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boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Welterweight Legends, Champions & Contenders Predict Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter Welterweight World  Title Showdown

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Sugar Ray Leonard, Errol Spence Jr., Keith Thurman, Manny Pacquiao & More Discuss Saturday, September 8 Matchup Live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

BROOKLYN (September 5, 2018) – Top welterweight stars of the past, present and future have weighed in with their thoughts on the highly anticipated matchup that pits former welterweight champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter against each other for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Title Saturday, September 8 in the main event live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a welterweight title eliminator between Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas and Argentina’s Cesar Barrionuevo and heavyweight action that pits unbeaten Polish slugger Adam Kownacki against former heavyweight champion Charles Martin.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start 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 a group of current and former welterweight fighters had to say about the Garcia vs. Porter world title showdown:

 

 

 

SUGAR RAY LEONARD, Hall of Famer & Former Unified Welterweight World Champion

 

 

 

“I feel the Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter fight has the makings of an exciting fight from what I’ve seen of both of these talented fighters. So here is my prediction based on what I feel both fighters bring into the ring

 

 

 

Garcia will win if he uses his jab to keep Porter at bay and off balance, but Porter gains a victory if he connects and hurts Garcia early and makes him abandon his boxing ability and fight like a slugger — as I did with my first fight vs Roberto Duran.

 

 

 

This is how I see this matchup which should be an exciting fight!”

 

 

 

ERROL SPENCE JR., Unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion

 

 

 

“I definitely want to fight the winner of Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter. That’s a close fight. I always picked against Danny Garcia in the past, and he always proved me wrong. Shawn Porter’s always a tough fight, because he’s going to come forward and give it his all. He’s basically trying to mug you. But for this fight, it’s hard to go against Danny Garcia. I pick Danny Garcia to win a split decision.”

 

 

 

KEITH THURMAN, WBA Welterweight World Champion; Former Unified Champion

 

 

 

“I honestly love this fight, and I consider it a tremendous battle and one of the best matchups of the year. For me, having fought both of them, I do believe that each is capable of hurting the other and getting one another out of there.

 

 

 

“I know most fans are going to lean toward Danny Garcia with his knockout power and the potential for that. Then there is Shawn, who’s got a decent punch, even though he focuses on his output more than his one-punch solid blow and has it in his arsenal to hurt Danny Garcia.

 

 

“I wouldn’t bet on Shawn getting the knockout, but I would on Shawn getting the victory, simply because of his output. I think Danny’s only chance of winning is by knockout, but even as a gambling man, I can’t put my money on Danny getting it. I’m taking Shawn Porter by decision.”

 

 

 

MANNY PACQUIAO, Multiple-Time Welterweight World Champion

 

 

 

“I’m going to give the edge to Danny Garcia. They’re both gritty fighters, but I think Garcia is a little more technical with a little more ring generalship.  It should be a great fight, and there’s a possibility of me fighting the winner, but we’ll have to see what happens.”

 

 

 

 

MIKEY GARCIA, Four-Division World Champion

 

 

 

“I think this is a very good matchup. Shawn Porter is the kind of athlete who is always bringing the fight to you with pressure and volume punching.  They both come to fight and they can both take it and dish it out.

 

 

 

“Danny Garcia can use his skills to box on the outside and work from a distance. I think Danny will be able to box a little more and win more of the tight rounds in a very close fight. I’m not sure if it will be a split-decision or a unanimous decision. I believe that Danny will use more of those tactics to win an exciting decision.”

 

 

 

YORDENIS UGAS, Top Welterweight Contender

 

 

 

“I have much respect for Shawn Porter, and I think it will be a great fight but, Danny Garcia has more technique and he’s also faced and beaten better opponents than Porter. I am leaning toward Danny Garcia to pull off the victory.”

 

 

 

ROBERT GUERRERO, Former Multiple Division World Champion

 

 

 

“This will be a very entertaining fight for the fans. I can see Danny putting up a good fight, but Porter is going to make the fight rough, and Garcia doesn’t like those type of fights. I’m going with Porter to win by split decision.”

 

 

 

VICTOR ORTIZ, Former Welterweight World Champion

 

 

 

“I think it’s going to be a fast-paced fight. Shawn will be pushing forward, making it rough on Danny, and Danny will be trying to control the distance. I’m going with Danny, giving him the slight edge and saying he wins by a decision.”

 

 

 

JAMAL JAMES, Welterweight Contender

 

 

 

“It’s a good one. Shawn is busier than Danny, more active and carries a lot of momentum when he fights. But that’s not always a good thing because Garcia has power with his timing, he might be able to catch Porter coming in. I’m thinking that Shawn Porter pulls it off. ”

 

 

 

 

 

BRANDON RIOS, Former World Champion & Welterweight Title Challenger

 

 

 

“That’s a really tough fight to predict. If Danny can counter really well and keep Shawn Porter off of him while Porter’s coming in, then I see Danny stopping him.

 

 

 

But if Shawn Porter is able to pressure Danny like he usually does, I don’t see Shawn Porter stopping Danny, or anything, but I see him winning by split-decision if he can be in his chest all night long. But if Porter gets nailed with one of those left hooks or a straight right hand, I say Porter goes down. I’m going to go with Danny because he knocked me out.”

 

 

 

BRYANT PERRELLA, Welterweight Prospect

 

 

 

“It could come down to how well Shawn Porter can take Danny Garcia’s punches in a fight that’s really hard to predict, and how well Danny can move, given that he’s not known for having fast feet similar to a guy like Keith Thurman.

 

 

 

But if Shawn can get close and smother Danny’s punches, he will make it a difficult fight. But Danny’s got really heavy hands and sits on his shots well, timing and counter-punching guys, so Porter could play into his hands.

 

 

 

Based off of clean, effective hard shots and giving him the edge in the close, competitive rounds, I’m leaning toward Danny Garcia. Shawn is tough as nails, so I see it going the distance, but just the slight edge to Danny.”

 

 

 

SAMMY VASQUEZ JR., Welterweight Contender

 

 

 

 

“I’m going with Shawn Porter. Not by stoppage, but Shawn creates too much pressure and Danny Garcia doesn’t throw enough punches and doesn’t deal with pressure. You saw that when he fought Guerrero, who wasn’t looking too bad in that fight.

 

 

 

“Danny can win by knockout if he catches Shawn with that hook, but Shawn’s a workhorse and he puts forth far more pressure than I think Danny’s ever seen in a fight. Shawn may not be susceptible to it if he doesn’t have the proper head movement, but I believe that he will.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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

Fighting in UFC dream come true for M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov

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Sept. 15 at UFC Moscow vs. C.B. Dollaway

 

 

 

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 5, 2018) – Fighting in the UFC is a dream come true for undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov (11-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0), who will make his UFC debut September 15, fighting on the UFC Moscow card at Olympic Stadium in Moscow.

 

 

 

Frolov recently agreed on short notice (2 weeks) to replace injured Omari Ashkedov against veteran American fighter C.B. “The Doberman” Dollaway (17-8-0).

 

 

 

Fighting at home in Russia, the 26-year-old Frolov won his M-1 Challenge title belt last October, when he took a unanimous decision from Caio Magalhaes at M-1 Challenge 84. This past June at M-1 Challenge 93, Frolov made his first and lone title defense to date against Joe Riggs, who suffered a knee injury that led to a doctor’s stoppage in the second round.

 

 

 

Yesterday, Frolov sat down for a one-on-one interview:

 

 

 

How long have you working on a deal to sign with UFC?

 

 

 

AF: “My manager has been working on signing me with the UFC for a while, but until the last few days, we had no solid agreement. A few days ago, they finally offered me a contract and asked to step in to replace an injured fighter at UFC Moscow.

 

 

 

“I thought it over and decided it was a great opportunity to join the UFC, which I did not want to miss. I would not say this contract was a surprise for me, people have been working on it, so I was ready.”

 

 

 

How does it feel to sign with UFC?

 

 

 

AF: “I’m excited to sign with the best promotion in the world, but I know that my debut fight won’t be easy, I’m stepping in on a short notice just two weeks before the show. I was going to defend my belt in M-1 Global in a couple months, so now I need to cut weight fast. The most difficult thing is not just to cut weight, but afterwards to recover well. In the UFC, IVs are banned and you have to be extremely careful with supplements you take to recover.”

 

 

 

What shape are you in for this fight considering only two-week’s notice?

 

 

 

AF: “I was preparing for a fight in M-1 Global, so I’m in good shape. We are going to work on my speed now but first, I have to cut weight. Once in my career I took a fight on a short notice, I had three weeks to prepare and I won that fight by TKO in the second round.”

 

 

 

What do you know about your opponent, C.B. Dollaway?

 

 

 

AF: “I’ve seen a couple of C.B. Dollaway’s UFC fights, but I have never considered him as my opponent, so did not pay too much attention to him. There are many good fighters in the UFC, so I can’t say that I know a lot about my opponent. We don’t have not enough time to concentrate on him, so we’ll concentrate on me.”

 

 

 

When do you feel you can challenge the top UFC fighters in your weight class?

 

 

 

AF: “I’m not going to demand huge fights with the top opponents in the UFC. I’ll take my time and be ready to fight any opponent they’ll give me. I need time to get used to new conditions, tune up my preparation, and put in order the whole system and then I will be ready for any challenges.

 

 

 

“Everything is in our hands; nothing is impossible. If someone wants something badly, sets a goal and works hard to achieve it, he or she will succeed. I’m just a regular guy who had a dream to fight in the UFC and I made it. Dream big, set goals and achieve them!”

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@M1Global

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Event:

Aug. 25 – M-1 Challenge 96: Mikutsa vs. Ibragimov in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

FOX SPORTS AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS SIGN LANDMARK MEDIA RIGHTS DEAL

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FOX Broadcast Network To Air 10 Prime-Time Marquee Fights Yearly Featuring The Sport’s Biggest Stars

 

 

 

FS1 and FOX Deportes Telecast 12 Fight Nights Annually, Plus FOX Sports – PBC PPVs and Significant Shoulder Programming Added

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES – FOX Sports today announced it has reached a landmark four-year, multi-platform agreement with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) making FOX Sports the preeminent broadcaster for PBC’s top-tier championship fights featuring its biggest and brightest stars. The announcement was made by Mark Silverman, President, National Networks, FOX Sports and Alan Haymon, President and CEO of Haymon Sports, creator of the PBC series.

 

 

 

“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with the PBC in coming years and take the world’s best boxers to the next level by exposing them to the widest possible audiences across FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Silverman. “While FOX Sports has been invested in boxing as a key property on both FS1 and FOX Deportes, this will be the first time in more than 30 years that boxing will be regularly featured in prime time on network television.”

 

 

 

“We are pleased to continue with FOX Sports to showcase our unrivaled roster of more than 160 of the best boxers in the world, including 60 current and former world champions in the weight divisions that most excite the fans,” says Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Sports. “The PBC on FOX will bring the fans the best boxing and bring our boxers and the sponsors the biggest audience as we continue to pursue the goal of returning this great sport to mainstream prominence.”

 

 

 

With the four-year deal, the FOX broadcast network will feature 10 marquee fight nights in prime time each year, while FS1 and FOX Deportes will telecast 12 fight nights annually. The package includes FOX Sports-PBC Pay-Per-View events. The Emmy Award-winning FOX Sports production team will produce all the live events and more than 175 hours of original PBC boxing content per year across its channels.

 

 

 

“FOX Sports is delighted to support PBC fights with a robust boxing programming lineup across FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes, including a variety of prefight and postfight shows,” said Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, Programming, Live Operations and Research. “In addition, FOX Sports will promote PBC events across FOX’s multiple platforms, networks and powerful sports programming line-up, which includes the NFL, Major League Baseball, college football, college basketball, NASCAR, USGA, MLS and WWE SmackDown programming.”

 

 

 

To build anticipation for each fight, FOX Sports will surround each fight night on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes with top-level ancillary programming including multiple episodes of behind-the-scenes shows on FOX, fight-countdown preview shows, press conferences, fighter face-off shows, weigh-ins and prefight and postfight shows on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes. This programming line-up also includes two studio-based PBC-branded shows a month on FOX and FS1, with PBC boxer interviews and profiles. Fight cards will have televised preliminary fights on FOX, FS1 or FS2 and FOX Deportes.

 

 

 

All PBC on FOX Sports events and programming will be streamed live on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. FOX Sports will offer a platform inside the app to allow viewers to stream the PPV events. In addition, boxing and the PBC will be prominently featured across the FOX Sports website, apps and social platforms.

 

 

 

FOX Sports and FOX Deportes will announce on-air personalities, as well as upcoming airdates and times soon.

 

 

 

FOX Sports and PBC launched the highly regarded primetime boxing series TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and FOX Deportes in the fall of 2015, featuring PBC’s brightest up-and-coming boxers. The deal was expanded to include several fight nights on the FOX broadcast network, including exciting title fights such as heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder defending his title in February of 2016, July of 2016, and again in February of 2017, plus the exciting welterweight showdown between Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero in January of 2016.

 

 

 

The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Sports. Please visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and follow Premier Boxing Champions on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on FOX Sports, visit FOX Sports Press Pass.

 

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Victor Ortiz vs. John Molina Jr. Los Angeles Media Luncheon Quotes & Photos

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Ortiz vs. Molina Jr. Headlines Premier Boxing Champions Action
Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, September 30 from
Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.
 
Click HERE for Photos from Luis Mejia/Ringstar Sports

 

LOS ANGELES (September 4, 2018) – Former welterweight world champion Victor Ortiz and hard-hitting former title challenger John Molina Jr. spoke with media in Los Angeles Tuesday at a luncheon to discuss their upcoming showdown headlining Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, September 30 from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

 

 

 

Joining them at the press conference and competing in televised action on FS1 and FOX Deportes were 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce and heavyweight Iago Kiladze, who meet in an eight-round showdown, plus rising unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas, who steps into the ring for a six-round attraction.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features Uubeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa taking on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon and 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba returning to the ring in a six-round heavyweight fight.

 

 

 

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday from the Palm Restaurant Downtown Los Angeles:

 

 

 

VICTOR ORTIZ, Former Welterweight World Champion

 

 

 

“John Molina Jr. is an amazing warrior just like myself. He’s got a huge heart and he’s not going to back down and neither will I. It’s going to be a great fight.

 

 

 

“John and I have known each other for many years. I’m not one to bad mouth anybody, but especially this guy. We’re in this to go to war on September 30. I fight violently and I can’t change that. I hope at the end of the day it gives people a fun showdown.

 

 

 

“I’m happy to be back in this position as the main event and for it to be in Southern California is even better. I’m humbled to have this opportunity.

 

 

 

“I still feel strong and powerful and I’m not going to waste this time I have to still compete at the highest level. I’m ready to go out there and put on another war for the fans.

 

 

 

“John Molina Jr. actually told me at the Mayweather vs. McGregor press conference that he was moving up to 147 and I better get out of the way, so it’s funny now that we’re facing-off. We have a lot of mutual respect for each other. It doesn’t change anything though, we’re going to go out there and give it our all.”

 

 

 

JOHN MOLINA JR., Former World Title Challenger

 

 

 

“I’m grateful to Victor Ortiz and his team for accepting this challenge. We have nothing but respect for each other. My only prediction is that September 30 is going to be two guys coming to win and two guys refusing to go home with a loss.

 

 

 

“I know that Victor is going to be up in my face and that’s exactly my style and how I like to fight. It’s got all the makings of an all-action brawl.

 

 

 

“In this business we have to fight people we know very well. This is how we feed our families so we take it extremely seriously. I know we’re both going to be prepared and the best man will win.

 

 

 

“Every time I get into the ring it’s a war. My way of boxing has always been to fight the toughest guys and Victor is certainly no slouch. He’s a tremendous fighter. He’s explosive and it’s going to make it a great fight.

 

 

 

“In a fight like this you’re going to have fireworks. Victor is a big, strong guy who’s coming to win. He wants to get back to the mountain top. But there’s no quit in me. That’s the intrigue for this fight. Can I out will him? We’ll find out on September 30.

 

 

 

“Every fight that I’ve had, has been my biggest fight. Everyone knows that I leave everything in the ring. Every fighter says that, but if you’ve ever watched my fights you know it’s the truth. It’s going be the same thing on September 30.”

 

 

 

JOE JOYCE, Unbeaten Heavyweight Prospect

 

 

 

“I have a plan, and a goal to get where I want to be to win a world title. I’ve settled into Big Bear to train and it’s like my second home. I’m looking forward to making my U.S. debut on September 30.

 

 

 

“I’m going to show the American fans my style and put on a really good show and a strong performance. Stay tuned and watch my progression here in the U.S., because I’m going to be heavyweight champion of the world.

 

 

 

“I’ve looked at Kiladze’s record and he has a good knockout percentage and he has a lot of good experience. He’s a strong guy but I’m just going to have to look a little more closely and work out his strengths and weaknesses and capitalize on that.

 

 

 

“I have a lot of really good sparring up in Big Bear for the next couple weeks and it’s going to get me ready for September 30. It’s a different structure and tempo in Big Bear than it was in the UK. It took a bit of time to adjust but now I feel comfortable and I feel like I fit into the group of boxers we have there. I see myself progressing and getting even stronger.”

 

 

 

IAGO KILADZE, Heavyweight fighting out of Los Angeles

 

 

 

“I have a very good and strong opponent but I am in great shape and I’ve had an incredible training camp. I’m ready to go and I know I’m going to come out with the victory.

 

 

 

“Los Angeles is my adopted home and I love being able to fight here with those close to me watching. It’s going to give me more motivation to win this fight and help once fight week comes.

 

 

 

“I don’t worry too much about what my opponent has accomplished but I am mostly preparing myself to be my best. My team will have a great plan to guide me to this win on September 30.”

 

 

 

KARLOS BALDERAS, Unbeaten Super Lightweight Prospect

 

 

 

“I’m really focused right now on finishing 2018 strong so I can pick it right back up in 2019. I’m going to continue to take my time and move forward, but I have my eye on a world title. My brother Jose Balderas will also be on the card, so we’re looking to both put on a show for everyone watching.

 

 

 

“I’ve been getting better at controlling my emotions in the ring. Me and my brother get mentally prepared in camp so that when we get to the fight, it’s really just another day.

 

 

 

“We’re just going to continue working and growing and building up our fan base step-by-step. We might start fighting on different cards down the road, but for now we enjoy fighting on the same night.

 

 

 

“I don’t think it will be too long until I start moving my up the cards until eventually I’m the main event. I want to close this year strong so that in 2019 I’m in a position to get even closer to a title shot.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“This fight between Victor Ortiz and John Molina Jr. is a great cherry on top to a great month for the sport of boxing. This is an all-action brawl that will be toe-to-toe. That’s what the fight fans want to see and that’s what we are going to get.

 

 

 

“This card is absolutely loaded. It is full of young talent and experienced fighters who are sure to put on a great night of action for the fans at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

 

 

 

“I know that Karlos Balderas and Joe Joyce are fired up to have this chance to perform on this platform and I believe the fans are going to be in for a real treat. For Joe it’s a debut in the U.S. that gives him a chance to make a big first impression. Both of these guys are absolutely ready to step into the spotlight.”

 

 

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN BREAKS DOWN CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHUP OF FORMER FOES DANNY GARCIA & SHAWN PORTER

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“This is one of the best matchups of the year. I try not to overthink it. It’s Porter by decision or Garcia only by KO. I lean toward Porter.” – 
Keith Thurman
 
Garcia vs. Porter | Saturday, September 8 Live On SHOWTIME®
From Barclays Center In Brooklyn, Presented By 
Premier Boxing Champions

NEW YORK (September 4, 2018) – Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman has an acute understanding of what it takes to beat Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter. The undefeated, former unified champion edged both fighters in blockbuster matchups and will be watching intently from ringside at Barclays Center as the two face off for the WBC Welterweight World Championship Thurman vacated due to injury.

 

 

 

The reigning WBA 147-pound champion, Thurman defeated Porter via unanimous decision in a 2016 Fight of the Year candidate (FULL FIGHT VIDEO: https://s.sho.com/2MAUoNH), and narrowly beat Garcia via majority decision in 2017 (FULL FIGHT VIDEO: https://s.sho.com/2MZB6kA). The matchups were so closely contested that both fights would have been ruled draws if a single round were scored differently.

 

 

 

Thurman spoke with SHOWTIME Sports® Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood to break down what he calls “one of the best matchups of the year” in seven key categories – punching power, physical strength, defense, speed, boxing ability, ring IQ and chin.

 

 

 

See below for Thurman’s analysis of the showdown of consensus top-5 welterweights, which airs this Saturday live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

PUNCHING POWER: Edge GARCIA: “Danny can punch with both hands. He does load up, so you can’t be right there in front of him.”

 

 

 

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: Edge PORTER: “Shawn is clearly the more physical fighter.”

 

 

 

DEFENSE: Edge GARCIA: “Porter’s defense is his offense. With Danny, I’ve never seen anyone so willing to just stare at me without throwing a punch. He’s committed to being second, a pure counterpuncher.”

 

 

 

SPEED: Edge PORTER: “Shawn is faster and a little more athletic. He’ll triple on the jab to get inside and use stutter-steps. Danny’s real relaxed, but that doesn’t necessarily come through in his hand speed.”

 

 

 

BOXING ABILITY: Edge GARCIA: “Neither one is known for boxing. Danny’s a counterpuncher, and Shawn outworks you. Danny has nice boxing movement when he wants to be evasive. He’s underrated when on his back foot. We saw that against (Lucas) Matthysse and (Brandon) Rios.”

 

 

 

RING IQ: EVEN: “Hard to judge. These are two world champions with tremendous amateur pedigrees.”

 

 

 

CHIN: EVEN: “In my fights, Porter took more big punches than Garcia did. I had to hit hard to keep Porter off me. They both have enough power to hurt each other.”

 

 

 

PREDICTION: “This is one of the best matchups of the year. I try not to overthink it. It’s Porter by decision or Garcia only by KO. I lean toward PORTER.”

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a welterweight title eliminator between Yordenis Ugas and Cesar Barrionuevo and heavyweight action that pits unbeaten Polish slugger Adam Kownacki against former heavyweight champion Charles Martin.

 

 

 

Undercard streaming coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN as five-division world champion Amanda Serrano attempts to win a world title in her record sixth weight class when she faces Yamila Esther Reynoso for the WBO 140-pound title.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start 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.

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @ShowtimeShawnP,  @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

 

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

M-1 Challenge middleweight champ Artem Frolov steps in to fight C.B. Dollaway, Sept. 15, at UFC Moscow

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  Artem Frolov (center) is the M-1 Challenge middleweight champion

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 4, 2018) — Undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov will make his UFC debut, stepping in on short notice to replace injured Omari Ashkedov against battle-tested C.B. “The Doberman” Dollaway, September 15 on the UFC Moscow card at Olympic Stadium in Moscow.

 

 

 

“I am very happy for Artem,” M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein said, “but a little bit nervous because he accepted the fight on such a short notice, only two weeks before the fitht. I’m sure he will demonstrate his high level once again. I said it before that Artem is the second strongest middleweight in Russia, after Alexander Shlemenko, and he deserves this shot. Some may know that Artem was going to fight Bruno Blindado Silva, who defeated Shlemenko, and I’m happy to say that this fight will happen this fall.”

 

 

 

The 26-year-old Frolov (11-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0), fighting at home out of Russia, captured his M-1 Challenge title belt last October, when he won a unanimous decision against Caio Magalhaes at M-1 Challenge 84. This past June at M-1 Challenge 93, Frolov made his first title defense versus Joe Riggs, who suffered a knee injury that led to a doctor’s stoppage in the second round.

 

 

 

A solid all-around fighter, Frolov has won 5 fights by stoppage, along with four submission victories and two by decision.

 

  Frolov (L) is shown here landing a powerful strike smack on Caio Magalhaes’ chin

 

 

American MMA veteran Dollaway (17-8-0), representing Tempe, Arizona, has been a UFC fighter for the past decade.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@M1Global

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Event:

Aug. 25 – M-1 Challenge 96: Mikutsa vs. Ibragimov in Saint Petersburg, Russia
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions, Ringstar Sports

Undefeated Featherweight Contender Brandon Figueroa & 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce Enter the Ring in Separate Matches That Highlight Undercard Action Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

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Sunday, September 30 Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes from
Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California
 
Plus! 2016 Olympians Karlos Balderas and Efe Ajagba Continue Their Rise Along with Sensational Super Welterweight Prospect
Joey Spencer
 
Former Welterweight Champion Victor Ortiz Clashes with 
Hard-Hitting John Molina, Jr. in the Main Event

 

ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA (September 4, 2018) – Unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa takes on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon in a 10-round bout and 2016 British Olympian Joe Joyce battles Iago Kiladze in an eight-round heavyweight attraction in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action Sunday, September 30 from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

 

 

 

The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also see 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs) continue his rise in the lightweight ranks in a six-round match and 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs) returning to the ring in a six-round heavyweight fight. Sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (4-0, 4 KOs) steps in for his fifth fight this year in a four-round bout.

 

 

 

Former welterweight champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (36-6-3, 25 KOs) clashes with hard-hitting brawler John Molina, Jr. (30-7, 24 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight battle that promises plenty of action and fireworks in the main event.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Figueroa (16-0, 11 KOs), the brother of former lightweight world champion Omar Figueroa, Jr., continues to climb the ladder in the featherweight division with a step up match against the tough former title challenger Escandon. The 21-year-old out of Weslaco, Texas was busy last year as he won all four of his matches and he has logged two knockout victories this year, beating Giovanni Delgado in March and Luis Roy Suarez Cruz in his last fight on August 4.

 

 

 

The 34-year-old Escandon (25-4, 17 KOs), who fought in the 2004 Olympian for Colombia, is a hardnosed veteran from Ibague, Colombia looking to rebound from two tough losses to Tugstsogt Nyambayar on May 26 on FS1 and WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. in 2017.

 

 

 

A 6-foot-6 heavyweight, Joyce (5-0, 5 KOs) won the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as a super heavyweight from Great Britain. The 32-year-old from London turned pro in 2017 and has been on a knockout roll since. Joyce, whose nickname is ‘Juggernaut,’ has ended four of his five fights inside of two rounds. He scored a first-round KO victory over Ivica Bacurin in his last fight on June 15.

 

 

 

Kiladze (26-3, 18 KOs) is an experienced veteran who will test Joyce early in his young career. The 32-year-old out of Ukraine who now lives in Los Angeles and will be looking to rebound from back-to-back losses to Michael Hunter and Adam Kownacki. Before those losses he had put together a six-match win streak.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs), a first-generation Mexican-American, competed on the U.S. Olympic boxing team in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil before turning pro in April 2017. Representing Santa Maria, Calif., Balderas scored knockout victories in his last two fights and will look to make it three in a row when he enters the ring on September 30.

 

 

 

The 24-year-old Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs), who represented Nigeria in the 2016 Olympics, will be stepping into the ring again a month after his last match ended in disqualification. His opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring without throwing a punch after touching gloves and the bell sounded to start the fight on Aug. 24 that was live on FS1.

 

 

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing

Undefeated Super Flyweight Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price back in action this Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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PHILADELPHIA (September 4, 2018)–This Saturday night, September 8th.  Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price from Sicklerville NJ steps into the ring once again on the undercard of the Danny Garcia vs Shawn Porter bout at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn NY.

 

 

Price,  who is signed to Mayweather Promotions, and has perfect with a record of 6-0 with five knockouts,  is scheduled to fight Mulapi Enjani (4-5-2, 2 KOs) of San Diego, California in a scheduled 6 round super flyweight bout

 

 

 

“I’m really excited to get back into the ring and to do so against a worthy opponent. Don’t let the record fool you.  Enjani can fight. He puts a lot of punches together, but you can’t hit what you can’t see. I’m going to do what’s necessary on September 8th to get the win, and to continue my quest to become a world champion. My father and I have an excellent game plan, and I will execute that, and then enjoy the main event”.

 

 

 

Price is managed by D and D Management and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CALEB HALL TAKES NO SHORTCUTS IN MIXED-MARTIAL-ARTS CAREER

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Bangor, Maine (September 3, 2018) – There’s no evidence that Easy Street exists in the world of professional mixed-martial-arts.

 

 

 

If it did, it’s safe to say Caleb Hall wouldn’t be able to find it, even if he were furnished the most precise global positioning system and the unlimited kindness of strangers.

 

 

 

Hall is wired to fight hard, fight often, and fight against the best available competition to give himself an accurate barometer of where he stands in the sport.

 

 

 

That won’t change this Saturday, September 8th, when he takes on C.J. Ewer in a lightweight bout at New England Fights 35: “Wicked Season.” The card will take place at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor with an opening bell time of 7 p.m.

 

 

 

Hall, 24, a multi-time state champion wrestler during his career at Dirigo High School, isn’t bothered that he’ll be taking on a hometown hero who has been a titleholder for the regional promotion. It seems he subscribes to pro wrestling legend Ric Flair’s mantra: To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.

 

 

 

“Whoever they offer and put in front of me is who I’m going to take on,” Hall said. “It doesn’t matter to me. It’s a big fight and it’s in his hometown. That definitely makes it more interesting.”

 

 

 

The fight is a natural pairing for two of Maine’s top pros. Each is eager to get back into the NEF hexagon, for opposite reasons, after their results earlier this year.

 

 

 

Hall handled John Ortolani, a wily veteran with main-event experience on his 20-fight ledger, in an impressive April pro debut. His game well developed from a double-digit total of amateur scraps, Hall earned a submission via the rarity of a Von Flue choke at 2:16 of the opening round.

 

 

 

Two months earlier, Ewer sustained his first loss in the pro cage by kneebar against Kemran Lachinov. He’s tough on home turf, however, as evidenced by a stoppage of Rumford’s Mike Hansen last summer.

 

 

 

“We have similar styles and similar games,” Hall said, “I try not to think about my opponent too much and just try to fight my fight. He’s a tough matchup no matter who he’s in there against.”

 

 

 

Since making his debut only a month after he crossed the legal age threshold of 18, Hall has carved out a reputation as a relentless, crowd-pleasing competitor who isn’t picky about his opponents.

 

 

 

That’s made life easier for NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson, who can always count on Hall being ready for prime time near the top of the bill.

 

 

 

“Caleb reminds me a lot of Devin Powell, our former lightweight champion. Devin most recently won in the UFC, the largest fight promotion on the planet,” Peterson said. “Devin got to where he is through good, old-fashioned diligence – desire, dedication, discipline and hard work. Caleb’s approach mirrors Devin’s. He’s not looking for the easy path to get where he wants to go.”

 

 

 

Everything else about Hall’s progression in the sport has been measured conservatively.

He toiled in the amateur ranks for more than five years, wanting to make sure that his acumen was developed and his repertoire well-balanced.

 

 

 

“I think I’m pretty well-rounded in every area,” Hall said, “My wrestling is still probably the strongest part of my game, but everything else is starting to catch up, like my submissions and my striking.”

 

 

 

Hall never budged from his amateur weight of 145 until moving up to 155 – historically NEF’s deepest and toughest pro division – for his shot at Ortolani.

 

 

 

He and Ewer are now jockeying for position in a class that provided great success for the likes of Powell, Bruce Boyington, Ryan Sanders, Jon Lemke and Jesse Erickson. Advancing to that fray would have been foolhardy if Hall hadn’t done things the right way physically and nutritionally.

 

 

 

“For me it’s been more about training and putting it on the right way. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I could still make 145, but this is a lot better for my body,” Hall said. “I was in the same weight class from the time I entered the sport when I was 18. It was a lot of weight cuts, but I was coming right out of high school wrestling where that was all part of it.”

 

 

 

When he fought at 145, Hall said his day-to-day weight when not in training was just shy of 170 pounds. He can now comfortably carry 175 to 180 between bouts. Less last-minute dehydration is necessary to reach the lightweight limit.

 

 

 

“He’s on the treadmill every day. He’s logging his training hours with commitment and focus,” Peterson said. “He’s living the lifestyle. It’s guys like Caleb that really get me excited about the sport, because they show us the best stuff that human beings are made of, and they give us a glimpse of what we’re capable of as people. If Caleb Hall hits the heights that he’s set for himself – and I’m confident that he will get there – it will be because he earned it the entire way.”

 

 

 

Hall appreciates the perception that his fight with Ewer is a big one in the NEF title picture and beyond, but as always he is eager to steer clear of the hype.

 

 

 

“I had a lot of confidence going in (against Ortolani), and that hasn’t changed,” Hall said. “I see every fight as your biggest fight, anyway. That’s just how I try to approach it. This sport has a small window.”

 

 

 

Three five-minute rounds aren’t much time in the grand scheme, either, although it’s a grueling grind when two action fighters such as Hall and Ewer are going at it.

 

 

 

Despite their first-round finishes last time around, Hall won’t be surprised to see this one venture closer to the advertised distance.

 

 

 

“We’ll see what happens. I don’t go in there thinking I’m going to take him out,” Hall said. “I expect it to be a war. It’ll probably go deep into the second and third rounds, and we’ll see who swims.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 35: Wicked Season,” will see the company make its return to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place this Saturday, September 8, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com.

boxing

Russian Heavyweight KO Specialist Apti Davtaev Returns to Action on Sept 5

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Undefeated heavyweight bomber Apti Davtaev will return to the ring in an 10-rounder on Wednesday, September 5 in Grozny, Russia

 

 

 

6’ 6” Davtaev (15-0-1, 14 KOs) will face 6’ 9” Moscow-based veteran Evgeny “Molecule from Hell” Orlov on a card that features his Salita Promotions stablemates Umar Salamov fighting for the WBO International Light Heavyweight Championship, and super middleweight Aslambek Idigov.

 

 

 

Davtaev (from the Chechen Republic of Kurchaloi) continues working with his US trainers, Kronk Gym’s Javan SugarHill Steward and co-trainer Rick Phillips, and says he’s enjoying his evolution to an American style of fighting.

 

 

 

“I had a great camp at Kronk Gym in Detroit, a place that produced so many great champions. My opponent is an experienced fighter and a big man. I look forward to fulfilling the legacy of the great fighters that trained in Detroit and, with this victory, will continue to climb towards the heavyweight title.”

 

 

 

A fearsome puncher, Davtaev was last seen demolishing Kentucky’s Cory Phelps in two quick rounds.

 

 

 

“At 6’ 6” and 250 lbs., Apti has the size, strength and skills to be a real threat in the heavyweight division,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “On September 5, he is going to take another step towards his goal of becoming heavyweight champion.”