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McAllister KOs Djarbeng – Adds a WBO Title To His Collection of Championship Accolades

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Ringside Report: Gianluca Di Caro
Photographs courtesy of Alistair Campbell




Six time, Five Division World Champion Lee McAllister not only successfully defended the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) Intercontinental title he secured in Accra, Ghana back in March this year, but also added the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa Zone Championship belt to his huge collection, following a fourth knockout of Ghanaian Richmond Djarbeng on the LET BATTLE COMMENCE IV event that took place at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen on Saturday 29th May 2021.


Fifty lucky fans were ringside to watch the UK’s most decorated boxer in action, as LET BATTLE COMMENCE IV was the first boxing ‘test’ event in Scotland, which hopefully will lead to more fans, preferably up to full capacity, being able to attend boxing events from next month as the pandemic restrictions are relaxed further.


Millions more tuned in to watch the live and free to view the Globally broadcast event on FITE, VIVA LIVE, PPV LIVE  as well as the numerous digital and linear channels that also carried the live broadcast.


There wasn’t that much action initially in the first round, so much so that world renowned Championship Referee Roger Barnor stepped in and ‘encouraged’ the protagonists to stop tentatively testing and throw some real punches in anger, which they did in style during the dying seconds of the round.


The first minute of the second stanza contained more action than the entire first round, albeit much of it being testing shots, well that is until around mid-point when McAllister burst into action, letting rip with a succession of blistering shots to send Djarbeng down to the canvas.


Have to say I was mightily surprised that Djarbeng was able to beat the count, but he did, and on the restart the ‘Aberdeen Assassin’ calmly strode over and let rip another flurry of scintillating powerful Exocets to body and head to send the Ghanaian to the deck for a second and surely final time – but no, much to everyone’s surprise Djarbeng, who was clearly in a lot of pain, once again managed to make it to his feet before Roger Barnor finished the count.


On the restart once again McAllister went on the attack, yet somehow Djarbeng managed to survive the onslaught and even let rip with some shots of his own.


Round three was an edgy affair, with both fighters working off their jabs, Djarbeng proved to be quite durable, I for one was surprised when he shrugged off some seriously vicious shots to the head as the round progressed.


The fourth was by far the best round so far, action wise, and once again the Ghanaian showed just how tough he was as once again he survived some seriously powerful shots, to both body and head, that clearly hurt him.


As the round progressed McAllister landed more big shots, after which Djarbeng would grab hold of the increasingly aggressive McAllister. This tactic didn’t do the Ghanaian many favours as the Aberdeen Assassin just kept letting rip and the inevitable happened, Djarbeng crashed to the deck for a third time following a huge right-left combination to the head, this time though Djarbeng just couldn’t rise to his feet and was clearly in a lot of pain. Referee Roger Barnor waived the fight off with just twelve seconds of the round remaining.


WBO Africa’s Samir Captan presented both Championship belts as PBC President Russell Jaques was busy co-commentating alongside Sportanarium Radio’s Trevor Lake.


Preceding McAllister-Djarbeng was a fantastic lightweight contest between Denny’s Kevin Traynor and Tilbury Village’s debuting Jay Cartwright, who stepped in with just a day notice after Traynor’s original opponent Nicaraguan Jose Aguilar failed to gain entry into the UK after flying in from Spain.


The first round was phenomenal, it was all action with both protagonists giving everything for virtually every second of the round. I couldn’t split them and neither could referee Roger Barnor.


Round two was another full on war, boy oh boy did these warriors go for it!  However the pace had a seriously detrimental affect on Cartwright, he was out on his feet as he headed back to his corner at the end of the round, so much so that his corner summoned over Roger Barnor and retired his charge in the corner.


Plaudits to Jay Cartwright, he was expecting to be making his professional debut in Colchester on the 31st July 2021, yet bravely agreed to take the fight at very short notice, even though he had not had any time to prepare fully for this contest.


The third bout of the evening see Aberdeen’s Nathan Beattie in action against another late replacement, Belfast’s Marty Kayes who stepped in when Nicaraguan Christian Narvaez, who like Aguilar was refused entry to the UK after flying in from Spain as a replacement for original opponent Dundalk’s Michael Kelly.


At this point I think I should mention that it was Kayes’ wedding anniversary the following day and somehow got his wife Julia’s permission to cancel their planned evening out to take the fight, I think that may just set the scene perfectly.


Kayes was clearly in the mood for a good scrap, right from the opening bell of the contest he took control of centre ring and just kept forcing Beattie onto the back foot before letting rip with shot after shot.


It really wasn’t that much different in the second, don’t get me wrong Beattie landed the best shots by far in each round, just not enough of them to secure either of the rounds.


Beattie started to get more proactive in the third and again landed the most telling shots, but still it was the Irishman that was dictating the proceedings, the same in the fourth and final round.


At the end of four action packed rounds Nate Dog’s fans were clearly expecting their hero to secure the win or at worse a draw, but when Referee Lee Murtagh’s scorecards were announced they fell into a stunned silence as they declared a 40-38 points victory in favour of Marty Kayes


The second fight of the night pitted Aberdeen’s Craig Dick (2-0-0) against Essex based Lithuanian hard-man Tomas Vaicickas (1-2-0) in a four round Heavyweight contest.


Dick is a renowned heavy hitter and Vaicickas is extremely durable, so nobody could or would have expected the contest to come to it’s conclusion after just 47 seconds, but it did, following Dick letting rip with a huge powerful hook to the body that sent the Lithuanian to the canvas just twenty seconds into the round.


I was surprised when Vaicickas made the count and continued but not that surprised he was to return to the deck seconds later following another big hook to the ribs.


The opening contest featured local big hitting youngster Liam Allan in action against Belfast’s Darren Burns


What a cracking opening round, both lads vying to control centre ring, some very tasty bombs were thrown by both protagonists, a cracking round to watch.


Both lads started the second stanza more cautiously, Burns was the first to throw a big shot, but Allan, who is remarkably agile for a big lad, moved just enough to prevent it landing, Allan then took to the front foot backing up Burns before letting rip with a huge right to send the Irishman to the canvas.


Burns made the count, but on the restart Allan moved in and let rip with a big left, followed by a left-right combination that rocked Burns, Allan continued the assault with another powerful left-right to send Burns down for the second time .


Again Burns made the count, this time Allan stepped in on the restart and let rip with a massive right to send the tough as nails Irishman down to the canvas where he ended doubled up, Referee Lee Murtagh was so concerned he immediately waived the fight off and summoned Burns’ corner and the medical team to the ring.


I’m pleased to say the medical team wasn’t needed and the official time of the stoppage was one minute and fifty four seconds off the second round.


Have to say it was really great to be at an event with fans in attendance again, even though there was only fifty allowed, it may sound crazy but even though the fans were instructed by the authorities to stay seated and just offer polite clapping at the end of the fights, the atmosphere was so different from the ‘behind closed doors’ events that had preceded over the past year.


For reference, as I am sure a lot of people will be wondering how Lee Mcallister was eligible to compete for the WBO Africa region Championship, this was explained on the British & Irish Boxing Authority’s website on the result page, which states; It should be noted that Mr McAllister was eligible to compete for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa Championship due to his Ghana National Championship (and PBC Intercontinental Championship) victory over Collinson Korley on the 7th March 2021 in Accra, Ghana – it should also be noted Mr McAllister was eligible to compete for the Ghana National Championship as well as the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa Zone Championship due to family heritage.


Finally if you missed the live broadcast of LET BATTLE COMMENCE IV, you can still catch up as free to view replays are available on FITE athttps://www.fite.tv/watch/let-battle-commence-iv/2p9er/ – or check listings for replays on your local TV listings or if in UK the entire event will be available on demand via Sports Channel Network (Channel 265 on Freeview.YouView) from next weekend.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

NONITO DONAIRE MAKES HISTORY, CAPTURES WBC BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE WITH FOURTH-ROUND KNOCKOUT

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Subriel Matias and Gary Antuanne Russell Notch

Big Knockout Wins

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Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

CARSON, CALIF. (May 29, 2021) – Nonito Donaire is champion once again. Fourteen years after he won his first world title, the “Filipino Flash” cemented his Hall of Fame credentials with a sensational fourth-round KO win over Nordine Oubaali to capture the WBC World Bantamweight title Saturday night in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“The king has returned,” Donaire beamed afterward. “I just love the crowds. All my friends, family, all the boxing fans that came out thank you so much. You guys are wonderful.”

The 38-year-old Donaire (41-6, 27 KOs) is now the oldest world champion ever at 118-pounds. He accomplished it with the left hand that has been the calling card of his career as he dropped Oubaali (17-1, 12 KOs) three times in total.

“Being at this age is not the question, it’s about my performance,” said Donaire. “About my ability to grow. I believe it matters not what your age is, but how mentally strong you are. What I learned from the [Naoya] Inoue fight is that I’m back. I can still compete at this level. The whole time I was not fighting, I was learning. I’m ready for the next one.”

Following a feel-out first round, Donaire went to work in the second, walking Oubaali down and countering with thudding effect. Donaire scored the first knockdown early in the third, dropping Oubaali with his trademark counter left hook. The Frenchman rose on unsteady legs and Donaire pounced, landing more big shots until another left hook floored Oubaali just a split second before the round ended. Again, Oubaali struggled to his feet, dazed yet willing to fight on.

The end came swiftly in the fourth. Donaire expertly maneuvered Oubaali around the ring, pinning him against the ropes where a left uppercut sent Oubaali crumpling to the canvas for a third and final time. Referee Jack Reiss immediately called it off. The official time of the stoppage was 1:52 of the fourth round.

“Three decades of being world champion. Nine-time world champion. That’s amazing,” said Donaire. “I came in here and I felt really good. Today I knew exactly what was going to happen. I knew exactly what I was going to do. I think I was just very focused in the gym. I was very, very focused. I just felt really good coming in and I was grateful to get this opportunity.

“Tonight was something that I had to prove to the world that I’m back and I’m stronger than ever. He was a very tough guy. I think ultimately for me, there was a level of should I be more patient? Or should I go for it? Something I learned in the Inoue fight was to go for the kill. And that’s exactly what I did. I was patient, but I knew he was hurt enough that I could take him out.”

In the co-feature, Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias (17-1, 17 KOs) delivered another power-punching display, breaking down previously-unbeaten Batyr Jukembayev (18-1, 14 KOs) until Jukembayev’s corner stopped the bout after eight riveting rounds. 

“I think this is what everybody expected. Everybody knew it was going to be a great war,” said Matias. “This was going to end by knockout whether I was going to get knocked out or Jukembayev was going to get knocked out. I’m just glad it was me who knocked him out.”

Matias establishes himself as one of the best in a stacked division, but this latest win wasn’t easy. Kazakhstan’s Jukembayev came out strong, landing a right hook-right uppercut combination upstairs from his southpaw stance that got Matias’ attention in the first.

Jukembayev pushed the pace in the second. Matias began letting his hands go in the third, throwing in combination to the head and body. Both combatants were now fully warmed up, setting the stage for a fourth round that could be a candidate for “Round of the Year.”


It began when a hard left hook staggered Jukembayev and drove him to the canvas. Matias sought to close the show but Jukembayev held on, cleared his head and started landing his own shots. With a minute left in the stanza, Jukembayev stunned Matias with a left cross. Instead of clinching, Matias fought fire with fire, bringing the crowd out of their seats with toe-to-toe action until the bell sounded.

Matias never stopped coming forward. Following a one-sided sixth, Jukembayev returned to his corner with both eyes swelling shut. The back and forth ensued in the seventh as Jukembayev buzzed Matias with two right hooks toward the end of the round.

Matias returned to the driver’s seat in the eighth round, pounding away at Jukembayev with both fists. In total, he out-landed Jukembayev by 100 punches (234/608 to 134 /409) and was more accurate (38.5% to 32.8%). The accumulation of blows was enough to convince Jukembayev’s corner to request the bout be stopped.

“He knew he had nothing to lose. He came in and was doing everything strong,” said Matias. “He knew that all he could do was knock me out to win. I would have done the same thing. That’s a warrior’s heart and he has all my respect.

“After that fourth round, I mean he is a very competitive fighter, so it turned into a war after that point. My hands go up to him as well. It was a great fight. I definitely have had other opponents that were very good, but this is the one that has given me the hardest test.”

In the telecast opener, Gary Antuanne Russell (14-0, 14 KOs) continued his ascent up the super lightweight ranks. The undefeated Russell became the first to stop the ruggedJovanie Santiago (14-2-1, 10 KOs), dominating Santiago until referee Sharon Sands halted the contest following the sixth round at the suggestion of Santiago’s corner.

“The objective is to get the man out as soon as possible and come out unscathed,” said Russell. “I just want to say that Santiago was a class-A opponent. A lot of people think he beat Adrien Broner. I want Adrien Broner now.”

With older brother and WBC World Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. working his corner, Gary Antuanne controlled the action from the opening bell. The 2016 Olympian worked the jab and straight left behind the southpaw stance, snapping Santiago’s head back several times in the first.

Russell, 24, continued to land the left in the second and third. Early in the fourth, he followed up a straight left to the ribs with a short right hook upstairs that dropped Santiago to a knee. Puerto Rico’s Santiago gamely rose to his feet and survived the follow-up onslaught to make it out of the round.

“The importance to me is to execute round-by-round, and round-by-round, I was executing more and more. My father told me to go to the body, right hook upstairs. He was open to that,” said Russell.

Russell showed no signs of slowing despite being extended beyond four rounds for the first time in his pro career. The Capital Heights, Md. product battered Santiago in the sixth, landing punishing combinations throughout the frame. Moments later, the bout was stopped.

“It’s definitely important to me to perform so I’m not just known as Gary Russell’s younger brother,” said Russell, who landed 146 of 444 punches (32.9%). “I come from an excellent background of fighters. We’re building a dynasty.

“How soon do I want to get back in the ring? If I could fight on the Deontay Wilder card, that would be great.”

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay Sunday, May 30 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday, May 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The Executive Producer was David Dinkins, Jr., the Producer was Ray Smaltz and the Director was Chuck McKean. Three-time super bantamweight world champion Israel Vazquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

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boxing

Light Heavyweight Khalil Coe Scores spectacular 2nd round stoppage in Pro debut

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NEW YORK (May 29, 2021)- Khalil Coe looked like seasoned pro as he won his pro debut with an emphatic 2nd round stoppage over Nathaniel Tadd in a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.


The bout kicked off the DAZN Stream


In round one, Coe dropped Tadd twice. The first knockdown came as he hurt Tadd with a body shot. Coe followed up with a flurry of body shots that sent Tadd down to the canvas. Coe went right back to that body, and landed a big uppercut and down went Tadd for a second time. In round two, It was another left to the body that sent Tadd down for a third time, and the fight was stopped at 1:10.


Coe, 176.2 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 1-0 with one knockout. Tadd, 179 lbs of Houston is 2-5.


“I think I did well. I listened to my corner, and executed the game plan. I had everyone watching and I appreciate everybody. We worked on a lot of body shots. “Big Steppa” is here,” said Coe


Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management’s David McWater and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.






Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
boxing, DAZN

HANEY VS. LINARES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND IMAGES

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Devin Haney (25-0 15 KOs) – defending WBC World Lightweight title against Jorge Linares
 
“I’m happy he said this was the best training camp and he’s in the best shape of his life. I want the best Jorge Linares so when I win that there’s no excuses and the world knows he came in 100 per cent.
 
“This is the time I’ve been waiting for; this is the moment and my time to finally shine against an incredible opponent and thinks he can put up a good fight and win against me. This is a huge opportunity for me, this is time to show everything I’m made of.
 
“Like Jorge said, this is a whole new level but I’m ready for it. It’ll be a very dominant performance; I think the world will be surprised at what kind of performance it is. I think even Jorge will be surprised at what type of fighter I am.” 
 
Bill Haney – trainer and father of Devin Haney
 
“As you know, we’ve always talked about getting Devin in that right fight that will catapult his career, we believe Jorge Linares is that guy. We’re thankful to Linares for stepping up and giving Devin that opportunity to once and for all show that he’s an elite fighter.
 
“We have appreciation for Matchroom and how long you’ve been patient. We’ve both tried to get those names in the ring, finally now on Saturday we have that name in Jorge Linares. We hope that he comes and brings his all, we hope to have a healthy and very competitive Jorge Linares so Devin actually can show he’s an elite fighter.
 
“These are the kind of fights that bring out the best in a fighter. A young fighter like Devin with so much in his toolbox, arsenal full of different kinds of punches. It’s just a great opportunity, we want Jorge to come at his best and bring out those things so we can showcase to the people what a wonderful talent he is.
 
“You’ll see Devin make a statement, he’s ready for this moment. It’s a euphoric moment, now we get a chance to be on the big stage, our home away from home in Vegas, we look forward to Saturday night, it’s going to be amazing.”
 
Jorge Linares (47-5 29 KOs) – challenges Devin Haney for the WBC World Lightweight title
 
“I’m very excited to be here in Vegas again, I’m next to the lightweight world champion Devin Haney, so this is a big opportunity of my life. I had a great training camp in Japan for a long time with my brother but now I’m here. I’m very excited for Saturday night.
 
“I feel much better than before, against Kevin Mitchell, Anthony Crolla, Vasiliy Lomachenko, I think this is the best and more important training camp – a big opportunity in my life. I’m here a couple more days.
 
“I’ve fought a lot of big fights, 52 fights, in England, USA, Latin America, this time I’ve come back to Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay. It’s in amazing fight against an amazing young champion, it’s so exciting to show everyone who I am, how much experience I have and how good I feel.
 
“I respect Haney’s comments, thinking about after this fight, talking about Lopez and everyone in the lightweight division. Me too, I’m thinking about being a champion again and then fighting with the best in the division. There’s a lot of good opponents and champions, I need to be ready for that again.”
 
Chantelle Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) – defends her WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez
 
“I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get in there Saturday and put on a show. I’m a natural fighter, I do what I do, I don’t talk much I just let my hands do the talking.
 
“I’m always spiteful but now it’s added a bit more spice into it. I can’t wait to get in there now and get down to the action.
 
“I’m not going to look past Melissa, she’s a former world champion and has got a lot of experience but I’m the better fighter. Things for me are going to go forward and I’ve got a long journey ahead of me – I’m not stopping here.” 
 
Melissa Hernandez (23-7-3 7 KOs) – challenges Chantelle Cameron for the WBC World Super-Lightweight title
 
“Saturday, expect fireworks. Women’s boxing is back to stay, I was one of the pioneers and I’m here to prove that I still have it and pay homage to all the women that came before me.
 
“We busted out asses for so long to finally be on these huge cards and to be getting paid more than we used to. When I was fighting, our purses weren’t even enough to pay our rent, now we have women building empires off it – it’s amazing to be here.
 
“To clear things up about the banter that went on between us, it was taken out of context by somebody chasing clout. I heard what I heard, at the end of the day, the fight is happening. I’m happy I had that extra time to train because she’s a badass, I’m here to prove that I’m a little bit more of a badass.”
 
Jason Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) – defends WBO NABO Middleweight title against Shane Mosley Jr.
 
“This is a massive opportunity, big stage, capital of professional boxing here in Las Vegas. It’s a great platform for us to get on the stage, showcase our skills and give our absolute best come fight night.
 
“Once that bells rings there’s always going to be fireworks., especially with a great fight like this on the line. We both know what this fight means to us, we both know where this fight can put us in our careers. You can definitely expect fireworks come fight night.”
 
Shane Mosley Jr. (17-3 10 KOs) – challenges Jason Quigley for the WBO NABO Middleweight title against Jason Quigley
 
“I’m grateful to be a part of this, it’s a great card and I’m grateful to be here and have this opportunity. This is everything I’ve wanted; this is my opportunity. I’m going to take advantage of that and do my best.
 
“I’m in this sport because I want to be known as my own man, I want to be known as Shane Mosley Jr. That’s why I’m here and that’s what I’m going to do.
 
“That’s why they come to watch the fights, we put on good shows. Golden Boy, Matchroom, both put on great shows and that’s what we’re expected to do.”
 
Robert Diaz – VP/Matchmaker, Golden Boy Promotions
 
“I want to wish both fighters good luck, I know once the bell rings you guys are concentrated on one thing only. This fight means so much to both Jason and Shane, it’s such an important fight, it’s a very even fight and a fight nobody wants to miss. They both know what a win on Saturday night is going to do for their career.
 
“I know both fighters very well, I’ve known Shane since he was a boy working with his father. I’ve known Jason since his pro debut working his whole career with Golden Boy – I’ve become very attached to both. They’re both very similar outside the ring, they’re gentlemen. There hasn’t been once bad thing said between them, but once that bell rings they’re not friends. Trust me, they’re both coming to knock each other out. May the best man win.”
 
Martin J. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) – faces Azinga Fuzile in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title
 
“This is my time now to shine. Las Vegas, the bright lights and big city, that’s what I’m here for. To deal with this guy here, it’s all business, I’m fighting on Saturday night for me. I’m going to deal with him in good fashion and show the US public who I am. Azinga Fuzile knows who I am, he’ll definitely know my name Saturday.
 
“Azinga is a good fighter, it’s going to make for good fight but I’m 100% confident I’m going to do a job on this guy. He’s a good, slick fighter but I’ve definitely got all the tools in my arsenal to deal with him in good fashion on Saturday night.
 
“I’ve put it all in at camp, I’ve done all that I’ve needed to do, it’s all on Saturday night now. The talking means nothing, I’ve prepared, I’m mentally and physically there, I’m ready to put on a good show on Saturday night and excite the fans.”
 
Azinga Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) – faces Martin J. Ward in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title
 
“I’m ready for the fight, I’ve been preparing for three months for the fight. I’m ready, I can’t wait for Saturday to beat Martin. I promise you, Martin, I’m going to win. I signed the contract to fight and that’s what I’m going to do on fight night.
 
“I’m too good for Martin. I’ve seen his videos, watched him fight, then I said I can fight him in a way that I can beat him easily. Firstly, I didn’t know about him, when I was checking the ratings looking at the guys on top. I found out who he was when they said I must fight Martin Ward. He will know me better, who Azinga is and what he’s capable of.
 
“I won’t say how I’m going to beat him; you’re all going to see it on Saturday. My fight with Rakhimov, what happened, happened, I had to move on. Now I’m facing this guy, I need to take him out of my way. I’m ready to show the people of Las Vegas beautiful boxing.”
 
Khalil Coe – makes professional debut
 
“I’m looking forward to the journey with Matchroom, I already put on a show and I’m grateful to be on this card for my pro debut. The talent that’s going behind me, I want to stand out just as well as they do.
 
“This is what I’ve been waiting on my whole career, I never thought I would be signed with Matchroom so that’s a big plus. I’m going take advantage and do what I’ve got to do and put it on for the fans.
 
“There’s going to be a big difference. Some people just think I only have a right hand, I’m only a puncher, but I have footwork, elusiveness, and power. You never know what I’m going to bring to the fight.”
 
Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) – fights Ryan Pino in his tenth pro fight.
 
“I’m looking to be active as much as possible. I’m looking for big fights, to get my name out there, you told me to go down to 140lbs, we ventured slowly, worked our way down and make a big impact.
 
“I’ve learned just to stay calm. In the amateurs it’s three rounds, it’s quick. The main thing is to stay loose, listen to your coaches and stay active as much as possible. It’s better to stay active because the times you have off tests you to how you come back to those adversities. First I’ve got to deal with this guy Saturday and then work our way to the next fight.”
 
Ramla Ali (2-0) – faces Mikayla Nebel in her third pro fight
 
“I can’t believe I’ve been given the opportunity to fight in the boxing capital of the world, Vegas, so early on in my career. I can only feel grateful, humbled, and honored to be part of such an amazing card. I love Jorge Linares, I grew up watching him, I think he’s amazing and him versus Haney is going to be electric.
 
“I think there was a little twitter war going on this morning, someone took what I said out of context. What I meant was you’ve got these amazing fighters in the world, Lomachenko, Shields, Katie Taylor, who have done so much in the amateurs, won everything there is to possibly win, if they wanted to fight for a World title in their first fight, they’d be deserved of it. I want to feel deserved of a World title and to feel like a World champion when I feel ready. I don’t want to be pushed into it when I don’t feel ready.
 
“I’m really excited for when those opportunities will arise, I never shy away from a challenge and if fighting those girls means that it’s the next step to a world title then so be it.”
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

NORDINE OUBAALI VS. NONITO DONAIRE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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WBC Bantamweight World Champion Oubaali Takes On Future Hall Of Famer Donaire This Saturday, May 29 Live On SHOWTIME® In A Premier Boxing Champions Event From
Dignity Health Sports Park In Carson, Calif.
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions
 
CARSON, CALIF. (May 27, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their world title showdown taking place this Saturday, May 29 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
The press conference also featured hard-hitting contender Subriel Matias and unbeaten Batyr Jukembayev, who meet in the co-main event for a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, and unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell and Jovanie Santiago, who square off in a 10-round super lightweight clash that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
 
NORDINE OUBAALI
 
“Yes, we’ve sparred but training is training. When you go into a fight, it’s not the same. Every fight is different and I know on Saturday I will put on a great show with Nonito Donaire because I know he’s a good boxer but I know I’m the best. I trained so hard for this and now I’m ready to fight. I want to show everybody that the best two bantamweights in boxing today are fighting on Saturday.
 
“Yes, he’s had an outstanding career and he has power but I believe I have more power than him. I know I have the power. He’s a good boxer but I’m the world champion and on Saturday I’m going to show the world who is the best. I know I am the best. I respect Nonito. He’s had a good career but I’m the best in the division.
 
“The difference in the fight is going to be I want to win more. I want to continue to make history and stay as the world champion in this division. I know that it’s my time. I want this more than he does.
 
“If I’m victorious, why not have my next fight be for the unification? I want to make history every time and this is my motivation. I’m here because I love boxing and I want to face the best boxers every time. I’m facing Nonito Donaire and that’s great for my career. I just like to fight and this is my life.”
 
NONITO DONAIRE
 
“It would be great to win the title at 38 years old and become the oldest champion at 118 pounds, but let’s keep it going. Let’s make it 40. Let’s make it 42. There ain’t no stopping me. Mentally, I’m very grateful but at the same time I’m just very ready.
 
“I’m always healthy and the reason why I can compete with anybody is because I keep myself healthy and I work hard. There’s nothing less than 100 percent every time I’m in that gym.
 
“I’m very hard-headed so I don’t always do what people tell me to do. People can say that it’s their time. But I also have my time and I’m always going to be the one who concedes their time or makes that decision. It’s still my time.
 
“It’s going to be a great fight. Oubaali is the champion for a reason. He’s been through it in terms of the amateurs and making it here. So we’re not underestimating any of that. But I’ve fought in this venue many times and I always make magical fights in the first place. It’s always going to be magical with me. I’m a unicorn.
 
“The difference in this fight is going to be my hunger. He’s younger than me but I have the hunger. We both have an objective and that’s what’s going to make this a great fight.
 
“I want to fight the best out there. I want the rematch with Naoya Inoue and I want to get all the belts. The only thing I haven’t accomplished in boxing is becoming undisputed champion. I’ve done everything else. Fighter of the Year. Knockout of the Year. Multiple championships. Four-division champion. You name it. That’s my main goal. Get the belt and put them all together.
 
“Bantamweight is my real weight. I’ve always fought in the heavier division because of the excitement, the challenge and the lucrative offer or the names at that time. Now, I’m here where I belong and this is where I’m really strong.
 
“The layoff will not be a factor at all. The time off helped me out. Just being out of the ring helped my body recover. And the eagerness and the hunger is there more than ever. It was a blessing for me.”
 
SUBRIEL MATIAS
 
“I will be his toughest test without question and come Saturday night, everybody will find out why I’m saying that.
 
“I believe him when he says that he has the tools to get a stoppage on Saturday. But it’s not just a matter of saying, on Saturday night he has to prove it. If it’s going to come out of your mouth, then you have to prove it.
 
“We’re both knockout artists and with what we’re looking at, this fight should not finish by a decision.
 
“I don’t have much to say about that fight against Petros Ananyan. Those that saw me lose, I lost. There’s nothing I can say about it. But those that know boxing know that I’ve been progressing and improving and you all will see that on Saturday.”
 
BATYR JUKEMBAYEV
 
“I had a great training camp. I am ready for Saturday night. I know that he’s a good fighter but I promise that I will be ready.
 
“We will see Saturday night whether it’s going to end in a knockout. I’ll show you what I’m made of and you will all see.”
 
GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL
 
“I’m in the hurt business. He’s a slugger. If he wants to come in there and slug with me, he will feel my power. He will see how intelligent I am. Not just mentally, but physically with my hands. Like I said, I’m in the hurt business. I come to hurt.
 
“Pardon my lack of Spanish, but what you are going to see is, ‘la violencia.’ He’s going to bring his pressure. He’s going to bring punches in bunches and I believe that’s all he can bring. If he’s been training and trying to perfect himself for my style of fighting, that’s fine. You’re not supposed to come in here one-dimensional. A diamond shines from all sides.
 
“The only thing I can say is this venue is going to promote blood, sweat and tears and the desire of people to be great. I’m definitely one of them. I’ve been in the gym giving my blood, my sweat and my tears and I’m bringing all of that to this venue come Saturday night.
 
“I definitely want to stay more active. That’s always been my plan. The pandemic slowed things down. Fans always tell me they want to see me get back in there…I just tell them, me too. The fighters aren’t the ones pulling all of the strings. Should I be more active? Of course. I want to be more active.
 
“I want to show that I’m the cream of the crop. I’m a superstar. The light hasn’t been shining on me because there’s a lot of other things going on. Until then, you’re going to have to wait and see. Come Saturday, it will be a great show. There will be some sparks and fireworks. I have an opponent that’s not willing to lay down. If he’s not willing to, I must make him lay down.”
 
JOVANIE SANTIAGO
 
“I know that he’s a good fighter. An Olympian. He’s young and he’s going to come fight. I’m going to come to fight too, so if the fight finishes early, then it finishes early.
 
“I just have to work round-by-round, throw punches and win one round at a time. After I beat Russell, everybody is going to be on my side.
 
“This is my weight. This is where I’m most comfortable. I’ve always been a 140-pounder and Saturday that’s what I’m going to demonstrate.
 
“This time, I’m fighting at my actual weight. I feel strong. I’m coming to work round-by-round and on Saturday everybody will see what I’m all about.”
 
# # #
 
ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE
Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matías takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.
 
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.
 
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
boxing

Lineups set for King’s Promotions Day-Night Doubleheader on Saturday, June 5th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

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Devar Ferhadi takes on Blake Mansfield in Afternoon Main Event
Brandon Robinson battles Genc Pllana in Nightcap Feature
Philadelphia, PA (May 27, 2021)– A huge day and night of professional boxing is now set for Saturday June 5th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

King’s Promotions will present two shows that will begin at 3 PM and 8 PM ET respectively.

Headlining the afternoon card will be super middleweight’s Devar Ferhadi (8-0, 7 KOs) of Frederick, Maryland and Blake Mansfield (7-3-1, 4 KOs) of Burlington, North Carolina in a fight scheduled for eight-rounds.

In six-round bouts:

Greg Outlaw (8-0, 3 KOs) of Bowie, Maryland taking on Andrew Rodgers (4-9-2, 2 KOs) of Elkhart, Indiana in a junior welterweight fight.

Joseph Jackson (16-0, 12 KOs) of Greensboro, NC battles Terrance Williams(5-4-1, 1 KO) Harrisburg, PA in a junior middleweight contest.

Edgar Torres (8-0-1, 4 KOs) of Springfield, VA. fights Keshon Hutchinson (7-5, 1 KO) of Reading, PA in a junior middleweight contest.

In four-round Contests Lawrence Murtagh will make his pro debut against Christian Bermudez (2-0, 2 KOs) in a battle of Brooklyn based junior welterweights.

In a battle of first-timers, Isaac Haynes of Albany, New York will fight Quadir Albright of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout.
The night action will feature a much anticipated eight-round super middleweight clash between Brandon Robinson (15-2, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia and Genc Pllana (8-1-1, 4 KOs) of Hagerstown, Maryalnd.

In six-round bouts:

It will be a battle of Keystone state lightweights as Osvaldo Morales (4-0, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA fights James Bernadin (3-0-1, 2 KOs) Lancaster, PA

Jonathan Rodriguez (8-1, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA fights Sebastian Baltazar(1-4) of Tacoma, Washington in a bantamweight fight.

Rasheed Johnson (7-3, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia squares off with Rafiq Muhammad (4-0, 2 KOs) of Richmond, VA in a welterweight fight.

Khainell Wheer (4-1, 4 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on Vincent Baccus (4-2-1, 3 KOs) of Okmulgee, OK in a super middleweight affair,

In four-round fights.

Elijah Morales (7-0, 4 KOs) of Trenton, NJ fights Andres Abarco (2-4) of Normandy Park, Washington in a welterweight contest.

Pro debuting Eric Monroe of Philadelphia fights Roudly Lolo (0-0-1) of Harrisburg, PA in a middleweight fight.

Both cards will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com

ONLY A LIMITED AMOUNT OF $50 General Admission Tickets remain for both shows, and can be purchased by calling 610-587-5950 or at Pivott Boxing (2807 North 6th Street in Philadelphia, 215-398-5766)
boxing, Mayweather Promotions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

CHAD JOHNSON TRAINING CAMP QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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“I’m transitioning that flair you saw from me on the football field

all into this sport.”

Former NFL Star Wide Receiver Chad Johnson Makes Boxing Debut In an Exhibition Against Versatile Fighter Brian Maxwell on Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV® Undercard Sunday, June 6 from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens

Click HERE for Photos from Mayweather Promotions

HOUSTON – (May 26, 2021) – Former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson made a name for himself throughout his storied career by combining elite on-field production with highlight-reel celebrations and an outspokenness that made him a household name. Now, he will look to take that same formula into his boxing debut when he steps into the ring for an exhibition against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell on Sunday, June 6 as part of the Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV event at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

In addition to bringing his brand of entertainment to the event, Johnson compared his own boxing style to one of the sport’s most unique fighters.

“I’m transitioning that flair you saw from me on the football field all into this sport,” said Johnson. “To me, my style is like Emanuel Augustus. Once I got those basic fundamentals down to a tee, I could add that trickery to my game.”

A long-time fan and student of the sweet science, Johnson never believed that he’d have this opportunity to box on this stage. However, once he received word from Mayweather and knew how long he’d have to prepare, he jumped on the chance presented.

“I never thought about stepping in the ring,” said Johnson. “I never thought there would be an opportunity to do so. But I love boxing. I’m friends with every boxer out there because I love and study all of it. I didn’t expect anything like this to happen. When Floyd called, the first thing I wanted to know, was how much time I had to prepare. Once I knew that I had enough time that I could look like myself in there, I knew I could pull it off.”

Always pushing the boundaries of what the public expects from athletes, Johnson will add another feather into what has been a remarkable career as an athlete and entertainer with this fight on June 6.

“This is a one-time thing,” said Johnson. “I’ve done some crazy things in life, and this is one to add and scratch off the bucket list. I’m coming in there to have fun and entertain.”

#          #          #

ABOUT MAYWEATHER VS. LOGAN PAUL

Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is a special exhibition bout presented by Mayweather Promotions, FANMIO and Mavathltcs that will take place on Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased now at SHOWTIME.com andFANMIO.com. The undercard will feature WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal vs. two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 12-round rematch, plus former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd against Luis Arias in a 10-round bout and in a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit bit.ly/mayweatherpaul,  www.SHO.com/sports, www.FANMIO.com. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromo,@ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromotions, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO.

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Marvin Cordova, Jr. & Robert Daniels, Jr. Join Fighter Locker stable

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BOSTON (May 25, 2021) – Veteran boxer Marvin “Much Too Much” Cordova, Jr and promising prospect Robert Daniels, Jr. are the latest additions to Ryan Roach’s growing Fighter Locker stable.

“Mr. (Jimmy) Burchfield (Cordova’s promoter) linked me up with Marvin,” Roach said.  We had a few short conversations on the phone, and it just happened.  Marvin is very passionate about the sport, and he’s read to show the worked he still has a lot left in his tank.  He truly is a special fighter with a high-caliber resume including opponents like Victor Ortiz andJoselito Lopez. He has a great team around him now and we are really looking forward to getting him going.

“Robert is a great young man coming from a family just like mine.  I am ready to get him going with a great trainer in Kevin Cunningham.  I am proud to add him to the Fighter Locker team.  He is really a talented fighter that had a few bad breaks early on in his career.  He had managerial issues and so forth.  Look for Daniels Jr. during the next year!”

The 36-year-old Cordova (23-2-1, 12), is a super middleweight from Pueblo, Colorado.  A solid amateur who was a bronze medalist at the 2002 U.S. Under-19 and 2003 Police Athletic League, Cordova turned pro in 2014, but his pro career has been interrupted because spent 8 years in prison.  He also defeated future pro world champion Daniel Jacobs

“I’m 36 but a young 36,” Cordova said.  “I started boxing at 4.  I had 242 amateur fights and was chosen as one of the top amateur boxers in the country. I spent 8 years in prison, and it made me a better person and hungrier fighter.  I have some unfinished business to take care of.  I really beat Joselito Lopez (Lopez won an 8-round decision). I hit him with a big shot in the sixth round, but they let him stay down for 4 minutes, claiming he was hit low.”

In his last fight this past January, Cordova captured the NBA super middleweight title by stopping 56-30-3 Hector Velazquez in round four, adding to his awards display case that also includes his Interim WBC Youth World, WBA NABA U.S. light welterweight, and GBU Youth light welterweight title belts.

“Ryan Roach believes in me,” Cordova noted.  “I’m stronger and ready for the next step. I had talked with a friend, Jimmy Williams, about signing with a good manager.  He told me Ryan was a good manager who loves his fighters and really cares about him.  My promoter, ‘Mr. B’ (Jimmy Burchfield), hooked me up with Ryan.  He calls to make sure I’m good and he can get me to the elite level once again.”

Daniels (4-0, 4 KOs) is the son of former WBA cruiserweight World champion Robert “Preacher Man” Daniels (49-10-1, 41 KOs), who became world champion in 1989, when he decisioned the future Hall of Famer Dwight Muhammad Qawi.

“There’s a little bit of added pressure as the son of a world champion boxer,” southpaw Daniels admitted.  I’ve heard things like ‘he’s not going to be like his father, he doesn’t have what it takes to be world champion.’”

Now fighting out of West Palm Beach, Florida, Miami native Daniels is now trained by Cunningham. Managerial issues resulted in him fighting only four times as a pro during his nearly 5-year career.

“I was introduced to Ryan by my friend, Daniel Bailey (a member of Fighter Locker), and I believe Ryan can get me to a world title,” Daniels remarked.  “The main reason I signed with Ryan is I like his personality.  He’s easy to talk with and before I even signed with him, he reached out to me to see how things were going. And that’s a big reason why I did sign with him.

“I was supposed to sign with managers are few times, but it never went anywhere, and I wasn’t getting fights.  I have this great opportunity now and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers include California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), Troy, NY ABF American West super lightweightRay Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs), Toronto, Canada welterweight West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (17-5-2, 6 KOs), super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (7-0, 4 KOs), U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr. (5-0, 4 KOs), lightweight Leonel de los Santos (2-0, 2 KOs), a 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian, Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), pro-debuting Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Solano, and Salt Lake City, 2016 Olympic silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez, Utah brothers, super lightweight Ignacio Chairez (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (3-0-1, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan, @Tremendo_Martinez

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

boxing, Mayweather Promotions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

JEAN PASCAL VS. BADOU JACK AND JARRETT HURD VS. LUIS ARIAS VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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Fighters Preview Showdowns Taking Place Sunday, June 6 on Mayweather vs. Logan Paul SHOWTIME PPV Undercard from
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens
 
 
NEW YORK – (May 25, 2021) – WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal and two-division champion Badou Jack, plus former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurdand veteran contender Luis Arias, previewed their respective showdowns on a virtual press conference Tuesday before they step in the ring as part of the SHOWTIME PPV undercard of Mayweather vs. Logan Paul taking place Sunday, June 6 from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
 
Pascal and Jack will meet for a championship rematch in the co-main event of the pay-per-view, while Hurd and Arias square off for a 10-round bout also on pay-per-view. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson making his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell.
 
Tickets for the live event are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
 
JEAN PASCAL
 
“I’m very excited about the rematch. I’ve been training in Puerto Rico since December. I’ve been waiting this whole time for the rematch and I’m ready. I respect Badou, but he’s always whining after he loses. The judges said I won the fight and that’s it.
 
“The first fight, in the first six rounds I did everything well. I might have gotten a little overconfident. I took it a bit too easy after that. The fight got close because of that knockdown he got that wasn’t from a real punch. Without that, it wouldn’t have even been close. We’re going to settle this June 6 in Miami.
 
“I think I just have to pace myself a little better this fight. I got over excited because I’ve sparred with Badou before and know what I can do. I am a veteran, so I shouldn’t have gotten too excited like that. As far as knocking him down again in this fight, my mom taught me that anything you can do once, you can do twice.
 
“I do believe that Badou respects my power. If he doesn’t, then he better watch that fourth round again. But I also have skills with my power. I am naturally-gifted and I have the better skills. I was born for this sport and built to win.
 
“I really think the work in the gym will help so I don’t have ring rust. I’m a veteran. I’ve been here and done that. At this age, it’s better to have more rest than to be over trained. I had the right intensity in camp to make sure I’m not over trained. 
 
“He’s coming for revenge and I’m coming with bad intentions. It’s going to be a great show, so make sure you tune-in for this one.”
 
BADOU JACK
 
“I’m feeling great with my new trainer Jonathon Banks. Physically I’m in amazing shape and I can’t wait. Another week and a half and it’s all going to happen.
 
“This has been in the works since our first fight. Last year Floyd called me and said, ‘it’s on.’ Then the pandemic hit and it got pushed back. There is a reason there is a rematch, because everyone knows who won that fight. It’s better late than never. I was back in the gym Monday after the first fight.
 
“There were three judges and Julie Lederman had it for me and the two other guys had never judged a big fight before. We have two judges for this fight: the right hand and the left hand. That’s it. I’m very confident for this fight and I’m not worried about the judges. I know Jean Pascal is a warrior, and I’m a warrior. I’m just ready to fight.
 
“Looking at the past, yes, I need to start faster. Every fight, that can apply. I will listen to my corner, and we’re going to figure out how to win the fight. By any means we need.
 
“He can say whatever he wants about when I knocked him down. I hit him five straight times and he swung and missed and I hit him. That’s why he went down.
 
“This is going to be a firefight. We already know that. Tune in to this fight. Boxing is not a game and I’m going to show everyone that and try to steal the show.
 
“I’ve watched the last fight once or twice, maybe three times. I just need to make some small adjustments. You can always do better. I’m more confident than last time. I know we are both warriors. We’ve fought everyone. We’re the same age (Jack is 37; Pascal 38), even though I look a little bit better. I’m looking younger. Nobody has seen my birth certificate. I’m not really 37. I’m 27.”
 
JARRETT HURD
 
“Training camp has been great. I haven’t fought in a year and a half, so I had a chance to really take my time with this camp. I’ve had a lot of time to put in the work. I’m training with fighters like Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, Troy Isley and a lot more. We’re all out here working day after day.
 
“Arias is a great fighter. This is going to be the type of toe-to-toe fight I like. He’s going to be there in front of me and ready to fight. He’s never been stopped, so I’ll be prepared to go the distance.
 
“We’ve seen this story before from Arias. He talks a big game but look at his fights against top fighters. It doesn’t matter what weight I’m at, Arias knows what’s coming. I suffered a loss, but I got the win in my last fight and I’m on my way back.
 
“I just need a dominant win on June 6. Luis Arias can make it ugly, but I have to go win convincingly and let everyone know I’m back. I don’t want to win in a sloppy way, I want to look good doing it.
 
“He might think he’s catching me at the right time, but it’s not going to be a good time for him on June 6. I can box and I can bang, it doesn’t matter. We’ll decide on fight night which style I’m going to use. I know that I can beat him either way.
 
“I tried to work on my bad habits after my loss. I was a straight-forward guy who just came at you. I wanted to show in my last fight against Francisco Santana that I can use my height and range if I need to. I wanted to box all 10 rounds and I did that. 
 
“I still have too much unfinished business at 154-pounds. I have a lot of fights, including my rematch against Julian Williams, that I still want to get. I want to regain my titles. Me and Jermell Charlo is probably the biggest fight at 154 right now. I want to handle that before I move up in weight.”
 
LUIS ARIAS
 
“Camp has been excellent. I’m excited for the fight. I think this is a perfect fight and a perfect opportunity. It’s a great matchup. I’ve been working on the right things to make sure I’m one hundred percent prepared for this fight and I think I’m catching Jarrett Hurd at the right time. He’s switching styles. He really doesn’t know how he wants to fight.
 
“When this fight was brought to me, he was ranked No. 1 at the Ring Magazine at 154 and that’s part of why I wanted this fight. Leonard Ellerbe asked if I was willing to fight Hurd, and I said one hundred percent. It’s all about challenging yourself. This is another challenge and I never turn down a challenge. I’ve been in there with the best and there’s nothing that Jarrett Hurd can bring to the table that I haven’t already seen.
 
“A win puts me right back in the mix. I’ve always been just one step away from really getting into the mix with the big guys. My last couple fights have all been just one fight away from getting that world title fight. Once I beat Jarrett Hurd on June 6, I’ll be right there with the big dogs. He’s calling out Jermell Charlo and he wants to fight all these other big names, but he’s going to have to get through me. If he loses to me, I’ll be in position for the fights that he wants.
 
“It’s going to be a hard fight. If he wants to bang, we can bang. If he says he wants to box, he’s not the better boxer. But there’s only one way to find out and we’re going to find out in two weeks. I have to do everything that I can do to make sure that I show up and I impress.
 
“I’m still young and I’m still fighting my way through. I just needed to make the proper adjustments. I’m not going to be a desperate fighter. I’m going to go in there and fight the way I fight. I’ve always had championship-level fighting in me, but I just haven’t shown it. This is a perfect opportunity for me to show it.
 
“I’m coming after him. I have to win. He’s not going to have to find me. I’m going to be right there. If I have to box him in the middle of the ring or if I have to put my head in his chest and dog him out, then that’s what I got to do. From the opening bell to the final bell, if we make it to the final bell, I’m going to be on him. We’ll see what type of adjustments he makes, but I don’t feel he’s a better inside fighter than me and I don’t feel like he’s a better boxer than me.”
 
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
 
“The world is buzzing about this whole event, including our terrific undercard with two great professional bouts. Hurd vs. Arias is going to be a scintillating bout. I’ve seen Luis up close and personal during this training camp and I know that he’s 100% prepared and ready to pull off the upset. Hurd on the other hand is looking to maintain his footprint in the 154-pound division and prove he’s the best at that weight.
 
“Pascal and Jack had a fantastic bout a year and a half ago on SHOWTIME. From the opening bell, those guys proved they are great warriors and we expect nothing less in the rematch on June 6. The fans are truly in for a treat on that night.
 
“The energy between these four fighters today has been incredible. As the promoter of this event, I’m excited, so I can only imagine what the fans are in for. Hurd and Arias are both looking to make a statement, and that’s going to roll right into Pascal against Jack, who are going to pick up right where they left off in their first fight.”
 
ABOUT MAYWEATHER VS. LOGAN PAUL
Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is a special exhibition bout presented by Mayweather Promotions, FANMIO and Mavathltcs that will take place on Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased now at SHOWTIME.com andFANMIO.com. The undercard will feature WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal vs. two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 12-round rematch, plus former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd against Luis Arias in a 10-round bout and in a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
For more information visit bit.ly/mayweatherpaul,  www.SHO.com/sports, www.FANMIO.com. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromo,@ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromotions, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO.
boxing

Perfect connection Gilberto“Zurdo” Ramirez & Trainer Julian Chua

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LAS VEGAS (May 25, 2021) – Back in February of 2019, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez had made a decision to move up to fight in the light heavyweight division, and he was searching for a new head trainer.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) immediately connected with a then 28-year-old Julian Chua, a former amateur boxer who had been training boxers at Freddie Roach’s famed Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.  “Zurdo” and Chua are now 2-0 (2 KOs) and preparing for a mega-fought later this year, ideally, against undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs).

How Ramirez ended up with Chua as he head trainer isn’t a typical boxing story.  After all, “Zurdo” was the first Mexican world super middleweight champion, sporting a 29-0 pro record, and only 27 when they first met.

Ramirez’ manager, David Suh, conducted a search to hire Ramirez’ chief second.  He had a list that included some of the top trainers in the industry, as well as a young, relatively unknown – at least outside of southern California – in Chua.

“I don’t know how I got on that list,” a humble Chua said.  “There was going to be a tryout of sorts to determine who would work with ‘Zurdo.’  We trained together in Long Beach (where Ramirez was training) and then I met with David for coffee.  He asked if I was interested in becoming the head trainer.  We trained together a little more.  He liked the way I trained, and we got along well.  I texted David saying we liked working together and that I was interested in becoming his head trainer.

“We clicked right away, and we learned things about each other and how we liked to train.  I study a lot and do a lot of research of how he had been trained, because I wanted to help him to improve. I was getting four fighters ready in LA and “Zurdo” couldn’t go there for sparring.  I said I couldn’t leave these fighters and go to Santa Barbara.  “Zurdo” respected me even more for not jumping ship from those four fighters for a better opportunity.  We still wanted to work with each other, and ‘Zurdo’ made it work. I went to Long Beach twice a week, he came to Wildcard three times.”

Ramirez won his light heavyweight debut April 12, 2019, when Tommy Karpency (29-6-1) was unable to continue after four rounds, followed last December 18th with a 10th round stoppage of Alfonso Lopez (32-3) to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title.

Chua was trained by Roach when he was an amateur from Indiana, but when Chua started at Wildcard, Roach’s assistant Eric Brown became Chua’s mentor.  During his training career at Wildcard West Boxing, known now as Churchill Boxing in Santa Barbara, Chua has trained several world champions in boxing and MMA.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBA and WBO.  “Zurdo” returns to action July 9th in Los Angeles against Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Whether it’s Bivol, or the other world light heavyweight champions — Artur Beterbiev and Joe Smith – “Zurdo” and Chua are preparing to beat the best for Ramirez to wear the coveted World championship crown in a second division.

INFORMATION:

Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez