Category Archives: women’s boxing

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JOE SMITH JR. PROVIDED EARLY FIREWORKS WITH  1ST ROUND KO WIN AT MOHEGAN SUN

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TARGETING SERGEY KOVALEV TITLE SHOT IN THE FALL
 
“SLUGFEST AT THE SUN” RESULTS

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (July 1, 2018) – Returning to the ring after an 11-month layoff due to a broken jaw, Joe “The Beast” Smith, Jr. provided early fireworks last night (Saturday, June 30) in the latest installment in the popular “Slugfest at The Sun” series, presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

 

 

 

“Slugfest at The Sun” was taped live and will air July 19, 8 -10 p.m. ET, on New England Sports Network (NESN).  Star Boxing’s next event, “Rockin’ Fights”,September 21 at the Paramount in Huntington, NY, will also air via tape- delay on NESN.

 

 

 

Rated No. 3 and No. 7 in the world, respectively, by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA), Smith (24-2, 20 KOs) hurt Melvin “The Romantic Redneck” Russell (11-5-2, 7 KOs) with the first punch he landed and finished the show, two devastating knockdowns later, in the opening round.

 

 

 

“I hit him with a decent shot when I was walking him down and saw that I hurt him,” Joe Smith Jr. explained.  “So, I looked to end it.  I would have liked to have gotten some rust off, but I’m happy with my performance. My jaw feels great.”

 

 

 

“We’re looking to go to the top,” Smith’s promoter Joe DeGuardia stated. “Joe’s plan and goal has always been to be world champion.  We wanted (Sergey) Kovalev before this fight, but it didn’t work out. We’re hoping to get him in the fall.”

 

 

 

“Kovalev looks great, he motivates me,” Smith noted.  “I think I can take advantage of his conditioning.”

 

 

 

Coming off her historic fight this past May against the undefeated Queen of Boxing Cecelia Breakhus, who won a 10-round decision in the first female fight to air on HBO, three-time world champion Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis (14-7-1, 4 KOs) cruised past Mexican welterweight Patty “Las Elegante” Ramirez (11-6, 5 KOs), a former world title challenger, winning all eight rounds.

 

 

 

“She was a survivor,” Reis commented.  “There was a lot we wanted to work on, body shots, jabs and more … getting more comfortable. I executed the plan my corner gave me and got the job done.

 

 

 

A Native American from Rhode Island, Reis wants a rematch with Breakhus, “I know I need to stay busy, active and remain fighting at welterweight to get the rematch,” Reis added.  “I’m going to stay on her tail.  I’ll be ready when it happens, I really want it to happen.”

 

 

 

In the television opener, undefeated junior welterweight  “Action” Anthony Laureano (8-0 3KO’s) lived up to his nickname, never taking a backwards step, as he pounded  Juan Rodriguez (8-10-1 6KO’s) in the center of the ring from the opening bell through the end for a dominant six-round unanimous decision.  The 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion Laureano, who fights out of East Hartford, CT, put on an entertaining show in front of his large, loud contingent of fans.  Laureano effectively used every punch in his vast arsenal to break down a tough, game Rodriguez.

 

 

 

“I thought I did well,” Laureano said after the fight, “but I’d like to see more angles. I want to see more power, too.  It’s there, he felt it; it’s coming.  I have a long road.  Next fight, I’d like to have an eight-rounder.  We’re adding more people to the team.  I hope everyone see that I’m getting better each fight. I have more tools and my discipline is there.”

 

 

 

Undefeated junior middleweight Wendy “Haitian Fire” Toussaint (9-0, 3 KOs) lit up an overwhelmed Andy Gonzalez (6-3, 5 KOs), battering him from pillar to post, until referee Steve Willis waved off the fight in the third round. Haiti-native Toussaint, now living in Huntington, NY, used his superior power and speed to make an impressive statement.

 

 

 

Popular South Boston southpaw Joe Farina (3-0, 2 KOs) overcame a flash knockdown during the opening seconds of the fight, using a relentless attack to defeat junior welterweight Steve Moore (1-4, 1 KO), by way of a four-round split decision.

 

 

 

Irish junior welterweight “Lethal” Larry Fryers (formerly known as Gleeson) improved his record to 7-1 (2 KOs) with a six-round unanimous decision over Anthony Woods (1-7-1). Fighting out of Yonkers NY, Fryers floored Woods with a left hook at the end of round two. Woods was penalized a point near the end of the final round for an intentional head butt.

 

 

 

Former U. of New Haven basketball star Cassius Chaney (13-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of New London (CT), kept his undefeated record intact, dropping Mexican heavyweight Elder Hernandez (5-3, 3 KOs) twice before referee Willis halted the match near the end of the opening round.

 

 

 

The opening bout of the evening ended in the second round and ruled a “No Contest” because of an accidental head butt that left both fighters — William “The Silent Assassin” Foster III (8-0, 6 KOs) and Tyrome Jones (4-3-1, 1 KO) – with serious head cuts and unable to continue.

 

 CELEBRATING HIS RETURN KO WIN


POST-FIGHT INTERVIEW WITH NESN’S DANA ROSENBLATT & JOE SMITH JR.

 

Complete results below:

 

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

 

MAIN EVENT – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

Joe Smith, Jr. (24-2, 20 KOs), Mastic, NY

WTKO1 (145)

Melvin Russell (11-5-2, 7 KOs), Ashland, KY

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – FEMALE WELTERWEIGHTS

Kali Reis (14-7-1, 4 KOs), Cranston, RI

WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)

Pat Ramirez (11-6, 5 KOs), Aguascalientes, Mexico

 

 

 

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Wendy Toussaint (9-0, 3 KOs), Huntington, NY

WTKO3 (1:25)

Andy Gonzalez (6-3, 5 KOs), Worcester

 

 

 

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS

Anthony Laureano (8-0, 3 KOs), E. Hartford, CT

WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55)

Juan Rodriguez (8-10-1), Haymarket, VA

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Joe Farina (3-0, 2 KOs), South Boston, MA

WDEC4 (38-37, 38-37, 37-38)

Steve Moore (1-4, 1 KO), Orange, NJ

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Larry (Gleeson) Fryers (7-1, 2 KOs), Yonkers, NY

WDEC6 (60-52, 60-52, 59-53)

Anthony Woods (1-7-1), Philadelphia, PA

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Cassius Chaney (13-0, 7 KOs), New London, CT

WTKO1 (2:47)

Elder Hernandez (5-3, 3 KOs), Morelia, Mexico

*Co-Promoted in association Main Events

 

 

 

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS

William Foster III (8-0, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT

No Contest 2 (2:27 due to accidental head butt, both fighter’s cut)

Tryrome Jones (4-3-1, 1 KO), Sound Bend, IN

*Co-Promoted in association with Murphy’s Boxing
boxing, women's boxing

Russian Prospect Elena Savelyeva to Face IBF #10- and WBC #11-rated Nina Radovanovic on Friday, July 13 in Montenegro

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Gold-star women’s bantamweight prospect Elena Savelyeva (4-0, 3 KOs) of Russia will return to the ring on Friday, July 13, in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, for an eight-round showdown against current #10 IBF and #11 WBC contender Nina Radovanovic (12-2, 3 KOs) of Serbia.

 

 

 

Formerly one of the most decorated female amateur boxers in the world, Savelyeva is being fast-tracked by her co-promoters, Salita Promotions and Russia-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group. Radovanovic is a two-time world-title challenger, whose only two losses occurred in world-championship fights.

 

 

 

“Even though I only have four professional fights, I want to fight the best and show the boxing world my skills,” said Savelyeva, a former world, European (2X) and Russian (6X) amateur champion, who represented her homeland in the 2012 Summer Olympics and competed in the first-ever women’s Olympic boxing match in history.

 

 

 

“Nina Radovanovic will be my toughest opponent on the professional ring. She is more experienced than me as professional, but I am sure that my amateur experience and already acquired professional experience will be enough for my victory which I plan to be impressive.”

 

 

 

Savelyeva says she’s optimistic about her quickly developing career, given the current state of female boxing.

 

 

 

“Female professional boxing is going in the right direction. Some of the top female fights are as exciting as the male boxers. The fact that Claressa Shields vs Hanna Gabriels did such amazing, record-setting TV ratings proves that women’s boxing at the top level is exciting and wanted.”

 

 

 

Savelyeva’s co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says the fast-track is justified for his talented Russian prospect.

 

 

 

“Women’s boxing had grown exponentially in recent times. Elena’s elite amateur pedigree makes her already one of the best female fighters in the world and I believe in the very near future, she will be a world champion.”

boxing, women's boxing

 KALI REIS QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT

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REIS RETURNS TO THE RING THIS SATURDAY AT MOHEGAN SUN
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (June 26, 2018) – In advance of her fight this Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena, three-time world champion Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis held an open media workout today at Big Six Academy in Providence, Rhode Island.

 

 

 

Fighting out of nearby Cranston, RI, Reis (13-7-1, 4 KOs) will face former world title challenger Patty “La Elegante” Ramirez (11-5, 5 KOs), of Mexico, in an eight-round welterweight bout.

 

 

 

Reis vs. Ramirez is the co-featured bout on the “SLUGFEST AT THE SUN” card, presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

 

 

 

Reis is coming off a historic fight last month versus undisputed women’s world welterweight champion and pound-4-pound Queen, 33-0 Cecilia Braekhus, in the first female bout ever featured on HBO.  Reis dropped Braekhus for the first time in her professional career, however the judges scored the fight in favor of Braekhus, over ruckus boo’s from the crowd.

 

 

 

In the main event, after eleven months out of the ring due to a broken jaw, the “Common Man”, Union Local 66 laborer, Joe Smith Jr. returns at the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. After coming off a stellar KO win on NBC against Andrzej Fonfara, and knocking out the legend, Bernard Hopkins, clear out of the ring, on HBO, Smith Jr. has his eyes set on winning a world title. Smith Jr. is currently rated #3 (WBC) and #7 (WBA) in the world.

 

 

 

QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT:

 

 

 

 

“I’m so excited to be back fighting at home, especially after our history making fight on HBO.  I fought Cecilia Braekhus. We were the first women to ever fight on HBO and there were more than a million viewers.  If I knew that many people would be watching, I would have been a lot more nervous.”

 

 

 

“On paper, it was a loss, but it was really a win-win for me, and women’s boxing.  It’s already opened a lot of doors for me. There’s been so much growth for me and women’s boxing. It’s going to open the door for other women to fight on networks. It was a step up for women’s boxing, not just for one event, but forever.”

 

 

 

“I’m the first female Native American to fight in New England.”

 

 

 

“I’ve been fighting 18 years.  I played basketball and volleyball in high school, but I love boxing.”
 

 

 

“I showed in my last fight that I belong to be with the elite.  I want to get a rematch (with Braekhus).”

 

 

 

“Being a road warrior, I’m familiar fighting away or at home, but it’s more comfortable fighting here at home.  My hometown crowd is always very supportive.”

 

 

 

“(Saturday) I am going to come out with a victory.  My opponent’s taller, but I just need to follow the game plan and execute.”

 

 
 

 

KALI REIS PREPARING FOR HER CO-FEATURE BOUT AT MOHEGAN SUN THIS SATURDAY AT TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT

CREDIT: STAR BOXING

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CLARESSA SHIELDS WINS IBF AND WBA MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLES FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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cid:image001.jpg@01D40A80.7D4B8560

 

Christina Hammer Defends WBC and WBO Middleweight Belts With Unanimous Decision Against Tori Nelson

 

Catch The Replay Monday, June 25, At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (June 23, 2018) – Claressa Shields became a two-division world champion, and Christina Hammer retained her two world title belts as both scored unanimous decision victories on Friday night on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION from the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

 

 

And now they have their sights set on one another.

 

 

 

The two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Shields of nearby Flint, Mich., was knocked down for the first time in her career 53 seconds into the first round, but she was able to come back and win every round after that to become a two-division world champion capturing the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships against Hanna Gabriels. The judges’ scored the fight 98-91, 97-92 twice.

 

 

 

Hammer entered the ring after the Shields fight, and an emotional Shields pressed toward Hammer and some pushing and shoving ensued. (see video HERE)

 

 

 

“I’m just tired of Hammer disrespecting me all the time,” Shields (6-0, 2 KOs) said. “She comes into the ring after all my rights, talks trash, and then she goes in there and looks like [crap] against Nelson. I’m sick of it. But I let her know I’m more than ready for a fight against her. She wanted me to lose tonight, but I wanted her to win because I want to fight her. We have to unify now.”

 

 

 

Shields and Gabriels started the fight swinging furiously, but it was Gabriels (18-2-1, 11 KOs) who connected on a right uppercut sending Shields to the canvas. (see the knockdown video HERE)

 

 

 

“Once I went down, I took a deep breath and I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m about to whip this girl’ ” Shields said. “I just remember thinking let’s use the jab and be smart.”

 

 

 

Costa Rica’s Gabriels, a unified 154-pound titleholder, was coming up in weight and attempting to become a three-division world champion. (see Shields-Gabriels highlights HERE).

 

 

 

“I trained to go the distance but my heart betrayed me, because after that first knock down, I was looking for another one,” said Gabriels, the reigning WBA and WBO champion who was fighting in her 12th straight world title fight since winning the welterweight title in 2009. “I wanted to show everyone I had a warrior’s heart.

 

 

 

“I didn’t feel I had an advantage after the knockdown. I felt I had to work round after round to even have a possibility to win.”

 

 

 

Added Gabriels: “She has a lot of power. It was a great fight and you have to accept the judges’ decision. She’s powerful and for the fans I think it went well.

 

 

 

Shields suffered a cut on the left cheek in round 10, and also overcame a head butt. She recalled being hurt by Gabriels’ punches to the head just three times in the fight. “The first round, fourth round and the eighth round, other than that she didn’t hit me with no head shots.”

 

 

 

Shields – in her first fight with new trainer John David Jackson – said she learned something about herself after the fight. “I can get put on my ass, get up and come back and win,” she said. “Tonight was my night and I have to show the world I’m the greatest of all-time. I showed who I am. Now, I’m really dangerous because you can even put me down, and I’ll still come back to win.”

 

 

 

The difference in the fight was Shields’ accuracy, especially in terms of her power shots as she connected on 42 percent compared to Gabriels’ 26 percent.

 

 

 

Shields was asked after the fight when she would like to face Hammer. “Hopefully it’s next,” she said. “I don’t need no rest. I could have whipped her tonight. I’m just so sick of her and her whole team.”

 

 

 

 

 

In a lopsided win in her highly anticipated U.S. debut, Hammer (23-0, 10 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision against Tori Nelson (17-2-3, 2 KOs). The scores were 100-90, 99-91 twice, to retain her WBC and WBO Middleweight World Title belts. (see Hammer-Nelson highlights HERE).

 

 

 

“It would have been better to get a KO,” said Hammer, who is 27 years old and from Dortmund, Germany. “I tried everything I could to get the knockout. She was tough. I hope the USA is good with this and I’m still the champ.”

 

 

 

“I’m really looking forward to fighting Claressa. She will try and fight me on the inside but my footwork and my reach will make the difference. The fight with Claressa will be a game-changer. It will be the biggest women’s fight ever. I would like to fight her at a neutral site.”

 

 

 

“I’m very disappointed in my performance tonight,” said an emotional Nelson after the fight. “It’s a loss, of course it’s disappointing. I wasn’t busy enough, I guess.”

 

 

 

In her last fight, Nelson lost a unanimous decision to Shields back in January. “Claressa is better,” Nelson said. “Shields has a jab and uses the ring. Claressa stands there and wants to fight. She has all the punches. Hammer only has one.”

 

 

 

In the telecast opener, Umar Salamov (21-1, 16 KOs) connected on a lethal right hand in knocking out Brian Howard (13-2, 10 KOs) 53 seconds into the ninth round of a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

Salamov, from Alkhan-Kala, Russia, was making his United States debut and trains at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit with Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward. In a fight between two long and lanky fighters, Salamov landed 34 percent of his power punches compared to 27 percent for Howard and was ahead on all three judges’ scorecard at the time of the knockout.

 

 

 

“I was hurt a little bit in the second round from one of his shots, but I didn’t let it bother me because this is my U.S. debut,” said Salamov, a six-year pro who is 24 years old. “I just kept fighting. After I got hit with that punch, I started coming forward and as soon as I did that, the fight changed.”

 

 

 

Salamov said he knew once he connected on the first right that Howard was hurt. “I knew as soon as I landed the punch that he would be very hurt,” he said. “I felt it up to my elbow. I didn’t want to hit him after that because I knew he was finished.”

 

 

 

The former cruiserweight Howard had a couple of highlights and was able to effectively land his right hand on several occasions, including one powerful right cross in the seventh round that seemed to stun Salamov.

 

 

 

“I would say I did fair, I did OK,” said Howard, a former minor league football player who lives outside of Atlanta and was making his SHOWTIME debut. “I was fortunate to get the call by Salamov’s team and by SHOWTIME. I’ll be back.”

 

 

 

Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Monday, June 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

 

 

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,

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RAQUEL “THE PRETTY BEAST” MILLER REMAINS PREFECT WIN UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER SZILVIA SZABADOS IN QUEENS, NEW YORK

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(Photo by Marilyn Paulino/DiBella Entertainment)

 

New York, NY (June 22, 2018)-Raquel Miller kept her prefect record intact with a six-round unanimous decision over Szilvia Szabados in a middleweight bout at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York.

 

 

 

Miller stunned and hurt Szabados throughout the contest.  Miller, who was making her New York City debut showed her versatility by featuring a diverse arsenal of punches with both hands.

 

 

 

Miller handled the former world-title challenger with ease as she won by shutout scores of 60-54 on all cards.

 

 

 

Miller wore a ring outfit that paid homage to the movie Black Panther.

 

 

 

The 2012 United States Olympic Alternate, Miller continued her dominance as a professional as her record soared to 6-0.

 

 

 

“I enjoyed myself in there last night and it felt good to be back in action,” said Miller.  “I felt strong, and I felt like that I had a solid performance. My opponent was tough and I was happy to get the rounds in. Fighting under the DiBella Entertainment banner is very special, and I appreciated being warmly embraced by Lou DiBella himself!”

 

 

 

“I decided to come out as the leader of the Wakanda tribe in the movie Black Panther, Dora Milaje.  I was accented in gold because I felt they represent the new age women warriors like myself. We are fierce, strong and not afraid to go to war. I love to trailblaze, and set the bar high. I’m sure we can expect to see other women coming out and joining the Wakanda tribe and I’m happy to be the leader of that movement. ”

 

 

 

Said Split-T Management CEO, David McWater, “After being off for 8 months, I was more than happy with her performance. Going in, I wanted to see how she performed with Szilvia Szabados as compared to how Clarrissa Shields performed and Raquel definitely looked better.”

 

 

 

(Photo by Malik Carter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

 

 

 

Their impressive roster includes:

 

 

 

World Rated Contenders

 

 

 

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

 

 

 

Welterweight  “The New” Ray Robinson

 

 

 

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger  Antonio Nieves

 

 

 

2016 Olympians

 

 

Lightweight  Teofimo Lopez

 

 

 

Junior Middleweight  Charles Conwell

 

 

 

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

 

 

 

 

Undefeated Prospects

 

 

 

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw,  Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako

 

 

 

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

 

 

 

Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov

 

 

 

Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, DeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones

 

 

 

Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller

 

 

 

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal Holmes, Hurshidbek Normatov, Fred Wilson, Jr.

 

 

 

Welterweight’s Janelson Bocachica, Poindexter Knight, Mark Dawson, Boubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

 

 

 

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC, women's boxing, wrestling

Pro Boxer Walter Wright Joins the FNU Combat Sports Show

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Image result for Walter Wright, boxing Walter Wright (16-4, 8 KOs) squares off against Mark DeLuca (21-0, 13 KOs) in the main event at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford, NH this Saturday night. (see poster below) This week we caught up with Walter before he made the trip east from Seattle. We interviewed him about the big fight and discussed his career in general. We also recapped all of last week’s boxing and MMA events and provided some other news tidbits like the Creed II trailer release and Ronda Rousey’s 30-day suspension from the WWE. Listen to the full broadcast with the interview included here:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bl8h8ywh1wokwhc/tomtonyrichfirstdayofsummer2018.mp3?dl=0

 

Listen to just the Walter Wright interview by itself here:

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. HANNA GABRIELS AND CHRISTINA HAMMER vs. TORI NELSON WORLD TITLE FINAL WEIGHTS, PHOTOS AND OFFICIALS TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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From Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION – 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championship

Claressa Shields – 159 ½ lbs.

Hanna Gabriels – 159 ½ lbs.

Referee: Gerard White (California); Judges: Michael Ancona (Ohio), Jeremy Hayes (Toronto, Canada), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

 

 

 

WBC and WBO Women’s Middleweight World Championship

Christina Hammer – 159 ½ lbs.

Tori Nelson – 157 ½ lbs.

Referee: Frank Garza (Michigan); Judges: Katealia Chambers (Michigan), Benoit Roussel (Montreal), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

 

 

 

Light Heavyweight 10-Round Bout 

Umar Salamov – 174 ½ lbs.

Brian Howard – 174 ½ lbs.

Referee: Sam Williams (Michigan); Judges: Ansel Stewart (Michigan), Michael Ancona (Ohio), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

 

 

 

NOTE: see PDF email attachment for bout sheet and all weights.

 

 

 

FLASH QUOTES:

 

 

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

“I have John David Jackson now and I’ve learned so much from him since we got together back in February. I’ve had coaches in the past who tried to change my style and game, but at the end of the day I just have to go in there and fight like I know how to.

 

 

 

“Being in Flint for my last camp, you wouldn’t believe all the things I had to deal with. Just stuff that shouldn’t be happening to a world champion. It was stressful, and I was stressed even the week of the fight [in January]. I had to get out. I was able to train in Florida this time around.

 

 

 

“[Hanna’s] a good fighter. She has skills and just the way she carries herself. She’s very calm and her facial expressions never change. I watched the fight where she got knocked out, and even then her facial expressions didn’t change. I think she’s tough, but not as tough as I am. I know I’m the better fighter.

 

 

 

“Tori underestimated my power. I think Tori has a punchers’ chance [against Hammer]. I don’t wrap my career around Hammer. Our lives don’t intertwine. I have to worry about what’s in front of me. I’m not going to watch that fight.

 

 

 

“I was focused on my diet for this fight. I don’t have much family in Florida and didn’t have any distractions.”

 

 

 

HANNA GABRIELS: 

 

 

“We need to step up to the plate and make sure our game plan is on point and we give the fans what they want to see, which is a great fight. You have to overcome a lot and sacrifice to get to this point, and my team has done that.

 

 

 

“I’ve never feared anyone. Words don’t do anything. When I get in the ring I’m going to be a beast.

 

 

 

“I’m OK with whatever comes, win or loss. I’m a champion and that’s my mentality in the ring. We’re going for the victory, and I’m appreciating everything that’s happening preparing for this fight.

 

 

 

“I don’t underestimate her power. But boxing isn’t just about power, there’s so much more. You can be powerful, but can you land the punch? Can it be precise? There are so many things going on in the ring that you have to worry about.”

 

 

 

CHRISTINA HAMMER:

 

 

“I was very disappointed that I wasn’t able to fight back in January because of my visa issues.

 

 

 

“I was at the Claressa Shields-Tori Nelson fight and now it’s my turn to get in the ring. I like to go forward and be aggressive. When you can finish, you finish. The American people will like my style.

 

 

 

“Boxing is my passion and my job, and I’m prepared and looking forward to this. Now the day is here and it’s on SHOWTIME. We aren’t thinking about Claressa Shields. Out of respect to Tori Nelson, I’m focused on this fight only.”

 

 

 

TORI NELSON:

 

 

“I’m a power puncher and I’ve been using my legs more in camp so this camp has been so much different than what I’m used to.

 

 

 

“They say lighting strikes only once, but I got another chance. I am so grateful I got the call for this fight. This is my second chance. A lot of people don’t get second chances.

 

 

 

‘I really have something to prove. A lot of people have believed in me and I’ve got to show what I can do in the ring.

 

 

 

“I think Christina is overlooking me. It’s disrespectful but I’m glad. It’s better for me that she does overlook me.”

 

 

 

UMAR SALAMOV:

 

 

“This fight is going to be a good test. I know I can make it into the top 10, and this is my start.

 

 

 

“There’s a big difference living here in Detroit, but it’s a lot like Moscow, a big city.

 

 

 

“I love to fight, and this is a dream come true coming to America. Brian Howard is a tough opponent. It will not be an easy fight but I’m confident I can beat him.”

 

 

 

BRIAN HOWARD:

 

 

“I have a little bit of ring rust, but I’m going to be sharp. I’ve prepared well and I’m in shape. I have great metabolism, and can lose weight easily.

 

 

 

“I took my first loss in 2012 and after I took that loss I didn’t have the support I needed. I got back into it and it was just tough getting a fight. I got a lot of nos.

 

 

 

“I’ve seen some tape of my opponent. But you don’t know if he will change or bring something else.

 

 

 

“I box better than I play football. My nickname is MVP – Most Vicious Puncher.

 

 

 

“I don’t look at it that I’m the B-side fighter. This is a real opportunity for me, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100.  VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

 

# # #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing, women's boxing

USA Boxing Announces Four Boxers to Compete at Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018

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Boxing at Youth Olympics set to begin Oct. 14

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 2, 2018 – USA Boxing announced today the four boxers who were nominated to represent the United States at the Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018, pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee. The Youth Olympic Games will be held Oct. 6-8, with the boxing competition to take place Oct. 14-18 in Argentina.

 

 

 

Following the 2017 Women’s Youth World Championships and 2018 Youth Continental Championships, two men and two women have been nominated for the prestigious competition. The team will be comprised of Heaven Garcia (El Monte, Calif.), Otha Jones III (Toledo, Ohio), Roma Martinez (Humble, Texas) and Harley Mederos (New York, N.Y.).

 

 

 

“We’ve got a great group of young talent representing Team USA at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires,” said USA Boxing High Performance Director Matt Johnson on the nominated boxers. “Each one has good international experience, having participated in a junior or youth world championships over the past few years. That experience will be key as they face some of the world’s best up and coming boxers this October.”

 

 

 

Garcia has been on the international scene since her impressive World Championships debut in 2015, where she became the Junior World Champion. The bantamweight represented Team USA at the 2017 Youth World Championships in Guwahati, India before clinching her spot to Argentina with her winning performance at the 2018 Youth Continental Championships this May. She is a two-time USA Boxing Youth National Champion, and currently has a record of 53-7.

 

 

 

Garcia described being able to represent the United States at the Youth Olympics as “amazing.” “Knowing that only four boxers are nominated, and I was one of them is a very huge accomplishment for me,” she stated.

 

 

 

“Being able to represent my country at the Youth Olympics is something I have worked hard for and now that I get the opportunity, I will be sure to work even harder to bring home that gold medal.”

 

 

 

Light welterweight Jones III solidified his position on Team USA by winning gold at the 2018 Youth Continental Championships. Jones III will be looking to add his third international medal in 2018 at these Games, after his silver medal performance earlier this year at the Emil Jechev Memorial Tournament in Bulgaria. Jones, who has a record of 267-11, is also the 2017 USA Boxing Youth National Champion, as well as a member of the 2015 Junior World Championships team.

 

 

 

“Not only is it an honor to represent Team USA in a huge tournament such as the Youth Olympics, I am pleased to represent my family as well,” stated Jones III.

 

 

 

“I grew up in the boxing gym. My family owns a gym, Soul City Gym, and all my brothers and sisters were brought up in the gym to show kids a better way to live than violence and making it this far will help me show that even more.”

 

 

 

Martinez was the sole American to qualify from the 2017 Women’s Youth World Championships last November. The featherweight was the 2016 USA Boxing Youth National Champion and 2017 USA Boxing Youth National Championship silver medalist. The Youth Olympic Games will be Martinez’s first international tournament of 2018, where she will be looking for her first international medal.

 

 

 

“When I received the notification that I was nominated for the Youth Olympic Games, I felt resurrected,” said Martinez. “I have experienced a few devastating life losses in the past six months, and was feeling confused about my future in the sport,” she explained.

 

 

 

“However, when I was contacted about this amazing opportunity, my vision became clear, my mind focused and my heart determined to take this opportunity not only for myself, but for every person who hoped and dreamed for a chance like this. I plan to take on this journey to Argentina with me; my faith, my boxing skills and a quote from my late teammate: ‘a boxers favorite scripture – it is better to give than to receive.”

 

 

 

Mederos is the final member of Team USA to be nominated for the Youth Olympic Games. The lightweight won bronze at the 2015 Junior World Championships prior to his transition to the youth division. Mederos is the 2017 Youth National Champion and earned his place to Buenos Aires following his impressive gold medal winning performance at the 2018 Youth Continental Championships.

 

 

 

“It feels amazing to be able to go to Argentina and represent my country in what I love to do most and get the chance to showcase my talent in front of everyone,” stated Mederos.

 

 

 

“I can guarantee you, the best Harley you’ve ever seen, both physically and mentally, will go out there and do the best that I can do and make everyone proud.”

 

 

 

All four boxers will return to Colorado Springs in July to begin training for the Youth Olympics. Garcia, Jones and Mederos will use the 2018 Youth World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August as a tuneup leading to the event before heading to Argentina in late September.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

www.usaboxing.org

 

 

Twitter: @USABoxing

 

 

Instagram: @USABoxing

 

 

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. HANNA GABRIELS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Christina Hammer Battles Tori Nelson in Co-Feature

Umar Salamov Takes On Brian Howard In Opening Bout

 

Friday, June 22 Live On SHOWTIME®

 

 

“When somebody says that they’re going to beat me, it angers me. I get mad and I punch the bag until it falls.” – Claressa Shields

 

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. HANNA GABRIELS FINAL WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Shields To Fight for World Title in Second Weight Division as She Faces Gabriels for IBF & WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships Friday, June 22 On SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (June 19, 2018) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields and unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels spoke to the media at a workout session in Detroit just days before the two clash to decide the IBF & WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships this Friday on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features the No. 1 fighter at 168 pounds facing the No. 1 fighter at 154 pounds as they both attempt to become champions for the first time in the middleweight division. The telecast also features unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer defending her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson. Also, light heavyweight prospects Umar Salamov and Brian Howard will meet in a 10-round matchup that will open the tripleheader from Masonic Temple in Detroit.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100.  VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

 

 

 

Here is what Shields and Gabriels had to say today at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit:

 

 

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS

 

“It’s been seven weeks of really hard work. A lot of people don’t know and I really don’t like to be open about it, but I got to 183 pounds after my last fight in January and now I’m 160. That’s 23 pounds. I was in camp running and getting ready for the fight and having to focus on weight was very different for me.

 

 

“I feel good and ready to go. I’m happy that she made it in safe and all that but now I’m just excited. You all know how I get before fights. The champ is here.

 

 

 

 

“So much has changed since I first turned pro. In my first fight, I was frustrated against Franchon (Crews Dezurn) during our fight. I was frustrated throughout camp and I really couldn’t handle everything that was going on. Now I know how to handle the media, the workouts, the interviews and still remain disciplined. The fact that I had to lose so much weight this camp only added more discipline.

 

 

 

“It makes me so happy and it just touches my heart to see four female fighters on the main fight poster. I was so happy that they decided to put them on TV. They have put me on before but it’s always been my goal to put other women on so when they decided to put Tori Nelson and Christina Hammer on I was so excited because this has never been done before. Women’s boxing is going somewhere.

 

 

 

“I always knew that it would take me to turn professional for women’s boxing to go to a higher level. That’s why I waited to win a second Gold Medal before I turned professional. To be the one to be the leader is special. I feel like I go out there every fight and give my best and show that I can box better than 90 percent of the men that box. If you have a choice to make a man the main event or me the main event, I always want them to choose me.

 

 

 

“There’s always mutual respect between me and my opponents. I’m thankful for them because I can’t do this by myself. I thank Hanna for stepping up and it’s mutual respect until Friday. I start getting really mean on Thursday,Friday is the fight and then after that we can exchange numbers and be friends.

 

 

 

“I expect her to use her gifts. She’s really good on her legs and she’s strong up top. I think she lacks in speed so I expect her to try to counter me and try to force me to make mistakes with her movement. I think she underrates my power.

 

 

 

“I never said that I wanted to get more knockouts. I’m perfectly fine being 5-0 with two knockouts. At the end of the day, I’m fine with that. The longer I’m in the ring boxing, the better. The more they get to see me on TV, that’s fine. Of course I would love to get the big knockout but look how disappointed Errol Spence Jr. was to get such a quick knockout of Ocampo. That didn’t please his fans. If the knockout comes, it comes.

 

 

 

“This will be my toughest fight. She’s the most skilled and has the most experience. She’s a three-time world champion. I’ve fought former world champions but she’s a three-time world champion to date. The girl that beat her, Hanna avenged that loss. I’m looking forward to her coming out and putting 100 percent in and I hope for us to have a great fight.

 

“I’m always confident going into fights. I’m not leaving the ring without having two new belts.”

 

 

 

HANNA GABRIELS

 

“I think that this is a time right now where women can have this type of platform. Claressa is a great champion and I have faced great women’s champions. I think it’s a great time for boxing fans to enjoy a quality fight. She’s a champion. I’m a champion. This will be a great matchup.

 

 

 

“You are going to see a very technical and aggressive fighter. That’s the only way that you can fight Claressa because she’s so aggressive herself and so tough, you can’t go in the ring passive against her. You have to put your life on the line in there and that’s what I’m planning to do.

 

 

 

“I feel honored to be on such a great card. This is a great opportunity and I just hope everybody sees this the way that I do. We trained hard. In my case, I wanted to bring the very best out of myself so the fans could leave the arena feeling great. This is what boxing is all about. Bringing entertainment and emotions that most other sports don’t bring to people.

 

 

 

“This fight means a lot to me. Every person that I love is going through a hard time right now, including my family. I just want to lead by example and show everybody that all odds are nothing. You can still fight the battle with as many resources or as little resources as you have. I’m dedicating this fight to all my loved ones because I promise there will be better times for us.

 

 

 

“When I was five years old I was sexually abused so my teenage years were tough. Sports always took me away from that. When I got an injury and I had to stop competing in track, I thought my life was over. For the next five or six years, I was very destructive and felt like I didn’t have a purpose. When I turned 24, I started a different passage and learned that everything that happened to me just made me the person I am today.

 

 

 

“We don’t really focus on anybody’s weaknesses because we believe if you’re a good professional and you are dedicating your life to this, you are supposed to get better at your weaknesses. So we focus on her strengths and I think we have a great plan. They say that she’s been underestimating me a lot but I think it’s part of her game and part of what she does.

 

 

 

“I think her strengths are pretty obvious. She has great feet. I don’t know if she punches hard but she’s very explosive. She must have a lot of power and she’s very defensive. She keeps her distance and she’s so big and I’m so small that we will have to risk a lot of things. Her confidence is one of her biggest strengths.

 

 

 

“This will probably be my toughest fight so far. I never had an amateur career, I had just one fight. Claressa has fought 80-something times so my schooling has been in the professional environment and I have had to learn in the process. Every fight has been a hard fight because I have to solve problems and I think she is definitely the toughest opponent because she’s so tall and so fast. She must walk around normally at 185 pounds and I’m not as big so we were a little worried at the beginning at how we would reach her body but we finally were able to figure that out in training and I’m confident that my game is going to surprise her a lot.

 

 

 

“Hopefully we can bring a surprise and people will get to see me and let everybody know that there are more great boxers out there that aren’t getting the same exposure or marketing that Claressa is getting. I don’t feel disrespected, I see this is an opportunity to show what I’ve been working on. Let them plan. Maybe those plans will fall.

 

 

 

“It’s going to be a great fight. She’s coming for the victory and I’m coming for the victory as well. She’s in for a big surprise.”

 

# # #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.