Tag Archives: Artur Szpilka

boxing, Showtime Boxing

ARTUR SZPILKA AIMS TO BECOME FIRST POLISH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, REFLECTS ON SOCCER HOOLIGAN DAYS

Leave a comment

Szpilka Challenges WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder

This Saturday Live on SHOWTIME® From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Click HERE To Watch, Share Or Embed This Video:http://s.sho.com/1ZgecWD

 

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

Polish heavyweight challenger Artur Szpilka is a reformed man – both in and out of the ring – since joining renowned trainer Ronnie Shields at his gym in Houston.  Szpilka, who was in a “soccer gang” in his native Poland, started working with Shields after suffering the only loss of his career in 2014 and together the team has rallied to score knockouts in all three of their fights.  Check out this video to hear Szpilka and Shields explain their plan to make history this Saturday when they challenge undefeated knockout artist and WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

# # #

 

Wilder vs. Szpilka, a 12-round bout for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight title taking place on Saturday, Jan. 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGÒ doubleheader, Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov will battle for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Championship. The event will be televised live on SHOWTIMEÒ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. ET) and it will be available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportsfollow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter .

boxing, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER VS. ARTUR SZPILKA &  CHARLES MARTIN VS. VYACHESLAV GLAZKOV  MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Leave a comment
Lou DiBella
Thank you very much and welcome to the, final conference call for the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing show, January 16 of this new year at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The show will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME. It’s a world championship, heavyweight championship doubleheader.
These are the first two heavyweight title fights in over 100 years in Brooklyn on the same night, 115 years since the last heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn. And there’ll be two on the same night on January 16 on SHOWTIME.
The first bout will be for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Championship between Charles Martin and the highest ranked contender in the IBF, former Olympic Bronze Medalist, Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov. The main event will be Deontay Wilder, the Heavyweight Champion of the World of the WBC who is defending his title against the very colorful and exciting Artur Szpilka.
We’re going to start with Stephen Espinoza, the man who runs SHOWTIME Boxing and who has put together this great card for us.
Stephen Espinoza
Thank you, Lou. As some of you know, 2016 represents the 30th anniversary of SHOWTIME Championship Boxing. The very first fight at SHOWTIME was telecast on March 10, 1986 and featured Marvelous Marvin Hagler versus John Mugabi. We’ve had a variety of high-profile fighters and fights since.
To kick off our 30th anniversary year, I can’t think of a better way to do it than at Barclays Center in Brooklyn with a doubleheader of heavyweight title fights. There is going to be some explosive action. We have some really entertaining, interesting personalities. In fact, I can’t wait to see what the rest of this all holds.
L. DiBella
I’m going to start with the man who is the leading available contender in the IBF, and he is going to fighting Charles Martin for the IBF Heavyweight Championship. Czar Glazkov, 21-0-1, 13 KOs from the Ukraine originally, now fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He’s a 2007 Silver Medalist at the World Amateur Boxing Championship and a 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist at Super Heavyweight.
Manager extraordinaire, Egis Klimas is on the call, and he will do the translating for Czar Glazkov. Czar is promoted by Main Events and Kathy Duva of Main Events will be co-promoting this fight with us.
Egis Klimas
Hello, everybody. This is Egis, manager of Vyacheslav Glazkov. We’re very happy to have a title shot, the world title of the IBF. We wanted to thank our promoter Main Events for doing such a good job for bringing Glazkov to this opportunity. I am very fortunate to represent Mr. Glazkov. I’ve been doing it for four years, and this is a big shot for him to become the world champion.
I would like to introduce to you, Vyascheslav Glazkov, the contender for the IBF Title.
Vyaschelav Glazkov
Yes. Hello, everybody. This is Vyacheslav Glazkov. This is a great opportunity for me and a really good chance for me to win the World Championship.
L. DiBella
Charles Martin, 22-0-1 with 20 KOs, born in St. Louis, Missouri, now from Carson, California. Charles is a huge physical specimen at 6’5″. The 29-year-old knockout artist was an accomplished amateur. He won the 2012 National PAL Championship. Charles is something of an unknown commodity to a lot of people. He is the number three-ranked IBF contender and is looking forward to his opportunity and what he thinks is going to be a knockout win against Vyacheslav Glazkov.
Charles, would you like to say a few words, please?
Charles Martin
Yes. I’m so thankful to be in this position and blessed to get a world title shot, and that’s what all boxers dream of. It’s finally becoming a reality to me. I’m not going to let anything stand in front of me of receiving this IBF title. So I will be prepared on January 16th.
I’m up in high altitude right now. I’m in the snow. I’m running in the snow. I’m getting it, grinding with it, and it’s going to all show in the rings.
L. DiBella
Thank you, Charles. Charles is promoted by Warriors Boxing in Florida, so they will also be a co-promoter of this title fight.
I would open it up now to questions for Vyacheslav Glazkov and Charles Martin.
Q
Can you take me through the decision-making process of dropping out of your fight with Dominic Breazeale in December?
C. Martin
I’m glad you asked that because I wanted to do both of the fights. My team is the one that talked me out of it. I was up here making plans to do both. They’re like, yes, yes, you know, that’s right, that’s right. With the conversation with my coaches, I’m like, I can do this fight. I can get this another way. Then I’m lined up right here.
My manager and everybody else, they’re like, “Hey, this is a world title opportunity. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. You fight for a world title. So we’re pulling out. You’re going to back to camp and get this belt.” I guess after a while it sunk in and it started to make sense. And I said, “Hey, you know, whatever. Let’s just do it.” Because anything could happen.
You could get cut or something, any kind of crazy stuff that could have pulled me out of this fight. But I guarantee I was going to knock Dominic out. That’s automatic, you know what I mean? We know each other. I would have knocked him out, for sure.
Q
You’re talking about Breazeale, who you know?
C. Martin
Yes, Dominic Breazeale. I would have knocked him out.
Q
When you did make that decision to withdraw from the fight, did you stay straight through in camp. Did you at least take a couple of days off? Did you do anything over the holidays? Or did you just basically stay in camp and just work all the way through it?
C. Martin
Yes, I took a week off. I took that week off and then we got back to camp. I started back training when I was in L.A.. I live in North Hollywood, so we have a gym right there. These guys they sponsor me and I got a gym right there. Me and my coaches got in there and we were hitting pads and we’re doing workouts, doing pushups and callisthenic-type of movements.
Then we got right back up here into the high altitude, man. We are in Big Bear right now. We’ve been here for a few weeks now. We’ve been up here grinding, man. We’re getting it in. I’m in perfect shape. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life. I’m ready to fight.
Q
When you look at the record of Glazkov, does it make you think to yourself, I better really get rid of this guy because I cannot leave it in the hands of the judges?
C. Martin
I don’t even take the time to think about those kind of things because he’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me. I’m no Cunningham. I’m no Tor Hamer. I’m none of these guys that he fought.
I’m totally a different fighter than he’s ever seen. So come fight night, I’m ready to prove it to the whole wide world. I’m ready to be that superstar. We train like superstars. If you’re going to train mediocre, you’ll be mediocre, and that’s what I see out of a lot of fighters, heavyweights, especially. But we train to be a superstar and that’s what you guys are going to see.
Q
Has everything changed in the mindsets for a fighter like yourself after Klitschko’s loss?
C. Martin
It was going to open up eventually. Klitschko had a very good run. His whole career was outstanding. He’s an awesome fighter. But it’s our time now. There are new fighters on the map. We had big plans to knock him out as well. We wanted to knock him out and become superstars overnight. Everybody got the dream.
It’s here now, man. I get to fight for the IBF World Title. I can’t believe it. Every day I wake up. I think I’m freaking blessed. I’m fighting for a world title. This is crazy. Sometimes it doesn’t even sound right, but it’s real. So I’m going to seize the moment, definitely.
V. Glazkov
Well, I think right now the heavyweights are going to be very interesting because of all the titles getting a split around. There is going to be more champions, and that’s what the fan always like because for many years it was all one person. I’m looking forward to see what is going to be happening in the heavyweight division.
Q
This is for both fighters. I just want to know if one of you, unless there is a draw, wins this title next weekend, are you anxious to unify with either the WBC champion or with Tyson Fury?
V. Glazkov
Yes, of course. This is the dream of every fighter to get all the titles because I truly believe the real champion is whoever is holding all four titles.
C. Martin
Yes, I want it all. As soon as I get this belt, I want to unify. I want everything. I want all the hardware. Look out for “Prince” Charles Martin. I’m here to make a statement and you guys are going to see, finally. I’ve been under wraps a long time but now the world can see me display my skill. Yes, I can’t wait to unify. I want everything.
Q
Charles, do you think that Glazkov is a pretty decent step up in competition on paper from who else you fought? I’d like your assessment of him as a boxer and what you think he brings to the table.
C. Martin
Yes. He’s definitely a step up on paper. His resume reads well. He’s a good fighter. He’s technical, keeping his hands up and stuff like that, has a pretty nice hook. But I got to give you the ups and the downs. He’s a little guy. I’m massive, strong, powerful, elusive. He’s definitely going to be in there for the hardest fight of his life that he’ll ever have.
Q
Czar, you heard what Charles said. He called you a little guy. I’d like your reaction to and what you think of Martin technically. Have you seen tape on him? What do you think of him as a fighter?
V. Glazkov
I respect all of my opponents. Anybody who steps into the ring is doing a very good job. As far as him as a boxer, what can I say? He’s a big dude. He’s a southpaw. I soak up all of his videos. He’s not the standard guy. He’s not a normal guy, but that’s why I’m picking up my sparring partners. That’s why I’m working and preparing for the fighting.
Q
Czar, What’s your prediction for this fight?
V. Glazkov
I’m not going to be saying that I’m going to knock him out. I’m not going to be aiming to knock him out. I’m just going to be fighting and showing everybody my good skills with boxing. If it’s a knockout coming, it’s going to come.
L. DiBella
This is a significant fight. There is a belt at stake. There is an Olympic Medalist fighting a massive American heavyweight, as Charles accurately described himself, and also extremely charismatic and English-speaking American heavyweight that this fight can bring in major new player to the forefront in the heavyweight division. So it’s a very significant fight.
I thank you guys for joining us, and we’ll see you next week.
Now we’re going to move on to the main event of the evening, Deontay Wilder’s third defense of his WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World against Artur Szpilka, who is promoted by Warriors Boxing. If you’ve been following this promotion or listened to our first call, you’ll know that Artur’s English has gotten much better and he’s never at a loss for words nor is he at a loss for confidence.
I know that Deontay is looking forward to fighting a guy that’s looking to bring the fight and is this confident in his own skills and his ability.
Artur, would you like to say a few words to start?
A. Szpilka
Welcome to everybody. The new heavyweight champion is here. You’ll see. I wait for questions.
L. DiBella
Well, the man who believes he is going to be the new heavyweight champion just said a couple of words. Now we’re going to go to the Heavyweight Champion, undefeated Deontay Wilder.
Deontay Wilder
Good evening everyone. Happy New Year. We’re headed into a new year. It’s going to be a hell of a year this year for not only myself but a lot of other fighters as well. There are a lot of things going on in the heavyweight division. The division is definitely alive, and I’m looking to claim it all.
I wish all the heavyweights in the division good luck on their up and coming journeys. And I definitely wish my opponent good luck on becoming the first Polish champion. That is something that has been a hard task to complete for many Polish guys.
He’s not the first to come. It’s going to be difficult for him as well, but I wish him luck. He should be proud that he made it this far, and got this opportunity. So I’m looking forward to January 16, to conquering the world.
Q
How’s training going, Deontay? How’s camp been? How’s your training? Same question for Artur.
D. Wilder
Camp has been wonderful. We’ve had a lot of wonderful guys that come in camp. I’ve always been in shape. That’s always been my motto, that I’m never out of shape. To not have fought a southpaw in three years, and to have a great camp like I’ve had, it’s been crazy.
It reminded me of why I enjoy and love fighting southpaws. I definitely had fun in this camp. I’m looking forward to the fight. I really am. This is my statement year, the start of the year. I’m looking forward to make a statement on Szpilka’s face.
A. Szpilka
Everything is great. Everything is fine. To be honest, I cannot wait to start this whole commotion. Especially I am waiting for the moment that I will be able, for the first time, to look in Deontay’s eyes, and be in the middle of this whole fight week preparation, and fight week craziness.
Q
For each fighter, what is difficult about preparing for the other guy? For Deontay, how different is it facing a southpaw, especially one that kind of fights out of a crouch? And for Szpilka, how difficult is it to prepare for someone who is so tall, and with such reach?
D. Wilder
It’s different levels of what you look at as difficult. Southpaws are my fun people to fight. You know, southpaws are people that pressure me. They are the ones I enjoy the most in sparring and actual fights and stuff like that.
There’s nothing, difficult about the southpaw, other than you’re switching sides with fighters. What you’re used to seeing is just backwards. That’s about it. Everything else is all about your feel, your determination, your IQ in the ring, and what you’re able to do with your ability.
I could put everything I got in the bank on my abilities and skill and will, and what I’m capable of doing in the ring. There’s no other heavyweight in the division like me, especially when it comes into the athletic department. I’m the most athletic heavyweight in the division.
There comes a point in time where it’s enough talking and it’s time to fight, which is what we’re doing now. We’re in the last few couple of words here, and a couple of more days. Then it’ll be time to fight. That way, every fighter has something to say about what they’re going to do.
There comes a time when you have to put forth the action, and actually see whether you’re really just talking to promote yourself, just to sell yourself, or to build your confidence, or build confidence around you, the people that you have inside, or are you the real deal. And I’m pretty sure that I can put every penny on it that I’m the real deal, and what I talk about, I put full action in.
What I’m saying I’m going to, I’ll do it. Everybody that knows me personally knows that if Deontay says he’s going to do something, it’s going to be done. So it’s exciting times, and I can’t wait. I really can’t. I’m in love with boxing. I’m in love with the sport. I love fighting. I love every bit of it and this is just a part of it.
This is the part I hate, just the waiting. And I’ll be so anxious to beat somebody up, just look at their face. This is the part that I hate — the waiting part. I’m ready for the fight. I’m ready to fight. Training is enough. I could have taken off that last little week of training, I didn’t need it.
I’m ready. I didn’t need the last week of training. I didn’t need the last week of strength training. I don’t need that. These guys could have went home. If I wasn’t paying my sparring partners, I would have sent them home.
But I don’t believe in giving out free money, so they had to stay and they had to spar — not to the point that they didn’t give me no work, because they gave me great work. It’s just to the point where I am super-ready. I’m just done, ready.
I’m looking forward to it, and I hope everybody is and everyone who is going to be attending this fight, who all’s going to be attending it or watching it on TV. They’re in for a treat. They’re in for a huge treat, just to start the year off.
I’m excited about the new year, that we get to start it off, make a statement. I want this fight to be already the fight of the year, and this is just the beginning of the year. So that’s what excitement I’m trying to bring to this fight. I’m trying to bring a severe knockout.
I want to get back to my knockout days. My hands were still out of all this time, last year my hand was about 85% when I defended my title. Now it’s, looking back, strong as ever. It’s back to 100%, and I’m looking to go back to where I used to be — four rounds or under.
A. Szpilka
For now I’m just ready to step into the ring. I also like to fight taller fighters. All the time when I’m spending time in Houston with my trainer, this is what we train for. I understand the training is not the actual fight. But I always liked the taller fighters.
Whatever Deontay is saying just makes no sense. I don’t believe in his words, and I will be able to prove it in the ring on the 16th. But for now, it’s just talk by Deontay.
Q
Everybody was just really looking forward to 2016’s Klitschko against Wilder. How disappointed were you when Klitschko just didn’t show up?
D. Wilder
I was very disappointed that Klitschko didn’t show up and do the things that we expected of him and what he was capable of doing. It could be many reasons why that Klitschko didn’t show up, because that wasn’t him as a fighter. Klitschko as a person, his body was there, but as a fighter, something was missing. That isn’tt what we’re used to seeing out of Wladimir Klitschko.
I think Father Time has knocked on his door, and he don’t want to let him in yet. But, I think it’s knocking at his door, and that fight proved it.
There’s talk of a rematch, and I’m going to see the second time around. So some people are still in daze of belief, because they can’t believe what they’ve seen.
Just like my career, many times, people make excuses for me. They say different things; even criticize me because they can’t understand why I’m able to do what I do, and how I do it when I do it. So, it’s the same thing as Klitschko. So we’re going to see the second time around, was this real?
Q
Does it mean extra to you to be fighting in such a new arena in the borough of Brooklyn?
D. Wilder
I’m very happy and honored to be able to be able to fight in Brooklyn. Barclays Center as well with so much rich heavyweight history throughout the state of New York. I’m so looking forward to finally putting my name down in history.
I definitely want to come in in the new year, and not only put history down, but in a great fashion; make a great statement to all the others that are in the division. This is a fine time for me. 2016 is going to be a starting time as well, so just making the whole division back and exciting again.
It’s definitely an exciting time and I’m just happy to be a part of it, and bringing that excitement truly back to the heavyweight division. I may be a country boy, but I don’t think the city’s ready for this boy right here.
Q
My first question is to Szpilka. Where are you guys at right now with the drug testing?
A. Szpilka
I’m still waiting. I’m still waiting. I don’t know why.
D. Wilder
Well I don’t know what he’s talking about. I just went to LabCorp yesterday and got blood drawn for the fight. So this is a championship fight. You’re not going to have a championship fight without being drug-tested. Period. So whether the test is happening before the fight, or whether the test happens after the fight, there will be a drug test.
Q
Is this camp different compared to all the other camps that you guys went through?
D. Wilder
This camp has been one of the most fun camps for the simple fact that I haven’t been involved with a southpaw in like three years. To get my brain back in functioning how to defeat a southpaw, it has been fun. I can’t say challenging, because I had too much fun doing it.
I can’t wait to show you everything that I have to offer. Just as I developing my skill, I develop everything I’ve learned over the years, and apply them in the ring.
Like I said before, I keep saying that I want it to be embedded in you guys’ brains that 2016 belongs to Deontay Wilder, where he will unify the division. There hasn’t been one since 1999. That was Lennox Lewis. Now I must make history. I can’t let any man get in my way from that.
If any man feels that I’m just talk, like Szpilka says, he thinks I’m just talk. There’s never been anything I said that I haven’t done. But we’ve seen him, many times, talk. We’ve recently seen him say the same shit he’s talking about now. And what happened? He ended up becoming the loser.
Everything I’ve said I’ve backed up. That’s why I’m still the champ. That’s why I am a winner. And the thing about it, my 10,000 hours is coming up – of training is coming up (unintelligible). So now I’m coming up four complete fighters now. I understand my abilities and skills inside that ring, and those 10,000 hours is definitely approaching.
I’m looking forward to the world embracing me, and to continue being the heavyweight champ of the world, soon to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
A. Szpilka
Just like I said before, and just like Deontay said before, I also could have skipped the last week of training. Everything is done. Everything is prepared. Right now it’s just waiting. So we’re going to find out who is who on January 16.
Q
I wonder what you think about the fact that you’re fighting in Deontay’s home country, but chances are you’re going to be the one that everybody’s cheering for?
A. Szpilka
There is no doubt that my crowd, the Polish crowd, will be predominant on January 16 in Barclays Center. They will be like additional gloves in the ring for me. They’re going to carry me to be a winner, to be a champion, something special. I’m going to fight also for them.
Q
What would it mean to you to become the first Polish heavyweight to win a world title?
A
This is the most important part of this fight for me, not even to become a world champion. It’s not about that. It’s about to be part of the history; becoming the first Polish heavyweight champion; to be the one when, even after I’m going to be dead, people are going to say, oh, this was the Szpilka guy, the guy who was the first Polish heavyweight champion. This is what I want to do, and this is what I’m going to prove to everybody onJanuary 16.
L. DiBella
Well thank you, Artur, and thank you, Deontay. That’ll be our last question. Once again, the Showtime telecast will begin at 10:00 ET/7:00 PT. But there are tickets still available at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and we urge people to come out.
This is a rare opportunity to see the heavyweight champion of the world defend his title, and to see another heavyweight championship contested — two heavyweight title fights in one night, Barclays Center, January 16, on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing.
Tickets again are at Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster; Barclays Center.com; by going to Barclays Center box office. We hope to see you in Brooklyn. Deontay and Artur, we’ll see you next week in Brooklyn, and we look forward to a great event on January 16. Thank you all for joining us.
# # #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter
boxing, Showtime Boxing

AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER OPENS UP ON THE STATE OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Leave a comment

Wilder Defends His Title Next Saturday, Jan. 16,
Live on SHOWTIME® From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Sports Emmy® Award-Winning Writer Mark Kriegel meets in New York with undefeated WBC World Champion Deontay Wilder, as the American heavyweight champ looks to continue his path to heavyweight history by putting his imprint on the division one step at a time.

 

“I’m just a different fighter than these guys in the heavyweight division. My athletic skills, the way I move in the ring, my speed, the power that I have, the awkward style that I have. Do I need to say more? These guys know I am very serious about this. Nobody wants to fight [me], they already know what the results will be.’’

 

Wilder is determined to prove he’s the No. 1 in the world. His current focus is his third title defense against Polish brawler Artur Szpilka, but he doesn’t dismiss the constant chatter about title unification.

 

“Keep fighting, sooner or later celebrate. Keep fighting, keep winning, keep knocking guys out. Once you keep doing those things, you can’t be denied, no matter what. I think unifying the titles … Once you have that strong American heavyweight to unify the division, to hold all the titles, that’s when I feel true stardom will come. Once I unify the division, I think it’ll be a dramatic change.’’

 

Click On The Photo or Link Below To Watch Full Interview

http://s.sho.com/1VJDLdp

 

Video/Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

 

# # #

Wilder vs. Szpilka, a 12-round bout for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight title taking place on Saturday, Jan. 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGÒdoubleheader, Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov will battle for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Championship. The event will be televised live on SHOWTIMEÒ(10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. ET) and it will be available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter,@WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter .

boxing, Showtime Boxing

ACTION-PACKED NIGHT OF UNDERCARD ATTRACTIONS  COME TO BARCLAYS CENTER ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 16

Leave a comment
 
BROOKLYN’S AMANDA SERRANO FIGHTS FOR A WORLD TITLE
PLUS UNBEATEN NOTRE DAME ALUM MIKE LEE &
BROOKLYN HEAVYWEIGHT ADAM KOWNACKI IN SEPARATE BOUTS
 
Exciting Night Headlined By Two Heavyweight World Title Fights!
 
BROOKLYN (December 30, 2015) – A full night of hard-hitting preliminary action comes to Barclays Center onSaturday, January 16 in an event headlined by two heavyweight world title fights live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. ET).
The stacked undercard features popular former world champion Amanda Serrano (26-1-1, 19 KOs) fighting in her hometown against Ghana’s Helen Joseph (12-3-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the WBO Featherweight World Championship while unbeaten Notre Dame alum Mike Lee (15-0, 9 KOs) enters the ringin an eight-round cruiserweight fight against an opponent to be announced and unbeaten Polish heavyweight Adam Kownacki (12-0, 10 KOs) faces Danny Kelly (9-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder makes the third defense of his title against Polish brawling contender Artur Szpilka in the main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGdoubleheader. Plus, undefeated challengers Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov will battle in the co-feature for the vacant IBF World Championship in the first heavyweight title fights in Brooklyn in 115 years.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Purchase before January 1and receive a 10 percent discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
In a card already stacked with international talent with Szpilka and Glazkov, unbeaten Polish middleweight
Maciec Sulecki (21-0, 6 KOs) takes on Ghana’s Isaac Tordjro Selom (21-5-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round bout while Brooklyn-based Ukrainian prospect Ivan Golub (9-0, 7 KOs) competes in an eight-round welterweight attraction and fellow Ukrainian Ramil Gadzhiev (1-0, 1 KO), now living in Boca Raton, Fla., and training with John David Jackson, faces Botirsher Obidov (3-0-1, 1 KO)of Kissimmee, Fla., in a four-round middleweight scrap.
Adding to the local flavor and rounding out the card are a pair of Brooklyn natives. Twenty-six-year old Carlos Gongora (3-0, 2 KOs) from Ecuador competes in a six-round light heavyweight battle and 19-year-old Mexican Julian Sosa (3-0-1, 1 KO) will be featured in a four-round junior welterweight affair.
A former world champion in the junior lightweight and lightweight divisions, Serrano will look to add a third world title belt to the legacy that has already made her a popular fighter in her native Brooklyn. A New York Golden Gloves champion, she turned pro in 2009 and was undefeated in her first 15 fights. The 27-year-old traveled to Argentina in 2014 to win her lightweight world title via a sixth-round knockout of Maria Elena Maderna. This time, she will have the advantage of fighting at home as she hopes to make it 13 wins in a row on January 16 when she takes on the 26-year-old Joseph.
A proud graduate of Notre Dame’s esteemed Mendoza College of Business, Lee took a less traveled road when he began his pro boxing career in 2010. The Chicago-native has galvanized the enormous Fighting Irish alumni network and has been a popular draw throughout the country. He has been as good in the ring as he was in the classroom, sporting a perfect 15-0 record including two stoppage victories in 2015. The 28-year-old looks to put on a show for his faithful supporters in his Barclays Center debut.
A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Kownacki had a big 2015, notching four victories including knockouts of Maurenzo Smith and Randy Easton. Born in Lomza, Poland, the 26-year-old now calls Brooklyn home. He is opposed by the 24-year-old D.C.-native Kelly, who has won three fights in a row.
# # #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/
boxing, Showtime Boxing

TWO HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ONE NIGHT; CHARLES MARTIN vs. VYACHESLAV GLAZKOV ADDED TO DEONTAY WILDER vs. ARTUR SZPILKA FOR HISTORIC HEAVYWEIGHT EVENT AT BARCLAYS CENTER; LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment
 
 
BROOKLYN (Dec. 22, 2015) – Four heavyweights will meet in two world title fights for one history-making night in Brooklyn.

Undefeated heavyweight challengers Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov will battle for the vacant IBF World Championship on Saturday, Jan. 16, at Barclays Center, live on SHOWTIME®. Glazkov vs. Martin joins the previously announced main event featuring undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., making the third defense of his title against confident Artur Szpilka (20-1, 15 KOs), of Wieliczka, Poland.
“There has not been a heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn in 115 years. On Jan. 16, there will be two,” said Promoter Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Purchase before January 1 and receive a 10 percent discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“I’m feeling really blessed to get this opportunity,” said Martin. “I want to become world champion so I can go down in history as a top heavyweight. Glazkov is a great fighter. He’s undefeated, so I know it’s going to be a tough fight, but I’m coming to be victorious. I’m getting ready and training hard so I can go out there and get that win.”
“I am looking forward to getting back in the ring and finally getting my opportunity to fight for a world title,” said Glazkov. “I want to thank everyone who helped me get to this place in my career.”
“It’s an honor to promote a dynamic young champion like Deontay Wilder against a tough threatening opponent like Szpilka. What would have been the first heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn in 115 years is now one of the first two. Martin versus Glazkov should be an extremely competitive fight and fans will be treated to the rarity of being able to see two world heavyweight championship fights on the same card.”
“I am excited to be involved in this historic event involving two heavyweight world titles fights, contested on the same evening,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Having worked with Artur Szpilka since he began his career, I know he is more than ready for this challenge. Artur and Charles Martin both have all the tools necessary to win heavyweight world title in Brooklyn onJanuary 16.”
“January 16 will be our best card yet,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We’re excited to host two heavyweight world title fights in one night and continue to make Brooklyn the center of boxing.”
Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs), of Carson, Calif., by way of St. Louis, is 22-0-1 with 20 KOs and is rated fourth by the IBF. The Ukrainian Glazkov, the No. 1-ranked IBF contender, is 21-0-1 with 13 knockouts.
The unbeaten Martin has stopped his last 12 opponents.  The 6-foot-5, 29-year-old southpaw is coming off a third round TKO of Vicente Sandez in September. Martin, a top-level amateur, has maintained a busy schedule since turning professional – he fought four times in 2015 and five times in 2014.  Martin is trained by U.S. Olympian Henry Tillman in Big Bear, Calif.
The aggressive-minded, 6-foot-3 Glazkov has won seven consecutive fights, including both his outings in 2015. Glazkov, who has never been knocked down, owns victories over former champions Steve Cunningham and Tomasz Adamek.  The win over Cunningham this past March earned him the No. 1 spot in the IBF.  Before turning pro in July 2009, Glazkov was an amateur standout in the Ukraine – he won the bronze medal at super heavyweight at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and was a silver medalist at the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships.  The 31-year-old will make his U.S. debut fighting for the IBF belt that was recently vacated by Tyson Fury.
# # #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter
boxing, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER  & POLISH CHALLENGER ARTUR SZPILKA EXCHANGE VERBAL JABS  ON MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL

Leave a comment
 
Click HERE To Download MP3
 
“I’m knocking out Szpilka and
I’m sending a message to everyone who stands in my way!” – Wilder
 
“I hope you hear this loud and clear…you’re done January 16th!” – Szpilka
BROOKLYN (December 16, 2015) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilderand bruising Polish challenger Artur Szpilka took time out of their intense training schedules to exchange some words on a media conference call Wednesday before they meet in the ring on Saturday, January 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
Wilder and Szpilka will meet in the first heavyweight title matchup in Brooklyn in 115 years as the American heavyweight champ looks to defend his belt for the third time.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Purchase before January 1and receive a 10% discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I’m always in shape. I’m always in the ring because I’m in love with this sport.
“There’s so much rich history in Brooklyn. Barclays Center still needs a face. Why not me? I have friends and family in New York. That’s the mission that I’m on.
“Don’t get too overwhelmed by the opportunity, Szpilka. You still have to do something with it.
“Once I knock Szpilka out, I want all the Polish fans to come on the “Bronze Bomber” train as I bring the heavyweight division back to the top.
“I’m the guy who has everything it takes to be heavyweight champion of the world. It’s not just about being great inside the ring, it’s about being able to do great things outside of the ring. Not everyone has that. I love to be out there with the people.
“I don’t care who it is. It doesn’t matter who is in the ring with me. I love a fighter who’s not scared because it gives me the motive to knock him out. I don’t play around because I mean business.
“I’m looking for a grand show. It’s going to be a great performance to kick off 2016. This is going to be a huge year for me. I’m knocking Szpilka out and I’m sending a message to everyone who stands in my way.”
ARTUR SZPILKA
“I hope that you hear loud and clear, I can win this fight. My mind is ready, my body is ready. You’re doneJanuary 16.
“I have everything that a good boxer needs. I’m very confident and I know that this is my time. I have respect for him, but he’s never fought somebody like me. Everybody he fought but Bermane Stiverne was a bum.
“Only three people have actually tried to fight him. Everybody else had already lost before they got into the ring.
“I wanted this fight. This is my time. The heavyweight titles are wide open. There’s new blood for boxing.
“There is a big difference between me now and two years ago. I trust in my corner. You will all see a new Artur Szpilka on January 16.”
# # #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter
boxing, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER TO DEFEND WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST POLISH CHALLENGER ARTUR SZPILKA ON SATURDAY, JAN. 16, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

Leave a comment
 
 
Tickets On Sale This Monday, December 14 For Brooklyn’s First Heavyweight World Championship In 115 Years
 
BROOKLYN (Dec. 9, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will make the third defense of his title against brawling Polish contender Artur Szpilka on Saturday,Jan. 16, 2016, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
The 12-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event between the power-punching Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Szpilka (20-1, 15 KOs), of Wieliczka, Poland, will be the first heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn since James Jeffries knocked out James Corbett in the 23rd round on May 11, 1900, on Coney Island.
Jeffries fought in all three of the Brooklyn heavyweight title fights, which were the fourth, fifth and seventh world heavyweight title fights of the modern gloved era.  All three took place on Coney Island, two in 1899 and the final in 1900.
It will be Wilder’s first fight in New York and his ninth overall on Showtime Networks.  Wilder is the first United States-born heavyweight champion since 2007.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on saleMonday, December 14 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased online by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will also be available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Tuesday, December 15 at noon. Purchase before January 1 and receive a 10% discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“I’m excited about coming to New York City, I’m excited about displaying my talents and I’m excited about fighting at Barclays Center,” said Wilder. “I want to thank my opponent Artur Szpilka for accepting this opportunity that I’m giving him.  I wish him luck – he’s going to need it.  I look forward to winning over the Polish fans after I beat him.  I know he’s a southpaw and he tends to give up when things get tough in the ring, going off the fight he had with Bryant Jennings.  He doesn’t have heart when it gets tough.  I look forward to giving the fans plenty of action and excitement on Jan. 16.”
“It feels amazing to get the opportunity to fight Deontay for his heavyweight world title,” said  Szpilka.  “I can’t wait to be the first ever Polish heavyweight to win a world title.  I’ve dreamed about this many times, and now my time has come.  I’ll be ready to put on a show for my fans and take his belt from him on Jan. 16.”
“It should be an exciting night on Jan. 16 when the ‘Bronze Bomber’ defends his title, for the first time at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, against rugged brawler Artur Szpilka,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.  “Brash and outspoken, the Polish fighter looks to derail Deontay and become the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world in boxing history.  This is Deontay’s third title defense in 12 months and a victory will lead to a major clash in his next bout.”
“I’m very excited that Artur Szpilka is getting an opportunity to become the first heavyweight champion in the history of Poland,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing.  “We’re thrilled that Artur will be able to fight for the title in a boxing-rich city like Brooklyn and in front of what will undoubtedly be a strong showing of support from his Polish fans.”
“SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has been the home of many of the biggest and best heavyweight world title fights of the last 30 years, and we are proud to continue that legacy with Deontay Wilder,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Deontay has used his rare blend of raw power, athleticism and charisma to become one of the can’t-miss boxers of this era.  Credit Artur Szpilka for accepting the challenge.  Szpilka is a young, strong southpaw with good power and a flair for showmanship, and he is eager to make the most of his first world title opportunity.  January 16 is sure to be an exciting night on SHOWTIME.”
“It took 115 years, but Heavyweight Championship boxing is back in Brooklyn,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “I spent some time with Deontay at the Jacobs-Quillin fight last Saturday and he can’t wait to defend his title at Barclays Center, but it won’t be easy. Artur Szpilka is a great fighter and is sure to be well represented by the ‘Little Poland’ neighborhood of nearby Greenpoint. The borough is ready for Heavyweight Championship boxing. It was worth the wait.”
The 6-foot-7 Wilder will be making his third title defense and fourth fight in 364 days. The 30-year-old won the WBC belt with a unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, in his first professional fight to go past the fourth round.
Wilder successfully defended the belt against Eric Molina (KO 9) last June 13 and most recently against Johann Duhaupas (TKO 11) on Sept. 26.  Both of the title defenses took place in his home state of Alabama.
The last heavyweight champion to fight four times in 12 months was Lennox Lewis in 2000-01.  Lewis was also the last undisputed heavyweight champion.
“I’m looking forward to being the next undisputed heavyweight champion and the most active heavyweight champion in history,” Wilder said.  “I’m also active once I get into the ring.  In my last fight, I landed an average of 30 of the 53 punches that I threw each round.  That was more than double what Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko landed, combined.”
Before turning pro in November 2008, Wilder won the bronze medal at heavyweight for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games.  He is the last American male boxer to medal in The Olympics.
The aggressive-minded, 6-foot-3 Szpilka has won four consecutive fights since suffering the only loss of his career to then-undefeated Bryant Jennings in 2014.  The 26-year-old rebounded with a 10-round unanimous decision over former cruiserweight world champion Tomasz Adamek in 2014 and stoppage victories over Yasmany Consuegra, Manuel Quezada and Ty Cobb in 2015.
A pro since 2008, the southpaw first gained notice when he stopped the once-touted Owen Beck in four rounds in 2011, then unanimously outpointed former world title challenger Jameel McCline the following year.
Szpilka has honed his boxing skills under the tutelage of Houston-based trainer Ronnie Shields.While he is still predisposed to brawling and coming forward, Szpilka has developed into a more complete fighter under Shields and one that could be the toughest test of the young world champion’s career.
Brooklyn has a deep history in heavyweight boxing, including hometown heavyweight championsMike Tyson, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Shannon Briggs and Michael Moorer.  In addition, Brooklyn-native and 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Mark Breland serves as one of Wilder’s coaches.
# # #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

HEAVYWEIGHTS ANTONIO TARVER  AND STEVE CUNNINGHAM FIGHT TO SPLIT DECISION DRAW;   POLAND’S KRZYSTOF GLOWACKI SCORES 11TH ROUND TKO OVER MARCO HUCK FOR THE CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE IN A SOLID NIGHT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE BOXING ACTION AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

Leave a comment
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
NEWARK, NJ (August 15, 2015) – Heavyweights Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) and Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs) fought to a split decision draw in the main event of tonight’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Both Tarver and Cunningham fought at a consistent pace throughout the bout, exchanging punches evenly in the early rounds. Tarver caught Cunningham in the fourth round with a sneaky right cross that wobbled the younger fighter who quickly regained his composure and finished out the round.  The back and forth action, which left Cunningham bruised and swollen around the eyes, lead to the draw with judges scores of 115-113 Cunningham, 115-114 Tarver and 114-114.
In the opening bout of the telecast, Poland’s Krzystof Glowacki (24-0, 15 KOs) scored an 11th round technical knockout victory over Germany’s Marco Huck (38-2-1, 26 KOs) in a huge upset that saw Glowacki capture Huck’s cruiserweight title. Huck was hoping to set a new record for most cruiserweight title defenses with a 14th successful defense tonight. Both fighters were making their US debut in front of a crowd of 5,843, many of which were their Polish and German countrymen living stateside.
In the give and take cruiserweight bout, Glowacki came out strong in the early rounds beating Huck with his power and speed on the inside. Huck started to find his rhythm in the middle rounds and out of nowhere put Glowacki on the canvas in the sixth with a punishing left hook to the temple.  Glowacki recovered quickly and was able to finish the round. Both men stayed busy for the remainder of the later rounds with the judges heeding favor to Huck by the end of the 10th. However, Glowacki came out in the 11th and late in the round put Huck on the canvas with a hard left right combination. Huck beat the count only to have Glowacki jump on him immediately, throwing a series of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight at 2:39 in the round.  Glowacki shocked the boxing world with a devastating 11th technical knockout of the 8-1 favored Huck in what will surely be a fight considered for upset of the year.
ANTONIO TARVER
“I knew they weren’t educated on my defense and ring generalship. I threw the harder punches and wasn’t tired. I controlled the tempo, kept my jab busy and feel like I outboxed him too.
“He didn’t hurt me and couldn’t get to my body. I did what I had to do but didn’t get the win. We got a draw and I’m not satisfied with it at all.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“I’m the man I’ve always been before and after the fight, and this decision, you won’t find me kicking and screaming.
“I have nothing to be ashamed of and I’ll get together with my team and family and talk about what we do next.”
KRYSZTOF GLOWACKI
“The US market is now open to me, and fans around the world are going to have to respect the cruiserweight division now.
“When I was knocked down in the sixth round I didn’t know where I was and it took me a whole round to regain myself. I still cannot hear well. I was listening to my corner though and when I heard that there was only one minute left in the eleventh round I knew I had to come on strong.
“I’ve always had a thing against bullies and Huck was trying to bully me in there. So I brought it to him. I want to thank all my fans in Poland and from around the world for supporting me. We kept “believing” and that’s how we won this world title. This is the biggest night of my life.”
MARCO HUCK
Was unavailable for quotes. Both Glowacki and Huck were taken to Rutgers University Hospital for pre-cautionary observation.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Aug. 14 PBC on Spike TV  Official weights & pictures

Leave a comment
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment:
Antonio Tarver
Steve Cunningham
Tarver & Cunningham
MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS – 12 ROUNDS
ANTONIO “The Magic Man” TARVER (31-6, 22 KOs), Tampa, FL 217 lbs.
STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM (28-7, 13 KOs), Philadelphia, PA 204lbs.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Huck Sports Promotion are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.PruCenter.comand www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/PruCenterand www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
NEW YORK (August 12, 2015) – With just two days to go until their Premier Boxing Champions on Spike showdowns, fighters participating on the Friday, August 14 card at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey held a press conferenceWednesday at B.B. King’s Blues Club & Grill in Manhattan.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by a 12-round heavyweight showdown between Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) and Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs). Also featured on Spike is cruiserweight world champion Marco “Captain” Huck (38-2-1, 26 KOs) defending his title against Polish contender Krzyzstof Glowacki (24-0, 15 KOs) and Polish heavyweight Artur Szpilka (19-1, 14 KOs) taking on Cuba’s Yasmany Consuegra (17-1, 14 KOs).
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Huck Sports Promotion are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now viaTicketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
ANTONIO TARVER
“This is a big fight for me. PBC was designed for the new, young stars but I’m thankful they’ll let an old guy like me steal the spotlight on Friday night.
“You have two guys who know their way around the ring. We’re in the hurt business and only one man can win. When the smoke clears on Friday we’ll see who’s left standing.
“Every fight is do or die for me. I’ve come too far to start over. I’m on a destiny trip right now. I’m racing towards that heavyweight world championship.
“I was a big light heavyweight but I feel perfect at heavyweight. When I look back at some of my old fights, I was really just a shell of myself. Now I’m healthy and strong and ready to get to the top.
“I wasn’t blessed with this unique talent for nothing. I have to put it on display. The game hasn’t retired me. When I went through all of my struggles, I became a champion right then. Now I just have to walk through my destiny.
“I’m fighting the very best and I’m beating the very best. I’m looking to knock everybody out.
“Training camp has been amazing. My team has gotten me beautifully prepared for this fight. We’re just feeling strong and can’t wait until Friday.
“When I look at the ‘Rocky Balboa’ film when I played the undisputed heavyweight champion, I feel like art is going to imitate life. I played the champ in a movie and I’m going to become the champ in reality.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to be working with PBC. It’s fight time. Training camp is over. Training camp was hell, and that’s a good training camp.
“I know I’m prepared to do what I need to do. I’m ready to get this win and I want to look spectacular.
“Tarver is a five-time champion, legend, Hall of Famer, but that’s all going out the window August 14. He’s just another guy I have to beat.
“My record doesn’t reflect what I’ve done in the ring, but I take it on the chin and keep going forward like I do in the ring.
“People have seen the work ethic from me. They’ve seen what I’ve gone through in the ring. They saw the close decision losses. I’ve always had faith in myself and I still do.
“Tarver has fought the best out there. He’s been there. He’s been through adversity. He’s had ups and downs. There’s nothing you can say about Tarver that makes you feel like you can go in there and make him look like a bum.
“I’m 39 and I feel awesome. This is a fight. The age means nothing to me. I’m fighting a five-time champion and that’s how we look at it.
“A guy like Tarver, sometimes you have to talk yourself up to get to where you want to go and that’s who he is. He’s a good talker. That will carry on into his next career. But he’s dealing with a guy who grew up dealing with trash talking. I dealt with trash talkers in every language. The talk is for him. He sold this fight, great. But now I’m getting in there to fight.
“I’m trained by brother Naazim Richardson, he’ll never let me take anyone lightly. If you do that, that’s how you go in there and get wiped out.”
MARCO HUCK
“I’m really happy to be here for my U.S. debut. This is the mecca of boxing. I’ve wanted to fight here for a very long time.
“I am looking forward to wiping the floor with some of these guys up here.
“It’s a very special occasion for me to be here and I’m going to show everybody what I’m all about.
“This is a similar feeling to the one when I fought for my first world title. I’m starting to heat up inside. I can’t wait to put my fists on somebody.
“I want to bring this sport to everybody. Not just the people who make money but the people who don’t have the money to spend on the sport. It’s great for the sport.
“People can talk a lot but you have to prove it inside of the ring. I always prove it inside the ring. On Friday they will be chanting “Huck! Huck! Huck!'”
KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI
“I’m so happy to be here. This fight is my whole life. I always dreamed about this chance to be a world champion and it’s very close.
“There’s no doubt Huck is a great fighter, a warrior, but if he thinks for a second this is going to be easy he’s mistaken big time. This is going to be a war from the first round to the last.
“I already see me as world champion. Huck is a great fighter, great warrior, so what? I’m ready for a war, from first round to the last.”
ARTUR SZPILKA
“I’m so excited to be here. I’m boxing for Polish people including my friend Glowacki, who I know can beat Huck.
“I want to show everybody how good I am. Everyone who does not believe in me will know the truth.
“All four Polish guys, my friends, will win on Friday.
“I have an amazing team and I can’t wait. I am becoming a better and better fighter and I promise this will be an exciting fight.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“Artur Szpilka is a very exciting heavyweight and if you haven’t had the opportunity to see him you should make sure you don’t miss Friday. He’s fighting Yasmany Consuegra who’s very powerful as well. It’s a battle of two punchers and someone is going to hit the canvas.
“Glowacki is a very talented fighter who believes he’s taking the title back to Poland. Marco Huck believes otherwise. People are going to get to know Marco Huck in America and they’re going to love his style.
“The American public wants to see wars in the ring and I think that Huck and Glowacki are going to put on a show.
“One of the great things about PBC is that not only are we getting to make attractive matchups, but we can bring over stars and people who have not been exposed to the American public. Marco is already a star in most of the world and he’s soon going to be a star in the United States.
“The main event has been anticipated by a lot of people for a while. Antonio is looking for a shot at the heavyweight world title and he’ll have to beat a real heavyweight to get there.
“Steve’s record is not revealing of the quality of fighter that he is. He’s a very good fighter and an individual with outstanding character.
“Antonio Tarver has had a tremendous career. He is a future Hall of Famer. The five-time world champion moniker is one that most people can’t say. But this man can.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.PruCenter.com andwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/PruCenterandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.