Category Archives: CBS Boxing

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Robles vs. Claggett crossroads fight Headlines Sept. 9th “Knockout Night at the D” 

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Live on CBS Sports Network from 
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
LAS VEGAS (August 22, 2016) – Undefeated San Diego prospect Emmanuel “Renegade” Robles takes on Canadian welterweight champion Steve “The Dragon” Claggett in a crossroads fight for both on Friday night, September 9, in the return of “Knockout Night at the D,” airing (11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT) live on CBS Sports Networkfrom the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.  Hall Of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call all of the action from ringside on CBS Sports Network.
Robles vs. Claggett, promoted in association with Bobby D Presents, is the 10-round main event for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) – United States junior welterweight championship.
Sept. 9th has the potential to be the most explosive top-to-bottom card in the already praised 2016 “Knockout Night at the D” series, which consistently showcases tomorrow’sstars in highly competitive, compelling match-ups.
“Knockout Night at the D’ is truly establishing itself in Downtown Las Vegas as a premier event for boxing fans in the community and beyond,” said Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC. “From hometown heavy-hitters to up-and-coming amateur fighters, the second half of this series will bring unforgettable, action-packed shows that can’t be missed.”
A former World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino super lightweight champion, as well as a 2008 National PAL gold medalist.  Robles (15-0-1, 5 KOs) needs an impressive victory on national television in order to advance to the next level of the junior welterweight division. The southpaw has won his last 11 fights since his 2012 draw with 7-0
Adrian Vargas.
Emmanuel Robles
(photo by Marcus Tanner Shepard)
“I am excited to showcase my skills once again as the main event on a Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions card,” Robles said. “Both of my promoters, RJJ & Bobby D, are presenting me with such an incredible opportunity to fight for the Regional NABA Title belt. My opponent is in for the boxing lesson of his life. I know Claggett will be a strong contender and brings a power punch to the table.   He is going to be challenging, the toughest opponent I’ve had to face thus far in my boxing career, but I am ready to show my opponent and his team the skills that will help me capture the title and bring it home to RJJ and my team.
“It’s an honor to display my superior boxing skills for Roy Jones Jr. on CBS Sports Network and I am humbled that Las Vegas has accepted me with such open arms.  Defeating Claggett will put me on the map as a contender for the top 140-pounders in the world such as (Adrien) Broner, (Terence)Crawford & (Victor) Postal.
The 27-year-old Claggett (23-4-1, 16 KOs) needs to bounce back from a disputed 10-round loss by majority decision the Chris van Heerden in his last fight this past April, also at the DLVEC, to revitalize his career. Claggett is taking a risk by dropping down one weight class in order to challenge junior welterweight Robles.
Steve Claggett
(Photo by Tom Donoghue / the D

“This fight means everything to me,” Claggett explained.  It is a make or break fight for my career and I have a chance to re-enter the boxing world at 140 pounds, which is a weight that I believe I should have been fighting at a little while ago. I have a new trainer for the first time – a new team – and I am looking forward to showing fans a new fighter. A victory will stamp my name as a true world champion contender. I understand my position and I know that I am on the ‘B’ side, but I have been in this position many times before. I have a lot of experience in the sport of boxing and it has finally all come together for me. This will be my best fight. My focus and training will show on fight night.

“My opponent is a strong fighter. Robles is a sharp boxer and he has a good history in the sport as well. He is a southpaw and brings a good record to the table. All respect to the Robles team, but I am ready to fight for my life, and this is what this sport is all about. Expect me to bring everything I have and put on a ’10’ war for the fans.”
A firefight is developing for the 8-round co-feature between unbeaten prospects Rolando “Rola” Garza (9-0, 6 KOs) and Neeco “Roster” Macias (12-0, 6 KOs), who will throw-down for the vacant WBC – US junior middleweight championship.
The opening 4-round television fight pits two young welterweights, local favorite Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (5-0, 2 KOs) and Texan Steve Belmonte (2-0), in another rare showdown between unbeaten prospects.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercards are undefeated Ugandan lightweight prospectIsmail “Sharp Shooter” Muwendo (17-0, 11 KOs), fighting out of Minneapolis, in an 8-rounder vs. TBA. In 4-round fights, 20-year-old junior lightweight Randy Moreno (3-0, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, will be matched against an opponent to be announced and Las Vegas junior flyweight Marina Ramirez (1-0) meets New Jersey’s Rachel “The Black Widow” Sazoff (0-1).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission (seated), are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:15 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @Jflashgang, @SteveTheBoxer, @IMuwendo, @RandyMoreno
boxing, CBS Boxing

Thomas LaManna Boxes Dusty Hernandez-Harrison For USBA Welterweight Title Sept. 15 On CBS Sports Network From Philadelphia

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Philadelphia, PA – Welterweights Thomas LaManna and Dusty Hernandez-Harrison will square off in a scheduled 10-round bout for the vacant USBA Welterweight title on Thursday, Sept. 15, in a highly anticipated showdown at the 2300 Arena. The card is promoted by Final Forum Boxing, Peltz Boxing Promotions & GH3 Promotions and will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
 “This is the kind of fight boxing needs at this juncture,” said Hall-of-Fame promoter and matchmaker J Russell Peltz. “We have two young prospects at the same level meeting in a logical location–New Jersey against Washington, D.C. in Philadelphia. Boxing needs more fights like this in this kind of setting. This is the best fight for each of these fighters at this point of their careers.”
The wick for this explosive fight was lit several years ago when LaManna and Hernandez-Harrison engaged in heated sparring sessions which forged the rivalry for the inevitable bout.
LaManna, 24, of Millville, NJ, has a record of 21-1, 9 K0s. He has been fighting regularly on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ, since turning pro in 2011. He won his first 16 bouts, highlighted by wins over Ashandi Gibbs, of Tampa, FL, and Jamaal Davis, of Philadelphia. Since suffering his only loss to world-ranked middleweight Antoine Douglas, of Burke, VA, last year in a ShoBox-televised contest, LaManna moved back down to welterweight and has won five matches in a row. In his last fight July 22 at the Claridge in Atlantic City, Lamanna, knocked out Engleberto Valenzuela, of Mexico, in the first round.
 “I’ve been looking forward to this fight for a long time,” said LaManna. “Our careers have run parallel. Dusty will bring plenty of fans to support him that night and the same goes for me. It’s an intriguing match for both of us and it’s in a natural setting where it belongs.”
Hernandez-Harrison, 22, of Washington, DC, is 29-0-1, 21K0s. He has been touted as the city’s “best boxing prospect since Sugar Ray Leonard” by the Washington Magazine.

He began fighting at the age of 6 in a boxing exhibition at the Ritz Nightclub in Northwest D.C. and became a sanctioned amateur at the age of 8.
Hernandez-Harrison compiled an amateur record of 167-30, winning Ringside World Championships, National Silver Gloves Championships and three consecutive National Golden Gloves Championships from 2007 to 2009. He turned pro in 2011 at the age of 17 in Mississippi, the youngest licensed pro boxer at the time.
Under the promotional banner of Roc Nation, Hernandez-Harrison has wins over Tim Witherspoon, Jr., of Philadelphia, Tommy Rainone, of New York, and Michael Clark, of Columbus, OH. His fights have been televised by ESPN, Fox Sports 1 and BET and he recently entered into agreements with FILA and GEICO to be a brand ambassador, the only professional boxer to represent each prestigious company.
 “This is a big opportunity for both of us,” said Hernandez-Harrison  “The winner will get a Top 15 world ranking by the IBF and that’s what this is about. I have known Thomas for a long time, but that all goes out the window when we step into the ring.
Final Forum Promtions of New York presents this event exclusively LIVE on CBS Sports Network.  Salvatore Musumeci of Final Forum Promotions said, “I am extremely proud to produce this exciting world-class as the first of our 2016 series of Championship Title Boxing.  I hope this event will set the tone and excitement level for the rest of our 2016 Championship Title Boxing series exclusively on CBS Sports Network.  I especially want to thank our co-promotions team, all our sponsors, our executive production team and of course CBS who have worked all in unison to make this event and the championship Title Boxing series something of the fans of the sport will come to appreciate and expect the best in world-class sports entertainment.”

Three GH3 Promotions fighters will appear on the televised undercard.

Scheduled to appear in the co-feature will be super middleweight Jerry Odom(14-2-1, 13 KO’s) of Baltimore, Maryland in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds; welterweight Kenneth Sims Jr. (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Chicago in an six-round bout; bantamweight Leroy Davila (2-0, 1 KO) of New Brunswick, New Jersey in a four-round fight,
More bouts will be announced shortly.
 Tickets for the eight-fight card, which begins at 7.00 pm, are priced at $75, $50 and $40 They are available at Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922), at the 2300 Arena(267-273-0945) and Bam Boxing (215-280-6709).
boxing, CBS Boxing

Results from CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing in Temecula, California 

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‘Bravo’ Brant Stops Fitzpatrick in Three, Continues March to Middleweight Title Shot
 
Current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion and WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight Rob “Bravo” Brant (21-0, 14 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, kept his momentum plowing forward and continued to impress tonight with a one-sided beatdown of Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-5, 6 KOs) of Cleveland.
 
Fighting in the 10-round main event of CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing from the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, Brant had too many weapons for the game Fitzpatrick.
 
The event, a televised quadrupleheader, was Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with the International Championship Boxing League (ICBL), Ringside Ticket Inc., and David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions.
 
Brant moved smoothly around the ring, landing at will. He dropped Fitzpatrick with an uppercut in round two (Fitzpatrick nearly fell out of the ring) and finished it with another knockdown at 1:18 of round three.
 
Typically candid, Brant said the game plan was to not let Fitzpatrick get a toe hold in the fight. “He’s the type of guy, if you let him hang in there, he’ll hang for a number of rounds,” said Brant, post-fight. “I wanted to make an example of him and make sure I put him down.”
 
The future looks bright for the red-hot Brant, who seems to tighten up his game with every performance. “Under the tutelage of Derrick James, I’ve learned to sit down on my punches and stay defensively sound at the same time,” he continued, “but now it’s time to step up the level of competition. As nice as it is to get these kinds of win, it’s a lot nicer to get them up a level.”
 
In the co-main event, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger “No Surrender” Skender Halili made quick work of Silver Springs, Maryland, veteran Ben Odamattey.
Halili, with a record of 11-1, 11 KOs, caught Odamattey with his proven power early and it quickly became apparent he couldn’t handle it. Odamattey tried bravely to keep his feet under the hell fire. He rose from a knockdown but was quickly under siege again and with Odamattey’s legs betraying him, Referee Ray Corona waved it off at 1:17 of the first.
Odamattey slips to 16-15-3, 9 KOs. Halili, never in a bad fight, is becoming “must see TV” with his action-packed way of doing things.
 
Undefeated middleweight Cem “The Champ” Killic (6-0, 3 KOs) did what he was supposed to do in his tryout fight for GCP, by tearing through debuting Vegas fighter Jerhed Fenderson (0-1).
Fenderson looked to have some skills and fought evenly with Killic in the first round.
However, Killic, of Frankfurt, Germany, now residing in Sherman Oaks, California, took over in round two, clubbing a tiring Fenderson against the ropes with heavy shots until dropping him hard to get the stoppage.
The end came at 1:50 of round two.
To start the televised bouts, Baltimore, Maryland welterweight Malik “Ice Man” Hawkins had to work all four rounds to move his record to 9-0, 7 KOs against a surprisingly determined Sean “The Beast of War” Gee (3-4) of Portland, Oregon.
Hawkins had too much speed and skill for the brawling Gee, but Gee kept it interesting with his wild swings and willingness to exchange. Hawkins’ brilliance carried the night though as he was given a unanimous decision (40-36 x 3).
In the night’s opening bout, Detroit’s Jarico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (3-0, 2 KOs) survived a scare from nearby Oceanside California’s Jonathon Quiroz (6-3, 1 KO) in their bantamweight four-rounder.
O’Quinn came out firing in the first, as expected, but Quiroz figured out how to time him with looping shots in the second. He rocked O’Quinn to his boots with a right but wasn’t able to finish.
O’Quinn did a little more in the final two rounds, but credit the California judges for not playing home favorites. The scores, met with booing, were 39-37 across the board.
“It was a good step up for me, being 2-0, fighting someone with nine fights,” said O’Quinn. “I learned that not everybody is going to lay down and that’s exactly what I wanted. I didn’t want a cake-walk.
What was supposed to be a routine dual-pro-debut for two unknowns quickly turned into an epic war for ages, as “Slick” Will Davis finally managed to stop a wild-swinging Erick Fowler in four rounds.
A classic “skill vs. will” match-up, Davis would land his sharp, educated combinations only to be answered every time by the clubbing shots of the iron-chinned Fowler.
With momentum swinging back-and-forth every few seconds, Davis dropped Fowler in the second. Fowler returned the favor in the third.
By the fourth round even the crowd was exhausted, as Davis landed a barrage of unanswered shots that finished things at the :39 seconds mark of round four.
Local super flyweight product Danny Andujo (1-0, 1 KO) turned professional with a quick stoppage of San Jose’s Israel Hernandez, now 1-3-1, 1 KO.
Andujo swarmed, landing hard shots against the outgunned Hernandez, who took the 10 count at :55 of the first round.
And finally, undefeated Temecula featherweight Robert Meza (3-0-0, 1 KO) cruised to a dominant four-round decision over brave, but crude Jose Fabian Naranjo (3-3-1, 1 KO)
of Baja California, Mexico.
The scores were 40-36 x 3.
boxing, CBS Boxing

Undercard Announced for CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing Quadrupleheader, this Friday, August 5, at Pechanga

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A host of local up-and-comers in exciting match-ups highlight the untelevised undercard forthis Friday’s (August 5, 2016) CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing quadrupleheader in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.
 
Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with the International Championship Boxing League (ICBL), Ringside Ticket Inc., and David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, the 10-round main event will feature WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight and current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion, Rob “Bravo” Brant (20-0, 13 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, taking on Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-4, 6 KOs) of Cleveland.
 
Tickets for CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing are priced at $85, $65 and $50 and are available at www.pechanga.com or by calling the Pechanga Box Office:(877) 711-2946.
 
In the six-round super welterweight co-featured bout, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger Skender Halili (10-1, 10 KOs) will look to keep his perfect knockout record intact against experienced Ghanian veteran (now living in Silver Springs, Maryland) Ben Odamattey (16-14-3, 9 KOs). In another televised four-rounder, undefeated former amateur world champion Cem Killic (5-0, 2 KOs) of Sherman Oaks, California, via Frankfurt, Germany, will take on pro-debuting middleweight Jerhed Fenderson of Las Vegas. And in the night’s opening televised bout, red-hot prospect Malik Hawkins (8-0, 7 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland, will look to keep his march to the top of the welterweight division alive against Portland, Oregon’s Sean Gee (3-4).
Topping the night’s undercard will be Temecula, California’s undefeated Robert Meza (2-0-0, 1 KO) in a four-round featherweight duel with Baja California, Mexico’s Jose Fabian Naranjo (3-2-1, 1 KO).
Also in action will be Detroit-based bantamweight Jarico O’Quinn (2-0, 2 KOs) taking on the more experienced Jonathon Quiroz (6-3, 1 KO) from Oceanside, California.
Making his anticipated professional debut will be Temecula, California’s Danny Andujo in a super flyweight four-rounder against San Jose’s Israel Hernandez (1-2-1, 1 KO).
A dual-pro-debut lightweight four-rounder will pit Las Vegas’ Erick Fowler against Sacramento’s Will Davis.
And opening up the action will be a super welterweight four-rounder between San Diego’s undefeated Kevin Ottley (2-0, 2 KOs) and Hawthorne’s Brian True (1-4, 1 KO).
The Pechanga Resort & Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, CA. For more information, call 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.pechanga.com. On fight night, doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7 pm. All bouts subject to change.
boxing, CBS Boxing

July 23rd “Cancun Boxing” Chavez vs. Moreno women’s world title fight To air tonight at 10 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network

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CANCUN, Mexico (August 4, 2016) – American boxing fans will have a rare opportunity to watch a women’s world title fight on national television as “Cancun Boxing,” presented by Pepe Gomez Boxing in association with Neon Star Media, will air tonight (Thursday, Aug. 4), starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on CBS Sports Network.
The event, which took place July 23, 2016, is the second in the “Cancun Boxing” series that will air on CBS Sports Network in 2016. Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, will play host to all events in this ongoing series.

Hall-of-Famer announcers Jim “JR” Ross and Al Bernstein called the action live from ringside in Cancun, Mexico.

“We’re very happy to be in a new partnership with Neon Star Media, whose belief in the quality of Cancun Boxing has led to our product being shown throughout the United States on CBS Sports Network,” Cancun Boxing president Pepe Gomez said. “American boxing fans really appreciate Mexican boxers and they will love all of the action from the capital of boxing in Mexico, Cancun Quintana Roo.”
The main event was a scheduled 10-round World Boxing Council (WBC) female world flyweight title fight between Mexico City rivals, defending champion Jessica “Kika” Chavez (26-4-3, 4 KOs) and challenger Esmeralda “Joya” Moreno (33-8-1. 11 KOs), in a rematch of their February 19, 2011 fight, in which Moreno won a 10-round unanimous decision.
Chavez, 28, captured her WBC flyweight crown last September, taking a unanimous 10-round decision from Arely Mucino (21-2-2), followed by successful title defenses against Simona Galassi (WTDEC9) and, most recently, Vanesa Lorena (WDEC10) this past March.
During her outstanding 7-year professional career, Chavez has been International Boxing Federation (IBF) and Interim World Boxing Federation (WBF) light flyweight champion. She also has several other title belts in her collection, including WBC International female in addition to WBC Silver and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light flyweight.
WBC No. 5-rated Moreno, 28, defeated Eva Voraberger (20-4) by majority 10-round decision this past April in Austria for the International Boxing Organization (IBO), Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) and Global Boxing Union (GBU) world super flyweight titles.
In 2012, she won a 10-round decision over Naomi Togashi (10-0-1) for the WBC world light flyweight championship, followed by one title defense victory against Maricela Quintero (WDEC10). She has also been WBC Youth and WBC Silver light flyweight, Mexican bantamweight and light flyweight champion.
In their original match-up, Moreno won a convincing 10-round decision over Chavez, by scores of 98-92 by all three judges, for the vacant WBC Silver and Interim Mexico light flyweight titles.
In The 10-round co-feature, Mexican welterweights Jose “Piston” Lopez and Diego “Demoledor” Cruz went toe-to-toe with future title fight implications at stake.
The 25-year-old Lopez (25-5-2, 15 KOs) was a late replacement for injured Roberto “Massa” Ortiz.   A former World Boxing Federation (WBF) champion, upset-minded Cruz (15-3-1, 12 KOs) is a 22-year-old prospect from Mexico City who was riding a 10-fight win streak, dating back two years, going into his fight with Lopez.
The other televised bout was an intriguing match-up between former WBC World super bantamweight champion Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (37-3-1, 21 KOs) and battle-tested Cristian “El Rudo” Arrazola (20-11-2, 15 KOs).
The 33-year-old Terrazas, who hadn’t fought since his losing his WBC title nearly three years ago to Leo Santa Cruz, captured the vacant WBC crown in 2013, taking a 12-round split decision from fellow Mexican great Cristian Mijares. Terrazas also holds a notable victory by way of a unanimous 12-round decision over another Mexican boxing icon, 5-time, 3-division world champion Fernando Montiel, for the vacant WBC Silver super bantamweight championship.
 
“US viewers will enjoy our Cancun Boxing fights, Mexican against Mexican,” Gomez concluded. “Our fights showcase some of the most recognized Mexican fighters, in addition to competitive, young Mexican warriors ready to advance from prospect to contender. We’re in a new era of Mexican boxing and this new generation of Mexican fighters will be fighting sometime soon in the United States and around the world.”
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com
 
INFORMATION
 
Twitter: @pepegomezcancun, @cancun_boxing, @Neonstarmedia
Instagram: @pepegomez1

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/pepigomezquiqui,www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/

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Light Heavyweight Contender Mike Lee to Serve on Broadcast Commentary Team on CBS Sports Network, this Friday, August 5, at Pechanga

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Undefeated light heavyweight contender Mike Lee will join the broadcast team as a color analyst for this Friday’s (August 5, 2016) CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing quadrupleheader in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.
 
Lee will join blow-by-blow man Alan Massenagle and color analysts Steve Kim and Patrick Ortiz live at 11 pm ET/8 pm PT when Greg Cohen Promotions and Ringside Ticket Inc. (in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions) present four exciting nationally televised professional fights, headlined by WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight and current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion, Rob “Bravo” Brant (20-0, 13 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, in a 10-round battle against Cleveland’s Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-4, 6 KOs).
 
Tickets for CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing are priced at $85, $65 and $50 and are available at www.pechanga.com or by calling the Pechanga Box Office:(877) 711-2946.
 
In the six-round super welterweight co-featured bout, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger Skender Halili (10-1, 10 KOs) will look to keep his perfect knockout record intact against experienced Ghanian veteran (now living in Silver Springs, Maryland) Ben Odamattey (16-14-3, 9 KOs).
In another televised four-rounder, undefeated former amateur world champion Cem Killic (5-0, 2 KOs) of Sherman Oaks, California, via Frankfurt, Germany, will take on pro-debuting middleweight Jerhed Fenderson of Las Vegas.
And in the night’s opening televised bout, red-hot prospect Malik Hawkins (8-0, 7 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland, will look to keep his march to the top of the welterweight division alive against Portland, Oregon’s Sean Gee (3-4).
 
An ambassador for the sport of boxing, Lee (17-0, 10 KOs) is a former Subway national spokesperson and holds a Finance degree from The University of Notre Dame. He also does extensive work and donates most of his fight purses to charitable causes such as the Children’s Memorial Hospital and the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation.
 
The 29-year-old Chicago native has fought on the undercards of some of boxing’s most prestigious events. He was last seen in the ring in June in New York City, where he scored a unanimous eight-round decision over Mike Snider (then 10-3-3).
Lee will join an already stellar broadcast team of experts.
Blow-by-blow man Alan Massenagle is currently known as the “most watched international blow-by-blow boxing announcer on television.” Currently the voice of the World Series of Boxing, Massengale has travelled the globe extensively during his award-winning career, which also includes having served as the most watched Sports Personality in Los Angeles for 10 years. He has also served as anchor for ESPN Sportscenter, Prime Ticket and Fox Sports He received the Golden Mike Award twice for best sportscast in the Los Angeles market, and was honored four times by the Southern California Sportscasters Association.
Long-time boxing journalist Steve Kim is internationally recognized for his commentary and opinion preceding major pay-per-view boxing bouts. Patrick Ortiz is the President of Ringside Ticket Inc. and Lords of the Cage, which specializes in providing Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing events for Tribal Casinos.
 
The night’s five-fight undercard, packed with local prospects and contenders, will be announced shortly.
 
The Pechanga Resort & Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, CA. For more information, call 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.pechanga.com. On fight night,doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7 pm. All bouts subject to change.
boxing, CBS Boxing

BRANT VS FITZPATRICK HEADLINES CBS SPORTS NETWORK CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING THIS FRIDAY AT PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

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This Friday, August 5, 2016, in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, Greg Cohen Promotions and Ringside Ticket Inc., in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, will proudly present a quadrupleheader of professional boxing, televised live on CBS Sports Network (11 pm ET/8 pm PT).
In the night’s televised main event, red-hot WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight and current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion, Rob “Bravo” Brant (20-0, 13 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, will look to keep his momentum going in a 10-round battle against Cleveland’s Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-4, 6 KOs).
In the six-round super welterweight co-featured bout, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger Skender Halili (10-1, 10 KOs) will look to keep his perfect knockout record intact against experienced Ghanian veteran (now living in Silver Springs, Maryland) Ben Odamattey (16-14-3, 9 KOs).
In another televised four-rounder, undefeated former amateur world champion Cem Killic (5-0, 2 KOs) of Sherman Oaks, California, via Frankfurt, Germany, will take on pro-debuting middleweight Jerhed Fenderson of Las Vegas.
And in the night’s opening televised bout, red-hot prospect Malik Hawkins (8-0, 7 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland, will look to keep his march to the top of the welterweight division alive against Portland, Oregon’s Sean Gee (3-4).
Tickets for CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing are priced at $85, $65 and $50 and are available at www.pechanga.com or by calling the Pechanga Box Office:(877) 711-2946.
 
25-year-old Brant has already won two fights this year. In April, he took care of Arkansas veteran Delray Raines in less than a round and in January, he scored a nationally televised “Knockout of the Year” candidate against formidable contender DeCarlo Perez. The victory put Brant on the radar of the boxing world.
29-year-old Fitzpatrick went undefeated in his first 15 fights and only suffered setbacks against some of the world’s top middleweights, including world champion Daniel Jacobs. “The Irish Ghost” is never in a bad fight and will test any would-be contender’s true mettle.
Promoter Greg Cohen says he’s excited to be bringing his popular televised boxing series to California.
“This is our first scheduled quadrupleheader and we’re excited to be bringing it to a classic boxing venue like the Pechanga,” said Cohen. “Rob Brant will be in against a guy who will take you out if you don’t have the goods. Skender Halili’s last fight was one of the best of the year, so I look forward to another slugfest. Cem Kilic won’t have it easy. Although his opponent is making his debut, he can really fight. And we all get another look at the amazing talent of Malik Hawkins to open the night. It’s truly a great night of boxing. Thanks to my partners and the wonderful staff at Pechanga for helping make it happen.”
The night’s jam-packed undercard will be announced later this week.
The Pechanga Resort & Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, CA. For more information, call 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.pechanga.com. On fight night,doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7 pm. All bouts subject to change.
boxing, CBS Boxing

 “Cancun Boxing” on CBS Sports Network   June 4th replay airing this Friday night

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Mijares vs. Gutierrez main event ended in controversy
YOU BE THE JUDGE!
CANCUN, Mexico / LAS VEGAS (July 18, 2016) – The next edition of “Cancun Boxing,” presented by Pepe Gomez Boxing in association with Neon Star Media, will air Friday, July 22 at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT on CBS Sports Network from Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex in Cancun, Mexico. Encore presentations are scheduled forSaturday, July 23 at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT and Saturday, July 30 at 2 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. PT.
Hall-of-Famer announcers Jim “JR” Ross and Al Bernstein handle blow-by-blow and color commentary, respectively, from ringside.
The event, which took place June 4, 2016, is the first in the “Cancun Boxing” series that will air on CBS Sports Network in 2016. Grand Oasis Cancun and Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, will play host to all events in the series.
Mexico’s 3-time world super flyweight champion Cristian “El Diamante” Mijares (53-8-2, 26 KOs) took on his fellow countryman, undefeated Andres “Jaguarito” Gutierrez (34-0-1, 24 KOs), in the 12-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Featherweight Championship.  The outcome was controversial and now American viewers can be the judge.
WBC top 10 rated Mijares (pictured to left), 34, is a former IBF, WBA Super and WBC super flyweight world champion. The future Hall of Fame candidate is 11-5 in world title fights with key victories over Chatchai Sasakul,Jorge Arce and Katsushige Kawashima (twice).
The 22-year-old Gutierrez (pictures to right), rated No. 6 by the WBC, turned pro at 15.  The hot prospect has collected numerous title belts, including WBC Silver and Caribbean Boxing Federation super bantamweight, International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight, and WBC FECARBOX and World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedecentro featherweight.
In a battle of typically tough Mexican welterweights, Ivan “Zurdo” Alvarez (23-5, 16 KOs), a southpaw who was riding a 10-fight win streak into his June 4th match up, met former World Boxing Federation (WBF) champion Jose “Piston” Lopez (25-4-2, 15 KOs) in a scheduled 8-round bout.
Also airing is a scheduled 8-round showdown between dangerous Mexican and Filipino rivals, Edgar “Power” Jimenez (21-11-2, 15 KOs) and Jovylito “J-Flash” Aligarbes (12-3, 6 KOs). The 23-year-old Jimenez is a former FECARBOX bantamweight and Mexican flyweight champion who, two fights ago, took a 10-round decision from 28-0 Ivan Morales.  The highlight of Aligarbes’ pro career to date is stopping Angelito Merin in the second round of their WBC Youth World super flyweight title fight in 2013.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com
 
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boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

KEITH THURMAN OUTPOINTS SHAWN PORTER IN FIGHT OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE SATURDAY IN PRIMETIME ON CBS

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Jarrett Hurd Knocks Out Oscar Molina In Opening Bout Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

 

Click HERE for Photos From Esther Lin/Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (June 26, 2016) – Prizefighting returned to CBS on Saturday with a Fight of the Year candidate as undefeated welterweight world champion Keith Thurman edged former world champion Shawn Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges.

 

The 12,718 fans in attendance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the viewers across the U.S. watching the first primetime boxing event on CBS since Muhammed Ali-Leon Spinks in 1978 were treated to a slugfest between two of the brightest stars in boxing’s glamour division.

 

Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) combined to throw over 1200 punches in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.  The marquee showdown was a story of accuracy vs. activity, as Thurman landed 50 percent of his power shots, compared to 38 percent for Porter, and 44 percent of his total punches compared to just 36 percent for the challenger.  While Thurman landed at a higher percentage, Porter was the busier fighter, throwing over 100 more punches across 12 rounds.

 

“One Time” and “Showtime” delivered as advertised, with the powerful sharpshooter buckling Porter multiple times, while the swarming and smothering Porter barreled forward to bully Thurman into the ropes.  And while there were no knockdowns, the back-and-forth blockbuster never lacked action and culminated in a standing ovation in the second-highest attended boxing event in Barclays Center history.

 

“I want to thank Shawn Porter for a tremendous fight.  He’s a great warrior,” said Thurman.  “Defense is the key to victory.  He smothers his punches a lot and makes it difficult for the judges to score.  I was able to rock him with clear, effective blows and I believe that was the difference today.

 

“I would give him a rematch. It was great fight.  He was a great opponent.  Everyone was saying would he be my toughest opponent to date.  I wasn’t able to drop him but I did buckle him a few times.”

The former world champion Porter, a perennial underdog but consummate gentleman, didn’t complain about being on the losing end of his second close decision in a title bout.

 

“We worked hard, Keith is a great champion,” Porter said. “My dad says to keep your head up.  I think I won the fight, but I’m satisfied because the competitor came out tonight.

 

“We need that rematch.  I know the fans want that rematch.  If he gives me another chance, I’m going to work hard in the ring and leave with his title.”

 

The opening bout of the CBS telecast featured a matchup of undefeated super welterweights as Jarrett Hurd graduated from prospect to legitimate contender in the stacked 154-pound class with a dominating 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina.

 

Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) got to work early, flooring Molina for the first time in his career in the opening round with a powerful counter right uppercut.  The bigger and taller Hurd was the more active fighter from the outset, dismantling the previously unbeaten Mexican Olympian with a supremely effective inside game.  Hurd threw nearly 750 punches over 10 rounds, compared to just 376 for Molina, connecting on 220 power shots at a nearly 40 percent clip.

 

Hurd put a stamp on his performance in the final round, closing the show by out landing Molina 33-7 in the final round.  With Molina taking a brutal beating and seemingly defenseless in the final minute of the final round, Ricky Gonzalez stepped in to halt the contest at 2:02.

 

“This is definitely a big win for my career,” Hurd said.  “He was taking a lot of shots, but he knew how to survive.  It was a big uppercut that knocked him down in round one. People know from my last fight that I have a great right uppercut.  He was hurt a couple of times. I don’t think it was a bad stoppage. Molina is a very tough guy who just kept coming through.

 

“This fight here puts me up with the top contenders in the division. I felt like I could have gone three or four more rounds. I was getting stronger as the fight went on.  We’re going right back to the gym so we can get in there again.”

 

Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) protested, but barring a stunning knockout he was just seconds away from suffering the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision.

 

“I felt like Hurd was throwing a lot of punches in the tenth round but they weren’t really hurting me,” Molina said. “He was staying busy but he was never really hurting me.

 

“I went low and I had my head down and he caught me with that uppercut in the first round. He got me with a shot I wasn’t expecting but it was definitely a flash knockdown. I wasn’t hurt.

 

“I was supposed to use my footwork a lot more but I ended up smothering my shots. He had an awkward defense with a lot of bending down and I couldn’t get into a rhythm.

 

“This was a big opportunity for me and I felt like I fought a good fight. I’m going to come back stronger. We’re going to work on a lot of things and get back in there.”

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

 

Earlier in the evening on SHOWTIME, undefeated heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF Heavyweight World Championship for the first time with a seventh round knockout of previously unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale at The O2 in London.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/28VGgsa

 

Below are quotes from Joshua after Saturday’s win on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL:

 

Many thought that Dominic Breazeale wouldn’t be able to stand up to your power and speed, but were you grateful for the opportunity to work a little bit more of your boxing skills?

“Well, it’s hard because you can see they’re hurt with every shot – well not every shot – but when you start catching them flush, they can feel the shots with these ten ounce gloves on. So, it’s just a matter of time, but in the process I didn’t want to be receiving any haymakers on the way back.

 

“It’s been tough I had two weeks off after my last fight, and got straight back in the gym so it was tough. I get a nice little break for once and then I can come back with recharged batteries.”

 

We know Deontay Wilder was watching the fight. Have you got a message for him, the WBC Champion? 

“Unbelievable inspirational person. He was patient, 30-odd fights [and] got his hands on the WBC [belt]. I’m following suit. I’m making my way into the U.S. with SHOWTIME backing me as well. So, he watched that.

 

“He can pick up whatever he wants to pick up from that, but it’s so different when you’re in the ring with each other. So one day we’ll get to experience what each other’s about.”

 

Who do you want to fight next? 

“Well I think it’s gonna have to be the likes of [Joseph] Parker. I was really looking at Fury… I hope he gets better soon. He hurt his ankle unfortunately, which has postponed it because  I was hoping to get that some time in the winter if everything went well July 9th like it didtonight, but we’re gonna have to reschedule that and in the meantime, we can look at other opponents like Parker, if he’s vacant, or anyone else that the people want.”

 

What do you think that you still need to work on?

“Rest. I need to rest. I’m tired, I’m working hard and as I said, now i can get

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. DOMINIC BREAZEALE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPTHIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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“You’re in my jungle now” – Anthony Joshua

 

“I came across the pond to get my belt and take it back home with me” – Dominic Breazeale

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Sport

 

LONDON (June 23, 2016) – Undefeated IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KOs) and fellow unbeaten American challenger Dominic Breazeale (17-0, 15 KOs), participated in the final press conference on Thursday at Sky Sports Studios in London, just two days before their showdown this Saturday.

 

The British sensation and 2012 Olympic Games Gold Medalist, Joshua will make the first defense of his title against Breazeale, a 2012 U.S. Olympian from Upland, Calif., this Saturday, June 25 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® from a sold-out The O2 in London, live onSHOWTIME® on at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

 

Fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, the undefeated WBC titleholder, will join the SHOWTIME announce team as an in-studio guest analyst for coverage of Joshua-Breazeale from New York.

 

A few hours later Saturday, in primetime on CBS (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), Keith “One Time” Thurman will defend his WBA Welterweight World Title against former champ Shawn “Showtime” Porter in a welterweight blockbuster that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say at the final press conference, followed by some recent fight week quotes.  (Courtesy Sky Sports and Matchroom Sport)

 

ANTHONYJOSHUA:

 

“You’re in my jungle now.  There’s no pressure on me.

 

“Once that bell goes, you can’t hide the instinct, the instinct that you want to get someone out of there.  I hope I can go in there, stay relaxed and do what I planned to do.  But once that bell rings something just comes over you and you want to get him out of there ASAP.

 

“There will always be pressure. But look, it’s always been the same concept: Train hard – it’s the same ring. It hasn’t changed.

 

“I’ve got nothing to lose. I’ve always explained let’s get rid of the belts, the atmosphere, because when the bell goes it’s just me and him in the ring.  Two gladiators, two respectful warriors coming together. We’re going to slug it out and put our 0s on the line.”

 

“I’m prepared, Dominic is prepared well, and one of us has to take a loss.

 

“Each fight is a stepping stone to the big tests. I want to look like the real deal.”

 

“I think we’re in the golden era of boxing again.”

 

DOMINIC BREAZEALE:

“I respect you as a fighter, but I’m going to beat you. I’ve got to beat the best of the best.”

 

“I can’t wait, it’s been an opportunity I’ve been waiting eight years for this. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m ready for this.

 

“Expect fireworks. We’ll be going round for round, punch for punch and I expect to knock out Joshua.”

 

“I got a big right hand, I have a big left hook.  I stand 6-foot-7, 255 pounds.  I’m unorthodox – I’m a guy that can fight on the inside, I’m a guy that can take a punch, I’m a guy that can give a punch.  So if any one of those given things show up on Saturday night I’m getting a knockout, for sure.

 

“It’s a major advantage just for me to have Anthony Joshua the whole time.  I don’t want him at any given point for him to feel like he’s in his comfort zone, his own backyard or his own little lion’s den.

 

“That’s what I came across the pond to do. I came across the pond to get my belt and take it back home with me.

 

“It’s my Super Bowl.  Being a former football player, this is my Super Bowl.”

 

“Everybody keeps comparing me to Charles Martin, the only thing that we have in common is that we’re both American. We have a completely different fight style, different goals in life.

 

“I’m a big puncher, so is Anthony Joshua. He has the belt and I intend to have it on Saturday night.

 

ADDITIONAL FIGHT WEEK QUOTES:

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA

 

“I’m 16 fights, 16 wins, Dominic is 17 fights, 17 wins.  We’ve been pro for the same amount of time, amateurs for the same time so we’re at a similar level on paper.

 

“People think this will end in two rounds?  Brilliant. I am winning fights early because of my talent and hard work.  Where I am in my career, it’s a perfect fight.

 

“I don’t overlook anyone. People talk and talk, that’s irrelevant.  It’s all about whether he can fight. I think he believes in himself, but he knows what’s in store here, he needs to know I’m serious about this boxing.  He thinks he’s going to KO me, he’s dismissed Charles Martin — sometimes you just have to humble somebody and show levels, let them know it’s not that easy.

 

“The second I stepped in to the pros it was ‘Boom!’ — Anthony Joshua – headlining.  That’s not down to me, its media channels and people wanting to get to know the guy behind the gloves. So it’s been hard to build a career at the right pace without criticism because people want to see me in massive fights right now.

 

“You can’t jump from hero to zero, there are people guiding us over a long and a dangerous career.  People have to understand that it’s a development of a career, and if I ever train a fighter, I’ll tell them the same thing.”

 

On fellow heavyweight world champions Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury:

“This won’t be my only defense, I want there to be lots and lots, and at the right time I will fight David Haye, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and the rest. We’re in an era now where we have to fight each other. There’s never been an era when the best don’t fight the best at heavyweight — but they have to happen at the right time, and they will.

 

“We are all world champions as we hold all the belts that are available. We’re all talented. Deontay has defended his title multiple times so you have to give him credit for that. Tyson and I haven’t defended yet, so I put Deontay at the top.  But Tyson beat Wladimir Klitschko who reigned for such a long time.

 

“I am happy because I became a world champion in my 16th fight and they won theirs later in their careers.  But Tyson beat the main man in the division, and Deontay has defended his belt lots of times, so I am in third right now, but I am building my way up.

 

“Put the belts to one side, they don’t give you magical powers.  A lot of fighters lose their belt in their first defense.  It’s about developing your raw talent and making sure you keep on an upward curve because there’s hungry young challengers snapping at your heels all the time, ready to expose you – and I refuse that to happen to me.”

 

On Charles Martin:

“Before the fight, no one criticized (Charles) Martin.  He was undefeated, knocking guys out, tall southpaw, dangerous. Bookies were taking a lot of bets on him knocking me out.  Tyson Fury backed him to do just that and a lot of people thought it would be tricky.  Up until I beat him, he was seen as a worthy fighter.  I figured him out quickly and I made him look bad.  He didn’t look like the champion people thought he was, but you have to respect him.”

 

On thinking about losing:

“I think about losing all the time, I’m scared of it.  That keeps me humble and working hard.  I don’t think people are going to beat me or anything, but I don’t want to lose, and I know that if I work hard and keep improving, I won’t lose.

 

“I get enough attention from this job.  There are 20,000 fans at the fights, millions watching on TV around the world.  I don’t need to seek attention.  I’m not a trash talker because the fists do the talking.’’

 

On being a role model:

“I know that there are a lot of kids watching me now and their parents say ‘my son loves you’ and that’s in my mind.

 

“I’ll be myself all the time, but that sense of being a role model and having kid’s look up to you, that checks the emotions that could come out if you get wound up. You have to conduct yourself.’’

 

On Tyson Fury:

“Tyson talks a lot.  I hear so many different things, if he was consistent with what he says then maybe I’d think he was digging a bit, but it’s just water off a duck’s back.  I don’t know him, but as long as people are saying ‘when are you going to fight him?’ then I like him because he is relevant.

 

“It would be such a huge fight and one that would be part of my legacy.  I think because he’s beaten Wladimir once he can do it again.  I didn’t think he’d win the first fight, but he pulled it off.

 

“I’d love to fight Tyson – it’s a match-up that needs to happen. There have been talks, whether they are a quick chat or serious negotiations, but you can’t click your fingers and come up with a mega fight.  It takes time, but they are in the pipeline and we’re building towards them, and in the meantime I want to test myself and learn my craft.  I need to perform well to prove that I can handle the massive fights.’’

 

On fellow British heavyweight David Haye:

“David is running the show and people know it, so when he goes in against soft opponents, he’s putting his neck on the line to get the stick.  Fans expect more from him and he’s not meeting those levels, and that’s where the backlash comes from.  The people he’s calling out versus the two guys he has fought, they just don’t add up, and that’s what people are frustrated about.

 

“I don’t think you can knock the Shannon Briggs fight.  He’s made a lot of noise, he’s old school and it’s a good fight for David to take, win and move upwards.  Shannon had made noise and he’s got his moment and who knows? Maybe he can shock the world.  He’s old, but he trains hard and he’s in great condition, and that’s why people love the heavyweights because it’s that one shot.

 

“A fight with Fury and I is the biggest fight in British boxing in my opinion. The Haye fight is big too; there’s enough media interest for it to be big.  It’s already big and we’re not even fighting yet, so imagine how big it would be once we get in there.  It’d be unbelievable and that’s why I am so interested in the fights.”

 

DOMINIC BREAZEALE:

“I plan on putting on some extreme pressure and taking Joshua to places he’s never been.  We’ll find out if he can handle it.

 

“Do I want to see him go into uncharted territory?  Of course, without a doubt.

 

“I’ve been there, I know what it feels like and I’ve done it several times now.  At the same time, I’m not going to let an opportunity pass me.  If I see something I can take in the first or second round, I’m definitely going to get him out of there.

 

“I’ve sparred guys that are bigger than me, I’ve sparred some guys smaller than me. I’ve been the tallest thus far (of his professional opponents), but I don’t think the difference in a matter of inches is going to make that big of a difference. The guys I’ve sparred with are 10 times better than Anthony Joshua.

 

“I think that it’s going to be one of those situations that it is not going to be a difference of size or weight.  It’s going to be the difference of skill and experience.

 

“When you think of a heavyweight champion you want to make sure he’s fought the best, and I think that’s why Joshua has chosen me as his opponent to defend against. That’s what he plans on getting out of the situation if he can make it through the 12 rounds.

 

“I think Joshua’s thinking of me as a stepping stone and he’s going to be sorry about that.  He’s just wrong.  He’s fighting a guy at 6-foot-7, 255 pounds that brings the pressure and a great pace from round-to-round.

 

“I’m one of those guys that I might take a shot, I might work some defense or I might work a strong jab.  Either way, I’m going to make it a fight.  All of my opponents have been down on the canvas and I don’t think Joshua is going to come shy of that as well.

 

“I’ve been picked as the smaller guy in the ring, by the IBF as a stepping stone and I feel like my back is against the wall.  I’m going to come out fighting.

 

“To come here and win the IBF title in London is a major thing for me that I plan to achieve.  Then I want to continuing to go after all the titles.

 

“My mind set has definitely changed.  The situation that I’m in mentally is just different compared to some of my fights in the past.  My confidence level is through the roof and physically I feel great.

 

“I think the heavyweight division is getting ready to change. With individuals like myself, Deontay and Tyson, we have guys who are characters who bring a lot of charisma to the division.  That’s something that we need.  Yes, we are athletes but in the end we are entertainers and we want to see a show.  I’m the type of guy that brings a show every single time I fight.  It’s action-packed from the opening bell to the end, and fight fans are looking for that.  That’s what is going to resurrect the heavyweight division.’’

 

On his win over Amir Mansour:

“That was another confidence booster for me.  It’s one thing to finish a guy in the first round with three punches or something like that.  It’s another thing to finish a guy in the sixth, seventh round with a combination of shots.

 

“Amir put me down on the canvas in the second, I battled back and ended up breaking the man’s jaw.

 

“It gives me something to work on.  I know I was able to come back and be very successful from it.  Anytime you get a win of that matter where you get a guy, break him down, break him down where he quits on the stool, it’s a huge confidence booster.  It makes you understand as an athlete or as a professional boxer that you’ve got punching power, you just broke another man’s jaw.’’

 

On returning to London after the 2012 Olympics:

“I think it’s going to beautiful.  It’s going to be great to go back to where my amateur career ended and beat the guy who won the gold medal.  That’s going to be great.  And then, on top of that, take away more hardware with the IBF Heavyweight title. You couldn’t ask for anything better.

 

“Then again I do understand and believe I’m a completely different fighter — not only am I a professional but I no longer fight an amateur style. I would consider myself a knockout artist with some pretty good punching power and that’s what I plan on showing the UK fans and my U.S. following.  It’s a chapter that needs to be closed and I plan on doing that.’’

 

On the state of the heavyweight division:

“I believe that we’ve got a lot of heavyweights who are doing real well and are real successful in their situations, some being titleholders, some not.  But I think it’s going to be a revolving circle. Me fighting Anthony Joshua, then going on to Deontay and Fury, Wladimir Klitschko might even hang around for a while.  Will it ever be compared to the Ali days or Riddick Bowe and the Evander Holyfield days?  I don’t know.  Bowe and Holyfield had one great trilogy and I study it all the time. So it all depends on how much each fighter has left in him.’’

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing and @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/ShoSports

 

Also follow Dominic Breazeale on Twitter @TroubleBoxing, Anthony Joshua @AnthonyJoshua and use hashtag #JoshuaBreazeale to join the conversation.