Category Archives: women’s boxing

boxing, women's boxing

Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios Assembles Dynamic Team

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Photo by Team Barrios
SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 31, 2017) – After two pro fights, super-lightweight female sensation, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (2-0, 1 KO), who hails from San Antonio, TX, has assembled a dynamic team to help guide her the pinnacle of women’s boxing.
Dr. Charles Campbell and his son Colin Campbell from Corpus Christi, TX, will co-manage Selina Barrios.  Colin will handle the day to day operations, while Dr. Charles will help guide her career as a boxer, and personal pursuits in her professional life.
“My son Colin and I are very excited to be working with such a talented fighter like Selina Barrios.” said Dr. Charles Campbell. “Selina has the one element in boxing that all fans want to see, and that’s punching power.  In addition, Selina has the mindset you look for in a fighter.  The fact that she’s willing to fight a standout amateur like Zarina Tsoloyeva, in only her third pro fight, says it all.”
“Selina is the type of fighter that everyone in boxing should rally behind,” Colin Campbell stated. “She’s overcome a lot of adversity to get where she’s at today, and the girl can fight.  She’s certainly more exciting then most of the male boxers we see on TV today.  Selina was born to be on the big stage, and with her fighting style, she will become a fan favorite as soon as they see her fight.”
Kerry Daigle, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who runs Keeppunching Entertainment, will stay on has Barrios’ advisor / consultant, and aid in getting Selina in the biggest fights that women’s boxing can provide.
“Several promoters are seeking to work with Keeppunching Entertainment and Selina Barrios because she might be the most TV friendly female fighter in 20 years, with the opportunity to sell out venues, even better then male counterparts.” said Kerry Daigle.
Selina’s step dad Martin Barrios, who has been in her corner since she was a top amateur, will serve as the chief trainer.  He played a significant role in helping Selina acquire an astonishing amateur record of (80-3), in addition to her sustaining an undefeated record as a pro.
“Selina is a tremendous fighter with the punching power to change a fight with one shot.” Martin Barrios stated. “I’m not just saying that because she’s my daughter, I’ve seen her destroy folks in the gym.  I’m super happy that I was able to get Mr. Dailge to believe in Selina.  I know with his connections and Selina’s talent, we as a team, can do something special in women’s boxing.
Rick Nunez, will oblige as the assistant trainer.  Nunez, from San Antonio, TX, has worked side by side with Martin, helping Selina become one of the most dangerous fighters in women’s boxing.
“With women’s boxing on the rise, Selina now has everything set in place to become a big star in the sport,” Rick Nunez stated. “You need a solid team behind you to make it in boxing, and that’s exactly what we have now moving forward.”
Maurice “Termite” Watkins from Houston, TX, and Ben Flores, of Corpus Christi, TX, will share duties as camp coordinators to the trainers.  Watkins, who fought in the lightweight division as a professional in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, had a spectacular record of (61-5-1, 42 KOs).
Selina’s younger brother, undefeated super-lightweight contender, Mario Barrios (20-0, 12 KOs), has been in awe of his sister since she was as dominate amateur.
“Growing up, my sister was the best fighter in every tournament we entered.” said Mario Barrios. “She literally wrecked everyone in her weight class.  It wasn’t until I was a late teen that I was able to hang with her.  I love my sister and I know with the powerful team that she has behind her now, she can become a world champion.”
Ann Wolfe, who was one of the most devastating punchers in women’s boxing history, has been a big fan of Selina since her days as a dominate amateur.  Wolf has seen Selina destroy her competition while fighting in the amateurs.
“Selina Barrios is a beast,” said former world champion Ann Wolf. “I haven’t seen anything like her since my days as a professional boxer.  She definitely has the talent to become a multiple world champion.”
“I’m looking forward toward a great career, that I hope will last many years,” said Selina Barrios. “I have a great team behind me now, I know if I put in the hard work, everything will work out, and my dreams will come true.”
boxing, women's boxing

Salina Aztec Queen Barrios Returns to the Ring Nov 2 Against Decorated Amateur Zarina Tsoloyeva

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Photos by Team Barrios
SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 27, 2017) – Undefeated female sensation, super-lightweight Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (2-0, 1 KO), returns to the ring Thursday, November 2, 2017 in Louisiana at The Rayne Civic Center.  Barrios will face the highly touted Zarina Tsoloyeva (Pro Debut) from Zhaksy, Kazakhstan, in a 4-round bout in the super-lightweight division.  The card titled “RAYNE RISING” is presented by Bad Chad’s Boxncar Promotions.
Barrios, who hails from San Antonio, TX, is the older sister of undefeated super-lightweight contender, Mario Barrios (20-0, 12 KOs).  As an amateur, Selina had a remarkable record of (80-3), most of which came by stoppage.  She has a notable win against USA Olympian and Top Rank fighter, Mikaela Mayer (2-0, 2 KOs), and vows to make a statement against Tsoloyeva.
“Even though Tsoloyeva is making her pro debut, she’s a big step up in competition,” Selina Barrios said. “She had a great amateur career and I know she’s going to be a tough opponent.  All I know is I’m going to bring the heat, and show her why I’m the most dangerous fighter in women’s boxing.”
Selina Barrios is guided by longtime boxing manager, Kerry Daigle, who believes Barrios is one of the most exciting boxers he’s seen in years.
“Selina has that fighting style that every boxing fan loves,” said Kerry Daigle. “She’s nonstop action every time she steps in the ring.  I haven’t seen a fighter like her in a long time, male or female.  She has that special something that you can’t explain but you know is extraordinary.  She’s in a very competitive fight, against a very skilled fighter in Zarina Tsoloyeva.  When I asked her if she was willing to fight such a decorated amateur fighter, she said yes, with no hesitation.  That’s what I love about Selina, she’s ready to fight anyone, anywhere.”
Zarina Tsoloyeva, best known for her resemblance to actress Angelina Jolie, won a bronze medal in the Kazakh national championships.  She’s a highly accomplished amateur champion with great boxing skills.
Tickets to “RAYNE RISING” priced $25 General Admission (Pre-sale), ($30 general admission tickets at the door), $125 VIP Ringside, and $800 1st Row Executive Tables, are on sale now at http://www.boxncar.com/buy-tickets/ or by calling (337) 298-7658.

The Rayne Civic Center is located at 210 Frog Festival Dr, Rayne, LA 70578.  Doors open at6:00 p.m. first bell at 7:00 p.m.

boxing, women's boxing

RAQUEL “PRETTY BEAST” MILLER TO FACE NEW OPPONENT LISA GARLAND

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 11, 2017) – Unbeaten female middleweight prospect, Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (4-0, 2 KOs) will now face Lisa Garland (15-8, 8 KOs)
when professional boxing returns to the city of San Francisco, CA, on October 21, 2017.  Miller was supposed to battle Sydney LeBlanc (4-4) but the fight fell through.  Miller vs. Garland, a 6-round bout, will serve as the co-feature to Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (19-4-1, 11 KOs) vs. Miguel Dumas (10-0, 7 KOs).  The card titled “Back To Business” will take place at the historic San Francisco Armory.
“I’m happy they found an opponent for me as I have a lot of family and friends coming to see me fight,” said San Francisco native Raquel Miller. “Garland has a lot of experience and I know it’s going to be a tough fight.  I believe my hunger and skill will be to much for Garland to handle though.  I’m ready to bring it, and I can’t wait for my hometown fans will see me in action.  I’ll be looking to stop Garland before the final bell rings.”
“Back To Business” tickets priced $40 (standing room only), $50 (floor seats tier 3), $60 (floor seat tier 2), $80 floor tier 1, $125 (front seats), and ringside $250, are on sale now at EVENTBRITE.COM or by calling (415) 722-3184.  Doors open up at 4:00 p.m.  First bout at 5:00 p.m.
The San Francisco Armory is located at 1800 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Located conveniently at the corner of Mission Street and 14th Street, the SF Armory is served by Muni routes, major bus lines and is easily accessible by BART that serves the East Bay and the airport. Parking can be arranged using local lots or valet.
Other Featured Bouts:
8-round bout featherweight bout
Xavier Martinez (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Jonathan Alcantara (7-16-2, 1 KO)
6-round bout super-lightweight bout
Stan Martyniouk (17-2, 3 KOs) vs. Luis Alfredo Lugo (14-27-1, 3 KOs)
6-round middleweight bout
Ricardo Pinell (14-3-1, 8 KOs) vs. Carlos Ruiz (8-3, 3 KOs)
4-round bout super-lightweight bout
Will Shaw (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Lenard Davis (1-0-2)
4-round bout super-lightweight bout
Luis Casillas (1-1, 1 KO) vs. TBA
4-round bout featherweight bout
Marquita Lee (3-5) vs. TBA
boxing, women's boxing

Salita Signs Russia’s Heavily Decorated Former Amateur World Champion Elena Savelyeva to a Co-Promotional Contract

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Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions is proud to announce the signing of one of the most decorated female amateur boxers in the world, Russia’s Elena Savelyeva, to a co-promotional contract, along with Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group.
Savelyeva, now 1-0 as a professional boxer, went 134-15-1 as an amateur, winning the world, European (2X) and Russian (6X) championships during her illustrious career. She represented her homeland in the 2012 Summer Olympics and competed in the first-ever women’s Olympic boxing match in history.
Turning her sights on professional boxing, she is now looking to win a world title in the pros and looking to settle the score with her amateur arch rival Nicole Adams.
“My goal is to become a world champion in all the major sanctioning bodies and be recognized as one of the best boxers in the world,” said Savelyeva. “Signing with Salita Promotions will progress my career and open doors for me to help me reach my goals. I look forward to fighting the best in the world and reaching the highest levels of pro boxing soon.”
Salita, who already promotes women’s superstar Claressa Shields, says his latest signing will add spice to an already heating-up world of women’s boxing.
“Elena is one of the most accomplished female boxers in the world,” said Salita. “And with her numerous international, national and world titles, she will add flavor and excitement to the growing sport of woman’s professional boxing. Russia has some of the best boxers in the world and now there is a very skilled lady boxer joining that elite group.”

Salita’s co-promoter, Alexander Nevskiy, says the deal with Salita will give Savelyeva greater reach and strengthen her possibilities. “This is a great initiative to do a joint boxing business with a growing US promotional company, said Nevskiy. “This partnership is very important for us to develop and advance both our male and female boxers from the FSU territories in the US and Global market.”

Savelyeva’s next fight is scheduled for September 23 in Borisov, Belarus. It will be an eight-rounder against fellow Russian Eugenia Zablotskaya.
boxing, women's boxing

SELINA “AZTEC QUEEN” BARRIOS REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH DOMINATING PERFORMANCE

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Photos by Robert Elizondo – Boxeo Imperio
SAN ANTOINIO, TX (September 11, 2017) – This past Saturday at the San Antonio Event Center, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (2-0, 1 KO), remained undefeated with a dominating four-round unanimous decision victory against Jasmine Clarkson (4-10).
From the opening bell, Barrios applied a tremendous amount of pressure, never letting Clarkson breathe.  Hard shots to the body and head forced Clarkson to fight going backwards the entire bout.  The bout almost ended when Selina stormed landed a barrage of punches at the end of round three, but Clarkson was saved by the bell. Clarkson was able to survive and make it to the final bell.  Score cards read 40-36 twice, and 39-37.
“I felt really good going into this fight and it showed in my performance,” said Selina Barrios. “I was able to cut off the ring and put a lot of pressure on Jasmine.  She was very tough and I give her a lot of credit for going the distance.  I felt I won every round but one judge didn’t see it that way. My goal is to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”
boxing, women's boxing

SELINA “AZTEC QUEEN” BARRIOS Returns To The Ring This Saturday at the San Antonio Event Center

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Photos by Team Barrios
SAN ANTONIO, TX (September 6, 2017) – This Saturday September 9, 2017, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (1-0, 1 KO) makes her way back to the ring as she battles Jasmine Clarkson (4-9) at the San Antonio Event Center in Texas.  The four-round bout, set at 140 pounds, will be Barrios’ second fight of 2017.  In her last bout, Barrios scored a first round knockout against the battle tested Tammy Franks, a veteran of over twenty-five fights.
“I’m ready to give my hometown fans a great show this Saturday.” said Selina Barrios, “I know Clarkson has been in the ring with some good fighters, most recently Katie Taylor, who everyone is saying is the next great female fighter.  Taylor was able to stop Clarkson for the first time in her career, so my goal is to do the same, but in more spectacular fashion.  This will be my second time fighting in San Antonio and I want to make it a memorable one.  I have a lot of family and friends coming out to support me and I promise to bring an exciting fight to those in attendance.”
Tickets priced $25 general admission (Pre-Sale) $30 (At the door), along with Ringside VIP $75, $65, $60 are on sale now by calling (210) 449-5599.  The San Antonio Event Center is located at 8111 Meadow Leaf Dr. San Antonio, TX 78227.
This pro-am event is brought to you by, Triple A Promotions, SOBA Recovery Center,Malibu Films, Barber Bros, and Real Gutta Music, in association with TMB Entertainment and Bud Light Presents.  Doors open at 1:00 P.M. CT with first amateur bell starting at 2:00 P.M.  Professionals first bell starts at 7:45 P.M.
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boxing, women's boxing

RAGING BABE PRESENTS THURSDAY NIGHT FIGHTS AT THE ARMORY:  THE RETURN

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Rosado returns to finish what she started in the Bull City
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – August 15, 2017 -This time last year, “Raging Babe” Michelle Rosado touched down in Raleigh for the first time, determined to help a local boxing promoter make his mark in North Carolina. Rosado and her company, Raging Babe, did just that, and have now emerged as North Carolina’s newest boxing promoter. On October 19th, Raging Babe promotes its own event at the Durham Armory, aptly named The Return. The card will feature some of the best young talent from across North Carolina in competitive fights, matched by Hall of Fame Matchmaker and mentor to Rosado, Russell Peltz.

With a combined 50+ years of experience in the rough and tumble world of boxing, Rosado and Peltz brought a well-tested formula to Wilson in their first North Carolina endeavor in February. The sell-out event was followed up by the debut of Thursday Night Fights in Durham. Throwing a boxing event on aThursday night was a hard sell for Rosado. “I had to really work on the promoter to get them to give Thursday Night Fights a shot. Durham is a fight town. I knew that if we threw a solid, quality card, with good fights, that fans would come out on a Thursday night, and they did.” When planning The Return, Rosado opted to bring back Thursday Night Fights, and return to the Durham Armory.

After two wildly successful events, followed by a dramatic falling out with the now defunct promotional company, Rosado was reluctant to return to the Tar Heel State. She realized, though, after so many months of putting her sweat and passion into boxing in North Carolina, she owed to herself and the gyms, fighters and fans she met there to return, and fulfill the commitments she made to them to deliver quality fights, while treating the fighters ethically and with respect.

“It took a while to get to know the personalities, the gyms, the fighters and their stories,” said Rosado. “For a long time, North Carolina was a place that managers and promoters brought their fighters to rack up wins. The fighters here deserve so much more than that, as do the fans. I made it a point to let everyone I met in North Carolina know that we were here to work on changing that.”

In planning The Return, Rosado has felt that she could fully put her passions and ideas to work for North Carolina boxing. “I’m excited for the opportunity to do it my way,” said Rosado, who has put on events in Phoenix, Tucson, Philadelphia and Danbury, Connecticut. “I’m happy to work with any fighter that wants to step up and fight. There are no easy touches on my cards. We want to pack the venue and give fans a night to remember. Russell is putting together a phenomenal fight card. The main and co-main events are going to have people so excited – I get goosebumps thinking about it. These guys are really stepping up to give the fans some of the best fights Durham has seen in a while. I wasn’t even sure we could put these fights together, and all of these fighters signed on the dotted line with no hesitation. They are daring to be great, and putting their undefeated records on the line, and I can’t wait to formally announce what we’ve been working on these last few weeks.”

Rosado is also planning to work with the fighters to help the community in and around Durham. “I want to bring positivity to Durham, and to North Carolina boxing. These guys are given a stage to showcase their talent, and we want to use that platform to give back to the community in any way we can.”

The complete fight card will be announced August 24th, and tickets for The Return go on sale that morning. Tickets can be purchased through the fighters or at ragingbabe.com.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

TEAM SHIELDS CONGRATULATES BOXING’S NEWEST SUPERSTAR, CLARESSA SHIELDS, FOR WINNING UNIFIED WORLD TITLES IN FOURTH PRO FIGHT

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DETROIT (August 8, 2017) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields became the unified WBC and IBF World Super Middleweight Champion last Friday night with a dominant fifth-round TKO of now former champion Nikki Adler.
 
Fighting in front of her home state fans at MGM Grand Detroit and in the main event of a nationally televised ShoBox: The New Generation, Shields put on a display of skills and power seldom seen by a first-time world-title challenger. Without any answers to the level of talent in front of her, Adler was forced to cover up and withstand the blazing speed of Shields’ fists for five one-sided rounds.
 
A driven competitor, Shields is on a mission to become the GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time) and the performance against Adler has the entire world watching. Four fights into her professional career and Shields is already the face of women’s boxing.
 
“It was a dream come true to win two world title belts in one night!” said Shields. “I was very proud of my performance, and I can’t wait to defend my belts and then give Christina Hammer her first defeat.”
 
For Team Shields, the victory was more than could ever be asked for from their young fighter.
 
“Congratulations to a unified world champion Claressa Shields!” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “In less than a year as a pro, she has already achieved what no other woman has done in the sport. America’s first two-time Olympic Gold Medalist has become a professional unified world champion in just her fourth professional fight! Congratulations also to the great team behind her: long-time trainer Jason Crutchfield, Berston Field House, and to her managers who work diligently behind the scenes Mark Taffet and Jamie Fritz.  I and everyone at SP is proud and excited to be part of this exciting journey of a lady who is on a quest to be GWOAT!”
 
Shields co-manager, Mark Taffet, a long-time TV exec in boxing, says he’s never seen a performance like the one Shields turned in against Adler. “Claressa Shields’ win over Nikki Adler was the most dominant performance I have ever seen in a championship fight, male or female. She is staking her claim to be GWOAT in spectacular fashion. Claressa is carrying women’s boxing forward on her broad shoulders.”
 
Having fought three times this year already, winning two regional and two world title belts along the way, Shields says she will take some time to enjoy her historic accomplishments before plotting the next move with her team.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

NIKKI ADLER vs. CLARESSA SHIELDS FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TOMORROW/FRIDAY, AUG. 4 SHOBOX DOUBLEHEADER 

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Live on SHOWTIME® at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from MGM Grand Detroit

 

“The game plan is simple: Win the fight.” – Nikki Adler

 

“I think I can get her out in six rounds.” – Claressa Shields

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (Aug. 3, 2017) – WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Nikki Adler and hometown favorite, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields officially made weight on Thursday, one day before they headline a doubleheader tomorrow/Friday, Aug. 4 on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from MGM Grand Detroit.

 

Shields (3-0, 1 KO) tipped the scales at 165 ¼ pounds with the champion Adler (16-0, 9 KOs) of Germany coming in at 166 pounds even. In the ShoBox co-feature, world-ranked super bantamweight Vladimir Tikhonov (15-0, 9 KOs) of Russia will face Jesse Hernandez (8-1, 6 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas, in an eight-round bout. Both fighters weighed in at 123 ¼ pounds.

 

Shields’ good friend and newly crowned UFC Featherweight World ChampionCris “Cyborg” Justino was on hand Thursday and will walk Shields into the ringon Friday. Also in attendance at the weigh-in was a potential future Shields’ opponent, five-time world champion Christina Hammer, who is undefeated at 21-0 and currently holds the WBC and WBO Middleweight titles.

 

Justino and Hammer met with the media in a forum moderated by Shields’ co-manager Mark Taffet before the weigh-in.

 

“I never thought it would happen, that the sports of MMA and boxing would come together like it has with the upcoming Mayweather-McGregor fight,” said Justino, the former Strikeforce and Invicta FC champion. “I think it’s great and incredible and could possibly open the door for other fights between the sports.”

 

“I’m looking forward to watching Claressa win the fight tomorrow night,” said Hammer. “I want to see her keep winning so we can fight one day. I only want to fight the best and she seems to be one of the best.”

 

Tickets for the event promoted by Salita Promotions are on sale now and are priced at $350, $250, $125 and $60. They will be available atwww.ticketmaster.com.

 

Programming Note: Episode 2 of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. McGregor will air Friday night before the ShoBox telecast at 10 p.m. ET/PT. To watch an exclusive clip of the episode, click here: http://s.sho.com/2u8OxWK.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Nikki Adler: 166 Pounds

Claressa Shields: 165¼ Pounds

 

Vladimir Tikhonov: 123¼ Pounds

Jesse Angel Hernandez: 123¼ Pounds

  

FINAL QUOTES:

 

NIKKI ADLER:

“This fight is very big in Germany, and I know there will be a lot of eye on me. It will be 4:30 in the morning, but there will be live streaming and viewing parties.

 

“I’m going to be defensive in the early going and know that Claressa is going to come forward. I want to get the fight into the later rounds. It’s 10 rounds of boxing and there will be lots of action.

 

“I know I will be tough to knock out and have no plans of going down. Claressa has gotten all the hype so far and she wants to put on a show for her fans. I’m going to do everything I can to send those fans home upset after I beat her and carry those belts out of the ring.

 

“This is my second fight with my trainer Rene [Friese]. I wanted to train with the best and I need a trainer who had worked with the top fighters.

 

“My trainer has really been stressing strategies. We have a lot of them. The game plan is simple: Win the fight.

 

“Fighting for the first time in the United States is going to be amazing. I’ve only fought in Russia and Germany, so to be here in a main event on SHOWTIME is really special.”

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

“I feel like I’m a lot healthier and hydrated than I did fighting at 160. I’m not sluggish. I used a chef who prepared my meals for the first time and I feel great.

 

“I’ve known about Nikki Adler and Christina Hammer for a long time. I like both of the girls, but when it comes to getting in the ring it’s all about business.

 

“Technically I see that [Nikki] is very poised and calm. She’s patient, but not too patient.

 

“Even though she may be the bigger fighter, I know I’m the aggressor. I think I can get her out in six rounds.

 

“Of course everyone wants to get the big knockout, but I haven’t found the right punch that gets the girls knocked out. I’m young so I know it will come.

 

“I’m glad Cyborg is here to support me. She hits hard and we’ve sparred. She’s strong and she is fast. She’s picked up a lot from me, and I’ve learned from her. She’s the most feared MMA fighter, and I’m most feared in boxing. So it’s great for both women’s sports.”

 

VLADIMIR TIKHONOV:

“This is my first time ever in America. I’m pretty impressed with it. There’s so much to do and see, but I can’t let distractions get in the way.

 

“I’ve been here for about a month training at Kronk Gym. Russian fighters are known for being very disciplined, and we know the opportunity that is in front of us. There is no room for slip ups and to get lazy. This is my big shot and I’m going to take advantage of it.

 

“The sparring has been the biggest thing. I’ve been sparring with pros and amateurs. It’s so much more powerful here and the variety is something I would never get at home.

 

“I can box and I can brawl. Whatever I have to do to get the win.”

 

JESSE HERNANDEZ:

“I had a layoff of about five years and worked construction jobs because I had to pay the bills, but now I’m back and focused on boxing.

 

“In the past I’ve been known to be too aggressive, so I’m going to try and slow things down and be a more tactical boxer.

 

“I have six brothers who were professional boxers and I’ve learned from them. My nickname is ‘The One’ because now I’m the only left fighting.

 

“I’m the youngest of 15 children, all with the same parents. We are a very close family.

 

“I’m a natural right-hander and I’m ready to fight a lefty like Tikhonov. I’ve fought some southpaws and I’ve been sparring with lefties.

 

“He’s undefeated for a reason. I don’t think he’s been in there with someone as tough as I am; as aggressive as I am.”

 

RENE FRIESE, Adler’s trainer

“We came all the way over here to bring home the belts back to Germany.

 

“We have our plan and our strategy in place. We are ready for this fight.”

 

JASON CRUTCHFIELD, Shields’ trainer

“There hasn’t been much smack talking for this fight. I told her you need to let your fists do your talking. Your mouth can’t help you in the ring.

 

“We are ready for 10 rounds. I’m not going to say it’s hard; it’s doable. It’s her first time doing it. We’ve trained for it and she’s been 10 rounds in training three or four times.”

 

# # #

 

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

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

Q&A WITH CLARESSA SHIELDS

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TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, FIGHTING FOR FIRST WORLD TITLE NEXT WEEK, SOUNDS OFF ON OPPONENT NIKKI ADLER AND RISING CELEBRITY STATUS
DETROIT (July 28, 2017) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (3-0, 1 KO) says she’s in the shape of her life to take on reigning WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Nikki Adler (16-0, 9 KOs) of Germany next Friday, August 4, at the MGM Grand Detroit.
 
Shields will challenge for her first world title in the 10-round main event of Salita Promotions’ “BATTLE OF THE BEST” event, which will be televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation (10:30 p.m. ET/PT).
 
Shields says she’s not rattled by Adler’s recent remarks, that the United States should be ready for their golden girl to taker her first loss. In fact, she’s never rattled. She also gives her thoughts on her recent Twitter war with another top female fighter.
 
Give me your thoughts on Nikki Adler’s remarks about the US being ready for her to beat you. 
 
Nikki has to pump herself up, so she will say a lot the week of the fight. The US is ready alright… ready for its 2x Olympic gold medal winner to win her first pro world title!
 
Does it intimidate you or make you train harder when an opponent talks this way?
 
I’ve never been intimidated by anyone. I have had worse things said to me, I was gonna punish Nikki whether she talked trash or not. 
 
Talk to me about the pressure surrounding this fight. You’re going for your first world title so early with the entire world watching. 
 
I always have the entire world watching. Some people want me to win and some want the opposite! But I know what I can do, I’m just going to do it and dominate like always. No pressure! 
 
Tell me about winning all these awards and coming even further to the forefront of national celebrity. 
 
Winning awards is great; being recognized and respected is great also. I’ve done something that no other person in America has done, I’m the GWOAT! 
 
Do you do anything different in training for a world title fight?
 
Yes, you focus more, recover more, spar more rounds, and drink plenty of water! I’ve never been more ready!
 
Do you believe Nikki Adler has never watched you fight? 
 
No, I don’t believe she hasn’t ever watched me fight. That’s all mind games! She wants me to believe that. But in all honesty, nothing on the internet can help her in a fight against me! 
 
Do you dislike her now? 
 
(Laughs) Dislike is for emotional females! I love her! I’m gonna kick her ass! And give her a big thank you after.
 
Tell me about your Twitter feud with (fellow top female boxer) Layla McCarter. What’s going on there? 
 
Layla McCarter talks too much. For no reason. I didn’t have a problem with her at first, but she just upset because I say I’m P4P! And it’s the truth. She is just in denial! One minute she supports me and the next she is coming at me. In her interview after she beat Szabados, a girl I TKO’d in the fourth round previous, she says she can come to 160 and beat me. Then whenever I get props, or recognition, there she is again just saying slick stuff. I had to let her have it. 
 
What will your philosophy be as world champion if you win?
 
I don’t do ‘ifs.’ WHEN I become world champion, my philosophy will be to be so great that even your enemies will start to love me. God has been my rock for many years. He says ‘be humble to him,’ which I am! But I don’t have to be humble to man when I speak about my God-given ability.
 
To open the telecast, undefeated world-ranked super bantamweight Vladimir Tikhonov (16-0, 9 KOs) of Russia will face Texas slugger Jesse Angel Hernandez (8-1, 6 KOs) over eight tough rounds between southpaws.
 
Tickets for the event promoted by Salita Promotions are on sale now and are priced at $350, $250, $125 and $60. They are available at www.ticketmaster.com.
 
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.