Tag Archives: Sanjarbek Rakhmanov

boxing

Keith “The Bounty” Hunter Recovered from Hand Injury Ready to Face Top Contenders

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LAS VEGAS, NV (May 15, 2020) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super lightweight contender, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (12-0, 7 KOs), has fully recovered from a hand injury suffered in his last fight with Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (12-3-1, 6 KOs), a 10-round bout that headlined on ShoBox back in February of this year. 


Hunter, a Las Vegas native, is eager to face all top contenders when boxing returns. The super lightweight contender is currently ranked #13 by the WBA, meaning his shot at the top of the division is coming soon.
 
“I am ready to face the best in the division and I feel even better since my hand has fully healed with this time off,” explained Hunter, who ready to prove himself once again. “I was supposed to fight Shonjahon Ergashev and Malik Hawkins, so I’d like to fight them first, but honestly, a fight with any of the world champions is a challenge I’m ready for now. I willing and ready to face the best!”
 
Hunter, who is managed by Greg Hannley, is staying ready as he awaits a phone call that boxing is back.


“Keith Hunter is ready for his shot at the best in the division,” said manager Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Keith has defeated two fighters signed by Mayweather Promotions in his last three consecutive bouts. He is getting national attention and his ranking in the WBA gets him closer to a world title shot. Now is Keith Hunter’s time.”
 
“I just know that I am gifted and want to win a world title to further my father’s legacy,” Hunter continued. “I am so focused, I just want to bring great entertainment to people who are in need of things to do, and if I can fight for a title, that’d even be better.”


Keith Hunter is promoted by Greg Cohen, founder, and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions.
boxing, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

TOP PROSPECT KEITH HUNTER TO FACE SANJARBEK RAKHMANOV IN REMATCH ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION MAIN EVENT THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 FROM SAM’S TOWN CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

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Rakhmanov Replaces Malik Hawkins Who Was Forced To Withdraw For Medical Reasons

 

NEW YORK – February 24, 2020 – Undefeated rising prospect Keith “The Bounty” Hunter will face talented Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov in a rematch in the 10-round super lightweight ShoBox: The New Generation main event Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Casino in Las Vegas. Rakhmanov steps in to replace previously scheduled opponent Malik Hawkins who was forced to withdraw for medical reasons.


 
Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs) and Rakhmanov (12-2-1, 6 KOs) first met on February 5, 2019, in an eight-round welterweight contest that resulted in a narrow-split decision victory for Hunter. Although Hunter controlled the action in the early rounds and scored a knockdown in the second, Rakhmanov recovered and landed some heavy blows in the later rounds. The scorecards read 77-74, 76-75 and 75-76.

 

Rakhmanov, who fought to a draw with Alfonso Olvera on ShoBox in May of 2016, will be making his second appearance on the prospect developmental series and his ninth start at Sam’s Town Live. In his most recent performance on September 20, 2019, he broke down Andre Byrd, delivering punishment to the body for four straight rounds, leading to Byrd taking a knee and ending the fight. He currently trains with Chris Ben-Tchavtchavadze at the Mayweather Boxing Club.


 
The 30-year-old Rakhmanov, who was born in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, was a top amateur with more than 140 bouts, including a Gold Medal win at the 2009 Asian Amateur Boxing Championship. In 2013, he became the national champion of Uzbekistan. After signing with Mayweather Promotions in 2014, he turned pro with an impressive 1:21 first-round knockout over Brett Simmons in June of 2015.


 
In the ShoBox co-main event, 2016 Olympian and undefeated super lightweight prospect Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) faces Albania’s Genc Pllana (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup to open the telecast.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.


 
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For more information visit: www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter: @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, , @mayweathersprts and, Instaram: @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions 
#ShoBox  #SinCityShowdown
boxing, Mayweather Promotions

Ronald Gavril Becomes the New NABF Super Middleweight Champion Over Christopher Brooker in a Tenth Round TKO In The Mayweather Promotions Sin City Showdown at Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas, NV

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Ladarius Miller Knocks out Ronald Rivas in a second round TKO
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Photo Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
Las Vegas (October 8) – The Uzbekistan-born Super Middleweight Ronald Gavril (17-1, 13 KOs) defeated Christopher Brooker (11-2, 5 KOs) by way of TKO from Sam’s Town Live inside of Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, NV in the main event of Mayweather Promotions Sin City Showdown, the first installment of their monthly series of boxing at Sam’s Town Live.
From the second the bell rang it was non-stop action in the ring as Gavril and Brooker fought for the vacant NABF Super Middleweight title. Both fighters rolled out combination punches and uppercuts early in the rounds. Brooker fired off shots and Gavril was countering, neither fighter would let up. In the 5
th round, Brooker landed a clean uppercut that had Gavril on the canvas and shook up. Gavril regrouped and returned with blows to Brooker, leading in a war of blood exchange.
It was a slugfest between these Super Middleweight fighters, which ultimately led to Gavril knocking Brooker down twice in the 10th round, defeating him and claiming the vacant NABF title.
“The guy was very very tough, but I came back to win,” said Gavril. “I trained extremely hard with my team and they prepared my body for this fight. My endurance really got me through this fight. I have to say the knockdown in the 5th round got me to refocus and get my mental toughness in gear.”
“He wouldn’t let up, but that didn’t stop me from getting the title. I only had one goal coming into this fight, and I accomplished it, I am the new champion.”
“I was extremely upset with the decision,” said Brooker. “I go hard in every fight and this fight was no different. The judges had the scores as a draw so I feel like I was going to get robbed any way. There wasn’t a three knockdown rule, so I just didn’t understand why the judges called it so pre-maturely. “The judges should have let me continue fighting, this was a title fight, not a regular match. I definitely thought the knockdown in the fifth round put me ahead, but I guess I was wrong.
“I am looking to fight anyone, whoever and whenever the next opportunity is for me to fight, I will take it. If possible, I want the re-match against Gavril.”
The co-main event featured a pair of welterweight prospects that produced an exciting matchup, ultimately leading to second round TKO after only 55 seconds by Memphis-born Ladarius Miller (12-1, 3 KOs) against Ronald Rivas (5-5-1 3 KOs).
“I am so happy with my performance,” said Miller. “I am getting better and better with each fight, and this fight proved that my hard work and consistency in the gym and with my team is working.”
“Simply put, I just wasn’t prepared like I should have been for this fight. He came out and proved to want it more than I did. I came in ready, trying to get comfortable, before I could adjust he came in with the punch.”
Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov (6-0, 3 KOs) kept his record in tact in a 6-round action-packed bout against then-undefeated Jonathan Dinong (5-1, 4 KOs). Both fighters kept the pressure on, but Rakhmanov proved to be the better fighter going the distance and getting the win.
Samuel Santana (8-11-3, 2 KOs) won by way of disqualification in a Super Lightweight showdown against Jose Vargas (6-1, 4 KOs), giving the young prospect his first loss. Mayweather Promotions opening bouts resulted in wins by both prospects as, Xavier Martinez (5-0 2 KOs) defeated Wilfredo Garriga (3-4-1 2 KOs) by unanimous decision in a six-round Super Featherweight match-up and Daniel Gonzalez (2-0) representing Las Vegas, NV stopped Sean Acosta (0-3-1) after four rounds of action winning by majority decision.
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For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com to follow the action on Twitter @RonaldGavril, @MayweatherPromo, and @SamsTownLV, become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
boxing, Mayweather Promotions

Super Lightweight Ashley Theophane Returns to the Ring Saturday, October 8th at Sam’s Town Live, in Las Vegas  

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Mayweather Promotions presents the first monthly installment of their Sin City Showdown series, featuring Ronald Gavril 
in the co-main event
 
PLUS! Undercard action featuring 
Mayweather Promotions rising stars!
 
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 26, 2016) – Former title challenger Ashley “Treasure” Theophane (39-7-1, 11 KO’s) looks to redeem himself after a tough loss back in April as he headlines the main event of Mayweather Promotions Sin City Showdown, Saturday, October 8thfrom Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.
“I have been in the gym training harder than ever and mentally preparing after coming up short against Adrien Broner earlier this year,” said Theophane. “I’m excited to get back in the ring on October 8 and be the first to headline the monthly fight series at Sam’s Town that Mayweather Promotions has put together. I will not disappoint. This is for my fans right here in Las Vegas to witness live, and my supporters worldwide. You can expect a great performance come fight night!”
The co-main will feature a battle for the NABF Super Middleweight Title featuring Mayweather Promotions’ own Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (16-1, 12 KO’s). Also featured on October 8 are Mayweather Promotions’ rising stars including undefeated super lightweight Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov (5-0-1, 3 KO’s), Ladarius “Memphis” Miller(11-1, 2 KO’s), who comes off of a win on Sept. 16th, and new members to the stable,Josue Vargas (6-0, 4 KO’s), Xavier Martinez (6-0, 4 KO’s), and Daniel Gonzalez (12-0, 5 KO’s) all in separate bouts!
“It feels good to be back at Sam’s Town. I like fighting in front of a full house and having an intimate feel. You don’t always get that on the big shows when you have to go so early in the day before fans arrive,” said Gavril.
“Last time I fought at this venue I was successful in beating my opponent and I got my fifth consecutive win. I feel confident that I am going to come out victorious again on October 8! I have been training hard and my only goal is to come home as the new NABF Super Middleweight champion. It is an honor to be the co-main on this card, and this is only the beginning of what I want to give back to my fans and the sport of boxing.”
A night full of great boxing will take place under the Mayweather Promotions banner in Las Vegas. These fights will introduce a monthly fight series that will take place each month right here in Las Vegas at Sam’s Town Live. Tickets start at $15 and are available online at: www.samstownlv.com/entertain and on www.mayweatherpromotions.com.
Follow on Twitter @AshleyTheophane, @RonaldGavril, @MayweatherPromo, and @SamsTownLV, become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
Bounce TV, boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Domonique Dolton & Justin DeLoach Training Camp Notes

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Super Welterweights Square-Off Friday, Sept. 16 in Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Action From The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
LAS VEGAS (September 12, 2016) – Rising contenders Domonique Dolton and Justin DeLoach are set to meet in a pivotal matchup of highly regarded young fighters that serves as the co-main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Friday, Sept. 16 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Televised coverage on Bounce TV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith battling once beaten contender Frank “Notorious” Galarza.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, start at $29 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say about training camp, their 10-round showdown and more:
How has training camp gone for this fight?
 
Domonique Dolton: “Training has been going well. My strategy has been to stick to conditioning. I swim twice a week and that’s something new that’s been added to my routine. It’s helped a lot with conditioning. I have a new coach, Theotrice Chambers, and we have great chemistry and the results will show come fight night.”
Justin DeLoach: “Training camp has been amazing. It’s really been a great camp. We’re doing all the physical and mental things we have to do for this fight. I’m keeping my head in the game and I’m focused. This team has been with me since the amateur days.”
What do you think of your opponent and how do you see this fight going stylistically?
 
DD: “From what I saw, he looks like a tough guy. We are not on the same level though. He’s fought a couple of undefeated guys, but it doesn’t compare to my level of fighting. My skills will speak for me. I put in the hard work. I won’t be thinking about the crowd; it will be tunnel vision for me in the ring. My style is a boxer-puncher and I’m willing to get inside if I have to. I can adapt and adjust in the ring and that’s my advantage over him.”
JD: “This fight is not going all night. I will break him down early in the fight. I have been studying him and I know Domonique better than he knows himself.”
What kind of problems does your opponent pose?
 
DD: “I don’t see any problems. I’m been in the ring with all types of guys. I’ve gone toe-to-toe with a lot of guys and I’ve seen a lot. I have the experience advantage. I have what it takes and I’m just on a different level than Justin DeLoach.”
JD: “I don’t feel like there are any problems going into this one. I am my biggest challenge. The only person who can beat me, is me. He’s just another body in the ring. I’m going to outthink him in there. I have been keeping my mind right and that’s going to help me out on fight night.”
What are you looking for in the future if you can get the win on September 16?
 
DD: “This will probably be my last fight in the division. I will go down and pursue my career at 147-pounds. I believe I am a better and more natural fighter at 147-pounds. I have my names on guys at that weight, but for now I just want to make a name for myself. I’m looking to get a win and become a better fighter.”
JD: “I don’t feel the need to call anybody out. But if you have a belt, then I’m coming for you. It goes without saying that I want a title shot and I think I’m ready.”
Why do you believe you’ll be victorious on fight night?
 
DD: “I am going to win this fight. My confidence is sky high from the team I have been working with. I’m happy with the work I’ve been putting in. I have been training really hard and I believe in my ability. I have what it takes to win. I’m ready to put on a show for my family. I’m motivated by the negativity so the people against me will see what I bring come fight night.”
JD: “I feel like I’m bringing peace into this fight. I have nothing to prove and I’m trying to make a statement. He has more to lose than I do. I can only be Justin DeLoach. I am in this sport to challenge myself. The loss turned me into a better fighter. It humbled me and took a lot of pressure off of my shoulders. I am better than I’ve ever been before.”
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For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mayweatherpromotions.com. For tickets, visit: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo  and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce.
Bounce TV, boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Exciting Contender Alexis Santiago Takes On Mexico’s Jose Cayetano Friday, Sept. 16 in Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Action From The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

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Plus! J’Leon Love vs. Dashon Johnson & Sharif Bogere vs. Luis Florez as Part of Exciting Undercard Lineup
 
LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2016) – Super bantamweight contender Alexis “Beaver” Santiago (21-3-1, 8 KOs) will face Mexico’s Jose Cayetano (19-4, 9 KOs) in a 10-round showdown featured on Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Friday, Sept. 16 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The main event on Bounce TV will feature former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith battling once beaten contender Frank “Notorious” Galarza. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a super welterweight showdown between Domonique Dolton and Justin DeLoach.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, start at $29 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.
Additional undercard action features super middleweight contender J’Leon Love (22-1, 12 KOs) battling Dashon Johnson (21-19-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round showdown and exciting contender Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (28-1, 19 KOs) taking on Colombia’sLuis Florez (21-4, 17 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest.
The stacked night of exciting matchups will feature light heavyweight Lionell Thompson (16-4, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bout against Chicago’s Donovan George (25-5-2, 22 KOs) plus super middleweight Lanell “KO” Bellows (16-1-1, 9 KOs) battling Mexico’s Fernando Castenada (18-10, 12 KOs) in an eight-round contest and undefeated Juan Heraldez (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Reyes Sanchez (28-8-2, 15 KOs) in eight-rounds of welterweight action.
Rounding out the night is Memphis-born prospect Ladarius Miller (10-1, 2 KOs) against unbeaten Maynard Allison (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight bout and undefeated Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (4-0-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round welterweight contest.
A pro since 2009, the 25-year-old Santiago is unbeaten in his last ten bouts and is coming off of a victory over Erik Ruiz in February. The Phoenix-native defeated Gustavo Molina, Javier Gallo and Antonio Tostado Garcia in 2015 and has not taken a loss since 2012. His most impressive triumphs came over once-beaten fighters Alex Rangel and Hanzel Martinez, both of whom he beat in 10-round bouts.  He is set to take on the 29-year-old Cayetano who has fought professionally since 2009. Fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Cayetano lost a decision to Leo Santa Cruz in 2015 but has won his last two fights.
A once-beaten contender at 168-pounds, the 28-year-old Love bounced back from his lone defeat to defeat Scott Sigmon, Jason Escalera and Marcus Upshaw in 2015 before stopping Michael Gbenga in April to begin his 2016. The Inkster, Michigan native owns wins over Marco Antonio Periban, Derrick Findley and Lajuan Simon on his way to contender status. He takes on the exciting 28-year-old contender Johnson out of Escondido, California. He enters this fight coming off of back-to-back victories over Decarlo Perez and Victor Palacios.
A winner of his first 23 pro fights, Bogere fights out of Las Vegas while proudly representing his native Uganda. The 27-year-old has picked up up victories over Raymundo Beltran, Francisco Contreras and Manuel Levya across his career that dates back to 2008. He enters this bout on a five-fight winning streak and will take on the 29-year-old Florez out of Magangue, Colombia, who made his U.S. debut in February of this year.
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For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mayweatherpromotions.com. For tickets, visit: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo  and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

FOUR UNBEATEN, U.S.-BORN CRUISERWEIGHTS LOOKING TO MAKE NAME FOR THEMSELVES, ADD LIFE TO DIVISION

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CRUISIN’ FOR A BRUISIN: CAMP NOTES

 FRIDAY, MAY 13 ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION LIVE 

ON SHOWTIME® FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS

 

Quadrupleheader Highlighted By 10-Round Fights Between
Andrew Tabiti vs. Keith Tapia, Michael Hunter vs. Isiah Thomas


Tickets on Sale!

 

LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2016) – Four young, undefeated cruiserweights from the United States will look to make a name for themselves when they meet in the featured bouts on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, May 13, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live.

 

The cruiserweight division has traditionally been dominated by Europeans boxers. Friday’s U.S.-born ShoBox fighters will be seeking to change that perception.

 

In the main event, talented Mayweather star Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (12-0, 11 KOs), of Las Vegas, takes on power-puncher Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (17-0, 11 KOs), of Bronx. N.Y.  2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael Hunter (11-0, 8 KOs), of Las Vegas, faces Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs), of Detroit, in the co-feature.

 

Other televised fights of a quadrupleheader: TMT’s Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (15-1, 11 KOs), of Las Vegas, will meet hard-punching Colombian Juan Camilo “La Boa” Novoa (26-6-1, 24 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout and his TMT stablemate Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov (4-0, 3 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Uzbekistan, will be opposed by Alfonso Olvera (7-2, 3 KOs), of Tucson, Ariz., is a six-round welterweight bout that will open the telecast. All but Gavril will be making their ShoBox debuts.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale.  Tickets can be purchased online atwww.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling (702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.

 

Here’s what the fighters said about their fights Friday, training camp, their respective opponents and more:

 

ANDREW TABITI

 

“It’s great that four undefeated cruiserweights are fighting each other. I want us to get the ball back into U.S. territory, since it is a historically European-dominated division. I definitely think the emergence of young cruiserweights like myself is changing that.

 

“I don’t compare myself to other cruiserweights in the division, I know I’m the best. I’m always looking to win impressively, and I look to put on a great performance for the fansFriday night.

 

“Everything has been perfect. Training camp has been going great. I started camp in February so I feel strong and comfortable. What’s interesting is that I’m not nervous at all despite this being my first headlining debut. I see it as any other fight where I know what I am coming in to do. I think that lets me know that I am maturing as a fighter and feel a lot more confident in my skills and abilities.

 

“I’ve been waiting for the right date and this is it. I believe my career moving is great, what I dreamed of. Now it’s time to take the next step.

 

“Personally I’ve never seen Tapia fight, but I’ve watched videos. He is unbeaten, a solid opponent. Styles make fights and this is a good one for me. I’m looking forward to continuing to step up and give everybody a good performance and get close to a title fight.

 

“I can’t wait. I’m going in confident. The key is to get the victory, it’s the main thing. Winning is everything.

 

“I feel blessed to be training out of Floyd’s gym and be able to fight under Mayweather Promotions. He’s someone I look up to so being where I am is a dream coming to reality. I love training at Mayweather Boxing Club. It keeps me focused and hungry.”

 

KEITH TAPIA

 

“Fighting Tabiti is a great, real challenge. I like the way he fights. I respect him, but I’m going to be bad weather for him. I’m going to take control right away; it will be a Tapia fight, not a Tabiti fight. That’s a fact.

 

“Tabiti is a talented boxer. His style is a Mayweather style. I love Floyd Mayweather as a fan, but Tabiti’s not Floyd Mayweather. Me? I come to fight, hands up, moving forward as I go. I want to run over you.

 

“I’m definitely going to change the perception about me in this fight and the division because I’m a machine. I’m really confident and can’t wait to fight.

 

“For me, this is the right time. I am here and definitely ready to fight. I feel I’m the best in my weight class except no one has seen me yet. Tabiti may have the fame, but I’m not just going to talk the talk, I’m going to walk the walk.

 

“I think this is a big step up for me when I beat him. Once the bell rings, that’s when we know what is going to really happen.

 

“I’m going to become the cruiserweight champion, defend it a couple of times and then move up. I already feel like a champion both mentally and spiritually.

 

“All of my fights are equally important. I’m really satisfied with the way my career is going. If it wasn’t for boxing I wouldn’t be here right now. God and boxing saved me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be alive.”

 

 

MICHAEL HUNTER

 

“This is a step up as far as competition compared to the past, with him being an undefeated cruiserweight. He’s a good, long-ranging southpaw. We are actually around the same age; we were in the amateurs at the same time, but never fought each other.Friday, I aim to win impressively. I don’t want to say I’m going for the knockout, if it happens it happens, but hopefully we can get it.

 

“Although I’ve fought on TV quite a few times before, this is going to be a good show with Mayweather Promotions. I’m thankful to be fighting on the undercard of my good friend Andrew Tabiti. That’s an honor, to be honest. It’s going to be great that my family and friends outside of Las Vegas will be able to tune in to watch me, so that’s a blessing.

 

“I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied with the way my career is going. I can’t complain because I have no losses, I just wish it would go at a little faster pace. I’m a two-time Olympian and in the amateurs we’re used to fighting 4-5 times out of the week, so adjusting to fighting once every few months or so feels a little stagnant to me. I really try not to think too far into the future, I try to live in the moment, but I hope to get a title shot relatively soon.

“I went into training camp right after my last fight, so it’s been about eight weeks. There’s always ups and downs in training, but as long as you keep a positive spirit, everything will end up going perfectly well. So it’s been going good I can’t complain. I usually train out of the Mayweather Boxing Club, but there’s been some construction going on so we have moved it to Fight Capitol and a few other places.

“I have been changing my training just to better myself, not necessarily for my opponent or for this fight.

 

“You have to be a little more focused in the Mayweather Gym.  There’s a lot of stuff that doesn’t really happen in a normal gym simply because he is Floyd so it will bring it out of you or it won’t. Only the strongest survive.”

 

ISIAH THOMAS

 

“Friday is a good thing for up-and-coming, American cruiserweights. There are a lot of us in the division looking to make our mark. Not just myself. This is our chance to show that America has good fighters in the cruiserweight division. It’s the perfect showcase.

 

“I’m very excited about being part of Friday’s card. I am just taking it all in and looking to perform to the top of my ability and showcase my talents.

 

“Hunter is young and hungry just like me, but I haven’t really seen or watched him. I’ve heard about him and I’m sure he’s going to bring his “A” game.

 

“I know what I can do, there’s no need for a lot of strategizing. I’m not just showing up.

 

“I feel my career is going good to this point. I keep rising. I’m on television. I like the pace I’m going but there is only way to really go, and that’s to the top. I don’t consider myself the best cruiserweight, just one of the top comers. Eventually, and in due time, though.

 

“Friday, I’m just going to do what I do best. Of course, you want to win impressively but the most important thing is to win. I’ve got to get that W.

 

“I live in Detroit but train in Miami, which is like a second home to me. Training camp has been going for about two months and it has been great. I get great sparring in Miami.”

 

RONALD GAVRIL

 

“I’m looking forward to having this big opportunity. Many people don’t know who I am so fighting on SHOWTIME will start giving me the exposure and recognition I need.

 

“Training camp has been going great, I feel strong and prepared. I’m happy and have no complaints. I feel blessed to be a part of this great card full of fighters with tremendous talent. It’s exciting to be able to share this with my stablemates here in our town.

 

“I’m looking forward to what this will bring not only for my future but for all of ours.”

 

JUAN NOVOA

 

“Training camp has been going great, I have been training for seven weeks now. I’m currently training in Miami, Fla.

 

“I have seen videos of his fights and can tell he is a strong fighter who is not afraid to mix it up. Considering that I have more professional fights and over 180 amateur fights, it is tough to say whether Gavril is a step up for me, until I step into the ring this Friday.

 

“I would be more satisfied with my career if I had already won a world title, but unfortunately the circumstances from my last world championship challenge didn’t turn out in my favor. I know that by winning this fight I would immediately launch myself into world title contention and potentially another world title opportunity. I see myself either challenging for, or defending a world title a year from now.”

 

SANJARBEK RAKHMANOV

 

“I’ve watched Olvera enough to feel I know him. He’s a taller, Mexican guy. I’m looking forward to fighting him.

 

“I train at Mayweather Boxing Club with Dewey Cooper; he’s been my coach since I turned pro. I had about 150 amateur fights and I got a lot of international experience.

 

“I consider myself a puncher. Once the bell rings, I come to fight.

 

“I’m happy with the way things are going. I train hard every day. I’m coming to take all the titles. This is my weight, around 143 pounds. I don’t plan to go up much or down

 

“In this fight I want to win and look good and then come right back. I think after about a year I will be ready to take on all the top guys.’’

ALFONSO OLVERA

 

“Training camp has been great; we’ve been in training for about a month. Road work is good, the sparring is good with different boxers. The weight is not an issue. I train at Scrapyard Boxing Gym in Tucson, Ariz.

 

“Our opponent is formidable and to be taken serious. We know he is aggressive and expects to win so we have to bring our “A” game to the ring. We also expect to win.

 

“At this point in my career I am very happy with my progress. This card is definitely for the world to see, and is also a big step forward for us.

 

“We are welcoming the opportunity and grateful for it. We hope this fight elevates us to more opportunities and gets us closer to someday challenging for a world title.”

 

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