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Lucian Bute’s anti-doping test statement

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MONTRÉAL (May 26, 2016) – Lucian Bute was informed of the results of the anti-doping test done after his World Boxing Council (WBC) world title fight against Badou Jack, April 30, in Washington, D.C.
 
As reported in a statement sent by the WBC, the Washington D.C. Boxing and Wrestling Commission informed them that Bute tested positive for Ostarine, in an A sample analysis, after the bout.
 
”I am surprised and sorry about this. I don’t understand what led to this positive result, Bute said. “I have always passed every anti-doping test that I was asked to take since I won a world title. More recently for my fight against James DeGale, in Quebec City, last November, I was tested eight times from before my training camp until after my fight. I have never taken any illegal products. I have a complete trust in my team. There will be an analysis of the B sample and I am sure that this result will be negative.”
 
”GYM has always been strongly in favor of a strict anti-doping policy to keep the sport of boxing clean,” GYM president Yvon Michel remarked. “We are really surprised by this first result and we now hope that the B sample proves that the first result was wrong. Until then, we support Lucian Bute.”
 
There will be no further comments on this subject until the publication of Bute’s B sample result.
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BADOU JACK & JAMES DEGALE SET FOR FALL SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT UNIFICATION AFTER JACK DRAWS WITH LUCIAN BUTE & DEGALE DEFENDS AGAINST ROGELIO MEDINA SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Catch The Replay Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click HERE To Download Photos; Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE To Download Photos; Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
Interview With Promoter Floyd Mayweather: http://s.sho.com/1TCWl6u
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 30, 2016) – Badou Jack retained his WBC Super Middleweight title in a controversial draw against Lucian Bute Saturday on SHOWTIME, setting up a fall unification with IBF champion James DeGale, who defended his IBF crown against Rogelio Medina in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast from the DC Armory.
“Let’s unify the decision and see who the best is,” DeGale said to Jack in a post-fight interview moderated by SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray.
“I’m ready in September, ready in August,” responded Jack.”  “I’m ready whenever.  Let’s do it where it makes the most sense financially.”
Jack was the sharper fighter from the opening bell, committing to pounding the body of the former long-time titlist.  Facing his second southpaw, Jack prevented Bute from fighting his game, smothering the Romania-born Canadian whenever he attempted to fight on the inside.
While Jack varied his punches with a diverse attack to the body and head, he slowed in the latter rounds and allowed Bute to climb his way back into the fight.  Bute had perhaps his best round in the 10th and closed the show well, in the 11th and 12th.  But it was too little too late for Bute, who escaped D.C. with what most felt was an undeserved draw.
“Bullshit, but is what it is.  Ask Bute as well, he knows what time it is,” said Jack, who landed nearly 100 more punches than Bute, including 61 percent of his power punches, and 40 percent total of his total shots.  “His punches weren’t hurting me.  I feel I won the fight.  Maybe I lost the last round.  He’s a great guy and a great champion, but I know I won the fight.
“It’s not Bute’s fault, it’s the judges.  People saw I won the fight.”
The 36-year-old Bute certainly looked like a fighter with plenty left in the tank, rejuvenated under trainer Howard Grant with his sights set on the new crop of stars in the super middleweight division.
“It was a close fight,” said Bute, who connected at just a 21 percent rate with his total punches.  “Believe me, it was very close fight.  My last fight with DeGale was very close, tonight was a very close fight.  I showed everyone I’m still at the top.”
James DeGale defended his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship with a close, hard-fought unanimous decision against Rogelio Medina in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.
DeGale was supremely accurate, landing 51 percent of his power punches compared to just 23 for Medina, including a staggering 66 percent of his power punches.  The switch-hitting southpaw attacked from unorthodox angles, and was most effective when he snuck in a right uppercut to back up Medina.  But the British titlist – a record 12th from Great Britain – failed to utilize his jab and was not able to deliver on his prediction of a knockout inside of six rounds.
“The boxing skills are too good,” DeGale said.  “If I’m being honest, he’s a very strong fighter, but skills pay the bills.  I watched this guy years ago and he didn’t have the engine like that.  He’s gotten better and stronger in the last year and a half.
“I’m a bit disappointed – I should be taking out people like Porky Medina, no disrespect to him.
“I’m always learning in the gym.  My inside work, my defense, my concentration.  I’m going to go back to the gym, I’m going to work and I’ll be ready in September.
“I want Badou Jack.  I want a fresh name on my record.”
Medina, on the other hand, nearly doubled DeGale, throwing 1,140 total punches, compared to 612 in the best performance of his career, but not enough to dethrone the champion.  The Mexican challenger pounded the body and was at his best with DeGale against the ropes, striking the British champion with a killer left hook to the body.
“He said he was going to stop me.  He was running all around and he didn’t stop me like he said he would,” said Medina, who’s seven losses have come against fighters with a combined record of 131-2-2.  “He’s the only one who thinks he won.  The fans think I won.  I definitely want the rematch.”
Saturday’s event was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing.
Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast, with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. In the Spanish simulcast, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow and former world champion Raul Marquez served as color commentator. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
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For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
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Badou Jack, Lucian Bute, James DeGale & Rogelio Medina Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGâ Doubleheader

This Saturday, April 30 From the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

 

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 28, 2016) – Four of the top super middleweights in the world shared a stage Thursday afternoon as Badou Jack, Lucian Bute, James DeGale and Rogelio Medina participated in the final press conference for their fights this Saturday, April 30 on  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the DC Armory in Wash28ington, D.C.

 

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIMEâ and features the WBC champion Jack battling the former champion Bute, while the IBF titleholder DeGale takes on the top rated contender Medina. The winners of these fights have agreed to meet in a world title unification later this year.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in

association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

 

BADOU JACK

 

“Both of us can punch, both of us can box. Anything can happen inside of that ring. I’m always ready to go 12 rounds. Everyone knows that I’m always in shape.

 

“Anything can happen, but I want to fight James DeGale. First I have to take care of business with Lucian Bute. Both of us are in our primes. We’re young and confident and it would be a great fight.

 

“I have to take care of this former champion. He’s a really good fighter. Some people say it’s a 50-50 fight so I have to take this very seriously.

 

“I’m still training and preparing for this fight like I’m the challenger. That’s how I prepare for every fight and this is no different.

 

“A lot of people wrote me off and I came back stronger. I love when people doubt me. I come back stronger and show people I’m a world class fighter.

 

“I’ve always believed in myself. I’m mentally strong and I work hard. I had a setback but it just made me hungrier and it made me a better fighter.”

 

LUCIAN BUTE

 

“I’m thankful for this big opportunity to fight for the WBC title. My training camp was very good. I feel stronger. It’s two days until the big stage.

 

“I worked very hard for this opportunity. To be a two-time champion is a dream. On Saturdaynight you will see a new champion.

 

“I feel great. The pressure is not on my shoulders now. I’m not the champion, I’m the outsider. Badou is the champion and I think the pressure is on him. I came to Washington D.C. to perform, give the fans a good show Saturday night and the chance to become a champion for the second time

 

“I put on a good show against DeGale and that’s what led to this shot. I’m very blessed to be in this fight for a world title.

 

“Badou is a good fighter. He has a good background in amateur boxing, he’s a world champion, but he has nothing special. He does everything good but not exceptionally. I have more experience, more speed and I’m a southpaw. I think the advantage is on my side.

 

“I never considered retiring but there were three years where I had some physical and psychological obstacles. Now I’m back to being in big fights and I’m looking forward to taking Badou Jack’s belt.

 

“This is going to be a spectacular fight. I want to look good in there and leave no doubt. I’m more aggressive than I ever have been and that will make it a great fight. I’m here to stop Badou Jack.”

 

JAMES DEGALE

 

“Fight time is here. I’m feeling good and feeling fresh.

 

“Porky Medina is a good fighter. But there are levels to pro boxing and I am levels above him.

 

“Saturday night I’m going to show you a real performance. My last two fights have gone the distance, but this time it won’t.

 

“I’m the best 168-pounder out there. I’m here to prove that. There is no one out there that can test me. There are big fights out there and good guys, but I believe I’m the best.

 

“I like this tournament style. It’s the best boxing the best. It should always be like this.

 

“I’m starting to build a massive fan base back home and I haven’t even boxed at home as a world champion. Me and Badou Jack would be a massive fight in the UK with two titles on the line.

 

“I’ve got everything covered with my game plan, trust me. I’ve gone extremely hard in the gym.  We’ve watched tapes of him and I’m feeling good.

 

“This fight I need to make a statement. On my last two fights, I’ve gone the distance and they’ve been against top quality elite fighters. This time – no disrespect to Porky Medina – a good fighter in his own right but he shouldn’t last the distance with me so I look forward to a good performance.

 

“Good luck to both men, but I’m coming for the winner of Jack vs. Bute. I want to unify the division.”

 

ROGELIO MEDINA

 

“I’m the youngest fighter on this stage. I’m also the hungriest fighter. This is the biggest opportunity of my career.

 

“I’m here to give it my all and take the most of this opportunity on Saturday night. My dream is to be a world champion and it is right in front of me.

 

“I feel very excited. I’m ready to go because of the long layoff. It has been a while but I have been in the gym. I’ve been training for many months and even though I haven’t had a fight, I have been training.

 

“I think that DeGale has a lot of good qualities as a fighter and I think that the fight is going to be very intense because I’ve been training hard for it. I’ve been training to put pressure on him and to make it an intense fight and try and knock him out.

 

“I’ve noticed that he’s a quick fighter, he’s fast. He’s got good technique but I also see that he sometimes likes to stand and trade and I hope that he decides to stand and trade with me so we can give the fans a good fight.

 

“A win would be the biggest moment of my career. It would have a lot of significance. Historically in Mexico I would become only the second super middleweight champion, which would be very important to boxing and myself.”

 

 

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For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

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

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

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

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

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

DOUBLEHEADER OF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE FIGHTS SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 30 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE DC ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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

AMAZING SHOWTIME SPORTS® SPRING, 2016 BOXING LINEUP

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Saturday, April 9 – SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL

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

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

Start Time: TBD

Venue: The O2 – London

Promoter: Warriors Boxing & Matchroom Sport

 

Friday, April 15 – ShoBox: The New Generation

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

Start Time: 10 p.m. ET/PT

Venue: Turning Stone Casino – Verona, NY

Promoter: Salita Promotions

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

 

Saturday, April 16 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

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

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

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

Venue: Fox Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Promoter: DiBella Entertainment

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

 

Saturday, April 30 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

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

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

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

Venue: TBD

Promoter: Mayweather Promotions

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

 

Targeting May 2016 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING – PENDING CONFIRMATION

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

Start Time: TBD

Venue: TBD

 

Saturday, June 11 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

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

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

Venue: Turning Stone Casino – Verona, NY

Promoter: Banner Promotions

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

 

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

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

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

Start Time: TBD

Venue: TBD

Promoter: DiBella Entertainment

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

 

Late-Summer 2016 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

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

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

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

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

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

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