Tag Archives: Elena Gradinar

“FIGHT NIGHT: SHIELDS vs. HAMMER” CAPTURES THE DRAMA SURROUNDING HISTORIC UNDISUPUTED SHOWDOWN BETWEEN CLARESSA SHIELDS AND CHRISTINA HAMMER


Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME®


 
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WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports released “FIGHT NIGHT: Shields vs. Hammer,” a 20-minute feature that captures all the drama of the undisputed middleweight world championship event between undefeated Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer last Saturday in Atlantic City. To watch, share or embed the video, click here: https://s.sho.com/2V8lIX3


 
The latest installment of the FIGHT NIGHT franchise delivers access to both Shields and Hammer surrounding the most important moment of their careers, giving viewers a rare glimpse behind closed doors to the fighters and their respective camps.    


 
The unanimous decision victory in what Hall of Fame boxing historian and commentator Steve Farhood called, “The most important fight in the history of women’s boxing,” gave Shields further claim to her self-described moniker, “The G.W.O.A.T.” (Greatest Woman Of All Time).


 
“I’m just happy women’s boxing is getting all this love, but it’s about the respect part of it,” Shields said. “I know there’s the money and the fame, but respect is the big thing for me – that I’m respected as a fighter. I want to be known as a boxer. I want people to respect me as that.”

CLARESSA SHIELDS CROWNED UNDISPUTED MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION WITH NEAR-SHUTOUT VICTORY OF CHRISTINA HAMMER SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME


Catch An Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®


Click HERE To Download Fight Night Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
ATLANTIC CITY (April 13, 2019) – Claressa Shields is the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. The 24-year-old Flint, Mich. native delivered the best performance of her career and cruised to a unanimous decision over Germany’s Christina Hammer Saturday on SHOWTIME in arguably the most significant women’s boxing match in history. The judges scored the fight 98-92 and 98-91 twice.


The two-time Olympic gold-medalist Shields (9-0, 2 KOs), who entered the fight holding the IBF, WBA and WBC 160-pound titles, showed off her complete arsenal of skills in the dominating performance and now joins Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and women’s welterweight Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class.


Christina Hammer (24-0, 11 KOs), who owned the WBO belt entering the fight, had her jab largely neutralized and her defense exploited from start to finish. Shields landed a remarkable 44% of her power punches and landed on 112 total punches compared to just 49 for Hammer. As impressive as her offense was, Shields’ defense and head movement was immaculate as Hammer was able to connect on just 13% of her total punches, 11% of her jabs and 18% of her power shots.


Speaking to SHOWTIME’s Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood following the historic night for women’s boxing, the outspoken and emotional Shields held nothing back.


“I am the greatest woman of all time,” said Shields, who nearly earned a stoppage during a barrage in the closing moments of the eighth round. “I did it. She didn’t win a single round. I almost knocked her out. I swear I feel like I’m dreaming right now. Thanks to Christina Hammer and her team. They said she had a hard jab and they weren’t lying. Her jab is off the chain.


“I was just calculating in the first round and after that I started picking her apart,” she continued. “I knew I could hurt her. I thought I finished her in round eight. I thought the fight should have been stopped. She was holding onto me. I just told myself, stay cool, stay cool. I was trying to get the perfect punch to get her out of there.” 


Fresh off the biggest win of her professional career, the newly-crowned undisputed champion of the world already has her sights set on another opponent.


“Women’s boxing, we’re on fire. I cannot wait to see the next super fight. Give me Cecilia Brækhus at 154 pounds. That’s who I want next. Either her or Savannah Marshall.”


“I didn’t fight very good or fast,” said a subdued Hammer. “That’s boxing, anything can happen. I wanted this fight. She won, respect to her. She’s a tough, strong woman and that’s all I can say. 


“She’s fast, she comes forward. She has fast hands. I couldn’t land my jab as good as I expected. I’ll come back and I’ll be back stronger.”


“I think tonight’s fight will go down in the history books as an epic battle with the likes of Ali-Frazier, Leonard-Hearns and De La Hoya-Trinidad,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “With this dominating and captivating performance to become crowned undisputed middleweight champion coupled with her list of record-breaking accomplishments, Claressa Shields is well on her way to being as revered as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Serena WIlliams, Michael Jordan, Pele and others at the top of their game.”


In the co-featured bout, Jermaine Franklin (18-0, 13 KOs), widely regarded as the top American heavyweight prospect, kept his unbeaten record intact with a 10-round unanimous decision over former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Rydell Booker (25-2, 12 KOs). The judges scored the fight 99-91 and 98-91 twice.


The 25-year-old Franklin dictated the tempo throughout and was far more active and aggressive than his 38-year-old counterpart. Booker had his moments, particularly in the early rounds when he landed several flush power shots but the youthful Franklin pulled away in the second half of the fight as Booker tired and Franklin targeted the body. Franklin averaged 54 punches per round to Booker’s 35 and led 146-94 in overall punches landed.


“I think I had a decent performance,” said the Saginaw, Mich. native. “There’s some stuff I could work on. I over-crowded myself a little bit and I was a little over-anxious. He had a lot more experience than me and used it to his advantage. He could see what I was doing.


“I learned to stay more patient because I had him hurt a few times, but once I got over-anxious, my whole game plan went out the window. I started messing up and making crazy mistakes I shouldn’t have. Now it’s back to the drawing board to work on my mistakes and come out bigger and badder next time.”


“I felt he out-hustled me, but it was a lot closer than how the judges scored it,” said Booker. “He was missing me a lot more than it looked. I slipped a lot of shots and hit him clean.


“I knew he would bring the pressure, but he needs a lot of work. He stays too centered with his head. He’s alright. What he has on his side is youth. I’d rate my performance about a seven. I had a training camp injury I was dealing with. I’m going to stay active and come back stronger than ever.”


In the telecast opener, undefeated top-five ranked heavyweight prospect Otto Wallin (20-0, 13 KOs, 1 ND) and Baltimore’s Nick Kisner (21-4-1, 6 KOs, 1 ND) had their 10-round bout cut short when the two heavyweights clashed heads in the opening round. Wallin suffered a gash on the side of his head while Kisner suffered a cut over his right eye, hindering his ability to see. At the advice of the ringside physician in between rounds one and two, referee Earl Brown stopped the fight, resulting in a no-decision.


At the time of the stoppage, Wallin led 14-3 in overall punches landed, 7-1 in jabs and 7-2 in power punches.


“To me, his cut didn’t look that bad,” said a disappointed Wallin, who was making his U.S. debut. “It’s a shame because I trained really hard for this fight and was looking to put on a show for fans in America. I just didn’t have time to get going. 


“I’d like to get back in there soon and show what I can do. I’m going to take this as a learning experience.”


“I caught a headbutt and the referee came to me,” said Kisner. “He saw me swiping at my eye and said ‘can you see?’ I said, ‘soon as I get the blood out of my eye, sure.’


“I feel horrible after training so hard. I felt good in the first round. The judges probably gave him the first round, but I always take off the first round. I was feeling like I could get to him eventually. You saw me land my overhand right.”


Tonight’s live event was promoted by Salita Promotions.


An encore presentation of tonight’s tripleheader will air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available via the network’s On Demand platforms. 


Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action alongside fellow Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez. World-renowned ring announcer and Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. rounded out the telecast. The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. 


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ABOUT SHIELDS vs. HAMMER
Shields vs. Hammer will pit undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer against each other in a battle to crown the undisputed 160-pound world champion, in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history. The co-feature will pit Jermaine Franklin taking on Rydell Booker in a thrilling 10-round heavyweight bout and in the telecast opener, heavyweights Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner will battle in 10-round clash. The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE TO AIR FIRST WORLD TITLE FIGHT, FOUR ADDITIONAL BOUTS PRIOR TO SHOWTIME’S COVERAGE OF SHIELDS-HAMMER ON SATURDAY, APRIL 13 IN ATLANTIC CITY


Gradinar-Carabajal to clash for vacant IBF World Championship on fan-friendly, FREE Facebook platform.


 Online: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
NEW YORK (April 8, 2019) – An IBF Female World Title is on the line and women’s boxing history will be made on Saturday, April 13, as FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast once again works alongside SHOWTIME Sports to deliver a great night of action to fight fans everywhere. Beginning at 6 p.m. ET live from the hallowed Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., the interactive, FREE Facebook series sets the table for the Shields vs. Hammer undisputed middleweight championship showdown with five fights, including a world title contest and a main event preview featuring the undefeated champion Claressa Shields herself.
 
“We’re excited to have a role in what will be a historic night in women’s boxing, and it speaks to the strides our platform has made to exclusively air our first world championship matchup,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “The world title fight will be part of an outstanding evening of Facebook action with championship contenders and budding stars, and an exclusive interview with Claressa Shields, and of course we’re thrilled to be working alongside Showtime once again.”
 
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE lineup is headlined by unbeaten Russian Elena Gradinar (9-0, 2 KOs), who vies for her first world title when she takes on two-time title challenger Brenda Karen Carabajal (15-4-1, 9 KOs) for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Championship – the first-ever world title fight for the popular Facebook series. In super flyweight action, 23 year-old Detroit-native Ja’Rico O’Quinn (11-0, 8 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round fight against Minnesota’s Vicente Alfaro Martinez (9-4, 3 KOs). The card will also include former heavyweight title challenger Samuel Peter (37-6, 30 KOs) in an eight-round matchup and Jesse Angel Hernandez (12-2, 7 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas, stepping in for an eight round super bantamweight contest. Local standout Isiah Seldon(12-2, 4 KOs) opens the free show on Facebook three hours before Showtime Boxing hits the airwaves.
 
“April 13 is a fantastic fight card, top-to-bottom, from former heavyweight champion Samuel Peter to top American super flyweight prospect Jarico O’Quinn and the highly competitive IBF Featherweight World Title fight between No. 1-ranked Elena Gradinar from Russia and No. 2 contender Karen Carbajal from Argentina fighting for the vacant belt,” said boxing champion-turned-promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “Some of the best boxers on the planet will be on display on the most popular social media platform in the world, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, on April 13.”
 
Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly Facebook platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 545 fighters and 16 promotions during 33 live event broadcasts from 19 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.  
 
Since May 2017, the numbers on the 33-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 171,589 views per event and more than 5.6 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018, sixteen FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Season II shows have reached 4.2 million fans and have averaged almost 265,000 views.
 
The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) in New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871), the March 2019 Murphys Boxing “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (252,065), the Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the March 2019 Murphy’s Boxing “Melrose Mayhem” (218,409), the Feb. 2019 “Raging Babe Philly Special” (203,000) and the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000) all logged 200,000 or more views, and collectively the 33-show series has seen a total of more than 5,662,450 views across all devices.
 
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 430,000 collective live post engagements (more than 13,000 per show), including more than 330,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 58,000 comments and more than 19,000 shares.
 
The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with 594,447 views. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.
 
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 87,000 fans and more than 95,000 followers.
 
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
 
Additional FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Spring 2019 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
 
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/




 
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
 
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and@FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.
 
About Everlast Worldwide Inc.
The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visitwww.everlast.com.

Russia’s Elena Gradinar Gunning for The World’s Best Female Featherweights

 

#1-rated IBF Inter-Continental Female Featherweight Champion Elena Gradinar is calling out the rest of her division’s best.

 

 

 

The undefeated 27-year-old, from Saint Petersburg, Russia, was last seen dominating former world champion Olivia Gerula in March. She has now set her sights on IBF Champion Jennifer Han and the top-rated female fighters in the featherweight division.

 

 

 

“I am very honored to have the Inter-Continental Title and be their number-one featherweight contender,” said Gradinar. “I want to demonstrate the true definition of a top contender and, soon, I believe a world champion by fighting the very best in every fight. This is a great time and space for women’s boxing and I am happy to be making my mark in this day and age.”

 

 

 

Based on her heavily decorated amateur career, Gradinar attained the designation of Sport Master of Russia in her homeland and has made quite a name for herself overseas. The goal, however, is for her to begin to make an impact in the US.

 

 

 

Her co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says Gradinar’s time has come. “Elena Gradinar has shown consistent improvement in her game and is one of the best fighters in the featherweight division. With woman’s boxing making huge strides, I believe that Elena will win a world title in the near future and make her US debut on a platform for boxing fans to see the high level of her talents.

 

 

 

Salita says his phone is always on if representatives of any of the world’s top female featherweights are interested in stepping up.

 

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Rising Russian Star Elena Gradinar Wins IBF Inter-Continental Female Featherweight Championship with Unanimous Decision Over Former WBC World Champ Olivia Gerula

Saturday night at the Sport Hall Energia in Narva, Estonia, rising and undefeated Russian female star Elena Gradinar picked up her first professional title, the IBF Inter-Continental Female Featherweight Championship, with a unanimous decision over Canadian former WBC world champion Olivia Gerula.
 
Gradinar (9-0, 2 KOs) dominated the more experienced Gerula over the 10-round distance, winning by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 99-91.
 
“I am very happy with the win and my IBF belt,” said Gradinar, post-fight. “I want to fight Jennifer Han for the IBF world title. I want to do my part in lifting women’s boxing to the next level and fight the best.”
 
Her co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita (along with Alexander Nevsky Promotion Group), has made a firm commitment to women’s boxing by signing several current and upcoming female superstars including world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer, as well as top prospects Franchon Crews Dezurn, Elena Savelyeva and Gradinar.
 
Salita says this is just the start of a terrific 2018 for Gradinar. “With the win Elena has cemented herself as one of the best female featherweights in the world. This is going to be a big year for Elena and women’s boxing.”

Women’s Elena Gradinar vs. Olivia Gerula Title Fight to be Streamed Live for Free on YouTube This Saturday at Noon EST

Saturday’s (March 24) women’s fight between undefeated Russian prospect Elena Gradinarand Canada’s former world champion Olivia Gerula will be streamed live on YouTube at noon (12 pm ET) for free.
 
Click HERE to watch Salita Promotions’ latest female star, Gradinar (8-0, 2 KOs) take on Gerula (18-17-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-round battle for the IBF Inter-Continental Female Featherweight Championship at the Sport Hall Energia in Narva, Estonia.
 
Gradinar says her performance will be designed to continue the wave of female boxing’s resurgence currently sweeping through the sporting world. “I am in the best shape of my life and look forward to putting on a great performance for boxing fans as well as supporters of women sports all over the world.”
 
Her co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita, the former fighter turned promoter known for his ever-growing stable of female talent, says widely used media outlets like YouTube are incredibly useful platforms to showcase top talent to fans, globally.
 
“I am delighted that boxing fans around the world will get a chance to see this high-quality match-up, featuring two top-rated ladies for the prestigious IBF Intercontinental title,” he said. “We are constantly working on platforms to bring attention and visibility to the talented female boxers around the world. I am grateful that we have a great promotional partner in Alexander Nevsky Promotion Group, who share the same vision to keeping finding new and exciting ways to bring high-quality boxing content to fans.”

Rising Star Elena Gradinar to Face Olivia Gerula for IBF Intercontinental Championship in Narva, Estonia, on March 24

Rising female star, Elena Gradinar of Saint Petersburg, Russia, will compete for the first championship belt of her professional career when she takes on former world champion Olivia “The Predator” Gerula for the IBF Intercontinental Featherweight Championship.
The 10-round Gradinar vs. Gerula battle will take place on Saturday, March 24, at the Energia Sport Hall in Narva, Estonia.
The undefeated 27-year-old Gradinar (8-0, 2 KOs) went 73-8 as an amateur, winning numerous national and international amateur tournaments. Gradinar has also attained the designation of Sport Master of Russia.
A well-respected and accomplished professional, Gerula, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is the former WBC World Female Super Featherweight Champion and made two successful defenses. She has also held the well-respected WIBA World Championship.
“I am very glad to fight for IBF Intercontinental belt against former WBC World Champion Olivia Gerula,” said Gradinar. “We will bring for boxing fans a dramatic and exiting clash between us. I am very proud that I will represent my country Russia and I hope that IBF Intercontinental belt will find residence in the glorious Russian city of St. Petersburg!”
“I am very excited about what’s to come. I look forward to visiting Estonia and soaking up some of its culture while proudly representing Canada,” said Olivia Gerula. “I know Elena has an impressive amateur record and an undefeated professional record, but I don’t believe she has ever been in the ring with a fighter of my quality and experience, so I expect to shake things up.”
Gerula’s co-promoter Dmitriy Salita, along with Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group, says the Gerula fight will prove a lot about Gradinar’s transition to the professional ranks.
“This will be the toughest test of Elena’s young career,” said Salita. “Olivia Gerula has fought and beaten many top-level female fighters in the division. I am looking forward to a great fight and, with a victory, the continued development of our future world champion.”

Salita Promotions Signs Elite Russian Female Elena Gradinar to Co-Promotional Contract

The female fighting stable of promoter Dmitriy Salita has grown again, as Salita proudly announces the signing of Russian featherweight Elena Gradinar to a co-promotional contract (along with Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group).
The undefeated 27-year-old Gradinar (6-0, 1 KO) as a professional boxer, went 73-8 as an amateur, winning numerous national and international amateur tournaments.
A resident of Saint Petersburg, Russia, Gradinar has attained the designation of Sport Master of Russia. As an amateur, she notched victories over current World Amateur Bantamweight Champion Dina Zheloman of Kazakhstan, current European and Russian Amateur Super Lightweight Champion Alexandra Ordina, current Russian Featherweight Champion and Bronze medalist of Europe, Natalia Samokhina, as well as two victories over former Russian Featherweight Champion Ekaterina Sycheva.
Trained and managed by well-known Russian boxing figure Igor Shafer, Gradinar says she hopes the co-promotional deal with Salita will improve her visibility in North America, leading to greater opportunities.
“I am very proud to sign with a Russian/American promoter, Dmitriy Salita, who is doing great work with Claressa Shields and becoming one of the main North American promoters of female boxers,” said Gradinar. “I look forward to fighting in the United States against the best they have to offer and becoming a world champion.”
“Elena is a talented boxer that will add international flavor to the outstanding female bantamweight division which includes outstanding boxers like Heather Hardy, Cindy Serrano, Jelena Mrdjenovich and others,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Russia has many male world champions and Elena will follow in their footsteps.”\

Elena Gradinar will fight for the first time under her new co-promotional banner in a 10-rounder against Maria Jose Nunez in Narva, Estonia, on October 21.