Tag Archives: Lamont Peterson

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CURRENT & FORMER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONS WEIGH-IN ON KELL BROOK vs. ERROL SPENCE IBF 147-POUND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter & More Discuss The Latest In Series Of Welterweight Blockbusters

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT From Bramall Lane In Sheffield, England

 

NEW YORK (May 23, 2017) – IBF Welterweight World Champion Kell Brook and undefeated rising star Errol Spence face off this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) in the latest in a series of significant welterweight matchups between the best fighters in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

 

Six of the top eight welterweights in the world* will have fought in the first five months of 2017 – all on SHOWTIME or CBS – as a de facto tournament continues in the 147-pound class to determine the No. 1 fighter in a division long controlled by the retired Floyd Mayweather.

*Source: Transnational Boxing Rankings

 

WBA and WBC Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman unified the titles on March 4 with a split-decision victory over Danny Garcia in a rare matchup of undefeated champions.  Lamont Peterson picked up the secondary WBA Regular title on Feb. 18, and on April 22 Shawn Porter knocked out Andre Berto to become the mandatory challenger to Thurman’s WBC belt.  The remaining welterweight champion, Manny Pacquiao, is set to defend his WBO title against Jeff Horn on July 2.

 

Now it’s Brook and Spence’s turn to take center stage in boxing’s glamour division.

 

This Saturday in Sheffield, England, Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) will make the fourth defense of the IBF belt he won via majority decision over Porter in 2014.  The 31-year-old, who has never been knocked down, will be the decided hometown favorite in front of what is expected to be 25,000-plus fans in the first world title fight in the 162-year history of Bramall Lane.

 

The 27-year-old Spence (21-0, 18 KOs) has long been considered one of boxing’s most prized prospects.  The IBF’s No. 1 contender has knocked out eight straight opponents and has improved as his level of opposition has risen – his last six opponents held an impressive combined record of 151 wins against just eight losses.  The Dallas resident travels abroad for this long-awaited title opportunity as he attempts to become the first American to dethrone an Englishman on British soil in nearly a decade.**

 

With both Spence and Brook affirming their intention to unify the division after May 27, see below for what legendary Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard and current top welterweights have to say about Saturday’s IBF title matchup.

 

SUGAR RAY LEONARD – Former Undisputed Welterweight World Champion

“I’m really excited about this fight in particular, mainly because both fighters have to be on their A-game.  I know there is talk about Kell’s eye surgery being a psychological problem, but from personal experience, I don’t see that being the case.  I never thought about my eye once the doctor gave me the green light.

 

“To ask me who is going to win this fight, I have my favorite in Errol Spence.  But, based on the each fighter’s physical artillery, one punch can turn the tables around.  That being said, I am going to sit back and watch a great night of boxing.”

 

KEITH THURMAN – Unified WBA & WBC Welterweight World Champion

“This is an interesting fight.  I have not followed Kell too much, but I have obviously seen Errol fight in the U.S.   Errol is a tough, young fighter who is just getting into the public’s eye, and Kell obviously has the strength of the British crowd on his side.

 

“It should be a tough fight that really speaks to the strength of the welterweight division.  Both fighters are men that I would be open to fighting as I continue to unify the division in 2018.   As a fight fan, let’s see what’s ‘Special’ about Kell Brook, and we’ll see if Errol Spence can show us he’s ‘The Truth.’  It should be a great fight and I’ll be watching.”

 

DANNY GARCIA – Former Welterweight World Champion

“I think this is a 50/50 fight.  I think the person with the better game plan is going to win.  There is a lot of pressure to go into someone’s backyard like Spence is doing, and he’s never faced a fighter in his prime before like Brook.   It is definitely a test for him and a big step up in competition.  If he is ready, he can do it.  He just has to go in there and stay focused.

 

“The welterweight division is the best division in boxing.  I still feel like I am one of the best welterweights in the world even though I came up short.  I never thought I would say a loss would make me stronger because I didn’t see myself losing.  I want my titles back and to be seen as the best in the best division.”

 

SHAWN PORTER – Former Welterweight Champion & Current WBC No. 1 Contender

“I’m glad Errol is getting his title shot, and I’m happy he’s going to England for it.  I’m obviously pulling for the American.  Errol is a phenomenal athlete and a great boxer.  I think he’s ready to show the world something, but Kell is right up there in that top tier of welterweights.  People who tune in should be thrilled. I know I’m looking forward to it.

 

“The welterweight division is awesome, top to bottom.  We’re right where we need to be and should be.  Boxing returning back to the masses with PBC came at the perfect time for me and the rest of the top welterweights. There are so many of us capable of winning a title right now.”

 

LAMONT PETERSON – WBA (Regular) Welterweight World Champion

“This is going to be a tough fight, but I think Errol should win.  At least I’m pulling for Errol to win.  He’s got to overcome the idea that there will probably be 30,000 people cheering against him, so he has to show the judges that he deserves to win.

 

“Brook is a good fighter and is going to bring his best, but I think Errol, in the end, is the better fighter. But he will have to prove it.

 

“The welterweight division is one of the best in boxing right now.  We’ve got a lot of good fighters in their prime making the division strong.  And guys are willing to fight each other.  We are seeing the kind of fights the fans want to see.  If this keeps up it could bring boxing back to where it was in the days when Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler all fought each other.  So it’s really good for boxing right now.”

 

**Timothy Bradley dethroned another Sheffield native, Junior Witter, in 2008 in Nottingham.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

 

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ADRIEN BRONER DEFEATS ADRIAN GRANADOS VIA SPLIT DECISION SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM CINTAS CENTER AT XAVIER UNIVERSITY IN CINCINNATI

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Lamont Peterson Edges David Avanesyan to Become Two-Division Champion; Marcus Browne Knocks Out Thomas Williams Jr.
 
Watch The Replay Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME
 
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME 
CINCINNATI (Feb. 19, 2017) – Adrien Broner and Adrian Granados battled in a close, back-and-forth main event Saturday on SHOWTIME, with the four-division world champion Broner eking out a split decision victory from Cintas Center at Xavier University in his hometown of Cincinnati.
The fight, which was scored 97-93 Broner, 97-93 Granados and 96-94 Broner, was a tale of accuracy vs activity. Granados (18-5-2, 11 KOs), a native of Chicago, was the busier fighter, throwing 683 compared to 403 total punches for Broner (33-2, 24 KOs).  But “The Problem” connected at a 41 percent rate, compared to just 21 percent for his opponent.
The fight was fought largely on the inside, which Broner said was because he hurt his left hand in the first round and couldn’t work off his jab.  Regardless of the reason, Granados was able to make the fight into the rough affair he had predicted.
“I knew that Adrian Granados was going to come tough,” Broner said.  “At the end of the day, I was beating him up. This was an easy one for me.  I feel good.
“Adrian Granados is a world class fighter, a lot of guys duck him but I wanted to fight him because that’s what I’m about.  Inside this ring it’s business. Granados is a great friend of mine. It’s nothing personal.
“I’m taking my career more seriously and being more positive.  I want to apologize to everyone who looks up to me and has seen the foolish things I’ve done.  I’m ready to be a better role model, a better father figure and a better star for everyone. “
Granados clearly disagreed with the decision and voiced his displeasure post fight.
“I knew it wasn’t a pretty fight but I’m thankful to my team,” Granados said. “You already know, there were all types of games that they played with me.  We had to change the weights. We had to change the scale.  They are just playing all kind of games. I just want to be treated fairly.
“I understand, I don’t have a perfect record, but I can beat any of these guys. You have seen the scorecards. Split decision. Come on. Give me another one. Let’s do it again. I can’t wait to watch this fight, because I know I won.
“Come to my house.  He fought smart and did his thing. If he thinks he did it this time, let’s do it again. Let’s do it in my house. Come to Chicago.”
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, Lamont Peterson (35-3-1, 17 KOs) narrowly edged WBA (regular) Welterweight World Champion David Avanesyan (22-2-1, 11 KOs) in an entertaining 12-round unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112 twice) to become a two-division champion.
The fight was fought at close quarters from the start.  Peterson attacked on the inside instead of working off his jab, as was largely his game plan when he unified the 140-pound division.   Avanesyan and Peterson traded body punches and uppercuts, but it was Peterson who was more fluid and effective in the second half of the fight.  Peterson committed to the body in the later rounds, connecting on 98 shots to the body over 12 rounds.
Both fighters connected on 40 percent of their total punches, but the real difference was that Peterson connected on 39 percent of his power shots compared to 29 percent for Avanesyan.
“I was expecting to pick up where I left off,” Peterson said of his 16-month layoff.  “That may seem like a long time, but if you’re in the gym it’s not a long time.  I took some steps forward tonight.  We’re looking to get back in camp and keep moving.
“I expected to put pressure on him the way he did.  I didn’t think he would fight back as hard as he did.  He showed he’s a champion and shows he’s at this level.  I want to fight anyone in the welterweight division now.”
Avanesyan admitted it was a close fight but thought he did enough to get the decision.
“I thought that I was landing my punches more cleanly while his punches were being blocked,” Avanesyan said.  “Lamont is very good but I thought the judges were impressed with his movement, but I had the power.”
In the opening bout of the evening, Marcus Browne (19-0, 14 KOs)knocked downThomas Williams Jr. (20-3, 14 KOs) three times on his way to a sixth-round KO (:42).
The southpaw vs. southpaw scrap was chippy from the opening bell.   Browne capitalized on his significant reach advantage and controlled the distance with his jab, as Williams struggled to fight effectively on the inside.
In a bizarre second round, the undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian scored a knockdown with a straight right and then cracked Williams with a left hook to the back of his head while he was on his knee.  After some confusion, referee Ken Miliner correctly deducted a point from Browne and gave Williams five minutes to rest.  Williams took the nearly full five minute allotment but never seemed the same when he returned.
Browne floored Williams again in the fourth with a counter right hook, Williams beat the count but consistently ate shots as he struggled to gauge the distance.  The third and final knockdown of the fight happened courtesy of a right hook in the opening minute of the sixth.  Williams remained on the canvas complaining of an injured jaw, and failed to beat the 10 second count.
“He didn’t’ look like he went down, so I made sure he went down,” Browne said of the incident in the second round.  “He was trying to stand up in the squat position so I pushed him down a bit more.  He was in a squat – I didn’t see his gloves.  I’m sorry.  I wasn’t being dirty.”
The Staten Island native then called out WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson:  “Adonis, just give me my chance.  Let’s go.  I want that strap.”
Saturday’s tripleheader will re-air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.  It is also available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND and SHOWTIME ANYTIME.
# # #
ABOUT ADRIEN BRONER vs. ADRIAN GRANADOS
Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados took place Saturday, February 18 at the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH live on SHOWTIME. Televised coverage began at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown. Also featured was WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan battling former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson. The event was promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
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ADRIEN BRONER vs. ADRIAN GRANADOS WEIGHTS, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR SATURDAY’S SHOWTIME® TRIPLEHEADER  

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT From Cintas Center In Cincinnati, Ohio

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

Welterweight Main Event – 10 Rounds

Adrien Broner – 146 ½ Pounds

Adrian Granados – 146 ½ Pounds

Referee: Earnie Sharif (Pittsburg, Penn); Judges: Robert Pope (Cincinnati), Phil Rogers (Youngstown, Ohio), Steve Weisfield (River Vale, N.J.)

 

WBA Welterweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

David Avanesyan – 147 Pounds

Lamont Peterson – 146 ½ Pounds

Referee: Harvey Dock (Newark, N.J.); Judges: Robert Pope (Cincinnati), Phil Rogers (Youngstown, Ohio), Steve Weisfield (River Vale, N.J.)

 

Light Heavyweight – 10 Rounds

Marcus Browne – 174 ½ Pounds

Thomas Williams – 174 ½ Pounds

Referee: Ken Miliner (Cincinnati), Judges: Robert Pope (Cincinnati), Phil Rogers (Youngstown, Ohio), Stacey Blevins (Dayton, Ohio)

 

# # #

 

ABOUT ADRIEN BRONER vs. ADRIAN GRANADOS

Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados will take place Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH live on SHOWTIME. Televised coverage on begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown. Also featured will be WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan battling former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

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SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO STREAM FIRST EVER LIVE BOXING EVENT ON TWITTER WITH BRONER vs. GRANDOS, LIVE ON SATURDAY, FEB. 18

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SHOWTIME® Extends Reach of Free Preview Weekend With Live Stream of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader At showtimeboxing.twitter.com

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 17, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports will live-stream the first ever boxing event on Twitter this Saturday, offering fans the opportunity to watch and join the conversation during the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader headlined by popular four-division world champion Adrien Broner versus upset-minded Adrian Granados.

 

The unique collaboration with Twitter is an extension of the SHOWTIME Free Preview Weekend during which the premium network will be available to more than 73 million television households nationwide from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 20.

 

Twitter’s live stream of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will be available for free to logged-in and logged-out users on Twitter and connected devices in the United States and Canada.  Access to the live stream will be available at showtimeboxing.twitter.com, in Twitter’s explore tab and on @ShowtimeBoxing.

 

“We are in the midst of an unrivaled run of seven live boxing events over an eight-week span on SHOWTIME and CBS,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “The sport of boxing is on the rise again, and the best and most meaningful fights are on SHOWTIME.  With this unprecedented live stream on Twitter, we have the opportunity to reach boxing fans and casual observers everywhere with the industry-leading boxing programming we deliver to our subscribers on a consistent basis.”

 

“Twitter is where fans go to for live conversations about boxing,” said Anthony Noto, COO at Twitter.  “Our collaboration with SHOWTIME Sports will provide fans access to the live video stream of Saturday night’s best-in-class championship boxing coverage and the live conversation all on one screen.”

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING presentation of Broner vs. Granados airs live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.  In the main event, former four-division world champion Adrien Broner will face the hard-charging Adrian Granados in a 10-round welterweight showdown.  In co-featured bouts, WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan will defend his belt against former two-time champ Lamont Peterson, while 175-pound contenders Marcus Browne and Thomas Williams square off in a 10-round light heavyweight bout.

 

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

 

About Twitter

Twitter, Inc. (NYSE: TWTR) is the best and fastest place to see what’s happening and what people are talking about all around the world. From breaking news and entertainment to sports and politics, from big events to everyday interests. If it’s happening anywhere, it’s happening first on Twitter. Twitter is where the full story unfolds with all the live commentary and where live events come to life unlike anywhere else. Twitter is available in more than 40 languages around the world. The service can be accessed at twitter.com, on a variety of mobile devices and via SMS. For more information, visit about.twitter.com or follow @twitter.

 

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Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® This Saturday, February 18 From the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
CINCINNATI (February 16, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring Saturday, February 18 live on SHOWTIME® from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati.
Also in attendance Thursday and competing in televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan and two-time world champion Lamont Peterson, who meet in a 12-round welterweight fight, and light heavyweight contenders Marcus Browne and Thomas Williams Jr., who battle in a 10-round contest.
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader airs during a SHOWTIME FREE PREVIEW WEEKEND during which the premium network will be available to more than 73 million television households nationwide from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 20.  Viewers can sample the network’s award-winning programming on SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME On Demand®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions and K1 Promotions, are priced at $250, $100, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from the Cintas Center:
ADRIEN BRONER
“I know everyone is used to me coming up here and being boastful. That’s not me anymore. I have a lot of respect for Adrian Granados and he’s a great fighter.
“A businessman that can fight. That’s what I am nowadays. I’m not a sh*t talker anymore. I’m a businessman that knows how to fight.
“My best knockouts come when I don’t go for the knockout. I look at my last fight and think to myself that it was terrible because I was looking for the knockout. I watch the Khabib fight, I didn’t look for the knockout and it came. That’s when the biggest knockouts come. I just want to go in there and put on a great performance for the hometown crowd.
“I just want to put on a great performance for everyone in Cincinnati. It’s going to be a special atmosphere and I want to give them their money’s worth.
“I’ve had an amazing training camp and I feel great right now. I’m very thankful to my team who has helped me get to this point in my career.”
ADRIAN GRANADOS
“I’m excite for this weekend. I’m ready to go. I’ve been through a lot but we’re ready. I’m not here to lay down. I’m here to take home a victory for Chicago and for my people.
“Saturday I’m expecting a great fight. It is going to be a kill or be killed-type of fight. It is going to be a very exciting night for all of us.
“People that think I’m an underdog don’t know me. They don’t know the tricks I have up my sleeve. I plan on thriving in the underdog position.
“I’ve watched Adrien fight live on TV and in the arena many times. Spending eight weeks with him [in camp], I think I know him more than most people.
“I plan on winning in a stoppage or a unanimous decision. No matter what I’m leaving with a victory.”
“It’s going to be a great fight. We have a lot of mutual respect. Mixed with my style, I know it’s going to be a good fight. I hope everyone is ready for a great show.”
DAVID AVANESYAN
“I’m very happy to have this fight in America. This is my second time fighting in the U.S. and I’m looking forward to keeping my belt after fighting Lamont Peterson on Saturday.
“I am excited to be fighting on a show like this. I hope that if I can get another win I can get even bigger fights and prove that I’m the best.
“I’m ready for this challenge. I know Lamont Peterson is looking to make this a great fight and I hope he brings it in the ring on Saturday.”
LAMONT PETERSON
“I had a great camp. I’m thankful to my team for getting me ready for this one. We got some great sparring that has me ready for this fight.
“I’m ready to take care of business on Saturday night. I’m looking forward to it and I hope everyone enjoyed it.
“We always want to be in good condition. Avanesyan switches from southpaw to orthodox a lot, which is something we had to be prepared for. We’ve sparred with guys from both sides and gotten a lot of good rounds there.
“He’s a strong fighter too. You know a Russian fighter is going to come in with power. We made sure I’ll be able to match him anytime the fight gets rough. I’ll be ready for anything.
“I think my speed will give him trouble. He’s been able to handle everything in the past, but that doesn’t mean I won’t have advantages. I’m the more experienced fighter and I have the skills to get the win.
“I feel like I’m going to get him out of there. I’m predicting a late stoppage.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“Top Dog can say what he wants to say. On Saturday night we’ll be Dog Whisperers. Make sure you tune-in for this one.
“I’ve had a great training camp and I feel ready to get in the ring. Saturday night can’t come soon enough for me.
“I’m thankful to have this opportunity to fight on a great card like this. I’ve seen guys like Adrien and Lamont in the ring for a lot of years and I’m proud to be up here with them.”
THOMAS WILLIAMS JR.
“I’m feeling great. It was an awesome camp. Everyone should buy a ticket or watch it on TV. Get there early and don’t miss my fight.
“Marcus is a boxer and I know he’s going to try to kick and scratch every now and then. If you let him get comfortable, he’s going to get in a zone. My job is to make him uncomfortable and make him do the things that I want him to do.
“Everybody who knows me, knows what I bring to the table. When I get in the ring you know what’s coming. Saturday night, ‘Top Dog’ will reign.”
RAVONE LITTLEJOHN, About Billions Promotions
“It’s finally fight time. Tickets begin at $30 for this great card. We’re excited to be promoting big events in Adrien’s hometown and the great boxing fans here.
“Adrian Granados is a guy who we’ve had in camp with Adrien before. We know what he’s capable of and how hard he works. Everyone knows he’s coming to bring it.
“Adrien has done a lot in this sport and he has a lot more left to do. I know he’s going to do it, and it starts Saturday night.
“Both guys are going to get in that ring and give it their best. Adrien Broner will be victorious, but we like the challenge.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“We’re very excited to be here in this wonderful city. It’s a great boxing town with a history of very good fighters from this area. Saturday night is an outstanding show from top to bottom.
“Both of the Adrien/Adrian’s know each other very well. You want to watch Adrien Broner Saturday night. He’s going to put on a phenomenal performance that I can’t wait to see.
“From top to bottom this is an incredibly exciting card and we’re excited to work with About Billions to give boxing fans another great event.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“At SHOWTIME our mission is to bring fans the biggest, best and most meaningful fights in boxing. This Saturday is no exception. These are three all-action and evenly matched fights. This is our third time in Cincinnati with Adrien Broner and this is the strongest card we’ve had here yet.
“When we announced our slate of winter fights, there was one event that I circled and said, ‘this is going to be the sleeper.’ This is an all-action card.
“Adrian Granados and his team did not hesitate one bit to jump at this fight. We know what type of fighter Adrien Broner is. He is a guy who will never shy away from a challenge. Whether you like him or not, Adrien always entertains and he always fights hard. I can’t wait for a great night on Saturday.”
# # #
ABOUT ADRIEN BRONER vs. ADRIAN GRANADOS
Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados will take place Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH live on SHOWTIME. Televised coverage on begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown. Also featured will be WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan battling former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
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Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® This Saturday, February 18 From the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
CINCINNATI (February 15, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados kicked-off fight week with a media workout Wednesday ahead of their main event showdown Saturday, February 18 live on SHOWTIME® from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati.
Also working out Wednesday and competing in televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan and two-time world champion Lamont Peterson, who meet in a 12-round welterweight fight, and light heavyweight contenders Marcus Browne and Thomas Williams Jr., who meet in a 10-round contest.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions and K1 Promotions, are priced at $250, $100, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Oasis Elite Boxing Club:
ADRIEN BRONER
“I feel really good. I’m confident as always. Training has been great and I’m just ready to put on a show for my hometown.
“I love fighting in Cincinnati. I know that I have a lot of people coming to see me win, but even in my home city, there will be people coming to see me lose.
“I handle the pressure of a hometown fight here. This one is one a whole different level because I haven’t fought here in a long time and I can’t wait.
“I know that Granados is not coming in here to back down. He’s a tough guy but I’m ready for anything he has.
“I could box every two weeks if they let me. But if I can stay healthy I’m looking forward to staying more active this year and fighting as many times in big fights as possible.
“It’s a surreal moment for me to be in this position as a fighter and as a promoter. I know that these young fighters look up to me. If I go and keep winning world titles, it’ll remind them that they have more work to do.
“I don’t want to do anything but bring out the best Adrien Broner. There are some fights you can win, but not with a great performance. With a guy like Granados, I can’t slack. He’s only going to bring the best out of me.
“My main focus right now is on Adrien Broner and bringing more positivity in my life. It all starts with boxing.”
ADRIAN GRANADOS
“We’re all a family in the gym. We’re there to push each other. It’s my turn to get the job done and I’m glad we have each other to push ourselves to be the best.
“I wasn’t happy about my layoff for much of last year. I lost an opportunity that I wasn’t happy about it. Patience ended up being the best in the end because now I have the kind of opportunity that every fighter wants.
“I’m definitely dedicating this fight to my little brother Ed Brown. I think about him every day. He’s got the best seat in the house up in heaven and I’m going to put on a great performance for him.
“Adrien is a strong puncher but I try not to focus too much on my opponent. I’m focused on myself and what I can do to beat the man in front of me.
“My team told me to stay patient and with their guidance we got this deal signed and I got this great opportunity. I’m looking to take advantage of it.”
DAVID AVANESYAN
“Lamont Peterson is a very good fighter. I’m happy to be able to face him here in the U.S. and I’m looking to keep my belt.
“I am going to do my best in the ring. I’m going to give it my all and the fans can expect a great fight.
“If I can win this fight, I’m open to fighting anyone in the welterweight division. I want big fights with the best fighters in the world.
“It’s important that I win this fight. This can open up doors for me and I know that I have the team that will work hard to get me these matchups.
“I think his layoff will hurt him. I’m going to come out and see what he’s bringing to the ring and then I will adjust and do what I have to do to get the victory.”
LAMONT PETERSON
“This is definitely the weight I want to be fighting at. I like the way I feel and the kind of shape I’m in. There are a lot of good names in this division and a lot of opportunities out there.
“To be back for a title fight is a blessing. I’m thankful for that. Everyone needs to know that the whole time I’ve been out, I’ve been working and getting better.
“I’m glad to get this string of welterweight title fights started. I’m anxious to see how everything plays out and who comes out on top as the number one welterweight.
“We get great conditioning in the gym. It’s been another amazing training camp and we’re going to put that effort into the ring.
“I look at this as me becoming the mandatory for Keith Thurman’s belt. This is a huge fight and it’s going to lead to even bigger opportunities.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“We studied all of his fights. Stevenson and Campillo were important obviously. We’re ready to do whatever it takes to win.
“The only guy on my hit list is Thomas Williams Jr. I’m ready to get in that ring and go to work.
“This time between fights has allowed me to reinvigorate my body. People talk about ring rust, but I believe that only exists in the mind. I stayed ready this whole time.
“This is the perfect opportunity for me. This is once in a lifetime and I have to take full advantage.
“I don’t look ahead. I can only look at what is right in front of me. Right now that’s this fight on Saturday night.
“My last fight taught me that I can go down, get back up and still win. That fight is behind me though. My main focus is on what is in front of me.
“My teammates from the 2012 Olympic team are my brothers and I’m so happy to see them get their opportunities, but now it’s my turn. This is my year.”
THOMAS WILLIAMS JR.
“I’m going to see what he brings to the ring. I know that he’s a boxer by nature, but maybe he’ll change it up. He didn’t look great last fight so he may make adjustments. Either way, we’ll be ready.
“I think that I have the better overall resume of opponents. Everyone knows that. But it doesn’t even matter. All that matters is Saturday. It gives me an advantage, but it won’t change Saturday night.
“I could go in there with one strategy, but then he might mix it up. My team prepared me well and I’m ready to go.
“Marcus and I were cool in the amateurs, but once the fight got made, it’s all business. We’re not cool, but there’s no beef. I’m here to take care of business.
“I asked for this fight. I had the opportunity for an easier fight, but I didn’t want it. I’m not planning to box forever, so I wanted to get right back to a world title shot. This time I’m going to win and ride off into the sunset. I want to leave on top.
“I’m predicting a knockout victory Saturday night. Don’t blink.”
# # #
ABOUT ADRIEN BRONER vs. ADRIAN GRANADOS
Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados will take place Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH live on SHOWTIME. Televised coverage on begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown. Also featured will be WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan battling former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
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Unbeaten Prospect & Cincinnati-Native Jamontay Clark Battles Nicaragua’s Santos Benavides in Undercard Action Saturday, February 18 From the Cintas Center  at Xavier University in Cincinnati

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Exciting Prospects Round Out Night of Action Headlined by
Adrien Broner Facing Hard-Hitting Adrian Granados 
in Main Event
 
CINCINNATI (February 15, 2017) – Unbeaten prospect Jamontay Clark (10-0, 6 KOs) meets Nicaragua’s Santos Benavides (25-11-2, 19 KOs) in an eight-round bout that highlights an exciting undercard on Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati.
The event is headlined by former four-division world champion Adrien Broner taking on hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan facing former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson and unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions and K1 Promotions, are priced at $250, $100, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Additional action will feature unbeaten Indianapolis-native Curtis Hill Jr. (9-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round light heavyweight bout against Cory Dulaney (5-3-1, 1 KO) and unbeaten Cincinnati-native Santino Turnbow (3-0, 2 KOs) taking on Joe Miller Jr. (1-1) in a four-round cruiserweight showdown.
Rounding out the night is Cincinnati’s Desmons Jarman and Honduras-native David Quay in a four-round super featherweight and Atlanta’s Tra-Kwon Pettis (5-2, 1 KO) facing Milwaukee’s Mike Fowler (5-4, 2 KOs) in a four-round lightweight contest.
An unbeaten prospect fight at home in Cincinnati, the “Quiet Assassin” Clark picked up two victories in 2016 over increasingly quality competition as he stopped Elvin Perez in six rounds and earned a unanimous decision over Edgar Ortega. The 22-year-old last fought in his hometown in 2015 when he recorded a second round TKO of Joe Wilson Jr. and his fight on February 18 will make his third pro appearance in Cincinnati. He prepares to take on Benavides out of Chontales, Nicaragua who owns victories over Jay Krupp, Cody Richard and Joel Cerrud.
# # #
ABOUT ADRIEN BRONER vs. ADRIAN GRANADOS
Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados will take place Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH live on SHOWTIME. Televised coverage on begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown. Also featured will be WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan battling former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
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ADRIAN GRANADOS REVEALS HIS MOTIVATION FOR FEBRUARY 18 BOUT IN AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH MARK KRIEGEL

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“I broke down and cried and screamed to coach, ‘I’m going to win this fight. I’m going to win this fight for him.’” – Adrian Granados

 

THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel: Adrian Granados

http://s.sho.com/2kXNzH2

Photo/Video Credit: SHOWTIME

 

Top-rated contender Adrian Granados opens up in an intimate interview with Sports Emmy® Award-Winning writer Mark Kriegel in the latest edition of the reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports® digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel.

 

As Granados prepares to meet four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, Feb. 18, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in Cincinnati, Ohio, he talks about his struggles, the loss of his long-time friend Ed Brown and what lies ahead for him on fight night.

 

A tough Mexican-American from Chicago, Granados enters this fight on a five-bout winning streak, including his impressive stoppage over then unbeaten top contenderAmir Imam in November 2015. Most recently, the 27-year-old dominated Ariel Vasquez over eight rounds in July. With a win over Broner, Granados can position himself for his first career world title shot.

 

Below are excerpts from the interview:

 

MARK KRIEGEL: “What does this fight represent to you?”

 

ADRIAN GRANADOS: “Cubs just won. This is my own World Series, you know. It took me this long to finally get a big fight, but I got it. This is going to be my coming out. I know a lot of people don’t know who I am. Those who do know me, they know I come to fight.”

 

KRIEGEL: “One of the guys who does know you is Adrien Broner. You were in his camp for Marcos Maidana. What stands out to [you] about him?”

 

GRANADOS: “He’s a great fighter. I mean, it’s no fluke that he is a four-division world champion.”

 

KRIEGEL: “Did he ever hurt you?”

 

GRANADOS: “Definitely, we are humans. He can crack. He just had that explosive power. He had 16-ounce gloves and it felt like he was hitting me with his bare fist. He just hits hard.”

 

KRIEGEL: “Did you ever hurt him?”

 

GRANADOS: “Definitely. I know I did. He may not admit it. Yeah, I know I had him bloodied a couple times. I know I had him backing up a couple of times. You just know as a fighter when you crack somebody.”

 

On the passing of top prospect and friend Ed Brown…

 

GRANADOS: “I believe it was a Sunday. I was in a barbershop…They were like, ‘I heard about your boy.’ And I’m … trying to keep it together. I just called George, our coach. He told me, ’Yeah man, Ed has died. Ed is dead.’ And right there I broke down and cried and screamed to coach, ‘I’m going to win this fight. I’m going to win this fight for him.’”

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ADRIEN BRONER OPENS UP IN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MARK KRIEGEL

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“Somedays you are just feeling good. Then you got some days that you just feel like, you know, the worst ever…I’m just glad to God that I got out of that mind state and I’m back on a more positive path.” – Adrien Broner

 

The Reveal with Mark Kriegel: Adrien Broner

http://s.sho.com/2kOYX86

 

Photo/Video Credit: SHOWTIME

 

Former four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner opens up in an extensive interview with Sports Emmy® Award-Winning writer Mark Kriegel as he prepares for his welterweight showdown against top-rated contender Adrian Granados Saturday, Feb. 18, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

This interview is the latest in a reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports® digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel, featuring exclusive and in-depth interviews with boxing’s emerging stars.

 

Broner is one of the most accomplished and outspoken young stars in the sport of boxing. After picking up world titles at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, Broner earned a belt in a fourth weight division (140 pounds) in October 2015 when he defeated tough Russian Khabib Allakhverdiev via a stoppage in the 12th round in his last hometown appearance. He’s 9-1 in world title fights and this will be the 15th time he fights as a pro in front of his hometown crowd.

 

Below are bites from the interview:

 

KRIEGEL: “You’ve been around a lot of death. You’ve seen a lot.”

BRONER: “Yeah.”

KRIEGEL: “Do you care to remember for me?”

BRONER: “I remember, but I try to forget. You know, I found out the hard way. And I’ve seen that I gotta maneuver different and that’s why I’m maneuvering differently. That’s why I put as many positive people in front of me as possible.”

MARK KRIEGEL: “Let me ask you about this year. It’s been a tough year for you. You did 30 days for contempt. What was that like?”

 

ADRIEN BRONER: “You know, I did a year at that place. Fighting a case.”

 

KRIEGEL: “As a juvenile?”

 

BRONER: “No, they tried me as an adult. I was only 17 at the time… I missed on the pre-trials. Boom. I beat it. I get out and I become Adrien Broner. My lifestyle is totally different. And then, one day, I wake up back in the same place—I was in one of the same [cells] I was in when I did the year.”

 

KRIEGEL: “What did you tell yourself?”

 

BRONER: “I made it the best that I can make it. But, you know, when I was in there. I used to be by myself. I used to try to be by myself as much as possible. But, I told them to put me in general population—because they wanted to put me in protective custody. I can’t do 30 days like that… I helped the whole unit…I just made it a better place at the time. If somebody needs something to eat, I gave them something to eat.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

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Adrian Granados Chicago Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Hard-Hitting Contender Battles Former Four-Division World Champion Adrien Broner in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Main Event Saturday, February 18 From the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati & Live on SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Barnes/SHOWTIME
 
CHICAGO (February 7, 2017) – Hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados hosted Chicago media at the Garfield Park District Fieldhouse Tuesday as he prepares for his main event showdown with former four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati and live on SHOWTIME.
Televised coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown and also features WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan battling former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions and K1 Promotions, are priced at $250, $100, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Granados has pledged to dedicate the fight to his friend and former training partner Ed Brown, who fell victim to the violence on Chicago’s West Side in December 2016.
Here is what Granados, along with his trainer George Hernandez, had to say Tuesday:
ADRIAN GRANADOS
“We finally have a huge opportunity. I feel I paid my dues. I know Amir Imam wasn’t a fluke. And the robberies on my record were just that – robberies. You get in the ring with Adrian Granados and you’re going to get a hell of a fight.

“I wasn’t intimated by Broner when we sparred and I’m not intimidated by him now. I know I belong in this fight, at this level.

“It’s a tough fight. People are saying I’m going to have to fight like Marcos Maidana.  But I’m going to be Adrian Granados and I’m going to win my way.

“With our two styles it’s going to be a firefight. It can’t be anything but exciting. I have a great team behind me and I can’t wait to make everyone proud.

“Ed Brown was the heart of this neighborhood, and now I need to carry on his legacy. This is my opportunity to do something for my career, but also this community. I have to be twice as great, for me and him.

“Winning this fight not only changes my life, but it changes a lot of other lives. Beating Broner would change the sport in Chicago.

“It’s very motivating to know that I’m an inspirational figure for people in Chicago. It helps me get through those long days in the gym, when you don’t want to get up and train. I know what I’m fighting for and I use it as motivation.
“I started fighting in high school just shadowing my friends when they went to the gym. I asked my mom and dad if I could keep going and luckily they helped me get started and get on this path to where I am.”
GEORGE HERNANDEZ, Granados’ Trainer
“Broner puts his gloves on the same way we do. This is what we want. We want the big names. Beating Broner can get us to the next level.

“No one is going to give us anything. We need to earn it. We’re going to his backyard and we’re going to take it from him.

“This is one of the toughest areas to train in. If you can persevere through that you know you can make it in this sport. We could have gone away for camp but we wanted to stay here because it’s home. The only way to make this city better is by staying here and leading the charge and showing these kids that we can get away from that norm and bring better attention to this area.

“If Adrian can beat the hell out of this kid in his hometown that will send a message to all the kids in this community. It will let them know that you can succeed and do great things. Every kid that’s in here dreams of this opportunity. We’re ready and we’re not going to let it slip away.”

# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.