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boxing

Dan Pasciolla looking to defend and win New Jersey State Heavyweight title this Friday against Quian Davis

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Atlantic City, NJ (May 31, 2018) – Heavyweight Dan Pasciolla (9-3-3) won the New Jersey State Heavyweight title when he won a six-round unanimous decision over former world champion Imamu Mayfield on March 19, 2016.

 

 

 

The 32 year-old native of Brick, New Jersey signed on to fight Quian Davis (4-0-2, 2 KOs) this Friday night at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, and was informed that the fight would be for the vacant title.

 

 

 

That was news to Pasciolla and his manager Rich Masini, as the pair believed that Pasciolla was still the champion.

 

 

 

“I have been waiting for a fight.  I was in camp in Poland, and I am in better shape.  My goal is to get in the ring, and show a different Dan Pasciolla,” said the 5-year veteran.

 

 

 

When asked about Davis, Pasciolla is ready for his undefeated opponent.

 

 

 

“I know he did not have much of an amateur career.  He is just another guy that I will be getting into the ring with.  Experience plays a factor, and I bring much more than thaton Friday.  I have been working hard, and things are coming together,”

 

 

 

Pasciolla is not letting the fact the he is already fighting for a belt that he already owns get in the way of his preparation.

 

 

 

“I am not sure why there is a new title since I already am the champion, but I will walk out with 2 belts on Friday.  It is very important because it represents my state, so it is a big deal to me.  I do not do a lot of talking. I will do my talking between the ropes.”

 

 

 

“This is a funny and crazy business at times,” said Pasciolla’s manager , Rich Masini.  “Dan beat Mayfield for the state title,  It is even recognized on Boxrec.com, but somehow, I guess that doesn’t count anymore, but Dan will enter the ring with that belt, and apparently now we are fighting for the same title but a different belt.  That aside, Dan will be fighting a tough opponent.  Dan is used to being the underdog, but he relishes that role.  Dan has worked very hard, and he has transformed his body and is in great shape.”

 

 

 

“I am sure Davis has trained hard.  I just think it is very ironic that the same man is fighting for another belt of the same title that he already owns.  I have been in boxing for 30 years, so nothing ever surprises me. I am glad that Rising Star Promotions is giving us another opportunity.  The reason that I manage fighters is that there are good men out there, and Dan is a great man, who will be ready for his opponent on Friday night.”

boxing, Ringstar Sports, UK Boxing

HAYEMAKER/RINGSTAR HEAVYWEIGHT JOE JOYCE MAKES HISTORY BY WINNING COMMONWEALTH TITLE IN ONLY HIS FOURTH PROFESSIONAL FIGHT

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LOS ANGELES, (May 15, 2018) — On May 5th in London, England, boxing history was made when 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce became the first fighter to win the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship in just his fourth professional fight.

 

 

 

On the undercard of Bellew-Haye at the O2, Joyce, 32 dropped champion Lenroy Thomas three times before finally stopping him in the second round. It was an impressive display of power, poise and accuracy and one that has already placed the Haymaker/Ringstar boxer squarely in the center of all conversations regarding the stacked Heavyweight division.

 

 

 

Joyce is eagerly anticipating his next challenge; be it the newly crowned British Champion Hugie Fury or a possible showdown Derrick Chisora or the American Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller.

 

 

 

“May 5th was the passing of the torch,” noted promoter David Haye, “Joe delivered in impressive fashion while capturing the Commonwealth Title.  This is just the beginning of his amazing journey towards becoming the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world and I’m proud to be part of that quest ”

 

 

 

“The heavyweights are the glamor division of our sport and to be able to capture this title is just he beginning,” said Joyce. “No challenge is too big for me and along with the team I have behind me, I am more than confident that we have just scratched the surface. I made room in my trophy cabinet for this title but there is a lot more space that needs to be filled. I want to thank my friends, family, fans and my team for supporting me.  To them I promise — I won’t let you down!”

 

 

 

Co-promoter Richard Schaefer said, “Joe Joyce is the real deal! For his Cinco De Mayo event, he dedicated this fight to the legendary Rafael Garcia and truly fought “Mexican Style”.  Arriving in a sombrero and Mexican gear, he knocked out his opponent with the legendary liver shots made famous by Julio Cesar Chaves Sr. Yes he fought for the Commonwealth Title but he also fought for Mexico. The UK and Mexico have a new champion. His name is Joe “Jose” Joyce. From now on, Cinco de Mayo will be known as Cinco de Joe!

 

 

 

On the same night Hayemaker Ringstar fighters, Kody Davies and Money Powell IV also demonstrated their future intent!   Davies, landed a devastating body shot to his opponent in the first round to secure the win.  The much avoided super middleweight has certainly got the boxing fraternity talking, having sparred with the likes of Joshua, Groves and Sexton.   Davies also beat the recently crowned British Heavyweight Champion Hughie Fury as an amateur.  Mentored by former two weight world champion Joe Calzaghe, he will next fight on the Hayemaker Ringstar show in June.

 

 

 

Money Powell IV, the youngest of the Hayemaker Ringstar stable, super welterweight continued his winning record in London with a TKO in the 4thround against seasoned professional Mark Krammerstodter.

boxing, UK Boxing

REPEAT!!! BELLEW STOPS HAYE AGAIN

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AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment yet again shows instant classic

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 5, 2018 –Tony Bellew scored his 2nd knockout over David Haye in the last 14 months as the former star of “Creed” scored a 5th round stoppage in a battle of former world champions at the O2 Arena in London.

 

 

 

The Epic rematch was shown live and exclusively in the United State on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment and www.klowdtv.com

 

 

 

Haye came out Early and landed a couple of right hands.  After that it was all Bellew in a big way, as in round three, Bellew scored two monstrous knockdowns.  The first one came from a huge counter right hand.  Moments later, it was a smashing left hook to the jaw that sent “The Hayemaker” to the canvas.

 

 

 

Bellew continued to dominate, and in round five, Bellew landed another head turning left hook that sent Haye to the deck for a third time.  Bellew ended the fight by landed two hard punches on the ropes, and the bout was stopped at 2:14.

 

 

 

Bellew of Liverpool is now 30-2-1 with 20 knockouts.  Haye of London is 28-4.

 

 

 

John Ryder stopped Jamie Cox in round two of their scheduled twelve-round super middleweight bout.

 

 

 

Ryder landed a right to head that Cox went down after a delayed reaction.  Cox got up just as referee Ian-John Lewis reached the count of 10 and the bout was called at 50 seconds in round 2.

 

 

 

Ryder of Islington is now 26-4 with 14 knockouts.  Cox of Swindon is 25-2.

 

 

 

Emmanuel Rodriguez won the IBF Bantamweight title with a 12 round domination of Paul Butler.

 

 

 

In round one, Rodriguez landed a perfect left hook that deposited Butler on the canvas.  Seconds later it was a flurry of shots to the head that put Butler down again.  In round three, Butler began to bleed from the nose.

 

 

 

Rodriguez coasted home by boxing and moving for which Butler had no answer for the skilled Rodriguez.

 

 

 

Butler was ineligible to win the vacant title as he checked in 3 1/2 pounds over the 118 pound limit.

 

 

 

Rodriguez of Puerto Rico won by scores of 120-106 twice and 118-108, and is now 18-0.  Butler Ellesmere Port is 26-2.

 

 

 

2016 Olympic Silver Medal Winner, Joe Joyce stopped Lenroy Thomas in round 2 of their scheduled 12-round heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

At the end of round one, Joyce landed a left to the body that sent Thomas down at the bell.  In round two, Joyce landed two crushing rights rights that sent Thomas down.  Joyce ended things with a flush left hook to chin that sent Thomas slowly to his knees.  Thomas did not beat the 10 count, and the bout was stopped at 2:36.

 

 

 

Joyce of Putney is 4-0 with 4 knockouts.  Thomas of Jamaica is 22-5-1.

 

 

 

Joshua Buatsi remained perfect by stopping Stephane Cuevas in round five of a scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

Buatsi dominated the fight and then landed a huge combination that hurt Cuevas at 50 seconds of round five.

 

 

 

Buatsi, 178.4 lbs of Croydon is now 6-0 with 4 knockouts.  Cuevas, 175 lbs of Toulouse, France is 8-2-3.

 

 

 

James Tennyson survived a 2nd round knockdown, and came back to defeat previously undefeated Martin J Ward via 5th round stoppage in a terrific action-packed super featherweight bout.

 

 

 

In round two, Ward dropped Tennyson with a crunching left hook to the body.  In round three, Tennyson started to bleed from his nose.

 

 

 

The tide turned in round four when Tennyson began to hurt Ward, and round five, Tennyson landed a big 3 punch combination that sent Ward to the canvas.  Moments later, Tennyson landed a flush uppercut that sent Ward Sprawling to the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 2:24.

 

 

 

Tennyson of Dublin is now 22-2 with 18 knockouts.  Ward of Brentwood is now 19-1-2.

 

 

 

 

The fight card will also be streamed live via KlowdTV on the AWE channel. Visitwww.klowdtv.com for additional information.

boxing

BELLEW – HAYE FINAL LONDON PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO

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AWE to Air Live Bellew v. Haye II, THIS SATURDAYSaturday, May 5th
Start Time: 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 3, 2018 -Below is the final and explosive press conference video for the much anticipated rematch between former world champions, Tony Bellew and David Haye that will take place at The O2 in London THIS SATURDAY, May 5, live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.
The American broadcast will begin at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
Explosive Head to Head
Explosive Head to Head
Full Press Conference
Full Press Conference


(Videos / Matchroom Boxing)

The fight card will also be streamed live via KlowdTV on the AWE channel. Visit www.klowdtv.com for additional information.
boxing

Undefeated Puerto Rican Bantamweight Manny Rodriguez Ready for Former World Champion Paul Butler This Saturday at 02 Arena

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Bantamweight contender Emmanuel “Manny” Rodriguez and his team have landed safely and ready to face former world champion Paul “Baby Faced Assassin” Butler for the vacant IBF World Championship, this Saturday, May 5, at the O2 Arena in London.

 

 

 

 

Presented by Matchroom Boxing, Rodriguez (17-0, 12 KOs), of Puerto Rico, and Butler (26-1, 14 KOs), 29, of England, will meet in a 12-round supporting bout to the all-British rematch between former World Heavyweight Champions Tony Bellew (29-2-1, 19 KOs) and David Haye (28-3, 26 KOs).

 

 

 

 

Rodriguez almost had his very promising boxing career derailed for a time by an unfortunate car accident in which he burned 66% of his body. After a long rehab, he returned, and went on a, thus far, 17-fight tear through the professional ranks.

 

 

 

The 25-year-old was the mandatory contender to face former champion Ryan Burnett, who chose to relinquish his belts. This allowed for Butler to slide into the fight for the unclaimed belt.

 

 

 

29-year-old Butler previously held the IBF belt, but before defending it, elected to drop down in weight to face then-champion Zolani Tete… and was stopped in the eighth round. He has won nine fights since.

 

 

 

“It has been a long road to this fight, but I am ready to win my first world championship,” said Rodriguez. “Paul Butler is a good fighter, but nothing can stop me. I have worked too hard to get here. It doesn’t matter that we’re in his backyard. I’ve done everything right getting ready for this and I look forward to bringing the belt back to my beloved country of Puerto Rico.”

 

 

 

Rodriguez’ co-promoter, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, says a star will be born Saturday night.

 

 

 

“Manny has always been a superstar in the making. I am happy he is finally getting the chance to shine in front of a large audience, worldwide. I have no doubt he will win impressively and set himself up for several big showdowns in the near future.”

 

 

 

 

 
boxing

GCP Signs Romanian Contenders, Undefeated Heavyweight Bogdan Dinu and All-Action Featherweight Viorel Simion, to Promotional Contracts

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Florea, Dinu and Cohen

 

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of a pair of Romanian contenders, world-rated heavyweight Bogdan Dinu and world-class featherweight Viorel Simion, to promotional contracts.

 

 

 

 

Undefeated WBA #14-rated Dinu (18-0, 14 KOs) is a powerful boxer/puncher with enormous potential. Standing six-foot five and weighing in at 250 lbs, Dinu has the size and strong amateur pedigree to compete with any big man in the world.

 

 

 

 

The only career losses for all-action featherweight Simion (21-2, 9 KOs) came against world champions Scott Quigg and Lee Selby in their backyards and both fights could have gone either way. A world-class talent with a “made for TV” style, Simion never stops throwing punches.

 

 

 

 

The goal, says Greg Cohen, is to relocate both to Las Vegas and begin the next phase of their career journeys by training under the tutelage of highly respected former world champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.

 

 

 

 

“Bodgan Dinu is the real deal and is ready to take on the top talent in the world. He has the size, power and boxing skill to win the heavyweight title now,” said Cohen. “And Simion just needs the promotional backing to become champion. Both fighters are very welcome additions to my promotional stable.”

 

 

 

 

The signing of both fighters comes as a result of a chance meeting with Romanian business magnate, and both fighters’ manager, Sorin Florea.

 

 

 

 

“Sorin and I met in Bucharest two months ago,” continued Cohen, “and we instantly hit it off. He is the most committed, knowledgeable, and passionate manager in the sport. We both agree that in order for Bogdan and Viorel to realize their maximum potential/exposure, they need to relocate to the US. I am happy to make that happen for them.”
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA OUTPOINTS JOSEPH PARKER IN HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® BEFORE CAPACITY CROWD IN CARDIFF, WALES

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Joshua Goes The Distance For First Time In His Career And Now Owns IBF, WBA & WBO Heavyweight World Championships

                                                       

Encore Presentation In Primetime Tonight At 10:35 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME

 

016_Anthony_Joshua.jpg

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (March 31, 2018) – Undefeated and Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua went the distance for the first time in his career, outpointing previously undefeated champion Joseph Parker in a heavyweight unification bout Saturday on SHOWTIME in Cardiff, Wales.

 

IBF and WBA Heavyweight World Champion Joshua (21-0, 20 KOs) added Parker’s WBO title to his mantle with a 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109 unanimous decision before a boxing indoor attendance record of more than 78,000 fans at Principality Stadium. 

 

While Joshua was the aggressor throughout, Parker established his jab in the early rounds in an attempt to negate Joshua’s six-inch reach advantage.  And while Parker had his moments, Joshua was more active and landed the more meaningful punches and appeared to stagger the New Zealander on a handful of occasions. 

 

In the championship rounds, it seemed the 28-year-old Joshua was going for the KO against Parker, who displayed a solid chin in becoming the only fighter to push Joshua the distance. 

 

“I am not going to judge my performance,” Joshua said.  “That’s for my coach to do.  My strategy was to get behind the jab and we did that.  The good jab will take you around the world. 

 

“Through rounds 10, 11, 12, I was focused.  I went the 12 rounds and I fought him hard, but it was light work.  This is boxing.  This is what we do.  Joseph Parker is a world champion.  I knew he was going to be determined.  Sometimes this is how it goes.  It becomes a tactical boxing fight.  This was going to be about finesse, and I controlled behind the jab and used finesse. 

 

“We cannot forget – I am now the unified heavyweight champion of the world.”

 

After the fight, Joshua was asked by Sky Sports reporter Andy Scott if he’d like to face fellow-undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder for the chance to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. 

 

“One hundred percent, 100 percent,” Joshua answered.  “You’re asking me, do I want to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world?  The WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO.  Twenty one fights, six world championship fights.  I am not into the hype.  I am about the business.  So, let’s talk business.  Eddie Hearn can talk with Al Haymon and (Shelly Finkel). 

 

“Just like Dillion (Whyte) said, ‘WILDER, LET’S GO, BABY.’  Let’s go.  On this side of the pond, we are serious.  Great Britain, the United Kingdom, we are representing.  We have all the fighters, champions from heavyweight all the way down to the lower weight classes.  We are about the business.” 

 

Joshua didn’t seem disappointed he was unable to score a KO yet still admitted he wasn’t satisfied with the first distance fight of his career.

 

“Definitely, we are not satisfied.  One step at a time,” Joshua said.  “We are not our best yet but we are at the pinnacle of boxing.  I always go in the deep end, always challenge myself.  I am ready for more challenges.  We will see what’s next.”

 

When pressed who he’d like to fight next, Joshua said, “Wilder.  Wilder or Fury,” referencing fellow Brit and former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who has been inactive since 2015 due to a variety of issues. 

 

“Get him (Wilder) in the ring, and I’ll knock him spark out,” Joshua promised.   

 

The 26-year-old Parker (24-1, 18 KOs) didn’t dispute the decision in what was the first unification fight between undefeated heavyweight champions since 1987. 

 

“Today, I got beat by the better man.  The bigger man,” Parker said.  “My plan is to go home, work hard and come back again.

 

“I would work harder.  Make more punches.  I would love another go.  We could have worked inside more but whatever happened, happened. You can’t go back and change that. 

 

“I am young, strong, fit and ready to come back and challenge again.  We’ll be back again stronger.”

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay tonight at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.  Following tonight’s encore presentation, Joshua vs. Parker will air Sunday morning at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

# # #

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA SCALES 242 ¼ POUNDS, JOSEPH PARKER 236 ½ FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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“I’m willing to take risks and take him out early.” – IBF & WBA Champion Anthony Joshua

 

 

 

“I’m here for a war.  You’re going to have to give everything to beat me.” – WBO Champion Joseph Parker

 

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT From Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales

 

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

CARDIFF, WALES (March 30, 2018) – IBF and WBA Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua weighed-in at 242 ¼ pounds and WBO Champion Joseph Parker measured 236 ½ pounds Friday before a capacity crowd at Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff for their Heavyweight World Championship tomorrow live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from ringside at Principality Stadium where nearly 80,000 fans will match boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record, initially set in 2017 in Joshua’s title defense against Carlos Takam at the same venue.

 

 

 

Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) scaled his lightest in 10 fights, and more than 10 pounds lighter than his October 2017 defense of the IBF and WBA titles, while Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) measured 10 pounds lighter than all three of his world championship bouts.

 

 

 

“Carrying around a bit of extra weight makes things difficult,” Joshua said.  “I’ve been running well, training well.  There’s been tough times in camp, but losing that little bit of extra weight has made things that little bit easier.

 

 

 

“It’s a perfect weight for the fighter I’m about to face tomorrow because he’s nimble and he’s quick.  I’ve got boxing skill and I can control him, but I think the lighter I am the more I’ll be able to match him for speed.”

 

 

 

Parker, who will make his third defense as champion, took note of Joshua’s lighter weight.

 

 

 

“(Joshua’s weight) makes me think that he’s taking the fight very seriously,” Parker said.  “There’s not much of a weight difference, which is good.  I think we’re both going to be fast tomorrow night.  We’re both going to move well and throw some big bombs.

 

 

 

“I saw confidence in Joshua.  He’s a good champion.  I saw confidence so I’m expecting a really good fight.”

 

 

 

American Steve Weisfeld, New Zealand’s Ian Scott and Britain’s Steve Gray have been assigned as the three judges scoring from ringside.  The third man in the ring will be Italy’s Giuseppe Quartarone.

 

 

 

“I’m not worried about a decision,” Parker said.  “We’ve done everything we can in training to prepare.  The biggest thing for me is the challenge of fighting someone like Joshua.  If it goes into a dark place, how long will I stay there for?  How fast can I come back?

 

 

 

“I’m here for a good fight.  I’m here for a war.  You’re going to have to give everything to beat me.”

 

 

 

The massive global event will be watched in more than 215 territories throughout the world, a distribution figure that is on par with some of the biggest boxing events in history.

 

 

 

“You have to remember that even though I’m heavyweight champion of the world, there’s another belt I’m fighting for.  In my mind, I’m a challenger,” Joshua said.  “Scrap my belts.  I’m challenging for the WBO heavyweight championship of the world.  That’s what I’m going for and that’s what my mindset is.  I’m hungry.  I’m determined.  I’m willing to go the distance or I’m willing to take risks and take him out early.  I just want to secure that win one way or another.”

 

 

 

This will be just the 11th unification in heavyweight history.  Previous winners of unifications include Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko.  The last fighter to win a unification between undefeated champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.

 

 

 

“These wins are creating history,” Joshua said.  “This type of fight where two champions who are undefeated come together is history.  The last person to win was Mike Tyson thirty years ago.  If I do win, I haven’t spoken about it much, but providing I do get this win we’re going to set history in late 2018.  I’ll become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

VIDEO: SHOWTIME SPORTS® PREVIEWS SATURDAY’S ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. JOSEPH PARKER HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION

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“We have two undefeated heavyweight champions.  How big of a night is this?  It’s massive.” – IBF & WBA Champion Anthony Joshua

 

“They underestimate me as a fighter.  I just feel it’s my time.” – WBO Champion Joseph Parker

 

Watch, Share & Embed Via SHO Sports YouTube: https://youtu.be/ioZTYk-ezNE

 

013_Anthony_Joshua_and_Joseph_Parker.jpg

Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

WHAT: Hear from undefeated heavyweight world champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker in this SHOWTIME Sports video preview in advance of Saturday’s Heavyweight World Championship Unification live on SHOWTIME. VIDEO:https://youtu.be/ioZTYk-ezNE

 

IBF and WBA Champion Joshua and WBO Champion Parker will square off in the 11th unification in heavyweight history on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.  The blockbuster in Cardiff, Wales is expected to tie the all-time indoor attendance record in boxing with nearly 80,000 fans packing Principality Stadium on Saturday. 

 

“I’m not worried about no one,” said Joshua, who owns a perfect 20-0 record with 20 knockouts.  “I’m facing all challengers.  Undefeated champions, I’m beating champions, I’m beating legends.”

 

Countered Parker: “I’ve wanted this fight for a long time.  They underestimate me as a fighter.  I just feel it’s my time.”

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS ANTHONY JOSHUA & JOSEPH PARKER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS IN ADVANCE OF SATURDAY’S UNIFICATON SHOWDOWN ON SHOWTIME®

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Joshua & Parker Make First Appearance In Cardiff, Wales, Where Nearly 80,000 Fans Will Witness Heavyweight History At Principality Stadium

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® | 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

 

CARDIFF, WALES (March 28, 2018) – Undefeated Heavyweight World Champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker made their first appearance in Cardiff on Wednesday, working out before a packed house of enthusiastic fans at St. David’s Hall just three days before their Heavyweight World Championship Unification this Saturday live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

The near-capacity crowd at the National Concert Hall of Wales is a prelude to the record-tying audience expected at Principality Stadiumon Saturday where nearly 80,000 fans will match boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record, initially set in 2017 in Joshua’s title defense against Carlos Takam at the same venue.

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from ringside in Cardiff as IBF and WBA Champion Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) and WBO Champion Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) meet in just the second unification between undefeated heavyweight champions in history.

 

 

The 6-foot-6 Joshua will make his fifth defense as champion against the 6-foot-4 Parker, who defends his title for the third time.  Joshua owns a 100 percent knockout ratio while Parker has never been knocked down as an amateur or professional.

 

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

 

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

 

“This is bigger than last time. Boxing is bigger than ever right now. This is the golden era and I’m happy to be a part of it.

 

 

“It’s good news that he wants a war. In boxing, all you need is a good chin and a right hand but I’ve been working on finesse, technique, counter punching. I hope Joseph Parker falls into my booby traps because I’m going to set him up with some power shots as well. Yeah, I’ll be up for a war. I’ll hopefully be up for some blood, sweat, and cheers from my corner.

 

 

“Physically I believe in my ability.  I’m focused and I understand it’s a boxing match and the people are expecting the pinnacle of boxing.  Hopefully they’ll be able to see me through to victory.

 

 

“You need to still keep that challenger’s mind-set. I’m still the challenger in my head, and sometimes I don’t want to be seen with the belts around me too much. Now that I’m the hunted, it’s no time to just put my feet up and relax. I’m out there defending my throne on Saturday night.

 

 

“I can’t worry about it [future bouts]. Saturday night is where it’s at. Saturday night is big enough. Saturday night is massive.”

 

 

JOSEPH PARKER:

 

“Since we’ve been here we’ve been welcomed with open arms. I expect a good crowd, a fair crowd. There are a lot of people supporting Joshua here, but we have a lot of support back home. It’s great to see all my family and friends here, and we’ve got some support here, as well.

 

 

“All Black (New Zealand rugby) style has always done well here in Wales, so I’m looking to keep that record clean.”

 

 

“I think some of the things our team has said has gotten under his skin. I’m not unhappy. He looks a little unhappy and a little tense. I think everyone’s different in how they approach a fight. We’re quite relaxed and calm. I’m excited about this fight, but it’s a controlled excitement.

 

 

“Klitschko’s a great fighter and champion who we respect, but Klitschko is Klitschko. I’m a different story altogether. I’m young and hungry, I’m fit and strong and I got my speed back. I will show that on Saturday.

 

 

“I’ve got the speed, power, skills, technique, all of the above.

 

 

“See you soon, [Anthony Joshua]. Let’s go to war!”