Tag Archives: Errol Spence

Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

MANNY PACQUIAO & ERROL SPENCE JR. SQUARE OFF IN BATTLE FOR WELTERWEIGHT SUPREMACY TOPPING PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

Leave a comment
MANNY PACQUIAO VS. ERROL SPENCE JR. LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
 
 Unified WBC & IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. Faces Eight-Division World Champion Manny Pacquiao in the
FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Main Event Saturday, August 21
 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LOS ANGELES (July 12, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao went face to face with unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. at press conference in Los Angeles Sunday as they previewed their blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
 
The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as Spence will look to earn a legacy-defining victory, while Pacquiao seeks one more monumental win to add to his first ballot Hall of Fame resume.
 
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Sunday:
 
MANNY PACQUIAO
 
“There were a lot of opportunities for me to pick an easier fight than this. But I picked Errol Spence Jr. because I want a real fight and a great fight for the fans. I’m a fighter and boxing is my passion.
 
“Errol Spence Jr. is aggressive, young and undefeated. He’s dedicated to his career. This is definitely not an easy opponent. This is the kind of opponent you can never underestimate.
 
“It’s been a long time since I fought a southpaw opponent. We had to change some of our strategy compared to previous fights and we’ll throw some different combinations.
 
“I don’t think Errol needs advice from Floyd Mayweather. I believe that Errol is a better fighter than Mayweather. Errol can teach Floyd how to fight toe-to-toe.
 
“I don’t want to be overconfident, because Errol is too good of an opponent. His determination and passion for the sport is always there. When I say I’m going to do something, it’s real and from the heart, it’s not to impress anybody.
 
“I had started training in the last week of May in the Philippines. So when I got here to Los Angeles, I was just continuing what I was doing. It’s good for me to have the rest that I’ve had the last two years. I’ve been boxing since I was 12 years old until now. When I went back to training, I was still hungry and dedicated.
 
“I won’t predict another first round knockdown like I had against Thurman. I’m focusing my mind, body and spirit on winning the fight. That’s the only goal.
“This is one of the biggest challenges in my career. I can’t say it’s the biggest, because I’ve been fighting the best fighters in the world for years. But he’s right up there with anyone I’ve faced.
 
“I’ve been boxing for more than 25 careers as a pro. I think that I’ve seen every kind of style that’s out there.
 
“This is a one of a kind and prodigious fight. There’s going to be a lot of action in the ring. I’m so thankful for everyone who supports me and I’m happy to be in this position again fighting one of the best fighters in the world.”
 
ERROL SPENCE JR.
 
“This is a great opportunity. Coming off of my accident I went right to fighting Danny Garcia and now Pacquiao. A lot of people were in the Pacquiao sweepstakes. When I got the call about this fight, I agreed right away and didn’t give it a second thought.
 
“There aren’t that many southpaws in boxing, so you don’t usually spar that many. We’ve got a lot of guys in camp now who can fight that left-handed style. Obviously I can’t find someone who fights exactly like Manny, but you can find guys who can mimic the tempo and pace. So that’s who we’ve been working with.
 
“You can see that Manny is still an explosive fighter with great speed. We’ve been putting together a game plan and we’ve been working on implementing it. Come August 21, you’ll see it in the ring.
 
“Manny can lull you to sleep giving you compliments. But once the bell rings, he’s going to jump all over you.
 
“My chin since the accident has been tested in sparring and in the Danny Garcia fight. I imagine Manny is going to try to come in and test it as well.
 
“Just because he’s 42-years-old I don’t think it’s going to hurt him in training. He’s not blowing up in weight between fights and he’s not distracted. That’s why he’s been the same Manny Pacquiao for decades. I’m looking forward to the same Pacquiao who fought Keith Thurman and before that.
 
“Manny has a lot of tendencies, of course you’re going to see some things over the span of his whole career. When it’s time to buckle down, you know he’s the guy who’s going to fight. It can be a pro or a con, but he’s going to make it a fan-friendly fight.
 
“I don’t see myself ever getting knocked out. I just don’t see it. We’re going to be mindful that he has power. He knocked down Thurman and hurt him with a body shot. We’ll keep that in mind. But I’m not thinking about if he can knock me out.
 
“I have the ability to finish Pacquiao. For me though, I’m focused on winning the fight. If you rush and go for the knockout, you either look sloppy or something goes wrong. I have to fight my fight and at my pace. If the knockout comes, I’ll go for it.
 
“This is going to be a great fight. Pacquiao is going to bring it like he always does, but I’m definitely going to come through with the victory.”
 
#         #         #
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Mason Menard training hard for Haney showdown

Leave a comment

Beverly Hills, Calif. (April 25,2018) – Lightweight contender Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) is training very hard for his upcoming battle with undefeated Devin Haney (18-0, 12 KOs)  that will headline a ShoBox: The New Generation card, live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET / PT) on Friday, May 11th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

Menard has set up training camp in Dallas, Texas for this important battle, which is now for the USBA Lightweight title.

 

 

 

“Training Camp is Dallas is going great.  I’m feeling comfortable with my new team around me, and being around elite guys in the gym like Errol Spence, Jermell Charlo, Rob Brant and Cem Kilic has made me a better fighter,” said Menard.  “My only real loss was to world champion Ray Beltran. May 11th can’t come soon enough because I am ready to show the boxing world that Devin Haney is taking too big of a step up, and I am back.”

 

 

 

This will be the first bout with new Manager, Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset Management.

 

 

 

 

“I am excited for Mason’s return to the ring.  With a new management team around him, a repaired shoulder, an elite trainer and quality sparring partners, fight fans will see an improved Mason Menard on May 11th,” said Shapiro, CEO of No Limit Mindset.  “I truly believe that being in the gym with guys like Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo for entire camp will bring out the best in Mason.  Devin Haney is a great fighter, and has a lot of hype around him, but come fight night, he will realize that he took too big of a step up in opposition.”

 

 

 

 

Menard is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on No Limit Mindset, LLC, contact:

 

 

 

 

Shane Shapiro

 

 

 

Phone: (310) 770 – 9077

Shane@NoLimitMNDST.com

www.nlmindset.com

 

 

 

boxing

World Ranked Welterweight Taras Shelestyuk Ready for the Elite of the Division

Leave a comment
      

Undefeated 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner looking for fights with Thurman, Porter, Spence, Garcia or Horn-Crawford winner
PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (March. 1, 2018)- Undefeated and world ranked welterweight contender Taras Shelestyuk is ready to go big game hunting in 2018.
The 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner from Sumy, Ukraine, who now fights out of Los Angeles, California, has won the major regional titles, and he feels he has been overlooked by the perceived elite of the 147 pound division.
Shelestyuk, 16-0 with 10 knockouts, continues to work on his craft while he waits for a major fight to materialize.
“I want to fight Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Errol Spence or the winner of the Jeff Horn – Terence Crawford fight,” said Shelestyuk.
“I know that I have the skills and pedigree to beat those guys.  I just need my opportunity, and I know that will be coming soon.  I have been working hard in the gym, and I sparred with Viktor Ortiz for his bout with Devon Alexander, as well as WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castano.”
Shelestyuk also has been helping with the career of his wife Alina.  Alina is a runway model, who has done numerous photo shoots in Los Angeles.
Shelestyuk is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO OFFER FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE LIVE STREAM OF GROVES vs. CHUDINOV WORLD TITLE FIGHT THIS SATURDAY AS PRELUDE TO BROOK vs. SPENCE

Leave a comment

Kick off a great day of action-packed championship boxing on Saturday (tomorrow) by streaming the action of George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov Super Middleweight World Championship live via Showtime Sports’ YouTube and Facebook platforms. Groves vs. Chudinov will serve as a prelude to the long-awaited SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®main event—the welterweight championship bout between British World Champion Kell Brook and undefeated American challenger Errol Spence Jr., which will air live on SHOWTIME at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

FACEBOOK LINK: https://www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing

YOUTUBE EVENT PAGE: https://youtu.be/DgnLttF8gzE

 

 

George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov

Vacant WBA Super Middleweight World Championship

To Stream Live Exclusively in the U.S. Via Facebook Live and YouTube

At Approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT

 

Kell Brook Defends IBF Welterweight World Championship Against Errol Spence Jr. Live on SHOWTIME® At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT

 

NEW YORK (May 25, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports will offer a fully-produced Facebook and YouTube live stream of George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov Super Middleweight World Championship bout this Saturday, May 27 from Sheffield, England.  Groves vs. Chudinov will serve as a prelude to the long-awaited SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event—the welterweight championship bout between British World Champion Kell Brook and undefeated American challenger Errol Spence Jr., which will air live on SHOWTIME at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT. 

 

Live coverage of Groves vs. Chudinov will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with sportscasters Adam Smith and Carl Froch and will begin at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT exclusively in the U.S. on the SHOWTIME Sports Facebookpage and the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel.  Fans can follow all SHOWTIME Sports social accounts (@SHOsports) on Saturday afternoon for the precise start time to Groves vs. Chudinov following undercard action from Bramall Lane stadium in Sheffield, England.  These platforms will be geo-blocked for U.S. only. 

 

“When we saw the opportunity to deliver this great super middleweight championship fight to the U.S. audience, we jumped at it,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, Stephen Espinoza.  “We thank Matchroom Sport for making it possible for us to carry this bonus coverage to the U.S.  Doing so compliments our robust digital and social media content plan serving boxing fans online and attracting new ones.  This further demonstrates our unrivaled commitment to the sport.  No one is making a more significant and impactful contribution to boxing’s momentum than SHOWTIME.”

 

Former three-time title challenger Groves and former champ Chudinov (14-1, 10 KOs) will meet for the vacant WBA Super Middleweight World Championship in a matchup of the WBA’s No. 1 and No. 2 challengers in a co-featured bout at Bramall Lane. 

 

Groves (25-3, 18 KOs) has won four straight since teaming up with 2016 Trainer of the Year Shane McGuigan following a close split-decision loss to then-WBC Champion Badou Jack in 2015.  The only other blemishes on his record came in title challenges to long-time 168-pound champ Carl Froch.

 

“I believe this is the best opportunity for me to achieve my dream and become world champion,” Groves said earlier this week.  “Time is on my side. I had a good year last year, and I’m in a good place.  I’ve put in the work, and now, I need to make this count.

“Everything that’s happened in the past has just made me more determined.  I know the pressure is on, and I can’t afford to make any more mistakes. This might be my best chance to win a world title, but it could also be my last.” 

 

Chudinov (14-1, 10 KOs) originally won the WBA Super Middleweight Title with a split-decision victory over Felix Sturm in 2015 and made one successful defense before losing via controversial majority decision in a rematch with Sturm in 2016.  Sturm later vacated the belt due to injury, opening up the opportunity for Chudinov to win back his title this Saturday against Groves.  Chudinov is ranked No. 1 by the WBA while Groves is ranked No. 2.

 

FACEBOOK LINK: https://www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing

YOUTUBE EVENT PAGE: https://youtu.be/DgnLttF8gzE

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

KELL BROOK vs. ERROL SPENCE JR. FINAL WEIGHTS & PHOTOS FOR WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ON SHOWTIME® AT BRAMALL LANE IN SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND

Leave a comment

Tomorrow/Saturday, May 27 At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT

Click HERE To Download Photos by Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

weigh in-0017.jpg

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT

Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence Jr. – IBF Welterweight World Championship

Kell Brook – 146 ½ pounds

Errol Spence Jr. – 146 ¼ pounds

 

Live at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT exclusively in the U.S. on theSHOWTIME Sports Facebook page and the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel.

George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov – vacant WBA Super Middleweight World Championship

George Groves – 167 ¼

Fedor Chudinov – 167

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

IBF WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION KELL BROOK AND MANDATORY CHALLENGER ERROL SPENCE JR. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment

 

 

Saturday, May 27 Live On SHOWTIME® At 5:15 p.m. ET / 2:15 p.m. PT From Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England

 

Download Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME HERE

 

SHEFFIELD (May 24) – Kell Brook will make his fourth IBF Welterweight World Title defense against U.S. star Errol Spence Jr. at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England this Saturday May 27, live on SHOWTIME (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT).

 

Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) and mandatory challenger Spence, (21-0, 18 KOs), clash on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in one of the biggest fights in the 147-pound division, and the elite pairing are promising to deliver an electric night of action.

 

Both fighters participated in a public media workout today, Wednesday, at Peace Gardens in Sheffield, England. Below is what they had to say:

 

KELL BROOK

“We are going to rock Sheffield on Saturday night. I’m ready, I’m pumped, I can’t wait.

 

“There is a lot of pressure but I always perform better under pressure. I’m meant to be on the big stage, I’m ready for the pressure and to see the bright lights.

 

“[Errol Spence] is a serious dude from America, he’s a young hungry lion, but he’s not beaten anyone like me. I’m a champion and I’ve been a champion. I’m defending. I know both sides of the coin, I’ve prepared very well.

 

“I’m ready for a war. And that’s what you’re going to see – a war Saturday night. There are going to be two winners Saturday night: that is going to be myself and everyone watching.

 

“There’s no way he can beat me.  I’m a man possessed and I have a serious job to do.  This is my night to shine.

 

“I love it [being the underdog].  I was born for it.  People don’t have me winning this fight, but that just gives me the extra energy I need to go out and prove them all wrong.

 

“This guy is a talented guy, but he’s never been tested.  He’s never been in with someone who is so determined like me.  Who’s bigger, stronger, who has all this energy, who’s meant for this game, who’s meant to be a winner.  He hasn’t been in with someone with that mindset, and that’s what I’m coming to bring on Saturday.

 

“All the hard work has been done.  The talking will stop; we’re ready to let some fireworks fly now.

 

“I can see us both maybe hitting the canvas.  You’re going to be on the edge of your seat from round one.  He’s not going to take a backwards step, and I’m not [either].  All I can say is it’s going to be a thriller.

 

“I’ve arrived.  It’s a dream come true.  It’s going to be so perfect for me that night to walk out and just see everyone.  The electricity is going to be phenomenal.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“This is my time, this is my era.  This is my time to shine.  This is my time to get the belts, this is my time to unify and become the undisputed welterweight champion of the world.  This is just another stepping stone to get to where I want to be.

 

“I’m 100 percent prepared, I’m 100 percent focused, and I’m 100 percent ready to give the fans what they want, which is a real great fight.

 

“I can’t let the fans get to me.  I’m not worried about him having his hometown fans.  Eventually everyone will be my fans by the end of the night.

 

“I don’t feel the pressure at all.  I feel like there is more pressure on him because he’s fighting at home.  Of course there’s pressure on me to win, but I welcome that pressure.  It’s going to do nothing but motivate me, make me more hungry and make we want to win even more.

 

“You just have to have that ‘it’ factor, and I think I have it.  I’m not worried about the crowd, I’m not worried about the boos or anything like that.

 

“It’s a good step-up.  Kell Brook is a good fighter, he has great skills.  I welcome this step-up – I’ve been asking for it for a long time and I’m finally getting my opportunity.

 

“My confidence comes from my hard work.  I know the hours and time that I put in the gym.”

 

“This is an ideal situation. I would be disappointed if I was fighting someone else because he vacated. I’m a real fighter, I want to fight the best, I want to fight the champion and earn it the right way.  I can’t wait to prove I am one of the best fighters in the welterweight division.

 

“I’ve been on the USA team for a long time. As an amateur, representing U.S. in the Olympics and as a pro having this USA patch on me and fighting for my country.  I feel Saturday is kind of like a USA vs UK battle. And  U.S.A. is going to win.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

CURRENT & FORMER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONS WEIGH-IN ON KELL BROOK vs. ERROL SPENCE IBF 147-POUND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter & More Discuss The Latest In Series Of Welterweight Blockbusters

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT From Bramall Lane In Sheffield, England

 

NEW YORK (May 23, 2017) – IBF Welterweight World Champion Kell Brook and undefeated rising star Errol Spence face off this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) in the latest in a series of significant welterweight matchups between the best fighters in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

 

Six of the top eight welterweights in the world* will have fought in the first five months of 2017 – all on SHOWTIME or CBS – as a de facto tournament continues in the 147-pound class to determine the No. 1 fighter in a division long controlled by the retired Floyd Mayweather.

*Source: Transnational Boxing Rankings

 

WBA and WBC Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman unified the titles on March 4 with a split-decision victory over Danny Garcia in a rare matchup of undefeated champions.  Lamont Peterson picked up the secondary WBA Regular title on Feb. 18, and on April 22 Shawn Porter knocked out Andre Berto to become the mandatory challenger to Thurman’s WBC belt.  The remaining welterweight champion, Manny Pacquiao, is set to defend his WBO title against Jeff Horn on July 2.

 

Now it’s Brook and Spence’s turn to take center stage in boxing’s glamour division.

 

This Saturday in Sheffield, England, Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) will make the fourth defense of the IBF belt he won via majority decision over Porter in 2014.  The 31-year-old, who has never been knocked down, will be the decided hometown favorite in front of what is expected to be 25,000-plus fans in the first world title fight in the 162-year history of Bramall Lane.

 

The 27-year-old Spence (21-0, 18 KOs) has long been considered one of boxing’s most prized prospects.  The IBF’s No. 1 contender has knocked out eight straight opponents and has improved as his level of opposition has risen – his last six opponents held an impressive combined record of 151 wins against just eight losses.  The Dallas resident travels abroad for this long-awaited title opportunity as he attempts to become the first American to dethrone an Englishman on British soil in nearly a decade.**

 

With both Spence and Brook affirming their intention to unify the division after May 27, see below for what legendary Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard and current top welterweights have to say about Saturday’s IBF title matchup.

 

SUGAR RAY LEONARD – Former Undisputed Welterweight World Champion

“I’m really excited about this fight in particular, mainly because both fighters have to be on their A-game.  I know there is talk about Kell’s eye surgery being a psychological problem, but from personal experience, I don’t see that being the case.  I never thought about my eye once the doctor gave me the green light.

 

“To ask me who is going to win this fight, I have my favorite in Errol Spence.  But, based on the each fighter’s physical artillery, one punch can turn the tables around.  That being said, I am going to sit back and watch a great night of boxing.”

 

KEITH THURMAN – Unified WBA & WBC Welterweight World Champion

“This is an interesting fight.  I have not followed Kell too much, but I have obviously seen Errol fight in the U.S.   Errol is a tough, young fighter who is just getting into the public’s eye, and Kell obviously has the strength of the British crowd on his side.

 

“It should be a tough fight that really speaks to the strength of the welterweight division.  Both fighters are men that I would be open to fighting as I continue to unify the division in 2018.   As a fight fan, let’s see what’s ‘Special’ about Kell Brook, and we’ll see if Errol Spence can show us he’s ‘The Truth.’  It should be a great fight and I’ll be watching.”

 

DANNY GARCIA – Former Welterweight World Champion

“I think this is a 50/50 fight.  I think the person with the better game plan is going to win.  There is a lot of pressure to go into someone’s backyard like Spence is doing, and he’s never faced a fighter in his prime before like Brook.   It is definitely a test for him and a big step up in competition.  If he is ready, he can do it.  He just has to go in there and stay focused.

 

“The welterweight division is the best division in boxing.  I still feel like I am one of the best welterweights in the world even though I came up short.  I never thought I would say a loss would make me stronger because I didn’t see myself losing.  I want my titles back and to be seen as the best in the best division.”

 

SHAWN PORTER – Former Welterweight Champion & Current WBC No. 1 Contender

“I’m glad Errol is getting his title shot, and I’m happy he’s going to England for it.  I’m obviously pulling for the American.  Errol is a phenomenal athlete and a great boxer.  I think he’s ready to show the world something, but Kell is right up there in that top tier of welterweights.  People who tune in should be thrilled. I know I’m looking forward to it.

 

“The welterweight division is awesome, top to bottom.  We’re right where we need to be and should be.  Boxing returning back to the masses with PBC came at the perfect time for me and the rest of the top welterweights. There are so many of us capable of winning a title right now.”

 

LAMONT PETERSON – WBA (Regular) Welterweight World Champion

“This is going to be a tough fight, but I think Errol should win.  At least I’m pulling for Errol to win.  He’s got to overcome the idea that there will probably be 30,000 people cheering against him, so he has to show the judges that he deserves to win.

 

“Brook is a good fighter and is going to bring his best, but I think Errol, in the end, is the better fighter. But he will have to prove it.

 

“The welterweight division is one of the best in boxing right now.  We’ve got a lot of good fighters in their prime making the division strong.  And guys are willing to fight each other.  We are seeing the kind of fights the fans want to see.  If this keeps up it could bring boxing back to where it was in the days when Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler all fought each other.  So it’s really good for boxing right now.”

 

**Timothy Bradley dethroned another Sheffield native, Junior Witter, in 2008 in Nottingham.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ERROL SPENCE JR. REVEALS MOTIVATION AND EXPECTATIONS FOR MAY 27 FIGHT IN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH MARK KRIEGEL

Leave a comment

The Reveal with Mark Kriegel: Errol Spence Jr.:http://s.sho.com/2pRC3wr

 

Video/Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

Undefeated welterweight Errol Spence Jr. sat down with SHOWTIME Sports®reporter Mark Kriegel prior to his highly anticipated world championship match against Kell Brook Saturday, May 27 live on SHOWTIME® (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) from Bramall Lane in Sheffield.  The interview is the latest in a reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel, featuring exclusive and in-depth interviews with boxing greats.

The IBF’s No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger at 147 pounds, Spence opens up about his first knockout, injuring past sparring partners Adrien Broner and Charles Hatley, giving Floyd Mayweather a black eye and much more.

 

Below are bites from the interview:

 

KRIEGEL: That feeling when you knock someone out; it’s addictive is it not?

 

SPENCE JR.: “Who doesn’t love knockouts? That’s the ultimate way to win in boxing, by knockout.”

 

KRIEGEL: You’ve been the most talked-about talent in boxing for a good while. Why is that?

 

SPENCE JR:  “I think it’s the way I fight, knocking people out and in the ring I’m passive-aggressive… I don’t come at people reckless, I take my time, I break my opponent down. I am the sweet science.”

 

KRIEGEL: Do you think this is the fight that announces Errol Spence?

 

SPENCE JR.: “I think so… I’m willing to prove to everybody that I am that guy”

 

 

# # #

boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Premier Boxing Champions Rolls Into May With An Exciting Slate Of Shows

Leave a comment
 
Featherweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz
Puts On Promoter’s Hat For FS1 & FOX Deportes
Toe-to-Toe Tuesday Show On May 2
 
Unbeaten Rising Star David Benavidez Tests
His Mettle Against Porky Medina In 168-Pound
World Title Eliminator On FS1 & FOX Deportes
On Saturday, May 20
 
Undefeated Welterweight Star Errol Spence
Challenges Kell Brook For 147-pound Championship
In Sheffield, England in Premier Boxing Champions Action
On SHOWTIME, May 27
LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2017) – The Premier Boxing Champions series will follow a very busy April with an extremely exciting month of May. The slate of shows will run the weight spectrum from featherweight to super middleweight.
“The Premier Boxing Champions series schedule for May has a slate of shows where several boxers get an opportunity to step up to world title matches,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Sports. “With so much on the line those kinds of challenges typically lead to action-packed, fan-friendly matches.”
Kicking off the month is a thrilling 10-round lightweight clash between Ivan Redkach (20-2-1, 16 KOs) and former world champion Argenis Mendez (23-5-1, 12 KOs) on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California on May 2. Televised coverage begins at9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The show will be staged by featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz’s Last Round Promotions, and will include an 8-round junior featherweight match between Brandon Figueroa and Luis Saavedra and a 6-round bantamweight match between Antonio Santa Cruz and Arturo Torres. The show will be a family affair as Brandon Figueroa is the younger brother of Omar Figueroa and Antonio is the cousin of Leo Santa Cruz.
David Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), an ascending star, will meet former world title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (37-7, 31 KOs) in a super middleweight title elimination match from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas on May 20. Benavidez will face the toughest test of his career against Medina, a veteran who has already fought for a world title. The winner will get a shot at the 168-pound world champion.
Televised coverage will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with unbeaten 126-pound contender Jorge Lara (28-0-2, 20 KOs) taking on hard-hitting brawler Mario Briones (28-5-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight match.
Unbeaten top welterweight star Errol Spence, Jr. (21-0, 19 KOs) will travel from his home in Desoto, Texas to take on Kell Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) in his hometown at Bramall Lane Football Ground in Sheffield, England in a Premier Boxing Championship match on SHOWTIME.
In other non-PBC matches of interest to boxing fans in the month of May, Gervonta Davis (17-0, 18 KOs) will defend his 130-pound world title against No. 1 contender Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) from Copper Box Arena in London, England on SHOWTIME on May 20.
On the same night Gary Russell, Jr. (21-1, 16 KOs) will defend his 126-pound world title against Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) at MGM National Harbor outside Washington D.C. on SHOWTIME. In the co-feature Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) will meet Jose Uzcategui(26-1, 22 KOs) for the vacant 168-pound championship. Additionally,Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) faces Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) in a lightweight world title eliminator.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

KELL BROOK TO DEFEND IBF WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST UNDEFEATED ERROL SPENCE ON SATURDAY, MAY 27 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live From Bramall Lane In Sheffield, England

 

Kell Brook will defend his IBF World Welterweight title against U.S. star Errol Spence at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Saturday May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office and live on SHOWTIME in the U.S. on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

 

Brook makes the fourth defense of his beloved IBF strap he landed in the U.S. in August 2014 with a career-best win over Shawn Porter.  He then blitzed Jo Jo Dan, Frankie Gavin and Kevin Bizier before stepping up to middleweight to face fearsome Kazakh Gennady Golovkin at The O2 in September.  Now, the Sheffield star welcomes another unbeaten superstar into the ring.

 

Undefeated Spence became the mandatory challenger for Brook’s belt when he blasted Leonard Bundu inside six rounds in August, the eighth straight stoppage win for the Texas-based New Yorker who destroyed Chris Algieri inside four rounds two months earlier.

 

Brook and Spence now clash in one of the biggest fight in the 147-pound division, and the elite pairing are promising to deliver an electric night at the home of Sheffield United FC.

 

“I’m so excited about this fight and also about making history in my city,” said Brook. “It’s long been a dream of mine to fight outdoors at Bramall Lane and I’m pleased to do that in the biggest fight in the welterweight division.  I saw many people talk about how I would avoid Errol Spence – they don’t know me, they don’t know what I’m about.  All I’ve ever wanted to do is to give the fans the fights they want and they have it right here on May 27.  I’m going to show the world that I’m the best welterweight on the planet and I’m going to do it right before my people’s eyes.”

 

“I’m happy I’m finally getting an opportunity to accomplish a lifelong dream of becoming a world champion,” said Spence.  “I feel that this is one of the best and biggest fights in world boxing and I am 100 percent focused and determined to bring the belt back home to the U.S.  On May 27, I will be more than ready.”

 

“This is one of the best fights in world boxing,” said Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn.  “Many believed that Kell Brook would look to avoid Errol Spence but he is a proud man who never ducks a challenge.  Coming off the fight with GGG this is an extremely tough fight to come back to but I believe Kell Brook is the best welterweight in the world and he will have the chance to prove it on May 27.  It’s ‘The Special One’ vs ‘The Truth’, a historic event at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane – we are planning an unforgettable night.”

 

“This is great news for Kell and Sheffield United,” said Sheffield United director Scott McCabe. “We have been working with Matchroom for some time to bring this high profile fight to our Bramall Lane stadium where we have exciting plans to stage further significant events utilising the high standard facilities that have been developed by the Club in recent years.”

 

Tickets will go on sale to Matchroom Fight Pass members at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 30 via StubHub.

 

Tickets go on general sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 31 via the Sheffield United FC Box Office.

 

A further announcement on ticket prices and with relevant on sale links will be made soon.