Tag Archives: cruiserweight

boxing

Malik Scott in Zurdo Ramirez’ corner

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(L-R) – Zurdo Ramirez & Malik Scott

LOS ANGELES (October 30, 2024) – Former pro heavyweight contender Malik Scott has successfully transitioned from fighter to trainer, and he will be working the corner of reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) for his November 16th unification fight with World Boxing Organization (WBO) titleholder Chris “The Gentleman” Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 44-year-old Scott, who will assist Ramirez’ head trainer Julian Chua, passionately believes that not only will Ramirez defeat Smith, but Zurdo is the No. 1 cruiserweight in the world as well. Scott was Ramirez’ head trainer when Chua was unavailable for Ramirez’ debut as a cruiserweight (October 7, 2023), in which he defeated former world light heavyweight champion Joe Smith, Jr. (28-4) in a dominant performance by way of a 10-round unanimous decision, winning all but one round on all three of the judges’ scorecards.

Scott and Chua are “in house” trainers at the state-of-the-art Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California.

“Julian is one of the brightest trainers in boxing,” Scott said. “I enjoy learning from him. I had Zurdo for his fight with Joe Smith and he had a good performance. I really enjoy working with him. No disrespect to Smith-Billam, but this fight is a mismatch. Zurdo is a big, strong southpaw who has fought a higher level of opponents than Smith-Billam. Zurdo is a good body puncher who throws punches from incredible angles, and he has an incredible boxing mind. Smith-Billam is big, strong and he keeps coming forward, but he is a one-trick pony. He does have a good trainer (Shane McGuigan), but I think Zurdo takes over in the second half of the fight. And Zurdo has a Dream Team in his corner. I think he will become the undisputed world champion and only Jay Opetaia can give him a fight.”

A product of the fighting city of Philadelphia, Scott was a decorated U.S. amateur boxer (70-3), highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the 1999 National AAU Championships. He went on to have a solid 15-year professional career, which ended in 2016 with a 38-3-1 (13 KOs) record.

Scott has always studied the sport of boxing and gives it his all every day. There’s no idol worshipping for him, and he takes pride in teaching young boxers.

“A great trainer teaches boxers the why’s and how’s,” Scott explained. “A good trainer just gives instructions. I believe in teaching for a good reason. I study fighters, their styles, and habits, and I go as far as studying the opponent’s corner to learn how they work during a fight. I think everybody working corners should be mic-ed up. I’m confident and want people to hear my advice.”

Scott learned from Fred Jenkins back in Philadelphia and he has studied other trainers such as Barry Robinson, Joe Goossen, and Emanuel Steward, among others. Scott was head trainer for Deantay Wilder for his third fight with Tyson Fury. In addition to assisting Chua with Zurdo, they also team, respectively, as head and assistant trainers of world super flyweight title challenger John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-1, 9 KOs). They aren’t related but Zurdo is like a big brother and role model for “Scrappy.”

“’Scrappy’ is going to be world champion,” Scott predicted. “His day is coming!”Malik Scott is literally and figuratively in Zurdo Ramirez’ corner.
boxing

SILVER BOW TO STAGE INAUGURAL CARD OF CHAMPBOX SERIES ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 25TH AT THE CURE INSURANCE ARENA IN TRENTON, NEW JERSEY

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Pro-Am Series to commence with Trenton’s Mike Hilton in the Main Event     

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Trenton, NJ (December 10, 2019) – On Saturday night, January 25th, Silver Bow  will stage the Inaugural ChampBox Series event at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey.


The ChampBox series is designed to showcase the top professional and amateur boxers in the New Jersey area.


“It’s an honor to start the ChampBox series in my home state of New Jersey,” said Bill Halkias of Silver Bow.   “We have an abundance of Professional and Amateur fighters for the series, and it will provide opportunities for many fighters.”


“Partnering up with the CURE Insurance Arena is important, as it’s a 1st class facility, and located in the capital city of Trenton.”  


Headlining the event will be undefeated cruiserweight Mike Hilton.
Hilton of Trenton is a former National Golden Gloves champion, who currently has a record of 9-0 with seven knockouts.


The 33 year-old Hilton will be making the 3rd appearance in his hometown, and he is coming off a 3rd round technical decision over Hector Perez on March 10, 2018 in Atlantic City.


Appearing on the card will be Ian Green (12-2, 9 KOs) of Paterson, New Jersey.


Green has wins over undefeated foes Khiary Gray (13-0) and Andy Mejias (15-0).  Green will be looking to get back in the win column following dropping a fight to Kemahl Russell on September 9, 2017 in Queens, New York.


Also in action will be Glennwood Lattimer (1-0) of Philandelphia in a junior middleweight fight. 


Highlighting the amateur portion of the card will be locals, Zaire Gross, Kevin Alexander and Jabbar Abercrombie.

Tickets for this special evening of boxing are $25, $39, $59, $79 and the 1st two rows are $99. Tickets can be purchased at the following link:CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS:The event is being sponsored by Flash Tech IT and CyberSecuirty since 1992. www.flashtech.com 
TO FOLLOW SILVER BOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
   

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF ANNOUNCES THE FIRST PRO FIGHT SIGNED FOR DEBUT CARD IN ORONO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (July 11, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will debut in Orono on September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts with the promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: School of Hard Knocks.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the first professional fight signed for the card.  “The Jamaican Shamrock” Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (4-2) will take on Chris Sarro (0-0) in a cruiserweight bout.

Ras Hylton is coming off a big win last April over Charles Penn (0-1) in Portland, Maine.  The doctor stopped that fight in the first round when a cut over Penn’s eye could not be closed.  Hylton opened the gash with a straight right hand that left blood pouring down to the mat.

Hylton is a mainstay of the NEF heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions.  The 6’6″ athlete holds a second-degree black belt in Shotokan karate.  He currently trains with Dragon Fire Martial Arts in Portland and First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine.

“I am quite fortunate to be at the point in my career when I’m called upon to introduce new professionals to our work experience,” said Hylton.  “Boxers like my opponent offer a great risk with their familiarity in the pocket and at distance, so of course we’ll both be more than happy to trade our best shots for the win! I love the arts, but it’s in the fighting aspects of martial arts that competitors like us truly live and find purpose. So we train like our lives depend on it, because to us, that’s how it is. Welcome to the school of hard knocks, Chris. MMA 101 is now in session.”

As noted by Hylton, his opponent Chris Sarro may be a newcomer to the MMA cage, but he is no stranger to the world of combat sports.  Sarro made a name for himself as an amateur boxer with a record of 7-1.  He captured the 2019 Northern New England Golden Gloves championship in the superheavyweight division.  A native of Ellsworth, Maine, Sarro currently represents Acadia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“I’m just excited to fight close to home,” said Sarro.  “Orono feels like my backyard. Come September 7th, I’m going to show the world there’s a new heavyweight in town. This is my time.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 40: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS,” will take place Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine as the promotion debuts in Orono, Maine.  Tickets are on sale now atwww.collinscenterforthearts.com.

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Crushing Power Puncher Shohjahon Ergashev Returns This Saturday in Chicago

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Fearsome super lightweight crusher Shohjahon “Descendant of Tamerlane” Ergashev will return to action this Saturday, November 10, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago against Springfield, Massachusetts, veteran Zack “AK47” Ramsey.

 

 

 

Ergashev (13-0, 12 KOs) of Detroit via Uzbekistan and Ramsey (8-4, 4 KOs) will meet in a six-round battle on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Tournament doubleheader featuring former WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Krzysztof Glowacki (30-1, 19 KO), from Walcz, Poland, will face Maksim Vlasov (42-2, 25 KO) of Samara, Russia, in a 12-round battle for the Interim WBO World Championship and former WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Mairis Briedis (24-1, 18 KO) from Riga, Latvia, will take on Hamburg, Germany’s Noel Mikaelian (23-1, 10 KO) for the WBC World Diamond Belt Championship.

 

 

 

Ergashev is off to a roaring start as a professional, going the distance only once, thus far. He is the current World Boxing Association International Super Lightweight Champion. The 26-year-old moved from is native Uzbekistan to train at Detroit’s Kronk Gym last year and his thudding power has only improved.

 

 

 

“I have been training in Detroit for seven weeks and I feel that I am getting better and better with each camp,” said Ergashev. “I look forward to putting my skills on display November 10 in Chicago.”

 

 

 

Dmitrriy Salita, the promoter mining Russia and Central Asia for super prospects like Ergashev, says the powerful southpaw is headed for greatness.

 

 

 

“Shohjahon Ergashev is the best super lightweight in the world and, pound-for-pound, one of the hardest punchers in boxing,” said Salita. “I look forward to another impressive showing from him on a big championship night of boxing in Chicago.”

boxing, DAZN, World Boxing Super Series

Vlasov: ‘It’s Either Do or Die’

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Poland’s Krzysztof Glowacki and Russia’s Maksim Vlasov have studied each other thoroughly before their Ali Trophy Cruiserweight Quarter-Final November 10 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

 

 

 

Tickets are available via TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

 

 

 

“I’ve watched a lot of his (Vlasov’s) fights together with my coach and we have tactics ready,” said 32-year-old Glowacki (30-1, 19 KOs). “Of course, he does have a lot of weak points but he also has a lot of strengths.

 

 

 

“But I’m not focused on him, really. I don’t care what he does, what he eats or whether he sleeps a lot. I’m mostly interested in myself and what I do. Because I know that if I give everything, I’ll win.

 

 

 

“What am I bringing to the tournament? My faith for the most part, my faith that I’m going to win and I know there can only be one champion.”

 

 

 

Vlasov, a fighter with success at multiple weights, is well prepared for the challenge.

 

 

 

“I know a lot about my opponent Krzysztof Glowacki,” said 32-year-old Vlasov (42-2, 25 KOs). “I watched many of his fights, he is a difficult and dangerous boxer. He is a fighter who can shoot at any moment and one always need to watch him and stay focused.

 

 

 

“At this stage of my career, this fight against Glowacki is key. It’s either do or die.”

 

 

 

Latvia’s Mairis Briedis vs Germany’s Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs Maksim Vlasov are the two Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

 

 

 

Fans in the U.S. can watch the quarter-finals LIVE on DAZN, the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

 

 

 

Several local prospects will highlight the exciting undercard.

boxing, DAZN, World Boxing Super Series

Mikaelian: ‘I Am the Smarter One’

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Germany’s Noel Mikaelian believes he has what is takes November 10 in the Ali Trophy Cruiserweight Quarter-Final against Latvia’s Mairis Briedis at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA.

 

 

 

Tickets are available via TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

 

 

 

“Boxing is a really tough sport and somehow you get addicted to it,” said 28-year-old Mikaelian (24-1, 10 KOs).

 

 

 

“If you are a boxer, you are a boxer for life. Boxing taught me that I am really disciplined; I got a dedication for the sport and I never give up.”

 

 

 

Mikaelian is a former WBO Youth champion and WBO International Cruiserweight Champion, but his biggest test to date is only days away.

 

 

 

“The quarter-final against Briedis… it is going to be a tough fight. He is the favorite, he is a really good fighter. He has a good school, the Soviet school, punching power. He is also a thinker in the ring, but I think I am the smarter one.

 

 

 

“I will do what is necessary to win. I fight after the model; hit and not get hit. That is boxing to me and how boxing should be.”

 

 

 

“I’ve been giving a second chance,” said Briedis (24-1, 18 KOs) one of the stars of Season I of the World Boxing Super Series.

 

 

 

And the Latvian sports hero is undoubtedly a favorite to take home this season’s Ali Trophy in the 200 lb division.

 

 

 

“I want to use this second opportunity. I am going to use it, and let us see how far I get. Each one of us in the tournament is different. It’s a very big test for myself. Both physically and psychologically.”

 

 

 

Last year in October the former WBC World Champion was awarded as Commander of the Order of the Three Stars, the highest state award in Latvia, for ‘outstanding achievements in sports and significant contribution to the promotion of Latvia in the world.’

 

 

 

“I want to show by my example that there is a need for Latvians, and not only Latvians, but for everyone in general to pull together. That people need to have fighting spirit,” said the 33-year-old.

 

 

 

“There are many things I have to work on myself, both physically and psychologically. I am not getting any younger, but I am going to do everything I can.

 

 

 

“Physically I feel good in myself. My physical indexes are good. Now, the most important thing, with God’s help, is to work hard with all my boxing techniques. I want to show what I am capable of in boxing and show what I am like.”

 

 

 

Mairis Briedis vs Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs Maksim Vlasov are the two Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

 

 

 

Fans in the U.S. can watch the quarter-finals LIVE on DAZN, the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

 

 

 

Several local prospects will highlight the exciting undercard.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF MAKES HISTORY WITH NEW WEIGHT DIVISION AND TITLE FIGHT

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Portland, Maine (October 15, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its final mixed-martial-arts event of 2018, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” on Saturday, November 17 at Aura in Portland, Maine. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional cruiserweight championship bout to the card.  “The Jamaican Shamrock” Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton(3-1) will meet undefeated Yorgan De Castro (2-0) to crown the first-ever NEF Professional Cruiserweight Champion.

 

 

 

The fight will officially give birth to the brand-new NEF cruiserweight division.  This bout, as well as future bouts in the weight class, will take place at the 225-pound limit.  The division, which sits between light-heavyweight and heavyweight, was approved as an official weight class for MMA by the Association of Boxing Commissions at their annual conference in July 2017.  NEF will be one of the first promotions in the country to institute a cruiserweight division.

 

 

 

“The adoption of new weight classes at the highest levels of the sport in order to account for the wide gaps in the current championship class structure is inevitable—we’re just getting there first,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “There’s no more perfect way to usher in this new era of the 225-pound weight class than with a championship fight on the year-end “Battle for the Gold” show between two high-caliber, hungry opponents that NEF fans are very familiar with. This action-packed event was tailor made to include this breakthrough bout – it’s just one more element to an already blistering card. Fans can be certain that they will get their money’s worth on November 17th.”

 

 

 

Ras Hylton will return to the NEF cage after nearly a year-and-a-half absence.  He is a five-fight veteran of the NEF cage where he is undefeated with three wins as an amateur and two as a professional.  Last August, Hylton knocked out veteran Eric Bedard (6-8) in Rhode Island with a single elbow strike after absorbing a barrage of shots from Bedard that had little-to-no effect.  Standing at a towering 6’6,” Hylton holds a black belt in Taekwondo.  He trains with both First Class MMA in Brunswick, Maine and Dragon Fire Martial Arts of South Portland.

 

 

 

“I’m ecstatic about the response to my FaceTime call to action, and that I get to kick off my cruiserweight run back home,” said Hylton.  “I’ve spoken at length about my dream to elevate the draw and excitement to see the heavier divisions, so I thank (NEF owners) Matt Peterson and Nick DiSalvo for working with me again, and launching the title here with NEF! Yorgan is a good strong fighter with heavy hands that I saw work against my best friend Nick Gulliver in another belt war. Now I move to follow ‘The Guardian’s’ example, and keep the inaugural strap right here in Maine. Thanks for staying with us everyone!”

 

 

 

As Hylton noted, this will not be the first time Yorgan De Castro has come to Maine looking to take gold back with him to Massachusetts.  De Castro faced Hylton’s teammate Nick Gulliver for the NEF Amateur Heavyweight Title in a losing effort at “NEF 26” almost two years to the day he will fight Hylton.

 

 

 

“I’m very excited to become the first 225-pound NEF champion,” said De Castro. “We will be sure to put on a great show for the fans.  I’ve been through some very dark moments in my all life and on November 17 I’ll make sure I bring all my demons with me and Ras will have to deal with them. This fight will be absolutely epic.”

 

 

 

A native of Portugal now residing in the fighting city of Brockton, Massachusetts, De Castro has had success to date in his professional career.  He has finished both of his previous opponents via technical knockout at light-heavyweight.  For fighters like De Castro and Hylton, the creation of a cruiserweight division in NEF opens a new realm of career possibilities that did not exist before.  De Castro was one of the first individual to respond positively to Hylton’s Face Time video calling for the creation of a cruiserweight division.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to make my NEF debut as a professional fighter in the inaugural cruiserweight division,” De Castro continued. “This is a huge opportunity for fighters and I’m looking to make my mark in that division.  I have nothing but respect for Ras—he’s a class act man and very tough—but he has never faced a more dedicated and focused Yorgan and on November 17, I’ll be victorious and write my name in NEF history.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 36: Battle for the Gold,” will see the company make its return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 17, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

 

boxing

KlowdTV to Air Live & Exclusively in the US Mchunu v. Oosthuizen

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Thabiso Mchunu – Thomas Oosthuizen Video Preview
Former world title challenger Thabiso Mchunu takes on Thomas Oosthuizen in a 12-round cruiserweight bout on

THIS SATURDAY, 

September 1st LIVE on KlowdTV AT 1:30 PM ET / 10 :30 AM PT
LAS VEGAS, NV. – August 30th, 2018 – Below are is the preview video for the cruiserweight main event between Thabiso Mchunu and Thomas Oosthuizen that will be streamed THIS SATURDAY  live on KlowdTV beginning at 1:30 PM ET / 10:30 AM PT
Fight Preview - Thabiso Mchunu vs Thomas Oosthuizen
Fight Preview – Thabiso Mchunu vs Thomas Oosthuizen
On Saturday, September 1st, KlowdTV  will present a battle between highly regarded cruiserweights, Thabiso Mchunu and Thomas Oosthuizen in a 12-round bout from The Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, South Africa.
Thomas Oosthuizen vs Thabiso Mchunu
Thomas Oosthuizen vs Thabiso Mchunu
KlowdTV is a 24/7 live streaming service that has over 32 live channels and 50 music channels.
KlowdTV can be accessed on the KlowdTV Box, Apple TV, Opera TV, Smart TV’s, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Computer browsers, ROKU, and all IOS or Android devices.
To sign up visit www.klowdtv.com and choose the premium package option.
The Mchunu v. Oosthuizen bout is available on KlowdTV to United States viewers only. There will be no free trials available for live boxing events.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

KlowdTV to Air Live & Exclusively Usyk v. Gassiev THIS SATURDAY in the United States

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Undefeated WBC and WBO World Title Holder Oleksandr Usyk set to Battle Undefeated IBF and WBA Champion Murat Gassiev for the Unification of the Four Cruiserweight Belts Live and Exclusively on KlowdTV

 

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – July 17, 2018 – On Saturday afternoon, July 21st, the world’s best and undefeated cruiserweights, Oleksandr Uysk and Murat Gassiev, will battle for four world titles and the bragging rights to be crowned the undisputed World Cruiserweight Champ. Both fighters possess perfect undefeated records, tremendous explosive power, and with the winner taking all the major recognized belts, this is the must-watch Cruiserweight battle of the year. This amazing showdown featuring Usyk v Gassiev for the undisputed Cruiserweight championship and will air live and exclusively on KlowdTV in the United States.

 

 

 

The bout will take place in Moscow, Russia beginning at 3 PM ET. “We are very proud to be able to bring this outstanding fight to KlowdTV,” said Robert Herring Sr., CEO of KlowdTV. “I know how much interest there is in this fight from all the interest on boxing sites and social media. The fans have been clamoring for the fight to find a United States home, and KlowdTV is once again stepping up to answer the call of US boxing fans.”

 

 

 

Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs) of Kiev, Ukraine is WBC and WBO world cruiserweight champion.

The 2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner won the WBO world title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Krzysztof Glowacki on September 17, 2016 in Poland. Usyk defended the title twice with a 9th round stoppage over Thabiso Mchunu and a 12-round unanimous decision over Michael Hunter.

 

 

 

Usyk scored a 10th round stoppage over former world champion Marco Huck. In his latest bout, Usyk captured the WBC World Cruiserweight title with a majority decision over Mairis Briedis on January 27th in Latvia.

 

 

 

Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs) of Russia, is the IBF and WBA Super Cruiserweight champion.

Gassiev now trains in Big Bear, California under famed trainer Abel Sanchez. The 24-year-old Gassiev won IBF championship on December 3, 2016 with a 12-round unanimous decision over Denis Lebedev.

 

 

 

Gassiev registered a 3rd round destruction of former world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk. In his last bout, Gassiev won the WBA World Super Cruiserweight title with a 12th round stoppage over previously undefeated Yunier Dorticos on February 3, 2018.

 

 

 

KlowdTV is your 24/7 live streaming service, featuring over 30 live channels plus 50 music channels. The fight is free to KlowdTV subscribers. New subscribers can enjoy the fight for the $9.99/month subscription fee, which includes numerous live channels including Fight Network, GolTV, FNTSY Sports Network, Pursuit Channel, Sony Movie Channel and more. Simply visit www.klowdtv.com to enjoy this “can’t-miss” fight and 30 days of KlowdTV for just $9.99 per month. KlowdTV can be accessed on any device that includes Smart TV’s, computers, ROKU, Amazon, Android and iOS phones and tablets.

boxing, Super Channel, World Boxing Super Series

WBSS Unified World Championship Oleksandr Usyk vs. Murat Gassiev

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Oleksandr Usyk vs. Murat Gassiev
Unified World Cruiserweight Championship
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
2 p.m. ET start / 11 a.m. PT
WBSS Unified World Championship
 
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Murat Gassiev
 
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
 
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)

 

EDMONTON, Canada (July 17, 2018) – Canadian boxing fans will be able to watch the much-anticipated World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) cruiserweight championship finale this Saturday afternoon, as they have throughout the wildly entertaining semifinals and quarterfinals rounds, exclusively on Super Channel.

 

 

 

All four-major sanctioning body world title belts, plus The Ring magazine’s strap, will be on the line at the Olympic Sport Complex in Moscow, when WBC/WBO champion Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs) and IBF/WBA title-holder Murat Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs) square off for the inaugural Muhammad Ali Trophy, in addition to determining the first totally unified cruiserweight champion in the world in what is a legitimate Fight of the Year candidate.

 

 

 

The 31-year-old Usyk, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist from Ukraine, stopped Marco Huck in the 10th round of their WBSS quarterfinal match, and he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Mairis Briedis in the semifinals. Russia-native Gassiev, 24, knocked out Krzysctof Wlodarczyk and Yunier Dorticos, respectively, in the third and 12th round of the quarterfinals and semifinals.

 

 

 

“He (Gassiev) is a strong guy,” Usyk said, “And now, thank God, Murat and I will fight for the Muhammad Ali Trophy and the absolute world champion’ title.

 

 

 

“I feel excellent about (fighting in Russia) it. I am an athlete, a warrior. I do not care where I fight, I just want to fight. I know there will be support coming in from Ukraine which is great.

”

 

 

I am ready, my team is ready. When the strong guys meet, the fights are interesting! This is what is so great about this tournament. It is necessary for the sport. I have said it before and I will say it again: the fans should expect a beautiful final.

 

 

 

“The training camp before the final has been the same as before my other fights,” Gassiev commented. “My opponent is a southpaw, so I have had different sparring partners and you have to do things a bit different tactically against a southpaw. But, besides that nothing has changed.

 

 

 

“I have been doing the same amount of running, physical exercising and sparring. I am not thinking about what he is doing. I need to be Murat Gassiev and do my best… I am only thinking about myself, my skills and my condition. That’s it.

 

 

 

“I would fight anywhere in the world, but it is a plus for my mother and brother that they easily can watch the fight live. I am sure the final will be a very interesting and good fight for fans all over the world. May the best man win!”

 

 

 

Four potentially explosive fights are on the “Usyk vs. Gassiev” card, presented by Patriot Boxing Promotions, airing exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.

 

 

 

In the 10-round co-feature, former world champion Briedis faces Brandon Deslaurier (11-1-1, 10 KOs). The undisputed pound-4-pound Queen of Boxing, undefeated Colombian Cecelia “First Lady” Braekhus (33-0, 9 KOs), who fights out of Finland, defends her unified world welterweight titles versus Russian challenger Inna “Ice Queen” Sagaydakovskaya (7-0, 3 KOs) in a 10-round match. WBA International super middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov(17-2, 12 KOs) defends at home against Nadjib “Iron Djib” Mohammedi (40-5, 23 KOs), of France, in a 12-round bout,

 

 

 

Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.

 

 

 

All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand. The postponed WBSS world super middleweight champion final hasn’t been rescheduled at this time.

 

 

 

In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live the past 1 ½ years including Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo, Smith vs. Williams II, Frampton vs. Donaire, and Fury vs Seferi.

 

 

 

To watch the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight championship final live, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans in Canada may contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.