 9 on SHOWTIME.”
Jermall
Charlo vs. Matt Korobov, Jermell Charlo vs. Tony Harrison & Dominic
Breazeale vs. Carlos Negron This Saturday, December 22 Live on FOX & FOX
Deportes & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in
Brooklyn
Click HERE for Photos from
Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions
BROOKLYN (December 19, 2018) – As fight night approaches, fighters
competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event
showed off their skills at a media workout at world famous Gleason’s Gym before
they step into the ring on December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of
BROOKLYN BOXING™.
The event is headlined by the Charlo Twins defending
their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos
Negron beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Jermall Charlo, who
won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC interim
middleweight championship bout against Matt Korobov, while Jermell
Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the
WBC Super Welterweight World Title.
Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only
Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin
at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com,
or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American
Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling
844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday afternoon in
Brooklyn:
JERMALL CHARLO
“Professional athletes have to be ready for anything. I’m
ready for whoever is in the ring against me and whatever he brings. We’ll see
who is at their best on Saturday night.
“This is a headlining card for the Charlo Twins and we’re
ready to put on a show for our family and our fans. I’m ready, I’m sure Korobov
is ready, so let’s get it on.
“I know that Korobov has been training because he was on the
undercard. I’m thankful he accepted the fight and I just hope he’s done
everything right to prepare for this fight. I’m doing it right, and now we’re
going to fight.
“Brooklyn is one of my favorite places to fight. This is
familiar territory here. I’m going to prove once again that I’m one of the best
in the world.
“I don’t know Korobov but I know that every fight is
difficult. You never know what these fighters are doing. I’m a professional and
I continue to make it look easy.
“I have a weapon that no one has been able to figure out.
Once they do, I have a whole bunch of other weapons. I’m 28-years-old, I’m
having the time of my life beating these guys down. Sooner or later, I’m going
to get the megafights that everyone wants.”
MATT KOROBOV
“It was a surprise to get the call for this fight. I was
sleeping and preparing for my second workout of the day. But I was training
hard already so I accepted right away.
“I’ve been preparing as hard as I can to make everything go
exactly how I want it to on Saturday. It’s short notice but we’ve made the
proper adjustments to the fight plan and we’ll be ready to make it happen in
the ring.
“I don’t pay any attention to outside noise or anyone who
doubts me. I’ve been preparing for this all of my life. This is my second
opportunity to become a champion and I’m going to make the most of it. I’m
going to show everything I’ve got.
“I have to be the best version of myself on Saturday night.
I’m going to take all of my amateur and pro experience and mix it up to make a
great performance.”
JERMELL CHARLO
“I feel really good right now. Everything is on point and
where I need it to be. It’s fight week and it’s time to show out. I’m going to
show up and put on for Lions Only. There’s nothing more that I can ask for than
to be here to show everyone my abilities.
“I’m excited to show my skills again. This is big for me. I
have an opponent who has the mindset to come in and dethrone me. He wants to
stop the show, but it’s not over yet.
“I know that he needs to maintain his composure while trying
to win a fight. Tony Harrison is a tall, rangy fighter but it’s nothing I
haven’t seen before. He knows who he’s dealing with. My experience cannot be
overlooked.
“This training camp has been incredible. I’ve locked in with
my coach and I’ve worked hard so that I’m fresh and at my best. I can’t wait to
step into the ring on December 22.
“I hope Tony Harrison is at his best. There are certain
things that he does well and we just need to make adjustments when we get in
there. If he wants to box, we can box but if he wants to bang, we can be the
aggressor.
“Brooklyn has become the new pinnacle of boxing for a lot of
fighters and especially for me specifically. I’m winning with knockouts here
and I’m excited to get in the ring at Barclays Center once again and do what I
have to do.”
TONY HARRISON
“Camp was amazing. I don’t think it could have gone any
better. Based on all my other camps, I know that I’m absolutely ready for this
fight. Now it’s just the anxiousness of waiting.
“I’m working on staying very composed right now. This is
another day in the office for me. We’re just waiting to see how Saturday plays
out.
“This isn’t my first time fighting on the big stage at
Barclays Center so I won’t let the emotions overcome me. No matter who I’m
facing or what the platform is, I’ve been fighting my whole life. This is
second nature to me.
“I really had the time heading into this fight to have a camp
as great as I had. I’ve had the opportunity to get some amazing sparring in.
Everyone came in and really competed. It was tough work.
“I’m just going to come in and do my job. When I become
champion I’m going to get that same respect from everyone.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“Whether it’s in sparring or in primetime, I’m always going
to bring it. This is a big platform on FOX so I have to show up. The lights are
on you and I can’t wait.
“I’m excited right now because I’m chasing Deontay Wilder. I
want that WBC title. I have this fight ahead of me, but I have to beat him to
get what I really want. I want to fight for the biggest prize in the sport.
“I stopped Eric Molina last year at Barclays Center to become
the WBC mandatory and I’m just trying to keep winning while I wait my turn.
“I’m a crowd-pleasing fighter. I keep the fans on the edge of
their seats. I can move for my size and I have knockout power. I’m looking for
the knockout shot every single time.”
CARLOS NEGRON
“We’re prepared for what Breazeale and anything he can bring
into the ring. He’s a tough opponent but I’ve trained too hard not to leave it
all in the ring.
“This has been a great training camp. I had tremendous
sparring that pushed me to another level. I’m excited to get out there and show
it all on fight night.
“This should be a great fight for fans. I’m planning on being
aggressive and bringing the fight to him. I hope he’s ready for it, because I
don’t want any excuses after the fight.”
Two-Division Champion Preparing for Undisputed Middleweight Championship Showdown Against Christina Hammer in 2019
FLINT, MI. (December 19, 2018) – Claressa Shields has had a banner career year in 2018, capped off by recently being named the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Female Fighter of the Year and ThePrizeFighters.com’s Fighter of the Year and Fight of the Year for her victory over Hanna Gabriels.
In addition to her recently announced honors, Shields was also inducted into the USA Boxing Hall of Fame and was a Women’s Sports Foundation nominee for Sportswoman of the Year earlier this year.
“I’m happy with my progress and accomplishments in 2018 but I’m even happier about the tremendous advances of women’s boxing this year,” said Shields. “We will make even more history in 2019, including my fight with Hammer to crown the undisputed middleweight champion of world.”
This has been the pinnacle year for women’s prizefighting and for Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and unified middleweight champion. Shields showed her deserved place among the top of the field by displaying her skills and grit in each one of her contests. She went 4-0 and beat opponents with a combined record of 49-4 including two world champions in Hanna Gabriels and Femke Hermans, plus one multi-time former world champion in Tori Nelson.
Shields won three middleweight world title belts (WBC, WBA and IBF) in her second weight division and was the only fighter to fight major bouts on SHOWTIME, HBO and and new streaming service DAZN.
This monumental year will lead into what will be the biggest fight of her career, when she takes on middleweight world champion Christina Hammer for the undisputed middleweight championship in 2019.
“Claressa has had a meteoric rise this year with her impressive accomplishments inside and outside the ring,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita “This has been a breakout year in many ways for women’s boxing and Claressa has been on the forefront of this monumental progress. It’s great to see her work recognized with these highly respected awards and honors she is receiving for all her victories inside and outside the ring this year. We are looking forward to a great 2019.”
“I am incredibly proud of Claressa Shields as a champion of boxing, women’s sports, and gender equality,” said Mark Taffet, Shields’ manager. “Her accomplishments in 2018 continued to break the barriers and glass ceilings previously in place. On Claressa’s broad shoulders inside and outside the ring, we will continue to make history in 2019. I can’t wait for the Shields vs Hammer superfight and Claressa’s consideration for the top pound for pound list regardless of gender.”
Unbeaten Super Middleweight Contender Talks World Title Showdown Against IBF Titleholder Jose Uzcategui that Headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, January 13 from Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/Premier Boxing Champions & Mario Serrano/Team Plant
LAS VEGAS (December 19, 2018) – Unbeaten 168-pound contender Caleb
“Sweethands” Plant took time to talk about his current
training as he prepares to battle IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose
Uzcategui in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX
Deportes Sunday, January 13 from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los
Angeles.
Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and
will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and
sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions
and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at
AXS.com.
Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) is originally from Nashville, Tennessee but
now lives and trains in Las Vegas. Here is what he said about his first world title
opportunity and more from training camp with trainer Justin Gamber at City
Boxing Las Vegas.
On his recent training camp:
“This training camp has been great. We took
everything to the next level as I do every camp. We stepped up everything
for this camp, the sparring partners, the strength and conditioning, all of the
training is on another level. I’ll be at my best come fight night and I
can’t wait.”
On his matchup with Jose Uzcategui:
“Everyone says Jose Uzcategui is the
bogeyman, but after January 13th, I don’t want no excuses. He is a top fighter
in the division, but I will take that spot after I take his title from him. All
I can tell him is be ready.”
On fighting for his first world title:
“This has been a lifelong dream of mine to
be fighting for a world title and now that time has finally come. I’ll be
fighting for my daughter Alia, may she rest in peace. The trials and
tribulations I’ve gone through to get to this point have been overwhelming at
times, but they’ve only made me stronger. I’ve worked hard for this defining
moment in my boxing career and I’m going to rise to the occasion, and everyone
will hear the words…And The New!”
On fighting on FS1 and FOX Deportes during the
NFL Playoffs on FOX:
“It’s going to be a big weekend for sports
with the NFC playoffs going down on FOX, but the night is going to be capped
off with a great world championship fight. You have two warriors who will be putting
everything on the line for super middleweight supremacy. Fans of all
sports who will be watching are going to see a man in myself who is hungry and
dangerous. I will be crowned champion!”
# # #
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available
in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are
available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including
Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
LONDON (December 20, 2018) – Top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora took part in the final press conference before their highly anticipated rematch Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT from The O2 in London.
Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will run back one of 2016’s best fights as the bitter rivals will continue what they started two years ago with Whyte narrowly edging Chisora in a close all-out war. The winner will have the inside track at a possible future mega-fight with IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua, who will be in attendance Saturday night.
The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is hosted by Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. Live fight coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office.
Here is what the principals had to say Thursday from the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel in London:
DILLIAN WHYTE
“There are levels to this thing and my levels just keep rising. I keep improving. Derek will see how strong I am come Saturday night.
“This is boxing and I’m used to people saying, ‘I’m going to do this or that’ to get into my head. I’ve been around long enough and heard fighters say ‘I’m going to come out banging in the first round,’ and then they come and do something else. So I don’t think Derek himself knows what he’s doing or where he’s going.
“I respect everyone. It’s a tough job getting in the ring. I respect everyone from the journeyman to the world champion of the sport.
“You know me, I do whatever it takes to get the win. I don’t need to get up and shout, ‘I’m going to do this or that.’ I just conserve my energy. I’m relaxed. You guys know what I bring and that I can fight, and I can box, and I can hit. You guys know my power. So I don’t have to sit here and scream about what I’m going to do. There will be blood on Saturday night.”
DEREK CHISORA
“David [Haye] put together the pieces for my training. He didn’t train me, but he sat me down and said, ‘This is what we’re going to do to get what we want to get.’ It’s gone well training-wise and lifestyle-wise. Now it’s time to go to war and have a great fight.
On his table-throwing episode during the last press conference two years ago:
“I think the tables are screwed down so you won’t have to worry about that. I don’t think I’m going to do that anymore. I do something when I want to do something and now I’m just happy that training’s gone well and everyone’s fine in my camp.
“I’m going to bring the same game I do for every fight and we’re going to come to fight. His coach says that his fighter will be a boxer and all of that. But truly he’s not in the ring and Dillian’s the one that has to fight and he’s going to try to run, or he can meet me in the middle which would be great for me. Whatever game plan they have is fine. We will come in and seek and destroy.
“The first fight was a great fight. The boxing fans loved it. My brain cells didn’t love it but I enjoyed it. We are going to drown him from the get-go. We know he’s fit, but we want to see how fit he is. We’re going to go BOOM from the gates.
“I don’t want this to go to points. I’m going to knock the sucker out. Hundred percent. I’m going to hit him. I’m going to pound him.”
MARK TIBBS, Whyte’s Trainer
“Ninety-nine point nine percent of the time, a good boxer will beat a good brawler. [Dillian] is not only just a good boxer, he’s a boxer-fighter. We will box and fight our way to a very good victory. It ain’t going to be easy, but we will meet him and greet him and beat him to the punch.”
DAVID HAYE, Former Heavyweight Champion and Chisora’s Manager
“I think Derek has always had in him what he needs to be one of the best heavyweights on the planet. He’s had opportunities in the past but hasn’t capitalized on them the best he could and I think he realizes that now. His experiences have taught him that he needs to work hard and make the sacrifices, and that’s what he’s done. He no longer does the things he used to do and when he stands on the scales tomorrow, you’ll be able to see.
“I’m very confident and I know he has the capabilities. I’ve been in there with him, and I’ve felt his power and his presence in the ring. I’ve seen it. The intensity and ferocity I’ve seen in sparring shows that he’s coming for war. I think the first time he didn’t have 12 rounds of war in him. I think this time he does. I think the power Derek brings will make Dillian very uncomfortable, but the fans are going to love it.”
EDDIE HEARN, Head of Matchroom Boxing
“The winner of this fight Saturday night is so important to the global heavyweight scene and so much is at stake.
“I think the crowd is going to be with Chisora. You know the British fans love the underdog. What makes this fight intriguing to the average fan is that these guys are both characters and very entertaining fighters. At the first fight I sat next to Wladimir Klitschko and he said, ‘I don’t think this fight is going to be very good.’ And after three rounds we looked at each other just shaking our heads.
“The Whyte fight is a big fight for Anthony, but I will stress again the one fight we want is with [Deontay] Wilder. We’re talking now. People shouldn’t assume the rematch with Fury is happening because the deal won’t be that easy. It never is for a fight of that size. It all depends really on Wilder; if he wants to be undisputed and if that matters to him. He can fight Fury after if he believes he can beat A.J. We don’t get chances very often to have undisputed champions, and that’s what everyone wants.
Photographs are complimentary from Matchroom Boxing for editorial use only. Please credit Jamie McPhilimey/Matchroom
LONDON (December 19, 2018) – Top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora worked out in front of the media just days before their highly anticipated rematch Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT from The O2 in London.
Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will go toe-to-toe once again in a rematch of one of 2016’s best fights on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL. The all-British affair between the bitter rivals has been brewing since Whyte narrowly edged Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest that necessitated a rematch. The stakes are high as both fighters have been working toward world title opportunities against IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua and WBC Champion Deontay Wilder.
The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood.
Here is what Whyte and Chisora had to say Wednesday from East Wintergarden in London:
DILLIAN WHYTE
“Everybody knows what I come with and what I bring into the ring. We worked on a few new things. We improved in every area. There’s been a lot of talk from him about how he’s given his life to god and he’s got David [Haye] here and all that. We’ll see.
“I’ve changed a lot and improved over the last two years since the last fight. One thing I’ve improved is my consistency. That’s the main thing. I’ve been consistent. I’ve had hard fights, I’ve had boring fights, I’ve had exciting fights but I’ve been consistent.
“The first time I fought him it was only the second time I’ve ever been scheduled for 12 rounds and the time before that I got stopped. I remember the first time I went past five rounds it was like ‘oh crap, this is round six, round seven.’ But now I’ve been there and I’ve done it. I’m experienced and I show different things in different rounds. Even in my last fight, I got put down in the 12th round and got up and did what I had to do to win the fight.”
DEREK CHISORA
“I’m ready for action. The fight is only a couple days away. We are ready to go. I’m excited. Training’s gone well and I’m just a happy guy right now. The big difference with this camp is I’ve given all of the control to David [Haye]. From where I slept, what time I woke up, what I ate, everything.
“We’ve trained hard for this fight. There’s only one way we’re going to go into this fight. We are going to war. Right from the get-go. I’m going to run over to his side and start pounding him down. I hope he’s listening. I’m going to pound you and pound you and pound you. It doesn’t matter what he’s done. He can’t hurt me. He doesn’t have a powerful shot that can bother me. I’m going to find this guy, hunt him down and beat him up.
“I’m born again. I have a new manager and a new training regime. I’m just loving life, basically. It’s working out great for me. As I’ve said before, we have to knock him out. We don’t want to leave it to Eddie [Hearn’s] judges to give him the decision. We have to knock him out. We’re not going to use judges in this fight. We are coming there with a knockout mentality. No points, we’re not coming to box. We’re coming to fight.
“I’m going to go straight at him and I know he’s going to come hard too. He’s not going to shy away from a fight. He knows what’s happening. I’d advise everybody not to sit down at the O2 Arena.”
Having solidified herself as a legitimate women’s star in her own right with her gallant performance against Claressa Shields last June, world champion Hanna Gabriels (18-2-1, 11 KOs) will return to her homeland to face Australia’s Sarah Dwyer on Saturday, January 26, at the Avenida Escazu in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The 10-round battle will be in defense of Gabriels’ WBA Super Welterweight Championship.
Dwyer (3-4-2, 1 KO) is coming off a draw for the Australian Championship against undefeated Tayla Harris in November.
This will be Gabriels’ first fight since the impressive showing against Shields, where she had the women’s superstar down in the first round before losing an exciting and close decision. The fight is being called the Women’s Fight of the Year for 2018.
“I’m feeling amazing training with my husband and just ready to get back,” said Gabriels. “She’s (Dwyer) a warrior will try to come and chop my head off, but we will send her back to Australia quick enough.”
Gabriels’ manager, Hector Cordova, says Dwyer is the first stop of a comeback that includes a return go with Shields and some other big names in women’s boxing.
“I am really proud of Hanna and everything she does for the community in Costa Rica. She is a hero inside and outside the ring; a real-life world success story. Our goal is to unify the 154-lb. division. We want to raise women’s boxing to new heights and eventually rematch Claressa and fight (women’s unified welterweight champion) Cecilia Braekhus. Hanna is the best 154-lb fighter in the world: a point we look forward to proving once again on January 26.”
Promoter Dmitriy Salita says that Gabriels’ name belongs among the best names in the sport. “Hanna is one of the best female fighters in the world. Her world-class skills make her one of the biggest names in all of women’s boxing. January 26 is going to be a great night and will open a door of exciting new opportunities for Hanna.”
“I want to thank all of my fans for supporting me always and showing me love even in defeat,” said the always gracious Gabriels. “That’s what makes me want it more and more. I want to fight Claressa and Cecilia and give my fans all I can before I leave the sport. I also want to thank my team because they’re amazing. Bryan Vasquez, my husband, Hector Fernandez de Cordova, my manager, Pedro Gonzalez and Esteban Quesada, my co-trainers and Dmitriy Salita for lending a hand when needed. I won’t disappoint you.”
MENDEZ SEES ‘THE FIGHT ZONE’ AS ‘A PLATFORM TO GROW’
Former International Boxing Association middleweight champion Paul Mendez of Salinas, Calif., has signed a multi-year agreement with International Championship Boxing, promoter of the revolutionary and exciting new combat sport that features boxing in a cage.
“Our first former world
champion has joined ICB, and I have every confidence he won’t be the last,”
says Jack Fulton, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia-based
ICB.
The 29-year-old,
6-foot-1-inch Mendez has a record of 19-3-2 with nine knockouts, including a
mark of 12-1-1 for his past 14 bouts.
Mendez, nicknamed “El
Gallo Negro” (“The Black Rooster”), won the IBA middleweight championship
during 2015 by beating Ernesto Berrospe on a card co-promoted by the late,
great Don Chargin, acknowledged industry-wide as one of the best judges of
boxing talent ever.
“I am gratified by the
number of boxers, mixed martial artists and kickboxers who are reaching out to
us,” says Fulton.
“And it’s not just
boxers and fighters from North America,” says Fulton. “We’re getting calls and
emails from fighters in Europe and Asia who are eager to compete in the ICB.“
Mendez was never
dethroned; instead, he retired during 2016 in order to spend time during the
early formative years of his baby daughter, named Love.
“I wanted to be around
my daughter at the beginning,” says Mendez. “But she’s three now, and I’m
entering my prime years.”
And Mendez learned an
important lesson, thanks to his daughter.
“She’s my driving force,
my passion,” says Mendez. “So I had to learn to be an adult with adult
responsibilities. Thanks to my daughter I’ve grown as a man and I’ve grown in
the boxing process.
“I’ve been boxing since
I was 10 and it’s always been a game to me, a sport, not a job,” says Mendez.
“But now that I have a daughter I think of boxing as a business; it’s a serious
work.
“I’ve sparred with ‘3G’
(Gennady Golovkin) several times,” says Mendez, “and he says, ‘Boxing is not a
game.’ When I sparred with Andre Ward he always said to be ruthless in the
ring.
I’m not scared or
nervous of anyone,” says Mendez. “I don’t care if it’s King Kong. I’m ready to
fight anyone, and now I’ll do it in the cage.
“When ICB came along I
immediately saw it was a good fit for me,” says Mendez. “I’m a fighter, not a
pitty-pat, and when I impose my size on opponents, this will be perfect for me.
“This is an opportunity
for a fighter like me,” says Mendez. “I can and will use this as a platform to grow.
I’m excited about it.”
Mendez offers specifics
why the ICB cage, a 24-foot hexagon trademarked “The Fight Zone,” is to his
liking.
“Six corners, not just
four, is to my advantage,” says Mendez. “There’s more places to trap people.
The ‘Fight Zone’ is all about angles and cutting off the cage.”
It took Fulton almost
two years to get the cage designed, built, patented and approved by boxing and
athletic commissions within the United States, including the state of Nevada.
An 18-year veteran
promoter of the sport, Fulton, through the years, began to realize the sport
needed something new, something fresh. And in 2016 he did something about it.
“The Fight Zone” has red
and blue entry points with two opposing neutral corners. Boxers compete under
Association of Boxing Commissions rules: no clinching, no grappling and no
kicking allowed.
MIAMI (December 18, 2018) – Four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner hosted a media workout at Miami Beach’s famed 5th Street Gym on Tuesday as he prepares to face Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, for his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, January 19 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In undercard action on the SHOWTIME PPV, two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title and former world champion Rau’shee Warren will take on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.
Tickets for the event,which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at$100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGMResorts International box office.
Cincinnati’s Broner, one of boxing’s most popular and colorful personalities, is training under the tutelage of Kevin Cunningham in nearby West Palm Beach, Fla.
Here is what Broner and Cunningham had to say Tuesday:
ADRIEN BRONER
“This fight is real important. This is a hell of a fight not only for me but for the sport. This is a fight that needed to happen for the sport and we are going to put on a hell of a show.
“I always knew that one day I would be having fights like this. Honestly I thought he [Pacquiao] would be done with boxing by now but I always knew I would have a fight of this magnitude on this platform, pay-per-view and all and now I’m here.
“I knew what to expect. I knew he [Kevin] was going to be real strict and I just came prepared.Ready to put it all in and put it all on the line.”
On what he does in his down time:
“I try to rest as much as possible. I’m training so much and training real hard. This will be my second workout of the day and then after this I have another workout at 8:30 p.m. so that will be the third workout for the day so you know all my off time I try to eat properly, stay hydrated and stay focused.”
On how it feels to train
in a gym that hosted greats like Muhammad Ali:
“It’s lovely. I never knew this gym existed and this is my first time ever being here or ever hearing about this gym being legendary. Muhammad Ali paved the way for guys like me and Sugar Ray Leonard and everyone else so, it’s legendary.
“I always tell other fighters and other people it takes more to be a star than just boxing. I just have everything it takes to be a mega star.”
On Pacquiao’s last fight against Lucas Matthysse:
“I didn’t see it but I heard he looked good. I don’t know what to expect. I’m just training for the best Pacquiao. And I’m going to go out there and do what I have to do to get the victory.”
How do you feel training in South Florida?
“I’m not focused on the clubbing and stuff and all that stuff will be here after the fight. I’m 110 percent focused on this fight.”
What he will do after the Pacquiao Fight?
“Boxing you have to take it one fight at a time. My main focus is getting past Manny Pacquiao first and then we can talk about other things.”
On whether or not
Pacquiao has a weakness:
“It’s not a mystery. He has seven losses. It’s not a mystery that he can lose but anyone can lose on any given day. It’s whoever prepares the best and I’m preparing myself to do what I need to do. I don’t care about stopping him or whether it’s a unanimous decision, as long as I’m victorious.”
On whether or not this is the biggest fight of his career:
“This is definitely my biggest fight, biggest magnitude, biggest platform I’ve ever been on but you never know. I could probably go in there and make this look like the easiest fight of my career you just never know.”
KEVIN CUNNINGHAM
“I think he’shaving even a better camp than the last. He’s added a new strength and conditioning coach and everything is working out perfect and camp is going extremely well and smooth. AB’s looking fast and explosive. I have no complaints.
“Adrien’s got everything; he’s a real throwback fighter. He’s got speed, he’s got power, he’s got quickness, he’s got footwork. He can punch and he can bang and he can box.He’s got skills and he can be slick if he wants to be. So he’s the total package.
“We have an idea of the way the fight is going to go. We’ve studied tons of Pacquiao footage and he pretty much fights the same every fight. Manny’s a rhythm fighter so it’s all about getting in his rhythm. He pretty much does his thing. But outside of that I’ve never really seen him make too many adjustments. He’s pretty much the same guy.”
