Tag Archives: Tori Nelson

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CLARESSA SHIELDS TRAINING CAMP NOTES

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TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS PREPARES TO FACE FELLOW UNIFIED CHAMPION HANNA GABRIELS FRIDAY, JUNE 22 ON SHOWTIME

 

Flint Native Shields Attempting to Become Two-Division Champion On SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION

 

Tickets on Sale for Event at Ticketmaster and Masonic Temple in Detroit

 

Click HERE for photos; Credit Salita Promotions/Terrell Groggins

 

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields is deep in preparation for her attempt to become a two-division world champion when she faces fellow unified champion Hanna Gabriels at Masonic Temple in Detroit on Friday, June 22.

 

 

 

Shields, a unified champion at 168 pounds, and Gabriels, a unified titlist at 154 pounds, will meet for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

A native of Flint, Mich., Shields (5-0, 2 KOs) was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The 23-year-old turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields now begins her first camp with renowned trainer John David Jackson as she attempts to become a two-division champion.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION will also feature extensive highlights of unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) as she defends her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs).  If both Shields and Hammer are victorious in their 160-pound bouts on June 22, they will meet in a fall blockbuster on SHOWTIME to determine the undisputed women’s middleweight world champion.

 

 

 

How has training camp been so far?

“Training camp has been great. It’s been fun and I’ve been working my butt off. I can’t wait to step in the ring with another champion and make history by winning the world title in my second weight division!”

 

What can fans expect from you on June 22?

“The fans can expect for me to fight like I’m Okoye from Wakanda! I’ve never been more motivated, more ready, and more able to take on the challenges and achieve my goals. I want to fight the best, and I want to be the best ever. I will give everything onJune 22 against Hanna Gabriels to win a world title in my second weight division, then I want Christina Hammer, so we can unify all the middleweight belts, and then my sights will be on getting to the 154-pound world title.”

 

 

 

What are some of your future goals in boxing?  

“I want to lift women’s boxing for all the women past, present and future. I want equality for women and men in boxing. I want to be recognized as one of the pound-for-pound best in the sport among both men and women, no gender labels. And I want to be known as the best female boxer ever. I’m ready. Come to Detroit on June 22 and see me live, watch me on SHOWTIME, and join the team as we make history!”

 

 

What have you learned training with John David Jackson?
“Coach John is very knowledgeable, he’s been working with me on my patience. He admires the beast inside of me, but just wants me to control it more and be smart. He’s been to the biggest battles with some great world champions, and I’m glad to have his experience and knowledge on my team.”

 

What is your typical day like in camp?
“A typical day in camp can go according to either of two plans. Plan 1 is I wake up at 9 am, make myself a small breakfast (2 boiled eggs, 2 pieces of turkey bacon and some steamed asparagus) or a fruit smoothie. At 11 am I’m at the gym training. By1:30 pm, I’m at the gym. My workout usually consists of bag drills, mitt work, shadow boxing, jumping rope, speed bag and ring drills. Then I either swim or run at 6 pm the same day. On the days I do Plan 2, I still wake at 9 am and have my breakfast and then 11 am-1:30 pm, I’m in the gym. But right after that, I do strength and conditioning, which consists of box jumps, dumb bell squats, some drills with weights for my upper body, or a four-mile run.”

 

Have you made any changes to your training and nutrition for your first fight at middleweight?
“Right after my fight with Tori Nelson, I knew I would be fighting next at middleweight, so I stayed in the gym three times a week until Mark (Taffet) told me we secured June 22 on SHOWTIME against Hanna Gabriels. But to properly make middleweight, I had to learn about my body some more. Losing weight is more about a routine than it is about eating less food. The good thing for me is that I like healthy food – my body and mind feel best when I eat that way. The only difference in camp is I eat smaller portions of the food I like and drink a lot more water. This camp I’ve been heavy on fish, all kinds of fish from cod, salmon, Atlantic salmon — with sides of asparagus, sweet potatoes, rice or spinach. And body clock is important, so no eating after 7 pm. I’m feeling great and will be in the best shape of my life when I get in that ring on June 22.”

 

 

Who are your sparring partners?

“So far, I’ve sparred with Matt Korobov and Daniyar Yelluisar. I love to spar with men – I find that the strength and speed helps me get the most out of the sparring.”

 

What have you done differently in preparation for this fight?

“Well I always say this, but I don’t get ready to face my opponents – my trainer John David Jackson focuses more on the opponent than I do. I just get prepared to be the best version of me. I’ve seen film of Hannah and I’m not impressed – I know she’s a champion and I respect that, but I’ve never seen a woman who can stay in the ring with me. It’ll take two of her to even have a chance at beating me.”

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CROSSROADS BATTLE OF PROSPECTS ASLAMBEK IDIGOV VS. JAMES BALLARD ADDED TO UNDERCARD OF CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. HANNA GABRIELS IBF & WBA WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.; Tickets On Sale Now

The Salita Promotions professional boxing event on Friday, June 22, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, is heating up even more with the announcement of an intriguing match-up of promising light heavyweight prospects with local ties.

 

 

 

In a fight with explosive action written all over it, Detroit’s own James “The Equalizer” Ballard (10-1, 3 KOs) will face undefeated Aslambek Idigov (12-0, 5 KOs), from Detroit via Grozny, Russia, over 10 exciting rounds.

 

 

 

Fighting mostly in his home city, the 28-year-old Ballard has become a fan favorite for his fearlessly aggressive style. Ballard says he refuses to lose on his home turf of Detroit.

 

 

 

“Expect a war,” said Ballard. “I will go out there and give the fans what they want by going toe-to-toe. I am coming for Idigov’s O. I’m not going to be out-boxed in my hometown. It’s a respect thing. It’s going to be a long night for him. We are training hard and ready to go hard every round if it takes that long. June 22 can’t get here soon enough. I’m more than ready to send Russia back home.”

 

 

 

A compact puncher with pinpoint accuracy, Idigov has fan favorite written all over his muscular frame. Since he began training in Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym, Idigov says he’s learning to fight the American way.

 

 

 

“Training at the Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit has been a great experience for me and I learn a lot and get better every day. I love their philosophy that the best win is a knockout!

James Ballard is a very good fighter. I have no problem fighting him and winning in his hometown, which is becoming my second home as well. Let’s get it on!”

 

 

 

“This is a classic, crossroads fight between two talented and hungry prospects,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “This is a ‘pick em’ type of match that will bring excitement to fans in the championship City of Detroit!”

 

 

 

The skillful pair will duel as part of the untelevised undercard of the blockbuster “It’s Our Time to Shine” event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

The main event will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) and will also feature highlights of Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer as she defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

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CHRISTINA HAMMER TRAINING CAMP NOTES

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WOMEN’S WBC & WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION TO MAKE U.S. DEBUT IN TOUGH DEFENSE AGAINST FORMER CHAMPION TORI NELSON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 22
Tickets on Sale For Event At Masonic Temple in Detroit Headlined By Two-Time Gold Medalist Claressa Shield’s Attempt To Become A Two-Division World Champion

Unified Women’s WBC and WBO Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer has taken to the mountains of Austria for this leg of her intense training camp.

 

 

 

Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) will make her U.S. fighting debut while defending her titles against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs) on Friday, June 22. The bout will serve as a supporting bout to two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super-middleweight champion Claressa Shields’ attempt to become a two-division world champion against unified women’s 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

 

 

Shields vs Gabriels will be contested for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships and telecast on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME. Extensive highlights of Hammer vs. Nelson will also be shown.

 

 

 

Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, has dominated the women’s middleweight division since 2010. The 27-year-old says training at elevation in the mountains of Austria is bringing the best out of her.

 

 

 

How has training camp gone so far?

 

 

 

“My camp has gone well. We train three times a day and work hard to be in the best shape possible on June 22 in Detroit.”

 

 

 

Can you tell us about your current training location?

 

 

 

“We are in Austria, staying at a place in the mountains that is about 5000-feet elevation. It’s amazing here. The nature and the mountains inspire me and give me power. It’s very comfortable to do my roadwork and go to the boxing gym because everything is situated in a comfortable way.”

 

 

 

What is a typical day like at training camp? 

 

 

 

“We’ve been in Austria for the last 10 days. At 7:30 am, we start the first interval runs. At 9 am, I have breakfast and at 11 am, we go up to the mountains to our gym (which is at 6500 feet high) to do my strength and conditioning work. Later, in the afternoon, we start our boxing work. The nature and beautiful surroundings give me peace of mind.”

 

 

 

How and why is your training camp built into different stages?

 

 

 

“The mountains are perfect to prepare for the fight. You are away from your hometown stay more focused on training. The air is thin and this high level of elevation gives your body a higher level of conditioning. On June 10, we will move on to our next stage of training, which will take place in the United States. That will be to help acclimate me to the new time and climate for fight night on June 22, which is when I will put all of this hard work together and have it pay off in a big way.”

 

 

 

Who is your head trainer?

 

 

 

“My coach is Dimitrie Kirnos. I started my professional career with him. He himself was Soviet Union Boxing Champion and trained many top champions. He is old school and pushes my mind and body to the limit. He is a big part of my team we have a great bond. I have much respect and admiration for him.”

 

 

 

Have you done anything different preparing for this fight?

 

 

 

“I spar with lots of shorter fighters, like Tori Nelson. I guarantee that it will be much more explosive and impressive than Claressa Shields was against her.”

 

 

 

American fans love knockouts. Can they expect a Christina Hammer KO on June 22?

 

 

 

“That’s why I train hard and give everything in the gym. I want to be amazing that night and a knockout would be a perfect ending.”

 

 

 

What is your prediction for June 22?

 

 

 

“I will show my power and skills. People will see who the real unified Middleweight Champion of the world is. My performance will speak for itself!”

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35. 

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The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots Sign on as a Principle Sponsor of Claressa Shields vs. Hanna Gabriels Women’s Middleweight World Championship Fight on Friday, June 22 Live on SHOWTIME®

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Salita Promotions proudly announces that Living Essentials, LLC, the makers of 5-hour ENERGY®, the energy shot for hard-working people, has signed on as a principle sponsor of the upcoming “It’s Our Time to Shine” professional boxing event on Friday, June 22, at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan.

 

 

 

Featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels, “It’s our Time to Shine” will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT). The two champions will be contesting for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

“I am delighted that the makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots are supporting the historic world championship event taking place in Detroit,” said Salita Promotions Founder, Dmitriy Salita. ‘It’s Our Time to Shine’ will be an exciting night of professional boxing from beginning to end and I am sure a shot of 5-hour ENERGY® will keep fans engaged and energetic for all the exciting action happening in the ring.”

 

 

 

Living Essentials, LLC released the following statement: “The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots are excited to support Salita Promotions, as they prepare for the return of Claressa Shields and world championship boxing to Detroit – – a city rich in boxing history and the hometown of 5-hour ENERGY®.”

 

 

 

Fast and easy to consume, 5-hour ENERGY® shots are a quick, simple and effective answer to flagging energy levels in your hard-working day.. Regular strength 5-hour ENERGY® shots contain zero sugar, four calories and caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee.

 

 

 

Shields (5-0, 2 KOs), who grew up in nearby Flint, was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The 23-year-old turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields now begins her first camp with renowned trainer John David Jackson as she attempts to become a two-division champion.

 

 

 

Two-division champion Gabriels (18-1-1, 11 KOs) is the reigning WBA and WBO World Champion. The native of Costa Rica won her first world title at welterweight in 2009 and has since fought in an astounding 11 consecutive world-title fights. The 35-year-old won her first belt in the 154-pound division in 2010 and became unified champion in 2016. In her last bout, Gabriels avenged the only loss on her record, a 2013 defeat to then-undefeated title challenger Oxandia Castillo. She looks to become a three-division world champion on June 22.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION will also feature extensive highlights of unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) as she defends her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs).

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

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DETROIT’S UNDEFEATED JA’RICO O’QUINN TO FIGHT FIRST EIGHT-ROUND BOUT IN UNDERCARD ACTION OF CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. HANNA GABRIELS IBF & WBA WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT ON FRIDAY, JUNE 22, IN DETROIT

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Popular, undefeated Detroit bantamweight Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn will continue his climb up the professional boxing ladder in his first eight-round fight, on Friday, June 22, at Detroit’s Masonic Temple.

 

 

 

O’Quinn (8-0-1, 5 KOs) will make his next ring appearance (against an opponent TBA as of now) on the non-televised undercard of the blockbuster “It’s Our Time to Shine” event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

The main event will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) and will also feature highlights of Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer as she defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

 

 

 

The 23-year-old O’Quinn says he’s eager to get in the ring at this historic event.

 

 

 

“I’m excited because this will be my first eight-rounder. I feel good that I’m getting closer to 10- and 12-round fights and a world title shot. I know it will happen, but I have to work my way up to the big fights and get noticed more first. Training is going well. I was already working out before I found out I was fighting. I was already in good shape, so now we’re stepping it up and getting in serious shape.”

 

 

 

O’Quinn, from the West Side of Detroit in the Plymouth And Greenfield area, enjoys intense popularity among Motown boxing fans, which gives him extra motivation to impress.

 

 

 

“It’s a great feeling hearing my name being chanted by hundreds of people when I come out. It’s what I love and I appreciate that my fans stand behind what I’m doing. I have a great team behind me and great fans.”

 

 

 

A decorated former amateur boxer, O’Quinn won the USA National Championship at bantamweight and the 2013 USA Boxing Youth National Championships. He says it’s that amateur pedigree that gives him his high “boxing IQ” in the ring and makes him so adaptable to any style.

 

 

 

“I have such great management and promoters, I know whoever I fight will be the best for my career, so it doesn’t really matter. Everybody knows I’m always in shape an I’ll be in even greater shape this time. It’s a big show, so I’m doing more of everything to get ready.”

 

 

 

“Ja’Rico O’Quinn is one of the best Bantamweight prospects in the country,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “His speed, skills and exciting style make his fights very entertaining. His fan base grows with each fight and I believe that Ja’Rico has the skills to join the list of fighters that brought glory to the great boxing city of Detroit.”

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UNIFIED WOMEN’S SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION CLARESSA SHIELDS DOMINATES TORI NELSON IN THE MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO

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 Shohjahon Ergashev Shines While Jesse Hernandez Edges Ernesto Garza In Co-Featured Bouts

 

Catch The Replay Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

VERONA, N.Y. (Jan. 13, 2018) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields dominated previously undefeated Tori Nelson en route to a 10-round unanimous decision in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from Turning Stone Resort Casino.

 

 

 

Shields controlled from opening to closing bell, sweeping 100-90 on all three judges’ scorecards in the first 10-round distance fight of her career.  The 2012 and 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist out-landed Nelson 225-81 with her total punches, 186-70 in powers shots, and connected at a 44 percent clip with her power shots compared to just 20 percent for Nelson.

 

 

 

“I landed every shot that I thought possible to land,” Shields said. “She was tough, she wasn’t a pushover.  She put on a good fight.”

 

 

 

Shields advanced to 5-0 with two knockouts in what was likely her final fight in the super middleweight division.  The 22-year-old now has her sights set on the middleweight division where she will eventually target undefeated and Unified Women’s Middleweight World Champion Christina Hammer, who was ringside Friday in Verona.

 

 

 

“I have to drop down and see how I feel (first),” Shields said.  “I think I could make 160 easy, I’m going to be bigger and stronger than any girl.

 

 

 

“Hammer just wants to scope.  I think she’s pretty scared to be honest.  She is more worried about me than I am about her.  I’m going to kick Hammer’s ass.  People think Hammer is more skilled than me so I can’t wait to show her that she’s not.”

 

 

 

Hammer, who is expected to fight in a co-featured bout on the next Shields card, was interviewed by SHOWTIME analyst Steve Farhood and expressed excitement to make her U.S. debut and eventually face the American champion.

 

 

 

“It’s a great combination me and her on the same card,” Hammer said.  “I can’t wait to show the fans who Christina Hammer is.  That will be the best fight ever.  It will be the game-changer for female boxing.  It’s our time to shine.

 

 

 

“I’m long-time world champion and I have more experience.  I have longer reach, I’m tall, I have good footwork and better technique than her.  I feel the energy, and I can’t wait to fight against her.”

 

 

 

The former world champion Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs) became the 173rd undefeated fighter to suffer their first professional loss on ShoBox: The New Generation.

 

 

 

“I’m not happy because I didn’t win, but other than that I thought I executed pretty well,” said the 41-year-old Nelson.  “I gave her a better fight than she was expecting.

 

 

 

“No disrespect to Claressa, she doesn’t have great power. She has great speed and she overwhelms you with a lot of punches.  My movement threw her off like I knew it would but knowing she was the champion, I needed to just push a little bit more.”

 

 

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, Jesse Hernandez narrowly defeated Ernesto Garza via split-decision in an action-packed fight that was scored 95-94 Hernandez, 95-93 Garza, 97-93 Hernandez.

 

 

 

After a close first round, Garza floored Hernandez with a flush left hand to the nose in the closing moments of the second round.  Hernandez recovered, and while the middle rounds featured tremendous back-and-forth action, Hernandez seemingly had no trouble walking down Garza, who’s punches seemed to lack any real power.  Garza (9-3, 5 KOs) found a second wind and seemed to pick up the eighth and ninth rounds until Hernandez roared back in an excellent 10th and final round that featured 178 total punches.

 

 

 

Hernandez (11-1, 7 KOs) landed 50 percent of his power punches and connected on 40 percent of his punches compared to just 28 percent for Garza, however he threw just 719 total punches compared to more than 1,000 by Garza.

 

“I think it should have been a unanimous decision,” Hernandez said.  “I’ve always been a slow starter and I feel like I lost the first two rounds, especially with the knockdown.  But I won pretty much every round after that, I maybe lost three rounds.

 

 

 

“I’m not completely happy with my performance. I have to control my distance and my range a little bit better.  I need to go back to the gym and work on those things. Before the summer comes I hope to have another fight and I hope it’s on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

“I give Garza a lot of credit for getting in the ring and knocking me down.  He hung in there for 10 rounds even after I caught him with some good shots.  He was able to withstand those shots, but all that said, I still think it should have been a unanimous decision.”

 

 

 

Garza countered that sentiment.

 

 

 

“I thought it was a bogus decision,” Garza said.  “I don’t understand that last judge’s card.  I was happy with everything that I did.  I executed well and did everything I needed to do to win the fight.

 

 

 

“I’m really disappointed with the outcome.  I felt that I won.  To me, I won a majority of the rounds and I knocked him down.   I know knocking your opponent down usually leads to you winning the fight.”

 

 

 

Undefeated Uzbekistan power-puncher Shohjahon Ergashev handed Sonny Fredrickson the first loss of his career with an impressive third round TKO in the opening bout of the ShoBox telecast.

 

 

 

The win over the top-10 ranked Fredrickson extended Ergashev’s perfect record to 12-0 with 12 knockouts.

 

 

 

The 26-year-old pressed the action from the beginning, negating Fredrickson’s five-inch reach advantage with a steady diet of well-timed, crisp punches.  Ergashev landed a wide left to the head that stumbled Fredrickson in the opening minute of the third and continued to tee-off as his opponent wobbled against the ropes  With Fredrickson (18-1, 12 KOs) unable to defend himself and eating a series of brutal lefts, referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the bout at 1:58 of the third.

 

 

 

All of Ergashev’s 61 connects in the bout were power shots, and he connected on 77 percent of his power punches in the third and final round.

 

 

 

“The ref saved him,” Ergashev said.  “If he let him stay on his feet any longer I would have knocked him out.  He couldn’t handle my power.

 

 

 

“At this stage of my career, I am in the best shape of my life and the best I have felt.  This is my time right now, especially because I am training with Rick (Phillips) and (Javan) Sugar (Hill Steward). That’s what leads to all of my knockout power.

 

 

 

“I’m ready for whatever comes next. I’m ready for more fights in the U.S., and I want to keep getting more exposure to show off my skills.  I’m ready to fight anybody in America.”

 

 

 

Fredrickson, who became the 172 fighter to suffer his professional loss on the prospect developmental series, suffered a jaw injury in the bout and was unavailable for comment.

 

 

 

Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Monday, Jan. 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

 

 

 

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

 

# # #

 

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

 

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Russian Heavyweight Apti Davtaev Remains Undefeated on Shields vs. Nelson Undercard at the Turning Stone Resort Casino

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Several entertaining fights highlighted the untelevised undercard for two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields defense of her WBC and IBF titles against mandatory challenger Tori Nelson at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York tonight.
In the main supporting bout, Detroit via Kurchaloi, Russia, heavyweight Apti Davtaev had a successful United States fighting debut by scoring a six-round unanimous decision over Philadelphia’s Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson.
Wilson didn’t make it easy. Fighting out of a crouch, the heavily muscled, but much shorter Wilson came up with enough wild haymakers to make the entire fight very interesting. Davtaev appears to have a heavy right hand, which he dropped onto the hard head of Wilson often enough to earn the close, but deserved nod. Davtaev warrants credit for going to war whenever one of Wilson’s looping swings connected.
Davtaev (now 14-0-1, 13 KOs) loses his perfect KO percentage, but walks away with a hard-fought victory over a foe who came to win. Wilson is now (18-14-1, 9 KOs).
The scores were 58-56 from all three judges.
An accidental headbutt brought an abbreviated end to the six-round super lightweight return of Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan’s Bakhtiyar Eyubov.
In against Lynchburg, Virginia’s Maurice Chalmers (14-13-1, 8 KOs), the exciting slugger Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs) was advancing behind active head movement and a tight shell when his head collided with the retreating Chalmers’. The cut that resulted was ruled too severe and the fight was ruled a No Decision at 1:59 of the opening round.
In a wild women’s light heavyweight brawl featuring fists flying from every direction, wrestling holds and several MMA-style takedowns, Franchon “The Heavy Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn won a unanimous six-round decision over Tiffany “The Terminator” Woodard.
Crews-Dezurn, now 3-1, 1 KO, of Baltimore, Maryland, had too many weapons for Wilson, North Carolina’s Woodard (now 4-10-3, 3 KOs), so Woodard tried and succeeded to make things ugly. What followed was a wild punch-out featuring elbows and headlocks and takedowns that left both on the canvas more than once.
Woodard took a lot of hard leather and deserves credit for her toughness. Crews-Dezurn showed class in not taking the bait for most of the fight. She did lose a point in the sixth for a sneaky revenge takedown.
The scores were 59-53, 59-54 and 59-54.
Detroit via Magnitogorsk, Russia’s Alexey Zubov outworked a determined Lamont “Too Smooth” Capers of Hawley, Pennsylvania, on his way to a six-round majority decision.
An entertaining fight between hard-nosed cruiserweights, Zubov was cut over the right eye and took some good punches, but simply outworked the more selective Capers. Zubov showed his often-superior conditioning and worked behind an educated jab, while Capers was content to lay on the ropes and land hard pot shots often enough to keep it interesting.
A score of 57-57 draw was over-ruled by scores 59-56 and 58-56 for the tough Russian. With the victory, Zubov moves his record to 17-1, 9 KOs. Capers falls to 8-11-3.
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CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. TORI NELSON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TRIPLEHEADER TOMORROW ON SHOWTIME®

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 Live at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino

 

“I’m going to go after her in the first round and get her out of there.” – Claressa Shields

 

 

 

“I’m going to shock the world.” – Tori Nelson

 

 

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

VERONA, N.Y. (Jan. 11, 2018) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields and undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Tori Nelson made weight on Thursday for their 10-round WBC and IBF Super Middleweight World Championship showdowntomorrow/Friday, January 12 in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) will face her second consecutive undefeated opponent in the former world champion Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KOs).

 

 

 

Undefeated Uzbekistan power-puncher Shohjahon Ergashev (11-0, 11 KOs) will meet fellow unbeaten and top-10 ranked Sonny Fredrickson (18-0, 12 KOs), of Toledo, Ohio, in the telecast opener. The 26-year-old Ergashev, a former six-year member of the Uzbek national team, and the current WBA No. 9 ranked Fredrickson will contest an eight-round super lightweight bout.

 

 

 

In the co-feature of the ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader, Jesse Hernandez (10-1, 7 KOs), who is coming off consecutive victories over undefeated opponents, will take on former National Golden Gloves Gold Medalist Ernesto Garza (9-2, 5 KOs; 1-3 WSB) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout between two all-action fighters.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are currently on sale for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

 

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

 

 

 

Claressa Shields vs. Tori Nelson – 10-round WBC and IBF Super Middleweight World Title Bout

 

 

Shields:  167 pounds

 

Nelson:  164 ¾ pounds

 

 

 

Jesse Hernandez vs. Ernesto Garza – 10-round Super Bantamweight Bout

 

Hernandez:  122 ½ pounds

 

Garza:  122 ½ pounds

 

 

 

Shohjahon Ergashev vs. Sonny Fredrickson – Eight-round Super Lightweight Bout

 

Ergashev:  140 pounds

 

Fredrickson:  141 pounds

 

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

 

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

 

 

“Tori brings a lot more aggression, a lot more fight than a lot of my previous opponents.  On paper, she has the best resume of any opponent I’ve faced and can put up a better fight.

 

 

 

“Everybody underestimates me because of my size. My frame looks like I’m a 140 but really I’m a 168. Everyone goes into a fight thinking they can win, but once that right hand lands everything changes.  I’m going to go after her in the first round and get her out of there like Nikki Adler.

 

 

 

“I expect my opponent to apply pressure, and to use some dirty tactics. She has more experience, but not that much when you speak of her amateur experience.

 

 

 

“She’s confident and she believes in herself.  She thinks I haven’t earned my place yet.  She doesn’t think I throw hard punches.  Speed is power.  She doesn’t get that.

 

 

 

“This has been a hard camp, I really pushed myself. I usually do six weeks, this time I did eight weeks. I hadn’t fought since August so I wanted to give myself an extra two weeks so I knew I was in perfect shape.

 

 

 

“There’s no doubt that I start the year with a win, but I see this as a competitive fight. I’m going to have to earn the win but I believe I can KO her by the sixth, seventh round.”

 

 

 

TORI NELSON:

 

 

“I know I’m the underdog, but I’ve dropped nine people. She hasn’t scored one knockdown yet as a pro. When Claressa turned pro, I knew I’d have to face her eventually.

 

 

 

“A win is what I came for. I expect nothing different.  I hope it would expose female boxing and not only open doors for me, but other female boxers coming up after me.

 

 

 

“I feel it’s more entertaining to watch a female fight. When women get dropped, they get right back up and go after it again. When men get knocked down, they start hiding because they don’t want to get hit again. So I think we should get paid just as much as the men.

 

 

 

“I’m blessed to be here, but I’m not a winner until I complete what I came here to do.  And that’s win. The odds are definitely against me, but I’m going to shock the world.

 

 

 

“I want to take her into the deep waters.  We don’t think she can beat us in a 10-round fight.

 

 

 

“They’re not going to give me anything. I have to be a dog and go in there and win this fight.  I’ve always been aggressive.  Why change anything for her?”

 

 

 

JESSE HERNANDEZ

 

 

“I’m just trying to get closer to a title fight. Moving up the rankings is the main goal right now, and I’m on the right path. A win here in a 10-round fight would be huge for my career.

 

 

 

“Being an all-around fighter is something I’m working on. But you can’t become a well-rounded fighter until you get the experience and the fights and that’s what I’m working on doing right now. I want to get more rounds in and progress.

 

 

 

“Fighting a southpaw is not a problem for me. I can switch my stance, but it’s not something I think about or plan. It just happens naturally in a fight.

 

 

 

“I’ve always believed in myself, even when I took time off. I believed that I could get back into it and get to a top level. The wins over two undefeated fighters did a lot for my confidence.  I knew I could do it, but it showed others I belong and that I can compete at the top level.”

 

 

 

ERNESTO GARZA

 

 

“I like to bring the pressure, and he’s a pressure fighter too.  We’ll see who backs up once we start throwing punches.

 

 

 

“I like to face fighters who come forward like him so I think everything will work for me.  I plan on applying the pressure, getting him tired in the latter rounds, and taking him out.

 

 

 

“He tends to switch, but I think that’s when he gets off-balance.  He won’t bring anything I haven’t seen before.

 

 

 

“I’m fighting at my natural weight class this time.  My last fight on ShoBox (against undefeated Jon Fernandez) I was fighting a much higher weight.

 

 

 

“I don’t think his height and reach will give me any issues.  I’ve been working with a lot of guys in the gym who have similar size and style.  We’re ready for anything.

 

 

 

“A win would be a great step for me and my career.  All the doors would open up for us.”

 

 

 

SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV:

 

 

“I love training here because of the fact that it’s a different atmosphere here in the States. It’s a real professional setup, I feel that my skills and my technique have gotten a lot better training here with Sugar Hill.

 

 

 

“I know that he is an experienced fighter. He’s undefeated and he’s coming to fight. It’s a big opportunity for both of us.

 

 

 

“I’m very honored to be on SHOWTIME and happy to be getting this kind of national exposure. A win would cement me as one of the best junior welterweight prospects in the world.

 

 

 

“I’ve gotten a lot better training at the Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit. Last training camp was an introduction to the American style of boxing and this camp really improved my technique and tactics with the intense sparring.

 

 

 

“I’m 11-0 with 11 knockouts. I’m a puncher and I want to knock him out, but I’ve trained for the distance. I’ve trained to knock somebody out in the first round and the eighth round.

 

 

 

“This is a big step-up in opposition, but I’ve had over 200 amateur fights against some of the best amateur boxers in the world. I’ve beaten Olympic medalists and very accomplished amateur fighters.”

 

 

 

SONNY FREDRICKSON

 

 

“I’ve been waiting for this exposure for a long time. I’ve been trying to get on TV for the last two or three years, so this is a huge deal for me. Hopefully a win bumps me up into the top 5 and gives me a title shot at the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

 

 

 

“We spar a lot with Robert (Easter).  It’s back-and-forth action.  We grew up together and learn a lot from each other. I give him some pointers here and there and he does the same for me.

 

 

 

“I don’t know too much about my opponent. I know he’s a lefty and he has a strong punch. He’s a good match for me. He wants to keep coming forward and land big shots so I’ll be able to outbox him pretty easily.

 

 

 

“I don’t think nerves will be factor. I’ve fought on Andre Ward’s card, I’ve been in big fights before.

 

 

 

“I’m going to knock him out after the third round. I’m going to say, hey, get him out of here.

 

 

 

“After this fight, fans will start learning my name. I think they’ll want to see me have a shot at the 140 pound title.”

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analyst. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

 

 

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

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CLARESSA SHIELDS FINAL WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Unified World Champion To Defend Titles Against Undefeated Challenger Tori Nelson Friday, Jan. 12, in Main Event On SHOWTIME

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

Flint, Mich. (January 11, 2018) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields spoke to media at a workout session in her hometown of Flint, Mich., before she departed to Verona, N.Y. to defend her 168-pound titles against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Tori Nelson tomorrow night, Friday, Jan. 12 live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

Shields will weigh in this afternoon prior to tomorrow night’s ShoBox: The New Generation telecast from Turning Stone Resort Casino. The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features the battle of two undefeated 140-pound prospects Shohjahon Ergashev and Sonny Fredrickson and Jesse Hernandez making his ShoBox return against Ernesto Garza.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are currently on sale for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

 

 

 

Here is what the 22-year old Shields had to say from her hometown gym, The Berston Field House:

 

 

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS

 

 

“I feel great. I really pushed myself this camp. It was a longer camp than usual so I’ve had ample time to get ready. Tori nelson has been doing a lot of trash talking but I’m going to show her that she may be 17-0, but she’s never fought a girl like me before.

 

 

“I may only have 4 professional fights to my name, but I have plenty of amateur experience. I’ve fought girls that are 16-0, I don’t see anywhere on her record where she’s fought an undefeated fighter of that caliber.

 

 

“I’ve prepared for this fight the same way that I always do. I haven’t done anything special. I focus on myself, not my opponents.

 

 

 

“In the 6th or 7th round, Nelson goes down.

 

 

“Once I beat Nelson, I do want to fight Christina Hammer, but I’m taking it one fight at a time. I’d like to fight at least one time at 154 pounds before taking on Hammer.”

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

 

 

Since 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 73 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.

 

 

 

About Turning Stone Resort Casino

 

 

Host of the January 12 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is an award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The January event will mark Turning Stone’s 24th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

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Russian Heavyweight Crusher Apti Davtaev Looking to Impress in his American Debut This Friday at  Turning Stone Resort Casino

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Undefeated heavyweight KO artist Apti Davtaev will make his long-awaited American debut this Friday night on the untelevised undercard of two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) defense of her WBC and IBF titles against undefeated mandatory challenger Tori Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KOs) at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

A recent signing of Salita Promotions, Davtaev (13-0-1, 13 KOs), from Kurchaloi, Russia, will take on Philadelphia-based veteran Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson (18-13-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round showcase.
Standing an imposing 6 ‘5″ and already having won the WBC Slovenian title in just his tenth pro fight, Davtaev moved from his training base in Grozny to Detroit to work with well-respected Javan SugarHill Steward at the Kronk Gym.
“I loved training in Detroit with SugarHill Steward,” said Davtaev. “I feel my skills are going to a new level and I look forward to showing them off on January 12. I know Wilson is experienced and has fought some very good fighters, but I am in great shape and ready to put on a show!”
Not looking to waste any time, the 28-year-old Davtaev says he’ll be looking for “names” in the big man’s division of boxing after this fight.
“My goals are to stay active and fight the better names in the division this year,” he said. “I look forward to showing the boxing fans my skills and challenging the big names. The fans in New York can expect to see a new contender in the heavyweight division.”
Steward, nephew of the great Emanuel Steward and quickly building a strong reputation of his own, says that Davtaev has what it takes.
“Apti is a strong, coordinated, big heavyweight who will be ready to compete very soon with the other contenders in the division. I am very impressed with his ability to learn and to transfer what he’s learned into sparring. I am excited to see Apti in action January 12 for his American debut. I expect to see an exciting knockout!”
Presented by Salita Promotions, Shields vs. Nelson will serve as the headliner of a televised tripleheader on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).
Also featured on the January 12 telecast, Uzbekistan power-puncher Shohjahon Ergashev (11-0, 11 KOs) will face fellow undefeated and top-10 ranked Sonny Fredrickson (18-0, 12 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio. In the co-feature, Jesse Hernandez (10-1, 7 KOs) will take on Ernesto Garza (9-2, 5 KOs; 1-3 WSB) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are currently on sale for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.