Bayamón, Puerto Rico – Competitive fights are what the company Fresh Productions Boxing will offer by way of the “Taínos vs. Aztecas” card, happening this Saturday, November 9th in the Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum in Bayamón.
Every fight of this event will be Puerto Ricans against Mexicans as a tribute to the legendary, relevant, and exciting rivalry of the sport.
In the main event, former world champion Subriel Matías “el Orgullo de Maternillo” (20-2, 20 KOs) will face the dangerous Roberto “El Rifle” Ramírez (26-3-1, 19 KOs) of Mexico, in a duel of punchers, scheduled for 10 rounds in the junior welterweight division (140 pounds).
Roberto Ramírez:
“Thank you all for being here. I’ve come prepared and ready for a war, to represent Mexico and to give a good show in front of those present for this event of ‘Haitians’ against Mexicans”, comments that caused laughter among those on hand.
Subriel Matías, ranked #5 by the IBF:
“Haha! He called me ‘Haitian’. This is the end, haha. First of all, I thank God for this opportunity following my defeat on June 15th. I’m active five months since that fight. I want to say so many things, but really, I want my next performances to speak for me, and I’m the pride of Maternillo, I’ll see you all on Saturday, and this is ‘Taínos vs. Aztecas’”.
Promoter Juan Orengo:
“Five competitive fights are what this card features, starting at 7:00 p.m. Here, we go straight to it. None of these fights will be easy. Anyone who knows Fresh Production Boxing’s style knows that our fights are not easy. This Saturday, expect mayhem of the good kind”.
In the co-main event, Bayamon’s Jeyvier Cintrón (12-1, 6 KOs), the only Puerto Rican boxer to participate in two Olympics, looks to climb up to the top 15 in the 118-pound rankings as he faces Rashib Martínez (23-3-1, 11 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico, for the vacant WBO International title in a 10-round bout.
Jeyvier Cintrón:
“I’m happy with this opportunity. I came in top shape for this fight. I trained according to the opponent I’ll face off against. I believe many know it’s no myth that I was laying low for a long time and now I’m coming back with more hunger. Everyone will see that there will be Jeyvier for a long time. I still feel a desire to bring glory to Puerto Rico. They say you got to reach the bottom to see glory and that’s what’s been handed to me. I went through tough times, and on Saturday, I’ll show what I’m capable of”.
Rashib Martínez:
“Thank you to the promotion company for the opportunity. Fighting in Puerto Rico is a source of pride and more so as part of a card that represents this rivalry of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. This fight against Jeyvier is my ticket to launch me for bigger things. I come thoroughly prepared physically and mentally, and I will give a great performance. Thank you to my manager Sergio Reina for getting me to this point”.
As if that were not enough, the recent WBO NABO champion at 140 pounds, and ranked #8 by the organization, Alfredo ‘Ojo’ Santiago (15-2, 6 KOs), from Fajardo, will defend his title against Mexican Pedro ‘La Roca’ Campa (36-3-1, 24 KOs), from Sonora, Mexico in a 10-round fight.
Also, in a battle that promises plenty of action, Cidra’s Abimael “Manos de Piedra” Ortiz (10-1, 5 KOs) will face Mexican world contender Kevin “El Chacal” González (27-1-1, 14 KOs) of Sinaloa in the 122-pound division, slated for 10 rounds.
To open the broadcast, former Puerto Rican national champion Luis Rodríguez (13-0, 11 KOs) of Toa Alta, will battle Mexican Marcos “Zurdo” Vázquez (20-1-1, 10 KOs) in the super middleweight division.
Tickets are on sale on Ticketera.com
The event will be broadcast by PPV.COM, one of the leading platforms in live broadcasts under the pay-per-view model (PPV). This event will also be available via all cable and satellite providers.
The residential fee for the PPV is $39.95. It’ll also be available on Closed Circuit in Puerto Rico, USA, and Canada.
“He has good punching power, but none of that matters if you can’t hit your target,” – Russell “I want to prove to the people everywhere that I’m the best featherweight in the world,” – Magsayo WBC Featherweight World Champion Russell To Defend Title Against Top Contender Magsayo Live On SHOWTIME® Saturday, January 22 in Premier Boxing Champions Event From Borgata in Atlantic City, N.J. ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – January 11, 2022 – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. and top contender and WBC mandatory challenger Mark Magsayo previewed their world title showdown during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they headline action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see super lightweight contenders Subriel Matías and Petros Ananyan meet for a rematch in the 12-round co-main event, while hard-hitting featherweight Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar and Vic Pasillas square off in the 10-round telecast opener.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.
Russell, who owns the longest reign of any current male champion and has held his 126-pound belt since 2015, will look to make his sixth consecutive successful title defense on January 22, when he takes on the Filipino power-puncher Magsayo, who is trained by Freddie Roach and comes in off of a Knockout of the Year contender over former champion Julio Ceja last August.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
GARY RUSSELL JR.
“I use everything going on with me outside of the ring as fuel. It’s been very difficult dealing with the passing of my brother and my dad’s health issues. I tell people all the time that life is like boxing. You have to keep your chin down and hands up. I’m grateful that I’m mentally strong when it comes to stuff like this. This is what champions do, we overcome adversity.
“I’ve been willing to compete against whoever, whenever and wherever. But I can’t force these guys to get in the ring and fight me. I just have to prepare to the best of my ability. I need a dance partner.
“I see him as a good even-handed puncher, maybe he leans a little more to the right hand. He has good punching power, but none of that matters if you can’t hit your target.
“We’re grinding in training camp. No matter what, we’re not going to make any excuses or complaints.
“If I’m going to move up in weight, I want to fight the champion. I’m not planning to move up in weight just to stand in line. I’m fighting Magsayo because he moved up the rankings and earned this spot. Everyone who I’ve competed against has been the next best guy under the champion.
“I don’t have any concerns with Magsayo’s power. You very seldom see me have to come back on the scorecards. Magsayo had to come back in his last fight because he was losing on the cards. That shows some holes in his armor.
“I never overlook anybody. Of course I want the Gervonta Davis fight. But I’m focused on Magsayo. He’s the one who worked his way into this position to fight me. Davis is in no rush, so I’m going to remain focused on a true warrior who’s getting into the ring with me.
“I stay in the gym. Boxing is not just what I do, it’s a lifestyle for me. Even when I’m over and done with my career, I’m still going to be in the gym. I never really blow up and get big in weight. I love what I do and I’m very militant in my mindset.
“No one can really prepare for me. You can’t prepare like you think you can. I know Magsayo will be at his physical and mental best. I take my hat off to him, because he’s willing to put it on the line to prove he’s the best. I wish other fighters would take that same risk.
“A lot of these other guys aren’t willing to step in there with me because of the skillset that I bring. Finally, we have another fighter with some heart who’s willing to fight. I want him to bring his best, so we’ll see whose best is best.”
MARK MAGSAYO
“I’m very thankful to my whole team for making this fight happen. I’ve been training for three and a half months now, so I’m going to be well prepared for this fight.
“I don’t think Gary has faced anyone since he became champion that has the skills that I have. I’m going to go in there to show him something he’s never seen before and we’ll see how he reacts. “I learned a lot from the Ceja fight. That gave me a lesson on how to adjust in the middle of a fight. It’s going to help me against Russell.
“I respect Gary Russell Jr., he’s a great champion, but I’m winning this fight on January 22. I want to prove to the people everywhere that I’m the best featherweight in the world.
“I’m going to show the world that I’m the best at this weight. This is the fight that I’ve wanted for a long time. I’ve been waiting patiently for my chance and I’m ready to do my best.
“I’ve had great sparring partners to prepare me for Russell and give me the same looks that he’ll give me on fight night. This is my first world title fight and I’m going to give it my all.
“I’m not trying to be the next Manny Pacquiao, but I’m trying to put my own mark on the history of this sport and for all Filipinos. I’m hungry to prove it all in the ring.
“I’m going to be the stronger fighter against Russell. We trained every day with Freddie Roach and we’ve worked on a lot of different techniques we’ll use in this fight.
“I know he’s going to bring his talent into the ring, but I’m going to show everybody that I can deliver a great fight and become champion.”
# # #
ABOUT RUSSELL VS. MAGSAYO Russell vs. Magsayo will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defend his world title against top contender and WBC mandatory challenger Mark Magsayo headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a 12-round rematch between super lightweight contenders Subriel Matías and Petros Ananyan in the co-main event, plus hard-hitting featherweights Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Vic Pasillas squaring-off in the 10-round telecast opener.
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions
CARSON, CALIF. (May 29, 2021) – Nonito Donaire is champion once again. Fourteen years after he won his first world title, the “Filipino Flash” cemented his Hall of Fame credentials with a sensational fourth-round KO win over Nordine Oubaali to capture the WBC World Bantamweight title Saturday night in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
“The king has returned,” Donaire beamed afterward. “I just love the crowds. All my friends, family, all the boxing fans that came out thank you so much. You guys are wonderful.”
The 38-year-old Donaire (41-6, 27 KOs) is now the oldest world champion ever at 118-pounds. He accomplished it with the left hand that has been the calling card of his career as he dropped Oubaali (17-1, 12 KOs) three times in total.
“Being at this age is not the question, it’s about my performance,” said Donaire. “About my ability to grow. I believe it matters not what your age is, but how mentally strong you are. What I learned from the [Naoya] Inoue fight is that I’m back. I can still compete at this level. The whole time I was not fighting, I was learning. I’m ready for the next one.”
Following a feel-out first round, Donaire went to work in the second, walking Oubaali down and countering with thudding effect. Donaire scored the first knockdown early in the third, dropping Oubaali with his trademark counter left hook. The Frenchman rose on unsteady legs and Donaire pounced, landing more big shots until another left hook floored Oubaali just a split second before the round ended. Again, Oubaali struggled to his feet, dazed yet willing to fight on.
The end came swiftly in the fourth. Donaire expertly maneuvered Oubaali around the ring, pinning him against the ropes where a left uppercut sent Oubaali crumpling to the canvas for a third and final time. Referee Jack Reiss immediately called it off. The official time of the stoppage was 1:52 of the fourth round.
“Three decades of being world champion. Nine-time world champion. That’s amazing,” said Donaire. “I came in here and I felt really good. Today I knew exactly what was going to happen. I knew exactly what I was going to do. I think I was just very focused in the gym. I was very, very focused. I just felt really good coming in and I was grateful to get this opportunity.
“Tonight was something that I had to prove to the world that I’m back and I’m stronger than ever. He was a very tough guy. I think ultimately for me, there was a level of should I be more patient? Or should I go for it? Something I learned in the Inoue fight was to go for the kill. And that’s exactly what I did. I was patient, but I knew he was hurt enough that I could take him out.”
In the co-feature, Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias (17-1, 17 KOs) delivered another power-punching display, breaking down previously-unbeaten Batyr Jukembayev (18-1, 14 KOs) until Jukembayev’s corner stopped the bout after eight riveting rounds.
“I think this is what everybody expected. Everybody knew it was going to be a great war,” said Matias. “This was going to end by knockout whether I was going to get knocked out or Jukembayev was going to get knocked out. I’m just glad it was me who knocked him out.”
Matias establishes himself as one of the best in a stacked division, but this latest win wasn’t easy. Kazakhstan’s Jukembayev came out strong, landing a right hook-right uppercut combination upstairs from his southpaw stance that got Matias’ attention in the first.
Jukembayev pushed the pace in the second. Matias began letting his hands go in the third, throwing in combination to the head and body. Both combatants were now fully warmed up, setting the stage for a fourth round that could be a candidate for “Round of the Year.”
It began when a hard left hook staggered Jukembayev and drove him to the canvas. Matias sought to close the show but Jukembayev held on, cleared his head and started landing his own shots. With a minute left in the stanza, Jukembayev stunned Matias with a left cross. Instead of clinching, Matias fought fire with fire, bringing the crowd out of their seats with toe-to-toe action until the bell sounded.
Matias never stopped coming forward. Following a one-sided sixth, Jukembayev returned to his corner with both eyes swelling shut. The back and forth ensued in the seventh as Jukembayev buzzed Matias with two right hooks toward the end of the round.
Matias returned to the driver’s seat in the eighth round, pounding away at Jukembayev with both fists. In total, he out-landed Jukembayev by 100 punches (234/608 to 134 /409) and was more accurate (38.5% to 32.8%). The accumulation of blows was enough to convince Jukembayev’s corner to request the bout be stopped.
“He knew he had nothing to lose. He came in and was doing everything strong,” said Matias. “He knew that all he could do was knock me out to win. I would have done the same thing. That’s a warrior’s heart and he has all my respect.
“After that fourth round, I mean he is a very competitive fighter, so it turned into a war after that point. My hands go up to him as well. It was a great fight. I definitely have had other opponents that were very good, but this is the one that has given me the hardest test.”
In the telecast opener, Gary Antuanne Russell (14-0, 14 KOs) continued his ascent up the super lightweight ranks. The undefeated Russell became the first to stop the ruggedJovanie Santiago (14-2-1, 10 KOs), dominating Santiago until referee Sharon Sands halted the contest following the sixth round at the suggestion of Santiago’s corner.
“The objective is to get the man out as soon as possible and come out unscathed,” said Russell. “I just want to say that Santiago was a class-A opponent. A lot of people think he beat Adrien Broner. I want Adrien Broner now.”
With older brother and WBC World Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. working his corner, Gary Antuanne controlled the action from the opening bell. The 2016 Olympian worked the jab and straight left behind the southpaw stance, snapping Santiago’s head back several times in the first.
Russell, 24, continued to land the left in the second and third. Early in the fourth, he followed up a straight left to the ribs with a short right hook upstairs that dropped Santiago to a knee. Puerto Rico’s Santiago gamely rose to his feet and survived the follow-up onslaught to make it out of the round.
“The importance to me is to execute round-by-round, and round-by-round, I was executing more and more. My father told me to go to the body, right hook upstairs. He was open to that,” said Russell.
Russell showed no signs of slowing despite being extended beyond four rounds for the first time in his pro career. The Capital Heights, Md. product battered Santiago in the sixth, landing punishing combinations throughout the frame. Moments later, the bout was stopped.
“It’s definitely important to me to perform so I’m not just known as Gary Russell’s younger brother,” said Russell, who landed 146 of 444 punches (32.9%). “I come from an excellent background of fighters. We’re building a dynasty.
“How soon do I want to get back in the ring? If I could fight on the Deontay Wilder card, that would be great.”
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay Sunday, May 30 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday, May 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.
Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The Executive Producer was David Dinkins, Jr., the Producer was Ray Smaltz and the Director was Chuck McKean. Three-time super bantamweight world champion Israel Vazquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
WBC Bantamweight World Champion Oubaali Takes On Future Hall Of Famer Donaire This Saturday, May 29 Live On SHOWTIME® In A Premier Boxing Champions Event From Dignity Health Sports Park In Carson, Calif. Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions CARSON, CALIF. (May 27, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their world title showdown taking place this Saturday, May 29 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The press conference also featured hard-hitting contender Subriel Matias and unbeaten Batyr Jukembayev, who meet in the co-main event for a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, and unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell and Jovanie Santiago, who square off in a 10-round super lightweight clash that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
NORDINE OUBAALI “Yes, we’ve sparred but training is training. When you go into a fight, it’s not the same. Every fight is different and I know on Saturday I will put on a great show with Nonito Donaire because I know he’s a good boxer but I know I’m the best. I trained so hard for this and now I’m ready to fight. I want to show everybody that the best two bantamweights in boxing today are fighting on Saturday.
“Yes, he’s had an outstanding career and he has power but I believe I have more power than him. I know I have the power. He’s a good boxer but I’m the world champion and on Saturday I’m going to show the world who is the best. I know I am the best. I respect Nonito. He’s had a good career but I’m the best in the division.
“The difference in the fight is going to be I want to win more. I want to continue to make history and stay as the world champion in this division. I know that it’s my time. I want this more than he does.
“If I’m victorious, why not have my next fight be for the unification? I want to make history every time and this is my motivation. I’m here because I love boxing and I want to face the best boxers every time. I’m facing Nonito Donaire and that’s great for my career. I just like to fight and this is my life.”
NONITO DONAIRE
“It would be great to win the title at 38 years old and become the oldest champion at 118 pounds, but let’s keep it going. Let’s make it 40. Let’s make it 42. There ain’t no stopping me. Mentally, I’m very grateful but at the same time I’m just very ready.
“I’m always healthy and the reason why I can compete with anybody is because I keep myself healthy and I work hard. There’s nothing less than 100 percent every time I’m in that gym.
“I’m very hard-headed so I don’t always do what people tell me to do. People can say that it’s their time. But I also have my time and I’m always going to be the one who concedes their time or makes that decision. It’s still my time.
“It’s going to be a great fight. Oubaali is the champion for a reason. He’s been through it in terms of the amateurs and making it here. So we’re not underestimating any of that. But I’ve fought in this venue many times and I always make magical fights in the first place. It’s always going to be magical with me. I’m a unicorn.
“The difference in this fight is going to be my hunger. He’s younger than me but I have the hunger. We both have an objective and that’s what’s going to make this a great fight.
“I want to fight the best out there. I want the rematch with Naoya Inoue and I want to get all the belts. The only thing I haven’t accomplished in boxing is becoming undisputed champion. I’ve done everything else. Fighter of the Year. Knockout of the Year. Multiple championships. Four-division champion. You name it. That’s my main goal. Get the belt and put them all together.
“Bantamweight is my real weight. I’ve always fought in the heavier division because of the excitement, the challenge and the lucrative offer or the names at that time. Now, I’m here where I belong and this is where I’m really strong.
“The layoff will not be a factor at all. The time off helped me out. Just being out of the ring helped my body recover. And the eagerness and the hunger is there more than ever. It was a blessing for me.” SUBRIEL MATIAS “I will be his toughest test without question and come Saturday night, everybody will find out why I’m saying that.
“I believe him when he says that he has the tools to get a stoppage on Saturday. But it’s not just a matter of saying, on Saturday night he has to prove it. If it’s going to come out of your mouth, then you have to prove it.
“We’re both knockout artists and with what we’re looking at, this fight should not finish by a decision.
“I don’t have much to say about that fight against Petros Ananyan. Those that saw me lose, I lost. There’s nothing I can say about it. But those that know boxing know that I’ve been progressing and improving and you all will see that on Saturday.”
BATYR JUKEMBAYEV “I had a great training camp. I am ready for Saturday night. I know that he’s a good fighter but I promise that I will be ready.
“We will see Saturday night whether it’s going to end in a knockout. I’ll show you what I’m made of and you will all see.”
GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL
“I’m in the hurt business. He’s a slugger. If he wants to come in there and slug with me, he will feel my power. He will see how intelligent I am. Not just mentally, but physically with my hands. Like I said, I’m in the hurt business. I come to hurt.
“Pardon my lack of Spanish, but what you are going to see is, ‘la violencia.’ He’s going to bring his pressure. He’s going to bring punches in bunches and I believe that’s all he can bring. If he’s been training and trying to perfect himself for my style of fighting, that’s fine. You’re not supposed to come in here one-dimensional. A diamond shines from all sides.
“The only thing I can say is this venue is going to promote blood, sweat and tears and the desire of people to be great. I’m definitely one of them. I’ve been in the gym giving my blood, my sweat and my tears and I’m bringing all of that to this venue come Saturday night.
“I definitely want to stay more active. That’s always been my plan. The pandemic slowed things down. Fans always tell me they want to see me get back in there…I just tell them, me too. The fighters aren’t the ones pulling all of the strings. Should I be more active? Of course. I want to be more active.
“I want to show that I’m the cream of the crop. I’m a superstar. The light hasn’t been shining on me because there’s a lot of other things going on. Until then, you’re going to have to wait and see. Come Saturday, it will be a great show. There will be some sparks and fireworks. I have an opponent that’s not willing to lay down. If he’s not willing to, I must make him lay down.”
JOVANIE SANTIAGO
“I know that he’s a good fighter. An Olympian. He’s young and he’s going to come fight. I’m going to come to fight too, so if the fight finishes early, then it finishes early.
“I just have to work round-by-round, throw punches and win one round at a time. After I beat Russell, everybody is going to be on my side.
“This is my weight. This is where I’m most comfortable. I’ve always been a 140-pounder and Saturday that’s what I’m going to demonstrate.
“This time, I’m fighting at my actual weight. I feel strong. I’m coming to work round-by-round and on Saturday everybody will see what I’m all about.”
# # #
ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matías takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
Former World Champion Lipinets Battles Unbeaten Custio Clayton for Interim IBF Welterweight Title Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, October 24 Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event NEW YORK (October 20, 2020) – Even with a change in date and then opponent, former world champion Sergey Lipinets remains supremely confident in his training camp and overall preparations as he prepares to take on unbeaten Custio Clayton for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, October 24 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.
“We never missed a beat in preparation, even with the opponent change,” said Lipinets. “My fight with Kudratillo Abdukakhorov was on and off for so long that I already had an idea that he was going to be forced to back out, so I wasn’t shocked. I don’t really care, though. Whoever I have to fight I’m ready to fight, so I didn’t consider backing out of fighting for even one second.”
Lipinets credits his trainer, the renowned Joe Goossen, for helping his fighter mentally through the changes, in addition to the physical training they have undertook heading into the fight.
“Having Joe Goossen is like having a psychiatrist as well as a trainer,” said Lipinets. “He’s been extremely helpful about how to approach all of this. Joe helped me stay calm and understand that something good can always come from a bad or difficult situation, and because of that, I never lost focus.”
Clayton is a Canadian Olympian with an unblemished pro resume heading into this showdown. While Lipinets notes that there are differences in the fighting styles between Abdukakhorov and Clayton, none of it changes his intent on October 24.
“I know that Clayton has a great amateur background,” said Lipinets. “I’ve checked out his style, and the main difference is that Abdukakhorov is more active and Clayton is more accurate. Abdukakhorov is also a little more aggressive and Clayton is more patient.
“I don’t think one is tougher or easier than the other. I think that anyone fighting at this level is a difficult opponent. Abdukakhorov moves around more and can be more awkward with the different styles he uses. Both are very tough guys, but I’m ready for Clayton and focused only on him at this point.”
Despite his sole focus on Clayton, Lipinets knows that this fight brings a big opportunity to make a loud proclamation to the rest of the stacked welterweight division with a big performance to capture the interim IBF title.
“I’m prepared to make one statement – I belong here,” said Lipinets. “I want to fight the best. I want to make my imprint on this sport and build my legacy. I’ve had to do it the hard way, but I’m not complaining. I fought for my first championship in just my 13th pro fight. I believe that I belong right there at the top of this sport. People need to start mentioning my name with the top guys and after this fight they’ll have to. You can’t look past me anymore.”
# # # ABOUT LIPINETS VS. CLAYTON Lipinets vs. Clayton will see former world champion Sergey Lipinets face unbeaten Custio Clayton for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated contender Xavier Martínez battle hard-hitting Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Rising super lightweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins will duel knockout artist Subriel Matías in a 10-round showdown to kick off the televised action.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions.
SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
NEW YORK – October 15, 2020 – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets will now face unbeaten Custio Clayton for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, who was originally scheduled to face Lipinets, was forced to withdraw because of visa issues.
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated contender Xavier Martínez battle hard-hitting Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Rising super lightweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins will duel knockout artist Subriel Matías in a 10-round showdown to kick off the televised action.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions.
“Custio Clayton is an outstanding replacement opponent given the late change and should provide a stiff test against Sergey Lipinets on October 24,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Clayton was already deep into training and will bring a wealth of experience, from his amateur days through his impressive pro career, into this showdown with Lipinets. This is a great opportunity for Clayton to announce himself as a welterweight contender against one of the division’s most dangerous fighters.”
“I’m very happy to have this opportunity,” said Clayton. “This is exactly the type of fight me and my team have been asking for. My preparation has been very good. This might seem like it’s last-minute, but I am more than ready for whatever Lipinets brings on October 24.”
The 31-year-old Lipinets (16-1, 12 KOs) will look to remain unbeaten since moving up to welterweight in 2018 and position himself for further title opportunities in the welterweight division. Born in Kazakhstan and representing Russia, Lipinets now lives in Woodland Hills, Calif. and is trained by renowned coach Joe Goossen. Lipinets has put together three straight victories since losing his 140-pound title to four-division champion Mikey Garcia in March 2018. Lipinets scored two victories in 2019, including a stoppage of two-division champion Lamont Peterson in one of the year’s most exciting fights.
A 2012 Canadian Olympian, Clayton (18-0, 12 KOs) fights out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada and will make his U.S. debut on October 24. The 33-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014 and most recently scored a knockout victory over Diego Ramirez in January. Clayton owns 2019 triumphs over former champion DeMarcus Corley and Johan Perez, in addition to a 12-round decision win over then unbeaten Stephen Danyo in 2018.
“I’ll have a plan for whatever he brings to the table and get the win however I have to!” Former World Champion Lipinets Battles Unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov for Interim IBF Welterweight Title Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, October 24 Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event NEW YORK – October 8, 2020 – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets has not let anything, be it the pandemic or a change in fight date, distract him from preparations for his battle against unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov,as they fight for interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
“I took the change in date like a champion, and I’ll do the same thing on October 24 that I would have done on October 10,” said Lipinets. “I’m very strong mentally, so there’s really no issue with the timing change. Training camp has been going great and I’m 100% ready for this one. I’ve been working with Joe Goossen and sparring with a lot of great fighters including Rashidi Ellis and Ronald Cruz.”
The 31-year-old Lipinets credits the renowned coach Goossen for the level of performance he has shown in the ring in the two years that they’ve worked together. The union between Lipinets and Goossen followed Lipinets’ run at 140-pounds, which saw him defeat Akihiro Kondo for the IBF Super Lightweight Championship on SHOWTIME in 2017 before losing the title by decision to Mikey Garcia the following year.
“My progression is totally attributed to working with Joe Goossen,” said Lipinets. “It’s like going from a high school education, then to college, and now I feel like I’m in graduate school. I’ve learned more with Joe than in all my previous time in the sport.
“Joe Goossen has taught me a lot about the short game and working on the inside. He’s also helped me with my lateral movement and made me way more durable. That’s all combined with my power increasing at 147 pounds. I’m ready to show all of it on October 24.”
Lipinets added two knockout victories to his ledger in 2019. In March he stopped two-division champion Lamont Peterson in a memorable firefight before blasting out Jayar Inson in the second-round in July. A win on October 24 not only puts Lipinets in line for the winner of the matchup between IBF and WBC Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr. and two-division champion Danny Garcia, but also will help solidify his spot amongst the best in the star-studded 147-pound weight class. However, these potential high-profile matchups don’t take anything away from his focus heading into his upcoming fight.
“I don’t really think about the other top welterweight fighters like Errol Spence Jr., Manny Pacquiao, Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter or Terence Crawford,” said Lipinets. “In order to get to them, I have to win on October 24. Then everything else will fall into place. The top guys will fight me when they have to. That’s been the story of my career. Nobody has fought me because they wanted to, but usually because they had to.”
The unbeaten Abdukakhorov presents a challenge that Lipinets embraces. Abdukakhorov enters this fight after a victory over former champion Luis Collazo in addition extensive amateur experience that Lipinets knows will make him a formidable opponent when they square off October 24.
“Nobody is at the top of the IBF rankings for nothing,” said Lipinets. “Abdukakhorov had a successful amateur career with a lot of fights. He moves fast and knows his way around the ring. I know he’s tough, strong and he’ll do his best to stay in there with me. But I’m going to box him, fight at a distance if I have to, and pile up points against him. I expect a great fight. I’ll have a plan for whatever he brings to the table and get the win however I have to!”
ABOUT LIPINETS VS. ABDUKAKHOROV Lipinets vs. Abdukakhorov will see former world champion Sergey Lipinets take on unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov for the interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated contender Xavier Martínez battle hard-hitting Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Rising super lightweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins will duel knockout artist Subriel Matías in a 10-round showdown to kick off the televised action.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Top Rank, Inc. and Mayweather Promotions.
Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, October 24, Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event
Undefeated Contender Xavier Martínez Squares Off Against Hard-Hitting Claudio Marrero in WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the Co-Main Event
Rising Super Lightweight Malik Hawkins Faces Knockout Artist Subriel Matías in Televised Opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
NEW YORK – October 5, 2020 – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets will take on unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated contender Xavier Martínez battle hard-hitting Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Rising super lightweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins will duel knockout artist Subriel Matías in a 10-round showdown to kick off the televised action.
Lipinets vs. Abdukakhorov was originally scheduled to take place October 10, but was rescheduled because of a delay in Abdukakhorov receiving his visa. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Top Rank, Inc. and Mayweather Promotions.
“Sergey Lipinets announced himself last year as a serious contender in the welterweight division and can move closer to the top of the stacked weight class against the tough unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov on October 24,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “In undercard attractions, unbeaten Xavier Martínez can earn a career-best victory over the always dangerous Claudio Marrero, while talented super lightweight Malik Hawkins and the powerful Subriel Matías will clash with a chance for the winner to propel themselves up the 140-pound rankings. These are three evenly matched bouts that will show us a lot about all of the fighters, while treating fans to great action.”
“Given what Kudratillo has gone through to get this opportunity, the fight seems easier,” said Carl Moretti, Top Rank VP of Boxing Operations. “But everyone knows it won’t be.”
The 31-year-old Lipinets (16-1, 12 KOs) will look to remain unbeaten since moving up to welterweight in 2018 and position himself for further title opportunities in the welterweight division. Born in Kazakhstan and representing Russia, Lipinets now lives in Woodland Hills, California and is trained by renowned coach Joe Goossen. Lipinets has put together three straight victories since losing his 140-pound title to four-division champion Mikey Garcia in March 2018. Lipinets scored two victories in 2019, including a stoppage of two-division champion Lamont Peterson in one of the year’s most exciting fights.
Born in Uzbekistan and fighting out of Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia, Abdukakhorov (17-0, 9 KOs) is the top-rated welterweight contender in the IBF rankings. The 27-year-old made his U.S. debut last March, defeating former title challenger Keita Obara by unanimous decision. Abdukakhorov followed that up with a wide technical decision triumph over former champion Luis Collazo last October.
A Mayweather Promotions prospect from Sacramento, Calif., Martínez (15-0, 11 KOs) has trained for this fight in Las Vegas, Nev. alongside three-time champion Gervonta Davis. The 22-year-old added three knockout victories to his record last year, and has stopped his last seven opponents heading into October 24. Martínez most recently knocked out Jessie Cris Rosales last November, and will step up in competition to face Marrero, as he seeks to move closer to a title shot.
The former interim featherweight champion Marrero (24-4, 17 KOs) will move up to the 130-pound division after a long run at 126-pounds that saw him face a slew of contenders and rising prospects. Representing Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Marrero captured his interim title in April 2017 with a first round knockout over then unbeaten Carlo Zambrano. The 31-year-old also owns a first-round stoppage of then unbeaten Jorge Lara in April 2018 and a decision victory over featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez last June.
Another rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, Hawkins (18-0, 11 KOs), fights out of Baltimore, Maryland and is trained by Gervonta Davis’ coach Calvin Ford. The 24-year-old most recently triumphed over then unbeaten Darwin Price in December by fifth-round TKO. Hawkins was busy in 2019, picking up five victories in total following a 2018 campaign that saw him earn his first 10-round decision win by beating Raymond Serrano.
The 28-year-old Matías (15-1, 15 KOs) returns to action looking to bounce back from his first career defeat, a narrow decision loss to Petros Ananyan in February of this year. Prior to that, Matías had stopped all 15 of his opponents dating back to his pro debut in December 2015. October 24 will be his fourth fight in the U.S.
Before a euphoric crowd at the Tomás Donés Coliseum of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Abimael ‘Hands of Stone’ Ortíz (6-0-1, 4 KOs) of Cidra, won by way of a sudden 5th round technical knockout over former Olympian Jantony Ortíz (8-1, 4 KOs) of Humacao, in a scheduled eight rounds fight at the super bantamweight division.
Jantony visited the canvas twice in the fifth round by body shots.
“Thanks to the fans that came together to the fight. Jantony is a great opponent, but we knew we had to beat him, but that was not going to be a easy task because of his great boxing abilities. Thanks to Fresh Productions Boxing for trusting me and giving me this scenario to show what can I do and grateful to Jantony for the opportunity to fight him” said an excited Abimael Ortiz, who in his last bout beat defeated Promotions Miguel Cotto prospect and localist Josean ‘El Tren’ Figueroa, by technical knockout in the eighth and final round of an exciting fight.
For the vacant WBC FECARBOX Lightweight title, Dominican Alfredo ‘Ojo’ Santiago (10-0, 3 KOs) looked impressive by winning by 4th-round TKO over dangerous Argentine Cristian Miño (19-2, 17 KOs) in 10 rounds agreed duel.
“Thanks to the CMB and Fresh Productions for this opportunity. Now with the victory I will be among the best lightweights in the world and ready to fight them” said Santiago.
Santiago, has notable victories over former Mexican Olympian Arturo Santos Reyes and world contender Jayson Velez, of Puerto Rico.
The freshly ranked # 20 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) at junior welterweight Subriel Matias (11-0, 11KOs), of Fajardo, scored a impressive 4th-round TKO victory over Breidis Prescott (31-13, 22 KOs).
Matias sent Prescott to the canvas in the third round with a resounding left hook to the face and the next round, Matias landed a upper to the jaw that sent the Colombian to the canvas again, and after overcoming the referee eight count, he retired from combat.
In his last presentation, Matías defeated Mexican prospect Adrián ‘Diamante’ Estrella (28-1, 24 KOs) by technical knockout in the fourth round. In addition, the Puerto Rican puncher has fast wins over Jeffrey Fontánez, former Venezuelan Olympian Patrick López, Brazilian puncher Joaquim Carneiro and world challenger Daulis Prescott, brother of Breidis.
Jovanie ‘El Lobito’ Santiago (11-0-1, 8 KOs), of Dorado defeated by technical knockout in the fifth round the Colombian Andres Figueroa (9-3, 5 KOs) in a duel scheduled for 8 rounds in the maximum weight of 142 pounds.
Santiago, defeated in his last fight former world champion DeMarcus Corley by unanimous decision. Also in his resume he has a victory over Antonio ‘El Cacique’ Ortíz, who was unbeaten in six starts.
In other matches, Angel ‘El Gallo’ Suárez (8-2, 3 KOs) of Guaynabo, defeated by unanimous decision Francisco ‘Monkey’ Rodríguez (4-4-1) of Santa Isabel. The judges scored 60-54, 60-54 and 59-55.
Four round bouts:
At the maximum weight of 153 pounds, Patrick Cora won by technical knockout in the second round over Orlando Fernandez. At 135 pounds, Steven Ruidiaz, of Canovanas, knocked out Héctor González of Coamo in two rounds. At 130 pounds, Jose Aguirre, of Arecibo, dominated Michael Estrada, of Fajardo. The three judges scored 40-36. In the bantamweight division Alexis Diaz beat Luis Torres by majority decision. The judges scored 40-37, 39-37 and 38-38. Debutant Bryan Álvarez of Cayey, won by unanimous decision over Emilio Rivera at 122 pounds.
Cataño, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rican super prospect Subriel Matias (10-0, 10 KO’s) from the Maternillo neighborhood of Fajardo, won by technical knockout in the fifth round over Mexican Adrián Estrella (28-2, 24 KO’s) in combat held at the park Pedro ‘Perucho’ Cepeda in Cataño as part of the event promoted by Fresh Productions Boxing.
In the first two rounds, Estrella was able to establish his boxing, but entering the third round, the Puerto Rican began to throw an accurate jab that led him to combine more shots to take the round.
The fourth round was a action packed for both fighters. Both were connecting blows with bad intentions, but in the second half of the round, Matías was able to connect accurate shots to the body and face of the Mexican Estrella who was in bad shape once the round was over. After that, Estrella decided not to continue with the bout.
“I have a lot to improve,” said Subriel Matias, “I lost the first two rounds, he dominated me, but we knew that the victory was ours because I go from less to more and already entering the third round, I was better. I knew I was going to catch it. I know I could have given more in the victory, but we won and I’m happy. I want to thank Adrián Estrella for the opportunity to face him”.
Promoter Juan Orengo of Fresh Productions Boxing said that “Subriel showed that he is a boxer that has to be taken seriously. His punch made a Mexican warrior take off in the middle of the fight. We put strong tests on Subriel because we know that he has all the tools to win and for now, without getting hurt. His resume is very advanced and expect more interesting fights along the way. We will be announcing the next steps soon”.
Before the match, Matias already had strong victories by way of the knockout over world title challenger Daulis Prescott of Colombia, former Olympian Patrick Lopez, former rising prospect Jeffrey Fontánez of Caguas, Puerto Rico and Brazilian power puncher Joaquim Carneiro.
Estrella, on the other hand, has victories over former world champions Celestino Caballero and DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley and over world title contenders, Balweg Bangoyan and Dante Jardón.
In other battles:
In the super welterweight, Derrieck Cuevas (17-0-1, 14KO) defeated Mexico’s Jesús Álvarez (15-5, 11 KO) in a seventh-round TKO.
In the lightweights, Nestor Bravo (13-0, 9 KO) defeated by technical knockout in the first round Colombian Jean Sotelo (26-16-2, 16 KO) in 8-round bout.
At bantanweights, Jonathan ‘Bum Bum’ López (3-0, 3 KO) of Humacao looked impressive when he won by technical knockout in the first round over Frankie Santiago (1-2). Santiago visited the canvas three times.
In the 110 pounds and six rounds, Óscar Marrero (3-1, 2 KO) won by unanimous decision to Alexis Díaz (1-18-1) of Trujillo Alto. The three judges scored 60-54.
In the welterweight division, Alberto Amaro (7-6, 3 KO) defeated by technical knockout in the third round Heriberto Salamán (0-4) of Carolina.
In the super featherweight division, Michael Adorno (3-0, 3 KO) of Vega Alta won by technical knockout in the third round on José Luis Cortés (0-2) of Aguadilla.
In duel of debutantes in the featherweight division, Luis Enrique Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) of Catano knocked out Joshue Mercado ( 0-1 ) in the first round.
