Tag Archives: heavyweight

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER DEFENDS AGAINST UNDEFEATED CONTENDER LUIS ORTIZ LIVE ON SHOWTIME® SATURDAY, NOV. 4 FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN & PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

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Tickets On Sale Now!
 
BROOKLYN (Sept. 20, 2017) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will make his sixth title defense when he meets hard-hitting Cuban southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, Nov. 4 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
An exciting lineup of undercard attractions will be announced soon to support this titanic heavyweight matchup. True heavyweights in every sense of the word, the 6-foot-7, 228-pound Wilder and the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Ortiz have 60 combined knockout victories.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and I’m excited that the time has come to meet Luis Ortiz,” said Wilder. “Ortiz is considered the boogeyman of the sport and I am the hardest hitter in boxing. When you put us together in a ring, you will get one of the best heavyweight fights in a long time. I will unify the division. This I promise. This is the first step towards unifying. Any heavyweight that gets in my way is getting knocked out.”
“Wilder has been doing a lot of talking about me and this fight,” said Ortiz. “I’m tired of hearing it. I’m not that big on talking. I like to do all my talking in the ring and that’s what I plan to do. I respect him. I know he hits hard, but I hit hard too. It’s going to be a great fight. I can’t wait to get in the ring and shut him up in front of everybody at Barclays Center on SHOWTIME on November 4.”
“This fight is happening because Deontay Wilder wants to beat the best, regardless of the risk,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He will knock ‘King Kong’ off the Empire State Building for the world to see on November 4 at Barclays Center.”
“The resurgence of the heavyweight division is going to be on full display at Barclays Center and on SHOWTIME on November 4,” said Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions. “Deontay is facing his toughest challenge yet in the undefeated Cuban, giving him the opportunity to really prove himself. We are thrilled to be a part of the action and can’t wait until fight night.”
“Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz is one of the highlights of what has been an exceptional year for boxing on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “We have consistently delivered the biggest names in boxing in their most important fights. The main event on Nov. 4 features two dynamic punchers with a 92-percent knockout ratio between them.  It will be the 21st world championship fight on SHOWTIME this year and the 16th time we’ve seen undefeated fighters going head-to-head.  It is clear that no other network is more committed to delivering the most significant bouts directly to its subscribers than SHOWTIME.”
“On November 4 Barclays Center will once again host one of the year’s best fights,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Deontay has made his mark in Brooklyn, and I am thrilled to welcome him back to our ring alongside a tough competitor in Luis Ortiz, who will be fighting here for the first time.”
The 31-year-old Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs), the only reigning American heavyweight world champion, won his WBC title with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17, 2015 -the birthday of legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
Wilder, a Bronze Medal winner for the U.S. Olympic boxing team at the 2008 Beijing Games, has successfully defended the title five times. In his previous defense at Barclays Center, Wilder scored a memorable ninth-round knockout over Artur Szpilka back in Jan. 2016. In his most recent defense, Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. stopped Gerald Washington via fifth-round technical knockout before a hometown crowd at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Feb. 25.
The 38-year-old Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), of Camaguey, Cuba by way of Miami, Fla., will make his SHOWTIME and Barclays Center debut when he meets Wilder for his first title shot. The hard-hitting southpaw turned pro seven years ago after defecting from Cuba and has since been steadily climbing the heavyweight ladder. He cemented his standing in the division with victories over veteran contenders Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott and is the No. 1-ranked contender by the WBC.
If Ortiz wins, he will become the first Cuban born fighter to win a heavyweight world championship.
# # #
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Joseph Parker vs. Hughie Fury WBO Heavyweight World Championship To air Sept. 23 live on PPV in United States

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TENAFLY, N.J.(September 14, 2017) – A pair of undefeated heavyweights will face-off on Saturdayafternoon, September 23, as World Boxing Organization (WBO) Heavyweight World Champion Joseph Parker takes on WBO No. 1 contender Hughie Fury, airing on Pay Per View in the United States, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT, live from Manchester Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.
“Parker vs. Fury”, promoted by Hennessy Sports, is presented in the United States by Integrated Sports Media and Protocol Sports Marketing, Ltd., in conjunction with an internet-based YouTube PPV that is available at www.youtube.com/parkerfury..
Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Parker vs. Fury” live in the United States on cable and satellite PPV via iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
Outside of North America, “Parker vs. Fury” is being distributed to broadcasters worldwide by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.
“The Heavyweight Championship of the World is still the biggest priize in sport and it can capture the imagination of the public like no other sport,” promoter Mick Hennessy said. “In my career as a promoter, this is right up there and very personal to me, and we look forward to delivering a fantastic event for the fans.”
Parker (23-0, 18 KOs) and Fury (20-0, 10 KOs) have a combined record of a prefect 43-0 with 28 knockouts. Parker succeeded Fury’s unbeaten cousin, Tyson Fury, who vacated the WBO heavyweight title in 2016.
The 25-year-old Parker, fighting out of New Zealand by way of Las Vegas, captured the vacant WBO heavyweight title in 2016, taking a 12-round majority decision from previously undefeated Andy Ruiz, Jr. (29-0) in New Zealand. Parker, who stands 6′ 4″, made his first world title defense this past May in New Zealand, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over Razvan Cojanu (16-2).
Parker’s other notable victims include Frans Botha, Brian Minto, Sherman Williams, Jason Pettaway, Kali Meehan, Carlos Takam and Alexander Dimitrenko.
“I’m excited that the next defense of my WBO World title will be in England because it is now the home of heavyweight boxing and I need to be fighting there regularly,” Parker remarked. “Fighting away from home holds no fears for me. I will arrive having previously fought on the undercard of a Wladimir Klitschko world title fight in Germany, also twice in America. I believe that with so many Kiwis and Samoans living in the UK, I may even have more supporters in the crowd on fight night than Hughie Fury.”
 
Fury has fully recovered from the back injury that postponed the original May 6 date for him to challenge Parker to Sept. 23 in Manchester.
In 2012, Fury became the first British super heavyweight to capture a gold medal at the World Youth Amateur Boxing Championships and he hasn’t missed a beat as a professional since making his pro debut in 2013.
The 6′ 6″ Fury, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Sept. 18, will be fighting at home in Manchester. Last year in his two most recent fights, both in London, Fury won a 10-round unanimous decision against former U.S. amateur standout Dominick Guinn (35-10-1), as well as a seven-round technical decision over Fred Kassi (18-4-1).
“I’ve waited so long for this chance and my team have worked very hard to get me this fight,” Fury commented. “I’d like to thank everyone involved. I’m going to shock the world and prove all my doubters wrong and what better place to do it than in my home city of Manchester. Parker is a good fighter and I’ve no doubt we’ll both bring our A-game on fight night. I can’t wait to be crowned world champion.
“Parker is the biggest challenge of my life and he will bring the very best out of me, but I aim to deliver a knockout performance. I’ve prepared like never-before for this fight and pushed myself to the limits and beyond. There’s no way Parker is leaving Manchester with that World title. I will do everything to make sure that belt stays here with me.”
Also airing live is the 12-round vacant WBO Intercontinental super welterweight title fight between hometown hero Jimmy “Kilrain” Kelly (21-2, 9 KOs) and Stilliyan “Still Kill” Kostov (21-7, 16 KOs), of Bulgaria.
All and/or highlights of additional PPV fights will air pending time restraints.
Fights and fighters subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @IntegratedPPV
boxing, women's boxing

Heavyweight Sonya Lamonakis Takes on Laura Ramsey for vacant UBF World Championship

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“New England’s Future 3” June 10th in Worcester, MA
WORCESTER, Mass. (June 1, 2017) – Popular heavyweight Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis takes on Laura “Lady Ram” Ramsey for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) World title, on Saturday night, June 10, in the eight-round “New England’s Future 3” co-feature at the DCU Center (Exhibition Hall) in Worcester, Massachusetts.
“New England’s Future 3” is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
Undefeated prospect Irvin Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KOs), 21, headlines at home in his first scheduled eight-round bout, versus Raul Lopez (10-2-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx (NY), for the vacant UBF All-American super featherweight championship.
“I am excited to be able to have our first world championship boxing match on our ‘New England’s 3’ boxing event,” promoter Jose Rivera commented. “It’s special because it’s a women’s World Heavyweight title fight with veterans like Sonya and Laura, who also have some hostilities towards one another. They’ve both earned this opportunity to fight for the UBF Women’s World Heavyweight Championship. I expect fireworks and know fans will be in for a treat.”
Pro boxing returns to the DCU Center for the first time in 11 years, when promoter Jose Antonio Rivera defeated Alejandro Garcia, by way of a 12-round unanimous decision, for the World Boxing Association (WBA) World super welterweight title.
Born in Greece, Lamonakis (10-2-2, 1 KO), who grew-up in Turners Falls (MA), is a teacher in New York City. She is a Springfield College graduate and has two Master’s Degrees. “I’m honored to be fighting in the first world title fight in Worcester since Jose Rivera,” Lamonakis said. “I’m from Massachusetts and I fought twice at Mechanics Hall (in Worcester, including her pro debut in 2010). I heard Jose was promoting shows in Worcester, so I called to say I’d like to fight for a world title on one of his cards. I think he saw me fight before and he quickly agreed.
“This is still a make-dominates sport. I tell young girls to box as a side job. I have two Master’s Degrees and I’m a full-time teacher in New York. Boxing is my hobby. Very few women can make enough money boxing to make a good living. I don’t know if it’s because I was born in Greece and boxing is in my blood, but I love this sport and that’s what keeps me going. I guess I was born to fight. I enjoy getting in the ring. I’ve gotten a lot from boxing and now I’m giving back to amateurs in New York City as president of a youth organization.”
Lamonakis; is a former International Boxing Organization World and New York State female heavyweight champion. Her opponent, Ramsey (10-7, KOs), as a two-time world title challenger is hoping the third time is the charm for her. They have history together and this fight nearly happened a few years ago.
“I beat her daughter (Alysia Williams-Stevenson) in my second pro fight,” Lamonakis explained. “She said she’s see me and now, seven years later, we’re fighting. She’s a little older than me and I needed more fights before I fought her. We were supposed to fight a few years ago in Aruba but a hurricane cancelled the show.”
In an eight-round Special Cruiserweight Attraction, Pembroke (MA) fan favorite Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs) meets Brazilian knockout specialist Marcelo Leonardo “Queizada” Da Silva (22-4, 17 KOs).
Fighting on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, are Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (6-1, 5 KOs) vs. TBA, Lawrence (MA) junior welterweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Buffalo’s Jack Grady (0-5-1), Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Woburn (MA) Gilvan Santos (0-3), Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick “Double Impact” Whitley (1-0) vs. Norwalk (CT) veteran Shaka Moore (12-22-3, 2 KOs), Worcester’s pro-debuting Bobby Harris III vs. Woburn (MA) super middleweight Rodrigo Almeida (1-6), Southbridge (MA) junior welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (1-0) vs. Lawrence’s Anthony Everett (1-5), Worcester’s Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Florida’s Christopher “The Archbishop” Boykins (1-8) at a 205-pound catchweight, Hartford’s (CT) Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Brazilian Nathan Schulte (0-2) at a 180-pound catchweight, and Worcester’s pro-debuting Neal Sullivan vs. Framingham (MA) super middleweight Saul Almeida (0-8).
                                                            
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at the DCU Center box office, www.dcu.centerworcester.com, by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters
Doors open at 6 p.m., first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Whiskey On Water and Worcester criminal defense Atty. Michael Erlich.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS HEAVYWEIGHT FAN-FAVORITE ROY ‘BIG COUNTRY’ NELSON TO AN EXCLUSIVE MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT

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PROMOTIONAL DEBUT TO TAKE PLACE LATER THIS YEAR

 

LOS ANGELES — Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of heavyweight knockout artist Roy Nelson (22-14) to an exclusive, multi-fight contract.

 

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nelson joins the Viacom-owned promotion following an eight-year, 19-fight run under the direction of the UFC that saw him earn wins over Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, “Bigfoot” Silva and Cheick Kongo, while tangling in notable slugfests with former and current UFC title holders Fabricio Werdum, Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier. With 19 of his 22 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, Nelson should prove to be an exciting addition to the heavyweight division.

 

The signing sees Nelson return to Spike, where his bout with the late Kimbo Slice on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter remains the most-watched fight in the history of the reality series. Nelson would eventually go on to win the season, defeating Brendan Schaub in the finale.

 

“With the direction that Bellator MMA is heading, I consider Roy an extremely valuable addition to our roster,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “When you look at Nelson’s record and some of the superstar opponents that he’s faced over the years, as well as his ability to connect with the fans, we felt he was the perfect fit for Bellator. I’ve been a fan of his for years and we are anxious to see him return to Spike inside the Bellator cage.”

 

“I wanted to work with Scott Coker because I have heard nothing but great things – plus I get to work with Spike and Viacom again who catapulted MMA in America,” added Nelson. “I am excited to join Bellator and to show how an All-American like myself will make new and old fans fall in love with MMA again and again!”

 

Nelson’s promotional debut will be determined at a later date, but the heavyweight slugger is expected to return to action at some point this year. “Big Country” joins the Bellator MMA fray with an impressive 22-14 professional record and will compete in a heavyweight class that features accomplished fighters, including Fedor Emelianenko, Matt Mitrione, Cheick Kongo, Bobby Lashley and Sergei Kharitonov amongst others.

 

About Bellator:

Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

boxing

Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo Has Been Canceled

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WBA Championship Showdown Between Shannon Briggs & Fres Oquendo from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Not Being Rescheduled at This Time
 
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 23, 2017) – The Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo battle for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight Championship on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casinoin Hollywood, FL has been officially canceled.
The fight has not been rescheduled at this time. Ticket refunds are available at point of purchase.
boxing

Heavyweight World Title Showdown Comes to South Florida!

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Two-Time Heavyweight Champion Shannon Briggs & Three-Time Title Challenger Fres Oquendo Battle for WBA Championship
 
Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo Saturday, June 3, 2017 Takes Place at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in 
Hollywood, Fla.
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
Editor’s Note:To apply for media credentials please visit Swansonpr.com/credentials
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 1, 2017) – Two-time world heavyweight champion Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs and three-time title challenger Fres Oquendo will battle for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight Championship in the main event of Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo taking place on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Doors open at 6 p.m. with first fight at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
One of boxing’s most popular and larger-than-life personalities who fights in its resurgent glamor division, Briggs’ self-made brand and boxing acumen has helped him land several world title fights since 1998. On June 3, the 45-year-old Briggs will bring a five-fight knockout streak into the ring as he attempts to make history by matching the likes of two-time world heavyweight champion George Foreman. The oldest heavyweight champion ever, Foreman won his final heavyweight championship at the age of 45.
“Fighting for the WBA Heavyweight Championship against Fres Oquendo is a wonderful opportunity and true privilege,” said Briggs. “Being able to fight at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, in front of my hometown fans and right in my backyard is extremely exciting. I’m working very hard right now with some great sparring partners that are pushing me to the limit. Fight night will be a long one for Fres Oquendo. I want to dedicate this fight to my children, my family, all of my fans and to all of the people around the world who have suffered from depression. I’m living proof that you can make it. Don’t give up. LET’S GO CHAMP!”
Returning to the ring after a disputed defeat to Ruslan Chagaev in a 2014 title fight, Oquendo is co-promoted by future Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr.’s Square Ring Promotions and Hitz Boxing as he looks to become the first heavyweight champion from Puerto Rico since John Ruiz in 2001.
“This will be a great fight between two veteran American fighters,” said Oquendo. “I’ve fought in Miami five times, plus, I train at the historic 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach, so I’m very comfortable here. The trials and tribulations I’ve encountered for 30 years in this sport and 20 as a professional, are finally coming to fruition. They say third time is the charm, but the fourth is the holy grail and the most special. I’m dedicating this fight to Jaxon King, my friend’s son who just passed away at five years of age. I’m also doing this for my mentor, Muhammad Ali. Winning his belt on the anniversary of his passing will be special. I’m going to borrow the belt for a bit and give it back when I’m done beating Shannon.”
Less than 30 miles from the Miami Beach Convention Center that hosted the 1964 Fight of the Year between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, Briggs and Oquendo will look to ignite the passions of the rabid boxing fans in South Florida as they seek a piece of the championship crown and move closer to the ultimate goal of unifying the heavyweight division.
“We’re extremely excited about bringing this WBA Heavyweight World Championship fight to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” said Kris Lawrence, founder of The Heavyweight Factory. “We’re really proud of Shannon Briggs, who has a chance to tie George Foreman’s record and become a champion for a third time. It is truly amazing for a heavyweight like Shannon to have lasted and preserved himself for so long. He was champion in two different decades. First in 1997 and then 2006. Now in 2017, he has the chance to do it again. We hope to see everyone coming out and supporting Shannon Briggs the night of the fight, as he is the ‘People’s Champ.’ LET’S GO CHAMP!”
Briggs has made South Florida his home and training camp for much of his career. He will be making his fourth start at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and his ninth in the state.
Representing the boxing hotbed of Brooklyn, Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs) seeks the third heavyweight world title in his long and eventful career. Briggs became a world champion in 2006 when he scored a 12th round stoppage of Siarhei Liakhovich. Briggs has faced the best heavyweights in the world and won the lineal heavyweight world title from George Foreman in 1997. He also defeated Ray Mercer in 2005, in addition to world title challenges of Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko. He enters this fight as the winner of his last nine contests, including eight knockouts and a 12-round decision over Raphael Zumbano Love.
Originally from Puerto Rico and fighting out of Chicago throughout his pro career, Oquendo (37-8, 24 KOs)looks to capitalize on his fourth opportunity and capture a world title. The slick-boxer has faced a slew of top heavyweights throughout his career, including narrow decision losses to Evander Holyfield and James Toney, plus title challenges of Chris Byrd and John Ruiz. The 44-year-old owns recent victories over Derric Rossy and Joey Abell in addition to triumphs over Clifford Etienne, David Izon and Javier Mora.
Briggs vs. Oquendo Fight Week promises to excite with week-long events that will lead up to this historic night. Among the boxing royalty invited to Fight Week and Fight Night are Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Roy Jones Jr, Michael Moorer, Riddick Bowe and more.
Ticket prices are $75, $100, $150, $250 and $500; ringside seats are sold for $1,000; ringside tables with six seats are $5,500 and 10 seats are $11,000 (plus a $5 Facility Maintenance fee applies). All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets online atwww.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.
boxing

WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS IN ADVANCE OF ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO

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American Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder hosted a media conference call to give his thoughts on Saturday’s heavyweight blockbuster between undefeated IBF Champion Anthony Joshua and long-reigning kingpin Wladimir Klitschko live on SHOWTIME® (4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT) from sold-out Wembley Stadium in London.

 

Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs), who won his WBC belt in January 2015 on SHOWTIME and has since made five defenses, will serve as an analyst for Sky Sports Box Office for Joshua vs. Klitschko. 

 

The British sensation Joshua (18-0, 18 KOs) and Klitschko (64-4, 54 KOs) will unify the heavyweight division as they meet for Joshua’s IBF World Championship and the vacant WBA World Championship in front of record-setting 90,000 fans at Britain’s largest stadium.

 

Here is what Wilder had to say on the call on Monday:

 

DEONTAY WILDER:

“I love this fight for these guys.  I love it for the sport of boxing. The fans seem to be well in-tune with it and I think this is a super fight for the heavyweight division.

 

“I can’t wait for it.  I can’t wait to see what happens and hopefully those guys go in healthy and come out the same way. This is a very dangerous sport, especially when you’re trying to perform and put on a show.”

 

On what Wilder sees as vulnerabilities in Joshua…

“There’s a lot of flaws that Joshua has, but Joshua is still young in the game as well.  A lot of people look at Joshua and they’re going off of his physique and they’re going off of the hype that their countryman has brought to them.

 

“If you really look deep down and soul search and look at his resume, with all of the guys he’s fought … that sometimes makes a person look busier than what he is.  There’s a lot of flaws in all of us though, to be honest.  Nobody will ever be perfect in the ring.  We only try to be our best and that’s the only thing you should go off of.

 

“I am looking forward to this fight and I can’t wait. I want Klitschko to come in and fight.  You can always be hyped for a big fight but it’s all going to boil down to what fighter is going to bring what to the fight.  I think he’s ready and he’s going to show a lot of things. He’s going to teach Joshua a lot of different things in the ring, as well, and we’ll see if Joshua has any flaws or not.”

 

On potentially fighting the winner later this year…

“Hopefully.  There are a lot of people that are involved in this.  If it were just solely up to me then I’d be 1,000 percent confident, but it’s not just me.  That’s what the fans want.  I’ve been wanting to give the fans what they want my entire career.  Unfortunately, I am one of those fighters that’s always getting the short end of the stick.  I only can work with what I can work with.

 

“I am very confident that I am the best in this division.  I am very confident that I will unify this division.  I am very confident that I will retire on top, undefeated as well.  I’m just waiting for my moment.  I’ve been sitting patiently all of this time, even in the start of my career and I’m sitting patient now.  I’m just looking forward to my turn.”

 

On why it’s important for him to be ringside in London…

“When you have guys that are competing against each other at the top, it’s only right for me to be there.  I’m not just going out there to be on Sky Sports, I am for sure going there to scout.  All the other heavyweights come to my fights.  They’re not just there to be a fan.  They’re there to scout and look for different openings and certain signs.

 

“I am definitely going over to scout.  And maybe we can make a mega-unification bout.

 

“I want to go get [Joseph] Parker.  Parker doesn’t have an opponent right now.  I’m fresh.  I’m ready and what would be better than me and Parker fighting for the unification and then have another unification where winner takes all at the end of the year?  Then, 2018 you can start off the year with nothing but mandatories.

 

“The heavyweight division is getting exciting.  This is the heavyweight division, and we’re already coming out of that dark place and we finally got light.  Don’t take it back.  Don’t go backwards when we’re moving so freshly forward.  With that, I want to move it more forward.  I want to give the fans what they want, and they want a unification. They want one champion and I’m trying to make that happen. So here I am Joseph Parker.”

 

On breaking down Joshua-Klitschko…

“With Klitschko I definitely feel that the teachings of Emanuel Steward are lacking a little bit, but he’s not to blame.  Steward was a very, very smart trainer.  The things that he could see and the things that he can get in the heads of the fighters, that was unbelievable. He wasn’t a great trainer for no reason and that’s when I thought Klitschko was the best when he had Emanuel in his corner.  Not only when he’s inside of the ring but when he’s on the outside too.  Now, I just feel since he’s gone, it’s more about what Wladimir wants to do, not what his trainers see.

 

“With Joshua, he’s got the height and he’s got the power.  In the heavyweight division, you don’t need skills.  As long as you have the power, that’s what makes up the heavyweight division.  You’re in the game once you’ve got that power….They’re going to have to play a forward fight to feel a little bit of each other out.

 

“If Joshua wants to be successful, he’s definitely going to have to move and take angles and be smart with Klitschko.  Because Klitschko is very smart, he’s been around the block, he’s got an excellent jab, and he’s going to set Joshua up.  His smartness is going to play in a lot.

 

“Joshua is not as flexible.  I don’t think he’s super athletic and doesn’t have that much coordination because of the stiffness.  But he definitely has a great shot in this fight and I’d love to see what happens, and hopefully everything comes through with having a mega-fight at the end of the year.”

 

On Klitschko’s loss to Fury…

“Klitschko didn’t lose by not being able to compete with Tyson Fury, or do the things he had to do.  He lost because he didn’t throw no damn punches.  I want him to fight in this fight.  I don’t want him to hold back, because Fury was bigger than him or this and that.  Forget all of that.  You got to go in there and fight.  You’re the champ.  You don’t care about nobody being bigger than you.  You go in there and you forget all of that and defend your title because you’re the king and you’re not going to let nobody take it… And that’s how he should come in there.

“There’s a time and a place to be nice.  You can’t always be nice.  You’ve got to go in there and let them know ‘I’m still a monster, I’m still a beast, I’m still that lion and I’ll eat you up alive when I get you in there.’  And that’s just what he has to come to bring to the table.

 

“I’m so ready for this fight.  I’m looking forward to what’s after this to come.  I’m looking forward to unifying this division and bringing it back to America – where it once was and where it’s always going to remain once I bring all the belts.  It’s going to be back, I promise you that.

 

“Age is only but a number and if you feel like you still have it in you and have confidence in yourself, then that’s what you’re going to do.  The mind is a powerful thing to lose.  And when you lose your mind, you lose your body.

 

“With Klitschko, he feels like he’s dedicated himself back to the sport and that’s why he says he’s obsessed.  He’s obsessed with retaining his titles, he’s obsessed with rising in boxing again.  He’s like a new fighter.  He needed that loss to Tyson Fury because he forgot to be humble.  He forgot about that.

 

“Now that he’s rebuilt himself, he’s got that hunger, that fire.  At the end of the day, all that matters is on the night of the fight.  He can come to us with another Tyson Fury fight, talking about height and weight, or he can bring that Klitschko like we’ve always seen with the jabs and setting up with the right hands… We’ll see what happens.”

 

On his prediction for the winner and why…

“I’m going to continue with my statement as I’ve been saying it.  My heart is for Joshua, but my mind is for Klitschko.  My heart is for Joshua because I would love to fight him – I think that would be a mega-fight.  Even though Joshua is fighting Klitschko, people are still talking to this day about a Wilder and Joshua fight.  It’s almost demanded.  If this kid beats Klitschko it’s like the only fight he can have is me, because it’s been so demanded.

 

“My mind goes to Klitschko, because he’s very smart.  People talk about age, but like I said, age can play an advantage too.  Klitschko has seen every style there is…And when you see it again, you know how to handle it and adapt to it.  You know what you got to do.

 

“He knew what he had to do against Fury, he just didn’t pull the trigger because he was scared of being punished.  That was his fault.  Now that’s a shame on him.  Now he’s coming back for a second time for a title, so if he does it again, he’s going to need to give it up.  For those reasons, my heart goes to Joshua but my mind goes to Klitschko.”

boxing

Autographed Mike Tyson Glove For Sale

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As much as I hate to sell my most valuable piece of boxing memorabilia, I don’t have a man cave or game room to put this in, so this signed Mike Tyson glove is on the market. This comes with an official certificate of authenticity and was signed about 8 years ago in Las Vegas. The glove itself is a Muhammad Ali Signature Series glove with Ali’s signature printed on it at the factory. I am asking $500 and will ship it to you anywhere in the US for an additional $10. More details can be found on my Craigslist post here:

https://nh.craigslist.org/spo/6064598506.html

boxing

RAHMAN JR. READY TO BEGIN HIS OWN HEAVYWEIGHT LEGACY AT SKYLANDS ECC ON THURSDAY, MARCH 23

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Having grown up the son of a former undisputed and two-time World Heavyweight Champion, Hasim Rahman Jr., doesn’t mind that the world will be watching from the beginning of his professional boxing career.
“This isn’t new,” explained Rahman. “I’m so used to being who I am and having eyes on me that it would be awkward to not have them. It hasn’t mattered who I was my whole life, or what I did. The world was watching because of who my father is.”
Rahman Jr., whose father, Hasim “The Rock” Rahman famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in April 2001 to win the WBC and IBF Heavyweight Championships, will make his professional debut against Kansas City’s Brian Imes (1-4, 1 KO) on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Greg Cohen Promotions’ SUPER BRAWL® III, boxing event at the Skylands Event & Conference Center (ECC) in Randolph, New Jersey.
Presented in association with Rising Promotions and GH3 Promotions (sponsored by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions), SUPER BRAWL® III will also feature the Bronx, New York’s Halili brothers: power-punching super-welterweight action hero Skender Halili (13-1, 13 KOs) taking on Ecuadorian veteran Eduardo “El Cheíto” Flores (25-25-3, 15 KOs) in the eight-round main event, and undefeated Enver Halili (8-0, 2 KOs) facing Nicaragua’s Ariel Vasquez (13-16-2, 9 KOs) in the six-round welterweight co-main.
Tickets for SUPER BRAWL® III are priced at Golden Ringside $150, Ringside $100 and General Admission $50 and can be purchased by calling the GCP office: 212.851.6425 or online at gcpboxing.com.
“My dad is like an advisor,” he continued. “My dad is the only person I know that truly has my best interests at heart. Anybody else I ever dealt with, it always came down to money at the end of the day. My dad never asks me for anything. I know he knows the game and I know that with him on my team, the sky is the limit.”
25-year-old Rahman is getting a later-than-expected start at his highly-anticipated boxing career. Coming off his successful 100-fight run as an amateur, the buzz was all around the 6′ 3″ 250-lb. fighter, but a fatal car accident in 2012 saw him serving a 2- to 5-year sentence with the Department of Corrections.
Recently released and now ready to go on with life, Rahman says the entire experience changed him for the good. “It was an eye-opener for me. Going through that really changed my career and how I felt as a person, and a son, a father, and a husband. It changed me. I am grateful god blessed me to be in this position today.”
Rahman says he doesn’t know much about first opponent Imes, but he and trainer Kenny Ellis are hard at work at Upton Boxing Center in Baltimore.
“I feel great. I’m really anxious, but the nervousness hasn’t kicked in. It will around fight time. My team says it’s a good fight for me. Being off for two and a half years, I’m looking to get in some rounds.”
Despite the delayed start, Team Rahman has no plan on rushing things.
“I just want to stay busy as I can and learn as much as I can and fight for a world title when I’m ready. I’m not going to rush. There’s no rush. It’s not like I’m going to wait forever. I will fight for the title when I’m ready and I know if it put in the work, I’ll be ready in a about two years. That’s the goal for me. If it takes three or four years, it does. Whatever the case may be. I’ll keep racking up the knockouts until it happens.”
For Rahman, the decision to follow in his famous father’s footsteps was a rational one.
“I’ve always been taught to plan ahead. When I was in middle school, I was really into football. I played tight end, running back and wide receiver. I had dreams. But it dawned on me how many people have the same dream that I do. For instance, there are a million young African American men wanting to go to the NBA every year. 400,000 of them will play high school basketball. 4000 of those will play college. 35 will be drafted. Out of the that 35, only 7 will start. That means there are a million people trying to get 7 jobs. And the average career in the NBA is four years. That’s a problem. People have to look at their odds. I did. So, I said ‘know what? Instead of being in this giant pool of people trying to be the next Ray Lewis. I rarely run across someone who wants to be heavyweight champion of the world,’ so that’s what I decided to do. No father and son duo have ever become heavyweight champions. It’s never been done. For me to be in the position to cement our family name in heavyweight championship history is very motivating and I’m ready to take full advantage of it.”
Signing with Greg Cohen Promotions was an easy decision, according to Rahman, who has known the Jersey-based promoter for most of his life.

“I really want to thank Greg Cohen for the chance he’s given me,” he said. “I’ve known Greg since I was a kid and he has always believed in me. He has always supported me and kept in contact and followed me. He has a real genuine interest in me. Greg already knows he has the best new heavyweight in the world. I’m really dedicated to making him and my father and the City of Baltimore proud.”
SUPER BRAWL® III will be broadcast, tape-delayed, on Sportsnet New York (SNY). On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Skylands ECC is located at 792 Route 10 West in Randolph, NJ. Phone: 973.328.8600.
 
 
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