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“DETROIT CITY GOLD” FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields Faces Szilvia Szabados In First Women’s Boxing Main Event On Premium Television

 

Friday, March 10 Live on SHOWTIME® From MGM Grand Detroit

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (March 8, 2017) – All eight fighters participating in “Detroit City Gold”, the ShoBox: The New Generation headlined by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields, participated in a final press conference on Wednesday in advance of Friday’s four-fight telecast from MGM Grand Detroit.

 

Shields (1-0) will face former world title challenger Szilvia Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) in just her second fight since winning gold at the 2016 Olympics and in the first women’s boxing event in premium television history, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“Detroit City Gold,” which takes place less than an hour from Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich., is promoted by Salita Promotions.  Shields vs. Szabados is a six-round middleweight bout.

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, top-10 ranked bantamweight contenders Antonio Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs), of Cleveland, and Russia’s Nikolay Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will put their undefeated records on the line in a 10-round matchup for the NABO bantamweight belt.

 

In an eight-round televised bout, welterweight Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, faces Detroit’s Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs) in a matchup between two former amateur standouts.  In the televised opener, Detroit-based bantamweight prospect James Gordon Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

 

Claressa Shields:

“I started boxing at age 11 and all I really wanted was an opportunity. This is one of those big opportunities.

 

“Her having 124 professional rounds doesn’t mean anything to me.  Her being 15-8 with 6 KOs doesn’t scare me either.  But I am glad she took the fight and didn’t pull out.

 

“She’s a challenge and, on paper, she’s not supposed to be someone that I can just walk through.  But I’ve been in training camp for three months and I had a great training camp.

I’m not going to let her beat me in front of my family. I’m not going to let her beat me in front of my nephews and cousins and my mom and dad. I just don’t roll like that.

 

“If she doesn’t have the talent and skill to go six rounds with me, she will not go six rounds.  So, I hope she had a very good training camp.  I know I did.

 

“This is the first time that a woman has been the main event on SHOWTIME and I’m not coming to make women look bad when I get in there on March 10.”

 

Szilvia Szabados:

“I’m ready to fight.  I’ve been waiting a long time for this fight.  I feel good and I’m in great shape.

 

“I think everyone has a destiny in life and I’m glad I chose to be a boxer. This is a huge opportunity for me and I plan to take advantage of it.

 

“I know she has the amateur experience, but I have more experience as a pro.  We’ll see what’s more important on Friday.”

 

Antonio Nieves:

“I trained and did everything I have to do.  I’m ready for war.

 

“Coming out of Cleveland, nobody gives us a chance. We have to fight for everything we get.

 

“I respect Potapov.   He’s a good fighter.  He said he’s going to take my belt?  He’s going to have to take it from me.  I’m here to fight.  I’m not going to just give it up.  Come try and take it.

 

“When I get in there Friday, it’s all business.  I respect him – I don’t have any problems with him as a person.

 

“I’ve fought a lot of Russians and Europeans.  They’re straight-up, come forward, and try to put on a lot of pressure.  They bring the fight and I’m ready for that.  I’m ready for anything he brings to the table.

 

“Anything can happen in a fight, but I’m focused and ready and I know what I have to do.  I’ll be able to adjust to whatever he brings.”

 

Nikolay Potapov:

“I will be a much more aggressive version of myself for this fight.  I trained to be very aggressive. I have a lot of surprises in store for Antonio Nieves.

 

“I learned a lot training at Kronk and I’m very ready.  I had a great training camp and I really enjoyed living here in Detroit.

 

“In Russia, there is a traditional Russian style.  Over here, it’s totally different.  The American style is much more aggressive.  I loved training with Javan SugarHill Steward at Kronk and learned a lot.”

 

Wesley Tucker:

“I come to fight every time and everybody knows when I fight, it’s fireworks.

 

“He may be from here, but Detroit is my home, too.  And I’m planning on winning here at home.”

 

Ed Williams:

“I’m glad to be home.  I had a great camp and it’s going to be a hell of a fight.

 

“Wesley Tucker is coming to fight, but I’m home.  You don’t let nobody take you at home. That’s it.

 

“He may be in for a short night.  Or a long one.  We’ll see.”

 

James Gordon Smith:

“I’m knocking you out.  I’m not here to play games.  I’m coming straight for you.  I bet you I knock you out.

 

“You can’t punch.  What are you going to do?

 

“I’m coming to throw bombs, so I hope you trained for this because I’m going to knock that smile off your face.  Your coach can’t fight for you.”

 

Joshua Greer, Jr.:

“I’m ready.  You’re getting knocked out.  We didn’t come here to lose.

 

“This is a fight I’ve been waiting for.  We’re ready.  Come Friday, I hope he’s ready, too.”

boxing, women's boxing

UNDEFEATED BANTAMWEIGHTS NIEVES AND POTAPOV READY FOR MOST IMPORTANT FIGHT OF THEIR CAREERS AT “DETROIT CITY GOLD” THIS FRIDAY AT MGM GRAND DETROIT LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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DETROIT, MI (March 6) – With a potential world title shot on the near horizon for the winner, undefeated bantamweight contenders Antonio Nieves and Nikolay Potapov both agree their NABO Bantamweight Championship showdown this Friday is the most important of both their careers.
Defending champion Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs) of Cleveland and Russia’s Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will meet in the co-main event this Friday, March 10, of Salita Promotions’ history-making quadrupleheader of fights entitled “Detroit City Gold” at MGM Grand Detroit on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).
In the night’s main event, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields (1-0) of Flint, Mich., will face Hungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) in a six-round battle for the Women’s NABF Middleweight Championship. Their fight will be the first women’s boxing main event to be featured on premium television in history.
In the eight-round televised bantamweight opener, Detroit-based bantamweight prospect James Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs). In the other eight-round televised bout of the exciting quadrupleheader, welterweight Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) Toledo, Ohio, faces Detroit’s Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs).
Tickets for “Detroit City Gold” are priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50, and are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 800.745.3000.
Here’s what they both had to say:
Antonio Nieves
“Everything went well in training. Potapov is a solid fighter but I believe giving him some movement and coming in from the side is really going to help me get the victory in this fight. I’m 100 percent ready. I’ve been focused on one guy the entire camp and I’m ready to get in there and get the win.
“We tried to get sparring partners that imitate him as much as possible, so when I get in there with him, there’s no surprises, but basically, I’m just going to stick to what I know.
“A victory means a lot. We’re two undefeated fighters on the verge of a world title shot. A victory over this guy would put me to the stage of being in line to fight for a world title, so this win means a lot.”
Nikolay Potapov
“I had a great training camp in Detroit at Kronk gym with Javan SugarHill Steward.  It’s been a great learning experience for me.  The training, intensity, sparring, living conditions have been superb.
“This is the most important fight of my career. Antonio Nieves is a very skilled, high-level fighter. I am focused on making a statement on March 10, and showing that I am one of the best bantamweights in the world.”
boxing, women's boxing

“DETROIT CITY GOLD” MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM CLARESSA SHIELDS AND NIKOLAY POTAPOV

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 Shields Headlines First Women’s Boxing Bout On Premium Television On Friday, March 10 Live on SHOWTIME® From MGM Grand Detroit

 

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Bob Ryder

 

DETROIT, MI (February 28) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields (1-0) of Flint, Mich., and bantamweight contender Nikolay Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) of Podolsk, Russia, worked out for the media on Tuesday in advance of their ShoBox: The New Generation televised bouts for Salita Promotions’ “Detroit City Gold” on Friday, March 10, at MGM Grand Detroit, and live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).

 

The first women’s boxing main event to be featured on premium television, Shields’ history making fight will be a six-round battle againstHungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) for the Women’s NABF Middleweight Championship.

 

In the co-featured bout, Potapov, currently training at the Kronk Gym, will challenge Cleveland’s Antonio Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round fight for his NABO Bantamweight Championship.

 

In the eight-round televised bantamweight opener, Detroit-based bantamweight prospect James Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs). In the other eight-round televised bout of the exciting quadrupleheader, welterweight Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) Toledo, Ohio, faces Detroit’s Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs).

 

Tickets for “Detroit City Gold” are priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50, and are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 800.745.3000.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say:

 

Claressa Shields:

 

“I made history in the amateurs, so it’s very special to me to be making history in the pros too and also doing it so close to home in Detroit.

 

“For this fight, I did more road work and also worked hard on my fundamentals. With my coach, Jason Crutchfield, in my corner he knows my weaknesses and strong points, so we are strengthening all weaknesses.

 

“I know that Szabados has a lot of body endurance and a ‘no quit’ mindset in the ring. She has a lot more professional experience than me and is a huge step up for me, as it is only my second professional fight.

 

“With my reputation and name steady rising and me getting a lot of notoriety, I have really just been handling it by taking a few deep breaths and just not allowing myself to get too excited. When I think about March 10, I just wanna jump up and down!

 

“When I was an amateur, I followed women’s professional boxing the best I could. I thought a lot of women weren’t given equal opportunity. I told myself that for women’s boxing to grow, I’d have to go pro after winning the Olympics again. I felt in my heart that I would be respected and given a chance. I take advantage of every opportunity, so as of now, I feel women’s boxing is a sport that is going to be around for a long time.”

 

Nikolay Potapov:

“Nieves is good fighter, and he’s ranked in the top 10.  I want to fight the best available in my division.  A win over Nieves would be huge for my career and would hopefully lead to a shot at a title in the near future.  I can’t lose on March 10. 

 

“I trained hard to go the distance of 10 rounds, but Kronk’s philosophy is not to leave it in the hands of the judges.

 

“I am thankful to Showtime and Salita Promotions for giving me another opportunity to fight on such a prestigious network. I am focused on bringing home the victory after spending time in Detroit training at the legendary Kronk Gym. “

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

QUADRUPLEHEADER ANNOUNCED FOR SALITA PROMOTIONS’ “DETROIT CITY GOLD” BOXING EVENT ON FRIDAY, MARCH 10, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM MGM GRAND DETROIT

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Top-10 Ranked Undefeated Bantamweights Antonio Nieves & Nikolay Potapov Clash In Co-Feature To Claressa Shields vs. Szilvia Szabados On ShoBox: The New Generation
 
Plus, Undefeated Welterweight Wesley Tucker Faces Once-Beaten Ed Williams; Unbeaten Detroit Bantamweight James Gordon Smith Takes on Joshua Greer, Jr.
 
DETROIT (Feb. 15, 2017) – Six prospects will round out the ShoBox: The New Generation televised bouts for Salita Promotions’ “Detroit City Gold” on Friday, March 10, at MGM Grand Detroit, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).  
 
In addition to the history-making six-round main event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields (1-0) of Flint, Mich., taking on Hungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) for the Women’s NABF Middleweight Championship, there will be a trio of exciting bouts between rising prospects with a combined record of 80-2-5 with 39 KOs. 
 
“Detroit City Gold” will mark the first time in history a women’s boxing match has headlined on premium television.  Shields and Szabados will also be the first women’s fight on ShoBox, a series that has sparked the careers of 67 future world champions.
 
Antonio Nieves vs. Nikolay Potapov – 10-Round Bantamweight Bout
The co-main event will feature a 10-round battle between top-10 ranked bantamweight contenders Antonio Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs) and Nikolay Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs).  Nieves is ranked No. 4 in the WBO, while Potapov is ranked No. 9 by the WBO, No. 10 by WBA and No. 13 by the IBF. 
 
Nieves, a top amateur, was a five-time Cleveland Metro Golden Gloves Champion. In 2011, he was the National Golden Gloves runner-up and U.S. Nationals Bronze Medalist at 123 pounds.
 
A pro since November 2011, he won the initial 12 fights of his career before boxing to an eight-round draw with Stephon Young on June 20, 2015. The NABO bantamweight champion, he has gone 6-0-1 since and is coming off a second-round TKO over Szilvester Ajtai last Nov. 26. In August 2016, he fought to a 10-round split draw against Mexico’s Alejandro Santiago on ShoBox. 
 
Because they are both residents of Ohio, Nieves has long clamored for a showdown with former WBA Champion and fellow 118-lb contender Rau’shee Warren. A victory over Potapov may put him in the right position to have his wish granted later this year.
 
“I feel great about this opportunity and I’m going to take advantage of it,” said Nieves. “He’s a good fighter. He comes forward and throws a lot of punches. He’s got a solid foundation. I believe it’ll be a good fight but, overall, I’ll be able to outbox him. I can make him make mistakes and take advantage of it. I will be 100 percent ready to show everybody the real Antonio Nieves. I’ll use my legs more and throw a lot of combinations. I will box my way to my big shot.”
 
The 26-year-old Potapov was an outstanding amateur with international success.  The 5-foot-4 native of Russia had around 200 fights before he turned pro in March 2010. He went 13-0 as a pro in Russia before his U.S. debut.
 
Potapov had a 14-fight winning streak ended when he boxed still-undefeated prospect Stephon Young (13-0 going in) to a 10-round majority draw on April 15, 2016, on ShoBox.  Potapov, who felt he had done more than enough to earn a victory, entered the ring ranked 10th in the IBF, rare for a fighter at that point in his career.
Since the disappointing result against Young, Potapov has fought twice, leaving nothing in the hands of the judges by winning both by early round knockout. He’s coming off a fourth-round TKO over Alexander Saltykov last Dec. 15.
 
“I have been training in Russia and am excited to be in Detroit (since Feb. 1) training at the Kronk Gym with world-class trainer Javan SugarHill Steward,” Potapov said.  “Antonio Nieves is a very talented fighter and I look forward to a great exciting fight of skill and will on March 10.”
 
Wesley Tucker vs. Ed Williams – Eight Round Welterweight Bout
Also on ShoBox: The New Generation will be an eight-round welterweight battle between local prospects with much to prove, Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) and Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs).
 
The 29-year-old Tucker, of Toledo, Ohio, was a standout amateur.  He was the 2012 National Golden Gloves runner-up at 152 pounds and had over 250 amateur fights.  As a professional, he’s stayed relatively active since his debut in February 2013, but the 5-foot-8 southpaw has been virtually untested.  Tucker will be looking to score his first significant professional victory against Williams.
 
“I feel good. Excited about the opportunity,” said Tucker. “He’s a tough fighter from Detroit. But I’m better. I’ve seen every kind of style there is. You can expect fireworks that night. I’m 100 percent ready.”
 
Detroit’s Ed Williams is coming off a unanimous decision victory over then 6-1 Christon Edwards, last July at the MGM in Las Vegas. The 27-year-old suffered his lone career loss in November 2015 via unanimous decision to Marcus Beckford in Beckford’s home state of Louisiana.  As an amateur, Williams was a two-time Michigan State Champion and a two-time Detroit Golden Gloves Champion. 
 
“I feel like this is a great opportunity to fight at home and on TV,” said Williams. “It’s the first fight at the MGM, first women’s bout to headline. There’s a lot of firsts going on that night and it’s a big stage, but I’m not afraid of anything. I don’t know much about Tucker other than he’s from Oho and he’s shorter than me. I’m just going to prepare for everything. One thing about me — I’m a gladiator. If he doesn’t show up to go to war, I will get him out of there. Training is going great. I’m in Houston for this camp. I’m working on a lot of things and getting sharper and staying busy.”
 
James Gordon Smith vs. Joshua Greer, Jr. – Eight Round Bantamweight Bout
Opening the telecast will be an eight-round bantamweight “Detroit vs. Chicago” showdown between James Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) and Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs).
 
The 26-year-old Smith was a standout amateur, going 110-9 en route to a bronze medal at the National Golden Gloves.  He holds an amateur win over current top-10 bantamweight Antonio Nieves. 
 
Smith, a 5-foot-4, is making his ninth start in Michigan, his seventh in Detroit and first at MGM Grand.   A six-year pro, Smith has been victorious in three consecutive matches since a no-contest on Feb. 6, 2016. He is coming off a second-round TKO over Szilveszter Ajtai last Jan. 22 in his fourth consecutive scrap at Masonic Temple in Detroit.
 
“This is a great opportunity to better my career and keep moving it into the right place,” said Smith. “A victory would get me ranked and keep me moving up the ladder. Plus the world will get to see me for the first time. I want to put on a good show, no matter how it goes. I just want it to be a competitive and exciting fight.”
 
Greer, a 22-year-old Chicago native, was a Chicago Golden Gloves Champion.  He will be coming down in weight to face Smith, having normally campaigned around 120 pounds. He was last seen stopping Cristian Renteria in the fifth round in October of last year. Before that he took the undefeated record of the Dominican Republic’s Juan Gabriel Medina (then 10-0, 9 KOs) via unanimous six-round decision.
 
Greer suffered the lone loss of his career in the fifth fight of his career, a majority four-round decision against fellow unbeaten Stephen Fulton in December 2015. 
 
“I feel really good about this. I’m ready and can’t wait for it to happen,” said Greer. “I don’t know much about James Smith, but I know we fought the same opponent, Antwan Robertson, and he got dropped by him. And I stopped him within 24 seconds of the first round. Training is going great. I have the best sparring you can ask for, guys like Adrian Granados, Eddie Ramirez, Hank Lundy. I will be well prepared for this fight. If it was tomorrow, I’d be ready.”
 
Priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50, tickets for “Detroit City Gold” are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 800.745.3000.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR HISTORIC “DETROIT CITY GOLD” BOXING EVENT ON FRIDAY, MARCH 10, AT MGM GRAND DETROIT, FEATURING OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS AND PRESENTED BY SALITA PROMOTIONS

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DETROIT (Feb. 10, 2017) – Tickets are now on sale for Salita Promotions’ history-making boxing event “Detroit City Gold” on Friday, March 10, at MGM Grand Detroit, featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Flint, Michigan native Claressa Shields taking on Hungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados.
 
Priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50, tickets for “Detroit City Gold” are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at800.745.3000.
 
To be presented live on SHOWTIME®, “Detroit City Gold” will mark the first time in history a women’s boxing match has headlined on premium television. Their ShoBox: The New Generation serieshas sparked the careers of 67 future world champions.
 
The six-round main event between Shields (1-0) and Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs), that will also be for the Women’s NABF Middleweight Championship, tops a quadrupleheader of exciting televised fights.
 
Shields won her first Olympic Gold when she was 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the London Games in 2012.  She defended her title at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, becoming the only American boxer to defend amateur sports’ premier championship.
 
“Detroit City Gold” marks the return of big-time boxing to the Detroit area, something promoter Dmitriy Salita is proud to be part of.
 
“I started the Detroit Brawl series of shows to get people excited about boxing again and they’ve responded very well,” said Salita. “So now we are bringing a huge event to this great city that was once and will be again a headquarters for boxing. Thank you to all the fans and sponsors and to MGM Grand Detroit for making it possible.”
 
The 21-year-old Shields cruised to a 77-1 amateur record before turning professional last November, winning her first bout via unanimous decision on a non-televised undercard in Las Vegas.  She now returns home as a headliner to take on the veteran Szabados in a six-round middleweight bout.
 
Szabados challenged for a world title in July 2015 in her ninth professional fight, losing a decision to undefeated WBC Super Middleweight Champion Nikki Adler in Germany.  The native of Miskolc, Hungary has faced two former world champions, Mikaela Lauren and Noni Tenge, and has won via knockout in three of her last five victories. 
 
In her U.S. debut, Szabados lost a 10-round decision to then-undefeated prospect Alicia Napoleon on January 29, 2016, in Queens, N.Y.  The 26-year-old has remained active since turning professional in 2014.  She fought eight fights in 2016, and already has a win in 2017 via fifth round KO over Diana Marcz in January in Budapest, Hungary. 
 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL TELEVISION DEBUT FRIDAY, MARCH 10 ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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SHOWTIME

® To Present Premium Television’s First Women’s Boxing Main Event As Shields Takes on Former World Title Challenger Szilvia Szabados
 
Live on SHOWTIME® From MGM Grand Detroit
 
NEW YORK (Feb. 7, 2017) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields will make her professional television debut on ShoBox: The New Generation, a series that has sparked the careers of 67 future world champions, on Friday, March 10, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from MGM Grand Detroit Event Center in Detroit, Michigan. 
 
Shields (1-0) is facing Hungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs), a former world title challenger, in the first women’s boxing match to headline on premium television.  The fight will take place down the road from Shield’s hometown of Flint, Mich.
 
Shields is the most accomplished amateur boxer in U.S. history – male or female – and the only American boxer to capture back-to-back gold medals at the Olympic Games. 
 
“It is a dream come true to be the first woman to headline a boxing card on premium television,” said Shields.  “March 10 will be a historic night for boxing and all of the women who give so much to advance our sport.  I am proud to be fighting for the NABF title in my second pro bout.  I want to thank SHOWTIME, MGM Grand Detroit and Salita Promotions for this opportunity, and I will do everything to give my home state fans and the viewers a night to remember.”
 
Szabados said, “Fighters always say their next fight is the most important one of their career, but you get an opportunity like this, and it really is. This is an unbelievable dream.  I am very happy to be receiving this opportunity.  I know this fight is important for Claressa also, and I don’t really know what will happen in the ring.  We both want to win.  Claressa has more amateur experience, but I have more experience as a professional.  It’s going to be an exciting night.”
 
Tickets for the event promoted by Salita Promotions go on sale Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. est and are priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50.  They will be available at www.ticketmaster.com.
 
Promoter Dmitriy Salita said, “I am honored to be putting on this event at the fantastic MGM Grand Detroit, featuring American hero Claressa Shields on ShoBox: The New Generation.  Detroit is America’s greatest comeback city and I am thrilled that she has chosen MGM Grand Detroit as the site to fight for her first professional title on March 10. Although it is just her second professional fight, Claressa has chosen a former world title challenger for her opponent, a tough Hungarian named Szilvia Szabados, a woman who knows what’s at stake if she can win that night. We’ve got a terrific card from top to bottom in support of this fantastic main event as well, featuring some of Detroit’s brightest up-and-coming prospects, as well as some national and international flavor. Detroit deserves to have world-class events such as this and I’m very proud to be able to bring it here.”
 
Shields won her first Olympic Gold when she was 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the London Games in 2012.  She defended her title at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, becoming the only American boxer to defend amateur sports’ premier championship. 
 
The 21-year-old Shields cruised to a 77-1 amateur record before turning professional last November, winning her first bout via unanimous decision on a non-televised undercard in Las Vegas.  She now returns home as a headliner to take on the veteran Szabados in a six-round middleweight bout.
 
ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood: “Women’s boxing in America has its best chance of revival because of the emergence of Claressa Shields.  Women’s boxing is pretty big in certain countries, but it really hasn’t been a factor in the United States since Laila Ali and, before her, Christy Martin. Being the only U.S. boxer to win two gold medals, Claressa has instant credibility and star appeal and those two things are going to lead to wide exposure.
 
“She has a great back story, she’s an exciting fighter to watch and she’s instantly likeable.”
 
Simply put, Shields found solace in boxing to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges in her childhood.  She’s become a vocal advocate for many social causes, including the ongoing water crisis in her hometown of Flint, women’s rights, and campaigning against sexual assault.  An inspirational figure and motivational speaker, Shields represents a beacon of hope for a working-class city that struggles with violence, poverty, and everyday essentials.
 
In taking on a former world title challenger and fighting for the NABF middleweight championship in only her second fight, Shields continues to make immediate strides as a professional like fellow Flint native Floyd Mayweather, who won his first world title when he was 21. 
 
Szabados challenged for a world title in July 2015 in her ninth professional fight, losing a decision to undefeated WBC Super Middleweight Champion Nikki Adler in Germany.  The native of Miskolc, Hungary has faced two former world champions, Mikaela Lauren and Noni Tenge, and has won via knockout in three of her last five victories. 
 
In her U.S. debut, Szabados lost a 10-round decision to then-undefeated prospect Alicia Napoleon on January 29, 2016, in Queens, N.Y.  The 26-year-old has remained active since turning professional in 2014.  She fought eight fights in 2016, and already has a win in 2017 via fifth round KO over Diana Marcz in January in Budapest, Hungary. 
 
# # #
 
ABOUT SHIELDS vs. SZABADOS
Claressa Shields vs. Szilvia Szabados is the professional television debut of two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields against former world title challenger Szilvia Szabados.  The six-round women’s bout headlines a ShoBox: The New Generation telecast from MGM Grand Detroit in Detroit, Mich., and airs live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT.  Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, go on sale on Feb. 10 and are available at Ticketmaster.com.
 
About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
boxing

Sunday Matinee Detroit Brawl Draws Huge Crowd to Masonic Temple in Detroit

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Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions wishes to thank all the participants, sponsors and especially the fans who helped make his latest “Detroit Brawl” such a tremendous success.
Held this past Sunday, January 22, at the Masonic Temple Downtown, the Detroit Brawl attracted a near sell-out crowd, who took in an exciting night of no less than 10 fights. In the night’s welterweight main event, Detroit’s Lanardo Tyner (31-10-2, 20 KOs) proved he still has plenty left in the tank as he made a meal out of Hungary’s Istvan Dernanecz (10-5, 7 KOs).
Tyner, one of the city’s most beloved fighters, scored an impressive TKO in the first round (1:58).
And in the co-main event, Detroit bantamweight James Gordon Smith (12-0, 7 KOs) had an usually easy night, as he took out Hungary’s Szilveszter Ajtai (10-4-1, 5 KOs) at the 1:00 mark of round two. Having had several slugfests in a row, Smith used his considerable talent to take out his Hungarian foe with a flurry of hard punches along the ropes.
“Boxing’s big comeback continues,” said a happy Salita, post-fight. “The goal of this series was to showcase the best young prospects in the city in competitive match-ups and we’ve done it and the fans have responded very well. The crowd today was very large and loud and came out in force to support their local fighters. It was a great event and thank you to everyone, especially Greektown Casino for their continued support.”
Other Results:
Detroits Ja’Rico O’Quinn scored a third-round TKO (2:34) over Chicago’s Angel Carvajal.
In the fight of the night, super middleweights Deandre Ware of Toledo and Juan Rojas-Sanchez of Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico, fought to an exciting six-round split draw. Scores were 56-58, 58-56 and 57-57.
Heavyweight Junior Wright of Evanston, Illinois, knocked out Detroit’s Damon McCreary at 2:04 of round two.
In another heavyweight match-up, Detroit’s Marcus Carter scored a TKO 2 (1:23) over Manitowoc, Wisconsin’s Timothy Dunn.
Super featherweight Dwayne Zeigler of Montgomery, Alabama won a four-round unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36 and 39-37) of Charles Clark of Dallas, Texas.
Detroit super lightweight Larry Ventus Jr. knocked out Fort Myers, Florida’s Jesus Lule with a single left hook. The knockout came at 2:26 of round two.
Super welterweight Ardreal Holmes of Flint knocked out Georgia’s Bryan Goldsby at2:59 of round two.
 
Cruiserweight Alexey Zubov of Detroit via Magnitogorsk, Russia, stopped Budapest, Hungary’s Andras Csomor at 1:05 of round three.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl
boxing

National and International Prospects Appearing at Detroit Brawl on January 22, at Masonic Temple in Detroit

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Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions has announced the featured fighters for a special Sunday edition of his “Detroit Brawl” series on January 22, 2017, at Masonic Temple in Detroit.
In addition to Detroit fan favorite Lanardo “Pain Server” Tyner (30-10-2, 19 KOs) appearing in the eight-round main event will be an impressive group of local and international talents.
Once again sponsored by the Greektown Casino Hotel, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $123, Box Seats are $80 and $60, Seating is $40, and $20. They are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and

In separate eight-rounders will be recognizable former cruiserweight world title challenger “Hurricane” Junior Wright (15-2-1, 12 KOs) from Evanston, Illinois; transplanted cruiserweight Alexey Zubov (13-1, 8 KOs), from Magnitogorsk, Russia, now living in Detroit and Detroit’s all-action bantamweight James Gordon Smith (11-0, 6 KOs).
In six-round bouts will be welterweight KO artist Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (11-0, 10 KOs) from Houston, Texas, via Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan; resurgent Detroit welterweight “Lightning” Larry Ventus (7-11-1, 3 KOs); talented, undefeated bantamweight Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (4-0, 3 KOs); 2016 Olympic alternate and undefeated middleweight Ardreal Holmes (4-0, 2 KOs) of Flint; and undefeated Toledo super middleweight prospect DeAndre Ware (8-0, 6 KOs).
In a scheduled four-rounder will be undefeated Detroit heavyweight and former National Golden Gloves champion Marcus Carter (1-0, 1 KO).
All opponents are, thus far, TBA, but matchmaker Dennis Turner is hard at work to make another spectacular night that these shows are known for.
On fight night, doors open at 4:00 pm and the fights begin at 5:00 pm. The Masonic Temple is located at 500 Temple Street in Detroit.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl
boxing

Sensational Welterweight War Headlines Special Sunday Edition of Detroit Brawl on January 22, at Masonic Temple in Detroit

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Already building a reputation for putting on Detroit’s best boxing shows, promoter Dmitriy Salita and Salita Promotions have done it again by featuring a potentially explosive war in their next show.
In a special Sunday edition of their popular “Detroit Brawl” series on January 22, 2017, Detroit fan favorite and world-class spoiler Lanardo “Pain Server” Tyner (30-10-2, 19 KOs) will return to action to face undefeated Toledo, Ohio, hotshot Wesley “Casanova” Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
Once again sponsored by the Greektown Casino Hotel, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $123, Box Seats are $80 and $60, Seating is $40, and $20. They are available at all Ticketmaster outlets andTicketmaster.com.
 
Known for his powerful fists and granite chin, Lanardo Tyner is a former USBO and USNBC Welterweight Champion and one of boxing’s most dangerous gate keepers. Tyner has never been stopped in his career, despite facing a long list of future champions and top contenders including Canelo Alvarez, Lamont Peterson, Jessie Vargas, and Antonio DeMarco – and given them all tough fights. Tyner holds victories over former world champion Vivian Harris and a then 17-0-1 Charles Hatley. He also stopped then 21-3-1 Tyrese Hendrix and fought to a draw with top contender Adrian Granados.
“I know he’s a good fighter and a cool guy. I sparred him one time. He’s strong and aggressive. Exactly what I like,” said Tyner. “I’m going to try and make it a war. Hopefully he’s down for it. We both like to fight like that – whoever backs up, that’s who is going to lose. I doubt I will lose.”
Tyner says he can’t wait to see all his fans at the fight and looks forward to seeing where he stands in the division by testing himself against another undefeated would-be contender.
“I love to fight in Detroit. I really don’t fight here too often now, so I’m looking forward to fighting in front of all my people and I know he’s bringing a lot of people too, so it’s going to be a great fight. Beating him would mean that I’m still relevant and can still mess up these young punks. He’s stepping up against me. For me, I’m just making sure I still have it.”
Undefeated southpaw Wesley Tucker had over 250 amateur bouts and won several championships including the Toledo Golden Gloves, Silver Gloves, and Junior Olympics multiple times. A skilled counter puncher with above average power, Tucker has, thus far, shown strong ring generalship and a veteran’s confidence, in-ring. Passing the test against Tyner will be a strong indicator he belongs in the discussion of world-class up-and-coming welterweights.
“I know he never gets knocked out and he’s a big puncher, but I am too,” said Tucker. “I was impressed with him. He hit me with a good body shot when we sparred. I’m going to mix it up with him. It’ll be explosive. I love fighting in Detroit because it’s 45 minutes from my hometown. I will have more people there this time than came to my last one and I had over 50 at the last one.”
Promoter Salita says he’s looking forward to putting on this fight for the fans in his adopted city of Detroit.
“This will be a war,” he said. “Neither of these guys ever back up and they can both hit very hard. It’s going to be a great test for Wesley Tucker because only the very best can beat Lanardo Tyner. Fights like this are what I pictured when I started the Detroit Brawl series. This is a TV-worthy fight that either fighter could win. I’m very proud to be part of this great event.”
More fights, opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, doors open at 4:00 pm and the fights begin at 5:00 pm.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl
boxing, charity

Salita Promotions and Forgotten Harvest Team Up Once Again to Fight Against Hunger in Detroit

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Continuing with his pledge on Tuesday, to give back to the city in which he has dedicated himself to resurrecting professional boxing, promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions joined a group of fighters and trainers to work as a volunteer for Forgotten Harvest, one of the nation’s largest food rescue organizations.
The group, (that included Salita, Sugar Hill Stewart (trainer), Zach Shamoun (fighter), Theotrice Chambers (trainer), Muheeb Fazeldin (fighter), and Andrei Saakyn (Salita Promotions) all involved with his latest “Detroit Brawl,” event at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit, on Saturday, November 12, spent a day working in Forgotten Harvest’s Royal Oak, Michigan, warehouse packing food to be delivered to families in need.
Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” will be priced at VIP $123, Box Seats $100, Ringside $93, $63, $38, and $28 and available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.
 
True to his word, Salita has incorporated a charitable element to every one of his Detroit shows. In addition to the time spent volunteering, he will be donating a portion of every ticket sold to provide thousands of meals to Detroit’s less fortunate. His last show was able to donate over 3000 meals to worthy families.
“We are so glad that Salita Promotions is in our corner and has joined us in the fight against hunger here in metro Detroit,” stated Forgotten Harvest CEO Kirk Mayes. “We sincerely appreciate their help and community spirit.”
Salita says he’s happy his plans are coming together on both the boxing and charitable fronts.

“I am thrilled to be working with this wonderful organization that does so much for Detroit’s hungry,” he said. “And I will continue to make every show as much about boxing as it is about giving back to this wonderful city that has become my second home.”

Based in Oak Park, Michigan, Forgotten Harvest was formed in 1990 to relieve hunger and prevent food waste throughout the metro Detroit area. Forgotten Harvest “rescued” over 40 million pounds of food last year by collecting surplus prepared and perishable food from over 800 locations, including grocery stores, fruit and vegetable markets, restaurants, caterers, dairies, farmers, wholesale food distributors and other Health Department-approved sources.
This donated food, which would otherwise go to waste, is delivered free of-charge to 280 emergency food providers in the metro Detroit area. Forgotten Harvest has been ranked as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator for nine consecutive years.
In Saturday night’s six-round bantamweight main event Detroit’s undefeated James Gordon Smith (10-0, 6 KOs) will take on Tashkent, Uzbekistan formidable Olim Nazarov (14-2, 8 KOs).
In the night’s co-main event, Muheeb “Flashy,” Fazeldin (8-0-1, 3 KOs) from Sheffield, United Kingdom via Yemen, will face Modesto, California’s Michael Gaxiola (4-9) in a six-round lightweight battle.
And in another significant six-round welterweight showdown, Salita’s newest undefeated welterweight contender Wesley Tucker (12-0, 7 KOs) will showcase his considerable talents against Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Richard Hall (11-24-3, 7 KOs).
On the undercard, undefeated super bantamweight Zach Shamoun (4-0-1, 3 KOs) will look for his fifth professional victory against Dallas, Texas’ Charles Clark (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout; Georgian super lightweight Giorgi Gelashvili (5-0, 3 KOs) will face tough local product Larry Ventus (6-11-1, 3 KOs) of Detroit; Flint, Michigan’s Ardreal Holmes (3-0, 2 KOs) will take on Macon, Georgia’s Bryan Goldsby in a super welterweight four-rounder; and in an all-Michigan welterweight four-rounder, Detroit’s Raphael Sinegal (1-1, 1 KO) will face Mount Morris, Michigan’s Darryol Humphery.

Undefeated bantamweight Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (3-0, 2 KOs) and Chicago-based super featherweight Yousif Saleh will look to further their careers in separate four-rounders against opponents TBA.
Learn more about Forgotten Harvest and how to help drive hunger from our community at www.forgottenharvest.org
 
On fight night, doors open at 5:00 pm and the fights begin at 6:00 pm.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visitwww.salitapromotions.com.