Tag Archives: Andrew Tabiti
TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS INCLUDING AMERICA’S YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION GERVONTA DAVIS FACING FRANCISCO FONSECA ANNOUNCED FOR MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR SHOWTIME PPV®UNDERCARD
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JUSTIN DeLOACH STUNS CHRIS PEARSON WITH SECOND ROUND KO IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FROM PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO
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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TRIPLEHEADER TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Tomorrow/Friday from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE To Download a PDF of the Bout Sheet
TEMECULA (Feb. 23, 2017) – Top super welterweight prospects Chris “Young King” Pearson and Justin “The Chosen One” DeLoach weighed-in on Thursday for their 10-round main event tomorrow/Friday, February 24 on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Pechanga Casino & Resort in Temecula.
Pearson, (14-1, 10 KOs, WSB 3-0, 1 KO), who trains in Las Vegas and fights out of Dayton, Ohio, bounced back from his first defeat with a dominant decision victory over Joshua Okine last April and is stepping up in class and opposition, while the aggressive-minded DeLoach, (16-1, 8 KOs), of Augusta, Ga. has won six in a row, including three unbeaten fighters in his last three outings.
In the telecast opener, unbeaten cruiserweights Andrew Tabiti (13-0, 11 KOs) and Quantis Graves (11-0-2, 4 KOs) will clash in a 10-round bout and undefeated up-and-coming prospect Saul Rodriguez (20-0-1, 15 KOs) will take on Chile’s Oscar Bravo (22-6, 10 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight battle.
The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $99.50, $69.50 and $49.50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
vacant USBA Super Welterweight Championship – 10 Rounds
Chris Pearson – 152 ¾ pounds
Justin DeLoach – 151 ¾ pounds
Lightweight Bout – 10-Rounds
Saul Rodriguez – 133 ¾ pounds
Oscar Bravo – 132 ¾ pounds
NABF Cruiserweight Championship – 10-Rounds
Andrew Tabiti – 196 ¼ pounds
Quantis Graves – 198 ¾ pounds
FINAL THOUGHTS
Chris Pearson
On fighting Justin DeLoach…
“I have had my back against the wall before. I know how it feels. I perform at my best when I have my back against the wall. I know he’s a talented fighter and that he has power in both hands, but I also know that he looks shaky when he gets cracked. He’s an athletic guy, he’s fast and moves well, but I’m the more skillful fighter.
“DeLoach makes a lot of mistakes in the ring. I’m going to take advantage of that. He’s never been against a guy like me. He won’t pass through me. I’m simply the better fighter here.
“I have the better jab and I have the pedigree. I’m disciplined and patient. You’ll see tomorrow night, DeLoach is in for a surprise. The only way this kid beats me is if I’m going with the wrong strategy, but I know I won’t. As far as skill for skill, I know I’m at a different level.”
On training camp…
“I’ve been in camp since April last year—almost a year. I’m not concerned in the very least about making weight. I woke up this morning at 152 pounds. I learned from my mistakes. Every fight that I’ve looked mediocre it’s been because I kill myself making the weight.”
On his loss against Eric Walker…
“I struggled to make weight for my fight against Walker. I had to lose 20 pounds in 10 days. I waited until the last minute to make weight and I paid the price. I had no legs. I had him in the position I wanted him, but I had no energy to close the deal. I couldn’t deliver. I lost that fight on the scale. I learned my lesson. It won’t happen again.”
On tomorrow night’s matchup…
“I don’t think it’s going to be a boxing match for long. Once one of us gets comfortable with the range and believe we have the advantage, we are going to start opening up more. If he comes up a little hotter, I believe my skills are going to dictate the pace and make adjustments as we go. Boxing is the sweet science but is not rocket science. You get in there and you find the advantage. You do what you have to do, adjust and get the win.”
Justin DeLoach
On working with his new trainer, Lucius Robinson…
“I had some differences with my previous trainer [Paul Williams]. I wanted more of the mental side of training, not only the physical. We just had different philosophies so I decided to change trainers.
“I’m training with Lucius Robinson now and it’s a big change—psychologically and philosophically. I’m really breaking down what I’m doing in the ring. I’m not just going in there to fight. As a young fighter you get in the ring and you just fight, but you have to do more than that. I’m learning how to use my head in the ring. When I’m hitting you, I know why I’m hitting you, where I’m hitting you. I know what I’m going to do.
“Learning the mental side of my sport really took me to another level. Anybody can get in there and get knocked out—that’s why I had my first loss—but who can really go in there and do what Floyd does? Break an opponent down in the later rounds. Master the sweet science. That’s the biggest change I had in my career, to learn the mental side of the sport.”
On his last three fights…
“I fought three undefeated prospect last year and I beat them. I fought Junior Castillo who has power in both hands. I went in there, I did my thing and I outclassed him. I got the knockout over Dillon Cook and then Dominique Dolton, who is a respectable opponent. I had a heck of a year.”
On his fight against Dominique Dolton…
“It was something that came together last minute. I was supposed to fight Chris Pearson but he got injured. I really appreciate the opportunity of fighting Dolton because a lot of up-and-comers don’t have the opportunity to fight a guy like that. Dolton was like a championship fight for me. He taught me a lot and took me to a whole different level. He was a replacement opponent, and my God, he’s a hell of a fighter.”
On his KO over Dillon Cook on ShoBox…
“It’s funny. I’m more of a boxer than a puncher. I don’t look for the knockout. I like to box. I think of myself as a boxer-puncher. I feel my opponents don’t usually know how much power I have. They underestimate me and I’m OK with that. My power catches them off balance.”
On fighting a southpaw…
“When you fight a southpaw, there are only two people you can study: Floyd Mayweather and Roy Jones Jr. If you watch tape on them you can learn a lot. It can help you develop your skills. I did my homework. I know exactly what I’m going to do tomorrow.”
On making weight…
“I never had a problem making weight. My body feels good. When I was with Ronnie Shields at the beginning of my career, I learned that if I take care of my weight early on, you can concentrate on training for the fight. So, that’s what I do. I make weight early and then I train hand to fight my opponent.”
Saul Rodriguez
On tomorrow’s fight against Oscar Bravo…
“I want to look good. If I focus on dictating the pace for this fight, the knockout will come. My punches will keep on coming and I eventually will get some damage done. I’ll drop him and then, I’ll stop him.
“I always look for the knockout. It’s just more satisfying for me. I like KOs, but I’ll be patient. I feel that Bravo is tailor-made for me. He’s never been stopped. So I want to stop him. Don’t take me wrong, I won’t be reckless. But if he’s there for me to punch, I’ll punch him and I’ll go for the knockout.”
On changing promoters…
“Top Rank wanted to sign me again, but it was my decision to leave. I felt I was not treated well. I felt that I wasn’t getting the opportunities I deserved. So I decided to sign with Floyd, and here I am, fighting on SHOWTIME. It was a good move.”
On sparring with Mikey Garcia…
“I’ve sparred with Mikey Garcia for years. He got me ready for almost every professional fight I’ve had. I would say we’ve sparred over 100 rounds. I’ve learned so much from him. I think that having him as a sparring partner it’s been a difference maker for me. It’s made me a better fighter.”
On what’s next…
“I’m going to get a title at 130 first and then I’ll move up in weight. I’d like to fight Miguel Berchelt—the guy that just beat Vargas. Gervonta Davis is at that weight too. I’ll meet him down the road. I’m more interested in unifying. I want to get the WBC title and then I want to go for the IBF.”
Oscar Bravo
On training camp…
“I’ve been training in Floyd’s gym in Vegas. We were in training camp for a while. I think 135 is my best weight to fight at.”
On his opponent, Saul Rodriguez…
“He’s a good fighter. He’s a young fighter and hasn’t been in the gym with the experienced fighters like I have. He throws wild punches. If he does that, I will make him pay.”
On what’s next…
“I want to be a world champion someday. I’ve never had this much time to prepare for a fight, so you’re going to see a different fighter this time. I’m confident and feel like this fight is going to change my life.
“My dream was to become Chilean champion and I did. I always took last minute fights with two weeks’ notice and went the distance.”
Andrew Tabiti
On his performance against Keith Tapia…
“I kept my composure. I thought I was sharp. A lot of people didn’t think I was going to beat Tapia, but I did. Styles make fights and we were matched perfectly. Since Tapia, I’m much better. He was high energy and moved a lot. He threw me off of my style at first, but I adjusted.”
On his opponent, Quantis Graves…
“I watched some tape on him. He’s flat-footed and stays stationary. I know what he has to offer. I can adjust well. I got a good jab, a great body punch.”
On what’s next…
“I’d love a world title shot, but I’m going to stay patient. I’m still at Floyd’s gym and working hard. I want to be a heavyweight someday. I’d like to stay more active and fight more.
“If things go well, I’d like a title shot later this year. There are not a lot of American boxers in my weight class. I’d like to fight Beibut Shumenov. That’s who I want.
“I’d like to move to heavyweight later in my career.”
Quantis Graves
On his matchup tomorrow night…
“I plan on beating Andrew Tabiti tomorrow night. I’ve prepared for this. We’ve done everything. I’ve been prepared for this fight mentally. I’ve never been 100 percent for a fight, except for this one.
“I’m not worrying about Tabiti. Tabiti is worried about me. He has the title to lose. That’s how I feel about it. I’ve seen his YouTube videos, and I’ve seen the mistakes he’s made. And I’m going to capitalize on those mistakes.
“I’m not just fighting Tabiti, I’m fighting TMT. I’m fighting Floyd. I’m taking this fight very seriously.”
On his opponent, Andrew Tabiti…
“Everybody can look good when you fight guys that can’t fight. His last opponent, [Keith] Tapia was good. But who else has he fought?
“I have everything to gain, nothing to lose. I’m hungry. I’m not a pampered, spoiled guy. I have nobody buying me cars. I have a car note, a house note, two kids and another one on the way. I’m hungry. I have everything to lose…I’m going to do what I have to do.”
On his pro career…
“I had a great amateur career. I had some stops and starts. I had issues when I didn’t get signed with a promoter coming out of the Olympic trials and that stalled my pro career a bit. My professional career started off slow. I’m not as active as I would have liked to be but I’m a young 34. I’ve never taken a beating. I fought five times and 2014, and twice in 2015 and last year, no fights. I live a clean life and don’t drink or don’t smoke. I just train. Every day.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @_ChrisPearson, @JipThaChamp, @Team_Neno, @AndrewTabiti89, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions
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 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, 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 and more.
SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS CHRIS PEARSON AND JUSTIN DELOACH HEADLINE SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24
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THE FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. FOUNDATION PRESENTS: THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY GIVEAWAY AT THE MAYWEATHER BOXING CLUB IN LAS VEGAS
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FOUR UNBEATEN, U.S.-BORN CRUISERWEIGHTS LOOKING TO MAKE NAME FOR THEMSELVES, ADD LIFE TO DIVISION
CRUISIN’ FOR A BRUISIN: CAMP NOTES
FRIDAY, MAY 13 ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION LIVE
ON SHOWTIME® FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS
Quadrupleheader Highlighted By 10-Round Fights Between
Andrew Tabiti vs. Keith Tapia, Michael Hunter vs. Isiah Thomas
Tickets on Sale!
LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2016) – Four young, undefeated cruiserweights from the United States will look to make a name for themselves when they meet in the featured bouts on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, May 13, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live.
The cruiserweight division has traditionally been dominated by Europeans boxers. Friday’s U.S.-born ShoBox fighters will be seeking to change that perception.
In the main event, talented Mayweather star Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (12-0, 11 KOs), of Las Vegas, takes on power-puncher Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (17-0, 11 KOs), of Bronx. N.Y. 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael Hunter (11-0, 8 KOs), of Las Vegas, faces Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs), of Detroit, in the co-feature.
Other televised fights of a quadrupleheader: TMT’s Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (15-1, 11 KOs), of Las Vegas, will meet hard-punching Colombian Juan Camilo “La Boa” Novoa (26-6-1, 24 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout and his TMT stablemate Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov (4-0, 3 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Uzbekistan, will be opposed by Alfonso Olvera (7-2, 3 KOs), of Tucson, Ariz., is a six-round welterweight bout that will open the telecast. All but Gavril will be making their ShoBox debuts.
Tickets for the event promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale. Tickets can be purchased online atwww.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling (702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Here’s what the fighters said about their fights Friday, training camp, their respective opponents and more:
ANDREW TABITI
“It’s great that four undefeated cruiserweights are fighting each other. I want us to get the ball back into U.S. territory, since it is a historically European-dominated division. I definitely think the emergence of young cruiserweights like myself is changing that.
“I don’t compare myself to other cruiserweights in the division, I know I’m the best. I’m always looking to win impressively, and I look to put on a great performance for the fansFriday night.
“Everything has been perfect. Training camp has been going great. I started camp in February so I feel strong and comfortable. What’s interesting is that I’m not nervous at all despite this being my first headlining debut. I see it as any other fight where I know what I am coming in to do. I think that lets me know that I am maturing as a fighter and feel a lot more confident in my skills and abilities.
“I’ve been waiting for the right date and this is it. I believe my career moving is great, what I dreamed of. Now it’s time to take the next step.
“Personally I’ve never seen Tapia fight, but I’ve watched videos. He is unbeaten, a solid opponent. Styles make fights and this is a good one for me. I’m looking forward to continuing to step up and give everybody a good performance and get close to a title fight.
“I can’t wait. I’m going in confident. The key is to get the victory, it’s the main thing. Winning is everything.
“I feel blessed to be training out of Floyd’s gym and be able to fight under Mayweather Promotions. He’s someone I look up to so being where I am is a dream coming to reality. I love training at Mayweather Boxing Club. It keeps me focused and hungry.”
KEITH TAPIA
“Fighting Tabiti is a great, real challenge. I like the way he fights. I respect him, but I’m going to be bad weather for him. I’m going to take control right away; it will be a Tapia fight, not a Tabiti fight. That’s a fact.
“Tabiti is a talented boxer. His style is a Mayweather style. I love Floyd Mayweather as a fan, but Tabiti’s not Floyd Mayweather. Me? I come to fight, hands up, moving forward as I go. I want to run over you.
“I’m definitely going to change the perception about me in this fight and the division because I’m a machine. I’m really confident and can’t wait to fight.
“For me, this is the right time. I am here and definitely ready to fight. I feel I’m the best in my weight class except no one has seen me yet. Tabiti may have the fame, but I’m not just going to talk the talk, I’m going to walk the walk.
“I think this is a big step up for me when I beat him. Once the bell rings, that’s when we know what is going to really happen.
“I’m going to become the cruiserweight champion, defend it a couple of times and then move up. I already feel like a champion both mentally and spiritually.
“All of my fights are equally important. I’m really satisfied with the way my career is going. If it wasn’t for boxing I wouldn’t be here right now. God and boxing saved me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be alive.”
MICHAEL HUNTER
“This is a step up as far as competition compared to the past, with him being an undefeated cruiserweight. He’s a good, long-ranging southpaw. We are actually around the same age; we were in the amateurs at the same time, but never fought each other.Friday, I aim to win impressively. I don’t want to say I’m going for the knockout, if it happens it happens, but hopefully we can get it.
“Although I’ve fought on TV quite a few times before, this is going to be a good show with Mayweather Promotions. I’m thankful to be fighting on the undercard of my good friend Andrew Tabiti. That’s an honor, to be honest. It’s going to be great that my family and friends outside of Las Vegas will be able to tune in to watch me, so that’s a blessing.
“I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied with the way my career is going. I can’t complain because I have no losses, I just wish it would go at a little faster pace. I’m a two-time Olympian and in the amateurs we’re used to fighting 4-5 times out of the week, so adjusting to fighting once every few months or so feels a little stagnant to me. I really try not to think too far into the future, I try to live in the moment, but I hope to get a title shot relatively soon.
“I went into training camp right after my last fight, so it’s been about eight weeks. There’s always ups and downs in training, but as long as you keep a positive spirit, everything will end up going perfectly well. So it’s been going good I can’t complain. I usually train out of the Mayweather Boxing Club, but there’s been some construction going on so we have moved it to Fight Capitol and a few other places.
“I have been changing my training just to better myself, not necessarily for my opponent or for this fight.
“You have to be a little more focused in the Mayweather Gym. There’s a lot of stuff that doesn’t really happen in a normal gym simply because he is Floyd so it will bring it out of you or it won’t. Only the strongest survive.”
ISIAH THOMAS
“Friday is a good thing for up-and-coming, American cruiserweights. There are a lot of us in the division looking to make our mark. Not just myself. This is our chance to show that America has good fighters in the cruiserweight division. It’s the perfect showcase.
“I’m very excited about being part of Friday’s card. I am just taking it all in and looking to perform to the top of my ability and showcase my talents.
“Hunter is young and hungry just like me, but I haven’t really seen or watched him. I’ve heard about him and I’m sure he’s going to bring his “A” game.
“I know what I can do, there’s no need for a lot of strategizing. I’m not just showing up.
“I feel my career is going good to this point. I keep rising. I’m on television. I like the pace I’m going but there is only way to really go, and that’s to the top. I don’t consider myself the best cruiserweight, just one of the top comers. Eventually, and in due time, though.
“Friday, I’m just going to do what I do best. Of course, you want to win impressively but the most important thing is to win. I’ve got to get that W.
“I live in Detroit but train in Miami, which is like a second home to me. Training camp has been going for about two months and it has been great. I get great sparring in Miami.”
RONALD GAVRIL
“I’m looking forward to having this big opportunity. Many people don’t know who I am so fighting on SHOWTIME will start giving me the exposure and recognition I need.
“Training camp has been going great, I feel strong and prepared. I’m happy and have no complaints. I feel blessed to be a part of this great card full of fighters with tremendous talent. It’s exciting to be able to share this with my stablemates here in our town.
“I’m looking forward to what this will bring not only for my future but for all of ours.”
JUAN NOVOA
“Training camp has been going great, I have been training for seven weeks now. I’m currently training in Miami, Fla.
“I have seen videos of his fights and can tell he is a strong fighter who is not afraid to mix it up. Considering that I have more professional fights and over 180 amateur fights, it is tough to say whether Gavril is a step up for me, until I step into the ring this Friday.
“I would be more satisfied with my career if I had already won a world title, but unfortunately the circumstances from my last world championship challenge didn’t turn out in my favor. I know that by winning this fight I would immediately launch myself into world title contention and potentially another world title opportunity. I see myself either challenging for, or defending a world title a year from now.”
SANJARBEK RAKHMANOV
“I’ve watched Olvera enough to feel I know him. He’s a taller, Mexican guy. I’m looking forward to fighting him.
“I train at Mayweather Boxing Club with Dewey Cooper; he’s been my coach since I turned pro. I had about 150 amateur fights and I got a lot of international experience.
“I consider myself a puncher. Once the bell rings, I come to fight.
“I’m happy with the way things are going. I train hard every day. I’m coming to take all the titles. This is my weight, around 143 pounds. I don’t plan to go up much or down
“In this fight I want to win and look good and then come right back. I think after about a year I will be ready to take on all the top guys.’’
ALFONSO OLVERA
“Training camp has been great; we’ve been in training for about a month. Road work is good, the sparring is good with different boxers. The weight is not an issue. I train at Scrapyard Boxing Gym in Tucson, Ariz.
“Our opponent is formidable and to be taken serious. We know he is aggressive and expects to win so we have to bring our “A” game to the ring. We also expect to win.
“At this point in my career I am very happy with my progress. This card is definitely for the world to see, and is also a big step forward for us.
“We are welcoming the opportunity and grateful for it. We hope this fight elevates us to more opportunities and gets us closer to someday challenging for a world title.”
For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter: @FloydMayweather, @MayweatherPromo @SHOSports, @andrewtabiti89, @machine_gun_tapia_, follow on Instagram at: @floydmayweather, @Mayweatherpromotions, @shosports, become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHTS ANDREW TABITI, KEITH TAPIA TO DEFEND THEIR PERFECT RECORDS ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION LIVE ON SHOWTIME FRIDAY, MAY 13 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS
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JAVIER FORTUNA STOPS CARLOS VELASQUEZ IN ROUND TEN TO RETAIN SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES FROM THE PEARL THEATER AT PALMS CASINO RESORT
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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES FIGHTERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
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