Tag Archives: Ashley Theophane

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Washington, D.C. Native Anthony Peterson Battles Ghanaian Olympian Samuel Neequaye & Super Middleweight Contender J’Leon Love Faces Michael Gbenga On Friday, April 1 From the DC Armory In Washington, D.C.

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Plus Full Undercard of Local Prospects!
 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Begins At
9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 23, 2016) – Lightweight contender Anthony Peterson (36-1, 24 KOs) looks to show off in his hometown when he battles Ghanaian Olympian Samuel Neequaye (22-1, 15 KOs) in a 10-round bout on Friday, April 1 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
The April 1 event features a Premier Boxing Champions on Spike tripleheaderwhich is headlined by four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner taking on British contender Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
Additional action inside the ring features 168-pound contender J’Leon Love (21-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout against Nigeria’s Michael Gbenga (17-24, 16 KOs).
Further undercard attractions will see a trio of D.C. natives enter the ring as 23-year-old middleweight prospect Demond Nicholson (16-1, 16 KOs) faces Ghana’s Joshua Okine (22-4, 15 KOs) in an eight-round bout, 20-year-old unbeaten welterweight Kareem Martin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout against Somner Martin (5-1, 3 KOs) and 21-year-oldPatrick Harris (8-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout against Ghana’s Samuel Amoako (21-8, 15 KOs).
Rounding out the action is 24-year-old Shyngyskhan Tazhibay (2-0, 2 KOs) out of Kazakhstan but training out of Washington, D.C., who will face 23-year-old Georgia-native Riarus Dudley (2-0-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round welterweight showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit:www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
The brother of former world champion Lamont Peterson, the 31-year-old Peterson hopes to soon make a name for himself in a world title fight. Owner of wins over Daniel Attah, Dominic Salcido, Mike Oliver and Marcos Leonardo Jimenez, the Washington, D.C. product is looking to win his seventh consecutive fight when he enters the ring in his hometown. He takes on Neequaye out of Ghana who now trains in Maryland. He represented Ghana at the 2008 Olympics and most recently defeated Eugenio Lopez.
A once-beaten contender at 168-pounds, the 28-year-old Love bounced back from his lone defeat to dominate Scott Sigmon in March, Jason Escalera in June and Marcus Upshaw in September to get himself back in the world title mix. The Inkster, Michigan native owns wins over Marco Antonio Periban, Derrick Findley and Lajuan Simon on his way to contender status. He takes on the Nigerian-born Gbenga who defeated Marcus Vinicius de Oliveira in February.
# # #
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports,@MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
 www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Ashley Theophane & J’Leon Love Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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PBC on Spike Begins At 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
 
Click HERE For Photos From Dave Nadkarni/PBC &
Esaiah Gomez/Mayweather Promotions
 
LAS VEGAS (March 18, 2016) – 140-pound contender Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane and super middleweight contender J’Leon Love hosted a Las Vegas media workout Thursday as they prepared for their respective showdowns on Friday, April 1 from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
Theophane takes on super lightweight world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Love will compete in a non-televised undercard attraction.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visitwww.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.
Theophane and Love held court at the Mayweather Boxing Club as they went discussed their upcoming showdowns with media.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
ASHLEY THEOPHANE
“The focus is to go in there and outwork him on fight night. At the end of the day I have to set the pace. I can’t go out there and outbox him because he’s got tremendous skill and speed. So I have to be able to go out there and outwork him and make it a war.
“When he sees that I’m still there in round 5, he’s going to start to get worried. My whole thing on fight night is to work and bring a war.
“As a boxer, you want to fight the best, and you want these big nights. For me, it’s been a hard road to get to this point, and I’m actually looking forward to fight night because I know it’s going to be a very hard fight, and I know in order for me to win I have to be at my best, and that’s what I have prepared for.
“I’ve been sparring a lot of strong young men in camp; a lot of guys who many believe will be future stars of boxing, and I’ve been doing very well, so I’m more than ready. It’s just a matter of counting down the days now.
“My career shows that if you believe in yourself and never give up, you will get your opportunity. At that point, it’s just up to you to take it.
“I feel I will be able to match him come fight night. I know I’m the big underdog, I know I’m not being given the chance to win, but I really believe we are going to prove the doubters wrong and be world champ come April 1.
“It just became real to be in the same place with him [Broner] at the press conference. It was more motivation to come back in the gym. Once we got back, the guys here at the gym saw me sparring the next day and said they can tell he had motivated me. He can talk, but on fight night, we have to fight. He said he’s going to stop me in 4 rounds, so I’ll be looking forward to seeing that because I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be there for the whole 12 rounds.
“Mayweather Promotions believed in me from the very start and they flew with me in the deep end. I have improved from being around Floyd, and watching him. You have to improve with being around him-the best fighter of all time-you have to improve.”
J’LEON LOVE
“Training has been great; I’m healthy, I’m focused, my weight is not bad, I can’t complain. I actually took a week off in September of last year, and have been right back in the gym. We’ve been training ever since for 5 or 6 months now, so we were already ahead.
“This guy [Gbenga], despite his record, has been in the ring more times than me, so he is a lot more experienced. He can survive, or do little things that can upset my game plan, but at the same time, I’ve been there done that, and just ready to showcase my talent.
“Every fight is important, whether it’s the first couple of fights, or now. To me, this is a stay busy fight-stay busy, showcase my talent, look impressive, and show that we’re ready for a world title. Not just fight for a world title, but win a world title. Be a world champion. Continue to reach different levels in the game.
“I’m hungry, I feel like this is already written for me. I didn’t make it this far for nothing, or to be a contender. For a world championship fight, I’m going to definitely seize the moment so I’m going to go out there and do what I do best, and that is to fight.
“I’m a pretty slick fighter, very smart fighter, so I’ve dissected him already and he makes a lot of mistakes. I think he’ll fall into the trap, and I feel like I will get him out of there. I’m very confident in my training and my ability.”
# # #
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports,@MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
 www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE ADRIEN BRONER VS. ASHLEY THEOPHANE PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 29, 2016) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and 140-pound Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane hosted a press conference at the W Hotel in Washington, D.C. to announce their world title showdown on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike taking place Friday, April 1 at the D.C. Armory.
Mayweather Promotions President Floyd Mayweather was on-hand along with representatives from About Billions Promotions, HeadBangers Promotions, Spike and the D.C. Boxing and Wresting Commission to talk about the exciting night of fights coming to our nation’s capital. Also on the dais, was platinum recording artist Rick Ross, a friend of both Mayweather and Broner.
Also featured on the PBC on Spike telecast is rising star Robert Easter Jr. against former world champion Argenis Mendez, plus top prospect Gervonta “The One” Davis in a super featherweight showdown against Mexico’s Guillermo Avila. In addition, local undercard fighters Anthony Peterson, Kareem Martin, Patrick Harris and Demond Nicholson were in attendance to discuss their hometown bouts.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000. The event is sponsored by Corona.
Here is what the participants had to say Monday:
ADRIEN BRONER
 
“This is really a big fight for me. I know that Ashley Theophane is going to come to fight, because he has something to prove. He’s going to try to take my world title.
“A lot of people told me I wouldn’t be here. I come from nothing. Like cereal and water nothing. I’m very fortunate to have someone like Floyd to look up to. I don’t want to be like Floyd though, I don’t want to be like any man. I admire him and respect him, but I’m creating my legacy.
“At the end of the day, Floyd and Ashley aren’t on my side. I’m against them. They’re coming to dethrone me. They’re my enemy right now and I’m going to beat Ashley down.
“This training camp, I’ve really been perfecting my craft. This is going to be the best performance of my career. It’s going to be a highlight reel performance. I’m not coming to just get a win.
“This fight isn’t going four rounds. That’s too many. This is going to be quick. I’m not playing.
“There’s nothing Floyd can teach [Theophane]. At the end of the day, it all goes out the window. The trainers and entourage can’t help. They can’t help Ashley Theophane.
“I want everyone to come out. Big brother Floyd Mayweather is gone, everyone else is too boring, so I’m taking over the sport.”
ASHLEY THEOPHANE
 
“There are many different thing we’re working on to neutralize Broner and keep up with his quickness. I’ve sparred with a lot of young guys who imitate him and I believe I can match him.
“He does a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong. Adrien Broner can be beat and he has been. We’re working hard. At the end of the day this is my career-defining fight.
“We all turn pro to become a world champion. I’ve been in the gym for months, working on things and staying in shape.
“I’ve watched Adrien Broner in the past. I was at the John Molina and Shawn Porter fights and I know he’s got talent. But he can be beat. He’s vulnerable, very vulnerable.
“It’s not just about what you do in the ring, but it’s also about being a mature fighter. He’s going to do what he does and as a grown man, I just have to stay calm. Being the more experienced fighter is a position I like.
“I’m representing Floyd Mayweather. He has my back and he believes in me. He believes I can win and that’s extra motivation.
“I want to be the best I’ve ever been. I want to fight the fight of my life on April 1. I don’t want to turn the clock back. I want this to be the best performance of my career.
“It’s been a long journey as a professional and I have to thank Floyd for giving me this chance. April 1 is going to be a war. Adrien is a warrior and I know he has no quit in him. If you have a dream, you have to work hard to make it come true and that’s what I’m here to do.”
ROBERT EASTER JR.
“I’m thankful to everyone who put me in this position. I will give everyone a shot like I always do.
“I consider D.C. one of my hometowns and I’m coming to give everyone a show. This is a blessing and a tremendous opportunity.
“I want a world title and this is another big step on my way towards that goal. To be able to do it on Adrien Broner’s card just guarantees it’s going to be a big night.
“I’m just ready to show off my skills and make a name for myself so that I can continue to grow in this sport.”
GERVONTA DAVIS
“I’m definitely excited to fight in DC. This is where my first professional fight was. I’m so thankful to Barry Hunter for letting me train with him and helping me toward this opportunity.
“I have a great team. Especially Floyd Mayweather, who has taken me in and taught me so much about boxing but also about everything outside of the ring. I’m blessed to have his support in my career.
“April 1, it’s going to be an action-packed fight. I will be a world champion one day. You don’t want to miss this one.”
ANTHONY PETERSON
“This is my 38th fight, going for my 37th victory and fourth knockout in a row. Boxing isn’t something you talk about, you just do it. That’s what I’m going to do April 1st. It’s going down.
“I made my pro debut on a Roy Jones card, which was another big stage. So I’m very ready and blessed.
“I’m coming to give my hometown fans the knockout. Boxing is like jazz, the better it is, the less it’s appreciated. A knockout will get you praise.
“I’m targeting everybody in the division. I want a belt. The first one to step up, I’m going to take care of him.”
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“I’m happy to be here and I truly believe this will be a very exciting fight. Adrien is a very young and explosive fighter. He’s a force in boxing right now.
“Ashley Theophane is a guy that came from the UK with a dream. His dream was to be world champion one day. Same dream I had. He’s a very humble, hungry and dedicated fighter.
“I don’t think this is going to be an easy fight for Adrien. I’ll tell both guys to push themselves to the limit and give fans what they want to see.
“Gervonta Davis is someone I look at like a son. I met him in 2014 and they said this is the next big thing. Broner brought him to my gym to let me see him work. He’s a very explosive kid. He’s exciting and he will be fighting for a world title soon after a couple more bouts.
“I want to thank Adrien for giving him the chance to make his dream come true. I believe Adrien will continue to put on exciting fights and a good show. You’re still learning, it’s all a process.
“Adrien and Gervonta have great teams. The Baltimore and D.C. area has some extraordinary talent and the trainers are unbelievable. I’m not biased, I feel like whatever a fighter is comfortable with, that’s whom a fighter should be with.
“Mayweather Promotions isn’t rushing, we’re taking it one step at a time. I would love to see some of these guys break my records. Records are meant to be broken. I’ve done everything I can do in the sport. I’m blessed to share the stage with these young guys.
“Ashley is working with a great trainer in Nate Jones. He’s a former Olympian and a guy who has a great boxing mind.
“DC isn’t a good city, it’s a great city. We couldn’t choose a better place to have the fight. I believe that this will be a sold out event. I’m going to work to make sure everywhere you look in the city, you will see Adrien Broner and Ashley Theophane.”
RICK ROSS, Platinum Selling Record Artist
“I’m not only a friend of the boxers, but I’m also a friend of the sport. This is my favorite sport. I believe this is the sport of gladiators. This is where men, with ambition and sheer will stand-alone.
“Me and my friend Adrien Broner, will be doing some exciting things in 2016. I’m here to let everyone know on behalf of the hip-hop community, that we’re supporting this fight. April 1, ‘The Boss’ will be in the building.”
# # #
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports,@MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
 www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

UNDEFEATED RISING STAR ROBERT EASTER JR. BATTLES FORMER  WORLD CHAMPION ALGENIS MENDEZ IN LIGHTWEIGHT ACTION AND SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT GERVONTA DAVIS TAKES ON MEXICO’S GUILLERMO AVILA ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, APRIL 1 FROM THE D.C. ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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Plus! Top D.C. Area Fighters Anthony Peterson, Kareem Martin, Patrick Harris and Demond Nicholson 
Featured In Separate Bouts!
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 29, 2016) – Unbeaten rising star Robert Easter Jr. (16-0, 13 KO) will take on former world champion Argenis Mendez (23-3-1, 13 KOs) in a lightweight attraction as part of Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) on Spike on Friday, April 1 from the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C.
A stacked undercard will feature top local talent including top prospect Gervonta “The One” Davis (14-0, 13 KOs) battling Mexico’s Guillero Avila (15-5, 12 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout, plus Anthony Peterson (36-1, 24 KOs), Kareem Martin (7-0-1, 3 KOs), Patrick Harris (8-0, 5 KOs) and Demond Nicholson (16-1, 16 KOs) in separate bouts. A full undercard will be announced in the coming weeks.
“This fight is another stepping stone for me towards a world title,” said Easter Jr. “It’s a blessing to be on a card like this and I’m very excited for the opportunity. I’m going to bring my style and true boxing skills to the ring and put on a great show.”
“I really like this matchup and I can’t wait to get into the ring,” said Mendez. “I’m a different fighter than two years ago when I lost to Rances Barthelemy. Easter is long and tall, he’s a good fighter, but he hasn’t fought anyone near my caliber and I think his style sets up well for me. It will be a good fight between two talented fighters. When the fans see Easter get counted out by the ref, don’t think it’s an April Fools joke, it will be the real thing.”
Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner defending his 140-pound title against London’s Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visitwww.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.
 
An accomplished amateur who was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate, the 25-year-old Easter Jr. picked up four victories in 2015 including knockouts over Osumanu Akaba, Miguel Mendoza, Alejandro Rodriguez and Juan Ramon Solis. Unbeaten since turning pro in 2012, the Toldeo, Ohio-born prospect faces the toughest challenge of his career in Mendez and he hopes to join his close friend Broner as a world champion sometime this year.
A former world champion who represented the Dominican Republic in the 2004 Olympics, Mendez now fights out of Brooklyn and is coming off of a victory over former champion Miguel Vazquez in October 2015. Mendez was victorious despite herniating two discs during training camp and needing epidural shots to be able to manage the pain. The 29-year-old won his world title by knocking out Juan Carlos Salgado, and owns victories over Martin Honorio, Cassius Baloyi, and Daniel Evangelista Jr.
A highly-regarded prospect who won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 21-year-old Davis recorded five victories inside of the distance in 2015. The Baltimore-native stopped former world champion Cristobal Cruz during that streak and looks to put on another explosive performance near his hometown.
A pro since 2011, the 23-year-old won his first eleven outings and most recently stopped Antonio Torres in the fourth round in December 2015. Born in Jalisco but fighting out of Tijuana, Avila’s last 12 wins have come by knockout.
The brother of former world champion Lamont Peterson, Anthony is at the forefront of the D.C. boxing scene and will look to impress in front of his home crowd once again on April 1. 2015 saw the 30-year-old score knockout victories over Mike Oliver and Ramesis Gil as he brought his winning streak to six straight.
At just 20-years-old, Martin is entering his third year in the professional ranks. A busy 2015 saw him take home four victories, including his first three six-round bouts. He will fight in his hometown of D.C. for the second time on April 1.
 Another rising prospect at just 21-years-old, Harris has stayed busy since turning pro in June 2014 with a first-round stoppage of George Palmer. Most recently the Hyattsville, Maryland born fighter picked up victories over Irvin Hernandez, Rafael Vazquez, Carlos Acevedo and Sean Lockhart in 2015.
Laurel, Maryland’s Nicholson is another prospect that has been keeping busy since turning pro and will look for another great performance in front of a friendly D.C. crowd. The 23-year-old impressively stopped veteran Milton Nunez in the first round of their October 2015 fight.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports,@MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
 www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER RETURNS TO  TAKE ON LONDON’S ASHLEY THEOPHANE ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, APRIL 1 FROM THE DC ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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Tickets On Sale Friday At 9 A.M. ET!
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 24, 2016) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (31-2, 23 KOs) defends his 140-pound world title against Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane (39-6-1, 11 KOs) Friday, April 1 on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
At 26-years-old, Broner is one of the most accomplished, and outspoken, young stars in the sport today. After picking up world titles at 130, 135 and 147-pounds, Broner earned a belt in a fourth weight division last October when he defeated tough Russian Khabib Allakhverdiev via a stoppage in the 12th and final round. Broner has spent portions of his training camp in Washington, D.C. for several years and now he will be fighting for the first time in the nation’s capital.
“Ashley Theophane is a world class fighter and this is going to be a tough fight for me,” said Broner. “I’m very excited to fight in Washington, D.C. My following is huge in D.C., it’s my second home, and I think we’re going to give the fans what they’re looking for. I want to fight the best in the 140-pound weight division and Ashley Theophane is one of the best.”
London’s Theophane enters this fight on a six-bout winning streak and has had a long road towards his first world title opportunity. A former British world champion at 140-pounds, Theophane signed with Mayweather Promotions in 2013 and has enjoyed success stateside training out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.
“I’m excited to face Adrien Broner for a super lightweight world championship,” said Theophane. “It’s been a long, hard road to get here. Thanks to Floyd Mayweather and everyone at Mayweather Promotions for their support over the last two and a half years. I get to have my career defining fight against a four-division world champion. It gets no bigger than that. I will be leaving the ring on April 1 as the new world champion.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale Friday, February 26 at 9 a.m. ET. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.
“After an incredible 2015, Spike is thrilled to welcome the PBC back with a bout headlined by Adrien Broner – one of boxing’s biggest personalities out of the ring and one of the best fighters in the ring,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports & Specials, Spike TV.
“The DC Armory is synonymous with championship boxing in Washington, DC” stated Erik A. Moses, Events DC senior vice president and managing director for sports and entertainment. “Events DC is proud to work with HeadBangers Promotions, About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions to showcase PBC in the nation’s capitol.”
Broner boasts a 9-1 record in world title fights on his way to picking up belts in four weight divisions. The Cincinnati-native owns victories over Paulie Malignaggi, Daniel Ponce De Leon, John Molina Jr., Antonio DeMarco and Gavis Rees. Broner compiled a 300-19 amateur record under the guidance of his trainer Mike Stafford, who continues to train him throughout his pro success.
Theophane has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. He started his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mahonri Montes in April and followed it up with an easy decision over Steve Upsher in September. He won his British title with a win over Lenny Daws and would go on to successfully defend against Jason Cook and Ben Murphy.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports,@MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
 www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue Video Preview

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“I’ve been looking back on my career.  Everything you taught me from day one, I’ll always remember.”

 

A REFLECTIVE FLOYD MAYWEATHER THANKS HIS FATHER, CORNER BEFORE ANSWERING THE FINAL BELL: http://s.sho.com/1V0KQtq

 

ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue PremieresSaturday,

Immediately Following Mayweather vs. Berto At 9 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME®

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

ALL ACCESS reveals a special moment in the instant before Floyd Mayweather answers the final bell of what is expected to be the final fight of his illustrious boxing career.  Check out this preview clip fromSaturday’s premiere of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogueand tune in this Saturday on SHOWTIME for more from the Emmy Award-winning series.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

“IT’S OFFICIAL” – FLOYD MAYWEATHER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER DEFEATING ANDRE BERTO

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MAYWEATHER’S FINAL FIGHT PLUS ROMAN MARTINEZ vs. ORLANDO SALIDO II SLUGFEST TO PREMIERE ON SHOWTIME®THIS SATURDAY AT 9 P.M. ET/PT

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Mayweather vs. Berto Delayed Telecast Immediately Followed By

“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue”

 

Click HERE For A Video Preview Of Epilogue:http://s.sho.com/1OhdqCt

 

Floyd Mayweather’s final fight, a masterful dismantling of Andre Berto, will premiere on SHOWTIME this Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“It’s official…You have to know when to hang it up,’’ Mayweather told SHOWTIME Sports® reporter Jim Gray after his unanimous decision victory over Berto last Saturday on SHOWTIME PPV® from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

“I’ve been in this sport 19 years, been a world champion 18 years, broke all the records.  There’s nothing else to prove in the sport of boxing.”

 

The delayed telecast of Mayweather vs. Berto will include the junior lightweight world championship rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido, another Fight of the Year candidate in this classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry that left fans and the fighters craving a third matchup.

 

Mayweather vs. Berto will be immediately followed by the premiere of “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue.” The Sports Emmy®Award-winning “Epilogue” shines the spotlight on fight week and takes viewers inside the ropes and into the mind of a prizefighter like no other show on television.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

 FLOYD “MONEY” MAYWEATHER CONCLUDES REMARKABLE CAREER WITH WIN OVER ANDRE BERTO AND PERFECT 49-0 RECORD IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOWTIME PPV®  FOUR-FIGHT TELECAST FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

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Click HERE For Photos – Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE For Photos – Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 13, 2015) – Floyd “Money” Mayweather performed one last masterpiece on Saturday live on SHOWTIME PPV® in what he insists was the final fight of his distinguished 19-year career.
Before 13,395 fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Mayweather improved to 49-0 (26 KOs), matching the record of the late heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano with a 12-round decision over former two-time welterweight world champion Andre Berto (30-4, 23 KOs). In total control from the outset, Mayweather was victorious by the scores of 120-108, 118-110 and 117-111.
Following the final bell, Mayweather dropped to his knees in reflection of his final act.
“You have to know when to hang it up,” he told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray in the ring afterward. “I’m knocking at the door; I’m close to 40 years old.
“I’ve been in this sport 19 years, been a world champion 18 years, broke all the records. There’s nothing else to prove in the sport of boxing.
“My 49-0 record is a part of boxing. Records are made to be broken. Hopefully someday we can find the next Floyd Mayweather.
“Now it’s time to spend time with my family and children, make sure they get the proper education. I also want to help the fighters under the Mayweather Promotions banner.
“I’m leaving the sport with all my faculties; I’m still sharp and smart. I’ve accomplished everything in this sport, there’s nothing else to accomplish.
“Money doesn’t make me. I make money.
“I don’t want to rank myself, but I am the best at boxing.
“I want to thank all the fans that came out to support this event. For 19 years I wouldn’t be able to do it without these fans.
“Andre Berto has heart, a tremendous chin. He wouldn’t lay down, it was a good fight. He was a tough competitor, but experience played a major role tonight. What can I say?  I was the better man tonight. It doesn’t matter if I hurt my left or my right hand, my career is over. It’s official.”
Berto was satisfied with his performance, but conceded he was not at Mayweather’s level.
“Experience played a big part in this fight,” he said. “I want to thank my entire team, my family and all of Haiti that is watching.
“I was in shape for this fight; he was just difficult to hold on to. He’s slippery. I used a lot of speed but he’s real crafty. He was using little things to get me off my rhythm.
“A guy like me has a lot of pride. I told him that every time I caught him with a good shot that I was here to stay.  I put on a great performance, pushed him to the limit. But, we fell short.”
In the second of two world title fights on the pay-per-view undercard, Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-3, 17 KOs) retained his WBO Junior Lightweight title with a thrilling 12-round majority draw in a rematch against four-time world champion Orlando “Siri” Salido(42-13-3, 29 KOs).
Picking up where they left off when they fought in a Fight of the Year candidate last April, won by Martinez, both fighters exchanged punches for 36 minutes of ferocious action. Each went down in the third round. At the end of a slugfest, in which more than 1,700 punches were thrown, one judge scored it for Martinez (115-113), one had Salido (115-113) in front and the other called it even (114-114).
Both Martinez and Salido thought they should have got the decision and are in favor of a third fight.
“I definitely won the fight,” said Martinez, who was making the first defense in his third stint as WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion. “They counted a knockdown that wasn’t really a knockdown.
“He threw a lot of punches but most of them didn’t connect, they landed on my arms. Anywhere you want that third fight between us, I will take it.”
Said Salido, a two-time featherweight world champion who was the aggressor throughout and delivered more than 1,000 punches, “I did all the work and I thought I won the fight. I thought the first couple of rounds were even but then I took control of the fight afterwards.
“I was definitely looking for the championship. As you all saw I threw more of the punches and I thought I won the fight.
“I dedicated so much for this fight, for them to take it away from me is not fair. Definitely, I am ready for a third fight.”
In another world title fight, Badou Jack “The Ripper” (20-1-1, 12 KOs) successfully defended his WBC Super Middleweight World title with a hard-fought, crowd-pleasing 12-round majority decision over mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-3, 16 KOs). Jack, who dropped Groves late in the first round, triumphed by the scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 113-114. The hard-luck Groves, who abruptly fled the ring in disbelief after the announcement, fell to 0-3 in world title fights.
Jack was impressive in what may have been his toughest fight to date.
“Groves has a lot of heart,” said Jack, who was making the initial defense of the WBC belt he took from Anthony Dirrell in April.
“Body work is becoming my signature. I wasn’t effective enough because I couldn’t knock him out. I felt like after the first round I could but I just couldn’t. I didn’t go to the body enough.
“I haven’t thought about my next fight yet, but there’s a lot of big fights for me. I heard Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. wants to fight me. I want to enjoy this win but I will fight anyone.”
The victory was Jack’s fourth in a row since suffering the lone loss of his career on a shocking first-round knockout loss to Derek Edwards in February 2014.
Groves, whose only other losses were in back-to-back fights against then-world championCarl Froch, didn’t dispute the knockdown but had a problem with the decision.
“I thought I won the fight decisively,” he said. “I thought I controlled the fight with my jab and that I was in control throughout, though, it appeared closer to the judges.
“It was a legit knockdown in the first round. He landed the right hand over the top, but I have good fitness and I thought I got back in control of that round. But all credit to him though scoring the knockdown in the first round.
“Congrats to Badou. I hope he has a successful reign as champion. I’d love to fight him again and hopefully I will do better next time. I am going to take some time to work out what’s next. Losing a world title fight is the worst feeling in the world.”
Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs) overcame a first-round knockdown, scored a knockdown of his own and upset former two-division world championJhonny Gonzalez (58-10, 49 KOs).  Oquendo won a 10-round majority decision in a good action fight that opened the pay-per-view telecast. Oquendo won the biggest bout of his career by the scores of 95-93, an out-of-line 98-90 and 94-94.
For Oquendo, the victory in his sixth appearance at MGM Grand Garden Arena was the 12th in his last 14 fights.
“I feel very happy,” said Oquendo, who was dropped by a left hook with about one minute left in the first. “Jhonny Gonzalez is a great champion. I knew I had to throw a lot of punches and work to get inside to get the victory. I was able to implement that game plan tonight.”
Gonzalez, a former two-time WBC featherweight and WBO Bantamweight World Champion, was displeased with the scoring as well as all the unintentional headbutts. He was dropped by a straight right hand at about the 2:00 mark of the second.
“The judges favored him too much,” Gonzalez said. “He kept head butting me. It just didn’t go well. As soon as he knocked me down, nothing happened. I just got right back up.”
In a fight Saturday that aired during “COUNTDOWN LIVE” on SHOWTIME before the pay-per-view telecast, longtime junior middleweight contender Vanes Martirosyan (36-2-1, 21 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., scored two knockdowns en route to winning a 10-round majority decision over former IBF 154-pound champion Ishe Smith (27-8, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas, by the scores of 97-91 twice and 95-95.
“I feel awesome.  I worked hard and it paid off.  I hadn’t seen my family in 10 weeks.  I was in training in the Bay Area,” Martirosyan said. “Ishe was eating 100 jabs a round.  I knew he was a Mayweather fighter and I was going into the fight already down five rounds.
“I knew I had to win. My corner told me to go in and have fun, but I wanted to knock him out.
“I knew as soon as I landed the first knockdown that I had to keep going. I didn’t think he would get up from the second knockdown. He had never been dropped before. He has fought a lot of great fighters and I dropped him twice.”
Smith, the first native Las Vegan to capture a world title, felt the fight was much tighter.
“The first knockdown wasn’t serious. He just caught me in the back of the head. The second one was legit, but I got up ready to come back at him,” Smith said.
“Six points is ridiculous. I thought it was closer to 95-95 or 95-94. I just thought it was a lot closer than those two judges, and my corner kept telling it was real close. But we expected a tough fight out of (Martirosyan). He’s long, rangy and a good puncher, but that’s why I wanted to get inside and fight him there.
“I just fought a hell of a fight against the No. 3-ranked fighter in our division. I have a lot left. I’m pushing these guys to the limit. I take nothing away from him. He’s one of the best in the world and I’m a former world champion. We gave the fans a great fight tonight and I’ll be back again soon.”
Also on “COUNTDOWN LIVE,” promising unbeaten lightweight Gervonta Davis of Baltimore improved to 12-0 with 11 knockouts by registering a 1:34, first-round TKO overRecky Dulay (8-2, 5 KOs), of Manila, Philippines.
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, was promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event took place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and was televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard featured a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which was a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast was a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which was promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pitted former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout. SHOWTIME “Countdown Live” included a 10-round super welterweight showdown between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

HIGH STAKES: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO FINAL UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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This Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Live on SHOWTIME PPV®
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
LAS VEGAS, Nev.  (Sept. 10, 2015) – The fighters who will appear on the stacked, action-packed “HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto” undercard this Saturday, September 12 live onSHOWTIME PPV(8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena took part in their final press conference Thursday at MGM Grand.
In the three pay-per-view fights preceding Saturday’s main event between Floyd “Money”Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) and Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs), Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) will defend his WBO Junior Lightweight Title in a rematch against four-time world championOrlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs), Badou Jack “The Ripper” (19-1-1, 12 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World Title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs) and former three-time world champion and Mexican power-puncherJhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs) will be opposed by Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo(25-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round 130-pound match.
Former IBF World Champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (27-7, 12 KOs) and longtime top-10 contender Vanes Martirosyan (35-2-1, 21 KOs), who will clash in a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight fight during  “COUNTDOWN LIVE: Mayweather vs. Berto” telecast live on SHOWTIME® (6:30 p.m./3:30 p.m. PT), were also in attendance.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC. are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
 
ROMAN MARTINEZ
“I understand that Salido is a strong fighter. We know each other well. That is why we trained very hard for this fight, even harder than for our first. I look forward to gaining this victory for all of Puerto Rico.
“The exposure for this fight is amazing; the entire world is going to be watching. We are so accustomed to each other and we understand that we have to put forth a tremendous performance on a card of this magnitude.
“I want to continue to be a world champion for all of Puerto Rico. I’m in peak condition and I’m ready to get the win.
“Salido can say whatever he wants. I know him and I was able to knock him down in the first fight. I’m confident I can go finish him.
“I understand why this fight is happening. Who wouldn’t want to see us go at it again? But I thought I clearly won the first time, and I am confident I will win again on Saturday.”
 
ORLANDO SALIDO
“You saw what happened the last time we fought. You know this is going to be a spectacular matchup. I know Rocky very well and I know he is a smart fighter. Last time I got out of my game plan. This fight, I’m focused and looking forward to a great fight.
“I’m a better fighter than he is. I know that Martinez is going to run, but I’m in great condition to seek him and get the victory.
“It’s about getting on the inside for me. Martinez is an intelligent fighter and he knows how to use his reach. If I can get inside his chest and attack the body I will get the win.
“It’s going to be the best fight of the night. We’re going to exchange blows and pick up where we left off. I’m treating this like it is the biggest fight of my career and I can’t wait to demonstrate my skills one more time.”
 
BADOU JACK
“I’m very excited for this fight. We had a tremendous camp. We’re ready to go. I don’t talk much. I’m all about fighting.
“Groves is absolutely not in my head. I’m focused and mentally strong on my task at hand. I won my biggest fight that I’ve had up to date, he didn’t. He has had two shots at the title and has lost them both.
“Groves got famous for getting knocked out by Carl Froch. He’s a good fighter, but I’m very comfortable that I’m going to beat him.
“I just stay focused on what I have to do. No one is getting under my skin.
“I’ve always believed in myself. Things happen in boxing. I worked hard and that’s how I got to this moment.
“I’ve always been the underdog in my opinion. I like it. It motivates me. I’m going to prove my worthSaturday night.”
 
GEORGE GROVES
“It’s great to be here. I’m happy to have my shot at the title. We’re ready. I’ve been traveling to Vegas to box since I was 13-years-old. Year after year I’ve always been successful out here, always with knockouts.
“British boxers have been doing well in the ring as of late, but there is no extra pressure or incentive.  We’re very prepared. We know what we need to know about Jack. We wish him luck, because he’s going to need it.
“It’s a huge fight for me with the title on the line. I’ve been involved with higher competition but I haven’t taken my eye off of Badou Jack. We’re looking forward to a good win on Saturday.
“Training up in Big Bear was great. The first week I realized the difference in the heat and altitude. But mostly I love being isolated. Out here it’s peace, I’m purely in camp. No other distractions.
“I’m confident of winning. I’m always confident of winning. The best way to describe this fight is that Badou Jack is a good fighter, but I’m a better fighter. I’m better than him at every phase of the game.
 
JHONNY GONZALEZ
“This is my second fight at 130 pounds and I feel much more comfortable, stronger, confident and secure than I did at 126.
“It is tremendous to be on this fight card. This is going to be a terrific fight. I’ve trained hard and I’m ready to go on Saturday. The reality is, this is the type of fight that can bring me a step closer to in another world title.”
 
JONATHAN OQUENDO
“The main key, whether I box or slug, is to fight smart.  I’m very excited for this opportunity. It means a lot to me to be on a card of this magnitude. I’m excited to weigh in tomorrow.
“When you have Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, you get a war. I have no doubt there will be blood in the ring. Jhonny Gonzalez is very experienced and was a great champion, and I thank him for taking this fight. I look forward to getting in the ring Saturday.”
 
ISHE SMITH
“When I fought Cornelius Bundrage for the title, I knew I had to win. I had a lot of pressure on me. There was no doubt I had to win. It’s the same thing now. Vanes is a good fighter, but I have to win. I’ve had to bring myself up from the bottom.
“All of the other promoters gave up on me, but Leonard Ellerbe and Floyd took a chance on me and I’ll always be grateful.
“Vanes is a good fighter. It’s going to be a hell of a fight. I have to win. I have no choice. “
 VANES MARTIROSYAN
“Ishe is a good fighter. He’s been in with a lot of tough guys. I have a lot of respect for him. It’s going to be a really good fight.
“It’s a blessing to be here. I had a really good camp and I’m excited that the fight is here. It’s great to be a part of a show like this.
“I can’t wait for this fight. You’re all going to see ‘The Nightmare’ on Saturday night.”
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA Welterweight World Titles takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Tecate. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT). The co-main event will feature a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title.  The Martinez vs. Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first defense of the WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves. The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland. The first pay-per-view televised fight is a 10-round super featherweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. The event will be available in Spanish through secondary audio programming (SAP).
Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown on the big screen in theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND ANDRE BERTO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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“HIGH STAKES: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO”
This Saturday, Sept. 12, Live on SHOWTIME PPV®
 
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 9, 2015) – Floyd Mayweather and Andre Berto participatedin the finalpress conference for”HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto” on Wednesday at the David Copperfield Theatre at the MGM Grand ahead of their major showdown taking place thisSaturday, Sept. 12 live on SHOWTIME PPV(8 p.m. E/5 p.m. PT) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
In what is expected to be the final fight of his illustrious 19-year career, boxing superstar and pound-for-pound king Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) will put his undefeated record and WBC and WBA Welterweight World Championships on the line when he faces power-punching, two-time welterweight world champion Berto (30-3, 23 KOs). Three days before they meet in the ring, the two fighters and their camps were business-like and confident as they took their turns at the podium.
Here is what the fighters and executives had to say Wednesday:
 
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“We’ve been here so many times. I know talking doesn’t win fights. I know trainers don’t win fights. It comes down to the two competitors. I’m always prepared, physically and mentally. We have a remarkable game plan.
“I want to thank everyone that has covered this event and my career over 19 years. Whether it was a good story or a bad story, you guys wrote about me and kept me relevant. That’s how I was able to do record breaking numbers.
“Training camp was unbelievable, like always. I was asked if I’d be able to get in top condition after the Pacquaio fight and I absolutely did. No matter who I chose, the critics would have something to say.
“I know what it takes for a fight at this magnitude. No matter what anyone says, it comes down to the two competitors and I know what I can do. One thing I can do, I can fight.
“When we talk about landing the highest percentage, I’m that guy. When we talk about doing the highest gate or PPV, I’m that guy.
“I can’t say I’m going out 49-0 because you can’t overlook anyone.
“Every fight played a major key. It’s not just the intelligence; it’s the sharp mind, the good chin, the tremendous heart. I never overlooked an opponent. I trained for every fighter the same way, by pushing myself. I believe in my skills and I believe in my talent. I’ve been in there with the best, and the results are always the same.
“You have fighters that may be faster than me, there are fighters that may hit harder than me, you have fighters who are very athletic, but you don’t have a fighter who can make adjustments like me. You don’t have fighters that can be on my level mentally.
“It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. Everyone fights for what they fight for. My thing is this; I keep my eyes on the prize. I don’t focus on things outside the ring. I focus on the guy in front of me.
“You get to where you get to by staying focused. My dream was to be the best. No matter what happens Saturday, when it comes to boxing, I’m the best at this.
“Some guys wanted to rush me, well what’s plan B? Pacquiao could set traps for other fighters, but he couldn’t set traps for Floyd Mayweather. You need a plan A, a plan B and a plan C. I’ve never beaten a fighter with my plan A.
“Berto you’ve had a hell of a career. You’re a tough fighter and competitor. It’s obvious you’ve done something right. My thing is, just put guys in front of me, and we’ll rate him after they face me.
“To be in the sport of boxing and make upwards of $800 million, my team has done their job. I’ve never focused on things on the outside. I’ve never put anything before boxing. At 4:30 in the morning when my opponent is sleeping, I’m working. I don’t want to leave anything in this sport.
“No fighter in history has been in bigger fights than me. No fighter in history has beat more champions than I’ve beat. But it’s not over yet. I’m going to push myself.  I can go to places where no fighter can go mentally.
“The sport of boxing needs this. Berto is a tough, young, hungry fighter and that’s what we need to bring the best out of us. I’m going to come forward and be Floyd Mayweather. Trainers and fighters try to find ways to throw fighters off, but I know what to do when it’s all said and done.
“I want my legacy to be of a remarkable fighter inside the ring and a great businessman outside of it.
“We’re going for the knockout. I’m pretty sure he’s going for the knockout. It’s going to be something special.”
ANDRE BERTO
“It’s funny, when it comes to the media and critics. They’re not in that gym working and knowing the feeling of being a fighter. They don’t know the miles we run and the sacrifices that we have to make to become a world champion or come up to this level of fight.
“This camp has been intense. It has definitely taken me up to levels that I’ve never achieved. We’ve left no stone unturned, I’ve busted my ass for the last couple months.
“Anybody that steps in the ring, I have to respect. When it’s time to fight, I’m coming for my respect. Saturday night is going to be a good one I promise you.
“I’ve given my whole life to this sport. I’ve come in and I’ve entertained the people. That’s what I do. That’s why I came into this game. I’ve been counted out from day one coming from where I come from.
“I’m just coming for my respect. I’m coming for everything that I deserve.
“At the end of the day, I have to be able to take my game to a whole other level. Sometimes you need that opponent to get you to that point, and Floyd is the one.
“He has a great IQ, but one shot can change it all.
“You can be smart, you can be fast, but this is boxing.
“Floyd is sharp of course, but I have certain tools that I believe will make it a real difficult Saturday night. We’re going for the knockout. You definitely don’t want to miss it.
“This is huge for Haiti. The country of Haiti is just elated right now and Saturday night they will definitely be in the building. Saturday night will be historical for the country. This is the first time that an individual has been on this level to represent the country.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., Mayweather’s Father & Trainer
“I see a real fight on Saturday. Don’t get me wrong because I don’t know what’s going on but I really think Floyd is coming to fight.
“I know Berto’s coming to fight. One thing I’ve seen from Berto is that he has no defense – and he’s messing with a defensive whiz.
“I definitely think Floyd will trap him somewhere along the way.
“Floyd respects Berto and is not overlooking him, but he might just stop him, it’s very possible.”
VIRGIL HUNTER, Berto’s Trainer
“There are some things that a lot of people don’t understand. When you have two guys who were born in situations where they try to prove who the king of the school is, you get some real fights.
“I think about Joe Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila”, when people thought he was done, but he fought over his head. Does Andre Berto have that capability? Yes, of course he does. We see it all the time in sports. There are nights when it just happens. Andre Berto is going to take it over his head and that’s what he intends to do and what he has to do.
“We can’t match his IQ, but there are other elements that make a successful fight. There is something brewing in the air. I’ve been around a long time and I know when something is personal. You better tell your people to tune-in for this fight. Trust me; it’s going to be a rumble.
“I’ve seen Floyd’s Plan B. I’ve seen him go to war. I’ve seen him rumble with guys bigger than him. I’m not going to be swayed by his skill. This fight is going to be fought from way deep down.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“We are thrilled that this fight night will be filled with high stakes matchups all night. We have a tremendous fight card. Of course, the main event has the highest stakes of them all as Andre Berto will be taking on the undefeated Floyd Mayweather.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
 “Six fights in 30 months. Floyd, they said you wouldn’t do it, they said you couldn’t do it and once again you proved them wrong. The first five fights yielded nearly 10 million PPV buys, $750 million in PPV receipts and it’s all led here to fight number six, fight number 49.
“19 years undefeated, 17 consecutive years as world champion, 16 consecutive opponents who are former or current champions. On Saturday night none of that matters. Andre Berto isn’t fighting a legacy or a record book or history, he’s fighting a man, and men can lose.
“The conventional wisdom is that Floyd is going to win this fight, but conventional wisdom said that the first Maidana fight would be easy for Floyd. It said Canelo would be Floyd’s toughest challenger and it said Pacquiao could beat Mayweather. It didn’t account for Hasim Rahman or Buster Douglas and it certainly won’t account for Andre Berto’s heart or desire to rewrite boxing history on Saturday night.
“Like you, I don’t know what will happen on Saturday night. I do know that Berto is more athletic than any fighter Floyd has fought recently. One thing I do know, it’s not going to be boring. When you have fighters like our entire PPV card has, it’s a night not to be missed.”
RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this championship fight between Mayweather and Berto that will kick off a sensational fall lineup of entertainment at MGM. We all look forward to history as Floyd looks to end his career at 49-0 and equal the record of Rocky Marciano that has stood since September 1955.
“We are pleased to welcome back Andre Berto. Berto will take on one of the sport’s greatest champions and there is no doubt he will be prepared for the challenge.”
BOB BENNETT, President of the Nevada State Athletic Comission
“There is no doubt that any commission in the world would be elated to have this fight, just like we are. We’re very appreciative of Floyd Mayweather for having this show in our backyard. The NSAC actually commissioned Floyd’s first fight 19 years ago and to date we have regulated 25 out of 49 of Floyd’s fights come this Saturday night when he tries to tie Rocky Marciano’s record.
“It’s been our honor and privilege to regulate these fights. Our officials spend a lot of time in training and we’re ready to go to work come Saturday night.”
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“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA Welterweight World Titles takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Tecate. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT). The co-main event will feature a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title.  The Martinez vs. Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first defense of the WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves.The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland. The first pay-per-view televised fight is a 10-round super featherweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncherJhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. The event will be available in Spanish through secondary audio programming (SAP).
Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown on the big screen in theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.