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Tag Archives: WBC
CLARESSA SHIELDS TO DEFEND WOMEN’S SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLES AGAINST UNDEFEATED MANDATORY CHALLENGER TORI NELSON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Unified Champion & Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Headlines ShoBox: The New Generation From Turning Stone Resort Casino In Verona, N.Y.
NEW YORK (Nov. 8, 2017) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will defend her 168-pound titles against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Tori Nelson on Friday, Jan. 12 live on SHOWTIME.
A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) will face her second consecutive undefeated opponent in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Shields dethroned previously unbeaten Nikki Adler Aug. 4 on SHOWTIME to pick up the WBC and vacant IBF titles less than one year after she became the first American boxer to capture back-to-back Olympic gold medals. The 22-year-old native of Flint, Mich., returns to face Nelson, a seven-year veteran with seven times the professional ring experience.
“I’m truly excited to have the chance to demonstrate my skills against an opponent the caliber of Tori Nelson,” Shields said. “I’m honored to be headlining the firstShoBox of 2018, and I know January 12 will be a great night for the fans. This will be the beginning of a historic year for me and for women’s boxing.”
Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KOs) won a middleweight world championship in 2011 and owns wins over previously unbeaten Alicia Napoleon and Mia St. John. The 41-year-old Ashburn, Va., native looks to capture her second world title in a showdown with the fastest rising star in women’s boxing.
“Ever since Claressa turned pro, I have wanted this fight,” Nelson said. “She’s young and talented, but my experience will make the difference. Since I became a boxer, I have dreamed of being in big fights on television. I am confident that I will win this fight and remain undefeated. And I plan to retire as an undefeated world champion.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, go on sale Monday, Nov. 13 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 800.771.7711or online at Ticketmaster.
“Claressa’s determination to challenge the best available contenders shows why she is one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport today,” promoter Dmitriy Salita said. “This is a great matchup and I am confident that we will witness another memorable performance.”
Said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation: “Claressa is a star both in and out of the ring who possesses all the intangibles to become the face of women’s boxing. In just four professional fights, two as headliners on ShoBox, she is already unified champion at 168 with plans to conquer the 160 and 154-pound divisions. Tori Nelson is undefeated, a former champion, and represents what should be the toughest test of Claressa’s young career. Only time will tell, but I don’t know if there is any fighter in the world who can stop Claressa Shields.”
Shields compiled an amateur record of 77-1 and won her first Olympic Gold when she was only 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the 2012 London Games. She won a second gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and turned professional three months later.
In March 2017 in Detroit, Shields stopped Hungary’s Szilvia Szabados in four rounds in the first women’s main event in premium television history. Shields returned to headline her second ShoBox telecast in August, knocking out Adler in the fifth round to become unified champion in just her fourth professional fight. With the win, Shields became the 70th world champion in the history of the prospect developmental series.
Active in her community, Shields advocates for several social issues and serves as an inspirational figure in her hometown of Flint, a city beset by problems.
Nelson turned professional at the age of 29 and won the WBC 160-pound title in just her fifth professional fight. She twice fought to a draw in middleweight world title bouts with Teresa Perozzi.
The high-pressure Nelson is one fight removed from a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Napoleon, and is fresh off a second round knockout of Latashia Burton in her first hometown fight in Ashburn, Va.
Undercard bouts for the ShoBox telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.
Unbeaten Super-Lightweight Phenom DEVIN “THE DREAM” HANEY Training Camp Quotes and Photos
Photos by Mario Serrano Team Haney
LAS VEGAS, NV (October 30, 2017) – As his November 4th date approaches, unbeaten super-lightweight prospect, 18-year old phenom, Devin “The Dream” Haney (17-0, 11 KOs), shares his thoughts on training camp and more, as he prepares for his fight withHamza Sempewo (14-8, 7 KOs) of Kampala, Uganda.
Haney vs. Sempewo, an 8-round bout, will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, GA, and serve as the co-main event to heavyweight’s, Devin “The General” Vargas (19-4, 7 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, vs. Galen “Bad Boy” Brown (44-38-1, 25 KOs) of St. Joseph’s, Missouri.
Here is what Devin Haney, the WBC Youth World Lightweight title holder, had to say ahead of his November 4th showdown:
On his recent training camp in Las Vegas…
“I’m constantly grinding in the gym, trying to get better. No one is working harder than me. I’ve been working closely with “The Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, and he’s showing me some old veteran tricks. I’ve been sparring with all the top fighters in Las Vegas, getting that good work. I feel strong going into this fight. I’m in great shape.”
On having his father William Haney guiding his career…
“My dad is great and he’s always by my side every step of the way. He comes from the music industry, where he was very successful, so he knows how to build a star. I’m very grateful to have him in my corner. Together we are a force in the boxing world, and I know with hard work, I’ll be the next super-star in boxing.”
On the importance of staying active…
“It’s very important to stay active in boxing, because in this sport, its all about that live action. Fighting with no headgear and smaller gloves is a big difference as opposed to sparring. The more fights I can get under my belt, the better I’ll be when I hit the big stage.”
On fighting in Atlanta, Georgia for the first time…
“Atlanta is a major city and I’m going to give the fans in attendance a fight they’ll remember for years to come. Fighting in the South is a great opportunity to expand the Devin Haney Promotions brand. I want to fight in as many big cities as possible.”
On the state of the super-lightweight division…
“The super-lightweight division is stacked with a lot of great fighters. Terrance Crawfordsits atop the division, and to me, he’s one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I’m on my way up and I’m confident in my ability to become a world champion. I’ve been in the ring with Floyd Mayweather, Shawn Porter and a lot of other great fighters, so my confidence is extremely high. I’m gunning for everyone in the division. I know I can get down with the best of them.”
The card titled, “Remembering Our Fallen Officers Charity Boxing Gala” is being promoted by Fight Tyme Promotions, the Atlanta Boxing Association, in conjunction with Devin Haney Promotions. A live Pay-Per-Stream broadcast will be available exclusively on Fight Tyme Live for $5.99.
Tickets for “Remembering Our Fallen Officers Charity Boxing Gala” are priced at GENERAL ADMISSION $50.00 (Section D), $100 (Section C), $200 (Section B), $500 (Section A / V.I.P) CORPORATE & V.I.P. TABLES of 10 Seats including Dinner $5,000.00, and are available at www.FightTyme.com/Atlanta.
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VICTOR CONTE REVEALS TRUTH ON LUIS ORTIZ POSITIVE TEST
***BREAKING NEWS***
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SAN CARLOS, CA (October 2, 2017) – Sports scientist, Victor Conte, reveals in detail, why he believes undefeated heavyweight contender, Luis Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), is innocent in regards to his recent positive drug test. An expert in the field of scientific nutrition, Conte feels, Ortiz was negligent in declaring his blood pressure medicine, but also believes there is no evidence of intent to cheat. Conte’s position is that the WBC heavyweight championship fight between, Deontay Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) and Luis Ortiz, scheduled for November 4th on Showtime, should move forward without delay.
“Unless you have strong evidence of intent to cheat, then you don’t have a case,” said a stern Victor Conte. “Let the fight go on. Don’t deprive the fans…and the WBC, I hope your listening.”
GH3 Promotions News and Notes
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DAVID BENAVIDEZ BECOMES BOXING’S YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION BY WINNING SPLIT DECISION AGAINST RONALD GAVRIL FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®
Devastating Accidental Head-Butt Ends J’Leon Love-Abie Han Fight in Technical Majority Draw;
Caleb Plant Stays Unbeaten With Shutout Decision Over Andrew Hernandez
Catch The Replay Monday, Sept. 11, At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 8, 2017) – At 20 years, 9 months old, David Benavidez became boxing’s youngest world champion – and the youngest ever in the super middleweight division – with a split decision victory over Ronald Gavril on Friday night on an exciting night of 168-pound action on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. See the video of the decision via Twitter link HERE.
Benavidez (19-0, 17 KOs) placed the previously vacated WBC Super Middleweight belt around his waist after winning the title against former European amateur standout Gavril (18-2, 14 KOs) in what Benavidez later described as quite possibly the “Fight of the Year.” One scorecard had Gavril winning 116-111, with Benavidez winning on the other two scorecards, 116-111 and 117-111 in the event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
“It feels amazing to win this title,” said the Phoenix resident Benavidez. “It’s everything I’ve dreamed about since I was a little kid. It’s everything I’ve dedicated myself to and I’ve worked hard for. It finally paid off.”
The 31-year-old Romanian Gavril, who trains at Mayweather’s Gym in Las Vegas by Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, sent Benavidez to the canvas with a left hook with just 50 seconds left in the wild 12th and final round.
“I feel I won the fight. I dominated the pace. I can’t say anything else other than it was up to the judges,” Gavril said, who was watched by his promoter all-time great Floyd Mayweather from ringside. “The only thing I can do is to ask for a rematch.”
Benavidez, who turned pro at age 16 and only had 15 amateur fights, took control of the fight early on, but Gavril seemed to gain steam mid-fight, out-boxing and being more active than Benavidez in the seventh, eighth and ninth rounds. In rounds 11 and 12, Benavidez out-landed Gavril 66-35 overall and 53-14 with power punches.
“I felt my performance was good except for the last round when I got too anxious and wanted to knock him out,” Benavidez said. “I let my young side takeover and I wanted to give the fans a great fight. I didn’t really feel hurt but it was a shock knockdown. I know to be careful and more cautious. It was a learning experience.”
In another super middleweight contest, Abie Han suffered a devastating accidental head-butt againstJ’Leon Love at 1:02 into the eighth round and the fight went to the scorecards. One judge had Las Vegas’ Love winning 79-73, and the other two 76-76 making the decision a technical majority draw.
Following an exchange of punches, Love (23-1-1, 13 KOs) leaned in and the two fighter banged heads in violent fashion. Han (26-3-1, 16 KOs) of El Paso, Texas, was left stunned and fell to the floor as blood gushed from his forehead above his left eye and he was immediately checked on by referee Kenny Bayless.
Han, who left the arena sitting up on a stretcher before hearing the decision, won the statistical battle in the ring. Han landed more blows (78-47 overall, 20-12 jabs, 58-35 power) and did so more accurately (24 percent to 17 percent overall, 16 percent to eight percent jabs and 30 percent to 27 percent power).
SHOWTIME boxing analyst Al Bernstein had Han winning by one point at the time of the stoppage.
“I can’t rate my performance as great because I didn’t get a victory, I got a draw,” said Love, who once trained at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit under Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.
The 29-year-old Love ended nearly a one-year layoff with his return to the ring. “I’m kind of rusty but I feel like I pressed the action and tried to take it to him,” he said. “Other than that I feel like I landed the cleaner shots.”
In the opening bout of the telecast, unbeaten super middleweight prospect Caleb Plant (16-0, 10 KOs) recorded a 10-round shutout decision against a tough Andrew Hernandez (19-7-1, 9 KOs), 100-90 three times.
Plant, who resides in Las Vegas by way of Ashland City, Tenn., was the more active fighter against the 31-year-old switch-hitting journeyman Hernandez, who took the fight on just eight days’ notice after Alan Campa dropped out. Plant jabbed effectively (81 of 271, 30 percent) while neutralizing Hernandez’s usually effective jab (46 of 325, 14 percent). Plant was also sharp with his power shots landing 44 percent to Hernandez’s 19 percent.
“I’m very pleased with my performance,” Plant said. “I boxed well and I dictated the pace. I pressed when I needed to press and boxed when I needed to box. I felt I put on a great show for the fans. I want to be star in boxing. I know with hard work I can accomplish anything.
“Hernandez is tough, I sent him with everything and he stood tall and my hats off to him. He’s a tough competitor.”
Hernandez, from Phoenix, Ariz., suffered a cut under his left eye in the third and it caused him problems throughout the fight, opening up and bleeding over the final two rounds.
“All respect to Caleb Plant on his performance tonight,” Hernandez said. “He put on a solid fight and he’s got a great future. I was happy I was able to stay in there and last the entire 10 rounds.
“I felt Caleb won, but I don’t think it was 10 rounds to none. But that’s not for me to decide. It’s all up to the judges at the end of the day it only matters what they think.”
Plant added: “I’m ready to step up in competition and fight anybody in the top 10 of the super middleweight division. I got my eye on Benavidez and all the other world champions. I’m coming!”
Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 9 a.m. ET/PT, and Monday, Sept. 11, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.
Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with Bernstein and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions
Caleb Plant Wraps Up Final Days of Training Camp, Talks New Opponent
Photo by Sean Michael Ham – Premier Boxing Champions
Download more photos Click Here
LAS VEGAS, NV (September 5, 2017) – Unbeaten middleweight contender, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (15-0, 10 KOs) is just a few days away from making his SHOWTIME debut this Friday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Plant will face late opponent, Andrew Hernandez (19-6-1, 9 KOs) in a ten-round bout. Tune inthis Friday on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).
With just a few days away from the fight, Plant gives is thoughts on facing Hernandez, training, and more, as he wraps up the final days of camp.
On his matchup with late opponent Andrew Hernandez…
“To be honest, it doesn’t matter who they put in front of me, I’ll fight anyone. I was originally supposed to fight Alan Campa, but he pulled out, like most of my opponents. Hernandez recently fought so I know he’s in good shape. I’m happy that he stepped up, but I’m going to put tips on him. There’s no two ways about it, I’m coming out on top.”
On his recent training camp…
“Training camp has been unbelievable. It’s no doubt, one of my best training camps ever. My weight is perfect and I couldn’t be happier with the way I’ve been looking in the gym. My trainer Justin Gamber is doing a phenomenal job, as well as my dad Richie. Larry Wade, my strength and conditioning coach, has got me in tip top shape. We are going to dictate our game plan on Hernandez, and try to get him out of there before the final bell. If it goes the distance, I’ll be ready.”
On making his Showtime debut…
“I’m very excited to be making my debut on Showtime. This is the first of many as I believe I can become a household name on their network. Showtime is looking for their next star and I believe it’s me. I’m going to put on a spectacular performance. Everyone watching can expect to see a very skilled and determined fighter when they see me fight this Fridaynight.”
On fighting in his new hometown of Las Vegas…
“This will be my third time fighting in Las Vegas, the mecca of boxing, and I want to stamp my legacy here. Since moving here from Nashville about a year ago, I’ve been getting some great work with some top-level fighters. Nashville will always be home, but Vegas is where I’m at right now. I have a lot of new fans out here and I can’t wait to put on a great show for them.”
On what a victory will do for his career…
“A win this Friday will get me one step closer to a world title shot. I’m currently ranked WBA #7 and #11 by the IBF. I’m right there knocking on the door. David Benavidez is fighting for the WBC title in the main event, and he’s definitely someone I want to fight. J’Leon Love, who’s world ranked, is also on the card. Both are on my radar. I’m want all the champions in my division. I’m going to be a world champion when I get my opportunity.”
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Unbeaten Rising Contender David Benavidez & Former European Amateur Star Ronald Gavril Battle for Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Title
in Main Event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Friday, Sept. 8Live on SHOWTIME at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 5, 2017) – Fight Week is here for the six boxers competing in this Friday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast, headlined by unbeaten rising star David Benavidez and contender Ronald Gavril who will battle for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME (10:05 p.m. ET/PT) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.
The event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, will feature two additional showdowns in the super middleweight division. Once-beaten J’Leon Love (23-1, 13 KOs) will battle Texas-native Abraham Han (26-3, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout while unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (15-0, 10 KOs) takes on 31-year-old Phoenix, Ariz., switch-hitter Andrew Hernandez (19-6-1, 9 KOs), who steps in for Alan Campa for the 10-round attraction.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are priced at $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale Tuesday, Aug. 22. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.
The following is a training camp update from each of the fighters on this Friday’s tripleheader.
David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez
- He trains out of The Summit Gym in Big Bear, Calif.
- His trainer is his father, Jose Benavidez Sr.
- With a victory, Benavidez (age 20) would become the youngest Super Middleweight to ever win a world title and the youngest current world champion.
- He’s very familiar with the gym because his brother Jose Benavidez Jr. (former WBA interim super lightweight champion) used to train there when he was active.
Benavidez on training camp:
“My training camps are always fairly long. I only take a week off after every fight and go back into training. For the first couple weeks, it’s just moving around, then we slowly work into the hard training. For this one, I probably had like a month and a half, two months.”
On his opponent:
“I feel like he [Ronald Gavril] has a really good style for me to showcase my skills, like how I did against Rogelio Medina. With our sparring partners, we have brawlers and we have boxers, as well. Whatever style he fights on that night, I’m going to be prepared for it.”
Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril
- He trains at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.
- He is a former European amateur standout.
- His trainer is Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (65 years old; former WBA light heavyweight world champion, retired in 1988 with a record of 50-8-1, 39 KOs).
Gavril on training camp:
“I feel really sharp and I’m really happy with how everything has gone during training. This is the opportunity that I’ve worked so hard to get to and I’m definitely not letting it slip by. I know that everything needs to be 100 percent on fight night so I’m pushing myself to be ready to do whatever it takes to leave with the belt.”
On his opponent:
“Benavidez is a strong guy who’s coming in with a lot of support behind him, but I’m not going to let any of that distract me from my preparation. Me and my trainer are going to have a great game plan for him. I know he wants to be active and smother me and we’re going to show him all of the parts of my game.”
Eddie Mustafa Muhammad:
“I got Ronald sparring with the IBF’s number-one super middleweight contender, Jose Uzcategui. He’s giving us good work, too—he can fight. We also sparred Badou Jack for a couple rounds. We’ve got an abundance of guys that we’re working with.
“The way they’re talking about Benavidez, it’s like he’s King Kong. But it’s good—perfect! Ronald is a boxer-puncher, he can adapt. That’s the whole key. He has a wealth of amateur experience. This is our opportunity. We’ve talked about this for a while now, and Ronald is at a point where he’s ready right now…It’s going to be a great fight.”
J’Leon Love
- He trains at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.
- His trainer is Theo Chambers.
- He’s been in training camp for about five months
Love on training camp:
“My training camp—it’s been months! I started training in April. Being that we had fights fall out, I always stayed in the gym. That’s the hardest part, because I feel like I’ve had bad luck with fights falling out. But one thing I can say—we train our ass off! I just want to go on vacation after this.”
“We’ve had a lot of good sparring—Lionell Thompson and Denis Douglin have been in here working. We’ve had so many sparring partners throughout this camp, and we’ve just been working, working, working.
On his opponent:
“I remember Abie Han from the amateurs. He’s always been a tough fighter. You can’t look past anybody. Everybody comes in that ring to fight. Everybody comes in with a different mode or a different drive, so this may be the drive he has to really come out and explode on the scene and beat me. So, I’m taking him absolutely, positively serious, like he’s a world championship fighter and we’re fighting for the world title.”
Abraham “The Sun City Warrior” Han
- Trains out of his father’s martial arts studio in El Paso, Texas (Han’s Martial Arts).
- He is trained by Louie Burke — 56 years old; former pro junior lightweight, retired in 1985 with a record of 19-3, 12 KOs; won the “ESPN Junior Lightweight Title” on Apr. 14, 1983, with a 12-round unanimous decision against Freddie Roach; also won a 10-round decision against Roach in the rematch on Nov. 10, 1983.
- He has sparred with former world champion Austin Trout.
Han on training camp:
“I train at my dad’s martial arts studio in El Paso – Han’s Martial Arts. I’m sparring mostly with local people from El Paso, and I also sparred with Austin Trout.
“I’ve been working hard and working with Austin (Trout) and that makes a big difference. Austin makes me so much better. He’s been a world champion and he will be a world champion again. His expertise and his knowledge is amazing. He’s been in those situations and he tells me little things along the way and I think that will make all the difference in this fight.”
Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant
- Moved to Las Vegas from Nashville about a year ago to train
- He is trained by Justin Gamber and his father Richie Plant.
Plant on training camp:
“I’ve been living in Las Vegas for more than a year now – since August 24th, 2016. I’ve been in the gym consistently this whole time since my last fight, but my ‘official’ training camp will be seven or eight weeks. We bounce around to a couple of different gyms for sparring. I’ve had good work this camp – great sparring, good strength and conditioning, good gym work, and I’ve had good rest. I have a good diet.
“I know every boxer says, ‘Oh, this is my best camp,’ and a lot of times they don’t mean it. But this has literally been my best camp. Things are very smooth.”
Andrew Hernandez
- He is managed by his wife Jacquie Hernandez and trained by Alan Beirs.
- Alfred Quintana serves as his cut man and strength and conditioning coach.
- A late replacement, Hernandez got the call on Aug. 29 and accepted the fight; contract signed the next day.
- Trains at Gents Gym in Arrowhead, Ariz.
What Hernandez has to say:
“I’ve known my trainer, Alan Beirs, for a while. He actually helped me with my last couple of fights – we’ve only been together maybe six months or so. He worked my corner in February, but we weren’t working completely together. Then when I got back in the gym in March, that’s when we really started working together.
“I train at a place called Gents Gym in Arrowhead, Ariz. I trained there with the Busted Knuckles Boxing crew – that’s Alan Beirs’ crew. We’re all pushing each other to get better and I know they’ll have me ready for fight night.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions
Unbeaten Rising Contender David Benavidez & Hard Hitting Ronald Gavril Battle for Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Title in Main Event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Friday, Sept. 8 Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT
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Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, from The Joint at
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
Plus! Two 168-Pound Showdowns as J’Leon Love Meets Abraham Han While Unbeaten Caleb Plant Faces Alan Campa
Tickets on Sale Tuesday, Aug. 22!
LAS VEGAS (August 17, 2017) – Unbeaten rising star David Benavidez and powerful contender Ronald Gavril will battle for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship on Friday, Sept. 8 live on SHOWTIME in the headlining attraction of a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and will feature two additional showdowns in the super middleweight division. Once-beaten J’Leon Love (23-1, 13 KOs) will battle Texas-native Abraham Han (26-3, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout while unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (15-0, 10 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Alan Campa (16-3, 11 KOs) in 10 rounds of action.
Benavidez (18-0, 17 KOs) has a chance to make history – at just 20-years-old he is aiming to become the youngest super middleweight champion in history and the youngest reigning world champion in the sport today. Gavril (18-1, 14 KOs) will seek to keep the WBC 168-pound title in the Mayweather Promotions family after it was vacated by his stablemate, Badou Jack.
“This opportunity means the world to me,” said Benavidez. “I’ve been working for his since I was a little kid. It’s all come down to this moment when I’m ready to take this belt and take over the 168-pound division. The time is almost here, and I can hardly wait for September 8. Winning the championship would be enough on its own. But the opportunity to be the youngest in the sport is a major accomplishment and the biggest of my life, so far. I have a tough competitor in front of me, and I know he’s treating it as seriously as I am. I’ve been working for two and a half months for this fight and I’m not overlooking him.”
“It’s been a great journey for me getting to this point of fighting for a world title,” said Gavril. “I have a great team behind me who pushes me every single day to perform my best, learn from my mistakes and perfect my technique. Those values have gotten me here and I am thankful for such an amazing opportunity. I will go out there and give it everything I have, I can’t leave the ring without the championship belt.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are priced at $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale Tuesday, Aug. 22. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.
“In November 2015, I said that I had new blood for our industry David Benavidez, who would be the best and youngest super middleweight champion in the history of our sport,” said Sampson Lewkowicz, Benavidez’ promoter. “We didn’t cherry pick this opponent. He was the next available contender when Anthony Dirrell pulled out. We expect fireworks. We expect to birth a new superstar. The most important thing is to determine in which round Gavril will be knocked out, because I believe that we’re talking about matching a jet plane against a helicopter. So I expect a spectacular performance from Benavidez, who will begin his run as the new blood in boxing and will keep it going until he retires.”
“To be in a position to announce another great card coming just weeks after the biggest event in sports history shows that Mayweather Promotions shows no signs of slowing down,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We are thrilled to present this fight card on September 9, filled with tremendous talent featuring top contenders in the Mayweather Promotions stable. Gavril has proven to be a tough competitor, he’s on a long win streak with his last four coming by way of TKO, Love making his return to the stage is sure to excite fans, and the always exciting Caleb Plant will definitely put on show. This is what boxing is about, bringing together some of the most exciting talents on one stage.”
After delivering a highlight reel knockout of Rogelio Medina in May, Benavidez has now racked up a perfect 18 wins in 18 starts at just 20-years-old. The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and continued with four more in 2016 including blasting out previously unbeaten Francy Ntetu in June and tough contender Denis Douglin in August. Most recently, Benavidez began his 2017 campaign with a second-round destruction of Sherali Mamajonov in January. The Phoenix-native will look to make history in the 168-pound division onSeptember 8.
Born in Romania, Gavril won a 165 amateur fights and trained with the National Team before turning pro in 2011 and eventually moving to Las Vegas to train at the Mayweather Boxing Club. The 31-year-old won his first 11 pro fights before dropping a narrow contest to veteran Elvin Ayala. Gavril bounced back emphatically with seven straight victories including then unbeaten Oscar Riojas and once-beaten Christopher Brooker. He scored a third-round stoppage of Decarlo Perez in April ahead of his first world title opportunity.
A once-beaten contender at 168-pounds, the 29-year-old Love bounced back from his lone defeat with three victories 2015 before stopping Michael Gbenga and Dashon Johnson in 2016. The Inkster, Mich., native earned wins over Marco Antonio Periban, Derrick Findley and Lajuan Simon on his way to contender status and will look for another victory to put him in world title contention.
Han is a former champion kickboxer and third degree black Blackbelt who hails from El Paso, Texas and enters this fight the winner of his last three contests, including a first round stoppage in March of this year. A winner of his first 19 pro bouts, the 32-year-old owns a victory over Marcos Reyes in addition to narrow losses to former champion Sergio Mora and former title challenger Fernando Guerrero.
A 2011 National Golden Gloves champion, Plant has begun to make his name in the professional ranks since turning pro in 2014. After picking up six victories in 2015, Plant continued his success with stoppages of Adasat Rodriguez and Carlos Galvan before going 10 rounds for the first time in a unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel in August 2016. The 25-year-old from Nashville began training in Las Vegas this year and picked up a victory over Thomas Awimbono in February.
Fighting out of Sonora, Mexico, the 25-year-old Campa enters this contest the winner of three of his last four contests, including a victory over then once-beaten Paul Valenzuela Jr. last April. Campa has fought professionally since 2010 and won his first nine fights while also battling top contenders Sergey Derevyanchenko and Jesse Hart.
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David Benavidez Promising Fireworks Against Ronald Gavril
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