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Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

EMMANUEL SANCHEZ HEADLINES BELLATOR’S RETURN TO WINSTAR WORLD CASINO AND RESORT ON MARCH 22 AGAINST ASHLEIGH GRIMSHAW IN FEATHERWEIGHT CLASH

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LOS ANGELES – Following his exciting back-and-forth championship bout at Bellator 209 earlier this month, Emmanuel Sanchez (17-4) quickly returns to featherweight action on Friday, March 22 at WinStar World Casino and Resort against one of Bellator’s newest European signings, Ashleigh Grimshaw (20-10-1, 3 NC).

 

 

 

The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, as well as DAZN.com, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino and Resort box office, as well as through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

The 28-year-old, nicknamed “El Matador,” will serve as Bellator’s headliner for the second consecutive time in his 13th fight with the promotion. A homegrown fighter from the famed Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee has defeated a who’s who of 145-pounders including former champions Daniel Straus and Marcos Galvao, as well as standouts Sam Sicilia, Justin Lawrence and Georgi Karakhanyan. Now, Sanchez looks to immediately put himself back into contender status with a tough test on March 22.

 

 

 

Based out of London, Ashleigh “The White Wolf” Grimshaw has competed professionally since 2003, amassing more than 30 professional bouts across the European MMA scene. Unbeaten in his last four contests, Grimshaw has finished his opponent 18 times in his 20 victories. Now, set for his promotional debut with Bellator, the 36-year-old will be looking to make noise in a division currently championed by Patricio “Pitbull” Freire.

 

 

 

Updated Bellator: Sanchez vs. Grimshaw Fight Card:

 

 

Featherweight Main Event Bout: Emmanuel Sanchez (17-4) vs. Ashleigh Grimshaw (20-10-1, 3 NC)

 

 

 

*Card subject to change

 

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

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boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT LEGENDS ROUNDTABLE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Former Heavyweight Champions & Stars Discuss Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Heavyweight Championship Showdown Taking Place This Saturday, December 1 Live on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 

 

 

 LOS ANGELES (November 30, 2018) – One day before the most significant heavyweight event in the U.S. in over 15 years, heavyweight legends have descended on Los Angeles to discuss the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury showdown that will be live on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday night from STAPLES Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

A media roundtable featured heavyweight greats Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Riddick Bowe, Gerry Cooney, Earnie Shavers, Buster Douglas and Michael Spinks as they broke down Saturday’s battle of unbeaten giants.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

 

 

 

The roundtable was hosted by SHOWTIME Sports award-winning reporter Jim Gray from the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles. Here is what the heavyweight legends had to say Friday:

 

 

 

EVANDER HOLYFIELD

 

 

 

“I feel that Deontay Wilder will win because eventually he’ll land that right hand. He’s very patient. He’s a thinker, but he can also take chances. When people take chances, they win.

 

 

 

“Deontay might not have as much experience as we did in our day, but he’s got the power. That’s what the people want to see and I think they’re going to be happy when they see it.

 

 

 

“There was a point in time where every great heavyweight was from the United States. We had a very good amateur program. I was the last true heavyweight champion from the U.S. before Wilder and until I lost the decision against Lennox.

 

 

 

“To be the heavyweight champion of the world, and to say you’re the best, you have to fight any man.”

 

 

 

LENNOX LEWIS

 

 

 

“I think it’s going to be a great fight. Deontay Wilder has a terrific right hand and when it lands, not too many people can stand up to it. I also think that you can’t hurt what you can’t hit. Tyson Fury is not an easy person to hit. He has great ability and movement. I’m going with Deontay early or Fury late.

 

 

 

“We all know how it feels to lose the heavyweight championship. We know how hard it is to gain it back. Fury has lost it, and now he wants it back. I can see now that he’s sacrificing and saying to himself that he shouldn’t have lost it, and now he has to regain it.

 

 

 

“I think the view in the U.K. is that Tyson Fury is the man that stepped up. The gauntlet was thrown out there and he stood up for Britain. Deontay came to England to challenge Anthony Joshua, but it was Tyson Fury who answered the call.

 

 

 

“I would say that there are a couple of meccas in boxing that are places where everyone wants to fight. Las Vegas, New York and of course, Los Angeles.  My fight against Vitali Klitschko at STAPLES Center was a great fight. My plan that night was not to box to go the distance, I boxed to go a short distance and it did.”

 

 

 

RIDDICK BOWE

 

 

 

“I’m going with Deontay Wilder tomorrow night. He’s going to put on a great show for everyone and get another knockout.

 

 

 

“Tyson Fury is skilled and tall, but to me, he doesn’t do enough on offense. He moves but he doesn’t move his hands enough.”

 

 

 

GERRY COONEY

 

 

 

“I think it’s a great fight tomorrow night. We know that Fury is coming back motivated. If Wilder finds a home for that right, he’s going to take Fury out. I think he’s going to connect at some point during the fight.

 

 

 

“I think Tyson Fury is a great man for how far he’s come back in his life and for standing up to Deontay Wilder. Fury called him out, so maybe he knows something we don’t know.

 

 

 

“I’m so glad to be up here. Look at all these great heavyweights and great guys. It’s special and they’re all here to watch this fight tomorrow night.”

 

 

EARNIE SHAVERS

 

 

 

“Me and Deontay are both from Alabama. I’ll be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame soon and Deontay will be there one day as well. Deontay is a great puncher and I’m pulling for him tomorrow night.

 

 

 

“I fought in a great era. If you fight guys on the same level, you’ll get good fights. These guys today could get in there in our day and put on a good show.”

 

 

 

BUSTER DOUGLAS

 

 

 

“I think this is going to be a good competitive fight. If I had to pick, I’d take Deontay Wilder by knockout in the eighth round.

 

 

 

“I feel like Tyson Fury has already won by battling back and getting into great shape and being in this position. I’m sure many people thought they’d never see him back here. That’s a victory in itself.

 

 

 

“My victory over Mike Tyson changed my life in a great way. I was now the heavyweight champion of the world. My dream had come true. Seeing my two youngest kids being born was the only thing that could top it.”

 

 

 

MICHAEL SPINKS

 

 

 

“May the best man win. I don’t know who’s in the best of shape but I think Fury being out of the ring makes me lean toward Deontay Wilder. If Fury is as big in person as they say he is, he’s got a great chance.

 

 

 

“If you’re the underdog, you just have to go on what you know and what you’ve worked on. You can’t pay attention to the doubters. You focus on what you’ve prepared yourself for and give it your all. I always saw myself winning. It’s the greatest feeling to come out of the ring victorious.”

 

 

 

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ABOUT WILDER vs. FURY

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury pits the WBC Heavyweight World Champion Wilder against the lineal heavyweight champion Fury on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The PPV undercard begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will featureunbeaten unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take onJason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

  WILDER VS. FURY PPV UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Unified 154-Pound Champion Jarrett Hurd, Cuban Heavyweight Slugger Luis Ortiz & Rising Heavyweight Joe Joyce Talk Respective Showdowns This Saturday, December 1 Live on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
LOS ANGELES (November 29, 2018) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s PPV undercard headlined by the heavyweight championship showdown between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury went face-to-face on Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The PPV undercard begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd defending against the U.K.’s Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz in a 10-round showdown against rugged veteranTravis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce taking on Joe Hanks in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Los Angeles:
JARRETT HURD
“Everything that my team and I have spoken about has come to pass. I’m here as the co-main of a massive card and I’m just really appreciative of everyone who believed in me and helped push me to this moment.
“Saturday night I want to show my versatility. Everyone has seen that I’m electrifying. I bring the action. But I want to show that I am swift and I do have defense. I know how to use my height and range. I’m still going to bring the action on Saturday, so you have to make sure to tune-in.
“We don’t think of Welborn as a tune-up fight. Jason Welborn is a British champion for a reason. We just want to go out there and establish the game plan we worked on in camp.
“I want to show my defensive side and show that I can box and move. I want to show that I don’t have to just keep coming forward. I’m going to be able to do that and start to break him down and get him out of there.
“Everybody sees my demeanor, and they know that I carry that to the ring. My composure is my biggest attribute. No matter what anyone says, I’m always going to be me.
“I’m number one in the division and things are going to play out how I want them. We’ve had three tough camps training for southpaws. When I eventually fight (WBC champion) Jermell Charlo, I’m going to be ready because of all the work on my versatility and defense. I’ll be ready for Jermell Charlo.
“I want to be an active champion because I didn’t have a lot of amateur fights. I need to stay in the ring and get all the experience I can. I want to get these good fights in while I’m still young and healthy.
“I’m back from my surgery and we’re going to get back to the old Jarrett Hurd. I’m going to show everyone all that I can do. Everyone knows that there’s always going to be action. It’s going to be a wonderful fight on a wonderful card. Don’t blink during this one.”
JASON WELBORN
“This is a dream come true to be here today. Hurd has worked his way up to get here just like I have. Right now, he’s in my way. I hope everyone enjoys what I bring to the table on Saturday night.
“I have the belief that I’m born and bred for this game and I’m going to show it to the whole world on Saturday night. I always prove people wrong.
“The last two years I’ve become the best in Britain and beaten everyone they put in front of me. When people doubt me, I train even harder. I’m coming to win and I’ve got nothing to lose.
“I have to get what I deserve and I’ll do it on Saturday night. I’ve already been through the storm. He’s got what I want.
“I’ve got to enjoy the fight and get what I want. He can look past me all he wants, but once he feels what I bring to the table, we’ll see how he reacts. I’m ready for whatever he’s going to bring to the table.”
LUIS ORTIZ
“I want to thank everyone who has helped me get this opportunity. I like to do my talking in the ring, but I’m happy that Travis Kauffman stepped up. A lot of heavyweights haven’t done that and I’m glad we can make this fight happen.
“I’m coming to do my job. This is a heavyweight fight and we know that means one punch can change everything. It’s not going to end well for Travis on Saturday night.
“There are 10 rounds to get the job done, and three minutes per round. I’m going to get my job done. The job is to seek and destroy. So I hope that Travis is very prepared to give the fans a great show. Saturday night you’ll see ‘King Kong’ in the ring.
“I’ve pushed myself even harder than ever in training camp. We’re sticking with the same game plan of family first and I believe I will be rewarded. My five-year-old boy reminds me that I have a loss and that motivates me to train harder and harder.
“I expect Travis to have the great confidence he’s showing. It’s a great chance for him and I’m sure he’ll be motivated. I’m motivated for every fight, because it’s not just about my opponent. My goal is to provide for my family and Travis is in the way. I’ve never deterred from that mentality and it’s got me ready for Saturday night.”
TRAVIS KAUFFMAN
“I’m thankful to Luis Ortiz for taking this fight. Everybody is afraid to fight him, but I’m not afraid of anyone. We all know that Luis Ortiz can punch, but I don’t care about any of that. It’s my time. I come from a rough background and I won’t back down.
“This is my time. There’s nothing that’s going to stop me from taking this guy down. He’s so worried about Deontay Wilder, but he has to worry about me before he gets any rematch.
“You might not know who I am right now, but you will after Saturday night. I’m going to make sure people remember my name.
“Luis Ortiz is very skilled, but if you want to be the best you have to fight the best. No one actually wants to step up and take this fight, but I really believe this is my time. I bring some heat in the ring and I come to fight every time.”
JOE JOYCE
“I’m excited to be on this massive card. I’m going to give the whole world a treat as part of a great event. You have to tune-in and watch me start the show off right on Saturday night.
“Training in Big Bear has been a perfect environment for me. It’s in the mountains, it has the altitude and it’s secluded. I’ve seen what goes into their training camps and worked alongside the best in the world. They’ve helped me install the kind of style that will have me at my best.
“I have the Olympic pedigree, but now it’s about advancing the brute strength and really getting the perfect snap on my shots.
“Sparring against Tyson Fury was really top-level work. I know that it’s made me a better fighter. He’s looking fit and strong and it shows when you’re in the ring with him.
“This is a great opportunity. Abel Sanchez has done a tremendous job getting me ready for this position. I’m excited to show everyone my skills and everything I’ve learned.
“I’m glad that Joe Hanks decided to take this fight. I can’t wait to lace up the gloves and get the party started. I’m going to keep my knockout streak going and I guarantee it’s going to be exciting”
JOE HANKS
“It’s been a long time coming for this moment. I’m thankful to my team and I’m excited to be on this card with other great heavyweights. It’s a great time to be a heavyweight. I’m ready to put my name in the ring to have the chance to really do something special with a great performance Saturday.
“The work has been done. I did everything that I had to do. I’ve done more than I did preparing for my past fights. Being the underdog doesn’t mean much to me. I’m from Newark, New Jersey, and we’re all underdogs there.
“I’ve put the time in and I’ve had everyone supporting me and pushing me and I think it’s going to get me over the hump. I’m just really excited to get in there.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
“When we talk about Jarrett Hurd, he’s a fighter who has seemingly come out of nowhere and has had an incredibly rapid rise to the top. He was not a decorated amateur. He has learned on the job. All he has done since beating Oscar Molina in 2016 is impress. He is recognized as one of the bright young stars in boxing. He has been off due to injury and certainly could have taken an easier fight than Jason Welborn, who is a British Commonwealth champion. We’re expecting an action fight there.
“Luis Ortiz is one of the top heavyweights in the world. He has one blemish on his otherwise perfect record, a loss to Deontay Wilder. Perhaps Ortiz was just seconds away from victory. We talk about a slim margin in fights, that was the slimmest of margins. I think he is going to be trying to make a statement on the undercard that he deserves a rematch against Deontay Wilder. Standing in his way will be Travis Kauffman. This is another all-action fight filled with big punchers.
“In our opening bout, we have one of the most talked-about rising young heavyweights in the sport – Joe Joyce, who is taking on a tough veteran in Joe Hanks. As we know, the heavyweight division has been the focus more in the last six to nine months than we’ve seen in the last couple decades. Joe Joyce is at the top of the list on the potential next wave of future stars. He is certainly not wasting any time taking on a fighter of Joe Hanks’ caliber.
“When you look at the card overall, you’ve got some of the biggest punchers in boxing. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see several knockouts on this card. Don’t miss the action.”
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boxing

Introducing undefeated Junior Welterweight Antonio Magruder

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Magruder battles Matt Murphy on Saturday night at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.
Tori Nelson to defend UBF Middleweight title against Sanna Turunen 
Former world title challenger Dominic Wade in action 
Beltway favorites Kareem Martin, Alexander Johnson, Jordan White & George Harris to appear
 
Undefeated Kiante Irving to see action
 
WEIGH IN ON FRIDAY AT YARD HOUSE AT 2 PM ET
 
Washington, D.C. (November 29, 2018) – Undefeated junior welterweight Antonio Magruder will be back in action after a two-plus year layoff when he takes on 36-fight veteran Matt Murphy in a six-round bout as part of a 10 bout card THIS SATURDAY NIGHT at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in

Washington, D.C.
Magruder (5-0, 4 KOs) is looking to get back in the mix for the 1st time since his opening round stoppage over Ronnie Watson on September 30th, 2016.
Magruder has been back in camp, and working hard for the bout.
“I have had a good camp.  I always love training at home for fights,” said the 26 year-old Magruder,
Magruder of Washington, D.C. had an amateur career that saw him have about 100 fights, and for two years was considered the number-one fighter in the country in his weight class. 
Magruder’s father, Sean, is one of the co-promoters of the event,  and the younger Magruder has been helping out while staying completely focused on his opponent.
“Most of my fights have been at home, and I love it.  Its been a good learning experience helping out with the business end of things.”
Magruder, who considers himself as a boxer-puncher, doesn’t go into fights looking for early stoppages.
“I don’t go in there looking for knockouts, I just let the fight come to me, but it is great when it happens.”
Even though doesn’t possess an outstanding record, he is battle tested who has faced a staggering 23 undefeated foes, and he has proved to be a sturdy opponent.
“You can’t overlook anybody who goes in the ring.  He is durable, and I know that he will try to win.  That being said, I do not know too much about him.”
After the long layoff, Magruder sees an opportunity to start making some noise in the junior welterweight division.
“I am looking to be more active.  I think in 2019, I will make up for lost time, and look to get five or six fights in.  That should take me to 12-0, and I should start to get noticed on those prospect lists.  I just want people to come out on Saturday.  It is a great card with a lot of good fighters.  I have been training really hard, and I will put on a great show.”
Tori Nelson (18-2-3, 3 KOs) of Ashburn, Virginia will defend her UBF Middleweight world championship against Sanna Turunen (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Tuusulam, Finland.
In the six-round co-feature, former world title challenger Dominic Wade (18-1, 12 KOs) of Largo, MD takes on Ulises Jimenez (23-23-1, 15 KOs) of Xochimilco, Mexico in a middleweight bout.
Also in six-round bouts:
Kareem Martin (10-2, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on Jose Arturo Esquivel(10-8, 2 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico in a welterweight fight.
Alexander Johnson (16-4-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, DC will fight Mengistu Zarzar(6-5-1, 5 KOs) of Palmer Park, Maryland in a light heavyweight fight.
Sam Crossed (7-0, 5 KOs) of Greenbelt, MD will fight Twon Smith (3-1, 2 KOs) of Oklahoma City, ,Oklahoma in a cruiserweight bout
In four-round bouts:
Antonio Magruder (5-0, 4 KOs) of Washington, D.C. takes on Matt Murphy (3-30-3, 2 KOs) of St. Louis, MO in a junior welterweight tussle.
George Harris (1-0, 1 KO) of Silver Spring, MD fights Lamar Lewis (0-3) of Arkansas in a heavyweight scrap.
Jordan White (6-1, 4 KOs) Washington, DC will square off with Ndira Spearman (1-3) of Lavergne, TN in a featherweight battle.
Kiante Irving of Beaver Falls, PA (2-0, 2 KOs) boxes George Sheppard (1-4-1) of Virginia in a super middleweight contest.
Tyrell Boyd of Baltimore makes his pro debut against David Rohn (0-8) of Villa Park, Il in a middleweight fight.
THE WEIGH IN WILL BE FRIDAY AT YARD HOUSE (812 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001) AT 2 PM ET
Tricky Entertainment has been promoting music, entertainment and lifestyle events in D.C. for the past ten years, and is run by Erwin Pendergrast.
DCFightNight is run by Sean Magruder, and this will be his second boxing show in DC.
The Matchmaker is Chris Middendorf.
Ticket Prices begin at $45 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Begins At 7:45 PM ET/4:45 PM PT Live On SHOWTIME® And SHOWTIME Sports® Social Media Platforms Preceding Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury SHOWTIME PPV® Event.

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

QUEBEC CITY (November 29, 2018) – Boxing’s longest reigning world champion, Adonis Stevenson, and undefeated, mandatory challenger Oleksandr Gvozdyk faced off Thursday at the final press conference ahead of Stevenson’s 10th defense of his WBC Light Heavyweight Title in a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast Saturday, December 1 from Videotron Center in Quebec City.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION will air live on SHOWTIME and stream for free on the SHO Sports YouTube channel and the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page beginning at7:45 p.m. ET/4:45 p.m. PT, immediately preceding the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury SHOWTIME PPV. Wilder vs. Fury begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks.

 

 

 

Here is what Stevenson, Gvozdyk and their respective trainers had to say Thursday at Chateau Bonne Entente in Quebec City:

 

 

 

ADONIS STEVENSON:

 

 

 

“Saturday is a big fight. I’m not underestimating Gvozdyk. I know he’s a good fighter and he’s hungry. He’s trained very hard to get my title. But everybody who comes to my home in Canada always wants my title, but it’s never happened and it’s not going to happen now.

 

 

 

“I’m looking for the knockout. That’s just my mentality and the way that I train. Sugar [Hill Steward] trains me to think that way but I can also go 12 rounds, it’s not a problem. I know that if he makes a mistake, I’m going to catch him. He only has to slip up once in 12 rounds. One mistake, one punch. That’s all it’s going to take. I’m ready. I know I can punch and it’s 12 rounds. I just need one punch. Just one. I’m going to catch him and the night will be over.

 

 

 

“I’ve been pushing myself in training and I’m going to put on another great performance come Saturday and will defend my title once again. In the words of my old trainer, Emanuel Steward, ‘knockouts sell’ and that’s what I’m going for in this fight. I know I’m facing a good boxer who’s coming in very determined. He’ll be ready, but it won’t be enough. Superman is in the building!”

 

 

 

OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK:

 

 

 

“I’m glad to finally be here. I’m very excited. I want to thank Top Rank and GYM Promotions for finally making this happen. I respect Adonis Stevenson as a fighter, he’s a great champion. But I am ready to accept this challenge and on Saturday night there will be a new champion.

 

 

 

“I have one of the greatest trainers in the history of boxing so I’m very confident. We have a good strategy. We had an excellent training camp and I’m ready. Adonis is a great fighter. He’s a dangerous southpaw and this is a real step-up for me but it’s my time.

 

 

 

“People always ask about Stevenson’s age but George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins performed at a high level when they were 50-years-old. It really just depends on how you maintain your body, your living conditions, how you eat and how you train.

 

 

 

“I’m not worried about what the bookmakers say. It doesn’t mean anything that they think I am the favorite. I try to stay focused on the things that I need to be focused on, not what the bookmakers think. The further this fight goes, the better my chances are. My height, my movement and my patience will win me this fight.”

 

 

 

SUGAR HILL STEWARD, STEVENSON’S TRAINER

 

 

 

“I’m happy to be here once again. This is like a second home for Adonis. This fight is just going to be regular Adonis. Adonis wants to get a knockout. I love knockouts. This is how we train for every fight. It’s no disrespect to any fighter, but that’s just the mentality that we have. Adonis and I don’t believe in leaving it in the hands of the judges and that’s been working so far. We will continue to do what we’ve been doing.”

 

 

 

“Adonis has been training his whole life for something like this. This is a big world championship fight against a former Olympian. Welcome to big time boxing, this is what it’s all about. Come December 1, Adonis Stevenson is going to get another knockout.”

 

 

 

TEDDY ATLAS, GVOZDYK’S TRAINER

 

 

 

“We knew that this would be a very difficult fight but what we didn’t know was how difficult it would be to get here. That part of the fight is over, thankfully. We spent eight weeks in California preparing for this bout. Preparing for a tremendous champion. I don’t have to speak about how long he’s been a champion, his reign, his experience, how talented and dangerous he is as a puncher. I believe he’s the best or second-best puncher in boxing today. It’s either him or [Deontay] Wilder, whatever you choose.

 

 

 

“Stevenson has all of the qualities a great fighter needs. He has a great heart, he’s gotten off the canvas and showed tremendous heart late in the Badou Jack fight. This is quite a task that’s in front of us. We understand that. The good news is that we know exactly what we’re facing and we’ve prepared the last eight weeks for that. We have not overlooked anything. I have no doubt that although we have a very steep challenge in front of us, that on Saturday night we will have a new Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.”

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rizin FF

BELLATOR SENDS BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DARRION CALDWELL TO JAPAN ON NEW YEAR’S EVE TO CHALLENGE KYOJI HORIGUCHI FOR INAUGURAL RIZIN FF 135-POUND TITLE

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 cid:image002.png@01D48760.56661D90

LOS ANGELES – Bellator is pleased to announce that the organization’s current bantamweight titleholder Darrion Caldwell (13-1) will represent the promotion in an exciting matchup against 2017 Rizin Bantamweight Grand Prix winner Kyoji Horiguchi (25-2). The two will compete for the inaugural Rizin bantamweight championship at Rizin 14 on Monday, Dec. 31 from Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

 

 

 

In the three-round (15-minute) Rizin FF world championship bout – which will be held in a ring under Rizin’s unique rule set – the victor of Caldwell vs. Horiguchi will leave Japan’s historic combat sports venue a Rizin FF champion. Caldwell’s Bellator bantamweight title will not be on the line in the contest.

 

 

 

The latest agreement between Bellator and Rizin FF furthers a collaboration between the two companies which has seen multiple athletes, including Fedor Emelianenko, “King Mo” Lawal and Hisaki Kato amongst others, compete interpromotionally, but never before has a title from either promotion been on the line.

 

 

 

“Working for the Japanese fight company K-1 was a magical time during my promotional career and I have always felt strongly that MMA in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ would rise again. It truly is amazing to see what Nobuyuki Sakakibara has been able to do thus far with Rizin FF, so when he reached out to me about putting Darrion Caldwell against Kyoji Horiguchi for Rizin’s belt, we spoke to Darrion and he jumped at the opportunity,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “Bellator wants to support Rizin, and by sending our bantamweight champion to compete during their New Year’s Eve event, we look forward to this leading towards more collaboration between the two promotions in 2019. I want to wish Darrion luck in his quest to prove he is the best 135-pound fighter on the planet.”

 

 

 

“I am very grateful and honored that Bellator and Scott Coker would send us their unarguable bantamweight champion to fight for Rizin’s first-ever world title fight. This title fight will be a true champion vs. champion to determine the world’s best bantamweight fighter,” Rizin FF President Nobuyuki Sakakibara said. “We hope this kind gesture will kick off of a series of exciting matchups between both promotions in 2019. My dream would be that eventually we can co-promote a mega event in both countries with a ‘Champion Carnival’ taking place where stories and rivalries can be built and told.”

 

 

 

Caldwell, a 30-year-old Rahway, N.J. native and the current Bellator bantamweight champion, most recently moved up a weight class to challenge himself, successfully finishing veteran Noad Lahat. Fighting out of San Diego, Calif., “The Wolf” has emerged as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the world, collecting 10 victories since signing with Bellator in 2013. The 2009 NCAA D-1 National Champion wrestler from NC State boasts a resume that includes five first-round finishes, a 25-minute war against Eduardo Dantas to claim the world title and a textbook guillotine choke submission victory over Leandro Higo in his first career title defense earlier this year. Caldwell will look for fifth consecutive win and a second world title belt when he enters the ring against Kyoji Horiguchi on New Year’s Eve in Japan.

 

 

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

boxing, UK Boxing

Decastro: It’s My Destiny To Be World Champion.

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Bardney, Lincolnshire’s Nathan Decastro (14-0-0) wholeheartedly believes it is his destiny to become World Champion. In just over a weeks time he finally gets the opportunity to make his childhood dream come true, when challenges Accra, Ghana’s Daniel Adjei Sowah (20-6-2) for the World Boxing Union (WBU), Super Middleweight Championship of the World at the Glasgow Club in Bellahouston, Glasgow on Saturday the 8th December 2018.

 

Decastro, who is currently ranked #6 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental rankings, earned the shot for the WBU World Crown with a solid points victory over West African Boxing Union (WABU) Champion Agoe Ashong (11-2-0) to secure the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) Commonwealth title at Pride Park in Derby back in September.

 

Speaking from his home earlier Decastro could barely hide his joy at the opportunity to fight for his first World Championship.

 

“I’m buzzing, I just can’t wait. I mean not only am I fighting for the World title, but will be fighting for it on the undercard of Scott Harrison’s return to the ring, exciting times.

 

“My camps gone really well, I’m feeling fitter and stronger than ever. We’re not leaving anything to chance; we’ve covered every conceivable angle.

 

“My father Frank has made sure of that, he’s a great coach, I really am blessed that he trains me.

 

“We know he’s a banger, but so am I and what’s more I have a better KO ration of 11 in 14 against his 13 in 28 and more importantly I believe I am more hungry for this than him.

 

“It’s been my dream since I started boxing as a youngster to win a World title and now I’m just over a week away from making my dreams come true.

 

“Especially as I am fighting for the WBU Title, we have history with this Championship at the Bracebridge Boxing Club, as Kelly Oliver whose father owns the club also fought for the WBU crown, at Cruiserweight, so have to win it and bring the belt back to the gym I’ve trained at all my career.”

 

Decastro then went on to vent his frustrations over the way bureaucracy had thwarted his previous Championship efforts.

 

“I’ve had a really frustrating year or so, yes I won the Commonwealth title last time out but twice this year I was supposed to challenge for the World title.

 

“Unfortunately bureaucratic red tape caused the fights to be cancelled, either Visa issues came into play, as with the original planned fight against Agoe (Ashong) in July or worse still unnecessary political interference by the EBU, which scuppered the IBF European fight against Ronnie (Landaeta).

 

“This time though it’s different, Daniel has his Visa and the EBU can’t possibly interfere, so no excuses.

 

“It’s my destiny to be World Champion, come 8th December, my dreams will come true, I will be crowned World Champion as I owe it to my legion of fans that have been awesome and so supportive.”

 

Nathan ‘Nightmare’ Decastro versus Daniel Adjei Sowah for the World Boxing Union (WBU) Super Middleweight Championship of the World, is the main support for the highly anticipated return to the ring of two time WBO World Champion Scott Harrison (27-3-2) against Tackie Annan (11-6-0) at the Glasgow Club in Bellahouston, Glasgow on Saturday the 8th December 2018.

 

Tickets: Priced £60 (Ringside), £50 (Outer Ringside) and £40 (Standard Seating) are available from the Assassin Boxing Promotions Ticket Line: 07594 144433 and on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com.

 

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Nate “The Train” Landwehr To make first title defense vs. Andrey Lezhnev

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M-1 Challenge Battle in Atyrau, Dec. 15, in Kazakhstan
Nate Landwehr is excited to make his first title defense
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (November 28, 2018) — M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Nate “The Train” Landwehr will make his first title defense December 15, headlining M-1 Global’s final event of the year – M-1 Challenge Battle in Atyrau– versus challenger Andrey “Iron” Lezhnev, in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.
M-1 Challenge Battle in Atyrau will be live-streamed from Kazakhstan in high definition onwww.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 97 will also be is available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card).
 
This will mark the first M-1 Global show in Kazakhstan in three years, since M-1 Challenge 59: Battle of the Nomads 5 in Astana, in which Russian star Sergei Kharitonov knocked out American Kenny Garner in the first round.
The 30-year-old Landwehr (11-2-0, M-1: 3-0-0), fighting out of the Nashville suburb of Clarksville, Tennessee, captured the coveted M-1 Challenge featherweight title belt this past June at M-1 Challenge 95 in Nazran, Ingushetia, Russia. The entertaining American fighter stopped defending champion Khamzat Dalgiev on punches in the second round. Dalgiev was making his first title defense, after he shocked the MMA world by knocking out longtime M-1 champion Ivan Buchinger in the opening round.
  “The Train” keeps rollin’
In two other M-1 fights that set-up his title shot, Landwehr won a split decision over Viktor Kolesnik at M-1 Challenge 85, preceded by a third-round stoppage of Mikhail Korobkovvia punches at M-1 Challenge 83.
“Make no mistake,” Lanwehr said, “I want to put an ass whooping on everyone in the division. Lezhnev is just the next in line. Don’t think of me as just the champion, think of me as the baddest S.O.B that can make 145 pounds. I will be coming at him as if I am still a hungry challenger trying to make a statement to become a champion.
“I would love to have a tournament with all the contenders. We’d all fight multiple times on one night against everyone and the last man standing is crowned King. But, for now, I will fight who M-1 feels is the next contender. If you have a problem with that, then it means you are not as impressive as a fighter as you think. Because I convinced them in two fights that I was the one for the job and I got the job done in my third (M-1) fight.
Fighting out of Ukraine, Lezhnev (18-7-0, M-1; 6-3-0) earned this title shot by winning nine of his last 10 fights, including the last three in a row. His victims include another U.S., Lee “American Bulldog” Morrison, who lost a unanimous decision to Lezhnev at M-1 Challenge 69 in 2016.
Andrey Lezhnev has earned his title shot against Lanwehr
“Landwehr is a typical brawler with nice cardio,” Lezhnev commented. “Everybody who plays by his rules loses. He is also very provocative, he loves creating the hype around him. For a long time, he tried to avoid this fight, challenging guys who passed their prime, because he understood he had no chances against me. But now the time has come to beat that hype out of him.”
All fights and fighters are subject to change. Additional M-1 Challenge Battle in Atyraufights will soon be announced.
INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@M1Global
Facebook:
Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:
Dec. 15 – M-1 Challenge Battle in Atyrau: Landwehr vs. Lezhnev in Atyrau, Kazakhstan
boxing

Undercard Finalized for “Rumble at the Rock III” this Friday, Nov. 30, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

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Main and Co-Main Events to be Featured Live on Boxeo Telemundo

The undercard has been finalized for “Rumble at the Rock III,” this Friday, Nov. 30, at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

 

 

Promoter Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in association with Tuto Zabala of All Star Boxing, have put together an exciting night of boxing, featuring Colombian Bantamweight Champion Yeison Vargas (17-0, 12 KOs) of Cartagena, Colombia taking on WBO Latino Bantamweight Champion Ricardo Espinoza (21-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the WBO-NABO Championship.

 

 

 

In the 10-round welterweight co-main event, Derrieck Cuevas (18-0-1, 14 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will face well-known Miami via Barranquilla, Colombia, veteran Breidis “Khanqueror” Prescott (31-14, 22 KOs).

 

 

 

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock III” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com. The live Boxeo Telemundo telecast on Telemundo starts at 11:30 p.m. EST.

 

 

 

In support of the televised action will be an eight-fight undercard, featuring several of the area’s most promising fighters.

 

 

 

In an eight-round super featherweight battle, Miami’s undefeated Hairon “El Maja” Socarras (19-0-3, 12 KOs) will take on former top-ranked veteran Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver (26-9-1, 8 KOs) of Hartford, Conn.

 

 

 

Also on the undercard is Miami heavyweight Jairus Gladney who will make his pro debut in a four-rounder against Miami’s Hector Hodge (2-3).

 

 

 

In a four-round light heavyweight scrap, Miami’s Ulysses Diaz (6-0, 5 KOs) will face Sonora, Mexico’s Fabian Valdez (3-4).

 

 

 

Undefeated super middleweight Irosvani Duvergel (4-0, 2 KOs) of Miami via Cuba, will fight six rounds against Miami’s Yendris Rodriguez Valdez (2-3, 2 KOs).

 

 

 

A featherweight six-rounder will pit Miami’s all-action Jessy Cruz (14-7-1, 6 KOs) against Mexican veteran Isaias Martin Cardona (25-14, 17 KOs).

 

 

 

Lightweights Dustin Arnold (6-1, 1 KOs) of Coral Springs and Miami’s Manuel Correa (2-0, 2 KOs) will go six rounds or less.

 

 

 

In the night’s opening bout, two Miami-based featherweights, Luis Melendez (2-1, 2 KOs) and Jonathan Conde (pro debut), will go four rounds.

 

 

 

On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER & LINEAL CHAMPION TYSON FURY THANK SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTERS BY INVITING THEM TO SATURDAY’S WORLD TITLE FIGHT AT STAPLES CENTER

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(Wilder & L.A. Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas)
 
WILDER PRESENTS TICKETS TO LAFD FIRE CHIEF AT
ENGINE 3 HOUSE IN DOWNTOWN L.A.
&
FURY GIFTS TICKETS TO LA COUNTY FIRE CHIEF AT
L.A. COUNTY FIRE HEADQUARTERS
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LOS ANGELES (November 27, 2018) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury presented tickets for this Saturday’s heavyweight title showdown to area first responders in recognition of the men and women who battled the recent fires in Southern California.

 

 

 

Before he meets Fury on SHOWTIME PPV®from STAPLES Center, Wilder delivered tickets for first responders alongside L.A. Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas at LAFD Station 3. Wilder spent time with the first responders and donned the firefighter uniform while conducting interviews.

 

 

 

“These men and women risk their lives each and every day,” said Wilder. “When the duty calls, they’re at the top of their game. I really respect the hard work that they do and I’m blessed to be here and be amongst so many brave people.

 

 

 

“I just really appreciate everyone here and I’m looking forward to seeing them at the fight on Saturday night. This donation is for all of the things that they do on a daily basis, and everything they do that people don’t see. They are always ready when the time comes. I know that the city and the state appreciates everything you do.”

 

 

 

“We’re very proud to host the champ here at LAFD Station 3,” said Chief Terrazas. “We wish you well and we look forward to celebrating with you on Saturday night. It’s very special that Deontay wanted to come here and recognize all the hard work that these men and women do.”

 

 

 

Fury, who spent his training camp Southern California, joined L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl Osby at the L.A. County Fire Department Headquarters to meet with first responders.

 

 

 

“These firefighters are heroes who have been out there every day saving lives,” said Fury. “Since I’ve been here I’ve been following the situation and the fantastic job these men and women have been doing. I’m glad to be here to tell them how thankful I am for what they do and help give them a break Saturday night.

 

 

 

“Training in California has really opened my eyes to see so many different cultures and so many different things that are going on here. There’s a lot of homeless people on the streets and when I go home I’m going to build homes for the homeless and set up funds for those in need. Being here has given me that extra push to do more.”

 

 

 

“We’re very thankful for these tickets and for the support shown today for our firefighters,” said Chief Osby. “They put their lives on the line to protect our citizens and our community and we’re happy that their efforts are acknowledged.”

 

 

 

(Fury & L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl Osby)

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

 

 

 

ABOUT WILDER vs. FURY

 

 

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury pits the WBC Heavyweight World Champion Wilder against the lineal heavyweight champion Fury on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES CENTER in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The PPV undercard begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will featureunbeaten unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurdreturning to take onJason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortizfacing-off against Travis Kauffmanand rising undefeated heavyweight Joe Joycebattling Joe Hanks.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.