Tag Archives: Hanna Gabriels

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CROSSROADS BATTLE OF PROSPECTS ASLAMBEK IDIGOV VS. JAMES BALLARD ADDED TO UNDERCARD OF CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. HANNA GABRIELS IBF & WBA WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.; Tickets On Sale Now

The Salita Promotions professional boxing event on Friday, June 22, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, is heating up even more with the announcement of an intriguing match-up of promising light heavyweight prospects with local ties.

 

 

 

In a fight with explosive action written all over it, Detroit’s own James “The Equalizer” Ballard (10-1, 3 KOs) will face undefeated Aslambek Idigov (12-0, 5 KOs), from Detroit via Grozny, Russia, over 10 exciting rounds.

 

 

 

Fighting mostly in his home city, the 28-year-old Ballard has become a fan favorite for his fearlessly aggressive style. Ballard says he refuses to lose on his home turf of Detroit.

 

 

 

“Expect a war,” said Ballard. “I will go out there and give the fans what they want by going toe-to-toe. I am coming for Idigov’s O. I’m not going to be out-boxed in my hometown. It’s a respect thing. It’s going to be a long night for him. We are training hard and ready to go hard every round if it takes that long. June 22 can’t get here soon enough. I’m more than ready to send Russia back home.”

 

 

 

A compact puncher with pinpoint accuracy, Idigov has fan favorite written all over his muscular frame. Since he began training in Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym, Idigov says he’s learning to fight the American way.

 

 

 

“Training at the Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit has been a great experience for me and I learn a lot and get better every day. I love their philosophy that the best win is a knockout!

James Ballard is a very good fighter. I have no problem fighting him and winning in his hometown, which is becoming my second home as well. Let’s get it on!”

 

 

 

“This is a classic, crossroads fight between two talented and hungry prospects,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “This is a ‘pick em’ type of match that will bring excitement to fans in the championship City of Detroit!”

 

 

 

The skillful pair will duel as part of the untelevised undercard of the blockbuster “It’s Our Time to Shine” event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

The main event will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) and will also feature highlights of Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer as she defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CHRISTINA HAMMER TRAINING CAMP NOTES

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WOMEN’S WBC & WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION TO MAKE U.S. DEBUT IN TOUGH DEFENSE AGAINST FORMER CHAMPION TORI NELSON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 22
Tickets on Sale For Event At Masonic Temple in Detroit Headlined By Two-Time Gold Medalist Claressa Shield’s Attempt To Become A Two-Division World Champion

Unified Women’s WBC and WBO Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer has taken to the mountains of Austria for this leg of her intense training camp.

 

 

 

Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) will make her U.S. fighting debut while defending her titles against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs) on Friday, June 22. The bout will serve as a supporting bout to two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super-middleweight champion Claressa Shields’ attempt to become a two-division world champion against unified women’s 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

 

 

Shields vs Gabriels will be contested for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships and telecast on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME. Extensive highlights of Hammer vs. Nelson will also be shown.

 

 

 

Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, has dominated the women’s middleweight division since 2010. The 27-year-old says training at elevation in the mountains of Austria is bringing the best out of her.

 

 

 

How has training camp gone so far?

 

 

 

“My camp has gone well. We train three times a day and work hard to be in the best shape possible on June 22 in Detroit.”

 

 

 

Can you tell us about your current training location?

 

 

 

“We are in Austria, staying at a place in the mountains that is about 5000-feet elevation. It’s amazing here. The nature and the mountains inspire me and give me power. It’s very comfortable to do my roadwork and go to the boxing gym because everything is situated in a comfortable way.”

 

 

 

What is a typical day like at training camp? 

 

 

 

“We’ve been in Austria for the last 10 days. At 7:30 am, we start the first interval runs. At 9 am, I have breakfast and at 11 am, we go up to the mountains to our gym (which is at 6500 feet high) to do my strength and conditioning work. Later, in the afternoon, we start our boxing work. The nature and beautiful surroundings give me peace of mind.”

 

 

 

How and why is your training camp built into different stages?

 

 

 

“The mountains are perfect to prepare for the fight. You are away from your hometown stay more focused on training. The air is thin and this high level of elevation gives your body a higher level of conditioning. On June 10, we will move on to our next stage of training, which will take place in the United States. That will be to help acclimate me to the new time and climate for fight night on June 22, which is when I will put all of this hard work together and have it pay off in a big way.”

 

 

 

Who is your head trainer?

 

 

 

“My coach is Dimitrie Kirnos. I started my professional career with him. He himself was Soviet Union Boxing Champion and trained many top champions. He is old school and pushes my mind and body to the limit. He is a big part of my team we have a great bond. I have much respect and admiration for him.”

 

 

 

Have you done anything different preparing for this fight?

 

 

 

“I spar with lots of shorter fighters, like Tori Nelson. I guarantee that it will be much more explosive and impressive than Claressa Shields was against her.”

 

 

 

American fans love knockouts. Can they expect a Christina Hammer KO on June 22?

 

 

 

“That’s why I train hard and give everything in the gym. I want to be amazing that night and a knockout would be a perfect ending.”

 

 

 

What is your prediction for June 22?

 

 

 

“I will show my power and skills. People will see who the real unified Middleweight Champion of the world is. My performance will speak for itself!”

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35. 

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The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots Sign on as a Principle Sponsor of Claressa Shields vs. Hanna Gabriels Women’s Middleweight World Championship Fight on Friday, June 22 Live on SHOWTIME®

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Salita Promotions proudly announces that Living Essentials, LLC, the makers of 5-hour ENERGY®, the energy shot for hard-working people, has signed on as a principle sponsor of the upcoming “It’s Our Time to Shine” professional boxing event on Friday, June 22, at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan.

 

 

 

Featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels, “It’s our Time to Shine” will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT). The two champions will be contesting for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

“I am delighted that the makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots are supporting the historic world championship event taking place in Detroit,” said Salita Promotions Founder, Dmitriy Salita. ‘It’s Our Time to Shine’ will be an exciting night of professional boxing from beginning to end and I am sure a shot of 5-hour ENERGY® will keep fans engaged and energetic for all the exciting action happening in the ring.”

 

 

 

Living Essentials, LLC released the following statement: “The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots are excited to support Salita Promotions, as they prepare for the return of Claressa Shields and world championship boxing to Detroit – – a city rich in boxing history and the hometown of 5-hour ENERGY®.”

 

 

 

Fast and easy to consume, 5-hour ENERGY® shots are a quick, simple and effective answer to flagging energy levels in your hard-working day.. Regular strength 5-hour ENERGY® shots contain zero sugar, four calories and caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee.

 

 

 

Shields (5-0, 2 KOs), who grew up in nearby Flint, was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The 23-year-old turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields now begins her first camp with renowned trainer John David Jackson as she attempts to become a two-division champion.

 

 

 

Two-division champion Gabriels (18-1-1, 11 KOs) is the reigning WBA and WBO World Champion. The native of Costa Rica won her first world title at welterweight in 2009 and has since fought in an astounding 11 consecutive world-title fights. The 35-year-old won her first belt in the 154-pound division in 2010 and became unified champion in 2016. In her last bout, Gabriels avenged the only loss on her record, a 2013 defeat to then-undefeated title challenger Oxandia Castillo. She looks to become a three-division world champion on June 22.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION will also feature extensive highlights of unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) as she defends her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs).

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS DETROIT MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS  

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Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champ Faces Hanna Gabriels in the Main Event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Friday, June 22 Live on SHOWTIME®

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Terrell Groggins

 

DETROIT (May 10, 2018) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super middleweight champion Claressa Shields worked out for the media and spoke to local youth Wednesday at The Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit. The boxing star is two weeks into training camp ahead of her SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION showdown Friday, June 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from the historic Masonic Temple.

 

 

 

The 23-year-old Shields, who grew up in nearby Flint, will attempt to become a two-division world champion when she faces unified women’s 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Titles.

 

 

 

Ahead of the crucial middleweight world title fight, Shields has altered her preparations significantly. She has changed her diet, switched to renowned trainer John David Jackson and has moved her camp from Michigan to Florida.

 

 

Joining Shields at the workout on Wednesday was Dmitriy Salita, Founder of Salita Promotions. Here is what Shields and Salita had to say.

 

 

Claressa Shields:

 

 

 

On fighting in Detroit…

“To fight in Detroit for a world title on SHOWTIME and to be mentioned with great Detroit fighters like Tommy Hearns and James Toney is incredible. Those guys are known worldwide.  It shows me that I have a chance to do the same thing and bring attention to women’s boxing. That’s my goal overall – to make sure women’s boxing lives for a long time”

 

 

 

On moving camp to Florida…

“You really can’t deal with unnecessary distractions getting ready for big world title fights like I have been having. You want people pushing you to be better and not have people pulling you down.

 

 

 

“I was dealing with everybody who’s around pulling me left and right and calling me at 2, 3 o’clock in the morning. All this negative stuff that goes on in Flint that 23-year-olds are being involved in is something I can’t be involved in. That initially made me do the whole move.  I have to stay focused and work hard on my goal of beating Hanna Gabriels and capturing the world title in a second division.

 

 

 

On training with John David Jackson…

“We’re on the same page and we’re always talking about the game plan for Hanna and what we’re going to do and what we have to work on. John doesn’t try to change my style, he just makes small adjustments to improve the good things that got me to this level.  I feel great about this camp so far and I look forward to putting it all together in June.”

 

 

 

On Hanna Gabriels…

“Hanna is a talented world champion. I have a lot of respect for her skills and accomplishments. It takes great, competitive matches to bring women’s boxing to an elite level and that’s what I want to do.  I always said that I want to fight the best. On June 22, I look forward to putting on a special performance for the fans watching the fight on SHOWTIME and those at the Masonic Temple.  It’s going to be a special night and I can’t wait to capture my second division world title close to home in front of my hometown fans live on SHOWTIME.”

 

 

 

On being an inspiration for kids…

“Kids need to know that everything is possible. I decided to be an Olympic gold medalist at the age of 11. I did it when I was 17. How do you stay focused on one goal all that time? Take one step towards it every day, sometimes small and sometimes bigger. But, the important thing is to keep focused on your goal.  If you persevere and work hard enough, truly everything is possible”

 

 

 

Dmitriy Salita, Founder of Salita Promotions

“We had a tremendous media turnout at today’s media workout at Detroit Downtown Boxing Club.  It’s very special to see such support for Claressa, who’s story and success transcends boxing and is very much in line with the comeback story of Flint and Detroit – “America’s Greatest Comeback City”.

 

 

 

“It’s very meaningful for kids in Detroit gyms like the Downtown Boxing Club to see someone that came from a similar background and neighborhood that they did and accomplish all the amazing things that Claressa is doing. Claressa makes them see and believe that through hard work, belief and focus everything is possible. Boxing is a tool that she has mastered with which to deliver this very important message.

 

 

 

“June 22 is going to be one of the biggest fights of the year and one of the most meaningful and memorable moments in sports and women’s boxing.”

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TOP SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT FRANCHON CREWS-DEZURN RETURNS ON FRIDAY, JUNE 22, IN DETROIT, ON THE UNDERCARD OF CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. HANNA GABRIELS IBF & WBA WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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With her long-time rival, Claressa Shields, moving down to middleweight, Baltimore’s Franchon “The Heavy-Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn will finally be getting her own deserved chance to shine.

 

 

 

One of the best female fighters in the world not currently holding a world title, Crews-Dezurn (3-1, 1 KO) will return to the ring for a six-round fight on the non-televised undercard of the blockbuster “It’s Our Time to Shine” event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

The main event will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) and will also feature highlights of Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer as she defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

 

 

 

Not long ago, Crews-Dezurn, an eight-time national amateur champion and two-time medalist at the World Amateur Championships, looked to be the face of American women’s boxing before Shields, a younger boxing prodigy, stole much of her thunder and her spot on the inaugural women’s Olympic boxing team.

 

 

 

The pair faced each other again in their simultaneous pro debuts in late 2016, with Shields winning a decision.

 

 

 

Since then, Crews has signed with Shields’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions, and won three straight fights in impressive fashion.

 

 

 

“Training is going good,” said Crews-Dezurn. “I’ve been helping my husband Glenn get ready for his next fight, so I’m already in great shape. I’m very happy to be getting back in the ring.”

 

 

 

An entrepreneur, singer, and business student in addition to boxing, the charismatic Crews-Dezurn is as marketable as any fighter could be, but has been forced to live in the sizable shadow cast by the success of Shields.

 

 

 

However, now that Shields is off chasing a showdown with German counterpart Christina Hammer at middleweight, the super middleweight division has an opening for a new world champion.

 

 

 

“I’d like to be fighting for a title within the next year,” continued Crews-Dezurn. “I know in my heart I’m right there with the best super middleweights in the world. I just need to keep working hard and let things happen like they should.”

 

 

 

Promoter Salita, a champion of women’s boxing and one of the main forces behind its resurgence, says Crews-Dezurn’s day is coming soon.

 

 

 

“Franchon will be world champion in the not-too-distant future,” he said. “She has all the skills and she works very hard to reach her goals. She deserves all the success she will have. I’m happy to be promoting her career. She’s a very special fighter and person.”

 

 

 

Crews-Dezurn’s opponent is currently TBA. “It’s Our Time to Shine” is presented by Salita Promotions.

 

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DETROIT’S UNDEFEATED JA’RICO O’QUINN TO FIGHT FIRST EIGHT-ROUND BOUT IN UNDERCARD ACTION OF CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. HANNA GABRIELS IBF & WBA WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT ON FRIDAY, JUNE 22, IN DETROIT

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Popular, undefeated Detroit bantamweight Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn will continue his climb up the professional boxing ladder in his first eight-round fight, on Friday, June 22, at Detroit’s Masonic Temple.

 

 

 

O’Quinn (8-0-1, 5 KOs) will make his next ring appearance (against an opponent TBA as of now) on the non-televised undercard of the blockbuster “It’s Our Time to Shine” event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

The main event will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) and will also feature highlights of Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer as she defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

 

 

 

The 23-year-old O’Quinn says he’s eager to get in the ring at this historic event.

 

 

 

“I’m excited because this will be my first eight-rounder. I feel good that I’m getting closer to 10- and 12-round fights and a world title shot. I know it will happen, but I have to work my way up to the big fights and get noticed more first. Training is going well. I was already working out before I found out I was fighting. I was already in good shape, so now we’re stepping it up and getting in serious shape.”

 

 

 

O’Quinn, from the West Side of Detroit in the Plymouth And Greenfield area, enjoys intense popularity among Motown boxing fans, which gives him extra motivation to impress.

 

 

 

“It’s a great feeling hearing my name being chanted by hundreds of people when I come out. It’s what I love and I appreciate that my fans stand behind what I’m doing. I have a great team behind me and great fans.”

 

 

 

A decorated former amateur boxer, O’Quinn won the USA National Championship at bantamweight and the 2013 USA Boxing Youth National Championships. He says it’s that amateur pedigree that gives him his high “boxing IQ” in the ring and makes him so adaptable to any style.

 

 

 

“I have such great management and promoters, I know whoever I fight will be the best for my career, so it doesn’t really matter. Everybody knows I’m always in shape an I’ll be in even greater shape this time. It’s a big show, so I’m doing more of everything to get ready.”

 

 

 

“Ja’Rico O’Quinn is one of the best Bantamweight prospects in the country,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “His speed, skills and exciting style make his fights very entertaining. His fan base grows with each fight and I believe that Ja’Rico has the skills to join the list of fighters that brought glory to the great boxing city of Detroit.”

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CLARESSA SHIELDS TO FIGHT FOR WORLD TITLE IN SECOND WEIGHT DIVISION AS SHE FACES HANNA GABRIELS FOR IBF & WBA WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FRIDAY, JUNE 22 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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World’s No. 1 Fighter At 168 Pounds Takes On No. 1 Fighter At 154 Pounds In Main Event Middleweight Bout

 

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT

From Masonic Temple In Detroit, Mich.; Tickets On Sale Now

 

 

 

NEW YORK (April 24, 2018) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super middleweight Champion Claressa Shields will attempt to become a two-division world champion on Friday, June 22 live on SHOWTIME when she faces unified women’s 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features the No. 1 fighter at 168 pounds facing the No. 1 fighter at 154 pounds as they both attempt to become champions for the first time in the middleweight division.

 

 

 

Shields (5-0, 2 KOs), who grew up in nearby Flint, was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The 23-year-old turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields now begins her first camp with renowned trainer John David Jackson as she attempts to become a two-division champion.

 

 

 

“I can’t wait to get into the ring on June 22,” said Shields. “I love the fight against Hanna Gabriels – champion versus champion, exactly the kind of fight that I want every time to take women’s boxing to new heights. I’ve said one of my goals is to win world championships in three weight divisions. I’m proud to be super middleweight champion, and on June 22 I will add the middleweight championship to my accomplishments. I’m excited to be working with John David Jackson for the next step in my career as I look to conquer another division.”

 

 

 

Two-division champion Gabriels (18-1-1, 11 KOs) is the reigning WBA and WBO World Champion. The native of Costa Rica won her first world title at welterweight in 2009 and has since fought in an astounding 11 consecutive world title fights. The 35-year-old won her first belt in the 154-pound division in 2010 and became unified champion in 2016. In her last bout, Gabriels avenged the only loss on her record, a 2013 defeat to then-undefeated title challenger Oxandia Castillo.  She looks to become a three-division world champion on June 22. 

 

 

 

“I’m really excited and grateful to have the opportunity to showcase my skills against Claressa Shields on SHOWTIME,” said Gabriels.  “This will be a great battle of two world champions, a great night for my country, and a great fight for women’s boxing.  I only know one thing – the woman in front of me will lose.  I take nothing away from Claressa’s accomplishments, but on June 22 she is facing a three-time world champion and I will take the ‘0’ in her record and prove I am the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”

 

 

 

“This main event is yet another example of SHOWTIME Boxing’s commitment to delivering the best fighters in the best matchups,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION. “We have two unified champions, the top fighters in their respective divisions, facing off for a championship in a new weight class.  Will Claressa Shields be as dominant as a middleweight?  Can Hanna Gabriels shock the world and hand Claressa her first loss since she was an amateur in 2012?  We’ll find out on June 22.” 

 

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) will also feature extensive highlights of unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) as she defends her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs). 

 

 

 

If both Shields and Hammer are victorious in their 160-pound bouts on June 22, they will meet in a fall blockbuster on SHOWTIME to determine the undisputed women’s middleweight world champion. 

 

 

 

“I’m glad Christina Hammer will be fighting that night as well. After I beat champion Hanna Gabriels, I want to unify all the middleweight belts against Hammer,” Shields said. “I’ve never been so motivated. This will be a great year for women’s boxing. It’s our time!” 

 

 

 

Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, has dominated the women’s middleweight division for nearly eight years, having won the WBO title at 160 pounds in 2010.  The 27-year-old became unified champion in 2016 with a unanimous decision over WBC titlist Kali Reis and has made two defenses as unified champion. Hammer won the WBO title in 2010 in her eighth professional fight and has dominated the middleweight division since, losing just a handful of rounds in her reign as champion at 160 pounds. Hammer, who also models professionally and was recently featured at Fashion Week in New York City, has campaigned mostly in Germany since turning professional in 2009.  

 

 

 

“I have been training intensively for months for my first fight in the U.S.,” Hammer said. “I can’t wait to show my skills, desire and hunger to America and prove that I am THE middleweight champion of the world. While I have great respect for Tori Nelson, I promise I will defeat her in spectacular fashion on June 22 and send a message to Claressa Shields. It’s my time to shine!”

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100.  VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35. 

 

 

 

“Women’s boxing will shine brightly on June 22 in Detroit as the best fight the best,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita.  “Claressa Shields, in just her sixth fight as a professional, is once again showing her willingness to take on all challenges when she competes for a second world title against one of the best female fighters in the sport. Hanna Gabriels is a long-reigning world champion and a national hero in Costa Rica. This fight and this card, which features four women’s world champions battling each other, is the definition of world-class boxing. June 22 will be their time to shine, live on SHOWTIME in Detroit.”