Tag Archives: super middleweight

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

JAVIER FORTUNA STOPS CARLOS VELASQUEZ IN ROUND TEN TO RETAIN  SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES FROM THE PEARL THEATER AT PALMS CASINO RESORT

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UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS DOMONIQUE DOLTON AND OSCAR MOLINA FIGHT TO MAJORITY DRAW
Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
Fight Highlights Available HERE
 
LAS VEGAS (September 29, 2015) – Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (29-0-1, 21 KOs) used a relentless attack to stop Carlos “Twin Dream” Velasquez (19-2, 12 KOs) in the tenth-round and retain his super featherweight world title on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from The Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort.
Fortuna blitzed Velasquez from the opening bell, using his awkward-pressure style to open up opportunities to land punches. In the second round, Fortuna landed a pair of left hooks that sent Velasquez to the canvas. In that round, Velasquez began bleeding from the nose due to a head butt and may have broken his nose.
Also in that second round, Fortuna injured his left hand and was unable to throw it for much of the rest of the fight. He still proved to be too much for Velasquez however, out-landing him 168-51 while landing almost 40 percent of his punches.
He came out strong once again in the tenth round, landing a series of unanswered shots that prompted referee Russell Mora to stop the fight thirty-five seconds into the round. At the time of the stoppage, the judges’ scores were 88-82, 87-83 and 86-84 all for Fortuna.
In the co-main event, undefeated super welterweights Domonique Dolton (17-0-1, 9 KOs) and Oscar Molina (13-0-1, 10 KOs) fought to a majority draw in an entertaining, back-and-forth scrap.
Dolton threw more punches than Molina, but Molina landed at a higher percentage and was able to land his power punches over 50 percent of the time. In round three, Molina had his best moments when he wobbled Dolton with a right hand, but Dolton regained his composure and finished the round strong. Both men continued to flurry at moments throughout the remaining rounds and were throwing punches all the way to the final bell.
The judges’ totals were 95-95 twice and 97-93 for Fortuna. In total, Dolton landed 145 out of 479 punches while Molina landed 134 out of 326.
JAVIER FORTUNA
“I was just waiting to counter punch Velasquez. The rhythm of the fight was important. I was in control of the fight because I could control the rhythm.
“I’ve had this style ever since I was an amateur. I’ve learned more about how to be aggressive and I’ve always tried to press the action throughout my career.
“I knew I got him with a good shot when I knocked him down. I hurt my left hand after that but it was just a matter of time until I got him again. I didn’t throw my left too much after that.
“I saw his shots coming. I would have taken advantage earlier but I hurt my hand. If I hadn’t hurt my hand, he wouldn’t have lasted five rounds.
“I looked at his corner as I was hurting him because I wanted them to know that I could go the full 12 rounds and I wasn’t going to stop until the final bell rings.”
CARLOS VELASQUEZ
“The head butt, I think broke my nose early in the fight, and it effected my breathing throughout the bout.
“I take nothing away from Fortuna, he’s a great fighter. I left everything in the ring and I never quit. I wanted to give it my all and that’s what I did.”
DOMONIQUE DOLTON
“I knew it was a close decision. It would have been fine either way. Close fight. He landed some shots, I landed some shots. I wouldn’t have been mad either way.
“The game plan was to make him miss with the left hand and then get him with the overhand right. I got in there and started overpowering him. I decided to just beast him. I thought I would finish stronger at the end of the fight.
“He has really good timing. We’re both technicians. I wanted to make him miss, he wanted to make me miss. He landed some more power shots but I made him work for it at the end.”
OSCAR MOLINA
“I let it get too close, so I can’t complain about the decision. I’ll go home and watch the fight but right now I can’t complain. The judges saw what they saw.
“The game plan was to stay relaxed, but I fell out of the game plan. I hurt him in the third round and it kind of messed me up. I started looking for that one shot to end it. I have to work on staying steady and relaxed.
“Dolton had real good foot work, he caught me lunging in. I’ve known him since the amateur days so I know how good he is.
“I’m motivated to get back in the gym and start going 20, 30 rounds without getting tired. I got gassed at the end but It’s a learning experience.”
 
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PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS  was promoted by Mayweather Promotions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES FIGHTERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

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Quotes From Carlos Velasquez, J’Leon Love, Andrew Tabiti & Mickey Bey
Before They Enter The Ring On Tuesday, September 29 From
The Pearl At Palms Casino Resort
 
Click HERE For Photos From
Mayweather Promotions/Esaiah Gomez & Justin Harrison
LAS VEGAS (September 25, 2015) – Fighters competing on Tuesday’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and FOX Deportes fight card held a media workout at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas Thursday, as they prepare for their September 29 bouts at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.
2004 Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Velasquez was on hand to talk about his showdown with super featherweight world champion Javier Fortuna that headlines the telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Also in attendance Thursday was super middleweight contender J’Leon Love, who takes onOsumana Adama in a 10-round bout, undefeated cruiserweight knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti, who will take on Tamas Lodi in an eight-round affair and former world championMickey Bey, who returns in a 10-round lightweight bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50 and $20.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased atwww.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
CARLOS VELASQUEZ
“All the training is over and now it’s time to fight. I had a great training camp and my body feels fresh. My weight is good I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans.
“I’m ready for this challenge. Being the main event is a blessing and I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.
“It’s time to bring another world championship back home to Puerto Rico.”
J’LEON LOVE
“Camp has been tremendous. I’ve pushed my body to a new level. I’m in great condition. We’re just waiting for the 29th.
“I always try to add to my game in training camp. I’m trying to perfect my craft. Defense is one thing you can never have too much of.
“I want to make someone miss and make them pay. I’m focused on my balance and being aggressive.
“I’ve always been an intelligent fighter. I’m trying to stay two or three steps ahead of my opponent. I want them to adjust me. I can let my skill dictate the action.
“I’m visualizing an A+ performance on Tuesday night. I’m still learning and finding myself every day. I can’t wait to bring it all into the ring.”
MICKEY BEY
“I’ve had a great camp filled with hard work. I’m working hard for Floyd Mayweather Sr. to get myself ready for this fight.
“I’ve had to slowly get back to it after my hand surgery but I feel great now and ready to go.
“I’m anticipating a clean sweep Tuesday night. I can adapt to anything on the fly in the ring. I’m a smart, all-around fighter.
“Get your popcorn early because you’re going to see everything in the ring, you never know what you’ll see.
“I’m fighting for my family and friends. I’ve had so much support through my injury. I learned a lot from sitting out. I’m ready to get in there and test it out.”
ANDREW TABITI
“I’ve been working hard in the gym on my conditioning and just staying in great fight shape.
“The main thing I’m looking for is the win. I have to respect each guy in front of me and if the knockout comes, I’ll take it.
“I want to stay active and just keep gaining experience in the ring. I’m getting better with each fight.”
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com andhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotion. Highlights available to embed a www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER J’LEON LOVE BATTLES OSUMANA ADAMA ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES

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UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS DOMONIQUE DOLTON & OSCAR MOLINA SQUARE-OFF IN GREAT NIGHT OF ACTION ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 FROM
 THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT
 
Plus! Former World Champion Mickey Bey & Knockout Artist Andrew Tabiti
Featured In Separate Bouts
 
LAS VEGAS (September 24, 2015) – Super middleweight contender J’Leon Love (20-1, 11 KOs) returns to battle Osumana Adama (22-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and FOX Deportes Tuesday, September 29 from The Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort.
Additional televised action features undefeated rising super welterweight contenders as Detroit’s Domonique Dolton (17-0, 9 KOs) battles 2012 Mexican Olympian Oscar Molina (13-0, 10 KOs).
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by super featherweight world champions Javier Fortuna taking on 2004 Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Velasquez. Renowned sports broadcaster Jessi Losada takes on blow-by-blow duties alongside boxing champion Daniel Ponce de Leon for FOX Deportes.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50 and $20.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Further undercard action features Mayweather Promotions’ stars including undefeated cruiserweight knockout artistAndrew “The Beast” Tabiti (11-0, 10 KOs) taking on Tamas Lodi (16-5-2, 13 KOs) in an eight round bout and former world champion Mickey Bey (21-1-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.
Also entering the ring is 30-year-old Buffalo-native Lionell Thompson (15-3, 9 KOs) in an eight round light heavyweight attraction, undefeated 20-year-old Ladarius “Memphis” Miller fighting out of Las Vegas in a lightweight bout against 27-year-old Minneapolis-native RonDale Hubbert (10-2-1, 6 KOs) and 21-year-old Milwaukee-native Thomas Hill (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-round super welterweight affair.
Rounding out the night of fights is 25-year-old Juan Heraldez (8-0, 6 KOs) out of Las Vegas taking on 27-year-old Los Angeles-native Joaquin Chavez (9-17-3, 2 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight bout and 26-year-old Cuban Leduan Barthelemy (6-0, 3 KOs) in a featherweight fight.
A once-beaten contender at 168-pounds, the 27-year-old Love will make his third start of 2015 on September 29. He bounced back from his lone defeat to dominate Scott Sigmon in March and Jason Escalera in June. The Inkster, Michigan native owns wins over Marco Antonio Periban, Derrick Findley and Lajuan Simon. He will face the 34-year-old Adama who has twice fought for a world title and fights out of Joliet, Illinois by way of Ghana.
A highly regarded prospect out of the late Emanuel Steward’s Kronk Gym, the Detroit-native Dolton is undefeated as a pro entering his bout September 29. The 25-year-old has already taken home victories over Victor Fonseca and Juan Carlos Rojas in 2015 and owns victories over Donatas Bondorovas, Richard Gutierrez and Jonathan Batista in his seven-year career.
Representing Mexico, the 2012 Olympian Molina fights out of Norwalk, California and is unbeaten in his brief professional career. The 25-year-old turned pro in 2013 and after winning a decision in his first bout, he went on to knock out six opponents in a row. His pro fights have been split almost evenly between California and Mexico and he will be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time as a pro on September 29.
A powerful fighter who knocked out the first ten opponents he faced, Tabiti proved he can box and go rounds in his last fight, an eight-round shutout of Roberto Santos in July. Prior to that, the 26-year-old kicked-off his 2015 campaign with a sensational knockout of Thomas Hanshaw in June. The Chicago-born fighter now trains out of Las Vegas and will take on the 26-year-old Hungarian Lodi.
The 32-year-old Bey returns to the ring on September 29 for the first time since winning a world title in September 2014 with a victory over Miguel Vazquez. Bey has won three fights in a row including victories over Alan Herrera and Carlos Cardenas. Representing Cleveland, Ohio, Bey looks to work his way back to title-contention beginning on September 29.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes
boxing

Perennial gatekeeper Marcus Upshaw Opens gate to new chapter

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MIAMI (August 19, 2015) – Perennial middleweight/super middleweight gatekeeper Marcus Upshaw finally opened the gate to the next chapter of his career last Saturday, knocking out previously undefeated Turkish prospect Bugra Oener at Wynwood Stadium in Miami, to capture the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) interim Mediterranean super middleweight title.
The 35-year-old Upshaw (18-4-4, 9 KOs) fought in his home state for the first time in 2 ½ years.  He was on a seek-and-destroy mission against reigning WBC Youth super middleweight champion Oener (9-1, 3 KOs).
Upshaw admitted considering retirement after his previous fight, in which he dropped Las Vegas hometown favorite Lanell Bellows (12-1-1) three times yet lost an eight-round decision.
“I’ve been the gatekeeper for so long but I finally opened the gate,” Upshaw said.  “This fight felt awesome, especially after my long, long journey.  I was stressed out after my last fight.  I beat myself up and felt there was no reason for me to continue my boxing career.  I felt used and was ready to quit, but I was convinced to give it one more shot. I was ready to put my life on the line, going for it and not worrying about getting hit or hurt.
“I knew that I had to finish this time.  My opponent was related to one of the promoters and, along with my history, I knew that I had to keep going to finish the job.  I knew I had to knock him out and I trained hard to do just that.  I’ve put the past behind me.  The problem was always me.  This fight was fun.  I stepped into the devil’s playground and that brought out the ugly in me to get the job done.”
It may seem strange that a life-long Floridian like Upshaw is the interim WBC Mediterranean super middleweight champion, but he proudly displays his second title belt (see accompanying picture with Upshaw and manager Si Stern), to go along with the Florida State middleweight strap he won in 2009, when he knocked out another unbeaten prospect at the time, Ahsandi Gibbs (10-0). Equally strange were the cheers he heard from the crowd that serenaded him with chants of “USA, USA” as he entered the ring with Florida promoter Dave Johnson waving an American flag as he led the team walk to Upshaw’s corner.
“For a change I was fighting in my backyard and hearing fans shout, ‘USA, USA’ motivated me a lot,” Upshaw noted.  “They had my back.  I was honored and it got me extra psyched for the fight.  I knew had to prove myself.  I’m really a middleweight but I took this fight at super middleweight because it was a good opportunity for me.”
Upshaw has always been known for his toughness, going the distance, albeit in losses, with champions, contenders and prospects such as Mario Antonio Rubio,David Lemieux, Gilberto Ramirez Sanchez, Edwin Rodriguez, Patrick Majewski and Tarvis Simms.
“I’m very happy for Marcus after all he’s been through,” Upshaw’s longtime managerSi Stern (SHS Boxing Management) added.  “Marcus was a different fighter in the ring this time….like he was a completely different guy,”  “Marcus had been mistreated by people in the early part of his career who threw him in against guys weighing up to 175 pounds, fighting them on late notice in their backyards, and a lot of his losses were to world champions.
“Marcus has always had the power he showed against Oner, but he wasn’t taught how to properly use his power until he started working with (head trainer) Orlando(Cuellar).  Marcus is very, very strong and he’s never been in a bad fight. He’s lost some fights he should have won, but that’s all behind him now.  Coming off this fight, I believe we can get him to fight for a regional title, and then we’ll go from there”
INFORMATION:
Twitter @MarcusUpshaw or @MarcusArilliusUpshaw
boxing

GH3 Promotions statement on Jerry Odom defeat

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Nutley, NJ (July 20, 2015) – This past Friday night at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Jerry Odom (13-2, 12 KO’s) was stopped in three rounds by Samuel Clarkson (15-3, 9 KO’s) in what was supposed to be a fight contested in the Super Middleweight division.
Odom of Washington, DC did his part to meet his contractual obligation and made the 168 pound contracted weight.  Unfortunately Clarkson checked in over 4 pounds higher at 172.8
At the morning- after weigh in, Clarkson was only supposed to be 10 pounds over the contracted weight and could not come in over 180 but once again was overweight at 184.6 pounds. Odom was 173 pounds.
When they stepped on the unoffical scale just a few hours before the fight, Odom was 175.8 while Clarkson 189.7.
Knowing that the fight was to be on national television as part of ShoBox: The New Generation,  GH3 Promotions President Vito Mielnicki, while taking nothing away from the results wants the world to know that he made a bad business decision and shoulders the blame on himself for letting Odom go through with the contest.
“I should have cut the fight at the weigh in but I let my fighter make the final decision and Jerry wanted to fight.  I thought about it but wanted to give Jerry the opportunity to showcase that he is one of the best Super Middleweights out there,” Said Mielnicki.
“I still believe in Jerry as much if not more then I did before the fight.  He showed that he wont back down from anybody.  He was in there with a Cruiserweight and against my better judgement, I let the fight happen.  I signed options with Clarkson and I am looking to do the rematch on television at the proper weight of 168 pounds. If he knew that he would be coming in so over the weight limit, being professional he could have come to us and we could have worked it out so Jerry did not have sweat off the final pounds for the last two days before the weigh in. That was his way of giving himself a better chance to win the fight.  Look at some the pre fight pictures and interviews, Jerry was as dried out and drained as he could have got, yet Clarkson looked fresh as a daisy.  We will look to have a rematch on television in the next four months.”
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, lightweight Oscar Bonilla, Heavyweight Natu Visinia, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell and Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster to the GH3 Promotions stable.
For More information on GH3 Promotions, Contact:
boxing, UK Boxing

Bryan Vera- Rocky Fielding Media Day quotes and pictures

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Liverpool, England (June 24, 2015)– Super Middleweight contender Bryan Vera (23-9, 14 KO’s) and Rocky Fielding (20-0, 11 KO’s) held a media workout Tuesday in advance of their bout on Friday.

The fight will take place at the Echo Arena, and he is with his team that consists of his brother Gilbert, manager David Watson and Matthew Rowland, Vice-President of Banner Promotions.

“We did a media day in front of a good crowd in Liverpool. We did a small workout for the crowd. Rocky fielding showed up after me and did his thing for the crowd,” Said Vera

“I am ready to bring back the belt. I am ready and feel great fighting at 168. I have fought many great fighters. I have been tested time and time again. Rocky Fielding knows that this is not his typical fight. He’s fighting a warrior and I’m coming to win. That I know.”

boxing, UK Boxing

Bryan Vera in England for Friday fight with undefeated Rocky Fielding

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Liverpool, England (June 23, 2015)–  Super Middleweight contender Bryan Vera (23-9, 14 KO’s) is in Liverpool, England and is focused for his Friday night showdown with undefeated Rocky Fielding (20-0, 11 KO’s)

The fight will take place at the Echo Arena, and he is with his team that consists of his brother Gilbert, manager David Watson and Matthew Rowland, Vice-President of Banner Promotions.

“I have not seen much of Fielding except for what I have seen on Youtube,” stated Vera.

“After I win this fight, I would love to fight one of Rocky’s stablemates in IBF Super Middleweight champion James DeGale or WBC champion Badou Jack.  I know 168 pounds is my ideal weight.  I feel stronger at this weight and I will put on a great performance on Friday. I am prepared for an emphatic win on Friday”

Said Matthew Rowland, “After Bryan wins on Friday, he will be right in the mix for a world title or a major fight 168 pounds.”

 

BET Network, boxing, Roc Nation

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD VS. FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER PAUL SMITH ON JUNE 20, 2015 AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA LIVE ON BET NETWORKS & TIDAL.COM

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PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS

 

Roc Nation Sports hosted the official weigh-in for the June 20 throne boxing showdown between Olympic Gold Medalist and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) and former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) on Friday, June 19 on The Ridge at Plank at Jack London Square in Oakland, California.

 

PHOTOS:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uqubsi0sweppxz7/AADwcBlsa09CaOcGDs17zMsTa?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey6l95t7cgtqnwm/AABqjB2JOuTBJizACwPlmrW4a?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Khristopher “Squint” Sandifer

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uwkc53z3gn1cg5r/AABneiFrYcKJFUrHk08XuVDba?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Stephanie Trapp

 

VIDEO:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yo7wjpoemuu78e6/AAB-0vw42sncUNuR6Mr55dVBa?dl=0

VIDEO CREDIT: Roc Nation Sports

 

SATURDAY, June 6, 2015: Fight Night

 

WHEN:                 3:00 PM PT – Doors Open

3:45 PM PT – First Fight

7:00 PM PT – BET Networks Telecast Begins

7:40 PM PT (approx.) – Nipsey Hussle Performance

 

WHERE:               Oracle Arena

7000 Coliseum Way

Oakland, California 94621

BET Network, boxing, Roc Nation

Photos: Andre Ward vs. Paul Smith Final Press Conference For June 20 Fight On BET Networks & TIDAL.com

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(From Left to Right) Andre Ward’s trainer Virgil Hunter, Andre Ward’s manager James Prince, COO of Boxing for Roc Nation Sports David Itskowitch, WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward, former world title challenger Paul Smith, Smith’s trainer Joe Gallagher and Oakland City Council President Lynette Gibson McElhaney pose on June 17, 2015 in Oakland, California at the final press conference for Ward and Smith’s June 20, 2015 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland which will be televised live on BET Networks and streamed globally on TIDAL.com. (Photo By: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports)

 

WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (left) and former world title challenger Paul Smith (right) pose on June 17, 2015 in Oakland, California at the final press conference for thier June 20, 2015 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland which will be televised live on BET Networks and streamed globally on TIDAL.com. (Photo By: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports)
BET Network, boxing, Roc Nation

ANDRE WARD VS. PAUL SMITH & UNDERCARD MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD VS. FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER PAUL SMITH ON JUNE 20, 2015 AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, LIVE ON BET NETWORKS & TIDAL.COM, PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS

 

Oakland, CA (June 17, 2015) – On Tuesday, June 17, Olympic Gold medalist and WBA Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) and former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) of England participated in a media workout at King’s Gym in Oakland, California in advance of their June 20 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland in a 12-round fight that will be televised live televised live on BET and streamed globally on TIDAL.com at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT. Undercard fighters Wang Zhimin, Meng Fanlong and Aaron Coley also partook in the open training session.

 

PHOTOS:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ud1jq49v4g8ml51/AAA8v8BNwkNm1butPgB08eVDa?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports

 

VIDEO:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3ha7kllmuc2yyvw/AAAB10itDL-u9DBopLKnWNzRa?dl=0

VIDEO CREDIT: Roc Nation Sports

 

 

Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) – Olympic Gold Medalist and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion

 

“I haven’t felt this feeling, fight week in Oakland, in awhile. Last week those emotions started to set in. I’ve been focused and getting ready, but fight week is just different. No matter the magnitude of the fight you should feel like this. I’m excited. I’m used to this kind of pressure.”

 

“Smith is a European champion. He’s got no problem traveling. He doesn’t care if he bleeds. If you knock him down, he’s coming to win, and that’s why we picked him. We didn’t pick him because there was anything soft about him. We picked him because he’s a tough competitor. I’m glad that all of a sudden he started talking like he did last week. I was almost getting offended that he wasn’t saying anything. I’m so used to guys talking a lot. So, he finally started talking and I loved it. It’s not that I needed more motivation, but it’s just a little bit extra.”

 

“I’m coming back off of two layoffs. During this past camp, I felt a lot better than I have in the past. I did more. My shoulder feels stronger and I think you all are going to see that on Saturday night.”

 

“Each fighter has their own personal struggles. You can’t predict what those challenges and struggles are going to be and you can’t predict how long they are going to be. I was able to persevere through that. Paul Smith is not just fighting Andre Ward off of an eight week camp, he’s fighting Andre Ward off of everything I just went through. All the frustrations, all the delays, all of those emotions…he’s fighting that guy come Saturday night.”

 

“Every fight for me is a Super Bowl. I haven’t lost in a very long time. We prepared for everything that Paul Smith is going to have and everything he’s going to bring to the table. It’s a beautiful thing when fight week comes around and you know that you didn’t cut any corners. Every rep counted for me in this camp. Every round counted for me. I pushed past what my coach wanted me to do. There was nothing light about this camp. I hear Smith’s camp talking a lot about ring rust and if that’s what they are banking on, they have the wrong game plan come June 20.”

 

“The game plan is to razzle, dazzle, be explosive and do it all. I have to be aware as a professional. Virgil has told me this whole camp ‘There is no game plan for Paul Smith. Let it come to you. You’ve been boxing long enough that when you get in the ring you’ll know what to do.’ We’ll make adjustments along the way, but there isn’t a specific game plan for Paul Smith. I think you are going to see everything come Saturday night. I’m not going to force it. I’m just going to let it flow.”

 

“This town is a major fight time. It’s not just Oakland. It’s San Francisco. It’s Haywayd. It’s Stockton. It’s all the surrounding cities. Any time they have one of their own in the forefront, they support and that’s what I love about the Bay Area.”

 

 

Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) – Former World Title Challenger

 

“The last big gym session I had was this past Friday. Everything I could have possibly done happened during my training camp. The last week is all about relaxing, resting, getting your energy levels up and your weight down.”

 

“When [trainer] Joe [Gallagher] gets in [to Oakland], we’ll sit down and he will point out things straight away that we need to work out…what needs pushing, the game plan. Concentrate on the game plan and tactics. We’ll be watching tapes of Ward and dissecting them.”

 

“It’s great having people in the gym today. Yesterday, we came to King’s Gym to do a work out and it was a bit more quiet. It’s nice having a good atmosphere like this in the gym. Everyone knows there’s a fight this week and it’s great having the kids (from the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland) here.”

 

“I love Oakland. It’s tough, but it’s tough where I am from too. Liverpool is tough. I’m really hoping that the Finals go to game seven so it’s a big weekend for Oracle Arena. It would bring some atmosphere to the arena the night before the fight. I probably won’t get any sleep because of the noise.”

 

“There’s not much more I can do to prepare now. There’s nothing Andre can do today to help beat me on Saturday night. Whatever we have both done in the weeks before is what we are going in the ring with. I can’t get any more fit. The game plan is done. I’m in a position where I’m getting to fight the best fighter in my division on the planet. I know that more than anyone. No one needs to remind me of that, but I also know I have a chance of beating him. I know that I just have to do what I have to do and stick to the game plan.”

 

 

Aaron Coley (9-1-1, 6 KO’s) – Junior Middleweight Prospect

 

“I have been training in the same gym as Andre Ward for this fight. It’s very exciting for me to fight in Oakland. I have about 200 people coming to the fight. I’m looking for a stoppage in this fight, for real. I’m coming off of the first loss of my career and I’m fighting for the first time in Oakland, so I’m looking to impress. I want to get that stoppage early.”

 

 

Meng “Cold Blood” Fanlong (1-0) – Light Heavyweight Prospect

 

“I’m very happy and honored to be on this great event at Oracle Arena on Saturday, June 20 featuring Andre Ward. I am very honored to be fighting on the same card as World Champion Andre Ward.”

 

 

Wang “Jimmy” Zhimin (9-1) – Junior Welterweight Prospect

 

“I’m looking forward to my fight on Saturday, June 20 at Oracle Arena in Oakland.  I am very happy to be on this great card with Andre Ward and Go Warriors.”

 

 

Ward vs. Smith, a 12 round bout presented by Roc Nation Sports, takes place Saturday, June 20 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, will be televised live on BET and streamed globally on TIDAL.com at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT and is presented in association with Matchroom Sport. The fight is sponsored by The Waterfront Hotel, Venue Kings, Shoe Palace, CTMS Travel, U-BOAT, FanDuel, Fandango, Q 102.1, 95.7 the GAME and KBLX 102.9. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Nipsey Hussle taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee Sway Calloway and will also feature hit master DJ Franzen who will serve alongside Sway throughout the night. Tickets priced at $250, $125, $90, $60 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 3:00 PM, the first fight begins at 3:30 PM and the BET telecast and TIDAL.com stream begin at 10:00PM ET/7:00 PM PT.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.