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CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. CALEB PLANT LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTE & PHOTOS – Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship Showdown Headlines Live on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, November 6 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

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CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. CALEB PLANT LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTE AND PHOTOS


(Photo credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)
 
Pound-For-Pound King Canelo Álvarez and Undefeated Champion Caleb Plant Come To Blows Previewing Undisputed Super Middleweight World Championship Event Saturday, November 6 on SHOWTIME PPV® at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions Event
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME®
 
Click HERE for Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions
 
LOS ANGELES (September 21, 2021) – Boxing’s consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Mexican superstar and unified WBA/WBC/WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo Álvarez and undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant met for an intense stare down that turned into a scuffle Tuesday at a press conference previewing their historic and highly anticipated undisputed super middleweight championship showdown.
 
During an extended face-off that kicked off the event, the fighters exchanged words and threw glancing blows before their respective teams rushed the stage to separate the combatants, escalating a rivalry that will culminate on fight night in just over six weeks.
 
Canelo and Plant will battle on Saturday, November 6, live on SHOWTIME PPV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions event, with the winner stamping his name in the history books as the first undisputed 168-pound world champion of the four-belt era.
 
Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions and sponsored by Hennessy and Value.
 
Eddy Reynoso, Canelo’s trainer and manager, and Justin Gamber, Plant’s trainer, joined their fighters on stage at the event in Beverly Hills. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:
 
CANELO ÁLVAREZ
 
“You are not on my level and you will see on November 6. You don’t want to fight now, I promise you.
 
“We come from nothing and we worked hard to be here. For somebody to lie and talk trash about us, that upset Eddy. It is what it is though. We just have to show everyone who we are on November 6.
 
“Caleb might be on the same level as Billy Joe Saunders and Callum Smith, but he’s not on my level. I respect that he isn’t here to back down. You can see from today that this is definitely going to be a good fight.
 
“I know what I need to do and I know a lot about him. He’s a good fighter but I know my skills. My experience is going to give me the edge in the fight. I have faced similar styles to Caleb’s against Floyd Mayweather, Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout and Saunders.
 
“He’s an insecure person and that’s why he came with a lot of excuses about lots of things. I don’t care about it though. I’m just going to do my best on November 6 and win the fight.
  
“To be undisputed is history for Mexico and for everyone on my team. To be the undisputed champion is just a great thing for my career.
 
On the on-stage scuffle: “You can say whatever to me, but not to my mom. I’m going to fight anyone who says something about my mom. And he swung first. I just pushed him. He swung first, and I do what I do. He crossed the line.
 
“It will be over in eight rounds or less. I’m going to knock out this guy. Easy.”
 
CALEB PLANT
 
“I know only one thing better than proving people right, and that’s proving people wrong. I’ve been doing that my whole life. As soon as I stepped on the stage, people started talking about what I can’t accomplish and what I can’t do. Where I come from, there is no boxing community. There was no other pro I could look to and say that if he can do it, then I can do it. All I had was my mind and my heart.
 
“I don’t do this to be famous or to get attention. When I first started, it was just me and my dad. No one thought I’d be standing here today. I can remember him and my grandfather scrounged up a little bit of money to open a little boxing gym. There was just one heavy bag hanging in the corner. But when you really want something, you don’t need all the fancy things. You just need your mind and your heart.
 
“I know that people don’t believe me when I tell them I’m winning on November 6. All those people who tell me that I can’t do something, you live believable lives and you do believable things. I promised myself that I was going to run this all the way to the top, with no problem crashing and burning along the way. I set out to live an unbelievable life and accomplish unbelievable things. Those people who doubt me are the very reason that I’m here.
 
“Miguel Cotto’s brother can make you do the chicken dance but I can’t? Okay. Mark my words, on November 6 you will hear the words, ‘And the new undisputed super middleweight champion,’ but you will also hear the words, ‘and still undefeated.’
 
“Being undisputed would mean a lot. I’ve sacrificed so much to this sport and I’ve been doing this a long time. All that work would come down to one moment. I want my name in those history books and that’s the only reason that I’m here.
 
On the on-stage scuffle: “We just had some normal back-and-forth banter up there and then whatever happened, happened. It’s none of my concern though. I’m focused and locked in on November 6.”
 
EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer and Manager
 
“I think this is going to be a great fight, one where we unify the 168-pound division. As we do with every fight, we’re going to work hard in the gym. We’ve always worked hard in the gym.
 
“I’m a little upset by how things turned out today, but in the end we will settle things in the ring on November 6.
 
“The offensive language is what offended us the most. We are respectful people, and we move forward from this with our heads held up high. Now we are going to train well, win the fight and see what comes next after that.
 
 
“There are a lot of people who say things on social media but then they don’t show up. Some people want to take down a whole country and a great athlete that represents his country. They talk a lot of trash. You need to work hard though. You need to have guts to work as hard as we do.”
 
JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant’s Trainer
 
“I want to thank our whole team for believing in us and getting us this fight that we wanted and this opportunity to make history. It’s been blood sweat and tears, literally, to get here. It’s been a long journey. This fight is not about money, it’s about legacy.
 
“In 1996, when I was 15-years-old, my favorite fighter was the IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Roy Jones Jr. Every fan back then craved an undisputed champion at 168-pounds and now I train the IBF champion and we’re going to be fighting for all of the marbles.
 
“Tune in on November 6 and you will see the first undisputed super middleweight champion of the world and he’s from Tennessee. Anything that happened today at this press conference is going to drive us and give us more hunger.
 
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
 
“It took a couple of tries, but here we are today with the undisputed super middleweight championship on November 6. It’s a real pleasure to be working with our network partners at SHOWTIME for this event. SHOWTIME has a long history of being involved in the sports’ biggest and most important events and that continues with this fight.
 
“It’s an honor to be working with the pound-for-pound king Canelo Álvarez, Eddy Reynoso and everyone with Canelo Promotions. I’m also thrilled to be back working with everyone on team Plant. I promoted Caleb’s pro debut in 2014 and it’s great to see him up here today in this position.
 
“Canelo holds three titles, while Caleb owns the fourth title in the 168-pound division. They’ll battle to become the first undisputed champ in the four-belt era. History will be made on November 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, SHOWTIME Sports
 
“2021 has been a phenomenal year for SHOWTIME Boxing. It’s one of our most prolific years in recent memory. SHOWTIME has delivered 17 live boxing events so far this year, with several more to come. Eight world championship fights, multiple world title unifications and now two fights for the undisputed title as a very good year for SHOWTIME becomes a great year for SHOWTIME. SHOWTIME is the home of big fights. It’s the most trusted and longest-tenured network in boxing. There is no other network making a more meaningful or more significant commitment to the sport of boxing. We are the home of boxing’s biggest and best fights.
 
“We are proud to welcome Canelo Álvarez back to SHOWTIME. We also welcome Caleb Plant for his SHOWTIME debut. It was almost nine years ago – September 15, 2012 – that Canelo made his debut on SHOWTIME in a thrilling fight against Josesito Lopez. Nine years is a long time. That was a very young Canelo Álvarez and a very young Eddy Reynoso. That started an impressive run of fights in which Canelo demonstrated his willingness, desire and demand to take the toughest fights available. Together back in 2013, we set a record at the time for the biggest pay-per-view of all time as we helped launch Canelo as boxing’s newest pay-per-view star. Now nine years later, we are proud to welcome him back for this mega fight.”
 
#         #         #
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @Canelo, @SweetHandsPlant, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @Canelo, @CalebPlant, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
  
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT APTI DAVTAEV TO FACE LUCAS BROWNE ON MARCH 28 SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION CO-MAIN EVENT

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Davtaev Replaces Otto Wallin, Who Was Forced To Withdraw Due To Minor Injury

NEW YORK – February 26 – Undefeated heavyweight power puncher Apti Davtaev will face veteran Lucas Browne in the 10-round co-main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on Saturday, March 28, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas. Davtaev replaces heavyweight contender Otto Wallin, who was forced to suspend training and withdraw from his scheduled bout due to an injury to his foot. 

From Kurchaloi, Russia, Davtaev (20-0-1, 19 KOs) has earned a 90-percent knockout ratio with his aggressive style and devastating power. The athletic, 30-year-old has remained active since moving his camp to the United States in 2017 after signing with Salita Promotions. He trains at Kronk Gym in Detroit, Mich., under the tutelage of SugarHill Steward, nephew of legendary Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward. 

“Otto suffered a minor injury and suspending training was the smart thing to do,” said Wallin’s promoter Dmitriy Salita. “He will be back in the ring in no time. Fortunately, Apti was in top shape and ready to go. He is a gifted heavyweight and he’ll be on everyone’s radar after March 28.”

In his last outing on February 21, the six-foot-five-inch Davtaev handed previously unbeaten John Napari his first defeat with a vicious second-round knockout. A few weeks prior, on January 10, he scored an impressive third-round stoppage over veteran Keith Barr. This is his fifth start in the U.S. and first nationally televised bout.

Fighting out of New South Wales, Australia, Browne (29-2, 25 KOs) most recently scored a knockout victory over John Hopoate in November, his second win of 2019. He’s won four of his last five bouts, with his only career losses coming to Dillian Whyte and David Allen in the U.K. Browne won his first 25 pro fights, including a stoppage of Ruslan Chagaev in 2016 to capture a WBA Heavyweight Championship. He will be making his U.S. debut.

The three-fight SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast features unbeaten former bantamweight world champion Luis Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) taking on undefeated contender Aaron Alameda (25-0, 13 KOs) in a WBC Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator main event. Rising light heavyweight prospects Joseph George (10-0, 6 KOs) and Marcos Escudero (10-1, 9 KOs) open the telecast with a 10-round rematch of their November ShoBox showdown that saw George win a narrow-split decision.

Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will serve as telecast host with versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Rounding out the telecast team are Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial ringside scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.  David Dinkins Jr. serves as Executive Producer with Ray Smaltz producing and Bob Dunphy directing. 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are now on sale and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Davtaev vs. Browne is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

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Undefeated Super Middleweight Cem Kilic to take on Martez McGregor on Saturday, June 15th on Fury – Schwarz undercard at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas

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Beverly Hills, Calif. (June 5, 2019) – Undefeated super middleweight Cem Kilic will look to take another step towards the world rankings when he takes on Martez McGregor on Saturday, June 15th at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 
The fight will be part of the Tyson Fury – Tom Schwarz undercard.
 
Kilic of Frankfort, Germany, who now calls Los Angeles, California home, has a record of 13-0 with eight knockouts.
 
The 24 year-old Kilic has upped his resume and reputation thanks to wins over Jerhed Fenderson (1-0), Joe Amouta (7-1-1), and a nationally televised win over DeAndre Ware (12-0-2).
 
In his last bout, Kilic stopped Zacariah Kelly in two rounds on February 15th in Hinckley, Minnesota.
 
“I have had a great training camp for this fight with my head trainer Buddy McGirt,” said Kilic. “I have been sparring with Sergey Kovalev for the last month, and I am in the best shape of my life. I am excited to showcase my talent on June 15th, and to make history as the first fighter from Turkey to fight at the MGM Grand! Big thanks to my manager Shane Shapiro and my promoter Greg Cohen for getting me this opportunity.”
 
“Cem is really peaking at the right time of his career. While this is only his 14th pro fight, being in training camps the last four years with legendary fighters like Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Sergey Kovalev, Jermell Charlo, and Errol Spence Jr. has helped him develop into a fighter well beyond 13 fights on his professional record. I am anxious for the world to see Cem Kilic live on ESPN 2 come June 15th,” said Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset LLC.
 
 McGregor of Chicago. has a record of 8-1 with six knockouts.
 
The 28 year-old McGregor has a win of previously undefeated Luis Jimenez (3-0).  McGregor has won five in a row, which includes his last bout, when he stopped David Mason in the 1st round on February 22nd in Elk Grove, Illinois.


Kilic is the 1st fighter from Turkey to fight at The MGM Grand.
 
Kilic is managed by No Limit Mindset LLC.  He is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.
 
The bout can be seen on ESPN 2.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue Video Preview

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“I’ve been looking back on my career.  Everything you taught me from day one, I’ll always remember.”

 

A REFLECTIVE FLOYD MAYWEATHER THANKS HIS FATHER, CORNER BEFORE ANSWERING THE FINAL BELL: http://s.sho.com/1V0KQtq

 

ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue PremieresSaturday,

Immediately Following Mayweather vs. Berto At 9 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME®

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

ALL ACCESS reveals a special moment in the instant before Floyd Mayweather answers the final bell of what is expected to be the final fight of his illustrious boxing career.  Check out this preview clip fromSaturday’s premiere of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogueand tune in this Saturday on SHOWTIME for more from the Emmy Award-winning series.

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“IT’S OFFICIAL” – FLOYD MAYWEATHER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER DEFEATING ANDRE BERTO

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MAYWEATHER’S FINAL FIGHT PLUS ROMAN MARTINEZ vs. ORLANDO SALIDO II SLUGFEST TO PREMIERE ON SHOWTIME®THIS SATURDAY AT 9 P.M. ET/PT

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Mayweather vs. Berto Delayed Telecast Immediately Followed By

“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue”

 

Click HERE For A Video Preview Of Epilogue:http://s.sho.com/1OhdqCt

 

Floyd Mayweather’s final fight, a masterful dismantling of Andre Berto, will premiere on SHOWTIME this Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“It’s official…You have to know when to hang it up,’’ Mayweather told SHOWTIME Sports® reporter Jim Gray after his unanimous decision victory over Berto last Saturday on SHOWTIME PPV® from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

“I’ve been in this sport 19 years, been a world champion 18 years, broke all the records.  There’s nothing else to prove in the sport of boxing.”

 

The delayed telecast of Mayweather vs. Berto will include the junior lightweight world championship rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido, another Fight of the Year candidate in this classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry that left fans and the fighters craving a third matchup.

 

Mayweather vs. Berto will be immediately followed by the premiere of “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue.” The Sports Emmy®Award-winning “Epilogue” shines the spotlight on fight week and takes viewers inside the ropes and into the mind of a prizefighter like no other show on television.

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 FLOYD “MONEY” MAYWEATHER CONCLUDES REMARKABLE CAREER WITH WIN OVER ANDRE BERTO AND PERFECT 49-0 RECORD IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOWTIME PPV®  FOUR-FIGHT TELECAST FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

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Click HERE For Photos – Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE For Photos – Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 13, 2015) – Floyd “Money” Mayweather performed one last masterpiece on Saturday live on SHOWTIME PPV® in what he insists was the final fight of his distinguished 19-year career.
Before 13,395 fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Mayweather improved to 49-0 (26 KOs), matching the record of the late heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano with a 12-round decision over former two-time welterweight world champion Andre Berto (30-4, 23 KOs). In total control from the outset, Mayweather was victorious by the scores of 120-108, 118-110 and 117-111.
Following the final bell, Mayweather dropped to his knees in reflection of his final act.
“You have to know when to hang it up,” he told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray in the ring afterward. “I’m knocking at the door; I’m close to 40 years old.
“I’ve been in this sport 19 years, been a world champion 18 years, broke all the records. There’s nothing else to prove in the sport of boxing.
“My 49-0 record is a part of boxing. Records are made to be broken. Hopefully someday we can find the next Floyd Mayweather.
“Now it’s time to spend time with my family and children, make sure they get the proper education. I also want to help the fighters under the Mayweather Promotions banner.
“I’m leaving the sport with all my faculties; I’m still sharp and smart. I’ve accomplished everything in this sport, there’s nothing else to accomplish.
“Money doesn’t make me. I make money.
“I don’t want to rank myself, but I am the best at boxing.
“I want to thank all the fans that came out to support this event. For 19 years I wouldn’t be able to do it without these fans.
“Andre Berto has heart, a tremendous chin. He wouldn’t lay down, it was a good fight. He was a tough competitor, but experience played a major role tonight. What can I say?  I was the better man tonight. It doesn’t matter if I hurt my left or my right hand, my career is over. It’s official.”
Berto was satisfied with his performance, but conceded he was not at Mayweather’s level.
“Experience played a big part in this fight,” he said. “I want to thank my entire team, my family and all of Haiti that is watching.
“I was in shape for this fight; he was just difficult to hold on to. He’s slippery. I used a lot of speed but he’s real crafty. He was using little things to get me off my rhythm.
“A guy like me has a lot of pride. I told him that every time I caught him with a good shot that I was here to stay.  I put on a great performance, pushed him to the limit. But, we fell short.”
In the second of two world title fights on the pay-per-view undercard, Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-3, 17 KOs) retained his WBO Junior Lightweight title with a thrilling 12-round majority draw in a rematch against four-time world champion Orlando “Siri” Salido(42-13-3, 29 KOs).
Picking up where they left off when they fought in a Fight of the Year candidate last April, won by Martinez, both fighters exchanged punches for 36 minutes of ferocious action. Each went down in the third round. At the end of a slugfest, in which more than 1,700 punches were thrown, one judge scored it for Martinez (115-113), one had Salido (115-113) in front and the other called it even (114-114).
Both Martinez and Salido thought they should have got the decision and are in favor of a third fight.
“I definitely won the fight,” said Martinez, who was making the first defense in his third stint as WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion. “They counted a knockdown that wasn’t really a knockdown.
“He threw a lot of punches but most of them didn’t connect, they landed on my arms. Anywhere you want that third fight between us, I will take it.”
Said Salido, a two-time featherweight world champion who was the aggressor throughout and delivered more than 1,000 punches, “I did all the work and I thought I won the fight. I thought the first couple of rounds were even but then I took control of the fight afterwards.
“I was definitely looking for the championship. As you all saw I threw more of the punches and I thought I won the fight.
“I dedicated so much for this fight, for them to take it away from me is not fair. Definitely, I am ready for a third fight.”
In another world title fight, Badou Jack “The Ripper” (20-1-1, 12 KOs) successfully defended his WBC Super Middleweight World title with a hard-fought, crowd-pleasing 12-round majority decision over mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-3, 16 KOs). Jack, who dropped Groves late in the first round, triumphed by the scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 113-114. The hard-luck Groves, who abruptly fled the ring in disbelief after the announcement, fell to 0-3 in world title fights.
Jack was impressive in what may have been his toughest fight to date.
“Groves has a lot of heart,” said Jack, who was making the initial defense of the WBC belt he took from Anthony Dirrell in April.
“Body work is becoming my signature. I wasn’t effective enough because I couldn’t knock him out. I felt like after the first round I could but I just couldn’t. I didn’t go to the body enough.
“I haven’t thought about my next fight yet, but there’s a lot of big fights for me. I heard Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. wants to fight me. I want to enjoy this win but I will fight anyone.”
The victory was Jack’s fourth in a row since suffering the lone loss of his career on a shocking first-round knockout loss to Derek Edwards in February 2014.
Groves, whose only other losses were in back-to-back fights against then-world championCarl Froch, didn’t dispute the knockdown but had a problem with the decision.
“I thought I won the fight decisively,” he said. “I thought I controlled the fight with my jab and that I was in control throughout, though, it appeared closer to the judges.
“It was a legit knockdown in the first round. He landed the right hand over the top, but I have good fitness and I thought I got back in control of that round. But all credit to him though scoring the knockdown in the first round.
“Congrats to Badou. I hope he has a successful reign as champion. I’d love to fight him again and hopefully I will do better next time. I am going to take some time to work out what’s next. Losing a world title fight is the worst feeling in the world.”
Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs) overcame a first-round knockdown, scored a knockdown of his own and upset former two-division world championJhonny Gonzalez (58-10, 49 KOs).  Oquendo won a 10-round majority decision in a good action fight that opened the pay-per-view telecast. Oquendo won the biggest bout of his career by the scores of 95-93, an out-of-line 98-90 and 94-94.
For Oquendo, the victory in his sixth appearance at MGM Grand Garden Arena was the 12th in his last 14 fights.
“I feel very happy,” said Oquendo, who was dropped by a left hook with about one minute left in the first. “Jhonny Gonzalez is a great champion. I knew I had to throw a lot of punches and work to get inside to get the victory. I was able to implement that game plan tonight.”
Gonzalez, a former two-time WBC featherweight and WBO Bantamweight World Champion, was displeased with the scoring as well as all the unintentional headbutts. He was dropped by a straight right hand at about the 2:00 mark of the second.
“The judges favored him too much,” Gonzalez said. “He kept head butting me. It just didn’t go well. As soon as he knocked me down, nothing happened. I just got right back up.”
In a fight Saturday that aired during “COUNTDOWN LIVE” on SHOWTIME before the pay-per-view telecast, longtime junior middleweight contender Vanes Martirosyan (36-2-1, 21 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., scored two knockdowns en route to winning a 10-round majority decision over former IBF 154-pound champion Ishe Smith (27-8, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas, by the scores of 97-91 twice and 95-95.
“I feel awesome.  I worked hard and it paid off.  I hadn’t seen my family in 10 weeks.  I was in training in the Bay Area,” Martirosyan said. “Ishe was eating 100 jabs a round.  I knew he was a Mayweather fighter and I was going into the fight already down five rounds.
“I knew I had to win. My corner told me to go in and have fun, but I wanted to knock him out.
“I knew as soon as I landed the first knockdown that I had to keep going. I didn’t think he would get up from the second knockdown. He had never been dropped before. He has fought a lot of great fighters and I dropped him twice.”
Smith, the first native Las Vegan to capture a world title, felt the fight was much tighter.
“The first knockdown wasn’t serious. He just caught me in the back of the head. The second one was legit, but I got up ready to come back at him,” Smith said.
“Six points is ridiculous. I thought it was closer to 95-95 or 95-94. I just thought it was a lot closer than those two judges, and my corner kept telling it was real close. But we expected a tough fight out of (Martirosyan). He’s long, rangy and a good puncher, but that’s why I wanted to get inside and fight him there.
“I just fought a hell of a fight against the No. 3-ranked fighter in our division. I have a lot left. I’m pushing these guys to the limit. I take nothing away from him. He’s one of the best in the world and I’m a former world champion. We gave the fans a great fight tonight and I’ll be back again soon.”
Also on “COUNTDOWN LIVE,” promising unbeaten lightweight Gervonta Davis of Baltimore improved to 12-0 with 11 knockouts by registering a 1:34, first-round TKO overRecky Dulay (8-2, 5 KOs), of Manila, Philippines.
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, was promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event took place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and was televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard featured a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which was a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast was a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which was promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pitted former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout. SHOWTIME “Countdown Live” included a 10-round super welterweight showdown between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

HIGH STAKES: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO FINAL UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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This Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Live on SHOWTIME PPV®
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME®
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
LAS VEGAS, Nev.  (Sept. 10, 2015) – The fighters who will appear on the stacked, action-packed “HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto” undercard this Saturday, September 12 live onSHOWTIME PPV(8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena took part in their final press conference Thursday at MGM Grand.
In the three pay-per-view fights preceding Saturday’s main event between Floyd “Money”Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) and Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs), Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) will defend his WBO Junior Lightweight Title in a rematch against four-time world championOrlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs), Badou Jack “The Ripper” (19-1-1, 12 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World Title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs) and former three-time world champion and Mexican power-puncherJhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs) will be opposed by Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo(25-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round 130-pound match.
Former IBF World Champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (27-7, 12 KOs) and longtime top-10 contender Vanes Martirosyan (35-2-1, 21 KOs), who will clash in a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight fight during  “COUNTDOWN LIVE: Mayweather vs. Berto” telecast live on SHOWTIME® (6:30 p.m./3:30 p.m. PT), were also in attendance.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC. are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
 
ROMAN MARTINEZ
“I understand that Salido is a strong fighter. We know each other well. That is why we trained very hard for this fight, even harder than for our first. I look forward to gaining this victory for all of Puerto Rico.
“The exposure for this fight is amazing; the entire world is going to be watching. We are so accustomed to each other and we understand that we have to put forth a tremendous performance on a card of this magnitude.
“I want to continue to be a world champion for all of Puerto Rico. I’m in peak condition and I’m ready to get the win.
“Salido can say whatever he wants. I know him and I was able to knock him down in the first fight. I’m confident I can go finish him.
“I understand why this fight is happening. Who wouldn’t want to see us go at it again? But I thought I clearly won the first time, and I am confident I will win again on Saturday.”
 
ORLANDO SALIDO
“You saw what happened the last time we fought. You know this is going to be a spectacular matchup. I know Rocky very well and I know he is a smart fighter. Last time I got out of my game plan. This fight, I’m focused and looking forward to a great fight.
“I’m a better fighter than he is. I know that Martinez is going to run, but I’m in great condition to seek him and get the victory.
“It’s about getting on the inside for me. Martinez is an intelligent fighter and he knows how to use his reach. If I can get inside his chest and attack the body I will get the win.
“It’s going to be the best fight of the night. We’re going to exchange blows and pick up where we left off. I’m treating this like it is the biggest fight of my career and I can’t wait to demonstrate my skills one more time.”
 
BADOU JACK
“I’m very excited for this fight. We had a tremendous camp. We’re ready to go. I don’t talk much. I’m all about fighting.
“Groves is absolutely not in my head. I’m focused and mentally strong on my task at hand. I won my biggest fight that I’ve had up to date, he didn’t. He has had two shots at the title and has lost them both.
“Groves got famous for getting knocked out by Carl Froch. He’s a good fighter, but I’m very comfortable that I’m going to beat him.
“I just stay focused on what I have to do. No one is getting under my skin.
“I’ve always believed in myself. Things happen in boxing. I worked hard and that’s how I got to this moment.
“I’ve always been the underdog in my opinion. I like it. It motivates me. I’m going to prove my worthSaturday night.”
 
GEORGE GROVES
“It’s great to be here. I’m happy to have my shot at the title. We’re ready. I’ve been traveling to Vegas to box since I was 13-years-old. Year after year I’ve always been successful out here, always with knockouts.
“British boxers have been doing well in the ring as of late, but there is no extra pressure or incentive.  We’re very prepared. We know what we need to know about Jack. We wish him luck, because he’s going to need it.
“It’s a huge fight for me with the title on the line. I’ve been involved with higher competition but I haven’t taken my eye off of Badou Jack. We’re looking forward to a good win on Saturday.
“Training up in Big Bear was great. The first week I realized the difference in the heat and altitude. But mostly I love being isolated. Out here it’s peace, I’m purely in camp. No other distractions.
“I’m confident of winning. I’m always confident of winning. The best way to describe this fight is that Badou Jack is a good fighter, but I’m a better fighter. I’m better than him at every phase of the game.
 
JHONNY GONZALEZ
“This is my second fight at 130 pounds and I feel much more comfortable, stronger, confident and secure than I did at 126.
“It is tremendous to be on this fight card. This is going to be a terrific fight. I’ve trained hard and I’m ready to go on Saturday. The reality is, this is the type of fight that can bring me a step closer to in another world title.”
 
JONATHAN OQUENDO
“The main key, whether I box or slug, is to fight smart.  I’m very excited for this opportunity. It means a lot to me to be on a card of this magnitude. I’m excited to weigh in tomorrow.
“When you have Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, you get a war. I have no doubt there will be blood in the ring. Jhonny Gonzalez is very experienced and was a great champion, and I thank him for taking this fight. I look forward to getting in the ring Saturday.”
 
ISHE SMITH
“When I fought Cornelius Bundrage for the title, I knew I had to win. I had a lot of pressure on me. There was no doubt I had to win. It’s the same thing now. Vanes is a good fighter, but I have to win. I’ve had to bring myself up from the bottom.
“All of the other promoters gave up on me, but Leonard Ellerbe and Floyd took a chance on me and I’ll always be grateful.
“Vanes is a good fighter. It’s going to be a hell of a fight. I have to win. I have no choice. “
 VANES MARTIROSYAN
“Ishe is a good fighter. He’s been in with a lot of tough guys. I have a lot of respect for him. It’s going to be a really good fight.
“It’s a blessing to be here. I had a really good camp and I’m excited that the fight is here. It’s great to be a part of a show like this.
“I can’t wait for this fight. You’re all going to see ‘The Nightmare’ on Saturday night.”
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA Welterweight World Titles takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Tecate. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT). The co-main event will feature a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title.  The Martinez vs. Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first defense of the WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves. The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland. The first pay-per-view televised fight is a 10-round super featherweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. The event will be available in Spanish through secondary audio programming (SAP).
Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown on the big screen in theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND ANDRE BERTO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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“HIGH STAKES: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO”
This Saturday, Sept. 12, Live on SHOWTIME PPV®
 
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 9, 2015) – Floyd Mayweather and Andre Berto participatedin the finalpress conference for”HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto” on Wednesday at the David Copperfield Theatre at the MGM Grand ahead of their major showdown taking place thisSaturday, Sept. 12 live on SHOWTIME PPV(8 p.m. E/5 p.m. PT) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
In what is expected to be the final fight of his illustrious 19-year career, boxing superstar and pound-for-pound king Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) will put his undefeated record and WBC and WBA Welterweight World Championships on the line when he faces power-punching, two-time welterweight world champion Berto (30-3, 23 KOs). Three days before they meet in the ring, the two fighters and their camps were business-like and confident as they took their turns at the podium.
Here is what the fighters and executives had to say Wednesday:
 
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“We’ve been here so many times. I know talking doesn’t win fights. I know trainers don’t win fights. It comes down to the two competitors. I’m always prepared, physically and mentally. We have a remarkable game plan.
“I want to thank everyone that has covered this event and my career over 19 years. Whether it was a good story or a bad story, you guys wrote about me and kept me relevant. That’s how I was able to do record breaking numbers.
“Training camp was unbelievable, like always. I was asked if I’d be able to get in top condition after the Pacquaio fight and I absolutely did. No matter who I chose, the critics would have something to say.
“I know what it takes for a fight at this magnitude. No matter what anyone says, it comes down to the two competitors and I know what I can do. One thing I can do, I can fight.
“When we talk about landing the highest percentage, I’m that guy. When we talk about doing the highest gate or PPV, I’m that guy.
“I can’t say I’m going out 49-0 because you can’t overlook anyone.
“Every fight played a major key. It’s not just the intelligence; it’s the sharp mind, the good chin, the tremendous heart. I never overlooked an opponent. I trained for every fighter the same way, by pushing myself. I believe in my skills and I believe in my talent. I’ve been in there with the best, and the results are always the same.
“You have fighters that may be faster than me, there are fighters that may hit harder than me, you have fighters who are very athletic, but you don’t have a fighter who can make adjustments like me. You don’t have fighters that can be on my level mentally.
“It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. Everyone fights for what they fight for. My thing is this; I keep my eyes on the prize. I don’t focus on things outside the ring. I focus on the guy in front of me.
“You get to where you get to by staying focused. My dream was to be the best. No matter what happens Saturday, when it comes to boxing, I’m the best at this.
“Some guys wanted to rush me, well what’s plan B? Pacquiao could set traps for other fighters, but he couldn’t set traps for Floyd Mayweather. You need a plan A, a plan B and a plan C. I’ve never beaten a fighter with my plan A.
“Berto you’ve had a hell of a career. You’re a tough fighter and competitor. It’s obvious you’ve done something right. My thing is, just put guys in front of me, and we’ll rate him after they face me.
“To be in the sport of boxing and make upwards of $800 million, my team has done their job. I’ve never focused on things on the outside. I’ve never put anything before boxing. At 4:30 in the morning when my opponent is sleeping, I’m working. I don’t want to leave anything in this sport.
“No fighter in history has been in bigger fights than me. No fighter in history has beat more champions than I’ve beat. But it’s not over yet. I’m going to push myself.  I can go to places where no fighter can go mentally.
“The sport of boxing needs this. Berto is a tough, young, hungry fighter and that’s what we need to bring the best out of us. I’m going to come forward and be Floyd Mayweather. Trainers and fighters try to find ways to throw fighters off, but I know what to do when it’s all said and done.
“I want my legacy to be of a remarkable fighter inside the ring and a great businessman outside of it.
“We’re going for the knockout. I’m pretty sure he’s going for the knockout. It’s going to be something special.”
ANDRE BERTO
“It’s funny, when it comes to the media and critics. They’re not in that gym working and knowing the feeling of being a fighter. They don’t know the miles we run and the sacrifices that we have to make to become a world champion or come up to this level of fight.
“This camp has been intense. It has definitely taken me up to levels that I’ve never achieved. We’ve left no stone unturned, I’ve busted my ass for the last couple months.
“Anybody that steps in the ring, I have to respect. When it’s time to fight, I’m coming for my respect. Saturday night is going to be a good one I promise you.
“I’ve given my whole life to this sport. I’ve come in and I’ve entertained the people. That’s what I do. That’s why I came into this game. I’ve been counted out from day one coming from where I come from.
“I’m just coming for my respect. I’m coming for everything that I deserve.
“At the end of the day, I have to be able to take my game to a whole other level. Sometimes you need that opponent to get you to that point, and Floyd is the one.
“He has a great IQ, but one shot can change it all.
“You can be smart, you can be fast, but this is boxing.
“Floyd is sharp of course, but I have certain tools that I believe will make it a real difficult Saturday night. We’re going for the knockout. You definitely don’t want to miss it.
“This is huge for Haiti. The country of Haiti is just elated right now and Saturday night they will definitely be in the building. Saturday night will be historical for the country. This is the first time that an individual has been on this level to represent the country.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., Mayweather’s Father & Trainer
“I see a real fight on Saturday. Don’t get me wrong because I don’t know what’s going on but I really think Floyd is coming to fight.
“I know Berto’s coming to fight. One thing I’ve seen from Berto is that he has no defense – and he’s messing with a defensive whiz.
“I definitely think Floyd will trap him somewhere along the way.
“Floyd respects Berto and is not overlooking him, but he might just stop him, it’s very possible.”
VIRGIL HUNTER, Berto’s Trainer
“There are some things that a lot of people don’t understand. When you have two guys who were born in situations where they try to prove who the king of the school is, you get some real fights.
“I think about Joe Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila”, when people thought he was done, but he fought over his head. Does Andre Berto have that capability? Yes, of course he does. We see it all the time in sports. There are nights when it just happens. Andre Berto is going to take it over his head and that’s what he intends to do and what he has to do.
“We can’t match his IQ, but there are other elements that make a successful fight. There is something brewing in the air. I’ve been around a long time and I know when something is personal. You better tell your people to tune-in for this fight. Trust me; it’s going to be a rumble.
“I’ve seen Floyd’s Plan B. I’ve seen him go to war. I’ve seen him rumble with guys bigger than him. I’m not going to be swayed by his skill. This fight is going to be fought from way deep down.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“We are thrilled that this fight night will be filled with high stakes matchups all night. We have a tremendous fight card. Of course, the main event has the highest stakes of them all as Andre Berto will be taking on the undefeated Floyd Mayweather.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
 “Six fights in 30 months. Floyd, they said you wouldn’t do it, they said you couldn’t do it and once again you proved them wrong. The first five fights yielded nearly 10 million PPV buys, $750 million in PPV receipts and it’s all led here to fight number six, fight number 49.
“19 years undefeated, 17 consecutive years as world champion, 16 consecutive opponents who are former or current champions. On Saturday night none of that matters. Andre Berto isn’t fighting a legacy or a record book or history, he’s fighting a man, and men can lose.
“The conventional wisdom is that Floyd is going to win this fight, but conventional wisdom said that the first Maidana fight would be easy for Floyd. It said Canelo would be Floyd’s toughest challenger and it said Pacquiao could beat Mayweather. It didn’t account for Hasim Rahman or Buster Douglas and it certainly won’t account for Andre Berto’s heart or desire to rewrite boxing history on Saturday night.
“Like you, I don’t know what will happen on Saturday night. I do know that Berto is more athletic than any fighter Floyd has fought recently. One thing I do know, it’s not going to be boring. When you have fighters like our entire PPV card has, it’s a night not to be missed.”
RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this championship fight between Mayweather and Berto that will kick off a sensational fall lineup of entertainment at MGM. We all look forward to history as Floyd looks to end his career at 49-0 and equal the record of Rocky Marciano that has stood since September 1955.
“We are pleased to welcome back Andre Berto. Berto will take on one of the sport’s greatest champions and there is no doubt he will be prepared for the challenge.”
BOB BENNETT, President of the Nevada State Athletic Comission
“There is no doubt that any commission in the world would be elated to have this fight, just like we are. We’re very appreciative of Floyd Mayweather for having this show in our backyard. The NSAC actually commissioned Floyd’s first fight 19 years ago and to date we have regulated 25 out of 49 of Floyd’s fights come this Saturday night when he tries to tie Rocky Marciano’s record.
“It’s been our honor and privilege to regulate these fights. Our officials spend a lot of time in training and we’re ready to go to work come Saturday night.”
*          *          *
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA Welterweight World Titles takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Tecate. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT). The co-main event will feature a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title.  The Martinez vs. Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first defense of the WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves.The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland. The first pay-per-view televised fight is a 10-round super featherweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncherJhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. The event will be available in Spanish through secondary audio programming (SAP).
Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown on the big screen in theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS STARS CHRIS PEARSON, RONALD GAVRIL, GERVONTA DAVIS & ASHLEY THEOPHANE FEATURED IN UNDERCARD ACTION ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

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Exciting Fights Precede HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto
Live on SHOWTIME PPV® at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2015) – Exciting stars from the Mayweather Promotions stable of fighters will fill out the action-packed day of undercard bouts on Saturday, September 12 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena preceding the SHOWTIME PPV event HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto.
Featured undercard action pits Chris “Young King” Pearson (12-0, 9 KOs) against Janks Trotter (9-1-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout, Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (13-1, 9 KOs) as he takes on Scott “Cujo” Sigmon (25-7-1, 14 KOs) in 10-rounds of super middleweight action and Ashley “Treasure” Theophane who will face Steve Upsher (25-4-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight attraction.
Further action will see undefeated 20-year-old prospect Gervonta Davis (11-0, 10 KOs) out of Baltimore taking on 23-year-old Mexican Guillermo Avila (14-4, 11 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight affair and the pro debut of Atlanta’s Trakwon Pettis against 22-year-old Devante Seay (0-0-1) of Martinsville, Virginia in a four-round super lightweight showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.comor www.ticketmaster.com.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in his last four fights. The 24-year-old looks to further prove his contender status when he takes on the powerful Trotter out of Alberta, Canada. The 31-year-old is coming off of back-to-back knockout victories in 2014.
A power-punching Romanian fighting out of Las Vegas, Gavril returns to the ring looking for his third straight victory. He scored decision victories in his last two bouts over Jessie Nicklow and Oscar Riojas and also owns knockout victories over Jose Berrio, Thomas Falowo and Tyrell Hendrix. The 29-year-old will square-off against Lynchburg, Virginia’s Simon on September 12. The 28-year-old is coming off of a June stoppage of Jonathan Reid.
An experienced contender from London but fighting out of Las Vegas, Theophane is looking to build on his current five-fight win streak when he enters the ring on September 12. The 35-year-old has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. He started his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mahonri Montes in April. He shares the ring with the 30-year-old Upsher who has challenged former world champions Andre Berto and Luis Collazo throughout his career. Fighting out of Philadelphia, he most recently defeated Alejandro Rodriguez in May and owns a victory over previously unbeaten Bayan Jargal.
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout. SHOWTIME “Countdown Live” begins 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with a 10-round super welterweight showdown between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Leonard Ellerbe       
I’d like to thank everyone for calling in today to hear the one and only Floyd “Money” Mayweather. But before we get to Floyd, I’d like to introduce the Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME, Stephen Espinoza, who’s going to make a few comments.
Stephen Espinoza    
Thanks very much Leonard. As most of you know, Episode 1 of ALL ACCESS “Mayweather vs. Berto” premiered last Friday. We had tremendous viewership numbers on the network for the premiere night. In fact, premiere night viewing of that episode was on par with the viewership for the premiere of “Inside Mayweather vs Pacquiao.”
So we’re very happy with the amount of attention that that ALL ACCESS is generating. If you haven’t seen it, it is available just on the SHOWTIME website, on the YouTube channel, and of course repeated across the network many times.
Episode 2 of ALL ACCESS “Mayweather vs. Berto” will air this Friday at 10:35 p.m. ET with a third episode premiering on Friday immediately preceding the weigh-in.
As we get into fight week, as usual SHOWTIME and CBS are supporting this fight across all platforms. We’ll be offering live streams of virtually every fight week event including both the press conferences for both the main event and the undercard, the weigh-in and Countdown Live on Saturday immediately preceding the pay-per-view which will include a live fight between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
SHOWTIME and CBS Sports Network are also airing classic fights from Floyd’s career, from Andre Berto, and the undercard fighters including might be the Fight of the Year this year, the first bout between Rocky Martinez and Orlando Salido. That’s available on SHOWTIME on Demand and CBS Sports Network. Leonard, take it away.
L. Ellerbe      
Okay thank you Stephen for those comments. We’re going to cut straight to the chase. I’d like to introduce none other than 12-time world champion, five different weight classes, Floyd “Money” Mayweather.
Floyd Mayweather
Hey everybody. Thank you Leonard. Thank you Kelly. Thank you Steve. Thanks everybody that’s on the line. I appreciate you guys covering me throughout the years. Let’s get on with the call.
Q
What are your thoughts on the athletes like Serena Williams in her pursuit of her record path as well as you on September 12?
F. Mayweather
I’m very pleased with Serena Williams. They say records are made to be broken. I’m just very proud of her and what she’s done during her career. She’s done some amazing things in her career. It’s just marvelous what she did. I’m behind her 100%. If she stays focused she can continue to break records.
Q
Both you and Serena are deep into your thirties, what does that say for the level of dedication that both of you guys have shown to your craft?
F. Mayweather         
Genetics. I think that the older you get, the harder you have to work. That’s what I’ve done. The older I get, the harder I work.
Q
Would you ever consider the winner of the Canelo-Cotto fight as your 50th opponent – as your 50th fight rather?
F. Mayweather
Are you just getting into the Floyd Mayweather business? You should know what I’ve done to Canelo, Pacquiao, and Cotto. So I’m through with them, why would I fight them in my 50th fight?
Q
I heard you just say, “Why would I fight one of them in my 50th fight?” which seems to sound like you think there will be a 50th fight. Are you having a change of heart on your retirement plans?
F. Mayweather
No. 49 is my last fight. Before you go on with a question, I want to thank you for a positive article that you wrote that someone brought to me.
Q        
Thank you. Are you having second thoughts because of your previous comment about there possibly being a 50th fight?
L. Ellerbe      
Like I’ve said and Floyd has said a number of times, this will be his last fight. Why can’t a man go out when he’s had an illustrious career, accomplished everything that he needs to accomplish and be done? And he’s done it his way.
Q
Are there any other things that you have in mind that you’d like to do in retirement?
F. Mayweather
Well we’ve got The Money Team music group. I’ve also been working for years on concert promotions. The Mayweather Music Group, we have several different artists that we’re working with.
We’ve got the Bad Medina makeup line. She is working on four or five different clothing stores. She already has one. She’s got the “Bad” Medina makeup line. We’re also working on my shoe line. Also watching my kids go through college. I think their school is very important.
Q
Do you think that you’ll get that itch to come back like the last time you retired and you’ll want to do it again? Is that something that you leave open the possibility of?
F. Mayweather
No I’m going to just push the limit for this fight and see what I can accomplish.
L. Ellerbe      
Let me touch on this.  Just over the last week I received three major movie offers. So we fully expect that Floyd could be heavily involved in the entertainment industry because this is what he does. As I said, I know for a fact that with the significant entertainment offers coming our way that it’s definitely something that is going to occupy a lot of his time.
Do you understand why that there are people that can’t imagine why you would leave the sport at the top of the game?
F. Mayweather
Well no one is in my shoes. My health is more important. If you stick around anything too long, anything can happen. I’m not really worried about losing, but I want to have a sharp mind. You can make a lot of money, but you still want to be able to talk, walk, and have a sharp mind.
Q
What do you think you’ll miss about boxing after you retire?
F. Mayweather
Really I’m still in the sport. I’ve got so many fighters, so there’s nothing that I’m going to really miss about the sport. I have fighters that I’m working with on a daily basis. There’s still going to be the next world champions coming from Mayweather Promotions. We got a lot of fighters. I think J’Leon Love is up next. So we’ll just see how everything plays out.
Q
Which of your opponents most resembles Berto, anyone you fought before?
F. Mayweather
I’m really not sure. After the fight is over you can ask me that question and then I can kind of enlighten you and let you know.
Q
Is there any one thing that you consider the greatest accomplishment of your career?
F. Mayweather
I think every fight played a major key. All 48 fights played a major key. Every fight, number 49 is extremely important also. Every fight was important in playing a major key in my career. One more though, my career’s not over it. You can never overlook anyone.
Q
Do you have any regrets from your career?
F. Mayweather
I regret not having Al Haymon from the beginning.
Q
Did anyone approach you about being the first to christen the new MGM Arena?
L. Ellerbe      
As always there’s a lot of speculation out there and I just want to clear that up. We have not been approached by MGM about anything as it relates to the opening of the arena. As I’ve said a number of times this will be Floyd’s last fight. MGM has significant plans with their opening of their arena and we have a great relationship with them and I’m sure whatever they come up with, it will turn out great.
Q
Is being an actor in some motion pictures something that you’d want to get into?
F. Mayweather
I’ve been approached on numerous occasions. But I’d rather be behind the scenes. I just feel like I had my time to shine in this world of boxing. But we never know what the future holds. Just keeping my fingers crossed and anything that comes my way then we’ll take full advantage of it.
Q
Are you surprised at all the criticism that your selection of Andre Berto has gotten for this fight?
F. Mayweather
I didn’t even know. All I do every day is I go to the gym, I train. I leave, I go eat, and go see shows on the strip, go to the movies, go bowling, go shopping. That’s really about it, and just being at home resting. It really don’t matter who I choose. They’re going to always criticize. That comes with the territory.
Q
Does it bother you, all the criticism that you can get about your career?
F. Mayweather
No. I don’t read it. I don’t know about it. I could care less. Nobody’s forced to watch. Watch if you want to watch. If you don’t want to watch, don’t watch. Write about it if you want to write about it. If you don’t want to write about it, don’t. I’m not saying if you write good or bad, just continue to write. Keeps me relevant.
Q
Is that another reason why you consider this your last fight? To not be criticized anymore?
L. Ellerbe
No, obviously the criticism that might be out there, that’s just negativity, people are entitled to have their opinion. What Floyd has been able to do with his career, he’s been able to do it his way. His way is being focused on what he has to do, the task at hand, and not worrying about what anybody else says.
Q
What’s the number of pay-per-view buys that would make this fight a big success for you personally?
F. Mayweather
The numbers will be what they are. Only thing I can do. I can’t say any particular number, but we’ll just have to see.
Q
How do you grade in a package this six-fight deal that you’ve done?
F. Mayweather
I just want to win and go out on top.
Q
If this is your last fight, what’s the significance of that number 49 on your way out?
F. Mayweather
Everybody and every fight played a major key and this is number 49.
Q
Do you feel like because Andre Berto has nothing to lose at the moment and everyone is counting him out, do you think that that makes him a more dangerous opponent?
F. Mayweather
Absolutely. He feels like he has nothing to lose, and I think that when you got a guy that’s put in that situation, it makes him work that much harder because he got a chance to be one of the top guys in the sport when I’m through.
It’s like they say in football, any given Sunday. I say any given Saturday, anything can happen. So I’m prepared. I’m prepared mentally and physically. I’m in top shape. I’m ready. I’m pretty sure he’s in top shape and he’s ready. But I’m not going to overlook him.
Q
Can you tell us how you’re staying focused and making sure all this other stuff doesn’t slow you down or cause you to overlook him?
F. Mayweather
I want to win just like he wants to win. I’m working out, I’m pushing myself every day. As I get older I’m working harder. Actually I think this camp I sparred a lot more, I pushed myself a lot more. This fight, I think I worked harder this fight than I did for the Pacquiao fight.
Q
Is your state of mind that this is going to be a more exciting fight for the fans because of the opponent that you chose?
F. Mayweather
Well, of course. It’s always about self-preservation, but I appreciate the fans. I do. I’m not Nostradamus but if you go look at an old interview, I talked about Pacquiao, what they were going to say, what they were going to do and how that fight was going to go.
Now you got to realize probably almost everybody on the phone chose Pacquiao. Everybody that said that throughout the years that I was a coward, I was scared, he couldn’t beat Pacquiao. They gave him this. They gave him so many accolades and he’s an all-time great.
But all these people had to eat their words. So if he’s an all-time great, then what does that make me? If they’re saying he’s the fighter of the century, what does that make me? So when they do rate me and when my fight is over, the only thing I can do is believe in myself and believe in my skills. I’m going to be The Best Ever till the day I die.
L. Ellerbe
I’d just like to thank everyone for calling in and we look forward to seeing everyone on fight week. It’s going to be an exciting week and we’re going to have a great night of fights come next Saturday night.
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