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Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Premier Boxing Champions Event Saturday, July 29 from

 Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

 

BROOKLYN (July 27, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they headline a Premier Boxing Champions event Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlomeeting top contender Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator.

 

Undercard action on “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims” will stream live on Facebook and YouTube and will feature heavyweight contenders Gerald Washington and Jarrell Miller in a 10-round match, plus Irish sensation Katie Taylorin her U.S. debut.

 

Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees), 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.

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Dream Hotel Downtown:

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“Just know that I’ll be ready on Saturday night. I’m not worried about how much he’ll weigh when we step into the ring. I’m ready for anything.

 

“Camp was tough, but it was great. I did a lot of things differently and made sure that I was doing everything right. I made sure not to cut any corners this camp.

 

“This is going to be a great fight for boxing. I’ve done my due diligence. I’m going to take care of business. I just know myself and know what I’m capable of.

 

“Every fight is a must-win in this sport. There’s no fight you go into with a loss on your mind. I’m going to put on a show on Saturday.

 

“I laugh when people write me off. I’m used to being the underdog coming from where I come from. People don’t know what I’ve been through to get to this point. I’m blessed to be where I’m at. Saturday night there will be a lot more room on the bandwagon.

 

“We’ll see who’s on the pound-for-pound list after Saturday night. We could have fought years ago but the time is now and I’m ready.

 

“I’m glad that the Garcia team took this fight as quickly as we did. I’ve been taking everything seriously in Colorado. I know Mikey will be ready too. Robert Garcia definitely has some confidence from beating me with Marcos Maidana. But Mikey is not Maidana.

 

“I just don’t feel like Mikey will be able to do anything to stop me from getting the victory. I’m sure he’s confident too. After I make it look easy, I want everyone to write about it and say something good.

 

“I can make anybody quit in the ring. Mikey is no different. If I execute and stay focused, don’t be surprised. I’m ready for this fight.

 

“Saturday is going to be a special day for me. My birthday is tomorrow. I’m almost 30. I want to dedicate this victory to my twin brother Andre. Seeing his smile will make it even more special for me.”

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

“I’m prepared to go 12 hard rounds with Adrien Broner. This is a high profile fight. Probably more than my other fights. It’s created a lot of buzz amongst fans and media. Everyone is anticipating a great fight. This is a great matchup that can take me to the next level.

 

“I don’t think that he’s going to be desperate but he knows that I’m not an easy opponent. That’s why he’s taken camp so seriously. I expect him to be at his best and be ready. He knows that if he beats me he can launch his career back to where it was.

 

“He’s a four-division world champion so clearly he has the skills. I need someone who is hungry and motivated to bring out the best in me. My main focus is getting the win by any means necessary.

 

“I’m going to lo look to box effectively and show that I’m the better fighter. We’re both smart fighters but neither of us will run from the other. When you have styles like ourselves, with two guys who like to exchange punches, you’re in for a great battle.

 

“I think Adrien will be fine with the weight. He’s a pro and he knows that he really has to make weight. He’s learned from his mistakes. Sometimes he jokes around but that’s just part of his character. He takes things a lot more seriously because he’s facing me.

 

“If I can get this win, I just want to keep moving forward and fulfilling my dreams. I want to be in huge fights consistently. This is a crossroads fight for both of us to get to that level.

 

“I’m very excited to be here. Brooklyn was very kind to me when I fought here last year. I expect the fans to be here and show up like they always do on Saturday. There are incredible boxing fans in New York.

 

“I’m here to prove that I’m back and stronger than ever. This is another opportunity to show the kind of fighter that I am. I won’t let Adrien Broner stand in my way. This is my chance to show the best version of myself.”

 

JERMALL CHARLO

 

“I feel great and ready to make my debut at 160 pounds. Camp has gone smoothly. I’m ready to dominate this division like I did 154 pounds. My plan is to care of Heiland and then everything else will fall into line from there.

 

“This is a bigger, better and stronger version of Jermall Charlo. Everything has come together during camp. Ronnie Shields runs a great camp and I believe he’s continuing to bring the best out of me.

 

“I’m completely focused on this matchup. I know that I can’t get any of the big fights that I crave without taking care of Heiland. I’m going to break him down and if the knockout comes, I’ll make sure to take advantage.

 

“My hat is off to Adrien Broner and Mikey Garcia for bringing out all the fans and media for this great show. It’s a real thrill to be a part of this event.”

 

JORGE SEBASTIAN HEILAND

 

“I’m thankful to everyone who has welcomed me to New York. I’m happy to have this big opportunity and I’m 100 percent prepared for whatever Jermall Charlo brings. Jermall is a great fighter and I know that he is going to bring everything he has.

 

“I’ve had an amazing camp and I’ve never felt more prepared for an opportunity than this. I was very patient and I will take full advantage. My plan is to leave everything in the ring on Saturday.

 

“My team has been with me for a long time as I waited for this opportunity. Be ready because it’s going to be a battle and a great matchup on Saturday. You won’t want to miss it.”

 

GERALD WASHINGTON

 

“I came here to go to work. I’m going to shut that big mouth of his up. I hope someone is holding him accountable for all the words he’s been saying. You’re in there with a real one on Saturday night. I’m going to welcome you to this game for real.

 

“I’m sure he’ll try to bring some extra pressure. I’m going to introduce him to a new class of boxing. I’ve taken a lot from my experiences in training camp with Wladimir Klitschko and in the ring with Deontay Wilder. You’ll see the difference on Saturday.

 

“I’m still growing in this sport. I’ve been learning on the job this whole time and each experience just means so much to me. I wanted to take on a tough undefeated fighter because I knew that it would make it a great fight.

 

“This is most definitely ending inside of the distance. I’m coming after him. I’m going to wear him out. Then it’s time to take him out.”

 

JARRELL MILLER

 

“If you don’t know who “Big Baby” is, you soon will. I’ve never seen anyone get knocked out and get praised for it, but that’s what people are doing for Washington. I’ve never been hurt in my life in the ring and I’ll prove it on Saturday.

 

“This guy said he’s going to introduce me to big-time boxing. I’ve been in front of huge crowds and I’ve come through with knockout wins. I’ll be more than ready on Saturday night.

 

“I’ve got big plans in this sport and this is only the start. Brooklyn fans loved their hometown heavyweights Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe. I’m going to be next in that line and this city will love me.”

 

KATIE TAYLOR

 

“It’s incredible to be here in New York and to make my US debut on this incredible card. It’s truly a privilege.

 

“Training has gone so well and I’m so happy that SHOWTIME will stream the fight. It’s incredible for my fans overseas and all fans of women’s boxing.

 

“I hope to make a strong statement this weekend and I hope everyone enjoys the fight on Saturday night.”

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

“This is definitely a must-see event on Saturday night. Two great fighters, fighting at the right time, both in the prime of their careers. It’s going to be a great show.

 

“One of the main reasons why boxing is going to the next level is because the people at the top have a vision of seeing great fights. We have another great example of that this Saturday night at Barclays Center

 

“Anytime you have a great event, it’s going to start with the undercard. We have a lot of young fighters looking to show off their skills. We’re thrilled to have our very own Richardson Hitchins and Kenny Robles competing in exciting undercard action.”

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

 

“A month from now there will be a huge event in Las Vegas, but two days from now there is the best fight card of the summer, the best fight of the summer, and a great show from top to bottom at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

“This is a great summer of boxing for SHOWTIME and it’s great to be in this room and see all the great attention that this fight card is getting. This is one of the best representations that we can have of our sport. This is one of the most stacked cards I’ve ever been involved with.

 

“There are a lot of good reasons to get a ticket and come to Barclays Center on Saturday night. There will be a strong Irish presence on the card Saturday with both Katie Taylor and Noel Murphy entering the ring.”

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

 

“Saturday is a testament to SHOWTIME’s commitment to boxing and boxing fans. We’ve worked hard to deliver the most important bouts from around the world. We have three separate telecasts, five fights, across two continents.

 

“We will also be streaming Katie Taylor’s U.S. debut. People know Katie from reputation alone, and we thought it was important to have her fight seen. The heavyweight fight between Gerald Washington and Jarrell Miller is another one that deserves to be seen and I think it could be the fight that steals the show.

 

“The main event has two of the brightest young stars in boxing. They both feel like they’ve been on this stage for a while. You know their resumes and you have to give them all of the credit in the world for taking this fight. Neither had to take this fight, but it will be one of the most exciting matchups of the summer.

 

“We have had 19 live presentations and 15 world title fights so far and we’re proud of what we’ve done accomplished so far. Boxing has had a great year and much of that has been carried by SHOWTIME boxing. That will continue this Saturday.”

 

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

 

“This card is our fourth major card this year. It’s been an incredible year for BROOKLYN BOXING. We’ve made a commitment to bring the best boxing to the borough. With all of our partners help, we have been able to accomplish that.

 

“We welcome both of these fighters back to Brooklyn. They’ve both built fan bases and we’re excited to see both of them back in the building and in the ring on Saturday.

 

“The whole night of boxing is going to be incredible. I welcome Jermall Charlo to Brooklyn, your brother had a great night in April and I’m sure you will follow in his footsteps.”

 

 

#          #          #

 

ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina and this event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

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VIDEO: ADRIEN BRONER FLUSHING OUT THE NEGATIVE AS HE PREPARES TO FACE MIKEY GARCIA THIS SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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“I feel like my back is against the wall.  Everybody is counting me out once again.” – Adrien Broner

 

SHOWTIME Sports® Video Feature: http://s.sho.com/2tKCUR0

 

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Four-division world champion Adrien Broner has taken a unique approach as he prepares to face undefeated three-division titlist Mikey Garcia this Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).  One of only 16 four-division champions in boxing history, the outspoken Broner is practicing yoga in his Colorado Springs-based camp as he attempts to minimize the distractions and focus on perhaps the biggest fight of his career. 

 

“I feel like my back is against the wall,” Broner says in this SHOWTIME Sports video feature.  “Everybody is counting me out once again.

 

“Don’t get me wrong, he can fight, he can box.  But, at the end of the day, I just don’t see him beating me.” 

 

Broner faces Garcia in a matchup of two of boxing’s biggest stars in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.  Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlo returns to face Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator.  The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  

 

# # #

 

ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina and this event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

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SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO DELIVER THREE SEPARATE LIVE BOXING PRESENTATIONS ON SATURDAY, JULY 29  

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Live Coverage of Broner vs. Garcia Undercard Plus Carl Frampton Homecoming Bout Available On Digital Platforms Preceding SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

 

NEW YORK (July 25, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports will offer three separate boxing presentations on Saturday, July 29, delivering two digital live streams preceding the evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING televised doubleheader.  The digital-only offerings will be available on Facebook Live and YouTube prior to the live SHOWTIME® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, as the network continues its unrivaled commitment to boxing.

 

The full day of high-stakes boxing will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT with streaming coverage from Belfast, Ireland as 2016 Fighter of the Year Carl Frampton makes his long-awaited homecoming.  The former two-division titlist Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) will face once-beaten Andres Gutierrez (35-1-1, 25 KOs) in a 12-round featherweight bout, his first since splitting a par of slugfests with three-division world titlist Leo Santa Cruz.  Coverage of Frampton vs. Gutierrez will be provided by Channel 5, a television station in Northern Ireland.

 

SHOWTIME Sports will then deliver live coverage from Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT with “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims”.   The two-fight live stream will feature former world title challenger Gerald Washington (18-1-1, 12 KOs) against Brooklyn native Jarrell Miller (18-0-1, 16 KOs), plus the U.S. debut of female boxing star and Irish Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Taylor (5-0, 3 KOs).  Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the live streaming fights from Brooklyn alongside former world champion Daniel Jacobs.

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims and Frampton vs. Gutierrez will be available to U.S. audiences only.

 

The July 29 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a blockbuster matchup between two of boxing’s biggest stars as three-division world champion Mikey Garcia moves up to 140 pounds to face four-division champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner.  Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlo returns to face Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator.  The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims is an extension of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME, which is the first premium television series to offer live undercard coverage.  Both offerings provide bonus bouts to viewers at home, delivering an experience that was previously available only to fans in arena.  Via SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims, viewers are afforded the unique opportunity to interact with the boxing community during the event in real time.

 

SHOWTIME Sports also will live stream the Broner vs. Garcia final press conference on Thursday and the official weigh-in on Friday across digital platforms, including Facebook Live and YouTube.

 

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Exciting Night of Undercard Action Highlighted by Irish Stars Katie Taylor & Noel Murphy in Separate Attractions on Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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Local Prospects George Arias, Kenny Robles & Richardson Hitchins, Plus Australia’s Billy Dib & Unbeaten Alejandro Guerrero, Round Out Action-Packed Card

 

BROOKLYN (July 6, 2017) – A stacked night of undercard bouts will be highlighted by unbeaten rising Irish stars Katie Taylor and Noel Murphy in separate showdowns on Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

The July 29 event is headlined by a super lightweight showdown between four-division world champion Adrien Broner and unbeaten three-division world champion Mikey Garcia, in a 12-round bout presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature unbeaten Jermall Charlo facing Argentina’s Jorge Sebastian Heiland plus highlights of the heavyweight matchup between former title challenger Gerald Washington and unbeaten Jarrell Miller.

 

Taylor will compete in an eight-round lightweight bout while Murphy enters the ring for an eight-round welterweight affair. Additional action will see Australian contender Billy Dib (42-4, 24 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight fight and unbeaten prospect Alejandro Guerrero (3-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round lightweight match.

 

Rounding out the night will be a trio of unbeaten local prospects as the Bronx’s George Arias (7-0, 3 KOs) steps into the ring for a six-round heavyweight bout, plus Staten Island’s Kenny Robles (2-0, 1 KO) competing in a four-round welterweight attraction and Brooklyn’sRichardson Hitchins (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round junior welterweight matchup.

 

Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), 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.

 

“Katie is clearly one of the biggest stars in Irish boxing and her presence on this card further evidences the rise in women’s boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “She joins five-time, five weight division Puerto Rican world champion Amanda Serrano and US star Heather Hardy in continuing our commitment to include the best women on the best cards at Barclays Center. While Katie will appear on the international telecast, the local Irish community and US-based fans will need to join us at Barclays Center on July 29 to see her in action. Undefeated Noel Murphy, from County Cork, Ireland, further bolsters this card for fans of Irish boxing while Australian former world champion Billy Dib and young local talent, such as Bronx heavyweight George Arias and former Golden Gloves champions Kenny Robles and Richardson Hitchins round out the card.”

 

“I’m so pleased to see Katie make her American debut on such an outstanding card,” said Eddie Hearn, Group Managing Director for Matchroom Sport. “I believe Katie is the most entertaining and dangerous fighter in women’s boxing and has already lit up many venues in her professional journey, most recently Wembley Stadium on the Joshua v Klitschko card in front of 90,000. She is one of the biggest stars in Ireland and we are expecting fantastic support from the Irish community on the east coast for her first US experience.”

 

A rising star overseas, Bray, Ireland’s Taylor will make her U.S. debut on July 29 and conduct her training camp in Vernon, Connecticut after five pro fights in the United Kingdom dating back to her pro debut last November. Taylor has already picked up three victories in 2017, including her most recent triumph over previously unbeaten Nina Meinke in April. Taylor seeks a professional world title after a sensational amateur career that saw her twice represent her country in the Olympics, including a gold medal-winning performance in 2012, in addition to five gold medals in the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships.

 

Originally from Cork, Ireland, Murphy returned to his home country to fight as a professional for the first time in February when he won an eight-round decision over Avelino Vazquez. The 22-year-old fights out of Woodlawn, NY and will look to pick up his fourth victory this year after most recently earning a decision over Brian Jones in May. Murphy seeks his third professional win at Barclays Center and second this year after beating Maxito Sainvil in January.

 

#          #          #

 

ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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ANTHONY JOSHUA  DEFENDS IBF HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WITH THIRD ROUND TKO OF ERIC MOLINA SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM MANCHESTER ARENA IN MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

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Matchroom Sport Announces Joshua To Defend Against Long-Reigning Heavyweight Kingpin Wladimir Klitschko April 29 At Wembley Stadium

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Matchroom Sport

 

Anthony Joshua extended his perfect record to 18-0 with 18 knockouts in a dominating defense of his IBF Heavyweight World Championship over American challenger Eric Molina Saturday on SHOWTIME from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/2hqHTo8.

 

Joshua floored Molina with a huge left in the third, leaving the Texas native crumpled in the corner.  Molina looked dazed and barely beat the count, but he was again in trouble and defenseless seconds later, forcing the referee to halt the contest at 2:02.

 

After the fight, Matchroom Sport managing direction Eddie Hearn announced that Joshua will make the third defense of his title on April 29 against long-reining heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko at London’s Wembley Stadium.

 

“Disaster avoided tonight,” Joshua said.  “He started off teeing off with some haymakers early on.  There are not too many tactics he can do.  It’s hard for him to come in and fight when you aren’t giving him any options.  Someone who is boxing with you can give you options, but someone who is boxing on his back feet cannot.”

 

“This is the start of my story and there will be many more things to come when I step into this ring.   I’m not one to talk and I’m not one to mess around, but if I did start talking I think people would find out what I’m all about.  I’ve stayed consistent and I’ve stayed patient and I’m still undefeated.”

 

“We are moving into a huge arena (Wembley).  He’s a very respectful man outside of the ring, and he’s very competitive in the ring.  This is the step up people have wanted.  Klitschko wants his belts back and may the best man win.”

 

Said Klitschko: “He is the best man in the heavyweight division and his record speaks for itself. This is the fight that the fans want and that is why this fight will happen.”

 

“Do you want to see a big fight?  Do you want to see a fight where two Olympic champs are involved?  Do you want to see the fight between A.J. and W.K.?   You got it.”

 

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ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. ERIC MOLINA OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PHOTOS FOR IBF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Airs at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT
Live On SHOWTIME; Encore Presentation During Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast

 

Click HERE To Download Press Conference Photos (Credit Matchroom Boxing)

 

IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua weighed in at 249 pounds and American challenger Eric Molinameasured 237 ½ pounds for their heavyweight showdown tomorrow/Saturday at Manchester Arena live on SHOWTIME®(5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT).

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® presentation originates from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, site of that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.  WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will join host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi as part of the SHOWTIME announce team for Joshua vs. Molina. 

 

Undefeated sensation and 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Joshua (17-0, 17 KOs) will make the second defense of his title against Molina (25-3 19 KOs), a Texas native getting his second shot at a belt in his quest to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight world champion. 

 

An encore presentation of Joshua vs. Molina will air as part of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast later that evening, following the main event showdown between WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar and three-division former champ Abner Mares.  In the co-feature, Jermall Charlo will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against fellow-undefeated challenger Julian Williams. 

 

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ANTHONY JOSHUA & ERIC MOLINA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR IBF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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“I want to shatter his dreams and keep that title.” – Anthony Joshua

 

“I’m not here to take it on points, I am here to put him on the floor and take his belt.” – Eric Molina

 

SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Airs at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT
Live On SHOWTIME; Encore Presentation During Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast

 

Click HERE To Download Workout Photos (Credit Matchroom Boxing)

 

IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and American challenger Eric Molina worked out for the British press on Tuesday in Manchester, England, as they prepare to square off this Saturday at Manchester Arena live on SHOWTIME® (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT).

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® presentation originates from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, site of that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.  WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will join host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi as part of the SHOWTIME announce team for Joshua vs. Molina.

 

Undefeated sensation and 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Joshua (17-0, 17 KOs) will make the second defense of his title against Molina (25-3 19 KOs), a Texas native getting his second shot at a belt in his quest to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight world champion.

 

An encore presentation of Joshua vs. Molina will air as part of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast later that evening, following the main event showdown between WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar and three-division former champ Abner Mares.  In the co-feature, Jermall Charlo will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against fellow-undefeated challenger Julian Williams.

 

Here is what Joshua and Molina had to say during fight week:

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA

 

“Eric is coming here to win and he’s got a goal in his sights and dreams to fulfill.  I want to shatter his dreams and keep that title.  He gave Wilder a real test, rocked him, and boxed through the fight with an injury. So he’s got ability, power and heart.

“Eric has only lost to the best.  He’s looked at as an underdog because a lot of it is about hype.  This is his chance to announce himself.   He might say he can beat me, but we won’t know until the night if he can pull it off.

 

“This fight isn’t about Deontay Wilder.  Deontay is supposed to be this KO artist with one-punch power and he’s been a pro for eight years now so he’s got vast experience in the game.  Eric put up a great fight against him and watching it I thought ‘that’s the type of guy that I want to be in.’ Someone that fights with their heart on their sleeve, that’s why we’re here now.  It’ll be a comparison in the back of my mind but that doesn’t make me a better fighter than him or vice versa if I do better or worse than Deontay.

 

“A man that gets up after being knocked down has my full respect and he has shown he has massive heart. His mentality is that he’s got nothing to lose, and that makes him dangerous. There’s been upsets in the past but that’s not happening at this stage of my career.

 

“Molina is Wladimir Klitschko, he is David Haye, he is Wilder.  He is a hurdle I have to overcome. It’s not about them, it’s about me.  I won’t disrespect Eric, but I don’t play games, I come to dominate.   I don’t care how long the fight with Molina goes; one or 12 rounds, I just need to dismantle my opponent.

 

“I’m not fighting Klitschko.  He’s going to be there on Saturday, as is Haye, but they’re not in front of me.  My career, my discipline and my consistency, that’s the package that we’ve been sending out to the rivals and that speaks louder than any performance on Saturday.  I want to win, I want to look good and I want to entertain — but the most important thing for me is going in there and doing the job.

 

“I’m not learning in the shadows, I’m under the bright lights on Box Office in the UK and on SHOWTIME in the U.S. I have to perform every time that I box. There’s so many wolves in the pack that want to come and destroy what I’ve built.

 

“We’re close to getting some huge fights. If I get through Saturday then I fight Klitschko; it doesn’t get much bigger, so the division is moving forward.  People have just got to be patient and enjoy the ride.

 

“The U.S. is a big market for me and I am sure it won’t be long until I make my U.S. debut.  Whether that’s against Wilder, we’ll see.  He’s got the injury to recover from.  I have a lot of people asking me when we’re taking the show to the States, but I don’t think they mean Alabama!  They are hoping for Las Vegas, I think — that’s a trip we’d all love to make.”

 

ERIC MOLINA

 

“Knockout is the only way I am going to win.  I’m not here to take it on points, I am here to put him on the floor and take his belt.  Any heavyweight can KO any other heavyweight, and I can KO Joshua.  I’m a hard-punching heavyweight so I am extremely confident.

 

“I’m unpredictable – and any man in this division can be KO’d on any night.  To become champion, that’s the ultimate goal, and I think I have what it takes to knock him out.

 

“Joshua has great balance, he’s athletic, tall, uses his reach – but there are things about him we don’t know yet and he knows it, too.  We know he can punch and has the attributes to become a legend, but that missing piece of the puzzle is the chin.  Can he take a punch?  He hasn’t taken anything up to this date.  A good boxing puncher can KO you with a shot at any given moment.

 

“I don’t question his stamina, but I do want to see him take a good shot.  It’s the big question – and I’ve hurt everybody that I’ve been in the ring with.  Does he have grit and determination? We’ll find out.

 

“I’ve been an underdog all my life so it doesn’t faze me. Joshua is young, he’s strong, he’s got all the attributes of a great champion.  But there are a lot of things that he’s yet to experience in the ring, and that’s what I have to capitalize on.  Eventually he has to go through those things and get taken to those places that he hasn’t been yet.  I have to take him there to win.

 

“Who else in the last 18 months is going to fight Joshua and Wilder?  Who is willing to do that to win? No one wants to get in with this guy.  This is my route to get the world title. It’s not about Klitschko, it’s about me.  Any man can be destroyed on any given night.  Joshua knows that’s true.  He’s got to beat me to get the fight, but I have a great chance to KO this guy.

 

“I don’t pay too much notice to what people think. When I fought Wilder the whole world gave me one round — that’s it.  He’s going down in one round, he’s going to get blasted away.  I’ve heard it all before, all the negative feedback.  Let people think what they want, I feed off it. I have nothing to lose in a fight like this and everything to gain.  It’s a very dangerous fight and the type of fight that I really perform in.

 

“Dillian Whyte has given Joshua his toughest test so far, then probably (Dominic) Breazeale.  He hasn’t been pushed.  He hasn’t been taken to a place where he’s had to dig deep.  There are some holes in his game that we feel we can execute and hurt him.

 

“Lots of people didn’t want the fight; it’s a business and I wanted it. I’ve shared the ring with Wilder and now I’m going in with Joshua.  These aren’t just words; I’m putting it into action, there’s a difference.

 

“Wilder is the most dangerous heavyweight in the world, Tyson Fury is the most skilled, the combination of both would beat Johsua.  The most feared is Luis Ortiz.  You have the heavyweights that no one wants to get in with.  Everyone is calling everyone out, but when it comes down to it, it means nothing if you don’t get in there.  You just have a certain bunch of guys that don’t want to fight another bunch of guys.

 

“Against Wilder I learned that I can get up.  I can fight back and still win rounds. I learned I can fight through an injury; that I can bite down on the gumshield and give more than I ever thought I could give.  It was a big stage against Wilder in his backyard so I’ve been on the big stage before. It doesn’t concern me at all – been there, done that.  I’ve lost on the big stage but I’ve also won on the big stage.”

 

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HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER TO BE GUEST ANALYST FOR ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. ERIC MOLINA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT ON SATURDAY, DEC. 10 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Airs at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT Live On SHOWTIME; Encore Presentation During Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®Telecast

 

Watch, Share & Embed “Wilder Road To Recovery” Video: http://s.sho.com/2gcc2TI

Download: https://we.tl/V82xszVTFc

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK (Dec. 2, 2016) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will join the SHOWTIME announce team as a guest analyst for the IBF Heavyweight World Championship fight between undefeated champion Anthony Joshua and American challenger Eric Molina on Saturday, Dec. 10, live on SHOWTIME (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT).

 

Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) will join host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi for the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® presentation from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, site of that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

 

The “Bronze Bomber” just completed rehab for a fractured right hand and torn right bicep (see video above) as he (Wilder) sets his sights to unify the division in 2017.  Wilder is acutely familiar with Molina, having defeated the fellow-American in the first defense of his title in June, 2015 on SHOWTIME.

 

“I know firsthand just how tough Eric Molina is,” Wilder said.  “He’s coming to win because it’s a chance for him to win a world title, and he’ll definitely push Joshua.  Whoever wins will have to see me eventually because it’s my goal to collect all the belts and become the undisputed heavyweight champion.”

 

Joshua is making the second defense of his title against Molina, who is getting his second shot at a belt in his quest to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight world champion.

 

An encore presentation of Joshua vs. Molina will air as part of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast later that evening, following the main event showdown between WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar and three-division former champ Abner Mares.  In the opening bout, Jermall Carlo will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against fellow-undefeated challenger Julian Williams.

 

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Q&A WITH AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT ERIC MOLINA AS HE PREPARES TO CHALLENGE UNDEFEATED IBF CHAMPION ANTHONY JOSHUA, SATURDAY, DEC. 10 ON SHOWTIME®

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Molina Aims To Become First Mexican-American Heavyweight Champion

 

SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL Live on SHOWTIME

At 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT From Manchester England

 

NEW YORK (Dec. 1, 2016) – If strength of schedule had anything to do with a boxer’s ranking, Eric Molina (25-3, 19 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, might be rated amongst the top boxers in his division.

 

Consider: In June of last year, Molina went to Birmingham, Ala., to challenge undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs).  Molina, a prohibitive underdog,   lost but had his moments, including staggering Wilder with a wicked shot in the third round.

 

This past April, Molina traveled to Poland and knocked out one of that country’s all-time great champions, Tomasz Adamek, in the 10th round.

 

And now, on Saturday, Dec. 10, live on SHOWTIME, Molina will travel to Manchester, England, to challenge unbeaten IBF Heavyweight World Champion and hugely popular local favorite Anthony Joshua (17-0, 17 KOs).  Once again, he will enter the ring as a significant underdog.

 

“A lot of heavyweights haven’t walked the streets that I’ve walked through,’’ Molina said. “This is an evil sport.  You lose, they write you off.  It’s hard to bounce back like I have.  Nothing has been given to me.  I’ve earned it.  I’ve done it the hard way.  I enjoy the world underestimating me, but they don’t understand the struggles I’ve been through.  

 

“This is my second world title shot, my third major fight in 18 months, and I’ll be the first Mexican-American heavyweight champ in history if I win.  I’m coming into this fight like this is it for me.  This is my last shot.  I’m ready to fight with everything I have.

 

“I love these big, big fights. They don’t scare me. There is no fear in me.”

 

Here are Molina’s responses to a recent Q&A:

 

On his upcoming assignment against Joshua

 

“I feel great about this fight.  These are the kinds of fights I want and want to be in. Before I fought Wilder I had 35 days to train; for this I’ve had about five weeks. We feel this gives us plenty of time to fix what we have to fix in training.

 

“This is a mission I set out for – to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion of the world. This is my mission.  I’m looking forward to fighting Joshua and embracing the opportunity.  I work very hard and put everything into it every day.  I want to be the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion.

 

“The magnitude of this fight is everything.  I put everything in. But I know I have to stay focused and relaxed.”

 

What do you think of Joshua?

 

”Obviously, he does a lot things well, but there are a lot of areas to his game we haven’t seen yet, and I’m going to test him in those areas.  He really hasn’t had to take too many punches in his fights.  I’m going to have to put him in spots where he’s uncomfortable.  There has to be a game plan and there will be for Joshua.”

 

Who are the top heavyweights in the world?

 

“Joshua has got a great attitude. I’d say he’s the No. 1 heavyweight, ahead of Wilder and Tyson Fury.”

 

On how this fight came about

 

“Once I got wind that the Klitschko fight might not be happening, I started thinking, ‘well, if not Wlad, then who?’  I looked at the rankings and didn’t see a lot of possibilities so I knew I had a chance.  Then, I got a call from Eddie Hearn with an offer and I signed a few days later. I feel truly blessed.  I feel like this is my time.”

 

How would you describe how your career is going?

 

“I no longer second guess what I can do.  Fighting on the road so much; fighters need that kind of experience to compete against a fighter like Joshua.  You have to stay in the moment and keep focused at what you are there to do and not allow the atmosphere in the arena get to you.

 

“I’ve fought some of the biggest fights on the road, so I’m accustomed to it and definitely think that is my edge over (Dominic Breazeale and Charles Martin). 

 

“Some fighters have to go down to become champion.  It’s not that easy to become champion.  My road sure hasn’t been that easy.  I got beat by Wilder, but then I knocked out Adamek and now I’m fighting Joshua.

 

“I’ve been in the underdog situation.  I’ve been in these fights, and that doesn’t affect me.  I’m ready for it.’’ 

 

Where are you training?

 

“I’m training in Weslaco with my team at my own private gym.  We’ve brought in some sparring partners.  I took a year off from teaching so I was in the gym anyway, but now I’m training for a world title again.  We’ve been working hard, putting in extra time on strength and conditioning. The plan is to take our time, try to put everything together and not rush anything.  So far we’re right on the mark.’’

 

When do you depart for England?

 

“We are leaving on Dec. 2 or Dec. 3.  Before that, I just need to concentrate on staying in the moment, which is to continue focusing on training and letting the future take care of itself.’’

 

What were your takeaways from the Wilder fight?

 

“In the Wilder fight, look at the first knockdown.  You see how I landed on my left ankle.  I rolled it over and it hurt – and got worse — but I kept fighting.  The ankle was in a cast for six-seven weeks afterward. 

 

“Take out the Wilder fight and it puts me in right in the mix with any heavyweights in the world. For me, that fight was confirmation that no heavyweight can just run through me.  That is one of the differences between my attitude now and before. 

 

“At one point I didn’t have the experience –I had no amateur fights – or the confidence I have now.  I now know what I can do and can’t do, I know my strengths and weaknesses more and just feel that I’ve matured into a top contender.  I’m now confident in my power and the things that I can do.’’

 

How do you rate the victory over Adamek in your last fight?

 

“It was pinnacle of my career.  To knock him out there, it was the biggest win of my career and set me up now for the biggest fight of my career against Joshua.  I have such nice memories of that fight. I t took a full team effort to beat Adamek and it will take another full team effort to beat Joshua.  Our backs are against the wall but we’ll be ready.’’

boxing, UK Boxing, women's boxing

Irish Ropes to host meet & greet fundraiser  Goal to eliminate local homelessness

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Olympic boxing gold medalist Katie Taylor &
Other top athletes and Irish musicians invited
Dec. 3 in Mullingar, Ireland
ATHLONE, Ireland (November 7, 2016) – A special fundraiser, hosted by Irish Ropes, will be held December 3 at the Grevillle Arms Hotel in Mullingar, Ireland, highlighted by a meet-and-greet with some of Ireland’s best and most popular athletes and musicians.

Proceeds will benefit Midland Simons Community, whose goal is to eliminate homelessness in Laois, Lonford, Offaly and Westmeath.
Irish Ropes is an Ireland-based boxing promotional company that was also successful promoting out of New York City from 2003 to 2009.
“The holidays are coming and we’re raising funds to make life a little better for some disadvantaged people,” Irish Ropes president Eddie McLoughlin, who will be celebrating his 60th birthday the night of the fundraiser. “The Irish are known for their generosity and we’re fortunate to have so many popular athletes in our corner for this worth event.”
The fundraising event will offer an open microphone to singers, magicians, comedians, etc.   Suggested donations are 10 Euros per person or whatever is affordable.  Volunteers collecting donations include Terri Carey, who works at The Fashion Shop in Mullingar, and her sister, Dympna.
Invited Irish athletes include 2012 Olympic boxing champion Katie Taylor, also a multiple-time World and European Championships gold medalist, as well as some of the biggest names from the world of Gaelic football, hurling, horse racing, men’s boxing, golf, and stars from the Irish music scene.
Additional information coming, go online to www.midlandsimon.com.