Tag Archives: James DeGale

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Mayweather Promotions Stars Chris Pearson & Sharif Bogere Headline Undercard Action In Separate Bouts  Saturday, April 30 From The DC Armory In Washington, D.C.

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Plus! Impressive Lineup Of Top Talent & Local Prospects
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2016) – Mayweather Promotions stars Chris “Young King” Pearson (16-1, 11 KOs) and Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (27-1, 19 KOs) compete in separate bouts that highlight undercard action on Saturday, April 30 from the DC Armory in Washington D.C.
The event is headlined by a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader that begins live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT featuring a pair of super middleweight world title fights, as WBC champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack takes on former champion Lucian Bute, and IBF champion James “Chunky” DeGale battles top contender Rogelio “Porky” Medina.
Pearson will take on Joshua Okine (22-5, 15 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight contest while Bogere faces former African champion Samuel Amoako (21-9, 15 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, on sale now. To purchase tickets visitwww.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
Additional action inside the arena will feature unbeaten Washington, D.C.-born Latondria Jones (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight bout against Virginia’s Kamika Slade, undefeated Ecuadorian Carlos Gongora (6-0, 3 KOs)in a light heavyweight match and the pro debut of D.C. product Keegan Grove in a four-round lightweight scrap.
Rounding out the non-televised undercard fights are Richmond, Virginia‘s Moshea Aleem(4-0, 2 KOs) who will go up against fellow unbeaten Georgia native Martez Jackson (2-0-1, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight bout, lastly is a four-round welterweight attraction with Brooklyn’s Chordale Booker (1-0, 1 KO).
The 25-year-old Pearson will look to bounce back from his first career loss to unsurpassed Eric Walker in December with an emphatic victory on April 30. The Dayton, Ohio-born product previously picked up victories over Lanardo Tyner, Janks Trotter, Steve Martinez and Said El Harrak in the last two years after an outstanding amateur career in which he captured a National Championship in 2011. He takes on the experienced Okine, who is originally from Ghana but now fights out of nearby Silver Spring, Maryland.
A recent addition to the Mayweather Promotions stable, Bogere fights out of Las Vegas while proudly representing his native Uganda. The 27-year-old won his first 23 pro fights while picking up victories over Raymundo Beltran, Francisco Contreras, and Manuel Levya. He enters this bout on a four-fight win streak and will be challenged by the former African lightweight champion Amoako, who represents Ghana while fighting out of Silver Spring, Maryland.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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Badou Jack & Lucian Bute Media Workout Quotes & Photos Ahead Of World Title Showdown On Saturday, April 30 Live on SHOWTIME® From the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

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Plus Undercard Fighters Sharif Bogere & Latondria Jones
Quotes From Las Vegas Workout
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esaiah Gomez/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE For Lucian Bute Photos From InterBox
 
LAS VEGAS (April 18, 2016) – WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack and former world champion Lucian Bute hosted media workouts at their respective training camps last week to discuss their Saturday, April 30 world title showdown live on SHOWTIME from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale defending his title against top contender Rogelio Medina.
Jack, who welcomed his first child, a daughter named Malaniyah, earlier in the day, held his workout at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas while Bute hosted media at the gym owned by the Grant brothers in the western part of Montreal. Joining Jack at the Las Vegas workout were lightweight contender Sharif Bogere and Washington, D.C. born Latondria Jones, who compete in undercard action on April 30.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000. 
Here is what the participants had to say:
BADOU JACK
“I’m looking forward to another victory. This is going to be a tough fight, but I’m ready. I’ve been training really hard and I’m ready to get into the ring.
“I’m more focused and determined now than ever to secure what is mine. The fans will have an exciting show to look forward to on April 30. I can guarantee that!
“My daughter being born this morning is extra motivation for me and to continue working hard to provide for my family. I only slept for 2 hours, but I feel brand new.
“I still feel fresh! Training camp is good. Everything is right on schedule. I’m feeling really focused.”
LUCIAN BUTE
“The most important thing for me is to have fun when I train. My confidence level is back at 100 percent. There’s a great atmosphere here at the gym and I have great chemistry with my trainers. I’ve done quality sparring and starting next week we’ll be reducing the training volume so as to focus more on the level of intensity.
“The pressure won’t be on me because I’ll be on his turf, in Washington. He is the favorite because he’s the champion, but I’m confident and I’m able! We looked at some video of him with Howard (Grant). He’s a good boxer, but he’s not exceptional and he makes mistakes. I have experience. This will be my 13th world championship fight. My experience and my speed will make the difference.
“My confidence level wasn’t at 100 percent before I fought James DeGale, but now it’s all back after performing the way I did against him. All the better for me if Badou Jack is already looking ahead to his next fight, is taking me for granted and is underestimating me. I know for my part that I can beat him. He did well in his last bout against George Groves, where he was able to come up with a good right blow that sent him to the canvas. But I’m going there to deliver.
“I’ve now been training for a year with Howard Grant, who already knows me well and pushes me to go beyond my limits. We’ve developed a trusting relationship and I feel very comfortable working alongside him. It’s hard to put into words! It’s true, I’m 36 years old, but I still have some good years ahead of me in professional boxing. For Éric Lucas, who had this belt for several years, I will bring back the title to the province of Quebec.”
SHARIF BOGERE
“Training camp has been going tremendously well. I’m excited to get back in action on April 30. it’s going to be a good show. Two world titles on the line, that’s something big.
“I want people to know who The Lion is. People will know that The Lion is here to stay. I will put on a great show as I always do.
“I want to put on a good show so the fans will never forget about my presence in this division. Being born in Uganda, it’s important for me to make my homeland proud.”
LATONDRIA JONES
“Training camp has been going well, I am looking forward to going into the fight real strong, dominating and come out with a win. It’s important that I continue to stay mentally focused and physically ready.
“I don’t really look too much into to my opponents, until I’m getting ready for that belt. As far as I know, this is her pro debut. I’m going to show her what this is all about, and give her that pro life.
“I was born in D.C. so, I look forward to going back and fighting at the Armory to give my hometown fans what they want to see. They came to see a show, and I plan on delivering. I look forward to getting better and coming out on top. I’m working hard and taking it day-by-day. I thank God for being in this position that I’m in.”
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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Badou Jack vs. Lucian Bute Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Jack vs. Bute & James DeGale vs. Rogelio Medina Doubleheader of World Title Fights Live on SHOWTIME® On Saturday, April 30
 From the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
 
Click HERE For Photos From
Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4, 2016) – WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack and former world champion Lucian Bute hosted a media roundtable on Friday night to discuss their championship showdown taking place Saturday, April 30 from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. and live on SHOWTIME.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale defending his title against top contender and Mexican brawler Rogelio Medina.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
The fighters were joined by Mayweather Promotions’ Floyd Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe, Interbox’s Pierre Duc and SHOWTIME’s Stephen Espinoza as they spoke to the media about the exciting doubleheader taking place in the nation’s capital.
Here is what the participants had to say Friday:
 
BADOU JACK
“I’ll be ready for this fight. Bute is a very tough opponent. I have to bring my ‘A’ game to win. Much respect to him, but he’s not leaving with my belt. Absolutely not. You can expect a very tough fight.
“Bute is a much, much tougher opponent that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., but I’m ready for him.
“Bute’s fight against DeGale was one of the best fights last year. That’s the only reason he got this shot. He lost, but he looked good. It was a great fight. April 30 will be another great fight. And another loss for Bute.”
LUCIAN BUTE
“This is a great opportunity for me to fight again for a title. I feel good, I started camp six weeks ago. Most importantly, I’m very healthy. Psychologically, I’m looking forward to becoming a world champion on April 30.
“I respect Badou Jack. He is a great champion, a great fighter, but on April 30, I will become a world champion again. I’m looking forward to it.
“I will be the new champion. I am very confident. I expect it to be a very tough fight, but I am coming here to win.
“I have a new team. They are changing some things in my work. My confidence is 100 percent. I’m working every day very tough and I am confident that everything will be great for April 30.”
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions
“This fight is about the best facing the best. I’ve seen Bute fight numerous times and he’s a very exciting and explosive fighter. Every time he goes out there and performs he gives 100 percent.
“Mayweather Promotions is about giving people the best and most exciting fights.
“I commend Badou Jack for the way that he carries himself. He is a true gentlemen and that is what this sport is all about. He’s going to continue to make a name for himself in this sport.”
PIERRE DUC, VP of Interbox
“We’re very thrilled about this fight. For those of you who have not been exposed to Lucian Bute before, he’s a great fighter. He’s been working extremely hard over the course of the last 6-12 months getting ready for a moment like this.
“Bute has a very long history of fighting great fights and championship wars. Lucian will be ready for this.
“Training camp is going astonishingly well. Lucian is usually more of a gentleman, so he will say he wants to do the best that he can, but I’m telling you that Lucian is going to be walking away with this belt. It’s going to be a fantastic and very exciting evening. Lucian will pull the upset on April 30.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“The one comment I will make about this event, other than to point out it features four of the best fighters in the division, is that it was quite possibly the easiest event to make out of all the events we made this spring and summer. That’s a credit to the promoters and especially a credit to all four fighters.
“We didn’t just make two fights here. We’ve got the winners of these fights fighting later in the year in a unification match. To be able to make two fights very quickly and to get everyone on board with fighting the winners in a unification match with no mess, no politics, no arguments and no hesitation is an accomplishment.
“These are four real fighters here and they were not afraid of a challenge, they didn’t hesitate at all. This is what the sport of boxing is all about. I personally can’t wait for April 30th and for a unification later in the year.”
 
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For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.comand www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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JAMES DEGALE LONDON MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS AHEAD OF IBF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN WITH ROGELIO MEDINA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 30,  LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Doubleheader at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
From The DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
 
Click HERE For Photos From Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Boxing
 
LONDON (March 29, 2016) – IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale held an open media workout on Tuesday in London as he prepares to make the second defense of his title against mandatory challenger Rogelio Medina on Saturday, April 30, live on SHOWTIME from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. 
 
In the main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), WBC 168-pound champion Badou Jack defends his title against former longtime titlist Lucian Bute.  The winners will meet in a super middleweight world-title unification fight later this year.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.  
 
See below for quotes from DeGale as he prepares to face Medina:
 
“I’ve never disrespected an opponent yet in the ring and I’m not going to start now.  Medina has a very good record and that means he is as dangerous and the next man.  This is boxing and unless you prepare properly you get found out.  I’m not going down that avenue.  I’m a winner and what I do is get in the ring and win. That’s what Medina is up against – a world champion and a winner.
 
“I’m too good for him, too fast, too strong, too quick.  I’ll beat him and it is just a question of how. I don’t care how it comes as long as I look good and I give the fans what they want, another winning performance and a reminder that I am the best super middleweight out there operating today.
 
“I respect Medina, but I belong in a different level and I will show that on April 30.
 
“I’m looking forward to it because this is another chance to show what I can do in America and it is also a mini-tournament.  The winner of my fight faces the winner of Badou Jack and Lucian Bute and that means a world unification clash.  I want to clean up the division and I have the opportunity to do that.
 
“I think Jack will win, but I’ve been in the ring with Bute and I know how strong he is.  He is a proper fighter and I would always give him a chance against anyone.  I think Jack will be too good for him, but who knows?  I hope it is Jack as I’ve already taken care of business against Bute, but I want to unify the titles and that means I will fight whoever is put in front of me.
 
“I’ve no trouble fighting in the U.S. and never will.  I would love to win again and take on the winner of Jack and Bute in London, but that is down the line.  What I am concentrating on right now is the next person who is standing in my way and that is Medina.
 
“I can’t wait to get back in action because I live for fighting. It is in my blood and I know that a win over Medina means a very lucrative fight with Jack or Bute.  I’m in this to make me financially comfortable for the rest of my life but above all, I’m in it for the glory.
 
“The day I became world champion was the best of my life, along with winning Olympic Gold, and I don’t want to be a world champion for a few months.  I want to be recognized as one of the greats in the super middleweight division.  That means win a title and defend it against all-comers, anywhere and everywhere.”
 
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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DOUBLEHEADER OF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE FIGHTS SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 30 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE DC ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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WBC Champion Badou Jack vs. Former World Champion Lucian Bute
IBF Champion James DeGale vs. Top Contender Rogelio Medina
 
Winners Set To Meet In Unification Bout
Later This Year On SHOWTIME
 
Tickets on Sale Now
 
NEW YORK (March 28, 2016)- A three-fight series to crown a unified divisional champion will begin on Saturday, April 30, when WBC 168-pound champion Badou Jack defends his title against former longtime titlist Lucian Bute, and IBF Champion James DeGale risks his belt against mandated challenger Rogelio Medina in a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader live onSHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from the DC Armory in Washington D.C.
The winners will meet in a super middleweight world-title unification fight later this year.
Jack (20-1-1, 12 KOs) will make his second title defense after a breakthrough 2015 campaign in which he won the WBC belt from Anthony Dirrell and successfully defended against George Groves.  The southpaw Bute (32-3, 25 KOs), a former IBF champion with nine defenses between 2007 and 2012, revived his career last November with a gutsy and inspired performance against DeGale.
“I’ve been training really hard for this fight and I’m excited to get in the ring,” said Jack. “I can’t wait to defend my title once again on April 30. The fans can expect to see an explosive and skillful performance from me come fight night. I believe I’m the best super middleweight in the world and that I have the skills to beat anyone I get in the ring with. I’m fully focused on Lucian Bute, but I know that a win can set up a massive fight against James DeGale and I’m going to deliver.”
“I’m thrilled to have this tremendous opportunity,” said Bute. “I was ringside for Badou Jack’s last two fights — well deserved world title wins. He is a great champion. I plan to train hard and be in the best shape of my career on April 30. It’s my chance to win the WBC belt and become two-time world champion. I will win and give boxing fans a spectacular fight.”
DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) will make his second title defense after an impressive 2015 in which he defeated Andre Dirrell to win the vacant IBF belt and topped Bute in a Fight of the Year candidate.  The hard-hitting Medina (35-6, 29 KOs), the IBF’s mandatory challenger, has knocked out three consecutive opponents.
“I am delighted to be defending my world title on another great show in the United States,” said DeGale. “I won my belt in style in Boston and I’m looking forward to moving down the East Coast to the great city of Washington, D.C. It’s going to be a defining night in the super middleweight division as Badou Jack and myself look to set up a huge fight later in the year. I’m fully focused on Rogelio Medina. He’s a tough Mexican who earned his title shot. But trust me, no one is getting my world title.”
“This is such a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Medina. “I’ve worked so hard for this and I am going to make the most of it. Everyone who has seen me fight knows I leave it all in the ring and you can expect to see an all-out battle on April 30. I will be the new world champion.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
“Mayweather Promotions is proud to bring another exciting night of boxing to the great boxing fans in my hometown of Washington, D.C.,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “I’m really excited about the Badou Jack vs. Lucian Bute fight. It’s going to be a great fight. We know Bute is tough as nails and he’s coming to take the title away from Badou. Badou is going to have to be at his best to be able to beat Bute that night. The winner of that fight will set up a spectacular unification fight with the winner of the fight between British champion James DeGale and Mexican brawler ‘Porky’ Medina. DeGale can’t take Medina lightly if he wants the unification bout. It’s going to be a thrilling night of action at the DC Armory and on SHOWTIME.”
Badou Jack “The Ripper”, of Las Vegas by way of Stockholm, Sweden, captured the WBC 168-pound crown with a 12-round majority decision over previously unbeaten defending champion Anthony Dirrelllast April 24.  A former amateur standout who represented Gambia in the 2008 Olympics, Jack retained his belt against former world title challenger George Groves last Sept. 12 on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s final fight.  Jack, who fights under the Mayweather Promotions banner, was an underdog against both Dirrell and Groves.  The 6-foot-1, 32-year-old has won four in a row since a shocking first-round knockout loss to Derek Edwards in February 2014.
Bute, of Montreal, Canada by way of Romania, has been a super middleweight mainstay for the last decade.  He has competed in 12 title fights since 2007, scoring seven knockouts in nine consecutive defenses of the IBF belt he won in 2007 in his adopted hometown of Montreal.  During his title reign, the 36-year-old defeated the likes of Glen Johnson, Librado Andrade and Jean-Paul Mendy, but he lost the belt to Carl Froch in 2012 and a string of injuries kept him largely inactive over the next three years.  Bute returned from a 19-month absence in August 2015 under new trainer Howard Grant, knocking out Andrea Di Luisa to set up the title shot against DeGale for the crown he once held.  Bute stalked the switch-hitting DeGale with a relentless attack, turning in his most impressive performance in years in a close decision loss.
James “Chunky” DeGale, of London, England, won the vacant IBF belt in his U.S. debut last May by dropping Andre Dirrell twice on his way to a unanimous decision. The 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist then successfully defended it last November in a thrilling shootout with hometown favorite and former titlist Lucian Bute.  The 30-year-old, who’s only blemish came in a majority decision in his 11th bout against then-unbeaten George Groves, will make his third consecutive start outside his native England as he looks to become a global power at 168 pounds.
Rogelio “Porky” Medina is a hard-hitting veteran with 30 knockouts in his 36 career wins.  He’s knocked out three consecutive opponents, including a shocking third-round knockout of then-undefeated J’Leon Love in August, 2014.  Medina, 27, has suffered six losses in 42 fights, although those defeats came against opponents with a combined record of 187-16-3, including four previously undefeated fighters.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

AMAZING SHOWTIME SPORTS® SPRING, 2016 BOXING LINEUP

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Caption: L-R (back row): Bute; Martin, Jack, DeGale, Russell Jr., Mares, Selby, Provodnikov, Quellar, Pedraza.

L-R (front row): Joshua, Thurman, Wilder, Porter, Povetkin.

 

NEW YORK (March 11, 2016)—SHOWTIME Sports on Friday announced seven live boxing telecasts over a 12-week span, a stacked lineup featuring nine world championship fights and 14 overall matches in boxing’s deepest and most exciting divisions.

 

The full slate of programming is free to SHOWTIME subscribers, and the presentation on CBS is the first Prime Time boxing event on CBS television network in decades.

 

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, also announced a summer blockbuster in the making.

 

“This is an incredibly exciting time in boxing, a time for emerging stars to make their mark, and for established champions to break through to the next level,” Espinoza said.

 

“This schedule features high level matchups with champions taking on the highest-rated contenders available, and top-ranked challengers facing one another.  We are thrilled and grateful to the promoters and the fighters themselves who have worked with us these last few weeks to put together such an impressive lineup for SHOWTIME Boxing.  It has to be one of the best we’ve ever assembled.

 

“We have seven live telecasts over a 12-week span that runs the gamut of our SHOWTIME boxing series. It includes nine world title fights, and that doesn’t count a great fight that’s just coming together today, as both Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton have now agreed to a championship matchup to be scheduled for late summer.

 

“All of these events are free to SHOWTIME subscribers, and the June 25 event is the first Prime Time boxing presentation on CBS television network in decades.

 

“Again, thanks to the fighters and promoters for not only making these great matches a reality, but for their cooperation in today’s major announcement.”

See below for details on the events that Espinoza, and the principals involved, are in the process of finalizing.  Additional details on each individual event will be announced in the coming days.

 

Saturday, April 9 – SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL

Main Event: Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) vs. Anthony Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs) – IBF Heavyweight World Title Championship

Co-feature: Lee Selby (22-1, 8 KOs) vs. Eric Hunter (21-3, 11 KOs) – IBF Featherweight Championship

Start Time: TBD

Venue: The O2 – London

Promoter: Warriors Boxing & Matchroom Sport

 

Friday, April 15 – ShoBox: The New Generation

Main Event: Nikolay Potapov (14-0, 6 KOs) vs. Stephon Young (14-0-2, 6 KOs) – 10-Rd Bantamweight Bout

Start Time: 10 p.m. ET/PT

Venue: Turning Stone Casino – Verona, NY

Promoter: Salita Promotions

  • Four-fight telecast featuring at least six undefeated fighters.

 

Saturday, April 16 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event: Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) vs. Patrick Hyland (31-1, 15 KOs) – WBC Featherweight World Championship

Co-Feature: Jose Pedraza (21-0, 12 KOs) vs. Stephen Smith (23-1, 13 KOs) – IBF Super Featherweight World Championship

Start Time: 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT

Venue: Fox Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Promoter: DiBella Entertainment

  • Featherweight world title fights in consecutive weeks.
  • Gary Russell Jr. returns to make his first title defense
  • Crucial Super Featherweight bout between defending champ Jose Pedraza and No. 1 challenger Stephen Smith.

 

Saturday, April 30 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event: Badou Jack (20-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. Lucian Bute (32-3, 25 KOs) – WBC Super Middleweight Championship

Co-Feature: James DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) vs. Rogelio Medina (35-6, 29 KOs) – IBF Super Middleweight World Championship

Start Time: 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Venue: TBD

Promoter: Mayweather Promotions

  • Former champ Bute, fresh off a great fight against DeGale, steps in to replace the injured Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
  • Medina is the IBF’s mandated challenger for DeGale.
  • The winners will meet in an immediate unification.

 

Targeting May 2016 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING – PENDING CONFIRMATION

Main Event: Deontay Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) vs. Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs) – WBC Heavyweight World Championship

Start Time: TBD

Venue: TBD

 

Saturday, June 11 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event: Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) vs. John Molina Jr. (28-6, 23 KOs) – 12-Rd Super Lightweight Bout

Start Time: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Venue: Turning Stone Casino – Verona, NY

Promoter: Banner Promotions

  • Induction Weekend for International Boxing Hall of Fame.
  • Main event features two fighters involved in Fights of Year

 

Saturday, June 25 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS Presented by PBC

Main Event: Keith Thurman (26-0, 1 ND, 22 KOs) vs. Shawn Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs) – WBA Welterweight World Championship

Co-Feature: Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) – WBA (reg.) Featherweight World Championship

Start Time: TBD

Venue: TBD

Promoter: DiBella Entertainment

  • Thurman cleared to resume training after minor injury
  • Three-division world champ Mares to now face Jesus Cuellar for featherweight title

 

Late-Summer 2016 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event: Leo Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOs) vs. Carl Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs) – WBA (super) Featherweight World Championship

  • Frampton the unified 122-pound titlist, will move up to face Santa Cruz for the WBA (super) Featherweight World Championship
boxing, fantasy sports

$2000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Jacobs vs. Quillin headlines new game & Return of Head-to-Head games

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For Immediate Release
NEW YORK (December 1, 2015) – Head-to-head games, allowing players to go 1-on-1 to either up the chances of winning or settling a score, returns for the next $2,000Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game, online at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com, powered byCompuBox.
 

 
The much anticipated middleweight showdown between defending world champion Danny Jacobs and former 160-pound division titlist Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin headlines the new Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game.  Jacobs ($5100) is favored over Quillin ($4700) because the former is younger, bigger and hits equally hard.  Both are dangerous punchers but Quillin has proven to have the superior whiskers.
The most prohibitive favorite in this game is Regis Prograis ($5800) versus underdogAbel Ramos ($4000).  Prograis is a rising star whose boxing skills are far superior to always tough Abel Ramos ($4000)
Another heavy favorite is Fedor Chudinov ($5600) over aging former world championFelix Sturm ($4300).  Not only has Chudinov already defeated Sturm, he’s also younger, quicker and fresher.
Crafty southpaw Jesus Cuellar ($5400) has size and power advantages againstJonathan Oquendo ($4300).  Cuellar figures to catch Oquendo after a few feeling-out rounds.
Former world champion Chris Algieri ($5000) may have lost his last two fights, but they were to Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan.  Algieri’s aggressive style and experience should prove to be the difference against Erick Bone ($4300).
The best fight of the week may be between young, crowd-pleasing Omar Figueroa($5000) and veteran Antonio DeMarco ($4200).  The aggressive Figueroa must control the pace against DeMarco, whose best days appear to be behind him.
A heavyweight pick-em features a pair of potential future world title challengers in Dominic Breazeale ($4800) and Charles Martin ($4700).  The big punching, tough Breazeale has holes in his game that he’s been able to overcome against smaller opponents.  Martin, however, is a live ‘dog with the same size as Breazeale and equal power.  Plus, he’s a lefty.
Another heavyweight class finds a fading Chris Arreola ($4800) fighting Travis Kauffman($4500), who is moving up in clash in terms of quality of opponent.  Weight is always an issue with Arreola, which effects his ability to throw punches in bunches.  Kauffman wants to push the pace versus Arreola, taking him into deep water but winning rounds along the way.
There are three easy ways to play Throwdown Fantasy: 1. Select five fighters from the game group, using the $25,000 salary cap (see above); 2. Then track scoring in real time, earning points for wins, knockouts and CompuBox statistics (see example chart below); 3. Scoring the most points wins. Most games last a full week and each has multiple winners.
Fighters receive points based for how they perform, rewarding each style of boxing, andCompuBox fight statistics are available for research at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com.

New players who sign up now receive FREE entry into Throwdown Fantasy Boxing’s monthly Freeroll game.  Throwdown Fantasy also provides a $250 free roll that players may enter using Throwdown Points (3 free entire upon registration) and $25.00 free game. Signing up and playing is free. People have the opportunity to register and play for free and then move onto paid games.
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @Throwdownfan
Instagram: @throwdownfantasyboxing
boxing, Showtime Boxing

JAMES DEGALE DEFENDS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE IN QUEBEC CITY THRILLER OVER HOMETOWN FAVORITE LUCIAN BUTE SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Eleider Alvarez Earns Right To Face WBC Light Heavyweight Champion

Adonis Stevenson, Who Calls Out Sergey Kovalev For June Unification

 

Adrian Granados Shocks Undefeated Amir Imam On SHO EXTREME

 

Catch The Replay This Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click HERE To Download Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (Nov. 29, 2015) – James DeGale defended his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship in a thriller over hometown favorite and former champion Lucian Bute on Saturday in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

 

It was the first title defense for DeGale, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist from Britain who went on the road to Boston to win the title earlier this year and chose to defend in hostile territory.

 

Bute, who was attempting to win back the IBF belt he defended nine times between 2007 and 2012, put on an inspired and gutsy performance in an electric atmosphere to open the new Videotron Centre in Quebec City.  But the unbelievable pace, as well as an arsenal of overhand rights, body shots and combos from the younger DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) proved to be the difference as DeGale prevailed 116-112, 117-111 (twice).

 

“I’m young and I’m fresh. I’m peaking right now,” DeGale said.  “I’m ready for the best in the world. Credit to Bute – he’s a great champion and believe me, he will be back.”

 

“Like I’ve said in the past, he is a world-class fighter. I’ve still got things to work on in the next three or four years and I’m going to be my best.”

 

Bute (32-3, 25 KOs) didn’t look anything like the fighter that lost to Carl Froch in 2012.  But while the 35-year-old stalked the switch-hitting DeGale with a relentless attack, he couldn’t do enough to overpower the supremely active Brit, who threw 524 power punches compared to 278 for Bute.

 

“I think it was a great fight.  I did my best tonight,” Bute said.  “I think it was a close fight.  He’s an Olympic champion, he’s a world champion.  If the judges give him the decision I respect that. I’ll be back in the gym to work hard and continue to fight.  I think it was a very close fight.  I’m happy with my performance and I’ll be back in the gym to get back in the ring one more time.

 

“The last three years were difficult for me.  After I lost to Carl Froch that was a very difficult period for me.  I took a break, and now I’m back.  I feel great, I feel healthy and now I have one more chance to be back on the top.

 

“Maybe a few rounds I waited too much and didn’t put the punches together and I let James fight me.  When I pushed pressure and pushed back I won the round.”

 

In the opening bout on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Eleider Alvarez earned the right to face WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson with a close majority decision over Isaac Chilemba, scored 114-114, 118-110, 115-113.

 

Alvarez, ranked No. 2 by the WBC at 175 pounds, started quick and pocketed rounds against the No. 1 ranked contender Chilemba.  But Chilemba weathered the storm and fought his way back in the fight as Alvarez couldn’t keep up the pace he established in the earlier rounds.

 

Both fighters came out with a sense of urgency in the 12th and deciding stanza and if Chilemba had won the final round the fight would have been ruled a draw.

 

“I knew I had to finish the later rounds strong, but I believe I did enough to win the fight,” Alvarez said.  “I’m ready to accept the challenge and face Stevenson. To be the world champion, you have to beat the champion. So that’s what I aim to do.”

 

Chilemba argued that Alvarez, who fights out of nearby Montreal, was the beneficiary of a “hometown decision,” although the judge who ruled the fight a draw was a local and the other two were from neutral territories.

 

“I thought I did enough to win it,” Chilemba said.  “But it is what it is. I guess you can call it a hometown decision.”

 

After the fight, SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer sat down with Stevenson to get his thoughts on Alvarez-Chilemba and his future.

 

“It was a close physical fight,” Stevenson said.  “He (Alvarez) won this fight but it was very close.”

 

“We talk about Kovalev because the WBC still ranks him the No. 1 contender.  I want this fight to happen.  The fans want it to happen.  I said June is perfect for me.  He said ‘OK, June,’ Kathy Duva said ‘No problem, June.’  Then she said on HBO.  I said, ‘Forget about the TVs, let them talk.’  We want the fight to happen.  Let the TVs work together and make it happen.

 

“I want to fight Kovalev.  That’s the best opportunity for me because I want his titles.  For sure, this fight will happen in June.  I don’t have a problem; my team doesn’t have a problem.  I want this fight in June.

 

Kovalev is scared.  I talked to him, saw it in his eyes that he’s scared of me.  It will happen, but I know Kovalev is scared.  I want Kovalev.  I’m very hungry to get his titles.”

 

Adrian Granados survived a first-round knockdown to shock undefeated super lightweight prospect Amir Imam in the opening bout of SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME with an eighth round TKO (2:34).

 

It was a crushing defeat for Imam, who entered the fight as the No. 1 mandatory challenger to WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Viktor Postol.

 

Imam looked like he was going to finish the fight early after a nice left-right combo floored the Chicago native.  But after escaping the first, Granados dictated the tempo of the fight, worked the inside and prevented Imam – considered one of boxing’s most talented young contenders – from establishing his jab.  With Imam unable to keep the fight at a distance, Granados picked apart the Don King-promoted fighter.  After seven rounds of punishment and Iman gasping for air against the ropes Granados finished his opponent with a series of devastating combo shots.

 

An elated Granados (15-3-2, 10 KOs), who has losses to fighters with a combined record of 49-0, pleaded his case to become the mandatory challenger.

 

“I believe I should be the mandatory challenger,” Granados said.  “He was in line and I stopped him. What does that mean? Come on.  I was the underdog, but I just came to take it. I came to take it.

 

“It feels great. Once I had him wobbled I was like, ‘you’ve got to get him now. This time you’re not taking it from me.’  It was a flash knockdown. He caught with the right hand, but I was alright. I just popped right up and I knew he was going to try and finish me. We got out of it and went right back to work.”

 

Despite the demoralizing loss, Imam (18-1, 15 KOs) doesn’t regret taking a fight that will likely knock him out of title contention.

 

“I know people might say I shouldn’t have taken this fight, but I needed this fight in between as a tune-up for my next fight because I didn’t want to wait for the six to eight months for the world title shot.

 

“The key to the fight was my jab, I just didn’t use it enough,” Imam said.  “But that’s the way it goes and I’m going to definitely come back stronger. I wasn’t thinking anything after that first-round knockdown.  I’ve done that many times and didn’t think the fight was over.  I wasn’t surprised at all by the way he came out. I know how he fights. He’s a good fighter and that’s all there is to it.”

 

In the opening bout of SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME, undefeated heavyweight prospect Oscar Rivas (18-0, 13 KOs) knocked out veteran Joey Abell (31-9, 29 KOs) at :46 of the second round.

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air onMonday, Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME while the SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME will re-air on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.  Both telecasts will be available On Demand beginning this Sunday.

 

Mauro Ranallo called the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action with Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. In Spanish, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow with former world champion Raul Marquez serving as color commentator. Barry Tompkins called the SHOWTIME EXTREME action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst.

 

The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

AMIR IMAM VS. ADRIAN GRANADOS, OSCAR RIVAS SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS  

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SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME Live at 9 p.m. ET/PT

From Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada

 

Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (Nov. 26, 2015) – Undefeated WBC No. 1 ranked super lightweight Amir Imam (18-0, 15 KOs) and Adrian Granados (16-4-2, 11 KOs) faced off on Thursday ahead of their 10-round bout on Saturday, Nov. 28, on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME.

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT from the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City prior to that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.  In the SHO EXTREME opener, undefeated heavyweight and former international amateur star Oscar Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs) will face Joey Abell (31-8, 29 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

 

IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (21-1, 14 KOs) will defend his belt against former 168-pound champ Lucian Bute (32-2, 25 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME®(11 p.m. ET/PT).  In the co-feature, the WBC’s No. 1-ranked 175-pound fighterIsaac Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs) will square off with No. 2-ranked Eleider Alvarez (18-0, 10 KOs) in a light heavyweight world title eliminator for the right to face WBC Champion Adonis Stevenson.

 

Here is what the SHO EXTREME participants had to say on Thursday:

 

AMIR IMAM

 

“I know I’m taking a risk by taking this fight but I’m going to take advantage of this. I really don’t need rest because I’m in the gym anyway. So let’s just get this fight out of the way and I’ll just wait for the world title fight.

 

“I don’t feel pressure. I know what I jumped into when I got into this professional boxing game, and I have a good team around me. We’re a tight circle and very strong, and when the opportunities come, I’ll be ready to take advantage of it.

 

“People are talking about me wanting to fight Errol Spence and getting revenge (on a past U.S. Olympic boxing trials loss). I don’t have revenge on my mind. I mean, we could definitely do it when I move up a weight class, but right now I’m focused on a 140-pound title shot. I want that title shot in early 2016 against (current WBC world champion) Viktor Postol.

 

“(Postol) is a good fighter and he got the title for a reason, but you can’t hide and run for too long and my time is coming next year. You get one defense and then it’s all me. It’s all Young Master.”

 

ADRIAN GRANADOS

“I would say this is the biggest fight of my career. It’s going to be a great fight and I’m looking forward to a great night.

 

“(Imam’s) got a lot of tools and he’s very talented. We’ll take it round by round and make adjustments as the fight goes.

 

“I’ve rebounded well. I’m not satisfied with the way my career has gone and had a lot of bad decisions and management problems. I wasn’t brought along like my opponent was. But it’s helped me grow some thick skin and attributes to why I’m here today.

 

“I’ve faced tough fighters before and it’s not the first time I’ve been the underdog. I will pull off this upset.

 

“I’m looking to shock the boxing world on Saturday night.”

 

OSCAR RIVAS

“My strength is my speed and the way I put pressure on my opponent. So I’m going after (Abell) and will put a lot of pressure on him until he falls.

 

“I’m so thrilled and elated to fight again on a big stage. I fought on ShoBox in my last fight and it was amazing. It’s so important for me to get seen so I can fulfill my dream and get into the top 10 in my division.

 

“This is the biggest fight of my career and the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had. I just want to make sure I grab it and look spectacular.”

 

STACY McKINLEY, Imam’s manager and trainer

“I can’t find anything we need to work on. Amir is strong and technically sound and he’s getting more experienced every time he fights. He’s a devastating puncher. He’s the full package and that’s very tough to find. They don’t come around too often.

 

“I’d like him to fight Adrien Broner next year. I’d like to fight all the guys and unify all the titles next year. Boxing is going to need a new superstar now that Floyd Mayweather is gone, and we’re not going to wait 15 years to make another one. I think Amir unifies all the titles at 140 and 147, then we’d have our new superstar within 36 months.

 

“He has to use his jab to win on Saturday. He’s got a beautiful jab, the best jab in boxing. And everything has to come right behind it.”

 

# # #

 

The event, billed as “THE RECLAMATION”, is a presentation of Vidéotron in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu. Tickets are on sale at the Vidéotron Centre box office, on www.ticketmaster.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.

 

@butelucian, @jamesdegale1, @yvonmichelGYM, @interboxca,@stormalvarez, @SHOsports,

boxing, Showtime Boxing

JAMES DeGALE VS. LUCIAN BUTE, ELEIDER ALVAREZ VS. ISAAC CHILEMBA MAIN EVENT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“They think it’s going to be a boxing match, but it will be a destruction.

It will be explosive. Three rounds – place your bets. Trust me.”

– James DeGale

 

“I have the power to knock him out and the skills to box him.

I’m just ready to become world champion again.”

– Lucian Bute

 

Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® This Saturday, Nov. 28,

Live On SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT

From Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada

 

SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME Live at 9 p.m. ET/PT

 

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (Nov. 25, 2015) – Boldly predicting at least a sixth-round finish against hometown favorite Lucian Bute, a confident James DeGale held his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship belt high over his head during the main event press conference in advance of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event.

 

“Gonna be six rounds, but it may be three,” DeGale repeated over and over as the fighters concluded their final shots for a packed room of media members on Wednesday at the Le Bonne Entente Hotel.  DeGale (21-1, 14 KOs), from London, England, defends against the popular former 168-pound world champion Bute (32-2, 25 KOs), of Montreal, this Saturday from the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City, live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT. 

 

Also participating in the press conference were the two top ranked light heavyweights facing off in the co-feature.  WBC’s No. 1-ranked 175-pound fighterIsaac Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs), of Montreal, meets unbeaten, No. 2-rankedEleider Alvarez (18-0, 10 KOs), of Johannesburg, South Africa, in a light heavyweight world title eliminator. The winner earns the right to become the mandatory challenger for WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson, who is expected to be in attendance on Saturday night.

 

NOTE: A new opponent was announced on Wednesday for heavyweight Oscar Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs), of Montreal.  Joey Abell (31-8, 29 KOs), of Champlin, Minn., will square off with the undefeated heavyweight in the 10-round opening bout of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME. 

 

Here is what the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING participants had to say on Wednesday:

 

JAMES DeGALE

 

“It’s on – fight time is finally here.  I feel like a beast. 

 

“They think it’s going to be a boxing match, but it will be a destruction.  It will be explosive.  Three rounds – place your bets. Trust me.

 

“I fought the best super middleweight southpaw out there in Andre Dirrell and look what I did to him. Once he feels my power that will be it.  I’m going to start fast and throw loads of punches.

 

“I watched him against Carl Froch, watched him against (Librado) Andrade.  He’s great in the center of the ring, but I’m not going to stand there.  It won’t be a chess match.  I’ll start fast and we’ll see how he takes it.

 

“Carl exposed him and I’ll finish him. But I don’t care about Carl Froch – he’s old.  I’m the new champion.  If he wants this belt, he’ll have to come get it.

 

“I’m an old school fighter – I don’t mind travelling to fight in my opponents’ hometown. 

 

“He was a great champion who has fought some great fighters so I should get kudos when I beat him.”

 

LUCIAN BUTE

 

“It’s a great opportunity to fight for my old belt in front of my hometown fans.  I think they’ll push me toward the victory.  I’m looking forward to becoming world champion again.

 

“I think he’s the best super middleweight in the world right now, but I’m very confident in myself.

 

“I had a great camp.  I’m just ready to become world champion again.

 

“I’m healthy, I feel great physically.  I have the power to knock him out and the skills to box him.

 

“Now I have a chance to take back my belt against another English fighter.”

 

JIM McDONNELL, DeGale’s Trainer

 

“I’ve tried to come back and do what Lucian has done and it’s not easy. Tune in on Saturday night because what I’ve got is special, and you’ll enjoy what you see.

 

“It’s tough to win your world title back.  I respect Lucian for trying, but James is a world class fighter. He’s ready for everything.”

 

HOWARD GRANT, Bute’s Trainer

 

“We did everything we had to do.  Lucian is 100 percent prepared to surprise everyone on Saturday.  Lucian knows what wearing that belt is all about – he wore it for about five years and he’s coming on Saturday to take it back to where it belongs.”

 

ELEIDER ALVAREZ

 

“This is my chance right now. I’m hungry and I’ve done everything I had to do to have the best camp possible for this fight. I’m facing a very intelligent boxer who is technically excellent. But I’ve always said that if I don’t face the best, then I will stay an ordinary boxer. So I must face the best, to be the best.

 

“When I wake up on Sunday morning, I’m going to be the mandatory challenger for the title.”

 

ISAAC CHILEMBA

 

“I had a great camp in Burbank, Calif., training there for six or seven weeks. I believe I should have a shot at Stevenson, and if this is what it takes to get there I will do whatever possible to make it happen. I’m up for the challenge.

 

“I’m fighting a good fighter and he’s undefeated for a reason. But I’m here to prove that I’m the best light heavyweight in the world. I will put on a good show on Saturday night and everyone will see.

 

“I have a lot of trials in my life, but I think that’s what makes me stronger and has made me what I am today. I don’t look back on what has happened and I appreciate what life has given me.

 

“He is a great fighter and I know it won’t be an easy fight.  But I’ve put in the work and I’m ready.”

 

MARC RAMSAY, Alvarez’s Trainer

 

“This is the major leagues right now. These two are the best light heavyweights in the world. I’ve had the chance to work with Isaac because he has sparred in Montreal with Artur Beterbiev for two weeks. So I know him well. He’s a very complete and complex boxer. But I full trust my fighter to win this fight. It’s his chance.”

 

BUDDY McGIRT, Chilemba’s Trainer

 

“I just want to say it’s great to be a part of this event. Mr. DeGale is the champion and he’s coming to Mr. Bute’s country to fight him. That’s what boxing needs. It needs more fights like this to keep it on the rise.

 

“As far as our fight goes with Mr. Alvarez, I believe that besides (Sergey) Kovalev, these two are the best light heavyweights in the world. And I think they should be fighting for the title and not an eliminator to see who fights the champion.”

 

# # #

 

The event, billed as “THE RECLAMATION”, is a presentation of Vidéotron in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu. Tickets are on sale at the Vidéotron Centre box office, on www.ticketmaster.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.

 

@butelucian, @jamesdegale1, @yvonmichelGYM, @interboxca,@stormalvarez, @SHOsports,