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boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk Training Camp Notes

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Polish Former World Champion Battles IBF Champion Murat Gassiev in World Boxing Super Series Quarter-final Showdown Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. &
On AUDIENCE Network
 
Click HERE for Wlodarczyk Training Video
(Credit: Knockout Promotions/Ringpolska)
 
NEWARK, N.J. (October 4, 2017) – Already a two-time cruiserweight world champion, Krzysztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk will seek to become a champion a third time, and also put himself into the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semi-finals, when he battles IBF Champion Murat Gassiev on Saturday, October 21 in quarter-final action from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J and live on AT&T AUDIENCE Network.
Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available atTicketmaster.com. Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.
“Anyone who knows me and my experience in this sport knows that I will be ready on October 21,” said Wlodarczyk. “Everything that I’ve done so far in training camp and in sparring is to show my Polish fans in American that ‘Diablo’ is back.”
The Polish former champion not only has a chance to further solidify his place as one of the greatest Polish fighters of this generation, but he can put himself into a position to became the undisputed king of the division.
“I know how important this matchup is and that’s why I’m leaving no stone unturned in training,” said Wlodarczyk. “This fight is for my legacy and I’ve worked hard to have the opportunity. If I can take full advantage of this, then I can send a lot of my fans home happy and that will be my goal onOctober 21.”
If Wlodarczyk defeats Gassiev and captures the IBF crown, he will move on to the semi-finals to face WBA Champion Yunier Dorticos and put himself even close to winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy in a finals showdown with either WBO Champion Oleksandr Usyk or WBC Champion Mairis Briedis.
“Murat Gassiev is a strong dynamic fighter, but he’s not without flaws,” said Wlodarczyk. “He beat Denis Lebedev in Moscow, and I have to respect that, but I’m working hard with my trainer to catch Gassiev with something that he will not be prepared for. They say he hits hard, but I hit harder.
“When there’s nothing to lose, I’m always the better fighter. Don’t be surprised if Gassiev is on the defensive from the beginning. This is my first time fighting in front of the great Polish fans in New Jersey and New York and I’m going to give them something to remember.”
Wlodarczyk was unable to get revenge for his last defeat in a world title bout against Grigory Drozd after losing in 2014 and suffering an injury before their 2015 rematch. Wlodarczyk earned a 2016 title shot against Beibut Shumenov before Shumenov withdrew from their match with an injury. Overall ,Wlodarczyk has won four contests in a row leading intoOctober 21.
 
“I’m very happy to be injury free and physically feel at the top of my game,” said Wlodarczyk. “My message to my supporters around the world – don’t doubt my chances. Believe in me like I believe in myself. I’m not only there to beat Gassiev and become the IBF champion. I want to beat him and go all the way and bring that Muhammad Ali Trophy back to Poland!”
Additional action on October 21 will feature a WBSS reserve match between hard-hitting Polish contender Mateusz Masternak and once-beaten Stivens Bujaj, plus a 10-round super welterweight bout between unbeaten Polish contender Maciej Sulecki and former title challengerJack Culcay.
***
For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Avni Yildirim WBSS super middleweight quarterfinals

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Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Avni Yildirim
IBO Super Middleweight World Championship
LIVE ON SUPER CHANNEL IN CANADA
2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT
 
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 * Stuttgart, Germany
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
  (photo courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (October 4, 2017) – The spotlight shifts back to the super division for this Saturday’s World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament when International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. defends his title against undefeated challenger Avni “Mr. Robot” Yildirim in quarterfinals action, airing live in Canada exclusively on Super Channel from Hanns-Martin-Schleyer in Stuttgart, Germany.
The “Eubank Jr. vs. Yildirm” card, starting at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT,keeps Canadian boxing fans at ringside during the entire $50-million WBSS tournament, live this weekend from Germany and exclusively on Super Channel, which acquired the 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 28-year-old Eubank Jr. (25-1, 19 KOs), fighting out of the United Kingdom, is managed by his father, Chris “Simply The Best” Eubank (45-5-2, 23 KOs), who is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO super middleweight champion.
In 2015, Eubank Jr. stopped Tony Jeter (20-4-1) in the second round to capture the Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight crown. Eubank Jr. captured his IBO title this past February, knocking out Renold Quinlan (11-0) in the 10th round. In his most recent action, the skilled Brit won a 12-round unanimous decision over multiple world champion Arthur Abraham (46-5) in his first and only world title defense to date.
“This is the first fight for me in this tournament and I am here to make a statement,” Eubank Jr. said. “I am the man; I’m the man to beat. There will be no mercy for Yildirim. I am here to win, I am not here to make friends. I am not here to look pretty and be a celebrity, I am here in this tournament to become the champion.
I am very much looking forward to this fight. I think it is a great match-up. Styles make fights and the reason I picked this man at the Draft Gala is that he is a fighter. He comes forward. He is very active, he is very open, he takes risks, which he will pay for this fight. I can’t wait!
“I have a goal. I have a challenge that I have to complete and that is to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy and prove that I am the best in the world.”
Upset-minded Yildirim (16-0, 10 KOs). 26, is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) International Silver super middleweight champion, which he originally captured two years ago, taking a 10-round decision from former world champion Glen Johnson (54-20-2). Yidirim has successfully defended his title five times against Janne Forsman(KO1), Walter Sequeira (17-2), Jackson Junior (KO2), Schiller Hyppolite (TKO3),Aliaksandr Sushchyts (KO12) and Marco Antonio Periban (DEC12).
“This tournament is a chance for me to fight the best in the world,” Yildirim commented. “It is an honor for me. I am here to destroy everyone in the tournament. I am not an Instagram or Facebook fighter like Eubank Jr. I am Avni Yildirim and I am here to destroy. I will do anything to win this fight and win this tournament. I feel good. I am very prepared. Let’s fight!”
Five exciting bouts on the “Eubank Jr. vs. Yildirim” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel. The Eubank Jr. vs. Yildirim main event is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.
 
In the 10-round co-featured event, Germany’s undefeated prospect Stefan Haertel (14-0, 1 KOs) faces Ukrainian challenger Viktor Polyakov (13-1-1, 6 KOs) in a WBSS super middleweight substitute fight.
Other televised fights on Super Channel includes International Boxing Federation (IBF) Youth super middleweight champion Leon Bauer (12-0, 8 KOs) vs. Atin Karabet (3-1, 2 KOs), of Germany, in the six-round televised opener, German super middleweightDenis Radovan (6-0) vs. German Tiran Metz (14-2-4, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout, and undefeated British super middleweight Zach Parker (13-0, 10 KOs) vs. Matingu “Zulu King” Kindele (9-6, 3 KOs) in an eight-round match
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
WBSS RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS ON SUPER CHANNEL
 
Sept. 9 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Berlin, Germany
WBO Cruiserweight World Championship 
 
Oleksandr Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), Kiev, Ukraine
WTKO10
Marco Huck (40-5-1, 27 KOs), Berlin, Germany
(Usyk retained WBO cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 16 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final in Liverpool, UK
WBC Super Middleweight Diamond Championship
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
WDEC12
Erik Skoglund (26-1, 12 KOs), Nykoping, Sweden
(Smith won WBC Diamond super middleweight title)
Sept. 23 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in San Antonio, Texas, USA
Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), Miami, Florida, USA by way of Cuba
WKO2.
Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs), Challenger, Volgodonsk, Russia
(Dorticos retained WBA cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 30 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Riga, Latvia
Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs), Champion, Riga, Latvia
WDEC12
Mike Perez (22-3-1, 14 KOs), Challenger, Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba
(Briedis retained WBC cruiserweight title)
 
October 14, 2017 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom
WBA Super Middleweight World Championship
“Saint” George Groves (26-3, 19 KOs), Champion, Hammersmith, London, UK – The Ring #3
vs.
Jamie Cox (24-0, 13 KOs), Swinton, Wiltshire, UK

October 21, 2017 — Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals: 
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

IBF Cruiserweight World Championship
“Iron” Murat Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs), Champion, Vladikavkaz, Russia – The Ring #2
vs.
Krzysztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs), Challenger, Piaseczno, Poland – The Ring 10
Former IBF & WBC Cruiserweight World Champion

October 27, 2017 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Finals:

Sport and Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

Juergen Braehmer (48,3 35 KOs), Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommem, Germany
Former WBO & WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion
vs.
Rob “Bravo” Brant

(22-0, 15 KOs), Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
 
SEMIFINALS
 
Cruiserweights
Usyk vs. Briedis, Dorticos vs. Gassiev/Wlodarczyk winner
 
Super Middleweights
Smith vs. Eubank/Yildirim winner, Groves/Cox winner vs. Braehmer/Brant winner
All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
Super Channel has recently aired major boxing events live 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.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Polish Contender Mateusz Masternak Meets Once-Beaten Stivens Bujaj in World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Reserve Match Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

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Plus! Unbeaten Polish Super Welterweight Maciej Sulecki Takes On Former Title Challenger Jack Culcay
 
Headlined by Cruiserweight Champion Murat Gassiev Battling Former Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk 
in WBSS Quarter-final Action
 
NEWARK, N.J. (September 27, 2017) – Hard-hitting Polish contender Mateusz Masternak (39-4, 26 KOs) will battle once-beaten Stivens Bujaj (16-1-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight reserve match on Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Additional action will feature a 10-round super welterweight bout between unbeaten Polish contender Maciej Sulecki (25-0, 10 KOs) and former title challenger Jack Culcay (22-2, 11 KOs).
The October 21 event is headlined by IBF champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev and former world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk squaring-off in World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarter-final action.
“This is going to be a fantastic show for fans to come out and get a night full of action on October 21 in Newark, New Jersey,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Polish pride will be in full force as Mateusz Masternak and undefeated Maciej Sulecki take on tough opponents in important matchups as they chase their world title aspirations. This of course will all lead up to the main event and the final World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarter-final pitting the champion Murat Gassiev against the former champion from Poland,Krzysztof Wlodarczyk.”
Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available atTicketmaster.com. Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.
“In my top form I know that I can beat better fighters than Bujaj,” said Masternak. “I don’t think he can hurt me. Every fight is important, boxing teaches you that every day. But Bujaj is a stepping stone for me to bigger fights. He is saying that he beat me in sparring a few years ago, but how well could it have gone if he departed faster than he arrived? I have no time to make a mistake and lose a fight like this so I will be ready for anything when we enter the ring.”
Fighting out of Wroclaw, Poland, Masternak has fought a slew of top champions and challengers in the cruiserweight division and enters this fight the winner of his last three contests. The 30-year-old has battled Tony Bellew, Grigory Drozd and Youri Kalenga while also picking up the European cruiserweight championship with a victory over Juho Haapoja. Masternak has fought in nine countries throughout his career and returns to the fight the U.S. for the first time since his fourth pro bout in 2006.
“Get ready to see the best Stivens Bujaj ever,” said Bujaj. “I’ve been training two, sometimes three times a day. I’ve been in this sport since I was 15 years old, and it all comes down to this moment. This is my world championship. It’s going to be the fight of my life and I’m ready to do whatever it takes. I’ve sparred Masternak before and I dominated for eight rounds and they sent me home. I’m ready to finish what I started onOctober 21!”
An Albanian fighter living in New York, Bujaj was a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion before turning pro in 2010 and going unbeaten in his first 18 pro bouts. The 27-year-old won three times in 2016, including a victory over then unbeaten Sergio Ramirez before dropping a bout to undefeated Constantin Bejenaru. Bujaj has been hampered by injuries during his career but returns to the ring healthy and ready to resume his climb to the top of the division.
Representing Warsaw, Poland, Sulecki pulled off his most impressive victory to date last year when he stopped then unbeaten contender Hugo Centeno Jr. in the 10th and final round of their fight. The 28-year-old has picked up victories over Damiam Bonelli and Michi Munoz since then as he seeks a world title at 154-pounds. Sulecki will return to Prudential Center for the second time after knocking out Jose Miguel Berrio in 2015 at the venue in Newark.
Culcay was originally born in Ecuador but grew up in Germany and in 2008 he represented the Germans at the 2008 Olympics. The 32-year-old was dominant in winning his first 14 pro fights and picking up the WBA inter-continental super welterweight title. Culcay put together another seven-fight winning streak and won the WBA interim super welterweight title before dropping a world title bout to Demetrius Andrade by close split-decision in March.
***
For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World)
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

28/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs
LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA BACK IN HOUSTON FOR LFA 26 ODOMS vs. HUGHES

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MAIN EVENT:
LFA HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION
RICHARD “THE BLACK EAGLE” ODOMS
vs.
JEFF “LIGHTS OUT” HUGHES
HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD LIVE on AXS TV
ARENA THEATRE in HOUSTON, TEXAS
Tickets are on sale NOW through at Arena Theatre

HOUSTON, Texas – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) officials announced today LFA will return home to Houston, TX for LFA 26.
The main event will feature LFA Heavyweight Champion Richard “The Black Eagle” Odoms defending his title for the first time since he won it at LFA 15. Standing opposite him in the cage will be Ohio’s Jeff “Lights Out” Hughes. LFA 26 – Odoms vs. Hughes takes place Friday, November 3rd at the Arena Theatre in Houston, Texas. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for LFA 26 – Odoms vs. Hughes are available for purchase NOW at Arena Theatre.
Odoms (13-3), a full time San Antonio police officer, is currently riding a two-fight win streak, both of which were in LFA, and has finished both opponents. The latest win culminated in Odoms, who also is a veteran of Legacy FC, winning the vacant LFA Heavyweight Title when he submitted previously undefeated Jared Vanderaa (6-1) in the fifth round.
Hughes (7-1) will look to capitalize on his nickname “Lights Out” when he tries to take away Odoms’ heavyweight title. Hughes is currently ranked as one of the top regional heavyweights in the Midwest and has wins over Strikeforce and Bellator veterans, including a highlight reel KO when he knocked out Strikeforce veteran Jason Riley with a spinning wheel kick.
The co-main event will feature LFC and LFA veteran Bilal Williams (8-4) moving up in weight to take on another LFC veteran in Larry “Tae Kwon” Crowe (9-6) in what is sure to be a very fun fight for everyone watching, as both fighters rarely go the distance. Williams fought five times in one year for LFC, even taking fights on short notice and became a fan favorite with his relentless style. Crowe was another LFC favorite who was always looking for the knockout with his explosive power, which earned him two shots at the LFC Middleweight Title. Williams and Crowe are coming off of losses to recently-signed UFC fighters, and are looking to prove they belong in the big show.
Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT):
Main Event | Heavyweight Title Bout (265 lb)
– Richard Odoms (13-3) (champion) vs. Jeff Hughes (7-1)
Co-Main Event | Middleweight Bout (185 lb)
– Bilal Williams (8-4) vs Larry Crowe (9-6)
Lightweight Bout (155 lb)
– Kolton Englund (5-2) vs. Thomas Webb (13-4)
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
– Cameron Graves (5-1) vs. Charles Cheeks (11-6)
Women’s Strawweight Bout (115 lb)
– Itzel Esquivel (2-1) vs. Nicolle Caliari (3-1)
Light Heavyweight Bout (205 lb)
– Jon Harris (10-6) vs. Aaron Davis (8-5)
Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
– Adrian Yanez (5-2) vs. David Acosta (5-2)
In September 2016, RFA and Legacy FC officials announced that they would be merging to form the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) starting in January 2017. RFA and Legacy FC have launched the careers of over 100 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.
LFA 26 will mark the third LFA event to take place in Houston, where Legacy Fighting Alliance is headquartered. Further information about LFA 26 will be announced soon. The entire main card of LFA 26 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez card start time change in Canada on Super Channel – 2 PM / ET

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Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez
WBSS cruiserweight quarterfinals  
 
START TIME CHANGE NOTICE
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
   (photo courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (September 27, 2017) – The start time for this Saturday’s airing in Canada of additional World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament action, featuring World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World Champion Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs) against challengerMike “The Rebel” Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs), is 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, exclusively on Super Channel live from Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia.
 
Preliminary bouts will start airing on Super Channel at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, the Briedis-Perez main event is scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. / 2 p.m. PT.

Four exciting bouts on the “Briedis vs. Perez” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.

 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
WBSS RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS ON SUPER CHANNEL
 
Sept. 9 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Berlin, Germany
WBO Cruiserweight World Championship 
 
Oleksandr Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), Kiev, Ukraine
WTKO10
Marco Huck (40-5-1, 27 KOs), Berlin, Germany
(Usyk retained WBO cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 16 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final in Liverpool, UK
WBC Super Middleweight Diamond Championship
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
WDEC12
Erik Skoglund (26-1, 12 KOs), Nykoping, Sweden
(Smith won WBC Diamond super middleweight title)
Sept. 23 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in San Antonio, Texas, USA
Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), Miami, Florida, USA by way of Cuba
WKO2.
Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs), Challenger, Volgodonsk, Russia
(Dorticos retained WBA cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 30 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Riga, Latvia
WBC Cruiserweight World Championship
Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs), Champion, Riga, Latvia
vs.
Mike Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs), Challenger, Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba
All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
Super Channel has recently aired major boxing events live 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 th
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez WBSS cruiserweight quarterfinals continue

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AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
   (photo courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (September 26, 2017) – World Boxing Council (WBC) Cruiserweight World Champion Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs) risks his world title and undefeated record against Cuban-born challenger Mike “The Rebel” Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs) this Saturday when the highly-competitive World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament continues with more quarterfinals action, starting at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, to air live in Canada exclusively on Super Channel from Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia.
The “Briedis vs. Perez” card will give Canadian boxing fans another opportunity to watch world-class prize-fighters competing in the $50-million WBSS tournament, live from Latvia, exclusively on Super Channel, which acquired the 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 32-year-old Briedis, who captured the WBC cruiserweight world title in his most recent fight, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from former world champion Marco “Capt’n” Huck (40-3-1) last April in Germany. A former European kickboxing champion, Briedis will have a distinct advantage fighting Perez at home in Riga, Latvia.
“I’m real happy being able to start the World Boxing Super Series at home in front of my own crowd,” Briedis said. “We fight to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy, but I am also putting my world title at stake. This is a big thing. For Latvia, this will be the first major world championship bout in history, so I hope to see a sold-out arena.
“From my previous experience with the Latvian crowd, I can really tell Mike Perez that boxing in front of a Riga crowd will not be easy for him. The boxing community around the world will learn how passionate and loud Latvia fans can be! My preparation camp has been going very well so far and I can assure my fans that I’ll be at my best when the 30th of September arrives.
“This is the first fight of the tournament, the first defense of my WBC World cruiserweight title, and I’m really happy that I will be able to do it in front of my home crowd. There are no easy fights in this tournament. Mike Perez has already made his name in the heavyweight division and seems to be in the shape of his life coming down to cruiserweight.”
Based in Cork, Ireland, where he defected to from Cuba, Perez will be fighting as a cruiserweight for only the second time having campaigned for most of his 9 ½-year pro career as a heavyweight. The 31-year-old southpaw doesn’t fear fighting Briedis in his backyard and he remains confident.
“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime,” Perez remarked. “Fighting in Latvia isn’t an issue for me. I don’t care where I fight. I’ll fight anywhere. I feel good, I’m confident, and I’m looking forward to Riga. I have a chance to become world champion in my very first fight in the tournament, so I couldn’t have asked for better.
Breidis is a good champion but I can’t wait to bring the belt home. I’m so lucky to fight for the Muhammad Ali Trophy and also become the undisputed cruiserweight champion in this tournament. I have no doubt that I will do just that. I have worked hard for these last couple of years and really dedicated myself to get this chance and nobody is going to take it rom me. I have lots of experience as both an amateur and professional, a lot of ability and now at cruiserweight I’m much faster on my feet and can throw faster combinations, so I feel like I’m a much better fighter. I really believe I can win the Muhammad Ali Trophy. That is how I see it. I think I will win. I cannot see anyone else winning it. I am the best cruiserweight in the competition.”
The “Briedis vs. Perez” winner will advance to the semifinals to face the WBSS No. 1 seed, undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) cruiserweight champion Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), who stopped Huck in the 10th round of their WBSS quarterfinals fights this past Sept. 9 in Berlin.
Four exciting bouts on the “Briedis vs. Perez” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.
 
In the co-featured event, former WBO Cruiiserweight World Champion Krzysztof Glowacki (27-1, 17 KOs), the dangerous Pole who ironically lost his title belt to Usyk a year ago, is slated to faceLeonardo Damian Bruzzese (18-3, 6 KOs), of Italy by way of Argentina, in a 10-round WBSS Cruiserweight Substitute Fight. Also airing live on Super Channel is a 10-round light heavyweight match between Norwegian Tim Robin (16-3, 9 KOs) and Sergey Gorokhov (8-2, 6 KOs), of Russia. The televised opener finds 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovic, of Serbia, making his debut against unbeaten Belgium heavyweight Ali Baghouz (10-0-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
WBSS RESULTS & UPCOMING EVENTS ON SUPER CHANNEL
 
Sept. 9 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Berlin, Germany
WBO Cruiserweight World Championship 
 
Oleksandr Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), Kiev, Ukraine
WTKO10
Marco Huck (40-5-1, 27 KOs), Berlin, Germany
(Usyk retained WBO cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 16 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final in Liverpool, UK
WBC Super Middleweight Diamond Championship
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
WDEC12
Erik Skoglund (26-1, 12 KOs), Nykoping, Sweden
(Smith won WBC Diamond super middleweight title)
Sept. 23 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in San Antonio, Texas, USA
Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), Miami, Florida, USA by way of Cuba
WKO2.
Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs), Challenger, Volgodonsk, Russia
(Dorticos retained WBA cruiserweight title)
 
Sept. 30 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Riga, Latvia
WBC Cruiserweight World Championship
Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs), Champion, Riga, Latvia
vs.
Mike Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs), Challenger, Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba
All WBSS fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
Super Channel has recently aired major boxing events live 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.
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:
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boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Yunier Dorticos Delivers Powerful Second Round Knockout Over Dmitry Kudryashov in World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Quarter-final Saturday Night from the Alamodome in San Antonio

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Once-Beaten Keith Tapia Drops Lateef Kayode on His Way to Unanimous Decision Victory in WBSS Cruiserweight Reserve Match
&
Former World Champion Nonito Donaire Returns & Wins Unanimous Decision over Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez
Click HERE for Photos from Francisco Perez/Ringstar Sports
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 24, 2017) – WBA Cruiserweight World ChampionYunier Dorticos (22-0, 21 KOs) retained his title and stamped his place in the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Semi-finals Saturday night with a sensational second round knockout of Dmitry Kudryashov (21-2, 21 KOs) in their quarter-final bout from the Alamodome in San Antonio.
The unbeaten champion Dorticos landed a thunderous overhand right after Kudryashov threw a glancing jab during a second round exchange and sent the Russian to the canvas. Kudryashov attempted to get to his feet, but referee Rafael Ramos had seen enough and ended the bout at 2:10 into the second round.
“I knew that he was going to come at me and I waited and delivered the shot,” said Dorticos. “Once it landed I knew it was over. It is an honor to be competing in the World Boxing Super Series. To be able to go after the Muhammad Ali Trophy is a privilege and a pleasure. I want to prove to the world that I am the best cruiserweight in the world right now.”
After a first round that saw both men feel each other out and land only a few significant blows, a heated exchange erupted in the opening moments of the second round with power punches being thrown from all angles.
Dorticos appeared to hurt Kudryashov early in the round as he connected with a right hand that froze Kudryashov on the ropes. Dorticos piled on and delivered numerous right hooks with no response from his opponent until Kudryashov was eventually able to fight off of the ropes.
“I’m very upset right now,” said Kudryashov. “I was very well prepared. We’re at a heavy weight and one punch can change everything. He hit me with a good shot and I have no excuses. I thought that I would be able to get up at the eight count but the ref decided to stop the fight. The ref knows when to stop the fight so I agreed with it. All respect to Dorticos but I was expecting a victory and I was expecting to stop him. I have to give him all the credit tonight.”
Shortly after the action returned to the center of the ring, Dorticos was able to land the decisive blow and signal an end to the match. Dorticos will continue his quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy in the semi-finals when he takes on the winner of the WBSS quarter-final bout between IBF Champion Murat Gassiev and former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk on October 21 in New Jersey.
“I know that I want to fight Murat Gassiev,” said Dorticos. “I know he’s watching me, and I’ll be watching him. If he can take care of business, I would love to fight him. I’m ready to make that fight happen.”
In the WBSS cruiserweight reserve match, once-beaten Keith Tapia (18-1, 11 KOs) dropped previously once-beaten Lateef Kayode (21-2, 16 KOs) and won a unanimous decision in their 10-round contest.
“I usually start warming up in the fourth or fifth round, but I started much fastertonight,” said Tapia. “I knew I had the advantage in speed and I took advantage of it. I haven’t been in the ring for a year, but my team got me ready and in great shape for this fight. My timing was the key to the fight. My trainer told me Kayode would drop his left hand and I’d be able to land my right hand, and that’s what I did.”
Tapia sprinted out of his corner to start the fight and set the tone early, smothering Kayode in the corner with a flurry of punches. While Kayode was able to survive the round on his feet, it set the pace for the remainder of the match.
“I tried to stay on my game plan,” said Kayode. “He was very fast but he did not hurt me. I thought I deflected a lot of his shots. When I tried to attack him he started moving. I had to adjust my game plan. I didn’t see the punch that knocked me down. I heard the bell and then the punch was there. I think he started the punch before the bell rang.”
Representing Puerto Rico, Tapia found a home for his powerful right hand all night and connected flush on Kayode’s chin and dropped him as the bell sounded to end round six. Kayode was again able to continue to continue but found more trouble in the late rounds as he was stunned late in round eight and had a cut that started earlier in the fight open up at the end of round nine.
After 10 rounds the judges awarded Tapia the unanimous decision by scores of 100-89 twice and 99-90.
“Fights like this are going to get me to the championship level,” said Tapia. “I’ve always felt like I’m a champion since I started in this sport. I’m ready to fight anybody. I’ll take a couple days off then get right back in the gym.”
Additional action saw former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KOs) return to the ring and score a dominant unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez (22-3-1, 9 KOs) in their 10-round fight for the WBC Silver Featherweight World Title.
“I boxed very well, which is something I haven’t done in a long time,” said Donaire. “I moved my legs well and maintained it throughout the whole fight. I’ve always been an aggressive boxer but this time I used my jab and combinations. I had the urge to just brawl and I felt like I hurt him. But ultimately I did a great job showing versatility in my game.”
Donaire was able to control the fight with his speed and movement that was unmatched by his opponent. Hernandez was game and continued to come forward all night, but was unable to disrupt Donaire.
“Nonito was very smooth and moved around well,” said Hernandez.  “I couldn’t get to him because of that. He adjusted to everything I did. It was a fair decision at the end of the night. I thought he was going to come to brawl but he changed the strategy on me. I thought I fought hard and I’m going to work hard to get back in the ring.”
Hernandez’s aggressiveness was used against him by Donaire, who waited for his charging opponent and was able to pick him off with an array of hooks and uppercuts.
After 10-rounds all three judges saw the fight in favor of Donaire by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 97-93.
“It’s a great pleasure to be part of the Ringstar Sports family,” said Donaire. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I know there is more to come. I’m going to get back in there and keep showing what I can do.”
***
For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World)
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

28/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

‘KO Doctor’ vs. ‘Russian Hammer’ WBSS quarterfinal has fight-of-the-year potential

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Dan Rafael, ESPN Senior Writer
When the World Boxing Super Series brackets for the eight-man, single-elimination tournaments in the cruiserweight and super middleweight divisions were unveiled in July, one bout stood out as a potential fight-of-the-year candidate.
It was the cruiserweight quarterfinal bout between world titleholder “The KO Doctor,” Yunier Dorticos, and “The Russian Hammer,” Dmitry Kudryashov, a pair of knockout artists with crowd-pleasing styles.
They meet in the first WBSS bout to take place in the United States on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
“The fans are going to get an amazing show on [Saturday],” said Dorticos 31, a Cuban defector fighting out of Miami. “This is definitely the best fight of the tournament and the best man will win. We’re both going to leave it all in the ring and fight with our hearts until the very end.
“I’m working hard and getting ready to take advantage of this opportunity. I have a strong opponent in front of me, but I know what I’m capable of. I’m going to go out there and study him the first few rounds and then break him down. I have to execute my game plan.”
No. 4 seed Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs) will be making his first defense since being elevated from an interim titleholder. With three other titleholders — Oleksandr Usyk, Murat Gassiev and Mairis Briedis — also taking part in the tournament, the winner will be able to unify the division, which is Dorticos’ goal.
“It’s an honor for me to be part of such a prestigious tournament,” he said. “This is my opportunity to put myself on top of this sport with the other big names and champions. This is what me and my team have worked so hard to accomplish. I want to fight all of the champions. That is my plan because I see myself as the best fighter in this division and now I can go out there and prove it.”
The winner of the tournament will receive the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Dorticos said winning it would mean as much to him as winning the other belts.
“I idolized Muhammad Ali just like everyone else in this sport, and to earn the trophy with his name would be something very special for my life and career,” he said.
The unseeded Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs), 31, of Russia, has similar goals heading into this fight.
“My main motivation is to become world champion and show that I’m the best in the division,” said Kudryashov, who will be fighting outside of Russia for the first time. “I’m the most powerful fighter in this division and everyone will see that on [Saturday]. I have a newborn daughter, but I’m still training harder than ever and it has just added to my motivation to go win this tournament.
“Fighting for the Muhammad Ali Trophy is huge for me. It is a big responsibility to make sure that I honor his name. This is possibly the biggest prize that boxers can fight for in a tournament that couldn’t be more important.”
Kudryashov has won three fights in a row since his only defeat, a second-round knockout to Olanrewaju Durodola. Kudryashov avenged the loss in his last fight, a fifth-round knockout win over Durodola on June 3.
No. 1 seed Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs), of Ukraine, scored a 10th-round knockout of former titlist Marco Huck in their Sept. 9 quarterfinal, and will face the winner of the fight between world titleholder Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs), the No. 3 seed from Latvia, and unseeded Mike Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs), a Cuban defector now based in Ireland, in the semifinals in early 2018. Briedis and Perez meet Sept. 30 at Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia.
The Dorticos-Kudryashov winner advances to the semifinals to face the winner of the fight between world titleholder and No. 2 seed Murat Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs), of Russia, and unseeded mandatory challenger and former titlist Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs), of Poland, who meet Oct. 21 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The finals are due to take place in May.
Saturday’s card will also feature a 10-round cruiserweight fight between tournament alternates Keith Tapia (17-1, 11 KOs), 27, of Bronx, New York, and former world title challenger Lateef Kayode (21-1, 16 KOs), 34, a Nigeria native fighting out of Los Angeles.
In addition, former four-division world titleholder Nonito Donaire, out of action since losing his junior featherweight world title by controversial decision to Jessie Magdaleno nearly a year ago, will return to face Ruben Garcia Hernandez in his first fight since signing with Ringstar Sports promoter Richard Schaefer.
Donaire (37-4, 24 KOs), 34, the “Filipino Flash” who lives in Las Vegas, is returning to featherweight, where he once held a world title, to face Garcia Hernandez (22-2-1, 9 KOs), 24, of Mexico, in a 10-round bout. A Donaire victory likely will propel him into a much bigger fight in the first part of the 2018.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

World Boxing Super Series & Ringstar Sports to Donate 10% of Gate for Saturday’s Dorticos vs. Kudryashov WBSS  Quarter-final to San Antonio Food Bank to Aid the  Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort

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Tickets for Saturday, September 23 at the Alamodome in San Antonio Available at Ticketmaster.com
SAN ANTONIO (September 21, 2017) – World Boxing Super Series and Ringstar Sports announced Thursday that 10 percent of the gate for Saturday’s Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov WBSS quarter-final taking place at the Alamodome in San Antonio will be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank to aid the ongoing relief effort after Hurricane Harvey.
Every dollar donated creates seven meals for those in need. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, are priced at $250, $125, $100, $50, and $30, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
“San Antonio is a fantastic fight city and now fans will have the chance to catch world class boxing while also helping a great cause,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “The relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey are ongoing and World Boxing Super Series and Ringstar Sports are proud to be able to help wherever we can. I hope that the tremendous fight fans in San Antonio will show up in full force so that we can raise a lot of money and help a lot of people in need.”
“The San Antonio Food Bank is proud to benefit from the ticket sales for the World Boxing Super Series and Ringstar Sports event this Saturday,” said Chloe Palacios, Corporate Giving Manager for the San Antonio Food Bank. “Every dollar raised will allow us to provide support to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. We greatly appreciate the opportunity provided by World Boxing Super Series and Ringstar Sports and look forward to this exciting event!”
The September 23 event will also feature a reserve match between once-beaten cruiserweights Keith Tapia and Lateef Kayode, while former world championNonito Donaire returns to take on Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez.
*To apply for media credentials visit http://www.swansonpr.com/credentials.
***
Fans in the U.S. can stream the WBSS action live by signing up atWorldBoxingSuperSeries.com on fight night. Make sure to follow the WBSS on all of your social platforms for updates from fight week and fight night.
For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports

Photos are free to use, but please credit World Boxing Super Series.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

23/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov (WBA World)
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, USA

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World)
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

World Boxing Super Series Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Dorticos vs. Dmitry Cruiserweight Quarter-final This Saturday, September 23 from the Alamodome in San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Press Conference Photos
Click HERE for Undercard Workout Photos
Credit: Francisco Perez/Ringstar Sports
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 20, 2017) – Fight week in San Antonio officially kicked-off as Yunier Dorticos and Dmitry Kudryashov went face-to-faceWednesday at the final press conference before their Saturday, September 23World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarterfinal showdown taking place at the Alamodome.
Also in attendance Wednesday were once-beaten cruiserweights Keith Tapiaand Lateef Kayode, who meet in a WBSS reserve match, plus former world champion Nonito Donaire, who battles Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, are priced at $250, $125, $100, $50, and $30, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
Fans in the U.S. can stream the WBSS action live by signing up at WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com on fight night. Make sure to follow the WBSS on all of your social media platforms for updates from fight week and fight night.
Prior to the press conference, local undercard fighters participated in a media workout at Rumble Gym by Jesse James Leija in downtown San Antonio before they enter the ring on Saturday night.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:
YUNIER DORTICOS
“I’m happy to be a part of this great event. On Saturday night you will see what I’m all about. Saturday is going to be an explosive matchup and I will leave with my belt.
“This is definitely going to be an exciting fight but I have to focus on my game plan and being at the very top of my game on Saturday.
“I’ve trained really hard for this fight. None of the storms in Miami have slowed me down at all. There will be no excuses on fight night.
“To be a part of this tournament is truly an honor and I know that it’s going to put me at the top of this division. I’ve always believed in my abilities and now I can go prove myself against the best.
“Winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy would mean so much to me because he is the fighter that everyone looks up to and tries to be like. Saturday night is my first step toward that goal.
“The fans in San Antonio are in for a great show. That’s on my mind every time I step into the ring and this is really a great opportunity to give the fans something memorable.”
DMITRY KUDRYASHOV
“I am excited to see all the fans on Saturday night. We both have a lot of knockouts so this is going to be a great fight. I will have my hand raised on Saturday.
“This chance to become a world champion for the first time is something that I have worked towards for many years. This is my dream and the fact that it brings me closer to the Ali Trophy adds even more excitement.
“I know that I have a very tough opponent in front of me. We’ve worked so hard to prepare my body and mind for 12 rounds of war. There is no way I can lose this fight.
“My training camp has been very strong. I’ve been more focused than ever on winning this fight. I knew that I would need to have a great training camp to advance and leave here with the title.
“I always train to deliver a knockout. That is my goal for myself. But I will definitely also be ready to go the full 12 rounds. I’m going to leave it all in the ring on Saturday.
“Being a part of this tournament brings me a lot of joy because it gives me the chance to fight the best. That is why I started boxing and now it is time for me to prove that I’m the best in the world.”
KEITH TAPIA
“I’m hyped to fight and do what I have to do. I have a really tough opponent and I respect him 100 percent. I’m ready to rock and roll and show off all my skills.
“This is a great chance for me to prove that I am an elite fighter in this division. I’m going to keep working hard until I get my chance at the best.
“We’ll see what happens when we step into the ring but it’ll be a lot of action for all of the fans. I’m ready to show off the ‘Machine Gun’ and get this win.
“I want to shout out to Puerto Rico because they’re going through a lot right now with the storms and they’re always in my heart.”
LATEEF KAYODE
“I’m ready to fight. On Saturday everyone is going to see a good show and a great fight with two warriors.
“This fight is going to be fought hard all the way until the end. I am going to leave everything in the ring and get this victory any way that I can.
“I’m ready to show that I still have what it takes to be the best in the world and I’m planning on getting this win on Saturday.”
NONITO DONAIRE
“I’m thankful to Ringstar Sports for believing in me. The second half of my career is going to be an explosion. It’s going to be an amazing ride and everyone is going to see great fights. You know I’ll get in there with anybody.
“I think that people take things for granted in this life. I want to enjoy this time in my career and make the best of it. I know that I have a lot left in the tank.
“I’m thrilled to be here in one of the best cities for boxing in the world. I trained in Las Vegas for this fight so I will be able to handle the heat all week.
“I’m ready to destroy everybody in my path. That’s the game plan. I want to get back to that world title shot. I will happily fight anybody for that shot to reclaim my place at the top of the division.
“This is very exciting for me. To be on the card with the World Boxing Super Series is a great honor for me. Having the best fighting the best is exciting for everyone and I’m glad to be here for it.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“San Antonio is a fight town. In my opinion it is one of the best fight towns in the United States. The fans can remember countless great fights with awesome crowds and I think we will have that again on Saturday.
“I made a commitment to San Antonio and the fight fans here that if they showed up, I would bring them more fights. That’s what I hope will happen on Saturday. If you show up, I will continue to bring big fights here.
“The World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament features eight fighters, including four world champions and four of the number one ranked challengers for each title. This shows the hunger that all of these fighters have to prove that they are the best in this division.
“This is the second quarter-final matchup of the cruiserweights and I have to say that all of the major U.S. boxing media and around the world are calling Dorticos vs. Kudryashov the best fight of the tournament.
“I am going to guarantee that on Saturday night, you will see a knockout. That’s the only thing these two fighters know how to do. I don’t know who or when, but I’m very comfortable saying this will end in a knockout. These are two guys who know that this is their opportunity to elevate themselves to the forefront of this sport.
“Nonito Donaire is a legend who doesn’t need much introduction. He’s one of the biggest names in the sport because he’s one of those guys you will never see a boring fight from. He always brings excitement and he always gives it his all.
“The reserve match between Keith Tapia and Lateef Kayode is a very even matchup with two once-beaten fighters. You will see fireworks for this fantastic matchup as both men know that this win could get them into the WBSS.”
***
 
For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports

Photos are free to use, but please credit World Boxing Super Series.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

23/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov (WBA World)
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, USA

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World)
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.