Tag Archives: World Boxing Super Series

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.”
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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.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

World Boxing Super Series Debuts in the U.S. This Saturday, September 23 as Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov Cruiserweight Quarterfinal Headlines Exciting Night at the Alamodome in San Antonio

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Tickets Available at Ticketmaster.com or Stream the Action on
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 18, 2017) – World Boxing Super Series action will hit the United States for the first time this week as the Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov quarter-final showdown lights up the ring this Saturday, September 23 from the Alamodome in San Antonio.
This will be the third straight week of WBSS quarter-final action after Callum Smith impressively got the super middleweight tournament underway by dropping and beating previously unbeaten Erik Skoglund Saturday in Liverpool. The tournament kicked-off in spectacular fashion one week prior to that with unbeaten star Oleksandr Usyk delivering a TKO victory Marco Huck in Germany in the first cruiserweight quarter-final.
Perhaps the most anticipated fight of the quarter-finals, Saturday’s main event pits the WBA champion Dorticos against the Russian knockout artist Kudryashov. The two men have combined for 41 knockouts over their 42 pro victories and will each look to emphatically punch their ticket to the WBSS semi-finals.
The Dorticos vs. Kudryashov winner will face the winner of the quarter-final matchup between IBF champion Murat Gassiev and former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk that was recently announced for Oct. 21 in New Jersey. With a shot at title unification on the line, the stakes are sky high as the competitors vie to be the fighter left holding the Muhammad Ali Trophy next year.
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 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.
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.
 
***
 
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.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Callum Smith vs. Erik Skoglund Kicks-off Super Middleweight action in World Boxing Super Series

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
  (Pictures courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (September 13, 2017) – The focus shifts from cruiserweights to super middleweights this Saturday (Sept. 16) in World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) quarterfinals action as undefeated, elite 168-pound fighters Callum “Mundo” Smith and Erik Skoglundthrow-down at Echo Arena in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Canadian boxing fans will be able to watch all the tournament action live, including Smith vs. Skoglund, 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 “O” must go in Saturday’s initial super middleweight fight in WBSS tournament as undefeated boxers Smith and Skoglund battle in the 12-round main event, airing live on Super Channel at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT, for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond Championship.
The “Smith vs. Skoglund” card start time on Super Channel is TBA (check for updated details onwww.superchannel.ca).
(L-R) – Callum Smith & Erik Skoglund
Smith (22-0, 17 KOs), fighting at home in Liverpool, is rated No. 8 by The Ring magazine. He is a former WBC Silver and European super middleweight champion who is a rising star.
“A ring is a ring no matter where it is, but course, I’m happy to be fighting in Liverpool,” Smith admitted. “This is my home and this is where all my best performances as a professional have been. I like fighting in Liverpool, and with the crowd behind me, I will have an added advantage.
“There are no easy fights in this tournament. It’s the best fighting the best, but I believe I made the right decision (choosing Skoglund) in Monte Carlo (at the WBSS Draft Gala). That’s not to say Skoglund is not a good fighter. I think he is a very good fighter. His record speaks for itself, but I think stylistically, he was the right choice for me.
“It’ll be a tough test. On paper, Skoglund is probably the best fighter I’ve ever faced, and I will need to be at my best to beat him. But every time I’ve been up against it in my career, and every time there’s been that fear factor, it’s brought out the best in me and I’m hoping for the sameSaturday.”
Skoglund (26-0, 12 KOs) was ranked by all four major sanctioning bodies as a light heavyweight before moving down in weight to compete in the WBSS as a super middleweight. The 26-year-old Swede has been the IBO, WBA International and European champion.
“This is a huge opportunity for me to prove myself at the highest level,” Skoglund said. “Callum Smith is a top-level fighter and one of the tournament favorites. This is what the World Boxing Super Series is all about – the best fighting the best! That’s why I entered and that is why I’m really looking forward to this fight.
“For me, it’s no problem fighting in Liverpool. Of course, I am always thankful for the opportunity to fight in front of my fans in Sweden, but I’m happy not having that pressure on my shoulders for this fight and I will enjoy being the underdog for once.”
The inaugural season of the World Boxing Super Series features two weight classes (cruiserweight & super middleweight), 16 fighters, and a total of 14 main events. An expert panel invited the world’s best boxers to compete, namely the top 15-ranked fighters of the four major federations: WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO. In each weight class, eight boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarterfinals (September & October 2017), two semifinals (January & February 2018) and one championship final (May 2018).
World Boxing Super Series is a new revolutionary bracket-style elimination tournament featuring the world`s best boxers and a total of $50 million in prize money. The knockout format of the competition will see the best boxers ultimately compete for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, the greatest prize in boxing. The tournament is organized by newly-founded Comosa AG, a Swiss-registered company with principal owners Highlight Event & Entertainment, Modern Times Group and Team Sauerland. Comosa AG is working in partnership with boxers, promoters and managers around the world, and in alignment with the four major world boxing federations, to create a new global platform for the sport.
“Smith vs. Skoglund” card and several preliminary bouts, promoted by Matchroom Boxing, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
 
UPCOMING WBSS EVENTS & RESULTS 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 (22-0, 17 KOs), Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
vs.
Erik Skoglund (26-0, 12 KOs), Nykoping, Sweden
Sept. 23 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in San Antonio, Texas, USA
WBA Cruiserweight World Championship
Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), Champion, Miami, Florida, USA by way of Cuba
vs.
Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs), Challenger, Volgodonsk, Russia
 
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 WSBB 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

Rising Stars Take Center Stage in San Antonio Saturday, September 23 in Undercard Attractions from the Alamodome

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Headlined by Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov
World Boxing Super Series Quarter-final Showdown
 
2016 Olympians Misael Rodriguez & Eimantas Stanionis plus Unbeaten Money Powell IV, Efe Ajagba & Wesley Apochi
Enter the Ring in Separate Bouts
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 12, 2017) –  An action-packed night of rising stars and local talent will be featured as part of an exciting undercard lineup on Saturday, September 23 from the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Mexican Olympian and 2016 bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez (2-0, 1 KO) will compete in a six-round middleweight bout while 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (2-0, 2 KOs) enters the ring for six rounds of welterweight action.
The September 23 event is headlined by the World Boxing Super Series quarter-final showdown between Yunier Dorticos and Dmitry Kudryashov and also features a reserve match between once-beaten cruiserweights Keith Tapia and Lateef Kayode,while former world champion Nonito Donaire returns to take on Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez. *Media credential information below.
Additional action will see unbeaten prospect Money Powell IV (3-0, 2 KOs) meetAntonio Urista (9-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight contest, Nigerian heavyweight prospect Efe Ajagba (1-0, 1 KO) facing unbeaten Daniel Gallemore (5-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round fight and Nigerian prospect Wesley Apochi (1-0, 1 KO) in a six-round cruiserweight matchup against Leo Pla (5-7-2, 2 KOs).
A host of talented local fighters from San Antonio will round out the undercard asDaniel Baiz (9-1, 5 KOs) competes in super welterweight action, Kendo Castaneda(10-0, 4 KOs) enters the ring for a six round welterweight fight, welterweight prospectJoseph Rodriguez (12-0-1, 2 KOs) fights in a four-round attraction and middleweightDagoberto Nevarez (1-0, 1 KO) steps in for a four-round bout.
At last year’s Rio games, the 23-year-old Rodriguez overcame incredible odds to win the first Olympic boxing medal for Mexico since Christian Bejerano in 2000. The Chihuahua native and his teammates had to resort to begging on public buses and streets in Mexico to raise money to compete in international boxing tournaments. He completed his road to the medal stand by defeating Egypt’s Hosam Bakr Abdin to clinch a medal in the middleweight division. Rodriguez made his pro debut in April with a dominant decision victory over Brian True and followed it up knockout of Jose David Mosquera in July.
An accomplished amateur representing Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis is looking to become the next Eastern European fighter to make a splash in the U.S. The 23-year-old had a 141-19 record as an amateur and earned four senior national championships before winning gold at the European Olympic Qualifier to earn his trip to the 2016 Games. A gold medalist at welterweight at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships, Stanionis has impressed with knockouts in his first two starts since turning pro in April.
Born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military, Powell IV dedicated himself to boxing for good when his family moved back to the U.S. in 2011. The 19-year-old has quickly made a name for himself since then, winning the 2016 Youth Welterweight National Championship to earn the top ranking in the 152-pound division by USA Boxing. Fighting out of Fort Mitchell, on the state line of Alabama and Georgia, Powell scored stoppage victories in his first two starts before a dominant decision victory to pick up his third win in July.
The 23-year-old Ajagba is set to turn pro after beating the odds and making the 2016 Rio Olympics to represent his native Nigeria. Although he lost in the quarterfinals, Ajagba made a splash by delivering a highlight reel knockout in his opening bout against Trinidad and Tobago. The fighter known as “King Kong” also won an African games gold medal during his impressive amateur career delivered a first round knockout in his pro debut in July.
Orogun, Nigeria’s Apochi was once the captain of his country’s national boxing team, a testament to how far he came since a surprising second place finish in the 2011 Africa Games. The 29-year-old represented Nigeria at the 2013 World Championships and earned a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games before turning pro in July and delivering a knockout in his debut.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov Training Camp Notes

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World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Tournament Heats Up Saturday, September 23 with Dorticos vs. Kudryashov Quarter-final Matchup from Alamodome in San Antonio
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 11, 2017) – With World Boxing Super Series action officially underway following Oleksandr Usyk’s 10th-round stoppage of Marco Huck Saturday in Germany, cruiserweight sluggers Yunier Dorticos and Dmitry Kudryashov offered training camp updates ahead of their highly anticipated quarter-final showdown taking place Saturday, September 23 from the Alamodome in San Antonio.
The WBA cruiserweight titleholder, “The KO Doctor” Dorticos has been hard at work at the Freestyle Fighting Academy in Miami as he prepares for the matchup that many are calling the best fight of the tournament.
“I’m working hard and getting ready to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Dorticos. “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. My training camp is going really well and I can’t wait to have all of my hard work pay off on September 23.”
Owning a 100 percent knockout ratio over his 21 pro wins, “The Russian Hammer” Kudryashov has trained at the Legends Boxing Gym in Norwalk, Calif., for his first fight in the U.S. as he looks to punch his ticket to the WBSS semi-finals.
“When you want to be the best, you have to train harder than everybody,” said Kudryashov. “That is the key to my game. Dorticos is a good fighter with a strong amateur background. He’s dedicated to this sport and he’s no easy opponent. I’m going to have to be at my best to beat him. Everyone in this tournament was afraid to pick me but I’m happy to be in this fight.”
With the WBO champion Usyk set to face the winner of WBC Champion Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez, the Dorticos vs. Kudryashov winner will match up against the winner of IBF Champion Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in a unification showdown that promises more high-stakes action.
“It’s an honor for me to be part of such a prestigious tournament,” said Dorticos. “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.”
“My main motivation is to become world champion and show that I’m the best in the division,” said Kudryashov. “I’m the most powerful fighter in this division and everyone will see that on September 23. 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.”
With the Muhammad Ali Trophy awaiting the winner of the WBSS tournament, both men are looking to increase their profiles and prove their supremacy in the division while matching up against the best in the weight class.
“Fighting for the Muhammad Ali Trophy is huge for me,” said Kudryashov. “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.”
“I want to fight all of the champions,” said Dorticos. “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. 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.”
With a combined 41 knockouts over 42 victories, Dorticos vs. Kudryashov promises to be a back-and-forth all-action fight, but only one man will be able to raise his hand at the end of the night and move on in the quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy.
“The fans are going to get an amazing show on September 23,” said Dorticos. “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’ve worked too hard to get to this point. Once I connect with him, everyone knows what is going to happen.”
“This is the first time that all of the best fighters in the division have been collected in a tournament so it is a big opportunity for me,” said Kudryashov. “My team has been amazing in training camp and I am going to take that and bring it to the ring against Dorticos. My opponent better be ready, because I’m coming to beat you like nobody ever has.”
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 www.ticketmaster.com.
 
*** 
 
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

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

16/09/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Callum Smith vs. Erik Skoglund (WBC Diamond)
Echo Arena, Liverpool, United Kingdom

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

TO BE CONFIRMED
Super Middleweight Quarter-Finals:

Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

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 Hits the East Coast as IBF Champion Murat Gassiev Battles Former Champion  Krzysztof Wlodarczyk

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WBSS Cruiserweight Quarter-final Matchup Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
 
 
NEWARK, N.J. (September 8, 2017) – World Boxing Super Series action comes to the east coast as the cruiserweight quarter-final showdown between IBF champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs) and former world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs) is set for Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
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 will also be available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office beginning Monday, September 11 at 11 a.m.
“It’s a great pleasure to promote this exciting World Boxing Super Series matchup,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Murat Gassiev is clearly one of the top cruiserweights in the world but he will have a great obstacle against the battle-tested former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, who will have a big boost from the raucous Polish fans in New Jersey. Prudential Center is the perfect venue for this event and I know that the fans will enjoy this matchup as both men vie for the Muhammad Ali Trophy.”
“It’s so exciting that the Ali Trophy is coming to a fighting place like New Jersey,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer. “Hold tight and enjoy the ride, October 21 is going to be a unique experience, think ‘Game of Thrones’ meets boxing. Can’t wait!”
A full slate of undercard bout will be announced soon.
 
“I promise that I’m going to come to the ring to win and do everything possible to get this victory,” said Gassiev. “I want to take advantage of this opportunity to fight the best boxers in my weight class.”
“I have a very serious opponent in Krzysztof Wlodarczyk who is a two-time world champion and his resume speaks for itself. He has fought the best and I’m looking forward to a very hard fight.”
“It is a great honor for me to fight in the World Boxing Super Series for the Muhammad Ali Trophy,” said Wlodarczyk. “I trained for two weeks in the Polish mountains and now I am back in Warsaw putting in the work forOctober 21.”
“I am very happy to have the opportunity to fight a champion like Murat Gassiev. He is a young, strong champion like I was a few years ago but I am ready to show that I am still the best in the division.”
One of the hardest punchers in the sport, Gassiev trains with Abel Sanchez in Big Bear, California and hails from Vladikavkaz, Russia. The 23-year-old made his U.S. debut in 2015 and delivered four straight knockout victories, including a “Knockout of the Year” contender when he flattened Jordan Schimmel in the first round in May 2016. Gassiev then challenged Denis Lebedev in Russia last December and was able to drop the champion on his way to winning the IBF title.
Fighting out of Piaseczno, Poland, Wlodarczyk first became a world champion when he defeated Steve Cunningham in 2006 to capture the IBF crown. After fighting to a draw against WBC Champion Giacobbe Fragomeni in 2009, Wlodarczyk stopped Fragomeni in their 2010 rematch to become a champion again. He would go on to defend the title six times and enters his October 21matchup on a four fight winning streak.
*** 
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
09/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Marco Huck (WBO World)
Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany

16/09/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Callum Smith vs. Erik Skoglund (WBC Diamond)
Echo Arena, Liverpool, United Kingdom

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

TO BE CONFIRMED
Super Middleweight Quarter-Finals:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

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

Usyk vs. Huck launches World Boxing Super Series

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AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(All Pictures Courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
EDMONTON, Canada (September 6, 2017) – The much-anticipated World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) launches this week and Canadian boxing fans will be able to watch all the tournament action live on Super Channel.
Super Channel 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.
Planned to take place on an annual basis, the WBSS tournament will commence this Saturday (Sept. 9) in Berlin, starting at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, with the first quarter-final match as World Boxing Organization (WBO) Cruiserweight World Champion Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (12-0, 10 KOs) defends his world title against former world cruiserweight champion Marco “Kapt’n” Huck (40-4-1, 27 KOs) in the 12-round main event.
The inaugural season of the World Boxing Super Series will feature two weight classes (cruiserweight & super middleweight), 16 fighters, and a total of 14 main events. An expert panel invited the world’s best boxers to compete, namely the top 15-ranked fighters of the four   major federations: WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO. In each weight class, eight boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarterfinals (September & October 2017), two semifinals (January & February 2018) and one championship final (May 2018).
World Boxing Super Series is a new revolutionary bracket-style elimination tournament featuring the world`s best boxers and a total of $50 million in prize money. The knockout format of the competition will see the best boxers ultimately compete for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, the greatest prize in boxing. The tournament is organized by newly-founded Comosa AG, a Swiss-registered company with principal owners Highlight Event & Entertainment, Modern Times Group and Team Sauerland. Comosa AG is working in partnership with boxers, promoters and managers around the world, and in alignment with the four major world boxing federations, to create a new global platform for the sport.
Five exciting fights on the “Usyk vs, Huck” card, promoted by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
(L-R) — Oleksandr Usyk & Marco Huck
 
Usyk, 30, is the No. 1 WSBB seed and consensus pre-tournament favorite. The Ukrainian is a two-time Olympian who struck gold at the 2012 Olympics in London.   The powerful southpaw captured the WBO cruiserweight world title September 17, 2016, taking a 12-round unanimous decision in Poland from the previously undefeated, defending champion Krzystof Glowacki (26-0). Usyk has made two successful world title defenses, stopping challenger Thabiso Mchunu (17-2) last December in the ninth round, and winning a 12-round unanimous decision this past April fromMichael Hunter (12-0).
“Marco Huck is the most famous and prestigious opponent I could have chosen,” Usyk said. “He has accomplished most title defenses in the history of the cruiserweight division, an extremely experienced man. Huck does not fear anything or anyone and goes for the victory through the fire. He marches constantly forward and tries to determine his fights by all means.
“I have a tactic specifically aimed at Huck. This is necessary because in my opinion he is one of my toughest competitors in this tournament. But why should I talk about it now and give Huck an advantage that he does not deserve? The surprising moment is on my side now, and I will take this advantage with me in the ring. Huck, by the way, has an advantage because he is at home in front of his audience in Berlin. This definitely makes him stronger but I love this challenge!
“I can fulfill my dream of unifying all the cruiserweight belts! I had previously thought about how it would be possible to achieve this goal. Fortunately, the door is now open for the road to glory. In this tournament with all the world champions participating and the winner can rightly be described as the best cruiserweight in the world. On top of that the winner gets the Muhammad Ali Trophy. I admire Ali, because he is the biggest role model in boxing. I will thank God if I win a trophy with his name on it.”
Serbia-born Huck has two distinct advantages over Usyk: fighting at home in Berlin as well as being much more experienced against world-class opponents. The 32-year-old Huck is 13-4-1 (6 KOs) in world title fights and he has five victories against former or present world champions.
One of Huck’s four career losses as a professional, however, is to Glowacki, who lost the WBO title he won in 2015, by knocking out Huck in the 11th round, to Usyk a year ago.
“It is going to be very nice to fight in Berlin, but I would also fight Usyk on the moon,” Huck noted. “Usyk is a well-schooled boxer and I cannot wait to step into the ring with him.
“When I fight, there’s always something going on, it’s never boring but spectacular. Huck fans around the world know that a Huck fight means entertainment. When I reach my potential on
fight night, I can beat everyone. I am optimistic and confident that I will beat Usyk.”
In the 10-round co-featured event, former WBO International and World Youth cruiserweight champion Noel Gevor (22-1, 10 KOs), fighting out of Germany by way of Armenia, takes on American Isiah Thomas (15-1, 6 KOs) in the WBSS Cruiserweight Substitution Fight.
Undefeated German middleweight prospect Patrick Wojcicki (9-0, 4 KOs) faces FrenchmanFouard El Massoudi (14-9, 1 KO) in an eight-round bout, while German super middleweight Denis Radovan (5-0, 2 KOs) meets Yasnn Binanga Abogho (6-1-1,) and German light heavyweightLeon Bunn (5-0, 5 KOs) squares off with Tomasz “Temera” Gargula (18-7-1, 5 KOs), of Poland, in a pair of six-round matches, all scheduled to air live on Super Channel.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
 
UPCOMING WBSS EVENTS AIRING LIVE ON SUPER CHANNEL
 
Sept. 9 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in Berlin, Germany
WBO Cruiserweight World Championship 

 

Oleksandr Usyk (12-0, 10 KOs), Champion, Kiev, Ukraine

vs.
Marco Huck (40-4-1, 27 KOs), Challenger, Berlin, Germany
 
Sept. 16 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final in Liverpool, UK
WBC Super Middleweight Diamond Championship
Callum Smith (22-0, 17 KOs), Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
vs.
Erik Skoglund (26-0, 12 KOs), Nykoping, Sweden
Sept. 23 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final in San Antonio, Texas, USA
WBA Cruiserweight World Championship
Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), Champion, Miami, Florida, USA by way of Cuba
vs.
Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs), Challenger, Volgodonsk, Russia
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 WSBB 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:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel