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Mikey Garcia vs. Sergey Lipinets San Antonio Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
(Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)
Three-Division World Champion Garcia Faces 140-Pound World Champion Lipinets Saturday, Feb. 10 live on SHOWTIME® From the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas &
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
SAN ANTONIO (December 19, 2017) – Undefeated three-division world championMikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Sergey Lipinets were face to face for the second straight day Tuesday at a press conference in San Antonio to discuss their main event showdown taking place Saturday, Feb. 10live on SHOWTIME (10:15 p.m. ET/PT). The matchup of top-5 ranked junior welterweights is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage will also feature two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a rematch against Kiryl Relikh for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20. Tickets are on-sale now and available at Ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from Ruth’s Chris Steak House Grand Hyatt in San Antonio:
MIKEY GARCIA
“We’re expecting a tough competitive fight. Lipinets is a fighter who is always dangerous. He has power in both hands and he’s not afraid to let his hands go. He’s also willing to get hit, so that he can hit you back. That’s what makes him dangerous.
“This opportunity to win a title in a fourth division was too great to pass on. It’s hard to secure fights like this. I’m happy everything came together so we can give the fans a great show.
“Last year was a great year for my return. It started with a world title win for a third division title and then I had the big victory over Adrien Broner in the summer. I’m looking for even bigger things in 2018 and this last year really paved the path for that.
“Winning a fourth title was the big draw for me in making this fight happen. To make history like that is something that really motivates me. I know that I have a lot more to accomplish in the sport, but this is a great start. This is the direction I want to go in.
“There’s a lot of talent and history in boxing in San Antonio. My brother has a gym here and we have a lot of fighters we train with from the area. Even though I’ve never fought here, I’ve gotten a lot of support from the community. When we were looking at venues for the fight, this was something I was excited to do.
“I have fought in different regions of Texas and always received a lot of love, but I had never been able to fight in San Antonio. We decided to bring the fight here to give something back to the state of Texas. There’s no city better to host it than San Antonio.”
SERGEY LIPINETS
“The fans in San Antonio can expect drama. It’s going to be a show. It’s going to have big punches, knockdowns and everything you’d want to see in a fight.
“This is the biggest challenge that I’ve had in my career. Mikey is a big star, but I’m very competitive and I want to show the world what I can do.
“My spirit cannot be matched by any fighter, but I also have the speed and strength to win. I will show my devastating power on February 10.
“Mikey is a very good chess player. People underestimate his ability to think in the ring. So I can’t just go in there with a style that someone else has used against him. We’re going to work hard on the best game plan for what I can do.
“This is going to be a difficult fight. I’m aiming to get a win any way that I can. I can’t say what it is going to look like, but I will be ready for anything in the ring.
“I’m coming to win. I want to be in the position that Mikey has reached in this sport. I’ve worked hard to get to this moment and I’m going to give it my all to take advantage.
“If I didn’t think I was ready for this fight then I wouldn’t have taken it. We have a plan and we’ll use all the experience I’ve gained from my career to execute it.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“Boxing is going into 2018 with huge momentum and starting out with big events like this. You have two undefeated champions getting in the ring to fight each other. These kind of fights are  going to continue to elevate the sport to great heights.
“This was an easy fight to make because you have two fighters who want to measure themselves against the best. This is a fight that got done quickly. Neither fighter had to be convinced. Both guys feel they can win and are going into the fight with an attitude of an undefeated fighter.
“Neither one of these guys have any thought that they might lose. They are 100 percent convinced that they are going to walk out of there with their hand raised. That’s what’s going to make this a great matchup.”
# # #
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Mikey Garcia vs. Sergey Lipinets Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 

 

 

Three-Division World Champion Garcia Faces 140-Pound World Champion Lipinets Saturday, Feb. 10 live on SHOWTIME® 

From the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas &

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LOS ANGELES (December 18, 2017) – Undefeated three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Sergey Lipinets went face-to-face for the first time Monday at a press conference in Los Angeles to discuss their main event showdown on Saturday, Feb. 10 live on SHOWTIME (10:15 p.m. ET/PT). The matchup of top-5 ranked junior welterweights will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and is presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage will also feature two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a rematch against Kiryl Relikh for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow at 12 p.m. CT and will be available at Ticketmaster.com.

 

Lipinets will be making the first defense of his world title while Garcia looks to become only the third fighter in modern history to become a champion at 126, 130, 135 and 140-pounds, joining future Hall of Famers Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao*.

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday from the Conga Room at L.A. Live:

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

“A world champion like Sergey Lipinets is more exciting an opponent for me than an easy title defense. I wanted a challenge and this man presents that. He’s a bigger man naturally. He’s going to be very hungry and motivated. He knows a victory over me launches his career to the top. That’s going to make this an interesting fight.

 

“To win a world title in a fourth division is a big deal to me. My dad always wanted a three-division world champion, and now I have a chance to give him a fourth title. That’s something that really excites me.

 

“It’s been a great return to boxing since my layoff. When I came back, I wanted to move fast and take on big challenges. That’s what we’ve been doing so far. I want to take on any challenges that people think I can’t achieve. I think slowly we’re proving to everyone that I’m better than ever and I’m going to keep taking on the kinds of fights that will cement my legacy.

 

“It would be a great accomplishment to be in the discussion with guys like Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, that would be a win in itself. But it wasn’t on my mind when taking this fight. I just want to keep fighting the best out there. There’s still more for me to accomplish until I’m on the same level as Pacquiao and Marquez.

 

“It’s going to be a great fight. Like I’ve said, the challenge for me is that I’ll be fighting the bigger man. On fight night, that advantage he has on me might be enough to make it that much more exciting. It will be interesting to see how well I adapt to the size. I have to make adjustments to overcome those challenges. This should give the fans the excitement that we want to give them.

 

“My only focus is on February 10 against Sergey Lipinets. That’s my target throughout the entire camp. There may be more opportunities for me on the horizon, but you’ll see on fight night that I’m one hundred percent focused.

 

“I know that I have the possibility to be the biggest star in boxing like a Floyd Mayweather, and I think I’m on track to accomplish that. I don’t see a lot of guys in the sport with the resume of accomplishments that I have. I’m going to continue take on the best and beat my opponents convincingly.”

 

SERGEY LIPINETS

 

“Mikey Garcia is a great champion and I want to be in the position that he’s reached in this sport. The only way there is to go through him.

 

“I’m taking on a great challenge against Mikey Garcia, and many people think I’m not ready. This is the fight that I wanted. I’ve had many obstacles in my way throughout my career and I’ve overcome them all. I’m going to overcome Mikey Garcia just like that.

 

“Every time I have sparred with top fighters, like Terrence Crawford, I have learned more about what I need to improve to get to the next level in this sport. That kind of experience has helped my confidence increase and will help me when I face Mikey Garcia.

 

“A lot of things can happen when you move up in weight. Usually people use some pop. Whatever version of Mikey Garcia shows up; I’ll be ready for him.

 

“I believe I’m going to win, Mikey believes he’s going to win, and it will all unveil in the ring. One thing I can guarantee; it’s going to be a great fight.

 

“Every fight I’ve had has been against a tough opponent who has helped get me to this point. Now, I’m ready to fight the best, and Mikey Garcia is truly that.

 

“I had to work very hard to make the transition from champion kickboxer to a champion boxer. I did everything I had to do, moving from gym to gym and sparring everyone. I always aimed for the best and wanted to be the best at what I do.”

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother & Trainer

 

“We know that Sergey Lipinets is a very dangerous fighter. He’s a really strong champion. I know he’s going to be hungry because he wants to become a big name by beating Mikey.

 

“Mikey is very smart in the ring. We’re going to come in there with a good game plan. We’ll have some big sparring partners. Strong, heavy guys who will give Mikey a big challenge in sparring.

 

“Mikey has to be in great shape for this fight. You can easily win the first eight rounds, but there are still four left. You have to be able to finish the fight. A great power puncher like Lipinets can finish you in one round.”

 

BUDDY MCGIRT, Lipinets’ Trainer

 

“We will be prepared for any and every thing. This way, when fight night comes, we’ll have an answer for everything. The key is that we just have to be on point from the opening bell to the end. There’s no way around it.

 

“We’re going to cover everything in training camp. You have to have every option available to you on fight night. This way, you’re never surprised in the ring. Sergey won’t go in there swinging to get a knockout, he’s going to be disciplined and focus on getting the victory.

 

“I believe that Sergey is on a mission. I know Mikey Garcia is on a mission too, and I respect that. I respect that these two men are fighting each other. Champions do what Sergey is doing, and that’s fighting the best.”

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

“This is going to be a huge night for the 140-pound division. It will be another toe-to-toe showdown at the Alamodome in San Antonio, where so many great matchups have taken place before. Tickets start at just $20 so we expect another great crowd of fight fans down in Texas.

 

“This matchup features two undefeated fighters, two big punchers and 50 wins, 40 by knockout, between the two of them. These guys are both champions who are daring to be great. These are exactly the kind of fighters that the public likes. These fighters will push themselves to be great.

 

“These guys only know one thing, and that is winning. Sergey Lipinets is the biggest puncher at 140-pounds and it seems like Mikey Garcia always seeks out these big punchers.

 

“Mikey is looking to do something that only Manny Paccquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez have done, in moving up from 126 pounds through 140 pounds winning titles at each division. It is very difficult to carry that power up from featherweight. You have to tune-in to see an exciting fighter like that trying to make history.”

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

 

“What boxing needs are great fights. Good, high quality matchups like Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton, Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia and Errol Spence vs. Kell Brook. There needs consistently be good fights, and that’s what we have been doing at SHOWTIME for the last couple of years. No other network has done the quality of fights that SHOWTIME is doing. No other network is as committed to the sport as SHOWTIME has been.

 

“The best need to fight the best, and that is what Mikey Garcia has done. He came off of a two-and-a-half-year layoff and in 18 months he’s had four fights, two title fights and will be going for a title in a fourth weight class, something only Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez have done before. That’s what great fighters do.

 

“Historically the fighters who separate themselves as legendary, are the ones who challenge themselves and travel across weight classes to seek these challenges. But there are two sides to this story. Those who have been paying attention have seen Sergey Lipinets make a lot of noise on SHOWTIME cards lately. He has risen very quickly.

 

“If you just look at Lipinets’ record, 13-0, and think about him fighting Mikey Garcia it would sound crazy. But if you look at the kind of competition he’s faced, his last seven opponents have a combined record of 163-15. That’s not something you usually see 13 fights into a career. Lipinets is a combat veteran, and whatever happens in the ring, he will be ready for it. It’s going to make for an exciting night.”

 

# # #

 

*Pacquiao won lineal championships at 126 and 140-pounds, although he did not win alphabet titles.

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR WORLD TOUR CONCLUDES IN LONDON AFTER WHIRLWIND THREE-COUNTRY TOUR TO ANNOUNCE AUGUST 26 BLOCKBUSTER ON  SHOWTIME PPV® AT T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

More Than 50,000 Fans Packed Four Sold-Out Venues In Los Angeles, Toronto, New York and London
 
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME Sports
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
LONDON (July 14, 2017) – Four days of a contentious international world tour came to a fitting close on Friday when global superstars Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor faced off for the final time on their three-country excursion at London’s Wembley Arena.
After 98 hours, over 14,000 totaled miles traveled, four sold-out venues, and more than 50,000 raucous fans in attendance, the Mayweather vs. McGregor World Tour has concluded.
What follows next before the boxing legend and UFC superstar meet Saturday, Aug. 26on SHOWTIME PPV live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas?  Forty-three days of grueling preparation, speculation and pundit analysis as the world’s best combat fighters continue their collision course toward an event that has become a global phenomenon.
In front of a capacity crowd at a famed venue that has hosted acts ranging from The Beatles to the Olympic Games, Mayweather and McGregor capped off nearly a week of intense gamesmanship that grew with each tension-filled face off.
“You’re the student and I’m the teacher,” said Mayweather, a once-in-generation talent who has dispatched at least five future Hall of Famers en route to an unblemished 49-0 professional record.  “On August 26, I’m going to take you to school.”
McGregor, an unrivaled figure in mixed martial arts who has transcended his sport to become a must-see attraction, answered, “In six weeks, I’m going to sleep this fool. And when I sleep him, I’m going to bounce his head off the canvas as well.”
The World Tour may be over, but the show has just begun.
# # #
MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup pitting the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in an unprecedented event that takes place Saturday, Aug. 26 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  The event telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor World Tour Hits  Fever Pitch at New York City Press Conference

 

(Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME)

 
Quotes & Photos from Barclays Center Event in Front of
Over 13,000 Fans
 
Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Rosie Cohe /SHOWTIME
 
NEW YORK (July 13, 2017) – Day three of their blockbuster world tour sawboxing legend Floyd Mayweather and UFC superstar Conor McGregor continue to trade verbal jabs as the global stars went face-to-face in front of over 13,000 fans at Barclays Center ahead of their Aug. 26 showdown on SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
After filling venues in Los Angeles and Toronto, an electric crowd greeted the two fighters Thursday as Mayweather and McGregor picked up right where they left off, building on the two increasingly combative press conferences held Tuesday andWednesday.
The world tour concludes on Friday when the fighters travel to The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“I knew that this was going to be a huge event. We had to give the people what they wanted to see and if we break the PPV record, all I’ll be doing is breaking my own record.
“I’m just thankful to be in this position. To be at this age and compete against young guys, it’s a blessing. He’s bigger, he has a longer reach and I’ve been inactive. Plus, we’ve never seen him lose standing up. He feels like he’s the best. I was the best when I was competing. So I think I had to come back for this last hurrah.
“Even though I haven’t been competing in boxing, you still have young guys calling me out all the time. Even the MMA fighters call me out.
“My thing is that either I’m going to get him, or he’s going to get me. The outcome is going to be what it’s going to be. Once you have that mindset, you’re going to be okay. He’s coming for me and I’m coming for him.
“Nobody knows that squared circle like me. I know angles. I know where to touch you at. I know what you don’t like. I don’t have to watch your tapes. That’s something I’m blessed with. But, he’s unorthodox. So it’ll definitely be something different in the ring. I just have to keep my composure.
“I have to stand up for the Americans and the American fight fans. He represents his country and I represent the red, white and blue. I represent everyone in this country.
“I’ve been doing this for 21 years in five weigh classes. I’ve never quit.”
CONOR MCGREGOR
“Floyd saying he’s going to knock me out is the funniest comment of the whole tour. I hope he comes for it and I hope he brings it. I’ll be prepared for anything and anticipate whatever he brings.
“I’m in great shape, that’s why I’m not wearing a shirt. I’m in shape to fight right now. I don’t have a nick on my body right now. I’m going to be 100 percent on fight night.
“I have a very high fight IQ. I understand when to go and when not to. Only me and the opponent can see these details. I’m very confident whether it’s in a ring or an octagon.
“The rounds are two minutes shorter than I’m used to and there’s a lot less action than I’m used to. He’s going to feel like he’s wrestling a bear when we tie up for the first time. He’s too small. I’m going to have my way with him.
“I know every shot he throws. I know what to expect. He fights the same every time. So we’re preparing. But he knows nothing about me. He has no idea how I’m going approach him.
“I’m not tired of this. It’s really a lot of fun. We’ll keep it professional for now. I could never get tired of this. It’s such a great time to be a fight fan.
“Floyd is saying a lot about me tapping out, but he’s never had a true fight. He knows nothing about the game that I’m involved with. We’ll see who is quitting on Aug. 26.
“To come back here in New York, where I made history and become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles simultaneously, I’m blown away by the support.”
#          #          #
MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in an unprecedented event that takes place Saturday, August 26 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  The event telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @TheNotoriousMMA, @MayweatherPromo, @UFC, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions,www.Facebook.com/SHOSports andwww.Facebook.com/UFC

TENSION ESCALATES BETWEEN FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND CONOR McGREGOR IN TORONTO ON SECOND STOP OF BLOCKBUSTER WORLD TOUR

 

 

Capacity Crowd Of Estimated 16,000 Fans Pack Toronto’s Budweiser Stage On Wednesday As Mayweather and McGregor Meet For Just The Second Time

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME Sports

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Edris Erba/Mayweather Promotions (Note: Images will be uploaded shortly)

 

TORONTO (July 12, 2017) – The tension between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and UFC superstar Conor McGregor boiled over into Toronto on Wednesday as the global stars continued their blockbuster World Tour to announce their Aug. 26showdown on SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

 

Mayweather and McGregor met on Wednesday for just the second time, jarring toe-to-toe for more than three minutes in the initial faceoff in front of a largely pro-McGregor crowd at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage. 

 

Multi-platinum and GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Drake made a special guest appearance in front of his hometown Toronto fans “to witness history” for an event to celebrate what he called “the biggest fight in the history of fighting.” 

 

After hearing McGregor once again promised to knock out a man that’s never been beaten, Mayweather challenged McGregor to put his money where his mouth is.

 

“If you believe in yourself like you say you believe in yourself, bet your whole fight check,” Mayweather said.

 

“One shot is all it takes,” promise McGregor.  “Check the facts – I bounce heads off the canvas.”

 

To watch Wednesday’s press conference in full, visit the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/n7ZcGjg03-E

 

The Mayweather vs. McGregor World Tour continues Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and concludes on Friday at Wembley Arena in London. 

 

Below are flash quotes from today’s event in Toronto:

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER:

“We’re not talking about being at the top for one year, two years, three years, four years. We’re talking about 21 years.

 

“Turn the pressure up.  I don’t quit, I don’t fold under pressure.  I’m the best and I know I’m the best.

 

“If you believe in yourself like you say you believe in yourself, bet your whole fight check.”

 

CONOR MCGREGOR:

“I thrive in uncomfortable positions.  There is nothing these guys can do to phase me. Twenty-eight years of age, I’m getting fight checks and promoter checks.  When Floyd was 28, he was on Oscar De La Hoya’s undercard and that’s just facts.

 

“Toronto, what a city. I was here one time, I was also on a world tour.  I was also facing an unconquerable quest.  I was facing the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, Jose Aldo. They said the same things then as they’re saying now. They said I have no chance.  They said I’m in over my head.  They said [he] kicks too hard, too many weapons. The Irishman is going to fall short, he doesn’t stand a hope.  It took me 13 seconds.

 

“One shot is all it takes.  Check the facts.  I bounce heads off the canvas.

 

“He tip-tap-toes to a decision. He’s never fought a day in his life, he’s a runner.”

 

MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in an unprecedented event that takes place Saturday, August 26 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  The event telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

World Tour Kicks Off with Raucous Press Conference as Global Stars Discuss Saturday, August 26 Showdown on SHOWTIME PPV

From T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

 

“I am guaranteeing you this. You are going out on your face or on your back. So which way do you want to go?” – Mayweather

 

“I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds. Mark my words,” – McGregor

 

Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2017) – Unbeaten boxing legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather and UFC star “The Notorious” Conor McGregor went face-to-face for the first time on Tuesday, in a highly anticipated press conference in front of over 11,000 fans at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles as the two global stars discussed their Saturday, August 26 showdown at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event that will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV.

 

The fighters posed for the first face-off of the unprecedented event that has captured the imagination of sports fans around the world. Mayweather and McGregor will meet in a super welterweight contest that serves as the first time champions from boxing and MMA will meet in a sanctioned boxing match.

 

The Mayweather vs. McGregor world tour will continue on to Toronto, New York City and London as the superstars deliver all the spectacle of the summer’s biggest event directly to the fans who demanded it.

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

 

“Everyone knows I’ve never backed down from anybody. You line them up, and I knock them down like bowling pins. OnAugust 26, I’m knocking Conor out.

 

“I am guaranteeing you this. You are going out on your face or on your back. So which way do you want to go?

 

“Twenty one is the number. They ask me why is that the number? Because that’s how long I’ve been kicking ass. I don’t care about a ring or an octagon. Put me in there and I’m going to kick ass.

 

“It takes two warriors to bring an event like this together. The two biggest forces in combat sports made this happen.

 

“This was something that the fans wanted to see. I spoke to my team and said that the Mayweather-McGregor fight can be the biggest fight in history. That’s what we’re here to turn into reality.

 

“McGregor is a professional, stand-up fighter. The only loss he took was when he was on the ground. He’s a tough competitor and I’m taking him very seriously.

 

“Everyone knows I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’ve been here before. He’s a tough guy though and a warrior. The best must fight the best. The fans wanted this fight, me and McGregor wanted the fight. It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears onAugust 26.

 

“Training camp has been rough. I know deep in my heart that this is the last one. I’m taking care of my body and giving myself time off to allow my body to rejuvenate.

 

“Conor really wants to win. Extremely badly. Other fighters it usually plays out two ways. Some guys play it safe and then some like Marcos Maidana go for the kill. I think he’s the Maidana-type. He’s a heavy-hitter so I have to be cautious. It’s going to basically be a toe-to-toe battle.”

 

CONOR MCGREGOR

 

“My mind is blown. I’m absolutely honored to be here in front of you fans for this great spectacle. Somebody’s 0 has got to go.

 

“He’s got little legs and little hands. I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds. Mark my words.

 

“I’m a young, confident, happy man. I’ve worked extremely hard for this. I’m going to embrace everything. No one can do anything to me. I’m going to have a good time.

 

“Floyd will be unconscious inside of four rounds. The power and ferociousness that I have, he’s never experienced it before. I don’t fear him.

 

“Even if he catches one of my punches with his glove, it will still hurt him. I’m like nothing he’s ever seen before.

 

“Twelve, three minute rounds is going to be a breeze for me. Not to take anything away from this sport, but I have no worries about going twelve rounds with Floyd.

 

“Floyd is the perfect motivation for me to go in and conquer the supposedly unconquerable. What more motivation could you need? This pushes me on to do these record-breaking events.”

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

“This is a great fight that the fans have demanded. That’s exactly what we’re going to give them on August 26.

 

“Floyd Mayweather is the undefeated, pound-for-pound king and The Best Ever. He’s here to give the fans what they wanted and that’s his huge event a memorable fight on August 26.

 

“Mayweather Promotions is all about giving the fans exactly what they want, and this battle between Floyd and Conor is going to deliver all of that and much more.

 

“This is the can’t-miss event of the summer and this crowd at STAPLES Center proves just how big it’s going to be. This whole week we’ll be bringing all the excitement of a fight week to sold out venues throughout the world.”

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

 

“Over the last several years, SHOWTIME has teamed up with MGM and Mayweather Promotions to give fans the biggest and most exciting events in sports. Record-breaking event after record breaking event. We also have a long history of MMA in SHOWTIME and are glad to be in business with UFC and Conor McGregor.

 

“We will be working to deliver this event to the fans in unprecedented ways. We will give you new ways to experience the preparation leading up to the fight and then fight night, like never before. We’ll bring you behind the scenes and up close and personal with the “All Access” series. Your backstage pass to this fight premieres on July 28 on SHOWTIME.

 

“They said this fight could never be made, they said this fight would never happen, but this fight is no surprise. 10 years ago Floyd decided to leave his promoter and become his own boss. He became his own boss and broke PPV record after PPV record. Here we are, 49-0, he’s fought 24 world champions, and never lost. Floyd Mayweather has generated 20 million PPV buys and 1.3 billion dollars in PPVs. He is by far the number one attraction in sports and entertainment. There is no one else who is even close.

 

“Am I surprised that this fight is happening? Especially against someone younger, bigger and stronger than he is. Not at all. This is Floyd’s plan. To put on the most exciting and spectacular events that the sports world has ever seen. That’s whatAugust 26 will be. That’s been the plan all along. ”

 

DANA WHITE, President of UFC

 

“This is the biggest fight any of us have ever been a part of. People have just rallied behind this fight. Don’t judge a fight until the fight is over. You never know what’s going to happen, especially with a guy like Conor who hits like a truck. When he hurts someone, he puts them away.

 

“This is a completely full event today, not a seat left. We had to move to a bigger venue in Toronto. Barclays Center sold out and then today tickets sold out at Wembley in 10 minutes. There’s never been anything like this.

 

“Floyd is almost 41 years old. Conor is a young southpaw who hits hard. We’ll see how it plays out. It’s crazy to think that Conor won’t connect with him.

 

“Conor McGregor believes in himself like nobody I’ve ever seen before. What he thinks about, he manifests into reality. The boxing media will get to know Conor on this tour and see the mental warfare that he engages in. Then on fight night, Conor is going to try to knock Floyd out.”

 

RICHARD STURM, President of Sports and Entertainment, MGM Resorts International

 

“Thank you to all the great fight fans around the globe watching this event. We’re thrilled that this event will be held at T-Mobile Arena, the home of the biggest events in the sports and entertainment industry. In only 15 months the T-Mobile Arena has become an industry leader and home to many of the greatest entertainers and athletes in the world.

 

“Las Vegas and the T-Mobile Arena will be the center of the sports universe for this great spectacle when two great champions bring these two sports together for the first time. It’s going to be an absolutely electric weekend. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience to all the fans who travel from around the world to this great event.”

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @TheNotoriousMMA, @MayweatherPromo, @UFC, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/SHOSportsandwww.Facebook.com/UFC

FANS INVITED TO JOIN ROYCE GRACIE, SAKURABA, WANDERLEI SILVA, MATT MITRIONE, ‘KING MO’ & ‘BIG’ JOHN MCCARTHY AT BELLATOR 170 FAN FEST AT DAVE & BUSTER’S IN LOS ANGELES

 

 

WHAT:                      Bellator 170 Fan Fest

WHERE:                   Dave & Buster’s at The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center

                                    6081 Center Dr.

Los Angeles, CA 90045

 

WHEN:                      Thursday, January 19

8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

 

WHO:                         Royce Gracie

                                    Kazushi Sakuraba

Wanderlei Silva

                                    King Mo

                                    John McCarthy

                                    Matt Mitrione

 

Royce Gracie

The name Gracie is synonymous with MMA, and that is largely in part to Royce Gracie, a man who is considered to have invented the sport as we know it today.  The winner of the first several UFC events, Gracie would dismantle multiple opponents in a single night, many of whom were much larger than him.  For many years there was no answer for the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu technique that he brought into a fight.  Today, it’s hard to find an MMA fighter who hasn’t trained in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu that his father invented. In February of 2016, Gracie headlined “Bellator 149,” an event that shattered company viewership records that remain intact to this day.

 

Kazushi Sakuraba

With an incredible resume highlighted by wins over four members of the legendary Gracie family, including Royler, Renzo, Ryan, and Royce Gracie, Sakuraba has inherited the nickname “The Gracie Hunter.” The Japanese mixed martial artist is especially remembered for his first clash with Royce, a ninety-minute marathon that ended in a TKO (corner stoppage) victory for Sakuraba nearly 17 years ago. Gracie would later avenge his loss, earning a unanimous decision win over Sakuraba at “K-1 Dynamite USA!!” inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Now, almost a decade later, the two legends meet again and Bellator MMA is giving you the chance to be there when it happens!

 

Matt Mitrione

Matt Mitrione originally took his talents to the football gridiron, signing as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 2002. After brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings, Mitrione entered the MMA cage and hasn’t looked back since. The 14-time UFC veteran began his professional career with victories in his first five fights, four of which came by way of knockout. Known as one of the top finishers in the sport, the 37-year-old Indianapolis native recently finished his run with his former employer, making the decision to test free agency. Mitrione will now look to duplicate the success that he found throughout his career, when he meets Fedor Emelianenko in San Jose this February.

 

Wanderlei Silva

Former UFC superstar Wanderlei Silva will also be in attendance on January 20, as “The Axe Murderer” prepares for his Bellator MMA debut in the highly anticipated year of 2017. The man who has consistently called him out since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion, Chael Sonnen, will be competing in the main event of ‘Bellator 170’ just one day after the “Fan Fest.” A 48-fight veteran, Silva joined the Bellator MMA fray following an illustrious career with UFC, sifting through middleweight powerhouses Cung Le, Brian Stann, and current division champion Michael Bisping. With 25 of his 35 career victories coming by way of knockout, the 40-year-old Brazilian hotshot is eager to make his presence felt inside the Bellator MMA cage. Join us for ‘Bellator 170’ “Fan Fest” in Los Angeles and meet the legend himself before he makes his promotional debut.

 

King Mo

“King Mo” has been a mainstay with Bellator MMA since 2013, fighting everyone both the light heavyweight and heavyweight division has to offer. This will be Lawal’s second appearance at Bellator MMA’s “Fan Fest” event, giving fans another opportunity to meet the explosive striker outside of the cage. After his recent main event victory over Satoshi Ishii, “Mo” now sets his sights on other “Moneyweight” bouts to satiate his thirst.

 

John McCarthy

Known to many as “Big” John McCarthy, the longtime MMA referee will turn his attention to Bellator MMA’s “Fan Fest” and call the shots at a fun-filled day with some of the greatest fans the sport has to offer. McCarthy has officiated a number of memorable bouts promoted by Bellator MMA, the UFC and others, becoming one of the most notorious referees in the history of the sport.

 

FIGHT INFO:           Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen takes place on Saturday, January 21 from the Forum in Los Angeles and will air live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. The highly anticipated undercard streams live on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the event start at $36 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com.

 

The epic main card is headlined by a legendary light heavyweight clash that pits superstars Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) against Chael Sonnen (28-14-1). In addition, a welterweight co-main event featuring Paul Daley (38-14-2) against Brennan Ward (14-4) and a middleweight bout between Ralek Gracie (3-0) and Hisaki Kato (7-2) will also be featured on the Spike-televised main card. Lastly, a featherweight contest pitting Georgi Karakhanyan (26-6-1) against Emmanuel Sanchez(13-3) and a recently-announced lightweight battle featuring Derek Campos (17-6) and Derek Anderson (14-2, 1 NC) wrap up Bellator MMA’s first main card of the new year.

 

On the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card, female flyweights Rebecca Ruth (6-2) and Colleen Schneider (10-7) will join the promotional debuts of LA’s own Kevin Casey (9-5-1, 2 NC) and heavyweight knockout artist Jack May (8-3). Also featured on the undercard is the anticipated return of Chinzo Machida (4-2), Henry Corrales (12-3), Guilherme “Bomba” (8-3), and Cody Bollinger (19-6).

 

Ringstar Sports Adds Amateur Star Money Powell IV to Growing Collection of Fighters Signed with Company

 
LOS ANGELES (January 10, 2017) – The rapidly-growing promotional company Ringstar Sports has added another fighter with star potential to their growing roster, as super welterweight standout Money Powell IV has signed to join the company led by longtime boxing executive Richard Schaefer.
“We’re excited to add a young man with the skills, amateur pedigree and demeanor of Money Powell IV and we think he’s going to be a great addition to the Ringstar family,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “This is an incredibly talented young man who is ambitious and has a great mindset heading into the professional ranks. He has proven to be a winner throughout his amateur career and we believe that his skills, combined with the right promotion, can turn him into a big star in the sport. I know that he wants to be the best and I plan on helping him reach those goals.”
“When I was presented with the opportunity to sign with Richard and Ringstar Sports, I knew that it was a chance to achieve my dreams,” said Powell IV. “Richard is one of the most successful figures in the sport and I know that with him, I can go far. I want to be the greatest fighter that’s ever lived, but I also want to be remembered as a positive figure. I hope someday I can do for other people what Richard is doing for me. I’m going to be a champion inside and outside of the ring.”
The 18-year-old Powell IV was born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military. He was passionate about boxing from an early age, but was never able to fully dedicate himself because his family moved back and forth between Germany and the U.S. frequently. In 2011 the family landed for good at Fort Mitchell, on the border of Alabama and Georgia, and Powell began training at the Game Bred Boxing Club and saw his amateur career take off.
His first tournament victory came in 2014 when he won the Junior Open Welterweight Championship and finished the year as the number one ranked welterweight by USA Boxing. He continued to add titles as he won the 2015 Ringside World Welterweight Championship and the 2016 Youth Welterweight National Championship to earn the top ranking in the 152-pound division by USA Boxing.
“I’m a boxer-puncher but I’m also a big-time thinker in the ring,” said Powell IV. “I take my time and capitalize off of mistakes. I’ve been able to meet and work with my boxing idol, Roy Jones Jr., and he’s given me encouragement and advice that has meant the world to me. Mark my words, I will be the greatest fighter of all-time.”
Powell IV will turn pro and campaign as a super welterweight after 83 amateur bouts, including recently participating in the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Russia.

DON KING’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TURKEY GIVEAWAY BEGINS SATURDAY: NINE CITIES, SEVEN STATES, FIVE DAYS

 

 

 

Hall of Fame Promoter, 85, Plays ‘Santa’ For Needy Families

 

LAS VEGAS (Dec. 15, 2016) – A 50-year-plus tradition of donating turkeys to needy families around Christmas time will continue this week when legendary Hall of Fame boxing promoter, Don “Only In America” King, will visit nine cities in seven states in five days as part of his annual Christmas Turkey Giveaway that begins this Saturday.

The architect and impresario behind the fabled The Rumble In the Jungle and Thrilla in Manila and countless other historic classic boxing events, King will dole out the thousands of birds in Cleveland, Nashville, New Jersey, Los Angeles, New York, Palm Beach, Fla., Deerfield Beach, Fla., Miami and Las Vegas.

 

“Our annual turkey giveaway has a special theme this year and that’s to ‘Make America Great Again,’ ’’ King said. “It’s about the veterans. God Bless the veterans and God Bless America!”

 

Below is the schedule for King’s five-day turkey giveaway:

Saturday, Dec. 17

Cleveland, Ohio
Call and Post
11800 Shaker Blvd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44120
Contact:  Dale Edwards, 216-773-6600

 

Monday, Dec. 19

Nashville, Tenn.
Community Care Fellowship
511 S. 8th St.
Nashville, Tenn. 37206
Contact: Jimmy Adams, 615-601-4857

 

Newark, N.J.
916 S. Orange Ave.
Newark, N.J. 07106
Contact:  Carolyn Kelly Shabazz, 862-262-9240

 

New York
National Action Network
106 W. 145th St.
New York, N.Y. 10039
Contact:  Rev. Richardson, 914-572-6343

 

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Los Angeles, Calif.
California Black Museum of Jazz and Blues
4317 Degnan Blvd.
Los Angeles, Calif. 90008
Contact:  Michelle Patterson, 949-218-4769
Charles Dudley, 213-819-7812

 

Palm Beach, Fla.
Palm Beach Jai Lai
1415 N. 45th St.
Mangonia Park, Fla. 33407
Contact: Addie Green, 561-818-1670

 

Deerfield Beach, Fla.
St. Paul United Methodist Church
244 SE 2nd Avenue
Deerfield Beach, Fla. 33441
Contact: Jimi Brown, 305-975-7077

 

Miami, Fla.
14500 NE 11th Avenue
North Miami, Fla. 33161
Contact:  Hans Mardy, 305-307-9073

 

Wednesday, Dec. 21
Las Vegas, Nev.
325 East Windmill
Las Vegas, Nev. 89123
Contact:  Eric Brown, 702-325-8134

DANNY GARCIA, ROBERT GUERRERO & ARON MARTINEZ TAKE TIME BEFORE PBC ON FOX SHOWDOWNS TO SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER IN THEIR  LOCAL COMMUNITIES 

Click HERE For Garcia Photos From Team Garcia
Click HERE For Guerrero Photos From Team Guerrero
Click HERE For Martinez Photos From
Aaron Poole, Andrew Bernstein Photography
 
LOS ANGELES (December 23, 2015) – In the spirit of the holiday season, Danny “Swift” Garcia, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Aron Martinez took time out of training to give back to their local communities this week leading up to the Christmas holiday.
Garcia and Guerrero will meet in a pivotal 12-round welterweight showdown while Los Angeles’ Martinez battles undefeated Sammy Vasquez Jr. on Saturday, January 23 at STAPLES Center with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
Garcia visited the Boys & Girls Club of greater Philadelphia and provided holiday gifts to 50 elementary school students. Guerrero attended the “Breath for Caley” Toy Drive and Pancake Breakfast in Gilroy, California that donated toys to the Rebekah Children’s House and Stanford’s Children Hospital. The Los Angeles-native Martinez participated in AEG’s Season of Giving event at L.A. Live, which brought 200 kids from local charity organizations to skate and participate in a party at Tom’s Urban.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage,www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.