Tag Archives: super middleweight

boxing

SUGAR PROMOTIONS SIGNS TV DEAL WITH STADIUM VIEW NETWORK

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“FERIA de CAMPEONES”
April 28, 2018 in Aguascalientes, MX

AGUASCALIENTES, MX (April 4, 2018) – Sugar Promotions, in association with Stadium View Network (SVN), is happy to announce its partnership with the government of Mexico in Aguascalientes, to broadcast it’s boxing shows to the United States market.

 

 

 

 

The first event titled, “Feria de Campeones”, will take place at the world-famous Plaza de Toros San Marcos in Aguascalientes, MX, on April 28, 2018, during the “Feria de San Marcos” festival. The government of Mexico will produce all Sugar Promotions’ boxing events in Aguascalientes, and provide a satellite signal to (SVN), who will distribute the content to its network in the U.S.

 

 

 

 

The main event will showcase local hero, Humberto “Tito” Velazco (19-1-1, 13 KOs), who will fight for the vacant WBC Silver Super Middleweight title.  In the co-main event, Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (13-0, 7 KOs), from Las Vegas, NV, will fight for the WBC Jr. Bantamweight Youth World title.  In two special feature attractions, local fan favorite, Issac “Canelito” Avelar (14-0, 9 KOs) will defend his WBC FECOMBOX Featherweight title, while Maryan Salazar (7-2) will battle for the WBC FECOMBOX Light Flyweight belt. Opponents for all four fights will be announced on a later date, along with other undercard bouts.

 

 

 

 

“Having a partner like Stadium View Network is what we envisioned when we started promoting boxing shows in Aguascalientes, Mexico,” said Oscar Vazquez, CEO of Sugar Promotions. “The government of Mexico has been a tremendous help in securing our deal with SVN. My goal is to make Aguascalientes the capital of boxing in Mexico. We are signing the best fighters from Mexico. With this agreement, their talent will be showcased on SVN in the United States, and all throughout Mexico and Latin America.”

 

 

 

 

“We welcome Sugar Promotions and Stadium View Network to our beautiful city of Aguascalientes,” said Dr. Manuel Aceves Rubio, Director of the Sports Institute of the State of Aguascalientes. “Boxing is big part of our culture here in Mexico and we want to show the world that Aguascalientes will be the epicenter of all future boxing events in our country.”

 

 

 

 

“It brings me great joy to know that the city of Aguascalientes will be recognized as capital of the boxing world in Mexico,” said José Angel Gonzalez Serna, President of the Board of Trustees of San Marcos. “We want to let the world know that Aguascalientes is a safe place to visit and enjoy quality events.”

 

 

 

 

With 1,200 locations, Stadium View Network (SVN) is a satellite-delivered television channel featuring programming designed specifically for the sports bar and hospitality industry. SVN’s channel provides ambient programming featuring action-oriented video segments. The ambient programming will be pre-emptible at the subscriber’s election with PPV events transmitted by SVN. Stadium View Network’s capabilities include planning and managing ad-hoc and full-time networks, encryption services, and programming signal delivery on both a domestic and international level.

 

 

 

 

“SVN is excited to partner up with Sugar Promotions and the government of Mexico, in Aguascalientes,” said John Parks, president of Stadium Sports Network. “We want to provide great boxing matches to our audience and Sugar Promotions has the ability to deliver exactly what we desire. In addition, we want to show the Government of Mexico that we are serious about broadcasting live boxing from their beautiful city of Aguascalientes.”

 

 

 

 

“I love it when a plan comes together,” said Greg Hannley, president of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages a stable of fighters that will be showcased on SVN. “The exposure my fighters will get with this SVN deal is going to be amazing. I want to thank Sugar Promotions and the government of Mexico in Aguascalientes for their support.”

 

 

 

 

The Feria de San Marcos, considered as “The Fair of Mexico” is the most important popular celebration of the city of Aguascalientes. It takes place in honor of San Marcos evangelist, patron saint of the neighborhood of the same name. It is considered a fair of national importance in Mexico, with great international prestige. The San Marcos Fair is considered one of the 10 most important in the world and the largest in all of Latin America. It is a very safe fair and has an endless list of activities.

boxing

Hawkins decisions Serrano to wins NABA-USA Welterweight title

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Wins by Hard Hitting Promotions fighters Pizarro, Cuevas & Teah

 

Rock, Ellis, Williams and Alday remain undefeated
 

 

 

Philadelphia, PA (April 2, 2018) – This Past Friday night, Malik Hawkins remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Raymond Serrano to capture the NABA-USA Welterweight title that headlined an action-packed 8 bout card at The Fillmore in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

The sold-out show was promoted by Hard Hitting promotions.

 

 

 

Hawkins used his length to pick and land shots on the inside.  Hawkins raced to the early lead, but the veteran Serrano got going in the middle rounds as he used his experience to get himself back into the fight by winning scrums on the inside and an occasional long right hand.  Down the stretch, Hawkins dug down deep and took control of the fight as seemed to be the fresher fighter.  Hawkins who had never been past seven rounds, paced himself well against a tough Serrano, who never showed any signs of retreating as the two stood and fought until the final bell.

 

 

 

Hawkins of Baltimore, MD won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 to raise his perfect mark to 13-0.  Serrano of Philadelphia was urged on by his loyal fan base, but fell just short, and now drops to 24-5.

 

 

 

Heavyweight prospect Darmani Rock landed a hard right to the body that dropped Ronny Hale down and out at 1:27 of round two of their scheduled six-round bout.

 

 

 

Rock of Philadelphia is now 11-0 with 7 knockouts.  Hale of Austin, Texas falls to 4-12.

 

 

 

Good looking prospect Brandon Pizarro rebounded nicely from his 1st professional defeat by pounding out a 4-round unanimous decision over Pablo Cupal in a lightweight fight.

 

 

 

Pizarro, 18 years-old of Philadelphia won by shutout scores on all cards of 40-36, and is now 9-1.  Cupul of San Diego is 9-24.

 

 

 

Samuel Teah dropped Orlando Rizo three times in the 1st round, and their lightweight bout was stopped at 2:35 of that opening frame.

 

 

 

Teah dropped Rizo with a right hand early in the round.  He followed that up with hard body shot that sent Rizo to the canvas, and finished off Rizo with another right hand.

 

 

 

Teah of Philadelphia is now 13-2-1 with 6 knockouts.  Rizo of Managua, Nicaragua is 19-13.

 

 

 

 

Undefeated prospect Jeremy Cuevas got off the deck to come back to win a six-round unanimous decision of Erain Cruz in a super lightweight bout.

 

 

 

Early on it looked like it could have been a rough night for Cuevas as he ate a perfect right hand that sent him to the canvas in round two.  A round later, Cuevas had blood dripping from his nostrils, but the young veteran got himself together and put his combinations together to come to take the rest of the fight, and win by scores of 59-55 on all cards.

 

 

 

Cuevas of Philadelphia is now 8-0.  Cruz of Ocala, FL is 4-5.

 

 

 

It looked like undefeated super middleweight Ronald Ellis would have a short night as he battered Taneal Goyco all over the ring in the first round of their scheduled six-round bout.  Ellis continued to have Goyco in trouble throughout their affair, and dropped Goyco with a right hand in round three.  Goyco hung tough, but took many power shots, and Ellis looked impressive in winning by shutout scores of 60-53 on all cards.

 

 

 

Ellis of Lynn, MA is now 15-0-2.  Goyco of Philadelphia 9-11.

 

 

 

Tramaine Williams won a six-round unanimous decision over Antonio Rodriguez in a featherweight bout.

 

 

 

Williams landed quick combinations, and cut Rodriguez over his right eye in the final round.

 

 

 

Williams of New Haven, CT won by scores of 60-53, 59-55 and 58-56 to raise his mark to 15-0.  Rodriguez of Mexico is 12-21.

 

Joey Alday, Jr. kept his knockout streak intact by stopping Michael Crain at 1:28 of round three of their scheduled 4-round junior middleweight bout.

 

 

 

Alday dropped Crain round two with a hard combination, and finished him off with a hard left to the body in round three.

 

 

 

Alday of Odessa, Texas is now 7-0.  Crain of Smyrna, DE is 1-2.

 

 

 

For the latest info at @hardhitpromo on    or

 

Hardhittingpromotions.com

 

 

 

 

boxing

Hard Hitting Promotions presents stacked card this Friday Night at The Fillmore in Philadelphia

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Raymond Serrano vs Malik Hawkins in Main Event

 

Plus a plethora of the best prospects in boxing
 

 

 

Philadelphia, PA (March 29, 2018) – TOMORROW NIGHT!!!  at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, Hard Hitting Promotions will present an outstanding 10 bout card that has a can’t miss main event, and will feature some of the most talented fighters in the country.

 

 

 

 

In the aforementioned featured attraction, Raymond Serrano of Philadelphia will battle undefeated Malik Hawkins of Baltimore, MD in a ten-round battle for the NABA-USA Welterweight Championship.

 

 

 

 

Serrano, 28 years-old has a record of 24-4 with 10 knockouts.  The former amateur standout is riding a three-fight winning streak.  The 11 year veteran, who is managed by Mark Cipparone has wins over Ashantie Henrickson (1-0), Jay Krupp (12-1), Ronnie Warrior Jr. (13-2-1), Ayi Bruce (15-2-1), Jerome Rodriguez (6-1-3), Zack Ramsey (8-1), and his last bout when he won via 8th round disqualification over previously undefeated Enver Halili (10-0) on November 18th in Atlantic City.

 

 

 

 

Hawkins, 22 years-old, has record of 12-0 with nine knockouts.  The four-year professional exploded onto the scene with a 2nd round destruction over previously undefeated Carlos Soto (13-0-2) on April 14, 2017 in Oxon Hill, Maryland in a bout that was nationally televised on ShoBox: The New Generation.  Hawkins is coming off a 7th round stoppage over Juan Jesus Rivera on November 4th.

 

 

 

 

One of the most talent laden undercards in recent memory has been put together.

 

 

 

 

In six-round bouts:

 

 

 

 

Darmani Rock (10-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Ronny Hale (4-11, 4 KOs) of Austin, Texas in a heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Hard Hitting Promotions elite-prospect Branden Pizarro (8-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia battles 32 fight veteran Pablo Cupul of San Diego in a lightweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Hard Hitting Promotions Samuel Teah (12-2-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Orlando Rizo (19-12, 11 KOs) of Managua, NIC in a lightweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Hard Hitting Promotions rising prospect Jeremy Cuevas (7-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Efrain Cruz (4-4-1, 1 KO) of Vieques, Puerto Rico in a lightweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Undefeated super middleweight Ronald Ellis (14-0-2, 10 KOs) of Lynn, Massachusetts battles Taneal Goyco (9-10-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

Hard Hitting Promotions fighter, Gadwin Rosa (5-0, 4 KOs) of Ocala, FL battles an opponent to be named in a super featherweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Tramaine Williams (14-0, 5 KOs) of New Haven, CT battles Antonio Rodriguez(12-20-1, 5 KOs) of Durango, MX in a featherweight bout.

 

 

 

 

In four-round bouts:

 

 

 

 

Romuel Cruz (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Joey Alday, Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs) of Odessa, TX takes on Mike Crain (1-1) of Smyrna, DE in a junior middleweight bout.

 

 

 

 

VIP Tickets are sold out;  General Seats are sold out

 

 

 

 

There’s only some Ringside and Second-floor standing available.

 

 

 

 

The Fillmore is located at 29 E. Allen Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19123

 

 

 

 

 

For the latest info at @hardhittpromo on  Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View on Instagram   or

 

 

 

 

Hardhittingpromotions.com
boxing

Undefeated Super Middleweight Ronald Ellis Takes On Taneal Goyco This Friday Night At The Fillmore In Philadelphia 

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Nutley, NJ (March 28, 2018)–Undefeated super middleweight contender Ronald Ellis returns to action for the 1st time since his controversial draw with Junior Younan when he takes on upset specialist Taneal Goyco this Friday night at The Fillmore in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ellis of Lynn, Massachusetts and now is training out of Los Angeles, has been working hard since the February 2nd fight with Younan.  In that bout Ellis forced the action, and most ringside observers thought that Ellis should have squeaked out the decision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday night, Ellis will look to notch his 15th victory against two draws.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Everything is good.  I got right back in the gym after the last fight.  When I watched the fight again, I could have done a little bit bit more, but he ran all night.  Hopefully Goyco will stand and fight on Friday night,” said Ellis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ellis believes by the end of the year, that he will be right in the mix of the hot super middleweight division.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I still have a lot to prove, But I am a contender that is continuously climbing the rankings.  I just need that opponent who will bring the best out of me. My plan is to get another fight on television after this one.  I know Goyco is no pushover   I have been training for and treat him like all of my other opponents.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 28 year-old is looking forward to performing in front of the knowledgeable fight fans in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Philadelphia fans always knows when there is a good fight.  There have been a lot of good fighters from Philadelphia, and they are real fight fans there.  I am really excited to perform in front of them.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Ronald is close to a big fight.  I am looking to step him back up in the early part of the Summer.  I feel by the end of the year, he will be in a major fight in the super middleweight division.  I expect him to look great on Friday night, and we are excited to watch him perform on Friday night,” said GH3 Promotions CEO, Vito Mielnicki.

boxing, Super Channel, World Boxing Super Series

TODAY: WBSS Semifinals finale Super Middleweights in Germany: Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken

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WBSS Semifinals finale
Super Middleweights in Germany
 
Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS AFTERNOON
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) Callum Smith & Nieky Holzken
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (February 24, 2018) – This afternoon in the semifinals round finale of the incredibly entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament, undefeated challengersCallum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond champion, and late replacement Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), square-off in the 12-round super middleweight bout, at Nurnberger Versicherung Arena in Nuremburg, Germany.
The Smith vs. Holzken card, starting at 2 p.m. ET, will air live in Canada, exclusively on Super Channel.
Holzken, an undefeated Dutch prospect, replaced two-time world champion Juergen Braehmer, of Germany, who withdrew earlier this week from the WBSS semifinals match due to illness.
The Smith-Holzken winner will advance to the WBSS super middleweight championship final against World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion “Sir” George Groves (28-3, KOs), of the United Kingdom, June 2at The O2 Arena in London, in a battle for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
The 27-year-old Smith, fighting out of the United Kingdom, won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Erik Skoglund in the WBSS quarterfinals to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond super middleweight title.
“I came here to book a place in the final,” Smith said. “I have had a really good camp and I have improved on stuff from the last fight and people will see a better performance from me. People will see that I am good enough to win the tournament. I just want to win, win well, and look good doing it.
“I always knew from the start of the tournament that there was a massive opportunity that George (Groves) would be waiting in the final. But, for now, I am fully focused on Nieky, and then I can talk more about Groves after the fight.”
Holzken, 34, was preparing to fight Dmitri Chudinov in Saturday’s WBSS Super Middleweight Substitute Fight.
“It’s great to be here,” Holzken commented. “My life has been like a rollercoaster the last days. I was preparing to fight Dmitrii Chudnov, and on Monday I got a call that Juergen Braehmer was out. So, this is a lifetime opportunity and I will take the opportunity with both hands, I’m ready!
“Callum is a good fighter and respectful guy, but I am a big believer, and I believe I can get the victory on Saturday. I am going to do my best to beat him and my best to win the whole tournament.”
Five exciting fights on the “Smith-Holzken” card, presented by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
 
TODAY’S WBSS LINE-UP ON SUPER CHANNEL
MAIN EVENT – WBSS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SEMIFINALS – 12 ROUNDS
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom, 167.5 lbs. (76,0 kg)
vs.
Nieky Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands, 167.5 lbs. (76,0 kg)
CO-FEATURE – WBSS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SUBSTITUTE FIGHT – 10 ROUNDS
Dmitrii Chudinov (20-2-2, 13 KOs), Russia
vs.
Siarhei Khamitski (30-14-3, 14 KOs), Belarus
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
Filip Hrgovic (3-0, 3 KOs), 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Croatia
vs.
Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-1, 8 KOs), Ireland
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
James Kraft (13-0, 9 KOs), Former WBC Youth Light Heavyweight Champion, Germany
vs.
Bernard Donfack (23-17-3, 11 KOs), Germany by way of Cameroon
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Leon Bauer (12-0-1, 8 KOs), Germany
vs.
Marco Miano (6-5 (2 KOs), Italy
SWING BOUT
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Tony Kraft (12-0-1, 4 KOs), Germany
vs.
Jozsef Racz (7-20-1, 2 KOs), Hungary
(all fights & fighters subject to change)
 
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), Russia
WTKO12
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-1, 20 KOs), Cuba
(Gassiev retained his IBF title and won WBA championship)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom
WDEC12 (117-112, 116-112, 115-113)
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom
(Groves retained his WBA title and won IBO championship)
 
February 24, Nurnberger Versicherung Arena, Nuremburg, Germany
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
vs.
Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
CRUISERWEIGHTS
 
May 11, 2018, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – WBC/WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), WBO/WBC Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), WBA/IBF Champion, Russia – Ring #2
June 2, 2018, The O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom, WBA/IBO Champion – Ring #2
vs.
Callum Smith-Nieky Holzken winner
Connect with Super Channel:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel
 
About MP & Silva
 
MP & Silva is a full service global sports media agency that connects passionate fans with clubs, broadcasters and brands. Founded in 2004, the company has rapidly grown to become a key participant in the global sports marketplace. The company prides itself on using its global team to create value and deliver tailored solutions for its clients and partners; distributing media rights of some of the world’s most prestigious sports events, offering a broad set of sponsorship consultancy services and providing a range of digital services and technology solutions. Headquartered in London and Singapore, MP & Silva has international offices in Beijing, Budapest, Dubai, Dublin, Luxembourg, Monaco, Munich, New York, Paris, Tokyo and Warsaw.
 
Connect with MP & Silva
 
Website: www.mpsilva.com          
Twitter: @MPSWorldwide
boxing, Super Channel, World Boxing Super Series

WBSS Semifinals finale Super Middleweights in Germany:  Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken

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AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) – Nieky Holzken & Callum Smith
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (February 21, 2018) – World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond champion Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs) takes on late replacement Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs) this Saturday in the last World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinals-round match in the super middleweight division, at Nurnberger Versicherung Arena in Nuremburg, Germany
The Smith vs. Holzken card, starting at 2 p.m. ET, will air live in Canada, exclusively on Super Channel.
Holzken, an undefeated Dutch prospect, has replaced two-time world champion Juergen Braehmer, of Germany, who withdrew from the WBSS semifinals match due to illness.
“I have been battling a feverish infection since Sunday,” Braehmer explained. “Unfortunately, a fight in this state is out of the questions. It is not possible for me to go into the ring like this and I would like to apologize to my fans. I was well prepared and looking forward to fighting Callum.”
The Smith-Holzken winner will advance to the WBSS super middleweight championship final against World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion “Sir” George Groves (28-3, KOs), of the United Kingdom, June 2at The O2 Arena in London, in a battle for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
Smith was the least tested WBSS semifinalist in terms of having faced quality opponents, as well as the youngest at 27. The undefeated Brit is one of four fighting Smith brothers.
In the WBSS quarterfinals, Smith took a 12-round unanimous decision from previously unbeaten Erik Skoglund to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond super middleweight title.
“I gave an interview last week and said it was great there have been no drop-outs,” Smith said. “Looks like I spoke too soon. We got the call as we were boarding the plane. I am committed to fighting Saturday and will fight whoever the World Boxing Super series puts in front of me.”
The 34-year-old Holzken was preparing to fight Dmitri Chudinov in Saturday’s WBSS Super Middleweight Substitute Fight. He has had only four scheduled 10-round matches during his five-year professional career, the most notable being a win by 10-round unanimous decision in 2016 over Farouk Daku (20-9-1) for the vacant BeNeLux super middleweight title.
Holzken is determined to make the most of this opportunity by upsetting Smith, despite his obvious leap in class. “I’ve been waiting for this chance to come,” Holzken commented. “I signed up as a substitute fighter, so I’m in great shape and prepared for Saturday. I’ve watched Callum fight many times. I study everyone in my weight class. He’s a good, solid fighter. We’re both big body punchers. It will make for an excellent fight. Callum, you better be ready, because I am, and I’m coming to beat you!”

Five exciting fights on the “Smith-Holzken” card, presented by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
In the 10-round WBSS Substitute Fight, Dmitrii “Night Wolf” Chudinov (20-2, 13 KOs), of Russia, faces an opponent to be determined in the co-featured event. 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovic (3-0, 3 KOs), of Croatia, faces Irishman Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout; former WBC Youth light heavyweight champion James Kraft (13-0, 9 KOs), of Germany, meets Cameroon native Bernard Donfack (23-17-3, 11 KOs) in an eight round super middleweight match; 19-year-old German super middleweight Leon Bauer (12-0-1, 8 KOs) squares off with Marco Miano (6-6, 2 KOs), of Italy, in a six-round fight to open the Super Channel broadcast. A six-round “swing bout” between German super middleweight Toni Kraft(12-0-1, 4 Kos) and Hungarian Jozsef Racz (7-20-1, 2 KOs) may also be aired.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), Russia
WTKO12
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-1, 20 KOs), Cuba
(Gassiev retained his IBF title and won WBA championship)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom
WDEC12 (117-112, 116-112, 115-113)
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom
(Groves retained his WBA title and won IBO championship)
 
February 24, Nurnberger Versicherung Arena, Nuremburg, Germany
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
vs.
Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
CRUISERWEIGHTS
 
May 11, 2018, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – WBC/WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), WBO/WBC Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), WBA/IBF Champion, Russia – Ring #2
June 2, 2018, The O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom, WBA/IBO Champion – Ring #2
vs.
Callum Smith-Nieky Holzken winner
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
boxing, Super Channel, World Boxing Super Series

Undefeated cruiserweight world champions Murat Gassiev vs. Yunier Dorticos World Boxing Super Series semifinals

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AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) – Yunier Doricos & Murat Gassiev
(Pictures courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (January 31, 2018) – The ultra-entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinals-round concludes this Saturday, when undefeated world champions Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs) throw-down in a unification fight, at Bolshov Ice Dome in Adler, Russia.
Like all WBSS action, the Gassiev-Dorticos card will air live in Canada, starting at 2 p.m. ET, exclusively on Super Channel.
The Gassiev-Dorticos winner will advance this May to the WBSS championship final in Saudi Arabia, to fight WBO/WBC world champion Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), winner of this past Saturday’s WBSS semifinals match against Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs). The WBSS’Muhammad Ali Trophy winner will become the first world cruiserweight champion to hold all four major championship belts at the same time.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
The 23-year-old Gassiev captured his International Boxing Federation (IBF) crown a year ago with a 12-round split decision victory over three-time world cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (29-1). In the WBSS quarterfinals, Gassiev knocked out two-time world cruiserweight champion Krsysztof Wlodarczysk (53-3-1) in the third round of his initial world title defense.
Dorticos is a well-schooled fighter,” Gassiev noted. “”He has many amateur fights, good speed, and fast hands. He is a great opponent and I have prepared for 12 tough rounds.

“The World Boxing Super Series is a great tournament that gives me the opportunity to unify all the cruiserweight titles. On Saturday, I am going to take another step towards that dream in front of my proud countrymen.”
A Cuban defector who now lives in Miami, Florida, Dorticos stopped interim World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight champion Youri Kalenga (22-2) in the 10th round of their 2016 fight, and he was later elevated to “regular” WBA world champion. Dorticos put Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1) to sleep in the second round of their WBSS quarterfinals match.
“I’m ready to show Gassiev what a champion looks like and give him a challenge he’s never faced before. I want to take his belt. In other words; Gassiev is my next victim. I am preparing my body and soul for the most important fight in my career. Because the only thing I’m going to accept is the victory.
“I have worked hard to be able to be a part of this tournament, I have worked hard to be able to prove that I am the best cruiserweight in the world. I believe I am the best in the world, and I can’t wait to fight again and show the fans all over the world once again what ‘The KO Doctor’ is about.”
Six fights, including four championship matches on the “Gassiev vs. Dorticos” card, which is promoted by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
In the co-featured event, Russian strongman Maksim Vlosov (41-2, 24 KOs) takes on 2008 Nigerian Olympian Olanreqaju Dorolola (27-4, 25 KOs) in the 12-round WBSS Cruiserweight Substitute Fight for the vacant WBC Silver title.   Plus, former world champion Fedor Chudinov(16-2, 11 KOs), of Russia, puts his WBA International super middleweight crown on the line in a 12-round fight against unbeaten 21-year-old American challenger Bobby Gunn, Jr. (9-0, 7 KOs), whose father, Bobby Gunn, is a bare knuckles champion; and WBA International bantamweight titlist Mikhail Aloyan (3-0-0), of Russia by way of Armenia, faces unbeaten Nicaraguan Alexander Espinoza (15-0-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder.   Two swing bouts are also slated: Basir Abakarov (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Denis Bakhtov (39-12, 26 KOs) in a 10-round battle of Russian heavyweights, and a four-round heavyweight match between Russian prospect Tair Kelekhsaev(1-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs), IBF World Champion, Russia – Ring #2
vs.
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, Cuba – Ring #5
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #2
vs.
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #4
 
February 24, Arena Nurnberger Versicherung, Nuremburg, Germany
Juergen Braehmer (49-3 35 KOs), Germany – Ring #10
(Former WBO & WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion)
vs.
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
boxing, Super Channel, World Boxing Super Series

Undefeated cruiserweight world champions Oleksandr Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis opens World Boxing Super Series semifinals

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Undefeated cruiserweight world champions
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis
World Boxing Super Series semifinals
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS AFTERNOON
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

Mairis Briedis (L) & Oleksandr Usyk
(photo courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (January 27, 2018) — Unbeaten cruiserweight world champions Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk and Mairis Briedis open the entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinals today in Latvia, starting at 2 p.m. ET, live exclusively on Super Channel in Canada.

Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
 
Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Cruiserweight World Champion is a
two-time Ukrainian Olympian, who captured gold medals at the 2012 Olympics and 2011 World Championships, twice defeating current International Boxing Federation (IBF) Light Heavyweight World Champion Artur Beterbiev, the two-time Russian Olympian now based in Montreal.
“I am going to entertain the crowd at the Arena Riga,” Usyk said. “That I can promise! I have worked on some new thing and Saturday you will see what I’m talking about.”
Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World Champion, will be fighting in his hometown in front of an expected crowd of 10,000.
“My team is doing everything to take pressure off my shoulders,” Briedis commented. “We are just concentrating on the fight. My dream is to deliver a fight that can go into the Boxing Hall of Fame.”
The Usyk-Briedis world title unification winner will advance to the WBSS championship final in May to fight the winner of the other WBSS semifinals match, Feb. 3 in Russia, between IBF World Champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs).
.
Five exciting fights on the “Usyk vs. Briedis” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.
 
TODAY’S WBSS LINE-UP ON SUPER CHANNEL
MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS – WBSS SEMIFINALS
WBO/WBC UNIFICATION CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), WBO Champion, Russia (90,4 kg (199.3 lbs.)
vs.
Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), WBC Champion, Latvia 90,3 kg (199.1 lbs.)
CO-FEATURE – WBSS CRUISERWEIGHT SUBSTITUTE FIGHT – 12 ROUNDS
Noel Gevor (23-1, 10 KOs), Germany by way of Armenia
vs.
Olanrewaju Durodola (27-4, 25 KOs), 2008 Olympian, Nigeria
WBC INTERNATIONAL SILVER LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP — 10 ROUNDS
Yoann Kongolo (10-0, 4 KOs), Switzerland, Champion
vs.
Andrejs Pokumeiko (15-12-1, 11 KOs), Latvia
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
Filip Hrgovic (2-0, 2 KOs), 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Croatia
vs.
Tom Little (10-4, 3 KOs), United Kingdom
CRUISERWEIGHT – 8 ROUNDS (Swing Bout)
Nikolais Grisunins (6-0-1, 3 KOs), Latvia
vs.
Jozsef Darmos (8-1-1, 7 KOs), Hungary
(All fights and fighters are subject to change)
 
 
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
 
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), WBO World Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), WBC World Champion, Latvia – Ring #3
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unificatiion
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs), IBF World Champion, Russia – Ring #2
vs.
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, Cuba – Ring #5
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #2
vs.
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #4
 
February 24, Arena Nurnberger Versicherung, Nuremburg, Germany
Juergen Braehmer (49-3 35 KOs), Germany – Ring #10
(Former WBO & WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion)
vs.
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
About Super Channel
 
Super Channelis a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.
 
Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience.  With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.
 
Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.
 
Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Alliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.
 
Connect with Super Channel:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECT JUNIOR YOUNAN PROMISES A BREAKOUT YEAR IN SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO FEATURE; RONALD ELLIS CAMP NOTES

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Younan Faces Fellow Unbeaten Ronald Ellis In Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation, Next Friday, Feb. 2 Live SHOWTIME®

 

“After you see me fight, you’re going to remember what you saw.” – Junior Younan

 

Photo Credit: Roc Nation Sports

 

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2nirQJI

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports delivers a behind-the-scenes look into the life and training camp of undefeated super middleweight prospect Junior Younan as he prepares to face fellow unbeaten Ronald Ellis in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation next Friday, Feb. 2, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

 

Ellis (14-0-1, 8 KOs), of Lynn, Mass., and Brooklyn’s Younan (13-0, 9 KOs) will clash in the 10-round main event of a four-fight telecast that features eight fighters with a combined record of 113-3-3.

 

The Brooklyn-born Younan is a former amateur standout who was dubbed by The New York Times as “a boxing prodigy” as a 10-year-old.  And while he’ll face the toughest opponent of his career on Feb. 2, he’s confident he has the pedigree and talent to become a world champion.

 

“I love being in that spotlight, putting on a show and hearing the fans,” he said. “There’s nothing like it. I definitely think I can be the face of the super middleweight division.

 

“After you see me fight, you are going to remember what you saw. This is my time. This might not be a world title yet, but this is my first step.”

 

He added: “I don’t think there’s anything I can’t handle. 2018 should definitely be an interesting year. This is my breakout year.”

 

   
Ronald Ellis Camp Notes

Ellis Faces Fellow Undefeated Super Middleweight Prospect Junior Younan Next Friday In Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation

Friday, Feb. 2 Live On SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa
NEW YORK (Jan. 26, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight Ronald Ellis is preparing in Los Angeles for his main event matchup against fellow undefeated Junior Younan that headlines a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, Feb. 2, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

Ellis (14-0-1, 10 KOs), of Lynn, Mass., and Brooklyn’s Younan (13-0, 9 KOs) will clash in the 10-round main event of a four-fight telecast that features eight fighters with a combined record of 113-3-3.

Ellis, who now calls Los Angeles home, has been working hard at the Iron Gym under the watchful eye of Jerry Rosenberg and his father Ronald Ellis Sr.

“My camp has been solid. I have been getting good sparring. We have been training for Younan like he is any other opponent,” Ellis said.

In Younan, Ellis has an idea on what his foe will bring to the ring on Feb. 2.

“I know he is a young and undefeated fighter,” he said. “I have been reading some things where he says he is going to bring the fight to me.  He seems like he likes to talk a lot, but that doesn’t do anything come fight night.”

This will be the third ShoBox appearance for Ellis, as he is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Christopher Brooker last January. Ellis feels that his big fight resume will be the key against Younan.

“My experience will definitely be an advantage,” Ellis said. “I have been here on ShoBox two times before. I will be relaxed and comfortable as we approach the fight. This is his first time. I expect him to be real hyper.”

“This is a natural progression for me. I went from fighting on the undercard of ShoBox, and now I am the main event. A win will get me world ranked and hopefully catapult me into theSaturday night fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. I know I can’t look ahead. I need to win first.”

The event is promoted by GH3 Promotions and Roc Nation Sports in association with Victory Promotions and Ringside Ticket. Tickets are just $10 general admission prior to the event and $20 on Feb. 2.  For more information call: 1.800.HOT.WINN ext. 7117.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New GenerationSince its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 74 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

World Boxing Super Series Semifinals

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LIVE IN CANADA
STARTING THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
EDMONTON, Canada (January 22, 2018) – Super Channel, the No. 1 destination network for Canadian boxing fans, will air the upcoming semifinals of the popular World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament, featuring world-class cruiserweight and super middleweight divisions action, live from various venues in Europe.
Super Channel acquired exclusive rights in Canada to air the entire WBSS tournament from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
“We are thrilled that the WBSS is returning to Super Channel for exclusive Canadian coverage of the highly anticipated semifinals,” said Troy Wassill, Director of Programming, Domestic Distributors and Sports.  “I have no doubt that every single bout is going to deliver exciting, must-see action for boxing fans, as these world-class fighters compete to see who is going to go head-to-head for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.”
WBSSis a revolutionary bracket-style elimination tournament featuring the world’s best boxers and a total of $50 million in prize money. The knockout format of the competition will see the best boxers ultimately compete for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, the greatest prize in boxing. The tournament is organized by newly-founded Comosa AG, a Swiss-registered company with principal owners Highlight Event & Entertainment, Modern Times Group and Team Sauerland. Comosa AG is working in partnership with boxers, promoters and managers around the world, and in alignment with the four major world boxing federations, to create a new global platform for the sport.
The first of its kind tournament, which is planned to take place on an annual basis, kicked off this past September with quarterfinals competition in two divisions, cruiserweight and super middleweight. An expert panel invited the world’s best boxers to compete, namely the top 15-ranked fighters of the four major federations: WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO. The winners of the two semifinals will advance to the championship round in both divisions this May.
Below find the WBSS semifinals schedule and a preview of the four matches and eight fighters who survived the quarterfinals:
 
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), WBO World Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), WBC World Champion, Latvia – Ring #3
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unificatiion
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs), IBF World Champion, Russia –
Ring #2
vs.
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), WBA World
Champion, Cuba – Ring #5
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #2
vs.
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom – Ring #4
 
February 24, Arena Nurnberger Versicherung, Nuremburg, Germany
Juergen Braehmer (49-3 35 KOs), Germany – Ring #10
(Former WBO & WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion)
vs.
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
(picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
The two winners in the cruiserweight semifinals will become the first unified world cruiserweight champion since Evander Holyfield in 1987. The eventual WBSS cruiserweight world champion will become the first ever to hold all four major sanctioning body titles – WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO — at the same time.
The four cruiserweight semifinalists, who represent four different countries, have a combined record of 83-0 with 68 knockouts. They are also the top three and fifth-highest ranked cruiserweights in the world by The Ring magazine’s independent ratings.
 
CRUISERWEIGHT SEMIFINALISTS
 
OLEKSANDR USYK: Captured the WBO cruiserweight world title January 17, 2016, by way of a 12-round unanimous decision over undefeated, defending champion Krzysztof Glowacki (26-0).
WBSS: In his third WBO title defense, he stopped former two-time WBO world champion Marco Huck (40-4-1) in the 11th round.
Note: 2-time Ukraine Olympian…. 2012 Olympics and 2011 World Championship gold medalist….twice defeated current IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev – Russia-native now fighting out of Montreal — in the 2012 Olympics and 2011 World Championships.
World Title Fight Record: 4-0 (2 KOs)
Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-0 (1), defeated Glowacki and Huck
MAIRIS BRIEDIS: He became WBC world cruiserweight champion April 1, 2017, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Huck.
WBSS: Won a 12-round unanimous decision from Mike Perez (22-2-1) in his first title defense.
Note: Former professional kickboxer…..also the reigning IBA world cruiserweight champion.
World Title Fight Record: 2-0 (0 KOs)
Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-0 (1 KO), defeated Huck & Manuel Charr
 
MURAT GASSIEV: Won a 12-round split decision December 3, 2016 against three-time world cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (29-1) to capture the IBF title.
WBSS: Knocked out former 2-time world cruiserweight champion Krsysztof Wlodarczysk (53-3-1) in the third round of his first title defense.
Note: Now lives in Big Bear, California, which is known for its rugged training center in the mountains.
World Title Fight Record: 2-0 (1 KO)
Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-0 (1 KO), defeated Lebedev & Wlodarczysk
YUNIER DORTICOS: Knocked out interim WBA cruiserweight Youri Kalenga (22-2) May 20, 2016 in the 10th round and later upgraded to “regular” WBA world champion.
WBSS: Stopped Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1) in the second round of his first world title defense.
Note: Defected to the USA from Cuba, where he was a member of the famed Cuban National Team, and he lives and trains in Miami, Florida.
World Title Fight Record: 2-0 (2 KOs)*
Record vs. current or former world champions: 1-0 (1 KO)*, defeated Kalenga
*includes interim WBA title fight
The super middleweight semifinal round is like a Battle of Britain with three Brits – George Groves,Chris Eubank, Jr. and Callum Smith – and German Juergen Braehmer. All four are ranked among The Ring magazine’s top 10.
SUPER MIDDELEWEIGHT SEMIFINALISTS
GEORGE GROVES: Knocked out defending world champion Fedor Chudinov (14-1) on May 27, 2017 in the sixth round to capture the WBA super middleweight world title.
WBSS: Stopped previously undefeated Jaime Cox in the fourth round.
Note: All three of his career pro losses have been to world champions Carl Froch twice and Badou Jack.
World Title Fight Record: 2-3 (2 KOs)
Record vs. current or former world champions: 3-3 (1 KO), defeated
James DeGale, Glen Johnson & Chudinov.
CHRIS EUBANK, JR.: Crowned IBO super middleweight champ February 4, 2017, when he knocked out Renold Quinlan (11-1) in the 10th round, and successfully defended his title July 15, 2017 with a 12-round unanimous decision win over 3-time, 2-division world champion Arthur Abraham (46-5).
WBSS: Defended his IBO belt with a third-round knockout of Avni Yildirim (16-0).
Note: The son of 2-time, 2-division world champion Chris Eubank, who manages his son’s career.
World Title Fight Record: 3-0 (2 KOs)*
Record vs. current or former world champions: 1-0 (0 KOs), defeated Abraham.
*includes 3 IBO world title fights
JUERGEN BRAEHMER: Former WBA and WBO light heavyweight champion of the world who dropped down one weight class for the WBSS tournament.
WBSS: Won a 12-round unanimous decision from previously unbeaten American Rob Brant(22-0).
Note: Hadn’t fought as a super middleweight in 10-years prior to the WBSS quarterfinals…30-1 (24 KOs) as a super middleweight and he avenged his lone loss…. two other career losses were to world champions Hugo Hernan Garay and Nathan Cleverly….at 39 the oldest WBSS semifinalist.
World Title Fight Record: 9-1 (6 KOs)*
Record vs. current or former world champions: 2-2 (0 KOs), defeated Javier Velasquez &Enzo Maccarinelli
CALLUM SMITH: The least tested WBSS semifinalist in terms of having faced quality opponents, in addition to being the youngest WBSS semifinalist at the age of 27.
WBSS: Took a 12-round unanimous decision from previously undefeated Erik Sjoglund (26-0).
Note: Has three brothers who are also pro boxers: Paul, Stephen and Liam….the holder of numerous regional titles including WBC International, Silver and Diamond, as well as European super middleweight champion.
World Title Fight Record: 0-0
Record vs. current or former world champions: 0-0
 
All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to the WSBB quarterfinals, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga and Crawford vs. Indongo.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.