Tag Archives: Showtime boxing

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

BOXING’S RISING STAR DEVIN HANEY TAKES VIEWERS THROUGH A “DAY IN CAMP”; NEW VIDEO FEATURE RELEASED AHEAD OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION MAIN EVENT

Leave a comment

Haney vs. Ndongeni

Friday, Jan. 11 Live on SHOWTIME® From StageWorks Of Louisiana in Shreveport

WHAT: Devin Haney will kick off the 2019 boxing year headlining on ShoBox: The New Generation for the third time in his young career when he takes on fellow unbeaten Xolisani Ndongeni in a 10-round lightweight main event this Friday, January 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The supremely confident Haney of Las Vegas has everything going for him. In November he turned 20 years old, and is one of the youngest promoters in boxing history leading Devin Haney Promotions. SHOWTIME Sports has released a “Day in Camp” video feature and you quickly see why Haney is ONE OF BOXING’S BRIGHTEST YOUNG STARS.

Haney’s Bay Area training day begins at the ocean, where he says he sleeps and breathes better than when he’s in Las Vegas. Haney spars at famed trainer Virgil Hunter and former champion Andre Ward’s gym in Hayward, Calif., close to Haney’s childhood home in Oakland. He also pays a visit to world-renowned sports nutritionist expert Victor Conte’s SNAC facility where he simulates high-altitude workouts. 

In the new year, Haney only hopes to build his boxing skills, as well as his brand. “I want to go down as a multi-divisional world champion. Undisputed. I want to go down with the greats. I want my name to be mentioned with the best. My last year was big. A lot of people didn’t know me, and now they know me. It’s only going to get bigger in 2019. I will be fighting for a world title.”

In the ShoBox co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will take on Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round matchup. The telecast will open with young heavyweights Frank Sanchez Faure (10-0, 8 KOs) and Willie Jake Jr. (8-1-1, 2 KOs) squaring off in another eight-round bout. ��

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Ruben Villa Defends Unbeaten Record This Friday On ShoBox: The New Generation

Leave a comment

Live On SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/PT From StageWorks Of Louisiana In Shreveport

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE Calif.(Jan. 8, 2019) – Unbeaten featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) takes the next step in what has become a promising young career when he makes his national television debut this Friday in a co-featured fight of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader 

The eight-round bout takes place from StageWorks  of  Louisiana  in the southern U.S. city of Shreveport. Coverage airs live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT. 

Villa, a southpaw who turned 21 late last year, faces Colombian Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOS), who will be stepping up from super bantamweight to fight the former two-time Golden Gloves winner from Salinas, Calif.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to fight under the bright lights,” said Villa, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “This is what all boxers plan for – to be showcased on a national platform. The focus will stay the same. I’m going to be aggressive and put my stamp on the fight. I’m looking forward to delivering a memorable performance.”

Villa is fighting a largely unknown talent in Cervera. He boasts an impressive record, but it has been built against marginal opposition. Villa, who started boxing at age five, comes from an outstanding amateur pedigree and has seen advanced styles in sparring sessions since turning professional in 2016.

“There’s not much video on him, but we know he likes to load up for big punches so we’ll be aware of that,” Villa said. “I’ll play it smart the first couple of rounds and see what he’s made of.”

The match up figures to provide a test for Villa in the sense that a lightly scouted fighter makes for a dangerous opponent.

“I’m just going to fight my fight,” Villa continued. “I’ll use my footwork to keep him off balance and get him tired. I can pressure him with my hand speed and land punches from angles that he won’t see coming.”

The event is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale now and available at www.akafights.com. 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEVIN HANEY MEDIA DAY QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Leave a comment

Undefeated top lightweight contender faces Xolisani Ndongeni in the Main Event of Shobox: The New Generation Friday, Jan. 11 Live on SHOWTIME®

Click HERE for Photos from Mario Serrano/Devin Haney Promotions


LAS VEGAS (December 28, 2018) – Heralded undefeated lightweight contender Devin Haney worked out for the media Thursday at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas ahead of his ShoBox: The New Generation main-event bout Friday, Jan. 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME®. 

The 20-year old Bay Area native and current Las Vegas resident Haney (20-0, 13 KOs), a seven-time national junior amateur champion, will headline on the popular up-and-coming prospect series ShoBox for the third time of his young career when he takes on fellow unbeaten Xolisani Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs) in a 10-round main event taking place at StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport. 

In the ShoBox co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will take on Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round matchup. The telecast will open with young heavyweights Frank Sanchez Faure (10-0, 8 KOs) and Willie Jake Jr. (8-1-1, 2 KOs) squaring off in another eight-round bout. Here is what Haney and his father and trainer Bill Haney had to say:


DEVIN HANEY On his recent training camp:

“Training camp has been fantastic. I always start in Las Vegas for the first two weeks. I then went to the Bay Area to train at the SNAC facility with Victor Conte for four weeks. I did a lot of rounds of sparring with Mario Barrios among others at Virgil Hunter’s gym as well.  Right now, I’m back in Las Vegas with my strength and conditioning coach Reggie. We are working hard, and I’ll be at my best when I step into the ring on Jan 11th.”

On facing South Africa’s undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni:“I know fighters from Africa always come to fight. Xolisani Ndongeni is no different. He’s very experienced and undefeated. Ndongeni has gone 12 rounds many times in his career. These are the type of fights I need to win impressively. I’m always looking to improve. Beating the tough South African will get me one step closer to a world title shot.”

On making his third appearance on ShoBox:
“Fighting on SHOWTIME’s ShoBox series has been amazing for my career. This is my third appearance on the series. It feels great to have a home to showcase my talent. Ndongeni will bring out the best in me. I’m ready to graduate to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.”

On when he thinks he’ll be ready for a world title:
“I’ve climbed the rankings with good wins against Mason Menard and Juan Carlos Burgos. I’m rated in the top 10 in the WBA, WBC, and IBF. I’m focused on Ndongeni and January 11th is my time to shine.”

BILL HANEY, Devin’s Father and Trainer
On the progression of his son Devin Haney:
“Devin always impresses me with his work ethic and commitment to the game plan. Every day in the gym he is working on the little things that makes a fighter great. Devin has come a long way since his pro debut. Once he started fighting on SHOWTIME, he’s really stepped up his game. He’s a natural born fighter and one hell of a good entertainer.”

On picking his opponents:“We always look to step him up in competition. This is a big fight for us and we know what we are up against. These are the type of fights that are going to take him to the next level.”

On the landscape of the lightweight division:“The lightweight division is stacked and is one of the best in boxing. [Vasiliy] Lomachenko and [Mikey] Garcia are considered pound-for-pound top 10. The young guys coming up are very talented as well and to hold the lightweight title at this time you got to be a bad boy. Devin is marching up the rankings and hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll get our shot, but first we must handle business against Xolisani Ndongeni.” # # # 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

DILLIAN WHYTE vs. DEREK CHISORA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment

Click HERE for Photos

Photographs by: Jamie McPhilimey/Matchroom

LONDON (December 20, 2018) – Top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora took part in the final press conference before their highly anticipated rematch Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT from The O2 in London.

Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will run back one of 2016’s best fights as the bitter rivals will continue what they started two years ago with Whyte narrowly edging Chisora in a close all-out war. The winner will have the inside track at a possible future mega-fight with IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua, who will be in attendance Saturday night.  

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is hosted by Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. Live fight coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office. 

Here is what the principals had to say Thursday from the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel in London:

DILLIAN WHYTE

“There are levels to this thing and my levels just keep rising. I keep improving. Derek will see how strong I am come Saturday night.

“This is boxing and I’m used to people saying, ‘I’m going to do this or that’ to get into my head. I’ve been around long enough and heard fighters say ‘I’m going to come out banging in the first round,’ and then they come and do something else. So I don’t think Derek himself knows what he’s doing or where he’s going.

“I respect everyone. It’s a tough job getting in the ring. I respect everyone from the journeyman to the world champion of the sport.

“You know me, I do whatever it takes to get the win. I don’t need to get up and shout, ‘I’m going to do this or that.’ I just conserve my energy. I’m relaxed. You guys know what I bring and that I can fight, and I can box, and I can hit. You guys know my power. So I don’t have to sit here and scream about what I’m going to do. There will be blood on Saturday night.”

DEREK CHISORA

“David [Haye] put together the pieces for my training. He didn’t train me, but he sat me down and said, ‘This is what we’re going to do to get what we want to get.’ It’s gone well training-wise and lifestyle-wise. Now it’s time to go to war and have a great fight.

On his table-throwing episode during the last press conference two years ago:

 “I think the tables are screwed down so you won’t have to worry about that. I don’t think I’m going to do that anymore. I do something when I want to do something and now I’m just happy that training’s gone well and everyone’s fine in my camp.

“I’m going to bring the same game I do for every fight and we’re going to come to fight. His coach says that his fighter will be a boxer and all of that. But truly he’s not in the ring and Dillian’s the one that has to fight and he’s going to try to run, or he can meet me in the middle which would be great for me. Whatever game plan they have is fine. We will come in and seek and destroy.

“The first fight was a great fight. The boxing fans loved it. My brain cells didn’t love it but I enjoyed it. We are going to drown him from the get-go. We know he’s fit, but we want to see how fit he is. We’re going to go BOOM from the gates.

“I don’t want this to go to points. I’m going to knock the sucker out. Hundred percent. I’m going to hit him. I’m going to pound him.”

MARK TIBBS, Whyte’s Trainer

“Ninety-nine point nine percent of the time, a good boxer will beat a good brawler. [Dillian] is not only just a good boxer, he’s a boxer-fighter. We will box and fight our way to a very good victory. It ain’t going to be easy, but we will meet him and greet him and beat him to the punch.”

DAVID HAYE, Former Heavyweight Champion and Chisora’s Manager

“I think Derek has always had in him what he needs to be one of the best heavyweights on the planet. He’s had opportunities in the past but hasn’t capitalized on them the best he could and I think he realizes that now. His experiences have taught him that he needs to work hard and make the sacrifices, and that’s what he’s done. He no longer does the things he used to do and when he stands on the scales tomorrow, you’ll be able to see.

“I’m very confident and I know he has the capabilities. I’ve been in there with him, and I’ve felt his power and his presence in the ring. I’ve seen it. The intensity and ferocity I’ve seen in sparring shows that he’s coming for war. I think the first time he didn’t have 12 rounds of war in him. I think this time he does. I think the power Derek brings will make Dillian very uncomfortable, but the fans are going to love it.”

EDDIE HEARN, Head of Matchroom Boxing

“The winner of this fight Saturday night is so important to the global heavyweight scene and so much is at stake.

“I think the crowd is going to be with Chisora. You know the British fans love the underdog. What makes this fight intriguing to the average fan is that these guys are both characters and very entertaining fighters. At the first fight I sat next to Wladimir Klitschko and he said, ‘I don’t think this fight is going to be very good.’ And after three rounds we looked at each other just shaking our heads.

“The Whyte fight is a big fight for Anthony, but I will stress again the one fight we want is with [Deontay] Wilder. We’re talking now. People shouldn’t assume the rematch with Fury is happening because the deal won’t be that easy. It never is for a fight of that size. It all depends really on Wilder; if he wants to be undisputed and if that matters to him. He can fight Fury after if he believes he can beat A.J. We don’t get chances very often to have undisputed champions, and that’s what everyone wants.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO PRESENT DILLIAN WHYTE VS. DERECK CHISORA HEAVYWEIGHT REMATCH THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL To Air Live At 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME And The Network’s Streaming Service

NEW YORK – December 18, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will present the highly anticipated rematch between top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora this Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT. As with all SHOWTIME programming, the event will air live on air and via the networks’ streaming service.

Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will go toe-to-toe once again in a rematch of one of 2016’s best fights, live from London’s The O2 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL.The all-British affair between the bitter rivals has been brewing since Whyte narrowly edged Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest that necessitated a rematch. 

“SHOWTIME continues to lead the industry by delivering more of the most compelling boxing events from around the world to our premium cable subscribers and online streaming customers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, SHOWTIME Sports. “This network has televised all of the most important heavyweight fights during the division’s renaissance and we are proud to join Matchroom Sports in delivering Whyte-Chisora II to our audience. Their first fight was action-packed from bell to bell. Now, with the stakes as high as they have ever been for both men,this bout promises to be even better. I hope that the boxing pundits have not yet cast their vote for Fight, Knockout and Round of the Year. Saturday’s matchup may challenge some of this year’s best.”

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood calling the action. 

The stakes are high in the rematch, as both Whyte and Chisora have been working toward world title opportunities against IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua and WBC Champion Deontay Wilder. Whyte holds the No. 1 ranking in the WBC and WBO, as well as the WBA’s No. 4 position. Chisora is ranked No. 5 by both the WBA and IBF, as well as No. 9 by the WBC.  Their first matchup was widely regarded as the best heavyweight matchup of 2016, and round five of their “sensational fight” earned Round of the Year honors from ESPN.”

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK DETHRONES ADONIS STEVENSON TO CAPTURE WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

Watch The Replay On SHOWTIME Sports Social Platforms And Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

QUEBEC CITY (December 1, 2018) – Adonis Stevenson’s five-and-a-half-year reign as the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion is over. Oleksandr Gvozdyk dethroned boxing’s longest reigning champion with a devastating 11th round knockout Saturday in Quebec City in a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast that immediately preceded the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury SHOWTIME PPV.

 

 

 

Gvozdyk (16-0, 13 KOs) used a powerful multi-punch combination in the penultimate round to put the back-and-forth bout out of question. The former Olympic bronze medalist and amateur teammate of fellow Ukrainians Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk was impressive throughout the entire fight. He executed trainer Teddy Atlas’ game plan to perfection and was the busier of the two fighters. Stevenson (29-2-1, 24 KOs), who was making his 10th title defense, was able to land his signature left hand on several occasions, most notably in the tenth round, but never did enough to truly trouble his opponent.

 

 

 

“This win means everything to me. I’ve trained my whole life for this and tonight all of the hard work was worth it,” said Gvozdyk, who was the mandatory challenger for Stevenson. “Having Teddy [Atlas] in my corner was a huge help. He knew exactly what to say to me. We trained so well for this fight and I knew I was going to get the knockout.

 

 

 

“Adonis was a great champion but it’s my time now. He got me with a good shot in the 10th round but I handled it and finished him. Right now, I just want to rest before I discuss my next step. I definitely want to stay at 175 pounds.”

 

 

 

Stevenson was transported to a local hospital as precautionary measure and was unavailable for comment following the fight.

 

 

 

Saturday’s one-fight telecast from Quebec City will replay on Monday, December 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.  The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION streamed live on SHOWTIME Sports social platforms and is archived on the SHO Sports YouTube channel and Facebook page.

 

 

 

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analyst. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,

 

 

 

 

 

 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® RELEASES EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT EPISODE 1 OF EMMY® AWARD-WINNING SERIES ALL ACCESS, CHRONICLING DECEMBER 1 WILDER VS. FURY HEAVYWEIGHT BLOCKBUSTER

Leave a comment

cid:image001.png@01D47CE6.BA1C34C0

Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Barry Pepper, ALL ACCESS: WILDER VS. FURY Episode 1 Premieres This Saturday, November 17 At 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®

WATCH, SHARE AND EMBED: https://youtu.be/a3oB84JEpsY

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

SHOWTIME Sports released an exclusive look at ALL ACCESS: WILDER vs. FURY, the latest installment of the Emmy-Award winning series premiering this Saturday, Saturday, November 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.  Watch the video HERE.

 

 

 

Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Barry Pepper, ALL ACCESS: WILDER VS. FURY chronicles the buildup to the most significant heavyweight fight in the U.S. in more than 15 years.  The critically acclaimed series peels back the curtain on the lives and training camps of Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury as the towering figures prepare to put their undefeated records on the line Saturday, December 1 live onSHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Episode two of ALL ACCESS: WILDER VS. FURY will premiere Saturday, November 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. ALL ACCESS EPILOGUE, which spotlights the intensity of fight night and the solemn aftermath of world championship prizefighting, will premiere on Saturday, December 8.  The acclaimed SHOWTIME Sports original series will be accompanied by digital features released throughout fight week on the networks’ social media channels.

 

 

 

A special sneak peek of Episode 1 will air immediately following the conclusion of Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation three-fight telecast beginning at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER OPENS UP ABOUT LONG-AWAITED “LEGACY FIGHT” AGAINST TYSON FURY IN WIDE-RANGING SHOWTIME SPORTS® INTERVIEW

Leave a comment

  

“It’s time for America to wake up and understand they have the baddest man on the planet right here” – Deontay Wilder

 

Wilder Shares His Thoughts With Below The Belt Host Brendan Schaub As He Prepares To Face Fury December 1 Live On SHOWTIME PPV®

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder sat down with SHOWTIME Sports correspondent Brendan Schaub as part of a wide-ranging interview providing a glimpse into the mindset of the undefeated champion as he prepares for the most significant heavyweight event in the U.S. in more than 15 years. The 6-foot-7 Wilder meets 6-foot-9 lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury December 1 live on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Wilder, who is America’s only true heavyweight champion since 2007, discusses everything from his career-defining win over Luis Ortiz and his incredible knockout power, to the pressures of being the heavyweight champion of the world and his love for his family in the candid 35-minute interview from a double-decker bus in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

The Tuscaloosa, Ala. native, however, had the most to say about his upcoming battle with Fury. “Throughout my whole career, guys always said I only had one hand,” Wilder explains to Schaub as they head to Los Angeles International Airport following Monday’s media day in Santa Monica. “But when you get in the ring, it’s going to be different. The game plan is going to go out the window, like Mike Tyson said.

 

 

 

“This is the moment in time for America to wake up and understand they have the baddest man on the planet right here,” Wilder passionately continues. “And you think I’m going to let this Gypsy come in here and mess up all those plans for me? I don’t think so.”

 

 

 

The heavyweight showdown headlines the December 1 SHOWTIME PPV live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).  Wilder, who has knocked out all seven challengers of his title, will attempt to make his eighth WBC Heavyweight defense. In the third fight of his comeback, Fury has the opportunity to become a two-time heavyweight world champion.

 

FULL INTERVIEW:

 

 

 

 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER LOS ANGELES MEDIA DAY QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment
 
WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder Battles Lineal Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury Saturday, December 1On SHOWTIME PPV® From STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/
Premier Boxing Champions

 

LOS ANGELES (November 5, 2018) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder held a jam-packed media day Monday in Los Angeles where he discussed his blockbuster matchup against lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury taking place Saturday, December 1 on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Wilder arrived in Los Angeles, along with trainer Jay Deas, to show off his skills in front of media at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica. The most significant heavyweight event in the U.S. in more than 15 years, Wilder vs. Fury tests the raw power of the 6-foot-7 Wilder against the unmatched size and mobility of the 6-foot-9 Fury.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $75, plus applicable fees and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

 

 

 

Here is what Wilder and Deas had to say Thursday at media day, where Wilder was joined by his girlfriend Telli Swift and their eight-month-old daughter Kaorii:

 

 

 

DEONTAY WILDER

 

 

 

“I feel like I’m at my very best right now. Mentally, physically and emotionally I’m ready to go. Everything is perfect. I just want to get in the ring and show action. Tyson Fury doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into.

 

 

 

“As a true champion, I know how to adjust to any fighter that’s in front of me. My experience facing fighters of all styles has prepared me for this special fight.

 

 

 

“I’ve had tremendous sparring. Every day I’m making adjustments and getting myself right so I can get my timing and style exactly how it needs to be. If the fight was this weekend, Deontay Wilder is ready to go.

 

 

 

“Luis Ortiz was the most avoided fighter in the heavyweight division and I understand why he had never gotten the title shot before. I’m the type of fighter who gives people opportunities and he was the fighter I needed to face to prove to the world what I’m all about.

 

 

 

“This is not a game for me. Everyone has heard about what it’s like to be in the ring with me, but until you’re in there, you don’t know for sure that what you’ve been hearing is for real. I’m the best in the world. I don’t think any heavyweight has been through what I’ve been through.

 

 

 

“I’m training for a certain type of mission. As a fighter I have to have the mindset that I must be ready for anything. Then, once it’s time for the bell to ring, I become ‘The Bronze Bomber’.

 

 

 

“Fury has height just like me and he also brings an awkward style like myself. He’s rangy, mobile and he believes he’s the best in the world. You’ll get two giants who are athletic and move around the ring like no one else in this sport.

 

 

 

“They say that I have the power and he has the boxing skills. We’ll see on December 1. It’s a puncher versus a boxer. I think the puncher is going to box his lights out, and then I’m going to knock his lights out.

 

 

 

“I don’t watch too much film or study guys past getting their style down and seeing how they use their styles. My trainers watch film and use that knowledge to give me advice throughout the fight. I find that my opponents fight differently depending on who they’re facing, so I can’t dwell too much on watching past fights.”

 

 

 

JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer

 

 

 

“Tyson Fury is kind of like a Rubik’s cube. But a Rubik’s cube can be solved. Fury is a very versatile fighter who can move, he can box and fight from lots of distances. He’s the total package as a fighter and on top of that he’s strong-willed mentally.

 

 

 

“We have our hands full, but I know that Deontay Wilder is the guy to handle Tyson Fury. Deontay is the the right guy to take over boxing and this is the first step in that.

 

 

 

“Deontay has had a fantastic camp and we’ve had really good sparring partners. Fury is a tall fighter, but it’s really the athleticism that makes him what he is. We believe we’re better off finding more athletic guys who are slightly shorter than Fury, rather than someone his height who is a statue.

 

 

 

“Fortunately Deontay has always been a focused fighter, so keeping him right mentally I don’t think will ever be a problem. Deontay can handle any chaos around him better than anyone I’ve seen. When he says he’s the man for this job, he really means it.

 

 

 

“The tough thing with preparing for Tyson Fury is that even he doesn’t know exactly what he’s going to do in there. He can fight lefty, righty, dirty or clean. We’re working on being prepared for all of these things and more.

 

 

 

“Both guys are very athletic and very awkward style-wise, but once this fight combusts, it’s going to be phenomenal. You don’t want to blink or go to the bathroom, the pretzel can wait, because you’re going to want to catch every second of it.”

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions,@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

TYSON FURY DISCUSSES CRUSHING DOWNWARD SPIRAL AND CAREER COMEBACK IN EMOTIONAL SIT-DOWN INTERVIEW WITH MAURO RANALLO

Leave a comment

 

Lineal Heavyweight Champion opens up ahead of his fight against Deontay Wilder December 1 on SHOWTIME PPV®.

“If mental illness can bring someone as big as me, as strong as me… to my knees, then it can bring anybody to their knees” – Fury

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

Catch the full interview: https://s.sho.com/2OmqAAq

WHAT: Lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury opened up to SHOWTIME Sports® announcer Mauro Ranallo about his years-long struggle with mental health in what Ranallo deemed the most important interview of his career. The two sat down in Big Bear, California where Fury has been training for his December 1 showdown against WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

 

 

Fury, who shocked the world in 2015 with a unanimous decision victory over former world champion Wladimir Klitschko, details his swift rise to the upper echelon of the heavyweight division, all while battling crippling depression and anxiety that diminished his love of the sport. He recounts his apathy toward boxing leading up to the Klitschko fight and the downward spiral he endured following his historic win.

 

 

Following his win over Klitschko, Fury would fail to face his mandatory challengers and attempted to combat his mental struggles with alcohol and drugs, eventually ballooning to 400 pounds. The self-proclaimed “Gypsy King” hit a turning point in October of 2017, when he began to seek help for depression and anxiety and was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, which Ranallo also suffers from.

 

 

Ranallo’s battle with mental illness was recently chronicled in the SHOWTIME documentary BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N’ ROLLER, where the combat sports announcer showcases his struggles and advocates for the shattering of stigmas surrounding mental illness. Like Ranallo, Fury aims to raise awareness of his own struggles and encourage others to seek help.

 

 

“It was like having a fight in my own mind,” Fury said. “[Mental illness] is a silent killer. It is almost like carbon monoxide poisoning because you can’t see it. My calling card is to spread the word on mental health.”

 

 

Fury’s journey back to stardom began with back-to-back wins in his first two fights this past summer. He knocked out Sefer Seferi in June of 2018, and followed suit with a unanimous decision win over Francesco Pianeta in August. His August victory culminated with an in-ring confrontation with Wilder, where the two announced their upcoming heavyweight blockbuster fight.

 

 

The heavyweight showdown headlines the December 1 SHOWTIME PPV live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Wilder, who has knocked out all seven challengers of his title, will attempt to make his eighth WBC Heavyweight defense. In the third fight of his comeback, Fury has the opportunity to become a two-time heavyweight world champion.