This week, Tom Tony and Rich get into some discussion about Floyd Mayweather, Jr. jumping into MMA. We also recap a big win by Alexander Volkov over Fabricio Werdum at the latest UFC Fight night and cover the upcoming boxing schedule and last weekend’s results.
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CAD: Phléigh na Seaimpíní Domhanda Trommheáchan, Anthony Joshua agus Joseph Parker a gcuid Márta 31 aontú teideal domhanda trommheáchan i nglaonna comhdhála meán ar leith arna óstáil ag SHOWTIME Sports® ar an gCéadaoin.
Casfaidh Joshua IBF agus WBA Champion le Champion Parker WBO Dé Sathairn, Márta 31 beo ar Showtime (5 p.m. AGUS/2 p.m. PT) ó Staidiam na Principality i gCaerdydd, An Bhreatain Bheag. Na seaimpíní gan sárú, a stór taifead comhcheangailte de 44-0 le 38 knockouts, buailfidh sé le chéile ar SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BoxING® sa dara craobh meáchain trom a aontú sa stair idir sealbhóirí teidil dhomhanda nach bhfuil bainte amach acu.
I dteannta Joshua agus Parker bhí Stephen Espinoza, Uachtarán, Spóirt & Clárú Imeacht, Líonraí Showtime Inc, Eddie Hearn, Stiúrthóir Bainistíochta, Matchroom Dornálaíocht, agus Kevin Barry, Oiliúnóir do Parker.
Seo an méid a bhí na rannpháirtithe a rá ar an gCéadaoin glaonna:
BUAICPHOINTÍ GALAIR COMHDHÁLA JOSHUA:
Ceist: Cén chaoi a bhfuil do chuid ullmhúcháin imithe agus cad iad do smaointe in oirchill don troid mhór?
Anthony Joshua: “Tá na hullmhúcháin imithe go han-mhaith. Táimid fós ag ullmhú anois ach go dtí seo, chomh maith. Creidim go ndéanann Trodaire sona Trodaire maith. Chun an taithí thar mo cúpla troideanna anuas i 11 mhí imithe 11 babhtaí, 10 babhtaí, a bheith ina bheannacht. D’fhoghlaim mé faoi champa traenála agus d’fhoghlaim mé fúm féin. Seo é an chéad uair a labhair mé le mo chóitseálaí fear le fear. a dúirt mé, ‘Féach, is é seo a cheap mé a bhí ag obair agus is é seo an rud is dóigh liom nach bhfuil ag obair. An féidir liom d'ionchur a fháil agus an féidir linn roinnt athruithe a dhéanamh?’ Níl aon chiall aige leis an gcaoi a bhfuil sé ag traenáil dom. Díreach i dtéarmaí sceidil agus bhí sé an-mhaith. Tá roinnt meáchain cúrsála tar éis teacht isteach chun luas a fháil, roinnt buailteoirí móra troma a chaitheann lámha móra ar dheis agus crúcaí clé agus a fhanann liom botún a dhéanamh. Táimid tar éis éirí as 15 babhtaí. Agus go hionraic, Tá mé ag déanamh seo le haghaidh 10 blianta anois má racaím mo ghairm amaitéarach agus mo ghairm bheatha ghairmiúil. Agus tá a fhios agat an riail 10,000 uair an chloig. Táim ag tosú ag éirí muiníneach. Bhí an cumas agam ach is dóigh liom go bhfuil mé ar aon dul le m’intinn anois agus táim ag mothú go maith agus muiníneach amach anseo Márta 31.
Q: Daoine sna U.S. ar bís faoi do throid le Parker ach tá an oiread sin lucht leanúna Mheiriceá ar bís faoin ionchas go mbeidh troid idir tú féin agus Wilder. Cad iad do smaointe faoi sin agus an bhfuil tú in ann é sin a tune amach roimh do troid le Parker ar an 31ú?
Joshua: “Caithfidh tú cuimhneamh gur thosaigh go leor den chaint sin fúm agus faoi Wilder 2017 tar éis dó Bermane Stiverne a bhualadh ach níor labhair mé mórán faoi. Tá daoine iontacha sa chúinne agam a láimhseálann an gnó agus mé ag díriú ar láimhseáil mo theicníc dornálaíochta. Shíneamar amach le foireann Deontay Wilder sular rinneadh an troid le Joseph Parker. Agus uair amháin níor tharla an troid sin, Chuir mé Wilder ar leataobh agus dhírigh mé ar Parker amháin. Ní mise an ceann atá ag breathnú amach ar Joseph Parker agus ní mise an duine a bhíonn ag caoineadh agus ag caoineadh faoi cad atá ag tarlú. Táim dírithe go mór ar Parker mar is eol duit, mura rachainn anuas ar Parker, Moillíonn sé an traein agus cuireann sé deireadh le gach rud atáimid ag iarraidh a bhaint amach maidir le bheith mar churaidh trommheáchain gan amhras ar domhan.”
Q: An ligeann tú duit féin smaoineamh ar ionchas an troid sin sa chás go mbuafaidh tú an troid ar an 31ú?
Joshua: “Céad 10 faoin gcéad. Níl aon dabht i m’intinn go dtarlóidh troid. Agus níl aon dabht i m’intinn go mbuafaidh mé Wilder freisin. Seo an áit a bhfuil muid ag dul. Troid tar éis troid, is é seo mo thuairim air…Nuair a bhí Wladimir Klitschko gníomhach agus a dheartháir ag éirí as crios WBC, Bhuaigh Wilder é. Dá mbeadh an oiread sin suime aige bheith ina churaidh trom-mheáchain gan amhras ar an domhan, cén fáth nár thairg sé dul i ngleic le Klitschko agus a rá ‘Éist, Tá an crios sin agam a bhí ag do dheartháir le déanaí 10 bliana. Trodaímid anois agus déanaimis.’ Tá go leor brú ó lucht leanúna i Meiriceá, na meáin agus na páipéir do Wilder chun céim suas agus troid. Agus anois táimid anseo agus is mise an curadh sin agus is cinnte go bhfuilim ag tnúth leis. Sin an fáth cúl le cúl, Bhí mé ag racáil suas na criosanna seo ceann ar cheann agus ag troideanna. Tá SHOWTIME ag marcaíocht liom ar feadh sé troid, ceathrú de mo ghairm bheatha. Agus táimid ar aghaidh i dtreo chraobh mheáchain an domhain gan amhras.”
Q: Bhí tuairisc sa Telegraph (An Ríocht Aontaithe) go mb'fhéidir go mbeidh cruinniú idir tú féin agus na daoine ag UFC a bheidh ag glacadh páirte sa dornálaíocht anois. An féidir leat do dhearcadh a thabhairt dom ar tú ag dul isteach san eagraíocht agus ar an méid a scríobh siad inniu?
Joshua: “Tá mé ag marcaíocht le Eddie. Thug sé tacaíocht dom ón tús. Agus an dara rud, Tá mé Boxer. Nílim isteach san UFC mar sin níl a fhios agam cad iad na pleananna atá acu. Ach gach uair a cuireadh ceist orm faoi UFC agus an ndéanfainn an trasnú sin mar a rinne McGregor le Mayweather, Tá sé ráite agam.
Q: Ní raibh sé faoi Anthony Joshua a bheith ina ealaíontóir comhraic measctha, is é an rún atá acu ná imeachtaí dornálaíochta a chur chun cinn. Féachann Dana White agus an UFC ort mar dhuine éigin a d’fhéadfadh aon chuideachta bolscaireachta cur leis i bhfianaise do chumhacht réalta.
Joshua: “Ó sea, céad faoin gcéad. Tá suim agam mar is féidir linn go léir oibriú le chéile. Is caidreamh oibre fíor-mhaith é caidreamh Mine agus Eddie. Táim cinnte go bhfuil spéis ag Eddie oibriú le Dana White. Más gnó maith é, déanann sé ciall. Nílim i mbun gnó. Tá mé cinnte nach bhfuil Eddie chun a rá, ‘Dana Bán, níl suim againn oibriú leat’ nuair nach bhfuil a fhios againn cad atá ar an mbord. Éistfimid agus céad faoin gcéad, má dhéanann sé ciall, táimid go léir istigh. Táim sásta go bhfuil Dana White ag teacht isteach sa chluiche agus tá súil agam go mbeidh sé in ann sceitimíní a chur air, dul chun cinn ar aghaidh, déan airgead maith agus déan troideanna maithe.”
Q: Eddie, an bhfuil aon smaointe agat faoin scéal sa pháipéar inniu?
Eddie Hearn: "An bhfuil Nach, Chonaic mé é agus Gareth [Davies] labhair liom faoi inniu. Más mian le Dana White labhairt linn, is léir go bhfuil Anthony linn. Táimid sásta labhairt le duine ar bith agus déanaimid gnó iontach le gach duine. Oibrímid le duine ar bith, má tá an gnó ceart. Idir an dá linn, Sínfidh mé Conor McGregor agus beidh sé cothrom.”
Q: mheá tú 254 punt don troid dheireanach agus tá roinnt cainte sna meáin go bhfuil tú ag iarraidh a bheith caol síos don troid seo. An féidir leat a insint dúinn cén meáchan atá tú ag iarraidh seiceáil isteach don troid seo??
Joshua: “Deirimis 17.5, 17.4 (cloch). Ní mór duit cuimhneamh ar an nonsense meáchain seo, níor cheart go rachadh aon trodaire isteach i gcampa traenála ag díriú ar a meáchan. Ní Weight Watchers é seo agus níor cheart d’aon duine díriú ar a meáchan mar sin. Ach is dóigh liom go gcaithfidh do mheáchan dul in oiriúint don stíl trodaire atá romhat. Le Carlos Takam, bhí sé ina trodaire níos giorra. Tháinig sé isteach ar an taobh istigh agus chríochnaigh sé ag bualadh an chinn orm agus mar sin bhí a fhios agam go gcaithfinn a bheith de chineál ar a bheith in ann leanúint ar aghaidh le Takam agus é a theannadh. Bhí a fhios agam go raibh sé chun bogadh go leor. Ní raibh sé seo chun a bheith ina troid de chineál Kubrat Pulev áit a bhfuil mé chun a bheith jabbing nó punching counter. Bhí mé chun a bheith i mo shuí ar bharr Takam agus ag obair isteach sa chorp agus mar sin bhí ról maith ag an meáchan. Ach anois, Tá mé ag troid le duine cosúil le Parker atá i bhfad níos tapúla agus a ghluaiseann i bhfad níos mó. Caithfidh mé a chinntiú go bhfuil mé níos éadroime ar mo chosa ionas go bhfuil mé tar éis dul i dtaithí ar an stíl trodaire a bhfuil mé ag troid. Níor choigeartaigh mé mo mheáchan ar chúis ar bith eile seachas an cineál trodaire a bheidh romham.”
Q: An bhfuil aon fhírinne ag baint leis an smaoineamh go bhfuil tú níos éadroime agus mura n-iompraíonn tú an oiread matán is féidir cabhrú leat san fhadtréimhse?
Joshua: "Tá mé 20-0, Is feisire aontaithe mé, muscle nó nach bhfuil, Tá gnó á láimhseáil agam go fóill. Is dóigh liom go ndéanann daoine iarracht rud ar bith a aimsiú chun d’intinn a stiúradh ón méid atá ag obair. Tá mé ag buachan, Bhuaigh an raic agus tá ag éirí go maith leis. Ní dhíreoinn ar rud ar bith eile seachas ar a bhfuil ag obair.”
Q: An mbreathnaíonn tú ar Joseph Parker mar an dúshlán is contúirtí i do ghairm bheatha go dtí seo?"
Joshua: "An bhfuil Nach. Wladimir Klitschko.”
Q: Cé chomh difriúil ó matchup é seo le Wladimir?
Joshua: “Ba laoch iontach é Wladimir. Is dóigh liom nár thug daoine an chreidiúint dó. Níl ainm aige ar féidir le go leor de lucht leanúna an Iarthair a bheith ag baint leis. Níl sé cosúil le Adam Clark. Níorbh é Béarla a chéad teanga. Níor ghlac daoine isteach ann i ndáiríre. Bhí forlámhas aige. Ba chraobh iontach é. Deich mbliana ar an mbarr. Feinimiúil. 69 troideanna agus 64 Bhuaigh. Sin iontach. Tá mé ag troid le duine atá 24-0. Beannacht ba ea gach rud a d’fhoghlaim mé ón troid sin agus thug sé dom a bheith muiníneach roimh an troid le Joseph Parker. Mar sin tá mé ag déileáil le beithíoch eile. Tá Parker fós ina bhagairt ach níl leath na taithí a bhí ag Wladimir aige.”
Q: An gceapann tú gurb é Parker an trodaire is teicniúla a bhí agat go dtí an pointe seo agus más ea, cén fáth a gceapann tú sin?
Joshua: “Sílim go bhfuil sé mar gheall ar go raibh gairmréim leathan amaitéarach aige. Creidim na Lomachenkos, Rigondeauxs, Bhí gairmeacha amaitéaracha iontacha ag Andre Wards, rud a d’fhág gur daoine gairmiúla den scoth iad agus bhí sin ag Joseph Parker’s.. Caithfidh mé creidmheas a thabhairt nuair atá creidmheas dlite. Ach ansin, mar sin dúradh liom féin agus liomsa na daoine amaitéaracha a fhágáil sa chúlra mar gur cluiche difriúil iad na buntáistí. Agus anois táimid ag tabhairt aghaidh ar a chéile mar ghairmithe. Is dóigh liom go bhfuil an cúlra amaitéarach sin taobh thiar dó agus go bhfuil a fhios aige conas troid. Thaistil sé an domhan mar sin ní haon rud nua dó teacht go Sasana. Tá sé sin ina thaisceadán, rud a thug go dtí seo é.”
Q: Ag féachaint ar do 21ú gcomhrac, cad a bhraitheann tú ag an gcéim seo den chluiche ar gá duit feabhas a chur air?
Joshua: "Nuair a fhéachaim ar an dornálaíocht anois, labhraíonn gach éinne cad is gá dom a dhéanamh le bheith i mo laoch mór agus feictear dom gur lámh dheas agus smig mhaith é. Seans go rachaimid go dtí na clubanna oíche timpeall Shasana agus Mheiriceá chun an fear is gránna agus is gránna a aimsiú agus beidh sé ina laoch trom. Is é an rud is gá dom a dhéanamh chun a bheith i mo chraobh iontach ach obair ar mo chluiche uile-thimpeall. Na bunúsacha. Táimid ag caint faoi chothromaíocht, obair choise agus tuiscint a fháil ar an bhfad idir bheith laistigh agus lasmuigh den raon. Foirfe do jab. Bain úsáid as do jab 50 amanna sula gcaitheann tú do lámh dheas. Déanaimis deimhin de go bhfuil do lámh dheas sa riocht ceart chun an duán clé a chosaint ar eagla go gcuirfeá in aghaidh thú. Gach rud. Sin an fáth a deirim nuair a throid mé Wladimir Klitschko, bhí go leor ama aige le botúin a dhéanamh agus teacht ar ais agus a bheith i gceannas mar chraobh. Mar sin le himeacht ama, sna troideanna seo a bhí agam go luath i mo ghairm bheatha, Tá sé foghlamtha agam cad a imreoidh róil ollmhóra níos déanaí nuair a bheidh mé ar cheann de na trodaithe ceannasacha sa rannán trommheáchain.”
Q: Conas a fhanann tú diailithe isteach agus gan a bheith buartha faoin torann lasmuigh go léir maidir le do ghairm bheatha?
Joshua: “Toisc go bhfuil eolas agam ar stair an spóirt. Tá a fhios agam cé chomh héasca is atá sé dearmad a dhéanamh faoi. Tuigim go díreach gurb é seo an t-am atá agam agus caithfidh mé caipitliú agus uasmhéadú a dhéanamh agus an rud is ceart domsa a dhéanamh. Ní bhaineann sé seo le bheith ar an lucht leanúna is fearr leat. Níl mé anseo le bheith pat ar chúl. Táim anseo chun mo ghnó a láimhseáil ar an mbealach is fearr agus is féidir agus nuair a bhíonn sé ráite agus déanta bí sásta leis na cinntí a rinne mé.”
Q: Conas a dhéanfá do fheidhmíocht i gcoinne Carlos Takam a mheas?
Joshua: “Bhuaigh mé gach babhta. Fuair mé ceann-butted. Ní raibh mé in ann análú trí mo shrón. Tuigim go raibh Takam céim déanach isteach agus mar sin bhí mé ag ullmhú do dhuine éigin go hiomlán difriúil. Mar sin,, Is é an rud a chinn mé a dhéanamh le Carlos ná dul tríd na rúin mar tuigim 2018 bliain ollmhór a bhí ann ó thaobh aontú le Joseph Parker agus ansin seans go dtabharfaidh sé aghaidh ar Deontay Wilder ar choinníoll go mbeidh an bua agam le bheith mar churaidh trommheáchain an domhain gan amhras.. Mar sin,, Ní raibh mo phlean cluiche le Takam ró-phléascach agus ná glac an iomarca rioscaí. Bí cinnte go bhfuil an lámh in uachtar agam ar Takam agus go mbuaaim gach babhta agus sin mar a chuaigh cúrsaí amach.”
Q: An dóigh leat gur fhéach Seosamh sa troid dheireanach aige in aghaidh Hughie Fury?
Joshua: “Caithfidh tú breathnú ar Parker nuair a bhosca sé ar an tosach agus ar an gcos cúil. Tá dhá athrú shuntasacha ann. Nuair a boscaí sé ar an chos tosaigh, Sílim go mbíonn sé deacair dó teaglamaí a thabhairt i dtír mar is dóigh liom go raibh sé ag streachailt beagán i gcoinne Fury nuair a bhí sé ag damhsa ar imeall an fháinne. Ach nuair a throideann sé daoine cosúil le Takam ar a chos droma, tá sé níos fearr. Is dóigh liom go raibh sé ag streachailt go mór le Fury nuair a bhí sé ag teacht chun cinn. Is dóigh liom gur bhuaigh sé. Is dóigh liom gur bhuaigh Joseph Parker. Tá an bheirt againn in ann a thaispeáint cé chomh iontach agus atá muid agus cén fáth gur iomaitheoir dáiríre muid sa rannán. Sin é go léir atá faoi anois. Márta 31."
Q: An mbraitheann tú go bhfuil an creidiúint tuillte agat as troid in aghaidh Klitschko mar gheall ar a aois?
Joshua: An bhfuil Mayweather ró-shean chun troid fós, dar leat?
Q: Tá siad ar an aois chéanna, ceart?
Joshua: Go díreach. Deir daoine go bhfuil Mayweather fós óg agus go bhfuil sé fós in ann dul san iomaíocht. Is é an difríocht, bíonn meáchan níos éadroime ag streachailt lena gcuid finesse a choinneáil mar go mbíonn orthu fanacht ar aiste bia. Bíonn ocras orthu ina gcorp cothaithe. Aibíonn meáchain throma níos déanaí. Nuair a chaill Klitschko saor in aisce,, bhí a fhios ag gach duine a bhfuil cur amach aige ar an dornálaíocht nach raibh sé ar an meon ceart. Nuair a tháinig sé chun troid liom, Bhí a fhios agam ach. Ní dúirt sé go bhfuil sé i gcruth iontach. Ní dúirt sé go raibh sé ag mothú láidir, but he said he’s obsessed. When your mind is right, the body will follow. That win against Klitschko was tough, I didn’t take him to points. I didn’t go there to steal the belt. I took it with both hands and it was a great fight for the history books. I’m not looking for credit, I know what that fight was and what it meant to me.”
Q: [To Hearn] What are your thoughts about Anthony’s focus on Parker with all the talk of Wilder?
Hearn: “We never have to worry about Anthony’s focus. He’s probably the most focused and driven individual you can meet. He knows the challenges and risks in front of him against Joseph Parker. One thing about Anthony is that he’s not real big on hype. We’re not really into storming the ring after fighting. When we got Klitschko in the ring after the fight, we signed a contract a few hours before that was in existence if Anthony won against [Eric] Molina that night. Until that fight is signed, Anthony won’t really get excited about that fight. He’s not really interested in talking about it or hyping it. It’s the biggest fight in world boxing. It’s a fight that’s completely irrelevant if he’s not victorious Dé Sathairn seo chugainn. I don’t think that it’s Deontay Wilder, it’s the other stone that needs to be turned to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. This is Anthony’s 21ú fight and effectively his second unification fight. Deontay has had 40 troideanna. We’re well ahead of schedule. All of these fights will happen and the reality is the one that put pens to paper and that are actually happening.”
Q: How important is it to you to maintain your one-hundred percent KO ratio?
Joshua: “It’s great for the record and promotion. It’s not as important to fulfilling your game plan. Some fighters will be tough and some fighters may not be there to be knocked out. I have to have it in my locker also to be able to go the distance. In terms of promotion and saying I have a hundred percent KO ratio is great. I don’t think there’s any heavyweight in the history of his career that’s been able to have purely knockouts on his record so I don’t expect to be the first one.”
Q: When you saw Wilder fight Ortiz, an bhfaca tú rud ar bith nach raibh a fhios agat faoi cheana? Ar chuir sé isteach ort nó ar lig sé síos thú?
Joshua: Tar éis 10 blianta mar ghairmí agus 40 troideann i, Rinne Wilder an rud a bhí le déanamh aige. Tá sé ceaptha a bhuachan. Tá sé ceaptha duine ar nós Luiz Ortiz a bhualadh. Tar éis 10 blianta d'aon cheird. Ligean le rá go bhfuil tú ag obair i ndíolacháin agus nach féidir leat a dhíol le duine a bhfuil Mercedes-Benz nó cibé carr atá ann, tá fadhbanna móra agat. Bhí an taithí sin ag Wilder chun a bheith in ann ceannas a ghlacadh sa rannán sin. Ní dhearna sé ach an rud atá ceaptha de ghnáth a tharlóidh agus an bua a fháil. Bhí sé ag streachailt le beagán, ach fuair sé ann sa deireadh. Sin go léir atá tábhachtach. Sin atá le feiceáil sna leabhair staire, agus W. Mar sin,, Tá áthas orm ar a shon.”
Q: An féidir leat cur síos a dhéanamh ar cad a cheapann tú gur carachtar aisteach é Parker?
Joshua: "Ní féidir liom mo mhéar a chur air."
Hearn: “Sílim go raibh an rud aisteach ag tagairt don fhíric go raibh sé ag déanamh critice ar Anthony agus ansin nuair a bhí an preasagallamh againn bhí sé go deas mar pie.. Bhí muid ag súil go dtabharfadh sé an tine sin go dtí an preasagallamh agus b’fhéidir go dtabharfaidh sé an tseachtain seo chugainn é. Bhí sé cineál duine amháin roimh an troid agus ansin duine eile nuair a tháinig muid aghaidh-le-duine. Ach feicfimid cad a tharlóidh an tseachtain seo chugainn.”
Q: [To Hearn] An bhfuil clásal athmheaitseála ann don troid seo agus cad iad na cúinsí leis sin?
Hearn: “Bíonn sonraí an chonartha faoi rún i gcónaí. Nuair a bhíonn troid iontach ann agus an fonn é a fheiceáil arís, go ginearálta gheobhaidh tú é.”
Hearn (Opening Comments): “It’s a huge event. This is our sixth fight with Anthony Joshua and SHOWTIME. It’s incredible, really that we’ve had that amount of fights. It seems like the Charles Martin fight was just like yesterday. It’s incredible that i 11 mhí, Anthony Joshua has had three stadium fights. Ar ndóigh, Wladimir Klitschko, Carlos Takam and now Joseph Parker. There have been 240,000 fans and over 2.5 million UK pay-per-view buys. It’s been an incredible run and an incredible 11 mhí. And a great March of course for SHOWTIME with a brilliant fight between Wilder and Ortiz and I think this fight has all of the ingredients to be even better than that. Tá sé ina troid mhór. Two undefeated young heavyweights. Fearless, tapa, big punching, great footwork, 24-0 aghaidh 20-0. I think it’s the kind of fight that we need in the world of boxing and it’s the first-ever unification fight in Britain between two reigning heavyweight world champions. And the first time in the history of the sport that two heavyweights have fought a unification fight with perfect records. It’s going to be a huge week. We have a huge press conference at SKY Dé Máirt seo chugainn, we have a public workout ar an gCéadaoin, the weigh-in is a national holiday on a Dé hAoine, it’s going to be huge. Seventy-eight thousand people crammed in to Millennium Stadium for this huge unification fight. This is just the beginning for Anthony Joshua. Just another stepping stone to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and we can’t wait. It’s a great fight and we thank SHOWTIME for all their support as ever.”
PARKER CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS:
STEPHEN Espinoza (Opening Comments):
“Through the first six months of this year we will be delivering 11 marquee events, which includes matchups of five top-ranked fighters, of which this is one, and two unifications, of course which this is one. In this month of March all four heavyweight world title belts are at stake on SHOWTIME.
“This fight, Joshua vs. Parker, Beidh an 12ú heavyweight fight on SHOWTIME within the last three years. We’re proud to be doing our part to help propel the reinvigoration of the heavyweight division. During those last three years the U.S. audience has gotten to know a little bit about Anthony Joshua and we are very happy to be able to further introduce them to Joseph Parker, the consensus top three heavyweight in the world and WBO Champion making his third defense and his first appearance on SHOWTIME.
“We are thrilled to have this fight; it’s right in our wheelhouse, a highly competitive, highly anticipated matchup of top fighters.”
Seosamh Páirceála: “Preparations “It’s been a great training camp that we’ve had in Las Vegas and now we’re here in London. We have about a week and a half before the fight and like Kevin mentioned, we hit the ground running. We got some good sessions in. I’m looking forward to fighting an undefeated fighter like Anthony Joshua, who I respect. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to unify the division and unify the belts and the opportunity to put on a great display and make my mark on SHOWTIME. I can’t wait for it. Our team is excited to be here and it’s going to be a great opportunity for us.”
Q: When you watch the struggles Joshua had against Klitschko, what do you take away from that fight?
Parker: “I think being active has worked well for us. I watched that fight. He did really well in terms of coming back and showed a lot of heart to get back up off the canvas and finish off the fight and getting the win. Coming into this fight, we’re young, we’re hungry and I think if we did get him in trouble there’s no waiting for us. We know how to finish off a fight. We know how to put on the pressure and get him out of there. He has strengths and weaknesses like every other fighter has and we’ll come up with a good game plan which I believe in and if I execute, I think we’ll get the victory.”
Kevin Barry: “As we know, there’s no secret about it, this is the biggest test that Joe’s had in front of him. But I also believe that this is the biggest test that Anthony Joshua’s had in front of him. We are expecting a much better Anthony Joshua than the one that fought Klitschko. I think there’s a lot of improvement in him just as there’s a lot of improvement in Joe. We’re anticipating that the styles of both these guys are going to make for a real fan-friendly fight and a very exciting fight.”
Q: There’s so much attention paid to an Anthony Joshua-Deontay Wilder fight, as if it’s an assumption that he’s going to beat you. Does that bother you?
Parker: “It doesn’t really bother me. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion and the fight they want to see. I think what’s important for us is that we focus on what’s in front of us and that’s Anthony Joshua. Our focus is on Anthony Joshua and being in great shape and being healthy. It gives us motivation in training and we know what our focus is. Our focus is Anthony Joshua and putting on the best performance of our lives Márta 31."
Q: As a fan of boxing, how good is a match like this for the sport?
Parker: “A match like this is a very big deal. As a fan of boxing and as a fighter, we love to watch the big fights and be involved in the big fights. So we’re pretty happy to be involved in the fight. I think it’s the best time for us to be involved in a big fight like this. Back a few years ago, Kevin said he’s always wanted to fight Anthony Joshua and he said to me, when we do fight this guy, it has to mean something. And it does really mean something this time. We’re both undefeated, we both have titles, we’re both world champions and we both want to unify the division so it’s going to mean a lot and it’s a big occasion.”
Q: A lot of fans don’t know you in the United States, explain to them what you will bring to the table on Márta 31.
Parker: “The fans haven’t really seen the best Joseph Parker there is. Going into this fight, we’ve worked on a lot of things. Mar a dúirt mé, I trust in my whole team. I trust in my coach and the game plan. I’m going to bring a lot of movement, speed and power and a lot of angles. I promise that this is a fight that I’m going to make very exciting.”
Q: What was the reason behind losing weight heading into this fight?
Barry: “Joe’s still a very young heavyweight. We’ve been together for five years and we’re still a long way away from a finished product. An bhliain seo caite, we bumped Joe up quite a bit. We put a bunch of muscle on him. We put an extra 10 punt meáchain air agus i ndáiríre ní oibríonn sé amach dúinn i ndáiríre. Mar sin shuigh muid síos, Seosamh agus mé féin, agus dúirt muid gur bhraith muid go raibh sé ina trodaire níos gnóthaí, trodaire níos soghluaiste, bhí a chosa agus a lámha níos tapúla, nuair a bhí sé níos éadroime. Mar sin, le haghaidh troid mar seo i gcoinne mór, láidir, fear cumhachtach cosúil le Joshua bhí sé tábhachtach go ndeachaigh muid ar ais go dtí fón póca, trodaire níos éadroime."
Q: An dóigh leat go bhfaca Joshua agus Eddie Hearn rud éigin nach bhfaca an chuid eile den domhan agus tú ag troid in aghaidh Hughie Fury, nach raibh an fheidhmíocht is fearr agat?
Parker: “Níorbh í an bhliain seo caite an bhliain is fearr a bhí againn agus ní raibh mé in aice leis an méid is féidir linn a dhéanamh san fháinne. Is dócha go bhfaca siad go leor rudaí a d'fhéadfadh siad a bheith ag obair chun a fháil chugainn ach is trodaire iomlán difriúil sinn anois ón áit a raibh muid anuraidh. Táimid tar éis feabhas a chur ar go leor rudaí agus táimid chun a thaispeáint do gach duine ar a bhfuilimid ag obair chomh dian sin i Vegas.”
Q: Cad a chiallódh sé duit a bheith i do churadh aontaithe trommheáchain??
Parker: “Chiallódh sé go leor. Chiallódh sé an domhan, ní amháin dom féin ach dár bhfoireann. Tá go leor daoine a bhfuil baint acu le mé a thabhairt go dtí an chéim seo agus tá go leor daoine ag iarraidh orm dul amach ann agus mo thaibhiú is fearr a chur ar siúl. Ciallaíonn sé go leor dom féin, mo fhoireann, mo chóitseálaí agus mo thíortha sa Nua-Shéalainn agus Samó.”
Q: An bhfuil imní ort má théann an troid go dtí na scórchártaí nach bhfaighidh tú croitheadh cothrom mar gheall ar an éileamh a bhí ar Iósua sa Bhreatain Mhór??
Parker: “Níl aon imní orm agus is é an chúis a deirim é sin ná go bhfuil oifigigh mhaithe againn. Tá jab iontach déanta ag m’fhoireann chun oifigigh neodracha a fháil agus tá m’aird dírithe ar an troid. Ba mhaith liom dul amach ansin agus mo dhícheall a dhéanamh. Cibé rud a tharlaíonn, tharlaíonn. Ach tá súil agam go ndéanfaidh na hoifigigh an rud ceart agus go dtabharfaidh siad an cinneadh ceart.”
Barry: “Bhí sé an-tábhachtach dúinne agus an conradh seo á chur le chéile againn go raibh neamhspleách againn, oifigigh neodracha. Tá triúr breithiúna againn – duine amháin as na Stáit Aontaithe, ceann amháin ón RA agus ceann ón Nua-Shéalainn. Agus tá réiteoir Iodálach againn agus mar sin táimid an-sásta leis na hainmneacha atá curtha chun tosaigh nach mbeidh aon agóid faoin gcinneadh. Creidimid go bhfuil cothrom againn, oifigigh an-taithí a dhéanfaidh jab maith teacht Satharn an 31ú."
Q: An gceapann tú go bhfuil Joshua ag déanamh meas faoina luach duit bunaithe ar an méid a chonaic siad sa troid sin in aghaidh Fury?
Parker: “Sílim ar an bhfeidhmíocht sin, tá siad ag déanamh gannmheas orainn agus sílim go bhfuil go leor daoine ag cur as dúinn cheana féin mar gheall ar an léiriú sin. Ach, mar a dúirt mé, D'oibrigh muid ar a lán rudaí agus bhí campa iontach againn agus beidh sé ina troid difriúil mar a fheicfidh tú Márta 31. Má tá siad ag tabhairt breithiúnais dúinn as an troid sin, ansin tá sé mícheart go hiomlán acu. Is cinnte go n-oibreodh sé sin inár bhfabhar.”
Barry: “I think the same will go for both camps. If they’re looking at the Fury fight, we know that Joseph is a much better fighter than that. Fury was a very awkward opponent, an opponent that we wouldn’t have even been in the ring with if it wasn’t for a mandatory. Looking at Joshua’s last fight with Carlos Takam, he really didn’t light the world on fire in that fight and he left a lot of question marks about his performance. We’re expecting a much better Joshua than the one that fought Carlos Takam. So the same can be said both ways.”
Q: What did you think of Joshua’s performance against Takam?
Parker: “It wasn’t his best effort but he did what he had to do to get the victory. Maybe training with someone who was a lot taller and then fighting somebody shorter changed the way that he approached the fight but I think the main thing is that he got the victory and he kept the belts and that’s why we can make this big fight happen.”
Q: What do you think your advantages are over Joshua?
Parker: “I’ve been 12 rounds five times so I’m durable. With this training camp that we’ve had, we’ve worked a lot on different angles and speed. What we’ve been seeing in the gym and in sparring, we’re going to put on display come fight night. I think I have advantages in speed and power. If we execute it well on fight night then he won’t be able to catch us and he won’t be able to land that big shot that he throws.”
Barry: “Speed is the key. We’ve always believed that Joe’s the fastest heavyweight in the world. I also believe that out of all the heavyweight champions, I think Joe has the better skill. I think he does things better than Joshua does. I think he’s more complete than Joshua. Is he as big as Joshua? Ná Gan. Is his reach as long as Joshua’s? Ná Gan. Joshua’s got a 100 percent knockout record but I believe Joseph Parker is a better skilled fighter than Antony Joshua and I think when we put the movement, the hand speed and the skill together, it’s going to be a very good combination and a successful combination on Márta 31."
Q: Do you want to make a prediction for the fight?
Parker: “I’m going to be victorious. Tá sé seo ag dul a bheith ina troid i iontach. We’re both hungry, we’re both undefeated and we’ve both been training hard but I believe in myself. I believe in my team and what we’ve been working on. I believe I’m going to be victorious Márta 31."
Q: Do you think that Joshua’s chin is a big weakness for him?
Barry: “I think he has a pretty good chin. I know that we used the glass door as part of our marketing strategy in putting this fight together, but we believe as a team that Joshua has a good chin. He’s fought some big guys. He’s been hit on the chin before. Sure, thit sé i gcoinne Klitschko agus bhí scéalta ann go ndeachaigh sé amú go minic sna hamaitéaraigh agus gur thit sé sa seomra aclaíochta i sparring, ach ar an iomlán is fear mór é, láidir, fear cumhachtach agus sílim nach bhfuil a smig ró-olc."
Barry (Opening Comments): “Bhíomar sa seomra aclaíochta ag rith gach maidin ag 6:30, 7:00 agus sa seomra aclaíochta dornálaíochta ag 2:30. Táimid ag déanamh idir 16 agus 18 babhtaí dornálaíochta gach lá. Rinneamar spáráil inniu agus tá Joe ag breathnú an-ghéar, an-mhuiníneach agus tá an beagán moille a bhí againn ag dul i méid níos lú agus níos lú in aghaidh an lae agus measaimid faoin deireadh seachtaine seo go mbeidh an dá chos againn curtha go daingean ar an talamh réidh le haghaidh seachtain mhór an tseachtain seo chugainn.”
De réir: Rich Bergeron
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is not done fighting. The money he made with Conor McGregor in a one-sided boxing match will not be very easy to make outside the dangerous world of combat sports. Retirement always seems to eat at Floyd, and sooner or later he comes back for another blockbuster bout that shocks the world.
CM Punk needs a draw to get us interested in his career. Even if he beats the ever living crap out of the next guy they feed him in the UFC Octagon, Punk will still have a lot to prove. Put him in against Mayweather in a welcome to MMA bout for the world-class boxer, and make it the dream setup for Floyd that gives him all the perks and sponsorship concessions he wants in the contract.
Floyd would be an automatic underdog going in against McGregor immediately in the cage. A challenger like CM Punk gives him more of a fighting chance. It gives CM punk a chance to really launch his career if he can beat Floyd.
Is é fírinne, Mayweather can learn the sport of mixed martial arts quickly, and with his speed and athleticism, given more striking options he could actually shock us in his first MMA fight… if he really backs up his talk of fighting in the cage with action.
During the tour for the boxing match, Floyd repeatedly referenced the idea of fighting McGregor in the cage after the boxing match went his way. He doesn’t say things out loud that he doesn’t really think are true or could be true if he sunk his effort into it.
I had the good fortune of standing on the edge of the ring next to Leonard Ellerbe during a Mayweather training session in Las Vegas years ago.
Before he threw any punches on the mitts I asked him what he liked most about boxing. I didn’t attempt to get close during the big press rush, so I think he didn’t expect the question.
He sat silent, and I didn’t want it to go hanging like a bad fart in the wind. I asked it again, even louder. He didn’t look my way as he shadowboxed with himself. “Everything.” he finally conceded, and then he went to to work on exhibiting his speed and punching prowess for all the media to see.
Incorporating elbows, backfists, kicks and wrestling into his fighting routine could create a real monster out of Mayweather. Chomh maith leis sin, the money from boxing that would follow him to the cage could be tremendous for him and the UFC alike. It will take a ton of work at his age to adapt to the new sport, but CM Punk as a first opponent sets the bar fairly low with both men getting a chance to show they belong. Give them both a serious training camp, make a reality show out of it, and it could happen.
“Airgead” is already preparing to train in mixed martial arts with UFC Champ Tyron Woodley, and he heaped some praise on both Woodley and McGregor as fighters recently:
The MMA versus Boxing debate has been going on since long before I decided to do my own take on it with a series of radio shows pitting one expert against another. One of my favorites was “Iceman” John Scully against Ken Shamrock.
Not surprisingly, the debate between these two fighter/trainer experts drifted into Mayweather making the crossover to MMA. This is not a new concept to Floyd. He’s been hearing the critics yap about him never making it in MMA for more than a decade now, always thinking about how he could one day prove his haters wrong.
Anyone who thinks the best MMA fighter in his weight class demolishes Floyd has never watched him train. What could this guy do with a couple of tune-up fights and a title tilt? How about 9 months of hard training in takedown and submission defense?
Everybody and their brother who knows anything about MMA decides to use the argument of all the past boxers who failed at MMA. They remind us all of the freakshow fight involving Randy Couture easily defeating James Toney. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is not only on a different level than James Toney was when he got the chance to fight in the cage, he’s on a different planet.
Floyd can afford the best trainers, the best of everything really in preparing to enter the UFC Octagon. He will spare no expense in finances and sweat equity in cementing his legacy as the best crossover fighter in the history of the boxing and MMA rivalry. Who has the best true athletes? Mayweather is representing boxing’s best, and he doesn’t have much time left to prove that a world class boxer can dominate the MMA scene with the right approach and strategy.
McGregor did prove that he could give Floyd a few fits in the boxing ring, but on the third fight into a UFC contract that match could happen again in the cage. Floyd just has to show he belongs, but the first step is having the guts to back up his words with actions. He did say on the boxing press tour for the McGregor fight that when he beat McGregor in his own craft, he would go to the UFC and beat Conor in the cage, freisin.
I anticipate a “Shark Tank” type of negotiation between Mayweather and UFC President Dana White. Floyd will need to get a piece of the promotion itself, access to a wild amount of sponsorship cash, options to collect on media income, and at least $10 million per fight in just base pay. To get the billion dollar contract he envisions, the lawyers will be ironing out the details for as long as Floyd decides he needs to train for his first fight.
Floyd could easily rake in $90+ million in sponsorship and media income to make $100 million per fight with Showtime executives in his corner and a familiarity with being in front of the cameras. A five fight deal means there is a 1/2 billion dollar gap unless I am underestimating how much the UFC would give Floyd for base pay. Even if he makes $200 million per fight, the rest would have to come out of the overall corporation itself as equity, which is what Conor McGregor has been asking for.
Floyd just has a bigger upside to being an owner/partner and would be a huge asset when it comes to the UFC wanting to promote boxing at some point. He can also bring his fans and everyone who wants to see him get whipped and schooled in the new discipline. He brings eyeballs, extreme attention and money with him wherever he goes. At a $5 billion valuation, the UFC would likely be able to part with a ten percent chunk of the promotion to bring Mayweather officially on board and get him locked in for a long-term deal.
The other area that Floyd could have a huge impact on is in attracting more boxers to cross over to MMA. We’ve seen football players like Matt Mitrione and Greg Hardy experience virtually immediate success in MMA, so why not a world class boxer like Floyd? 19-0 Pro Boxer Gervonta Davis is already hinting at following his protege Floyd to MMA and says he’s just waiting for Dana White’s phone call. Then there are the heavyweight boxers to think about bringing into the cage, and Word Champion Anthony Joshua is keen on giving it a shot, freisin.
Mar sin,, the odds are high that Mayweather steps into the cage to compete by December of this year if you believe one of his most controversial videos to date on the subject:
Mayweather could be an incredible MMA fighter if given half the chance. He is not a man who takes a challenge like this lightly. He will have the best approach possible to get into cagefighting shape. He will bring all kinds of interest back to the boxing vs. MMA debate and actually might even inspire a whole new phase of that debate. The combat sports world as a whole will benefit if Floyd and the UFC can make this partnership work.
As for those who think Floyd will get eaten alive, they are certainly entitled to their opinion, but don’t use McGregor’s failure to adapt to boxing as your bar for Floyd. Mayweather will not take on a world class MMA fighter the first time he steps in the cage. He will not bring in the MMA equivalent of Paulie Malignaggi to get up to speed on the sport. He will spare no expense to get the best preparation possible. He’s already showing that to be true by bringing Tyron Woodley on as his official training partner. He will hand pick his first opponent and likely not get any crack at a title until two or three fights go his way.
Critics of people who think they can show up to an MMA gym and come out in six weeks at the UFC level will call me crazy, but Floyd truly is an amazing athlete who can quiet his doubters, and he’s not getting any younger. It’s now or never to solve that question of which sport is truly better at crafting the ideal fighter.
All Four Heavyweight World Championship Titles At Stake On Industry-Leading 2018 Showtime CHAMPIONSHIP Dornálaíocht® Sceideal
Photo Creidmheasa: Matchroom Dornálaíocht; Click Image For High-Res Version
NEW YORK – February 5, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will present the heavyweight world championship unification between undefeated IBF and WBA World Champion Anthony Joshua and unbeaten WBO World Champion Joseph Parker on Dé Sathairn, Márta 31 live on SHOWTIME from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, An Bhreatain Bheag.
An ceint Briotanach Joshua, who has knocked out all 20 ar a opponents gairmiúla, burst onto the global scene with a dramatic knockout of long-reigning heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko in the universally acclaimed 2017 An comhrac na Bliana. In two fights last year, Joshua drew 168,000 spectators combined to massive stadium events in the U.K. Anois, he faces another significant challenge in Parker, a native of New Zealand with 24 Bhuaigh, no losses and 18 knockouts. Parker is attempting the third world title defense of his WBO belt.
With the addition of Joshua vs. Parker, all four heavyweight world championship belts will be at stake in the same month on SHOWTIME as undefeated American Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 Kos) will defend his WBC title against unbeaten Luis Ortiz (28-0, 24 Kos) ar Dé Sathairn, Márta 3 ó Barclays Ionad i Brooklyn. The four top-rated heavyweights — Wilder, Ortiz, Joshua and Parker — boast a combined record of 111 Bhuaigh, zero losses and 100 knockouts.
Both heavyweight championships are cornerstones of a remarkable 2018 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING schedule that now includes 16 undefeated fighters and 13 world titles fights across 11 marquee events through the first six months of the year.
“The heavyweight division is in the midst of a renaissance, and SHOWTIME is delivering all of the pivotal bouts to our subscribers,"A dúirt Stephen Espinoza, Uachtarán, Sports and Event Programing, Líonraí Showtime Inc. “Anthony Joshua is a global superstar, and we’re proud to present his sixth, and perhaps most challenging, world title fight to the U.S. lucht féachana. Joshua vs. Parker will be the 12ú heavyweight world championship match on SHOWTIME since Deontay Wilder won his title in 2015, an undisputed industry-leading offering in boxing’s preeminent division.”
Joshua vs. Parker is just the second heavyweight championship unification in history between undefeated world titleholders. The only fighter to emerge victorious from a matchup of unbeaten heavyweight world champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.
The event is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Duco Events. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will televise the event live from Principality Stadium where organizers expect a sell-out of 80,000 spectators. The host of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Brian Custer. Mauro Ranallo calls the action from ringside along with International Boxing Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paul Malignaggi. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSIP BOXING is produced by David Dinkins Jr, and directed by Chuck McKean. The start time for the Márta 31 telecast will be announced.
Líonraí Showtime Inc. (SNI), fochuideachta ar lánúinéireacht Scoil na mBráithre Críostaí Corporation, úinéireacht agus oibríonn na líonraí teilifíse préimhe Showtime®, AN Movie Channel ™ agus FLIX®, agus freisin cuireann Showtime AR ÉILEAMH®, AN ™ Channel Movie AR ÉILEAMH agus FLIX AR ÉILEAMH®, agus an líonra fíordheimhnithe seirbhíse Showtime am ar bith®. Showtime Digiteach Inc., fochuideachta ar lánúinéireacht SNI, oibríonn an tseirbhís streaming neamhspleách Showtime®. Tá SHOWTIME ar fáil faoi láthair do shíntiúsóirí trí chábla, DBS agus soláthraithe Telco, agus mar sheirbhís sruthú neamhspleách trí Apple®, Bliain®, Amazon, google, Xbox hAon agus Samsung. Is féidir le tomhaltóirí síntiús freisin go Showtime via Hulu, YouTube TV, TV Sling, DirecTV Anois, Sony Playstation® Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI Bainistíonn Smithsonian Líonraí™, comhfhiontar idir SNI agus an Institiúid Smithsonian, a thairgeann Smithsonian Channel™, agus cuireann Smithsonian Earth™ trí SN Digital LLC. SNI margaí agus dáileann spóirt agus imeachtaí siamsaíochta le taispeáint do shíntiúsóirí ar bhonn íoc in aghaidh an-amharc ar bhonn trí Showtime PPV®. Le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais a fháil, téigh go dtí www.SHO.com
Tom, Tony and Rich are back this week with a great show! We feature lots of engaging discussion about mixed martial arts and boxing, from Connor McGregor’s slapping a Bellator official to Deontay Wilder wanting to end Anthony Joshua’s career. We also chat about Dana White getting into boxing and Bellator’s 8 Man Heavyweight tournament. Again we get back to the nagging question of where are the legends in MMA, and we also cross over to where are the legends in boxing?
Joshua vs. Takam, The First of Consecutive Heavyweight World Title Fights On SHOWTIME, Replays TONIGHT at 10:40 p.m. AGUS/PT ar Showtime; And On Sunday Morning at 10 a.m. AGUS/PT ar Showtime bhfíor
CLICK FOR PHOTOS FROM CARDIFF; Creidmheas Esther Lín / Showtime
CARDIFF, WALES (Deireadh Fómhair. 28, 2017) – Undefeated and Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua stopped IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam in the 10ú bhabhta ar an Satharn night at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, An Bhreatain Bheag, where the British sensation improved to 20 Bhuaigh, go léir le knockout, and retained both his IBF and WBA world title belts.
Joshua vs. Takam was contested before a record 78,000 lucht leanúna, the largest ever for an indoor boxing event and was the first of back-to-back heavyweight world title fights airing live on SHOWTIME. Ar Aghaidh Dé Sathairn, Samhain. 4, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder headlines a three-fight telecast when he faces former world champion Bermane Stiverne at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Creative combinations and some inside fighting rarely seen from the rangy Joshua opened up a cut over Takam’s right eye and floored the challenger in the 4ú. Níos déanaí, Joshua opened another gash over the left eye but a bloody and battered Takam continued to press forward. Takam was able to land some significant punches in the middle rounds but not enough to take Joshua off his game.
Sa 10ú, after Joshua landed several big punches including a left-right combination that rocked the courageous challenger, referee Phil Edwards stepped in and stopped the fight at 1:34.
“I kept my composure,” said Joshua when asked about a head butt in the second round that may have broken the champion’s nose. “We will get my nose cracked back into place and then we can get back to training.”
When SKY Sports’ ringside reporter Andy Scott asked the beloved champion about a unification bout with fellow undefeated champion Wilder, Joshua said, “It has to happen. It has to happen for sure. When it comes down to it, the IBF, IBO and WBA have mandatory challengers. I can’t just fight any Joe Blow I want. I have to fight the obligations as champion and once I fulfill those, my door is open to fight anyone, be it Wilder or anyone else.
“Everyone saw how hard it took to get the belts,” he continued. “I am not giving them up for anyone.”
When asked about fighting overseas in America or elsewhere, Joshua replied to the delight of the U.K. lucht leanúna, “As I said, it’s not my decision what happens outside the ring… but look at what boxing is doing. We are getting people coming in from all around the U.K. and from different countries. I think we should keep on boxing right here in the U.K.”
Chun cuairt tuilleadh eolais a fháil www.SHO.com/Sports, leanúint ar Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, nó bheith ina lucht leanúna ar Facebook agwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
Showtime CHAMPIONSHIP Dornálaíocht® Beo Ag 5 p.m. AGUS/2 p.m. PT From Sold-Out Principality Stadium In Cardiff, An Bhreatain Bheag
Cliceáil ANSEO For Photos Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
CARDIFF, WALES (Deireadh Fómhair. 27, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua tipped the scales at a career-high 254 pounds and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam measured 235 ½ pounds for their heavyweight showdown amárach ar Showtime.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. AGUS/2 p.m. PT from sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff where an estimated 78,000 fans will converge for the largest indoor event in boxing history.
Joshua, who went past the 10ú round for the first time with a sensational knockout of Wladimir Klitschko on Aibreán 29, promised conditioning wasn’t an issue.
“I’ve been doing a lot more running. Maybe I’m starting to fill out as I get older and I’m starting to find my natural weight,” Joshua said. “Who knows what it is. I definitely feel a lot fitter than I have in previous fights.”
The referee for Dé Sathairn contest is Phil Edwards and the judges scoring ringside are Michael Alexander (Sasana), Pawel Kardyni (An Pholainn) and Ron McNair (Nua-Eabhrac).
If Joshua’s previous 19 bouts are any indication, the judges might not be necessary.
“I’m not going to say I’m going to knock him out and smash him up and all these types of things,” said Joshua, who has knocked out all of his professional opponents en route to unifying the heavyweight division. “But that’s what I have to do.”
“He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.” – Anthony Joshua
“I saw Joshua go down. I saw he has a weak point.” – Carlos Takam
Showtime CHAMPIONSHIP Dornálaíocht® Beo Ag 5 p.m. AGUS/2 p.m. PT From Sold-Out Principality Stadium In Cardiff, An Bhreatain Bheag
Cliceáil ANSEO For Photos Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
CARDIFF, WALES (Deireadh Fómhair. 26, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam faced off at the National Museum in Cardiff ar an Déardaoin during the final press conference for their heavyweight blockbuster Dé Sathairnlive on SHOWTIME from sold-out Principality Stadium.
Joshua and Takam will square off in front of an all-time indoor boxing record of 78,000 fans on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 5 p.m. AGUS/2 p.m. PT in the U.S.
Joshua (19-0, 19 Kos) returns for the first time since unifying the heavyweight division via knockout in a leading Fight of the Year thriller with long-reigning kingpin Wladimir Klitschko this past April.
“We’re going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage because boxing is unforgiving,” Joshua said ar an Déardaoin. “That was that. This is now. Carlos is a completely different animal than Klitschko.
“Who knows what’s going to happen in that ring Dé Sathairn. This division is unpredictable. You saw I got tired in the fifth round against Klitschko. Am I going to find out I’m only a five round fighter? Takam is tough and can go the distance. He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.”
Takam (35-3-1, 27 Kos) has experience in close bouts with reigning WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker and former challenger Alexander Povetkin. An 2004 Olympian from Cameroon enters the contest having boxed more than three times the professional rounds as Joshua.
“My experience will help me win the fight,” Takam said. “I’ve been in there with a champion. When we get in the ring it’s just two fighters. Only at the end of the fight will we know who the real world champion is.
“I saw Joshua go down. I saw he has a weak point, and we’ve been working on targeting that.”
Joshua and Takam meet 24 years after Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno squared off in the first all-British heavyweight world championship in front of more than 25,000 fans at the National Stadium in Cardiff. There will be more than 78,000 at the new National Stadium – Principality Stadium – ar an Satharn.
Here’s what the fighters had to say ar an Déardaoin:
Anthony Joshua
“Fighting is all I do. It’s all I know. It’s an honor to be defending these belts. I don’t always like to talk about the belts because I’ve always been a fighter before that and I’ve always had the ambition of being a talented fighter before I became champion. I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring and handling business.
“We’re going to have to put that Klitschko win to the side at some stage because boxing is unforgiving. That was that. This is now. Carlos is a completely different animal than Klitschko.
“I do know that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. In terms of style, technique and preparation, it’s completely different. Every camp is completely different. My mindset is completely different. All will be revealed Dé Sathairn. Best of luck to both men and the best man will win.
"[Trainer Rob McCracken] has never just trained me for one style of opponent. He’s trained me to be the best me. He’s trained me to be ready, to be fit, to be focused and to adapt new skills to my boxing. No matter who my opponent is, I’ll always be in good condition to compete against any champion or any contender in the world.
“We’re in the business of providing really good fights. We’re not here to tip and tap and run for 12 babhtaí. We’re here to get stuck in.
“I know what it’s like to be the non-champion fighting for a championship. When there’s that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it’s going to be competitive. This is heavyweight championship boxing. Both of us are on the same elite level so you’re going to see an elite fight.
“Who knows what’s going to happen in that ring Dé Sathairn. This division is unpredictable. You saw I got tired in the fifth round against Klitschko. Am I going to find out I’m only a five round fighter? Takam is tough and can go the distance. He’s definitely going to take me into late waters and that’s where it’s going to be interesting.
“With [Takam’s] style and his strength, I wish I came into this fight heavier so we could just stand there and slug it out with each other. Why’d I come in lighter? I thought I was fighting Pulev – a real amateur-style boxer. I had to stay off the line, jab with him and match his speed. Takam is a completely different style of fighter so I might have come in a bit heavier if I knew I was fighting Takam.
“I’m just a reflection of hard work. The UK boxing scene is quite grassroots. I still go to my amateur club. Just before this championship fight, I was training with all the amateurs – kids that were just 10 bliain d'aois. You can only achieve what you see, so when they’re training with Olympians and professional World Champions, they’re inspired. That’s real nice to be the champion and still keep it real training with the grassroots athletes.”
Carlos Takam
“My experience will help me win the fight. I’ve been in there with a champion. When we get in the ring it’s just two fighters. Only at the end of the fight will we know who the real world champion is.
“I saw Joshua go down. I saw he has a weak point, and we’ve been working on targeting that.”
“I’m going to box my way. I’m going to come forward, fight my fight.
“I believe in myself. I’m confined. It wouldn’t be a shock if I won because of the confidence I have.
“When I heard about the fight, I was already in preparation for another fight so I had to completely change the way I trained to be ready for this fight. I’m coming out on the 28ú to win the fight.
“All I can do is invite you to see the outcome of the fight on the 28ú. I’m coming out to win.
“I know it’s going to be a great fight. This will change my life in boxing but not from the person I am.”
Unified Champion Joshua Defends On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Beo Ag 5 p.m. AGUS / 2 p.m. PT From Principality Stadium In Cardiff, An Bhreatain Bheag
Cliceáil ANSEO Maidir le Grianghraif; Creidmheas Esther Lín / Showtime
CARDIFF, WALES (Deireadh Fómhair. 25, 2017) – Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam worked out in front of approximately 1,400 fans on Wednesday at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff, just three days before they square off Dé Sathairn beo ar Showtime.
The near-capacity crowd at the National Concert Hall of Wales serves as a prelude to the record-breaking audience expected at Principality Stadium ar an Satharn where more than 75,000 fans will set boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record at the retractable roof facility.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. AGUS/2 p.m. PT from ringside in Cardiff as Joshua (19-0, 19 Kos) returns for the first time since unifying the heavyweight division. The undefeated British sensation picked up the WBA belt to go along with his IBF crown on Aibreán 29 in a leading Fight of the Year thriller with Wladimir Klitschko.
“We’re going to have a war. We’re going to wear our hearts on our sleeves,” Joshua said. “This is what fighting’s about. With me, it ain’t about all this other stuff that goes on outside the ring. When people come to watch me box, they know they’re going to have a good time. They know they’re going to see knockouts.”
Takam (35-3-1, 27 Kos), a 2004 Olympian from Cameroon, packs a lengthy resume as he looks to shock the world and become heavyweight champion.
“He’s a world champion, he’s earned his belt,” said the 36-year-old Takam. “But I’m coming here to take it.”
Joshua vs. Takam is the first of two consecutive heavyweight world bouts on SHOWTIME. Ar Aghaidh Dé Sathairn, Samhain. 4, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title in a rematch with Bermane Stiverne, the only opponent to last the distance with the American champion in 38 bouts gairmiúla.
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:
ANTHONY JOSHUA:
“I’ve never been nervous about fighting but I think this stadium is going to be different. There’s a closed roof. I know the energy and the atmosphere is going to be bouncing up and down off the roof and it’s going to be nothing like before. Mar a dúirt mé, más rud é Dé Sathairn night is a little bit like the people today here at the public workout, it’s going to be phenomenal.
“This is what fighting’s about – different styles and different types of opponents. But the best opponent you can work on is yourself so I’ve definitely been improving myself. I can talk about a million things I’ve been working on but at the end of the day, as soon as that first bell rings, that’s when it matters.
“We’re going to have a war. We’re going to wear our hearts on our sleeves. This is what fighting’s about. With me, it ain’t about all this other stuff that goes on outside the ring. When people come to watch me box, they know they’re going to have a good time. They know they’re going to see knockouts. They’re going to see a bit of blood and a bit of respect after.
“I think the UK has been sending a statement for a long time. It wasn’t so long ago that U.K. heavyweights or boxers weren’t getting a look. Anois, all the Americans are talking about U.K. trodaithe. We’ve definitely been sending a statement over to the States for a long time.
"[Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder] can watch me a million times but it’s so different when you get in these ropes. When you get in here, you can watch somebody a million times, but it’s a different challenge when you face someone face-to-face.
“We have to deliver. The fans know what they want, I know what they want. It’s my job to deliver. I haven’t got to say it – I know already and the fans know. Let’s just deliver Dé Sathairn night and we’ll look forward to a promising 2018.”
On opponent Takam, who became the mandatory challenger after an injury to Kubrat Pulev:
“First and foremost, massive credit to Eddie [Hearn] because he’s done amazing work. He was ahead of the game and he’s managed to allow this show to go ahead. Credit to Carlos Takam, a true athlete who stays fit all year round. He’s not someone who just trains for a fight, he seems to keep himself conditioned and that’s what we like. He’s the same as myself. And I think – what would I do? Would I give up the IBF belt? Hell no. I worked too hard for it.”
CARLOS TAKAM:
“I’m ready for this fight, I’m ready for everything he has. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. We were in the gym getting ready, hoping we would get this chance.
“He’s a world champion, he’s earned his belt. But I’m coming here to take it. You have to defend your title, and I’m not going to make it easy. I’m going to make this the fight of the year.
“If I can do things differently from what other boxers have done against him, I’ll have a chance to win by knockout.
“A lot of people have asked me if I see any weaknesses in Joshua’s style. All I can say is we will see on fight night.
“I’m not bothered about fighting in front of 80,000 daoine, the only people in the ring will be myself and Joshua, nothing else matters except us.”
An Examination Of Joshua’s Career Progression Toward Heavyweight Championship & Unification Written and Narrated By Steve Farhood
Anthony Joshua vs. Carlos Takam | Dé Sathairn, Deireadh Fómhair. 28
Beo ar Showtime® Ag 5 p.m. AGUS / 2 p.m. PT
Photo Creidmheasa: Esther Lín / Showtime
CAD: International Boxing Hall of Famer and historian Steve Farhood examines the career of Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua in advance of his title defense against IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Takam on Dé Sathairn, Deireadh Fómhair. 28live on SHOWTIME from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, An Bhreatain Bheag.
In the latest edition of the SHOWTIME Sports® digital series “Ring Resume,” Farhood takes an in-depth look at Joshua’s career beginning with his 2015 showdown with then-unbeaten Gary Cornish. The six-fight examination culminates with his career-defining win over Wladimir Klitschko to unify the division earlier this year.
An Deireadh Fómhair. 28 Showtime CHAMPIONSHIP Dornálaíocht® telecast begins live at 5 p.m. AGUS/2 p.m. PT with ringside analysis in Cardiff where nearly 80,000 fans are expected to fill the Welsh national stadium.
