Tag Archives: Andrzej Fonfara

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME Sports® Award-Winning Series Returns With “ALL ACCESS: Chavez”; One-Episode Special Premieres This Friday, April 10 on SHOWTIME®

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Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. & His Legendary Father In Training Camp, Preparing For His SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Debut on Saturday, April 18, live on SHOWTIME

 

VIDEO PREVIEW LINK: http://s.sho.com/1c5cLDQ

 

“I had a hard life so yes, I am angry with him.” – Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.

 

“I had all Mexico and the world at my feet at that time. But it still didn’t fill the void…So what was it that I looked for? The easiest and stupidest things…drugs and alcohol.” – Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr.

 

NEW YORK (April 7, 2015) –The Sports Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS returns to examine the life of Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., as he prepares to make his SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® debut against dangerous brawler Andrzej Fonfara on Saturday, April 18, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT) from the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

 

ALL ACCESS: Chavez premieres Friday, April 10, immediately following the live ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

 

ALL ACCESS: Chavez is written and reported by SHOWTIME Sports contributor Mark Kriegel. Author of acclaimed biographies “The Good Son: The Life of Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini” and “Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich,” Kriegel has long focused on the conflicts and complexities that beset fathers and sons in sports.

 

With unprecedented access to the young star–Mexico’s first and only middleweight world champion–and his famous father, ALL ACCESSuncovers the stormy yet loving relationship between Junior and his legendary father.

 

No question remains unanswered in a series of interviews at Junior’s high-altitude camp in Lake Tahoe, where his father once trained. What was it like to grow up as the son of Mexico’s greatest fighter? What price does a fighter pay for drugs and alcohol? And what does it do to his family?

 

Only the ending remains in doubt: Is Junior being punished for the sins of his father, or is he doomed to repeat them?

 

“Fame can be a disease, like addiction,” says Kriegel. “And this family has battled both. Junior and Senior weren’t merely candid. They were confessional. And, I think, courageous, too.”

 

With ALL ACCESS cameras entrenched in camp, viewers will meet three generations of Mexico’s most famous fighting family as the 29-year-old Junior navigates a crossroads of his career.

 

ALL ACCESS: CHAVEZ premieres on SHOWTIME with multiple encore presentations. ALL ACCESS will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and online atSHO.com/Sports.

 

# # #

 

“Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara”, is a 12-round bout to takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., and will air live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, go on sale today at 12 p.m. PT and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON WINS THRILLING BATTLE OVER SAKIO BIKA IN DEBUT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS IN FRONT OF A RAUCOUS CROWD AT THE PEPSI COLISEUM IN QUBEC CITY

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 (PHOTOS BY: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS)

ARTUR BETERBIEV SECURES KNOCKOUT OVER GABRIEL CAMPILLO

 

JULIAN WILLIAMS WINS AGAINST A TOUGH JOEY HERNANDEZ

QUEBEC CITY (April 4, 2015) – The inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) onCBS card brought fight fans a very exciting afternoon of boxing matchups from Quebec City’s Pepsi Coliseum. The main event featured Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (26-1, 21 KOs) in a thrilling 12-round unanimous decision (115-111, 116-110 and 115-110) win over Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika (32-7-3, 21 KOs).

 

The opening televised bout saw Artur Beterbiev (8-0, 8 KOs) in an impressive fourth round knockout win over Gabriel “The Handsome Man” Campillo (25-7-1, 11 KOs).

 

The telecast also featured highlights from Julian “J Rock” Williams (19-0-1, 11 KOs) win over Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-3-1, 14 KOs).

 

Below are some notable comments from the televised fighters regarding their performancetonight:

 

ADONIS STEVENSON

 

“I worked hard to be able to go for 12 rounds. I dropped him twice. He’s never been knocked out and I knew he’d come prepared to fight.

 

“I said I would be happy with a knockout or going the distance to get the win. So I’m very happy with how I fought today and with the result.

 

“Bika used his head a bit and tried to brawl, but I was able to control the fight. I knew he didn’t just come to Canada for fun, but to win.

 

“Being involved with Premier Boxing Champions and fighting on CBS has been a great experience. This is fantastic for boxing and we’re hoping more and more kids will start getting involved in the sport.

 

“As far as what’s next, I’ll wait and see what Al (Haymon) has for me. I’ll be ready to go again by June or July.”

 

SAKIO BIKA

 

“Adonis deserved to win this fight. I can’t take anything away from him. He fought very well.

 

“I got caught with a right and slipped the first time I went down. When he caught me with the left and I went down later on it didn’t really affect me that much actually. He’s the champ though and he fought a great fight today.

 

“Fighting on CBS has been an amazing highlight for my career. I didn’t get the win, but I put on a great fight for the public to see.

 

“For now, I’ll head back home and enjoy my family. Then I’ll see about another fight.”

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV

 

“In this fight I was able to really show what I’m capable of and my experience paid off.

 

“When I watched footage of Campillo I noticed that he did a lot of running. I wasn’t trying to be the aggressor. I just stuck to my game plan.

 

“I’m very happy to be on the big stage on CBS at such an early point in my professional career. This all came together very quickly and I hope to be back soon.

 

“We’re planning to fight again in May and I’ll leave whoever my opponent will be in God’s hands.”

 

GABRIEL CAMPILLO

 

“I really wanted to push Beterbiev into the late rounds of this fight to see how he’d handle that, but I wasn’t able to get it done.

 

“The most important punch was the first time he caught me in round one. After that shot I wasn’t able to regain myself.

 

“I was thrilled to get this opportunity to fight on CBS. This PBC production was very nice to be a part of and I think the series will do a lot to help grow the sport.

 

“My plan for now is to rest. Then we’ll revisit the situation and see about fighting again.”

 

JULIAN WILLIAMS

 

“There was no underestimating Hernandez for this fight. We studied a lot of film on him and had a pretty good idea of what he would bring into the ring today.

 

“I thought that my jab and my movement were my two biggest strengths in this fight. Cutting off the ring was key.

 

“This PBC series and having the fights on a major network like CBS is huge for the sport of boxing. It’s great to get into so many more homes, and I hope that it helps make the sport more popular. Hopefully this reaches those kids who can’t afford premium cable and helps encourage more young kids to get into the sport.

 

“I’m not sure what’s next. I’ll wait for Al (Haymon) to let me know, but I’m really hoping for a shot at a top 10 fighter before the year’s over.”

 

JOEY HERNANDEZ

 

“Williams is probably the best fighter I’ve faced so far. He’s not the hardest hitter, but he fought a very smart fight. He used his height and reach to keep me off my jab and stay out of my range.

 

“Unfortunately I had to take punches to give punches in this fight. When I got inside I was able to get my punches off, but I couldn’t do enough to get the win.

 

“This was a great fight for the fans and fighting on CBS gave me a great opportunity for so many more people to see these fights.

 

“I’m still young at 30-years-old. I know I’ll be back in the ring. I do this because I want to and I love it, not because I need to.”

 

# # #

The card was promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel. For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @premierboxing and @yvonmichelgym, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. SAKIO BIKA ARTUR BETERBIEV vs. GABRIEL CAMPILLO OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PHOTOS

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Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) On CBS Saturday, April 4, At 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT From Pepsi Coliseum In Quebec City, Canada

WEIGH-IN PHOTOS: (Photo Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS)

BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS: (Photo Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS)

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

ADONIS STEVENSON: 174 ½ Pounds

SAKIO BIKA: 174 ½ Pounds

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV: 175 Pounds

GABRIEL CAMPILLO: 174 ½ Pounds

 

(TV Swing Bout)

JULIAN WILLIAMS: 154 ½ Pounds

JOEY HERNANDEZ: 155 pounds

 

# # #

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Stevenson and Bika, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.  Tickets are on sale now at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. SAKIO BIKAUNDERCARD   PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) On CBS

Saturday, April 4, At 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT From Pepsi Coliseum In Quebec City, Canada
Click HERE for photos from the undercard press conference

Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS

 

QUEBEC CITY (April 2, 2015) – Before the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on CBS telecast begins (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT), a bevy of young stars will look to ignite the Pepsi Coliseum crowd in a series of undercard bouts beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event are on sale and can be purchased at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika and featuring Artur Beterbievas he faces Gabriel “The Handsome Man” Campillo, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.

 

Headlining the undercard action is rising undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J Rock” Williams (18-0-1, 11 KOs), who’ll be looking to continue his rise to stardom when he faces exciting Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-2-1, 14 KOs)in a 10-round welterweight bout.

 

In another top non-televised match, Kevin Bizier (23-2, 16 KOs)returns to the ring in his hometown to face Fouad El Massoudi (12-4, 1 KO)in an eight-round super welterweight showdown. In an eight-round heavyweight scrap, undefeated Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (15-0, 10 KOs) will face Oezcan Cetinkaya (19-9-2, 13 KOs).

 

In a pair of super welterweight bouts, Sebastien Bouchard (9-1, 3 KOs) will take on Denis Farias (19-6-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round clash and Custio Clayton (2-0, 1 KO) will faceRonald Berti (4-3-1, 1 KO)in a six-round showdown.

 

The remainder of the card is rounded out by a trio of Canadian prospects looking to build their pro resumes. Jan Michael Poulin (1-0-1) takes on Michel Tsalla (1-9-2) in a four round middleweight bout, Vislan Dalkhaev (1-0) battles Adel Hadjouis (7-3) in a four-round bantamweight bout and Shakeel Phinn (1-0, 1 KO) faces Roody Rene (0-2-1)in a four-round super middleweight bout.

 

An undefeated prospect hailing from f the great fighting city of Philadelphia, Williams is looking to keep his undefeated record intact and impress on the big stage. The 24-year-old faces a stiff test in Miami-native Hernandez. The 30-year-old Hernandez has battled some of the best in boxing and he intends to hand Williams his first professional loss when the two square off.

After dropping a title-eliminator by split decision in his last bout, Bizier, 30, returns to his hometown of Quebec looking to get back in the win column and into title contention. He hopes to build his case with a victory over the 27-year-old El Massoudi, who is making his North American debut. The fighter out of Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome, France hopes to make an immediate impact in his battle against Bizier.

 

An undefeated heavyweight who represented Columbia at the 2008 Olympics, Rivashas fought exclusively in his adopted hometown of Montreal since turning pro in 2009. He’ll be making his first start at Pepsi Coliseum when he faces Cetinkaya, of Kassel, Hessen, Germany.

 

Fighting for the third time as a professional at Pepsi Coliseum, Quebec’s Bouchard is seeking his second consecutive victory since suffering his lone defeat. The 27-year-old faces a difficult test in the experienced Farias, of Aulnay-sous-bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. This is the 27-year-old Farias’ first fight outside of France.

 

A 2012 Canadian Olympian, Clayton looks to build his professional resume and show why he was considered one of the best amateur boxers to come out of Canada. The 27-year-old from Montreal battles the 27-year-old Berti from Bracquegnies, Belgium.

 

A latecomer to the professional ranks, Poulin is looking to build off of his first career victory in December 2014. The 32-year-old from Quebec faces the 31-year-old Tsalla, who also hails from Quebec.

 

Russian-born but fighting out of Quebec, Dalkhaev is making his second pro start after earning his first pro victory in December 2014. The 26-year-old will be tested by the 28-year-old Hadjouis, of Rueil-Malmaison, Haut-de-seine, France.

 

Rounding out the non-televised undercard, Phinn, 24, will be looking for his second pro victory after picking up a TKO win over Eddie Gates in January of this year. The Quebec-native battles the 36-year-old Rene out of Ontario.

 

Below are quotes from Thursday’s press conference:

 

YVON MICHEL, President of GYM

“In my opinion, the biggest fight in the history of Pepsi Coliseum was Pascal-Hopkins 1, but the scale of this event presented on a general network like CBS exceeds all that was done previously. “We are privileged to have the PBC series for this historic first. All of this is possible thanks to Adonis Stevenson. The undercard is also stacked.

 

“PBC on CBS will also ensure that the people there love the experience. There will be screens everywhere and spectacular entrances. It will be a unique experience!” added the promoter.”

 

BERNARD BARRE, Executive Vice President of GYM 

“There will be 10 fights  Saturday, including nine non-televised bouts that only people who bouthg tickets to be at the Coliseum will see.  It’s a Marathon!”

 

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I’m just looking to perform well and get the win on Saturday. I’ve been preparing and training extremely hard for this fight. I’m taking it one fight at a time, and I’m definitely not looking past a fighter like Hernandez.”

 

JOEY HERNANDEZ

“There’s no excuses this time around. I’ve had some trouble motivating myself for training in the past, but not this time. I respect my opponent and have worked very hard to prepare for this fight. This will be the fight of my life and I’m looking to put on a great show on Saturday.”

 

KEVIN BIZIER“I’m happy to close the Coliseum. It is my home here. And you know I always do good fights! My opponent will come to fight and he loves going inside to brawl. It will be a good battle me and him. May the best man win Saturday.”

FOUAD EL MASSPOUDI

“It is a first time for me in Canada. I am ready for this fight and we have all the weapons to succeed”

 

OEZCAN CETINKAYA

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to box at the Quebec Coliseum. It’s a new year and I look forward to make a statement this year

 

SEBASTIEN BOUCHARD

“We worked hard in the gym and that labor paid off when I stopped Cédric Spera. We continued in the same vein for this fight.”

DENIS FARIAS

“It’s been over a month I’ve been training twice a day for this fight. I came here to win.”

JAN-MICHAEL POULIN

“I look forward to settling something Saturday. It’s nothing personal against Michel Tsalla, but I have a draw to erase against him.”

MARC RAMSAY (trainer of Vislan Dalkhaev)

“I have a special history with Vislan Dalkhaev. Initially, he came here on the recommendation of Artur Beterbiev. The initial goal was to help Artur to acclimate to Montreal and I knew that having a friend here would help. At the gym, however, I discovered that, not only were they friends of the each other, but Vislan was a high-level boxer.” 

#       #       #

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @yvonmichelgym, @AdonisSuperman and @Sakio_Bika, follow the conversation using #StevensonBika, become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog athttp://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

RISING STAR JULIAN WILLIAMS BATTLES JOEY HERNANDEZ PLUS, A HOST OF CANADIAN PROSPECTS & CONTENDERS TO BE FEATURED ON ADONIS STEVENSON VS. SAKIO BIKA UNDERCARD

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Don’t Miss Any Of The Action Leading Up To The Inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on CBS Event (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT)

 

First Fight Starts At 1 p.m. at Pepsi Coliseum

 

Click HERE for photos from the undercard press conference

Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS

 

QUEBEC CITY (April 2, 2015) – Before the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on CBS telecast begins (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT), a bevy of young stars will look to ignite the Pepsi Coliseum crowd in a series of undercard bouts beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event are on sale and can be purchased at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika and featuring Artur Beterbiev as he faces Gabriel “The Handsome Man” Campillo, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.

 

Headlining the undercard action is rising undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J Rock” Williams (18-0-1, 11 KOs), who’ll belooking to continue his rise to stardom when he faces exciting Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-2-1, 14 KOs)in a 10-round welterweight bout.

 

In another top non-televised match, Kevin Bizier (23-2, 16 KOs)returns to the ring in his hometown to face Fouad El Massoudi (12-4, 1 KO)in an eight-round super welterweight showdown. In an eight-round heavyweight scrap, undefeated Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (15-0, 10 KOs) will face Oezcan Cetinkaya (19-9-2, 13 KOs).

 

In a pair of super welterweight bouts, Sebastien Bouchard (9-1, 3 KOs) will take on Denis Farias (19-6-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round clash and  Custio Clayton (2-0, 1 KO) will face  Ronald Berti (4-3-1, 1 KO)in a six-round showdown.

 

The remainder of the card is rounded out by a trio of Canadian prospects looking to build their pro resumes.  Jan Michael Poulin (1-0-1) takes on Michel Tsalla (1-9-2) in a four round middleweight bout, Vislan Dalkhaev (1-0) battles Adel Hadjouis (7-3) in a four-round bantamweight bout and Shakeel Phinn (1-0, 1 KO) faces Roody Rene (0-2-1)in a four-round super middleweight bout.

 

“In my opinion, the biggest fight in the history of Pepsi Coliseum was Pascal-Hopkins 1, but the scale of this event presented on a general network like CBS exceeds all that was done previously,” said GYM president Yvon Michel. “We are privileged to have the PBC series for this historic first. All of this is possible thanks to Adonis Stevenson. The undercard is also stacked.

 

“PBC on CBS will also ensure that the people there love the experience. There will be screens everywhere and spectacular entrances. It will be a unique experience!”

 

An undefeated prospect hailing from f the great fighting city of Philadelphia, Williams is looking to keep his undefeated record intact and impress on the big stage.  The 24-year-old faces a stiff test in Miami-native Hernandez. The 30-year-old Hernandez has battled some of the best in boxing and he intends to hand Williams his first professional loss when the two square off.

 

“I’m just looking to perform well and get the win on Saturday,” said Williams. “I’ve been preparing and training extremely hard for this fight. I’m taking it one fight at a time, and I’m definitely not looking past a fighter like Hernandez.”

 

“There’s no excuses this time around,” said Hernandez. “I’ve had some trouble motivating myself for training in the past, but not this time. I respect my opponent and have worked very hard to prepare for this fight. This will be the fight of my life and I’m looking to put on a great show on Saturday.”

 

After dropping a title-eliminator by split decision in his last bout, Bizier, 30, returns to his hometown of Quebec looking to get back in the win column and into title contention. He hopes to build his case with a victory over the 27-year-old El Massoudi, who is making his North American debut. The fighter out of Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dome, France hopes to make an immediate impact in his battle against Bizier.

 

An undefeated heavyweight who represented Columbia at the 2008 Olympics, Rivas has fought exclusively in his adopted hometown of Montreal since turning pro in 2009. He’ll be making his first start at Pepsi Coliseum when he faces Cetinkaya, of Kassel, Hessen, Germany.

 

Fighting for the third time as a professional at Pepsi Coliseum, Quebec’s Bouchard is seeking his second consecutive victory since suffering his lone defeat. The 27-year-old faces a difficult test in the experienced Farias, of Aulnay-sous-bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. This is the 27-year-old Farias’ first fight outside of France.

 

A 2012 Canadian Olympian, Clayton looks to build his professional resume and show why he was considered one of the best amateur boxers to come out of Canada. The 27-year-old from Montreal battles the 27-year-old Berti from Bracquegnies, Belgium.

 

A latecomer to the professional ranks, Poulin is looking to build off of his first career victory in December 2014. The 32-year-old from Quebec faces the 31-year-old Tsalla, who also hails from Quebec.

 

Russian-born but fighting out of Quebec, Dalkhaev is making his second pro start after earning his first pro victory in December 2014. The 26-year-old will be tested by the 28-year-old Hadjouis, of Rueil-Malmaison, Haut-de-seine, France.

 

Rounding out the non-televised undercard, Phinn, 24, will be looking for his second pro victory after picking up a TKO win over Eddie Gates in January of this year. The Quebec-native battles the 36-year-old Rene out of Ontario.  

 

#       #       #

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @yvonmichelgym, @AdonisSuperman and @Sakio_Bika, follow the conversation using #StevensonBika, become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog athttp://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. SAKIO BIKA, ARTUR BETERBIEV vs. GABRIEL CAMPILLO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“I’ll definitely be going for the knockout this Saturday on CBS” – Adonis Stevenson

 

“I didn’t come here to Canada just to walk and look around.  I came here to take this belt back home” – Sakio Bika

 

Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) On CBS

Saturday, April 4, At 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT From Pepsi Coliseum In Quebec City, Canada

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit: Amanda Kwok / PBC on CBS

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC (April 1, 2015) – During Wednesday’s final press conference at Le Bonne Entente in Quebec City, both Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika promised a knockout when they meet in the main event of the debut presentation of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBSTelevision Network this Saturday, April 4,  at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT.

 

The hard-hitting Stevenson (25-1, 21 KOs) will defend his light heavyweight world championship against former super middleweight world champion Bika (32-6-3, 21 KOs) in the  main event from the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City.

 

The case was the same with the co-main event fighters as both undefeated light heavyweight and two-time Russian Olympian Artur Beterbiev (7-0, 7 KOs) and former light heavyweight world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-6-1, 12 KOs) expected to win via KO this Saturday afternoon.  Campillo, sporting a Tom Brady jersey, even promised he would win in dramatic fashion like this year’s Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots.

 

Below are quotes from the fighters and trainers from Wednesday’s press conference:

 

ADONIS STEVENSON:

“I know Sakio is going to try to take my title, but I’m prepared for that.

 

“I know he was a champion.  I made the move from 168 to 175 pounds and it worked well for me.  I expect him to bring his best at 175 pounds.  He’s a former champ so I’m preparing to face a champion.

 

“I’m looking for the KO because I’m from the Kronk Gym.  Knockouts sell.  But I can go 12 rounds, that’s not a problem.  I train for 12 rounds.

 

“My trainer has given me a great plan.  He knows Sakio Bika very well and we’ll see what happens in the ring.

 

“Bika is still going to have the same power moving up in weight.  He should actually be stronger.

 

“I’m very focused because I know Bika is very dangerous.  I know he’s going to come into the ring and try to give me trouble.

 

“I’m a knockout artist. I can do a lot in the ring, but first and foremost I’m a knockout artist.

 

“I’d love to unify the belts eventually, but I’ll let my manager Al Haymon take care of that.

 

“My mentor Emanuel Steward always told me that as soon as I enter the ring the knockout is what sells. I’ll definitely be going for the knockout this Saturday on CBS.”

 

“I’m ready to go toe-to-toe.  Adonis Stevenson vs. Sakio Bika on CBS, baby.”

 

 

SAKIO BIKA:

“To beat a great fighter you have to be your best.  I’m looking to take the WBC title back home.

 

“I’ve fought everyone – I’ve never ducked an opponent – and I don’t know if he can handle the pressure.

 

“I feel more comfortable at 175 pounds.  I want to test the big boy [Stevenson] and I feel like I can do that.  On Saturday we’ll see.

 

“He’s knocked people out, but I’ve never been knocked out.  On Saturday I’ll be the one to knock him out.

 

“I’m very hungry to get a world title back.  I trained very hard at light heavyweight to get a title back.

 

“I didn’t come here to Canada just to walk and look around.  I came here to take this belt back home and I’m very confident I’m going to do that.

 

“Training camp went very well, we put in good work and now we’re here in Canada ready to shock the world.”

 

 

JAVAN “SUGAR” HILL:

“Training camp was very good as always.  Nothing different, just hard work perfecting his boxing and the basic fundamentals.  We’re looking for him to make a mistake and catch him.

 

“The way you prepare for an unorthodox fighter like Bika is to make sure your basics are sound. You have to have a good jab, you have to have good movement and you have to have ‘super power’  And I have “Superman.

 

“Emanuel also told me the knockout sells.  It’s something that we both know and it’s something that is imbedded in us.  We’re looking for the knockout on April 4.  Sometimes I see things that Adonis is looking to do before he does it.  So I’ll just be sitting there waiting for Adonis to catch Sakio Bika making a mistake and getting a knockout.

 

“I’m super proud to represent Kronk Gym.  That’s why I wear my hat here.  Kronk to me is like my family name and that’s what I live by.  I was born into Kronk when I was a little kid going to a tournament with my uncle Emanuel and all I remember is the Kronk fighters winning.  And that’s what I do now: win.

 

“Adonis is an artist, he’s a KO artist.  My prediction for Saturday is a knockout on CBS.

 

“There’s been a lot of talk and now it’s time for action.  Toe-to-toe on April 4.  Don’t miss it.”

 

 

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM:

“We had a great training camp.  Everyone was relaxed.  We had great sparring.

 

“He was making 168 pretty easy, but stepping up he’s able to eat whatever he wants.  The weight is good.  We think he’s going to be good and strong at 175.  It’s a good move for him.

 

“He’s never had any problems with power, so I think the extra weight and energy should be good for him at light heavyweight.

 

“All this talk about Stevenson fighting (Sergey) Kovalev has motivated him pretty good.  I think it gave him a pretty good picture of how the business of boxing works.  He realizes that when the bell rings he needs to do something about it and he’s motivated by that.

 

“I can’t say if Stevenson is overlooking him because I’m not around him enough.  But I know the fans and media want to make the Kovalev fight.  It was good for Bika to hear that because it motivated him.  He knows he has an opportunity to do something about it.  On Saturday afternoon he can change all that.

 

“If Stevenson does what he says he’s going to do – meet him in the center of the ring and go toe-to-toe –  this is going to be a tremendous fight.

 

“If he comes to the center of the ring and fights and goes toe-to-toe then this fight won’t go the distance.  If Stevenson comes to trade I think he gets knocked out.   If he runs around the ring and boxes then it could be a different outcome.”

 

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV:

“I don’t think this is a big challenge for me.   I’m ready to face the world champions and raise the bar higher.  This is just another opponent for me.

 

“This is another step that will move me closer to facing the champions at 175 pounds.  I want to put on a solid fight and show that I’m one of the best fighters in this division.

 

“A knockout is never a goal for me.  I’m trying to show my work and my dedication in the ring, but usually that’s what happens.  Usually I finish with a knockout but that is not my main goal.  My main goal is to box and show my skills.

 

“My motivation is to face the champions.  That’s why I work so hard every day in the gym.  I will get there soon.

 

“Why not face Kovalev?  I’m ready.  When I turned professional my goal was to meet the champions.  He’s a champion now and I’d like to face the champions.”

 

 

GABRIEL CAMPILLO:

“We started training Jan. 1 and camp has been very good.  We’ve been working very hard and I think I’m in great condition for this fight.

 

“Beterbiev may not have a lot of professional experience, but he’s had a very long amateur career. So we know that he’s ready and is a good opponent for us.  We’ll see how he handles things once we get past the 5th, 6th and 7th rounds.

 

“To get ready for a hard-hitter like Beterbiev required lots of conditioning training.  We worked the neck and the chin a lot.  We think we’ve got a great chance in the second half of this fight though considering Beterbiev hasn’t really been tested like that.

 

“As for a prediction, I’m going to knock Beterbiev out in the seventh round.”
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

CBS SPORTSCASTERS KEVIN HARLAN AND BRENT STOVER WITH ANALYSTS PAUL MALIGNAGGI AND VIRGIL HUNTER TO CALL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS

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 Series Premieres This Saturday, April 4, on CBS at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT
NEW YORK (March 31, 2015) – The broadcast team for the April 4 debut of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS features a blend of highly respected sportscasters and shrewd boxing minds.  Hosted by CBS Sports Network’s Brent Stover, the fights will be called by versatile and respected play-by-play veteran Kevin Harlan with ringside analysts Paul Malignaggi and broadcast newcomer Virgil Hunter.

 

The PBC on CBS announce team will usher in the first of up to eight live events this year beginning this Saturday, April 4, at 3 p.m. ET/Noon PT.  Light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson (25-1, 21 KOs), of Montreal, will defend his title against former super middleweight world champion Sakio Bika (32-6-3, 21 KOs), of Sydney, Australia.  Opening the two-fight afternoon broadcast will be undefeated Russian-born Canadian light heavyweight Artur Beterbiev (7-0, 7 KOs), of Montreal, facing former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-6-1, 12 KOs), of Madrid, Spain, from Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City.

 

A veteran broadcaster, Harlan has called NFL games for 30 consecutive years.  He joined CBS Sports’ NFL broadcast team as a play-by-play announcer in 1998.  Harlan called CBS Sports’ HDTV coverage of the 2001 AFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXV.  He has called CBS Sports’ coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship since 1999, including this year’s CBS/Turner coverage of the West Regional from Los Angeles.  A well-versed radio broadcaster, this past season Harlan once again called play-by-play for NFL games with Boomer Esiason on Westwood One Radio Sports.  Harlan and Esiason were the lead announce team on Westwood One for “Monday Night Football,” the playoffs, a Conference Championship game and the Super Bowl.  This season marked Harlan’s fifth consecutive Super Bowl.  Harlan called the NCAA Final Four and Championship games for CBS Radio Network and Westwood One for five consecutive years (2003-07), as well as the regionals (2009, 2010, 2011).  Harlan’s boxing experience includes the 1995 Mike Tyson vs. Buster Mathis Jr. bout on FOX and various championship boxing events he has called for radio. Harlan is in his 28th season broadcasting the NBA and has called play-by-play action for Turner Sports’ coverage of the NBA Playoffs since 1996 and regular-season games for TNT and TBS since 1997.

 

The 34-year-old Malignaggi is a two-time, two-division world champion.  He is known for his passionate and honest assessment of live fights and fighters as an analyst for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.  An invaluable asset at ringside, Malignaggi applies a lifetime of personal boxing expertise to dynamic, ever-changing situations in the ring and articulates with aplomb.  He’s been a regular ringside analyst since 2012.

 

The knowledgeable and sage Hunter is one of the most prominent and respected trainers in boxing.  He has coached unbeaten super middleweight kingpin Andre Ward, British superstar and former undisputed 140-pound world champion Amir Khan and former welterweight world champion Andre Berto and was named the 2011 Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America.  Hunter is making his first foray into announcing on April 4 and offers a fresh and unique perspective to the PBC on CBS.

 

Stover has served as studio host for CBS Sports Network since 2011.  He joined the network in 2010 and has held a number of roles, including as play-by-play announcer for football, basketball and for Olympic sports.  Prior to joining CBS Sports Network, Stover served as host, anchor, reporter and play-by-play voice for the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports Net Midwest/Southwest.

 

The second installment of PBC on CBS is Saturday, May 9, and will pit undefeated Omar Figueroa, who vacated his Lightweight World Championship to move up in weight to 140 pounds, against former champion Ricky Burns.

 

Additional dates for Premier Boxing Champions on CBS are to be announced include live broadcasts in June, July and September, with up to three remaining events on the 2015 calendar. The live boxing broadcasts on CBS, other than the aforementioned premiere, will be broadcast live at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

 

The Premier Boxing Champions series was created for television by Haymon Boxing.  It is the first consistent series presentation of live boxing on CBS in 15 years.  The network aired a one-off live event featuring current WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz in 2012.  Prior to that, the last live boxing on the network was in 1997 when then-middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins knocked out Glen Johnson.

 

Live boxing was a staple on the network in the 1980s, consistently featuring future Hall of Famers Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, Roberto Duran, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and others.  Boxing’s history on CBS dates back to 1948 when the Pabst Blue Ribbon Bouts premiered featuring legendary blow-by-blow commentator Russ Hodges.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ADONIS STEVENSON, SAKIO BIKA & ARTUR BETERBIEV MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL

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Lisa Milner

Thank you, operator.  Thanks everyone for calling in.  We have a great call today to talk about the debut of PBC on CBS taking place next Saturday, April 4th, from the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Canada.  We are going to start with the main event guys it’s Adonis Stevenson, light heavyweight world champion; his trainer, “Sugar” Hill; Sakio Bika, former super middleweight world champion; and his trainer, Kevin Cunningham.  We will also have Artur Beterbiev later.  His opponent is training in Spain.  So, he will not be joining us.  But, first let’s get some opening comments from the fighters and their trainers.  Adonis, would you give us a little bit of information on how training’s going leading into next week’s fight week?

 

Adonis Stevenson

Thanks to all the media. I want to thank Al Haymon, my manager, great job.  This is a good person for me and fight on CBS since like ’80 like Sugar Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali.  You know, this is amazing.  And the first championship they want to start in Canada, Quebec City.  This is amazing.  And I’m very glad to be part of that.

 

L. Milner

Great. “Sugar” Hill, could you add anything to that about training or comments about how Adonis is doing at camp?

 

“Sugar” Hill

The training camp is going fantastic.  We are here in his hometown of Montreal training at his gym.  His gym is just opening.  So, this would be the first training camp held at this gym and for such a fight of this magnitude where Adonis is defending his world championship for the fifth time.  I’ve only been here for one week any other time, but Montreal is a great place and a great place for training as well.  The city has been so good and warm welcoming me here, and I see why Adonis loves Montreal, and I see why Montreal loves Adonis as well.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  Sakio, could you give us a quick opening comment about training camp?

 

Sakio Bika

All right, first of all, I want to thank everybody for giving me this big opportunity at the world title.  .  My training camp is going really well. I want to thank God, you know, to give me this opportunity.  Again, we have a good training camp here.  Everyone is happy.  I’m happy, and my coach is happy.  All my kingdom is happy.  I’m just looking for on April the 4th, to become three time world champion.

 

L. Milner

Awesome.  Thank you.  Mr. Cunningham, are you there?  Could you add anything to that?

 

Kevin Cunningham

Yes.  To piggyback on what Sakio has just said, we’ve had a tremendous training camp, great sparing.  Everything is going well.  Sakio understands the opportunity that’s before him, and we look to come to Canada and Montreal.  And we’re going to into Adonis’ hometown.  So, I’ve been there, done that.  You got to go into the lion’s den and take the title.  So that’s what we’re working on doing and that’s what we plan on doing.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  Okay, we’re going to go ahead and open it up for questions from the media.  Operator, can you please do that?

 

Q

Adonis, so much talk about you fighting the other light heavyweight champions and who the real light heavyweight champion of the world is.  What are your thoughts about these other guys and it is interfering with your concentration for your fight with Sakio on April 4th on CBS? 

 

A. Stevenson

Yeah, I know they have so much talking about that, but I’m very focused on Bika now, because Bika is in my face now.  I don’t see anybody.  I don’t see anybody in my face now.  It’s Bika.  And I don’t underestimate him, and I’m very prepared for him. I will be ready for him April 4th. So, my focus is on Bika. I know that they have so many people talking to me about how to fight this, but I’m very focused on this guy.

 

Q

What is the procedure for drug testing before the April 4th?

 

A. Stevenson

Three time in the training and one time is six o’clock in the morning.  So, they come into the condo and to do a drug test and two times in the training after sparing.  I think it’s good for the boxers, to protect them.  I’m very glad about that.  And when I got to fight, I always do the test, you know?  So, it is not the first time I do the test, but I always to do it.  This is fantastic, I love that.

 

Q

Do you think it was necessary for boxing to have that kind of test?

 

A. Stevenson

Of course it is necessary because, is helps you. So, it is very important to make sure everything is going very well. And that’s part of boxing and that’s the evolution. I’m very glad and happy and support that.

 

Q

Sakio, what do you think about that?

 

S. Bika

I think it is very, very good because I have [unintelligible] since I’ve been here.  I think it’s good for the new generation.  It goes for this sport. For me, I think it is perfect. It’s perfect because, so many people [unintelligible] retire [unintelligible] drug and they never get tested.  And now with new generation, I think it’s very good, you know, for younger kids to try to see if they want to win.  Once you come in this sport you have to have been clean. It’s a perfect organization to get people involved in and test them. It’s the perfect thing to do.

 

Q

So both of you will be tested three times, two times during the training camp, one time before the fight?  Is that correct, guys?

 

 

A. Stevenson

I don’t know for him, but for me it’s three time.  And we do a piss test, and we do a blood test, too.

 

S. Bika

Yeah, for me it was three time.  Then two blood test–like blood test and piss test.  This is the third time them testing me since I was here.

 

Q

The first question that was asked to Adonis about his preparation for the upcoming fight and also the distraction around all future potential opponents, I would like to get to add the same question to Adonis again.

 

A. Stevenson

You know, the kind of stuff like Bika is wild and has shown he come–you know, he just keep coming.  The kind of stuff like that, I love this kind of stuff because he’s large and keep pressuring.  And so, it shows if you make a mistake like that then it will be a knockout very soon in the fight.

 

Q

My question is for “Sugar” Hill.  “Sugar”, I just want to know if you were pleased with the style that was chosen for this upcoming fight, if this is the type of test you were looking for as a trainer.

 

S. Hill

As far as looking for a style for Adonis to fight–and actually it doesn’t really matter to me.  I’m happy with the selection of Sakio Bika.  I have no problem with his style.  I actually like the style because he’s coming forward.  He wants to fight, and Adonis loves to fight.  Adonis likes to go to toe-to-toe, and he likes to box.  This is important for the maturity and, for Adonis learning more about boxing to be able to be in it with a fighter like Sakio Bika, who’s a strong, determined and tough veteran who can withstand. He can take a punch.  He’s never been knocked out or anything like that.  So, this is an opportunity for Adonis to maybe go 12 rounds or into the later rounds, which can build and add to his career as fighting in later rounds, which he has been able to do. This fight here with Bika is a test, and Adonis loves to be tested. I love for him to be tested as well.  This is the only thing that’s going to make him grow and become more of a talented fighter and become a bigger superstar.

 

Q

Adonis, are you looking at a tough 12 round fight or do you see it as motivation as to being the first to knock this guy out if that opportunity presents itself?

 

A. Stevenson

It is motivation for me.  That’s why I train very hard.  I know he’s large as well in his punch.  And he wants to keep me pressured.  I love this kind of style.  And if he goes for 12 rounds I’m ready for 12 rounds. I fight and spar.  My fight is, sparing and training for 12 rounds.When I get in the ring, I’m looking for the knockout.  I don’t look for the 12 round.  If he goes the distance or 12 rounds, this is not a problem.  I can box.  I’m beautiful.  I got a good skill.  I’m a Superman.  So, it’s not a problem for me.  But, first I’m looking for a knockout.  And I think any boxer going in the ring to fight always looks for a knockout. Sometimes, it’s not like that.  But, me, I’m looking for the knockout.  And Emanuel said knockouts sell.

 

Q

You said that you weren’t impressed with Kovalev’s performance over Jean Pascal.  Do you want to put on a better performance?  Do you feel pressure to put on a better performance since you said that?  What do you think about that?

 

A. Stevenson

I’m not going to put pressure on myself.  “Superman” doesn’t feel pressure. I’m going to use my boxing skill, and I’m going to use my head in the ring. I don’t have to put pressure on something like that.  I don’t feel like that. I’m the man.  I’m the guy to get beat.

 

Q

Was Sakio Bika the first opponent they offered to you?

 

A. Stevenson

Yeah, it was the first.  He was the first to open.  We’re happy, and we don’t have a problem.  And I know Sakio he was light–no, super middleweight champion.  It’s very good, because he’s a good boxer. He was champion last two fights.  That’s a good opportunity for him, too, to go from light a heavyweight to fight me.  And it’s a good opportunity for me, too.

 

Q

I want to ask you at what point did you say to yourself, “I have to fight,” or “I want to fight Sergey Kovalev to unify all the belts in the division.”  At what point did you say that in your career?

 

A. Stevenson

I don’t think about Kovalev now.  I think about Bika. It doesn’t matter what I said now because I have a fight coming up with Bika.  But, sure I want to fight for titles, but now–for now I’ve got Bika in my face.

 

Q

You were not impressed with the way that Kovalev looked in the fight the other week against Pascal. Why?

 

A. Stevenson

I’m not impressed by it because this is the first big fight Pascal had since Bernard and he fights one time a year before Bernard Hopkins.  So, in four years he fights one time.  So, that’s why I’m not impressed about that, because Pascal is not an active boxer like he used to be back in the day.

 

Q

You know that Kovalev, because of the WBC is going to be mandatory.  I want to know how hard will you press for that mandatory if you’re successful again.

 

A. Stevenson

Of course, I know. I’m ready to fight a title.  But, I let my team, Al Haymon, care about that. Then after that Kovalev we can unify the title.  It’s not a problem for me because the two titles he gets now he gets Bernard Hopkins’ title, and I should fight Bernard Hopkins.

 

Q

This is a fight that’s going to be on national television in the United States, free TV.  Have you given any thought about the fact that you’ll be performing in front of an audience probably bigger than has ever seen you fight ever?

 

A. Stevenson

Of course.  This is a good opportunity for that.  And first of all, I want to thank Al Haymon for that, too, because, that’s him putting on the show.  And since Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, back in the day it was free.  Now, we offer the public the fight for free and that’s a great opportunity for me.  So, I have a good performance for Sakio Bika.  But, I know Sakio Bika is a tough opponent and he’s very awkward and tough.  We’ll prepare for that, and we’re ready. It’s also very good for the young kids, watching the fight. It’s a good opportunity for everybody.

 

Q

With that big potential audience watching wouldn’t that put you in a position where you’re looking for a knockout?

 

A. Stevenson

Of course.  That gives me a lot of motivation.  That’s why I train really hard for this fight and watch–so people watch me.  Since Muhammad Ali, I’m the first to be poor and the projects.  So, I’m very, very happy, and I’m going to put a good performance.  Like Emanuel said, knockouts sell.

 

Q

Adonis, where are you training this week?  And then, when are you actually going to Quebec City?

 

A. Stevenson

You know I opened a new gym in Quebec City.  This is a good opportunity for me to train in my hometown.  This is the first time since 2011. I can see my kid, too.  So, I love that.  And we train very hard, me and my trainer. We put the hard work pay off.  This is different.  This is a good opportunity for me, and I love that.

 

Q

So, you’re in Quebec City now then?

 

A. Stevenson

I’m in Montreal now.  Quebec City, I’m going this week.

 

Q

So, when will you actually go to Quebec City?

 

A. Stevenson

Sunday.

 

Q

Again, my question goes to Adonis.  I just want to know if a knockout is the result that you absolutely need or would you be disappointed if you didn’t win by a knockout against Bika?

 

A. Stevenson

I know Bika is a tough opponent.  So, I’m prepared for 12 rounds. If the knockout is there, it’s there.  If it’s not, it’s not.  But, in the ring, I’m looking for the knockout.  So, it doesn’t matter for me, but I’m always looking for the knockout.  That’s a Kronk.  The Kronk Gym and my team we’re looking for that.  Since the Kronk it’s been a while.  They’re always looking for the knockout.  If you’re training in the Kronk Gym and any fighter is looking for the knockout.

 

Q

But, it can be dangerous to always be looking for a knockout because then if you don’t get it as quickly as you want then you can get away from your style of boxing.  Is that something that worries you?

 

A. Stevenson

We can go 12 round.  It’s not a problem for me.  We train for that.  We train for that.  I can go 12 round.  And I’m from Kronk Gym, Detroit.  And this place, we have a good, good trainer like Emanuel “Sugar” Hill.  They know boxing.  They teach me very well my skill and everything and my balance.  They know boxing.  And so, they know if the knockout is not there, but we’re going to work.  We’re going to use the good ability to go for 12 rounds.  It’s not a problem.

 

Q

Sakio, I just want to know, how does it feel for you in this training camp to train for a light heavyweight fight after having spent pretty much your entire career at a super middleweight?

 

S. Bika

I feel it was a new challenge to go up and try to fight the big bull. When you see my regimen, nobody ever wants to fight me. It was always a little bit difficult because people don’t want to fight me. For me it’s a big challenge because Stevenson, Adonis is a great champion and I want to become the world champion in life. I’m very sure I can handle him. And come April 4, because I have a good preparation, , a great sparing partner, I just looking for you to see how I can handle the big bull. Adonis is the first one for me at this weight,  but I just feel confident, I feel positive. I’m ready, you know, to go there and show the people in the world I can beat Adonis Stevenson on April 4. I want to tell the big bull.  I want to move up in light heavyweight division, andApril 4 people are going to be see it.

 

Q

Does the weight feel better for you?  Do you see yourself staying at light heavyweight?

 

S. Bika

I see myself like a light heavyweight. I see myself at light heavyweight because you see so many world champions. For me just it’s just a challenge.  I want to challenge myself. I can do light heavy easy. It would be a struggle to do super middleweight.  You know, I can do light heavyweight really easily. I can handle the big bull, because I handle everyone. This is a big opportunity for me to try to see if can I handle the big bull.  I can handle Adonis. come April 4, I will try to test myself.  You all ready? I’m ready. I have a good preparation,. We train very hard for this fight. I’m just looking to come to Quebec and take care of business.

 

Q

At the same time you were at the Sergey Kovalev/Jean Pascal fight, and you went over to HBO commentator at the time, Bernard Hopkins, and you told him that you guarantee that you will fight Sergey Kovalev.  I wanted to see what your answer was to what you think of Sergey Kovalev and his performance on Saturdaynight a couple of weekends ago.

 

A. Stevenson

Pascal doesn’t matter now because we’re talking about Bika. I go to fight April 4 with Bika. It’s a very tough thing about Bika and Kovalev is not a person now when I think about the fight with Kovalev and Pascal and then after I said, “Well, yeah, I’m going to fight.”  He’s not a person for me now.  The person now is Bika.

 

Q

You guaranteed that your next fight would be against Kovalev back in May of last year after 12 rounds against Fonfara.  You beat Fonfara. 

 

A. Stevenson

You can’t guarantee.  It’s not working like that.  It’s not football.  It’s not hockey. And one punch can change anything.  So now I got Bika in my face, and I’m very focused with Bika, because I know this guy gives problems to all the champions.  He was champion.  And I know this fighter is tough.

 

L. Milner

Okay.  Gentlemen, thank you so much for your time.  I think this call really set in motion a great week and a half heading into the fight.  So, thank you so much.  We’re going to switch over to Mr. Beterbiev.

 

Artur Beterbiev

 

I like my training, and I am training hard.  And it was all planned.  So, it all went according to the plan. It’s a serious opponent. I can’t wait to have that fight.

 

Q

Artur, you defeated Sergey Kovalev in the amateurs.  What do you think of him as far as a professional opponent right now?

 

A. Beterbiev

Taking into consideration all his statements that he recently produced, I would like to meet with him and put him back in his place in professional.

 

Q

What do you remember about him as a guy who’s fighting you?  What do you remember?

 

A. Beterbiev

I have a very good memory.  So, I did beat him twice in the amateur ranks, but I’m more focused on the future right now. I would like to beat him again.

 

Q

Artur, could you describe how you feel your career is going up at this point? 

 

A. Beterbiev

I like the way I’ve been led in my professional career. I’m training everyday and working everyday and always thinking about that. I always try to improve and improve my not that strong parts, as part of my preparation.I’m not a future teller.  So, I’m ready to meet all the solid opponents.  And I’m ready for the championship of the world, and I’m ready for any case scenario.

 

Q

Is there any interest in you fighting the winner of Stevenson/Bika?

 

A. Beterbiev

I could fight anybody.

 

Q

What do you think of Campillo and what kind of challenges does Campillo presents to you because he has so much more professional experience than he has?

 

A. Beterbiev

Yes, I have a lot of respect for Campillo because he’s very experienced.  For sure he has more experience than I do.  He has experience winning and losing, and he’s a solid opponent, but the fight’s going to show if his professional language could help him in this fight.

 

Q

What do you learn from a knockdown?

 

A Beterbiev

I don’t think that was a knockdown.  I just lost my balance for an instant. I recovered right away instantly.  But I still think that this is a good lesson for me for this not to happen in the future.  And I’m going to try to avoid any dangerous situations in my future.

 

Q

How do you see Campillo, what kind of a fighter is he, and is there any part of his style–any elements of his style that can be worrisome?

 

A. Beterbiev

This is a solid opponent.He’s working very well, very experienced at attack.  He’s very experienced at defense. The fight is going to show what’s going to happen.

 

L. Milner

Okay, great.  Thank you.  Thank you, Artur.  Thanks everybody for being on.  A special thanks to the media.  This is a great show April 4th on regular CBS, PBC on CBS right from Quebec City.  So, thank you so much and have a great day.

 

#          #          #

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Stevenson and Bika, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.
Tickets are on sale now at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @yvonmichelgym, @AdonisSuperman and @Sakio_Bika, follow the conversation using #StevensonBika, become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.-ANDRZEJ FONFARA MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Kelly Swanson

 

Thanks, everybody, for joining us today for this great call to officially announce a very exciting match up.  And without further ado, to talk a little bit about that match up, I’m going to introduce Chris DeBlasio, Vice President of Sports Communications for SHOWTIME.

 

Chris DeBlasio

 

Thanks, Kelly.  I’m going to keep this brief.  I know we want to talk to the fighters on this card.  But I think I’d be remiss if I didn’t represent for Stephen Espinoza, who couldn’t be on the call  today, how very excited we are for the debut of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on our network on Saturday, April 18, for our SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader. It’s going to be a great night.  On the call with us and in the ring across from Julio Chavez Jr. on that night is Andrzej Fonfara, a man that we know that really comes to fight.  He brought it on his first fight on SHOWTIME last year when he fought Adonis Stevenson. And that was a thrilling affair.  And we’re looking forward to a real test and a great challenge for Chavez Jr.  And we’re excited to have him on behalf of all of us at SHOWTIME.  We welcome both of you guys and, of course, thanks to all the press for being on the call.  Thank you, Kelly.

 

K. Swanson

 

Thank you, everybody.  Okay. We’re going to go ahead and introduce the fighters and their trainers for you.  First we have Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., former middleweight world champion, Andrzej Fonfara, the former world title challenger, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. — we all know who he is, and certainly out of respect to the great legend that he is, we welcome him to the call — Joe Goossen, who is Julio’s trainer, and Sam Colonna, who is Fonfara’s trainer.

 

So, at this time, what I’d like to do is ask Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to make opening remarks about this fight and a little bit about what he’s doing now in training camp and just how he feels about the fight.

 

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

I’m training very well.  I’m training (at a higher) level than the best.  I’m doing more physical training (and I’m getting closer to the) weight of 172 pounds.  And I think I’m in great shape, you know?  I have a lot of time and don’t stay in this kind of shape.

 

K. Swanson

 

Okay.  Now let’s hear from Andrzej Fonfara.  Andrzej, could you talk a little bit and tell us how you feel about fighting Jr.?

 

Andrzej Fonfara

 

I’m feeling great.  I think Chavez Jr. is a great fighter, world champion.  And you know, it’s good fight for me.  I trained hard for the fight.  We got very good camp.  Now, we start a sparring session.  You know, my weight is good.  My training’s–all trainings are good.  I spent two weeks in Houston.  I’m trained there, too.  Then I’m back to Chicago.  We finished camp here.  And I’m–you know, I’m ready for meet Chavez in the ring April 18and show him I’m better boxer.

 

K. Swanson

 

Okay.  Excellent.  Thank you so much.  Next we’ll have the trainers say something very brief before we turn it over to the media for call.  So, Joe Goossen, he is Julio Cesar Chavez’s trainer at this point.  Joe, would you like to make a couple comments?

 

Joe Goossen

 

Thank you.  Number one, I want to thank SHOWTIME because we’re very excited about performing for SHOWTIME on Julio’s debut fight with SHOWTIME.  And that being said, you know, Julio is very, very serious about this fight.  Like Fonfara, he trained for a few weeks in Los Angeles.  And now, we’re up in Lake Tahoe, up in the high altitude in the mountains here.  It’s very secluded.  It’s very concentrated work.  Julio is — I can just tell you this — is very dedicated to this fight, mentally, physically, and spiritually.  He’s shown me that he’s willing to work very hard for this fight, which always works out well when a fighter cooperates in training.  And he’s doing that 110 percent.  And I can’t tell you how happy I am, number one, to be working with Julio Jr. It’s been something that I’ve always wanted to do.  And of course, I know his father very well.  And I’m very honored to be a part of the team.  And I can’t wait ’til April 18 to display all of Julio’s talents and to go there.  And we’ve got one objective.  And that’s to win the fight.  With the way Julio’s training, I’m very confident in what we’re doing right now.  So, I’m very happy with that.  And I’m sure Andrzej’s doing the same thing, training very hard.  With that being said, thank you.

 

K. Swanson

 

Thank you. Now, Sam Colonna, if you could give us a comment, and then we’ll open it up for questions.

 

Sam Colonna

 

Well, first, I’d like to thank everybody for getting this together.  It’s an honor to be part of it.  But, you know, before they picked Julio Cesar Chavez to fight, they were throwing names at us.  And I would say no.  And another name came.  I would say no.  As soon as they said, ‘What about Julio Cesar Chavez,’ I said, ‘That’s the fight we want.’  The style is perfect for us.  He comes right at us.  And it’s going to be a great fight for Andrzej to show what the power and the dedication he has towards it.  He knows that this fight here is going to bring him to the top.  And it’s an honor to fight Julio Cesar Chavez.  It’s somebody I wanted him to fight for years.  But the weight was never the same.  Andrzej moved up.  And then now, it’s perfect.  So, it’s going to be a great fight.  I think we’re going to bring a lot of action to this fight.  And it’s going to be a jammed action fight.  I’m glad that this fight happened.  And I can’t wait for April 18.

 

K. Swanson

 

Okay.  Thank you.  And now, last but not least, I’d like to get a couple comments from Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. about his son fighting Fonfara and what he anticipates that will be like.  Julio?

 

Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

 

I didn’t want this fight.  I know that, for my son, I know it’s a hard fight.  It’s a difficult fight.  And I didn’t want it.  Fonfara is very strong.  But my son wanted this fight.  He wanted fighters that have a high category.  He wanted a hard fight.  And he believed that winning this fight will give him more credibility.  And that’s why he chose Fonfara.

 

Q

This is for Chavez Jr.  Julio, how do you feel coming off a year layoff?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

I feel good. I know it’s difficult when you’re off. It’s difficult to regain your timing. But I’ve been training, working at my skills.  And I think, you know, I’m very confident because I have spent all my life in boxing. I’m in the 13th year of my professional career. So I don’t think this is a problem because this fight is at 172 pounds. I don’t need to have a problem with weight.  And at 172, I feel good in sparring.  I feel good in training.  And I think I’m ready for this fight and ready to win another world title.

 

Q

Speaking of that world title, how do you feel about guys like Adonis Stevenson and Sergey Kovalev?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

Oh, these guys very strong.  But I think, after this fight, I’m going down to 168 and stay in this weight class. One or two years ago I moved to 175 but that was too much for my body. Now, I’m 168.  But, for the one year off, this fight is at 172.

 

Q

Andrzej, how do you feel physically coming off the Adonis Stevenson battle?

 

A. Fonfara

 

I think I showed againstStevenson that I was a fighter. Physically, I feel good now. Since that fight, I’ve been training much harder.  I think, because of that fight, I’m a better boxer because, you know, I learn a lot in fights.  I’m ready for Chavez, I’ve trained hard for this fight, like, you know, Chavez says.  He’s trained hard for this fight. But I always train hard.  It doesn’t matter if it’s Chavez or whoever else, I’m always training hard.

 

Q

This is for both Julio Jr. and Sr.  For Jr., obviously, there’s a benefit and maybe a drawback, too, to having such a famous name.  Benefit is that everybody knows your father and what he accomplished.  And that brings you attention early in your career as it has.  The possible drawback is that you’re always going to be compared to him, which some would say was almost an impossible, impossibly high standard to try to live up to.  From your perspective and also from your father’s, what about that, the burden and the benefit of having such a famous name?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

I think I’m well respected because I’m world champion.  But, you know, I think this is an advantage. But this doesn’t help me in the ring. I’m proven in the ring. I beat the champions.  I beat the number one, number two, number three and number four at 168 pounds. And I’ve showed everybody, the people, that I can fight, too. I am a good fighter and (I put on good fights). And people like see my fights. My style is a good style for the people.  And I think this fight, too, the style of Fonfara is to come to fight, he’s a fighter with a great heart and great chin.  And both of us will make a great fight.

 

J. Cesar Chavez Sr.

 

The name has helped.  Obviously, it’s helped get attention, but we are very different.  He — my son fights at a higher weight than I fought.  And so, there’s a lot of difference.  Physically, he’s a lot bigger than I was.  So, there’s good and bad, and we understand that.  But, he’s his own fighter just like I was.

 

Q

Sam, you mentioned earlier that you had a lot of names mentioned for Andrzej before you finally settled on Chavez.  Are you willing to reveal some of those names?

 

 

S. Colonna

You know what?  I really don’t have them right in front of me.  But, there were at least three, four different guys they were throwing at us.  And as soon as they said Chavez, I go, ‘That’s the guy we want,’ because, like I said earlier, the style is perfect for us.  And we don’t have to look for him too much, you know?  He’s going to be right there for us.  So, the style is really, really mixed good.

 

Q

Andrzej, you’ve fought at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight.  How does it feel fighting at 172?  And do you see yourself moving possibly down in weight in the near future, or do you feel you’re a true light heavyweight?

 

A. Fonfara

I’m a light heavyweight fighter. That’s because I’m fighting with Chavez.  That’s why we have a catch-weight.  And that’s why I go down. I usually fight at 175, at least for maybe two years.  And this my weight.  It’s not impossible for me to go, like, two, three pounds down because, you know, when I fought Stevenson last year in May, I was 173 then.  And I felt good then.  Two pounds down is not problem for me.  Should be good, you know?  Just more diet, more work in the last week.  And I should be good.

 

Q

Julio Jr., how much of a relief is it for you to finally fight after a year?  I know it’s been trying for you with the whole lawsuit and everything.  So, how does it feel for you to know you finally have a fight up ahead?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

I feel good. I feel great, you know, because this problem offended me a lot mentally more than physically.  But I’m really happy that this problem is better now. I have a fight in front of me.  And you know, I’m not remembering anything about that.  I’m just focusing on the fight April 18 for Fonfara. I feel good, I feel great.  You know I can’t tell you with words how I feel because I’m better to the ring. (But I’m very excited to be returning) to the ring.

 

Q

Joe Goossen, which of the skills of Julio Cesar are translating the best for the light heavyweight division? 

 

J. Goossen

 

Well, first off, Julio is a well-rounded fighter.  I mean, we’ve seen him box before.  And we’ve seen him pressure before.  I don’t want to tip my hand on what we’re going to do but we have studied the films.  We’ve talked about the films of Andrzej.  And of course, we’re developing a game plan.  I think the weight — basically, 172 is very close to 68.  It’s a weight he’s fought at before. So I don’t think the weight is going to be a problem at all.  The way he’s working right now and the weight he’s at right now, I think we’re going to be able to hit the 172 mark quite easily.  But, again, as far as what skills he has that we’re going to bring to the table is something that I think is private to us.  But Julio Jr. is a multi-talented fighter.  Just watching him spar yesterday, when we needed a box, he did it beautifully.  And when we needed pressure in a few rounds, he pulled it off exactly how I like it.  So I’m very confident that whatever style we bring and game plan we bring, we’re going to be successful with it.

 

Q

Can you make the weight?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

Yes.  Sure.  I’ll make 172 because I pay $100,000 per a pound (if I don’t). I can’t pay that kind of money. I’ve never weighed more than 172 in a fight. The only fight I made 172 is with Brian Vera, the first fight.  But in all the rest of my career of boxing, in all my championship bouts (I never didn’t make weight). I don’t know why you ask me that. Okay.  Maybe, I’m a bigger fighter, you know?  I know I am a bigger fighter.  But, I don’t have problems. And (if he does) not make the weight, maybe I’ll win $100,000 more.

 

Q

So, Julio, you’re hoping for $100,000 from Andrzej Fonfara, but you’re saying that he should not hope for $100,000 from you?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

No, no.  I think that the fight’s in the right way.  And he’s not going to take advantage of anybody, you know, because (I come in lighter). You know, the weight is pretty good I think for both fighters.

 

Q

Can you talk about your decision to have Joe Goossen in your corner, you feel, as a result of the Vera fight, that you owe the fans a performance?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

Well, I’ve known Joe Goossen for a long time.  He’s a great trainer.  He’s a great person.  He’s somebody that motivates fighters.  And we have a true connection.  We’ve connected again.  And I like him a lot.  I like that he’s a hard worker, just like me.  And I think, together, we’re going to do really well.  With regards to the performance, I can tell you that, this show is for the people.  It’s going to be a great fight.  It’s going to be a better fight.  And now, with my new promotion company and with knowing who my opponent is going to be in advance, I think it’s going to be a great night.

 

 K. Swanson

 

That was our last question.  So, again, we really appreciate the fighters taking time to join us.  We look forward to this fantastic matchup between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andrzej Fonfara on Saturday, April 18, from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., live on SHOWTIME at 10:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. PT.  Thank you so much for joining us.

 

*          *          *

 

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

 

Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara, is a 12-round bout that takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @andrzej_fonfara, @StubHubCenter and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezFonfara, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog athttp://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Campillo Next for Beterbiev 

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QUEBEC CITY (March 19, 2015) – After dominating the amateur ranks during two entire Olympic cycles, Russian prospect Artur Beterbiev is now ready for pro boxing’s elite, even though he has only fought seven times as a professional. The Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) jewel will continue his journey April 4 in Quebec City, airing live on CBS and TVA Sports, against former world champion Gabriel Campillo, of Spain.

“The journalists won’t be happy since I did not KO anybody today,” laughed Beterbiev after a public training session today in Quebec City, He demonstrated his skills with his sparring partners, Englishman Bob Ajisafe and Australian Blake Caparello.

“I really think it will be a short night for Campillo,” Caparello said after sparring Beterbiev. “This guy has some incredible brute force. He could even chase and hunt down a strong Sergey Kovalev in the ring,”

Beterbiev (7-0, 7 KOa) will face former WBA light heavyweight world champion Campillo (25-6-1, 11 KOa), a slick 6’2” southpaw who has fought 211 rounds as a professional, in a preliminary bout before the WBC andThe Ring light heavyweight world title fight between defending champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio Bika.

Beterbiev-Campillo is for the IBF world second ranking in the light heavyweight division. 

“It is a good fight against an excellent opponent; a resistant, experienced guy,” Beterbiev trainer Marc Ramsay analyzed. “Campillo will bring a lot of ring experience to Artur. My boxer continues to improve every day but, in fact, he is already ready for the best.”

“I will put on a good show and fight April 4th,” Beterbiev continued. “When I step in the ring, I don’t have a friend. I want to continue to get better until I face Sergey Kovalev again. And I will beat him again!”

Kevin Bizier vs. Stanislav Salmon

Canadian welterweight Kevin Bizier (23-2, 16 KOs) will have his chance to write history in the old Québec Coliseum, since he will fight the last boxing bout ever produced in the former Nordiques arena. April 4th, he will face former French and WBC Mediterranean welterweight champion Stanislav Salmon (24-3-2, 10 KOs). 

In order to realize that dream, the Quebec City’s pride had to refuse an offer to appear in the semi-final bout of the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and Andrzej Fonfara fight, April 18th in Carson, California.

“Kevin would have received a bigger purse than the one he had for his last fight against Jo Jo Dan, but he wanted to stay on the Quebec card,” promoter Yvon Michel added. “He did a great job in a really close brawl against Dan and Dan will fight in an IBF world welterweight fight, March 28 in England. Everything is still possible for Kevin and we believe in him.”

“To be the one that will close the Colisée is really something,” Bizier commented. “It is also a good preparation fight and I must do great. I would have liked to fight in California, but I will have another opportunity in June. And of course, I would have loved to be in Jo Jo Dan’s shoes to fight in a world championship…but one day, it will be my turn.” 

Sébastien Bouchard vs. Denis Farias

Also on the card, Canadian fovorie Sébastien Bouchard (9-1, 3 KOs) will step up to face French tough guy Denis Farias (19-6-2, 1 KOs).

“Sébastien made us proud in his last fight when he stopped the last boxer to defeat icon Stéphane Ouellet, Belgian Cedric Spera,” GYM vice-president Bernard Barré mentioned. “He will be facing a durable fighter, who has only lost one time by K.O.”
Tickets are on sale at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or 1 (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.