December 2018 – Page 2

Claressa Shields Is The BWAA’s 2018 Female Fighter of the Year

Claressa Shields Is The BWAA’s 2018 Female Fighter of the Year

By Joseph Santoliquito/BWAA President

In a pivotal year for women’s boxing that saw the sport reach more people than ever before, two-time United States Olympic gold medal winner Claressa Shields continued to soar, as she successfully defended her two world middleweight titles, then added three super middleweight belts before the end of a campaign that earned her the 2018 Christy Marin Award, which is given to the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Female Fighter of the Year.

“I am thrilled and honored to receive the Fighter of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America. It is a dream come true, and it furthers my goal to lift women’s boxing to new levels,” Shields said.

Credit- Stephane Trapp

“In 2019 my goals are to become undisputed champion, to be ranked in the top 10 pound-for-pound list regardless of gender, and to continue the march of women’s boxing toward equality with men.”

The 23-year-old from Flint, Michigan becomes the second winner of the award, which was established in 2017. She will be honored at the BWAA’s annual award dinner, which will take place in 2019 at a site and date to be determined.

“In such a big year for women’s boxing, it wasn’t a surprise that there were so many worthy nominees for this award, but in 2018, Claressa Shields took things to a new level by becoming a two-division world champion and successfully defending her titles at both 168 and 160 pounds in Showtime and HBO-televised bouts,” said Thomas Gerbasi, chairman of the BWAA’s women’s boxing committee. “That’s impressive in its own right, but the fact that she’s done this all before her tenth pro fight and under the glare of the spotlight that comes with being the face of the sport in the United States made her a unanimous choice for this year’s Christy Martin Award.”

Credit- Stephane Trapp

Joining Roy Jones Jr., Andre Ward and the late Emanuel Steward as members of the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018, Shields began the year on a collision course with middleweight champion Christina Hammer, but first she finished up her business at 168 pounds by successfully defending her IBF and WBC titles with a shutout victory over Tori Nelson in January. Next was Shields’ middleweight debut against Hanna Gabriels in June, and what followed was a Fight of the Year candidate that saw Shields rebound from the first knockdown of her career to win a clear-cut decision and the IBF and WBA belts. Soon after, the news came that Hammer had to withdraw from her November clash with Shields due to injury, but “T-Rex” didn’t slow down, as she defeated Hannah Rankin and Femke Hermans to successfully defend her middleweight titles while adding the WBC crown to her trophy case.

Jermall Charlo to Battle Matt Korobov for WBC Interim Middleweight Championship

Jermall Charlo to Battle Matt Korobov for WBC Interim Middleweight Championship
Live in Primetime on FOX & FOX Deportes & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN (December 17, 2018) – Middleweight contender Matt Korobov has stepped up to challenge Jermall Charlo for the WBC Interim Middleweight Championship live in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Korobov is replacing Willie Monroe, Jr., who was removed from the main event after he tested positive for a banned substance by VADA under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. The WBC is conducting further investigation into the matter. Korobov was due to fight on the undercard and had been training to fight December 22. He willingly stepped forward when the call came for a replacement for Monroe.

“I was well prepared for Willie Monroe, who is a southpaw, so there won’t be that much difference facing Korobov,” said Charlo. “There is a size difference. He’s taller than Monroe, but I’ll just have to adjust my game plan. The best fighters in the world are the ones who are able to make the best adjustments. Beating Korobov is going to make the victory that much sweeter due to this adversity. That means the celebration is going to be sweeter as well. He was fighting on the undercard, so he’s prepared. But now fighting for the title in the top spot is going to make him fight harder. I love it. He’s a much better opponent on paper than Willie Monroe Jr.”

“I was training to fight on this card so I am physically and mentally ready to fight,” said Korobov. “It doesn’t matter that I am taking this fight on a week’s notice because I have been preparing for this moment my entire life. I will make a few adjustments for Charlo and make the most of this opportunity. Don’t miss it. Make sure you tune-in to FOX for a great fight.”

The Charlo vs. Korobov bout is part of a blockbuster PBC on FOX show that features the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC middleweight championship bout against Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Korobov (28-1, 14 KOs), who was originally scheduled to face Colombia’s Juan De Angel, has an outstanding resume that includes a unanimous decision victory over current super middleweight world champion Jose Uzcategui in 2014. His lone loss came against Andy Lee in a middleweight championship fight in 2014. Korobov was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards when he was caught by a right hand from Lee that resulted in a sixth round TKO loss.

The 35-year-old southpaw is from Orotukan, Russia and now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. As an amateur he won the European Championships in 2006 by defeating reigning undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. He was a member of the 2008 Russian Olympic boxing team and finished his amateur career with a record of 300-12. He enters this fight with four straight victories, having most recently scored a unanimous decision over Jonathan Batista.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Saturday, October 27 at noon ET. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Jermall Charlo vs. Willie Monroe Jr. & Jermell Charlo vs. Tony Harrison International Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording

Click HERE for Audio

Ray Flores
On behalf of PBC we’re very excited about next Saturday, December 22, at Barclays Center where we have Jermell Charlo defending his championship against Tony Harrison. Also Jermall Charlo in action defending his title against Willie Monroe, Jr.

PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes begins at 8 ET/5 PT. I also want to mention that next Saturday’s event is being brought to you by TGB Promotions along with Lions Only Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

What an early holiday gift for fight fans in the New York area. Tickets start as low as $50 and their own sale now. They’re going quickly. Ticketmaster.com, Barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. We have a dynamic night of action. I also have to mention PBC on FOX will open up with the heavyweight showdown featuring 2012 United States Olympian Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

But right now we have the privilege of being joined alongside an undefeated world champion who is coming off a win over Austin “No Doubt” Trout, from Houston, Texas I want to go ahead and welcome the world champion, the WBC Super Welterweight Champion of the World, Jermell Charlo.

Jermell Charlo
I just want to say you know I’m super thankful to be on this card and I’m glad the world got the chance to recognize the talent that we all have.

R. Flores
This young man who is from Detroit, Michigan. He’s very hungry. He’s a former world title challenger. He’s coming off of three straight victories in a row, please welcome, Tony “Super Bad” Harrison.

Tony Harrison
Hi everybody. Oh man, like I said it’s a pleasure for me to get back on this stage. It’s rare you see a challenger get two shots at a title and I want for Jermell being the champion that he is for giving me the opportunity, you know this is a great fight for the fans.

This shows the world champion you’re dealing with in Charlo. To take a fight like this you know he’s something and on December 22, I know it’s just going to be a dynamic fight. The abilities are going to be unlimited in the ring.

So I’m just looking for a great night. Like you said, I’m glad he made it out of camp healthy and I made it out healthy. He’s probably in great shape. I’m in great shape. There’s no excuses on this side and hopefully there’s none on that side and we just going to put on a good night of fighting.

Q
Jermell, if you get past Tony Harrison, how likely is that you’re going to face Jarrett Hurd in the future?

J. Charlo
Hurd is another fighter that we’re looking to fight in 2019. He wants to fight someone else possibly in his hometown and build up a little bit more. I don’t know why it took him forever to get ready for that fight, but you know I guess it happens to some people.

Q
Is this something we can expect in the future that you and your brother will be fighting on the same card?

J. Charlo
It could be whatever the fans want to or the fans and the people want to think. Normally we fight on cards together. We’ve done this a lot in our careers so it’s comfortable. But we like to build our legacy separately. We both took a fight at the same time so it was perfect and it was on the same card.

Q
Jermell, what do you remember from Tony Harrison’s performance against Hurd, particularly in the maybe the first half of the fight when he may have been doing better in the fight. What do you remember from that?

J. Charlo
I’m not Jarrett Hurd. My skills of boxing are way different. My style of boxing is different and I definitely don’t really care what he did. I remember paying attention to that fight in the dressing room and I was rooting for Tony because he came out like the dude wanted to win.

And that’s what I like about Tony. And I like for fighters to come in there with that mentality of fighting and wanting to win. And I know that’s where he comes from and that’s what he possesses. So you know he was winning in the beginning of the fight, whatever happened, happened. That was all she wrote.

Q
How has that respect between you and your opponent been maybe different in some sense than some of your previous fights?

J. Charlo
You guys will see on the 22nd, when we come out to fight, people have certain ways that they feel certain times. I don’t care about how much somebody respects me or how much they don’t respect me; I’m going to still treat both fighters the same.

I have to defend myself in every manner that I can and it doesn’t matter if they act properly, it can be a respect and all that be done and said, but it’s about the fight game and about what’s really been built inside of me. I’m not worried about all the respect right now.

He can be respectful and all of that. He’s coming to take my title and that’s messing up my legacy and that’s a whole different ballgame for me. That hunger is a different kind inside of me, it means different to me. I hope everyone is safe and I hope it doesn’t cause too much damage, but I’m coming. I defend it with my life on the line.

So if he feels that same way, it’s going to be an exciting fight for the fans. It will be a good fight for the PBC and for whoever is watching. At the end of the day my life is at risk when I’m in that ring every time.

Q
Is there perhaps anymore added pressure to have to deliver a memorable performance in front of wide audience on FOX or are you kind of approaching this fight kind of the same as any other?

J. Charlo
As any other fight. Regardless what TV network is promoting this fight or putting this fight on, I’ve been there before. I’ve done this before and I have to continue to do what I do. So yes, I’m super excited about FOX being such a marquis television network that allows more to see what we do.

I wish that a lot of people were able to see this beforehand, then they would have a little bit more respect for me and what I do. So I’m glad that we got this opportunity.

Q
Could you maybe kind of talk more about you what’s been different about this particular camp compared to others?

J. Charlo
I’ve taken a lot of time to settle down within myself you know. I have everything I want, everything I need and so there’s no point of this disobedience to any of my people. And I look at my coach a little bit different in this camp. He’s like a father figure to me now. He’s not a father figure, but when I go up to Dallas to do my training and stuff, I definitely pay attention to everything he’s doing and we’re well plugged in with each other. We connect really well.

The greatest thing is he let me do me, he let me be me in that ring. Regardless of anything, if I feel like throwing a certain punch. “Hey coach look listen I’m going to talk about this one punch that I think I can throw well because my body allows me to do it.” And so those are the things that I’ve been doing differently. I’m going to pull some tricks out the hat, its’ going to be different.

Q
Tony, has that been any extra motivation for you especially now that you have a chance to kind of right the wrong that you weren’t able to win the world title in your last attempt?

T. Harrison
Man I’m not even thinking about Jarrett Hurd, that fight was years ago. I left that fight right where I left it. I moved on. I fought four times after that. I don’t need no more added motivation. I’ve got a family I got to feed. I’ve got people that’s rooting me on. And just with me, I’m competitive in my own without nobody else. So I want to do it for me. I want that fight back with Hurd just as bad as Jermell wants it for the first time.

So in order for me to get the fight I got to win the title. I know for sure I won’t get it again. So for me, I just keep doing what I’m doing man. But I left that in the past. I had a great training camp two months — two months and two weeks’ worth is actually the longest I’ve ever trained for a fight. Basically it costs five weeks, four weeks or something like that. I feel good, body feels good. I’m focused on December 22, I’m focused on Jermell. I’m focused on the WBC title and I just want to give a good show.

Q
Are you going to dedicate this fight to the Kronk Gym and Adonis Stevenson for all that’s happening with him and his trauma out in Canada?

T. Harrison
It doesn’t have to be a a guy from Kronk. This is a rough sport that we in. Just like Prichard Colon, I pray for everybody to make it out of that ring safe and go back to their families. It hit a little more home that I do know that guy that’s in that situation.

This sport is so dangerous. I pray each and every day. I pray for my opponents before I walk in there and I fight them. So, it’s a dangerous sport we in and I think we all know what we signed up for when we signed up. But that never hurts you less when you see somebody in those conditions. So I’m praying for him and I’m praying for Adonis I’m praying for his family.

Q
Have you done anything different in training camp to make sure that you will be able to box as good as you do the first half in the second half?

T. Harrison
Only on December 22, you’ll be able to tell. I think the other times I think I just over trained. I usually get in these big fights and then I tend to want to climb Mount Everest in one day and I think that’s what been happening.

This time like I said I’ve been the guinea pig for my stable. We don’t have any world renown trainers or a city that’s more recognize than the other. Like I said, I’ve been the guinea pig. We’ve been learning as a group, together, this whole way. So I think they’ve gotten better with how my body is and knowing how my body feels.

We’ve done everything together and as a unit and as a team. Nobody is to blame man. But we’ve all been working together and trying to figure this out a day a time and that’s all we can do.

Q
How different is this from any of your other fights? And has it been taxing? Has it been overwhelming?

J. Charlo
No it’s not overwhelming. Because actually whenever you put a camera in my face or you put a camera in my brother’s face. We want to be on cue with everything and on point. So it can be overwhelming. The only thing they can do is just push you to be in better shape and make you want to go harder. We always doing something different. Me and my brother are twins. And the thing about being a twin is that’s automatically something that you have to show the world, the world has already seen. They got their eyes looking just because I was a twin. And that’s something I’ve dealt with.

Every time you go to the grocery store with Mom you ask somebody, “Oh are those twins you know?” The attention was always there, they always looking to know who was older. They always want to know do I feel the same thing my brother feels? A lot of these questions is no. I’m my own man and I try to do everything in the world to separate, so people can understand the difference between us. But as well the things that I love about being a twin. And there’s things I take with the punch.

Being into fashion and being into certain marketing things. Knowing the business behind boxing is greater than just getting in the ring and fighting. It was my brother’s idea to go a large facility where people would’ve enjoyed being around us for our Houston workout. And put a ring in there build a ring and have special guests — Floyd Mayweather. I’m thankful for him being able to fly in and everyone know Floyd flies on jets and different things. So for him to come in and do this for us was major. He sees something different in us and speaking with him yesterday he could see the fire and the throb that we really have in the world. And I’m glad they’re getting a chance once again to see to put this one and do this for the world. This is big for us in our city. You know this is big for us in our legacy and our careers and everything that we build in the future.

R. Flores
All right. Thank you guys very much to Jermell and Tony for going ahead and I want you first Jermell if you want to give some closing comments as you get set for a big title defense coming up next Saturday with PBC on FOX. So Jermell the floor is all yours.

J. Charlo
I’m just thankful for allowing me to be able to show my skills and my talent. This is something that God placed in my life in and I’m able to do this. I got a family myself, I’ve got a son that looks up to me that watches. He’s nine years old. And I know he’ll be paying attention to this very closely. I know Tony got a family. And I just pray that everybody is safe, but come the 22nd I come to bring destruction again and to build my legacy. And I hope that the world gets a chance to capture the moment.

T. Harrison
We almost a week away. This is one of the best jams I’ve been in. I applaud Jermell for being the champion that he is and taking this fight like this. Knowing I’m not Trout, I’m not Lubin, I’m not Hatley and he sees that I bring a different kind of dynamic to the ring. I ain’t 21 I’m not 20. I’m not going to do all the jawing. I’m not going to even go there. I’m thankful that he made it out healthy. Thankful I made it out healthy. And come December 22, he got something I need. He got something I want. I’m coming to get it.

R. Flores
Tony, thank you guys very much that was Jermell Charlo and Tony Harrison. Now we shift our attention towards the main event. And if you guys remember at the press conference the main event was determined because of a coin flip with heavyweight stand out and heavyweight legend Gerry Cooney at Barclays Center. But we’re going to get set for Jermall Charlo vs. Willie Monroe Jr. That is for the interim WBC Middleweight Championship of the World. Don’t forget tickets are going quickly. It’s PBC on FOX next Saturday December 22, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

But now we’re set for Willie Monroe Jr., who is a terrific fighter. With a record of 23 wins just three defeats. He’s won two straight victories from Rochester, New York please welcome Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr. Willie if you have opening comments?

Willie Monroe Jr:
This is the opportunity we’ve been looking for. It’s a blessing and I can’t wait.

R. Flores
And now we’ll get set for the champion out of Houston, Texas. He has 78% knockout percentage. He’s undefeated 27 wins, no losses, 21 wins coming by way of knock out. Please welcome Jermall Charlo.

Jermall Charlo
I’m ready to go. Welcome me back to Brooklyn, I get a chance to fight basically in Willie’s hometown. So I know a lot of people expecting this fight is going to be fireworks.

Q
Austin Trout said that after he lost to you that Gennady Golovkin, Canelo Alvarez, those guys need to get you then rather than later because you’re only going to get better. Do you feel he’s correct?

J. Charlo
Right now, my main focus is Monroe. Wise words from Austin Trout but it’s a matter of time. I’m really just learning on the job at the same time, being in this position and being at the top level. So sooner or later I’ll get my shot.

Q
Did it take you any time to acclimate yourself to middleweight?

J. Charlo
Most definitely. My first fight at 160, the guy had a hurt leg. It didn’t give me the chance to show the fans and the people around boxing what I was made of. But fighting Hugo, he only had one loss and him being a bigger guy than me, knowing that, let me know that I had a future at 160.

Now I’m fighting Monroe who has experience at 160 and he’s a big guy also, but not a statue. So it’s going to be a tangle. It’s going to be a tussle. But I’m learning like that 160 pounds is just like 154 pounds. My body’s constantly growing. I’m filling out at 160. I feel good. This is probably my one of my most fun and best camps that I’ve had because I got a chance to experience it twice already.

Q
What’s the upside of fighting on national TV as opposed to premium or streaming networks?

J. Charlo
Well, the upside is that everyone in the world gets a chance to see it for free. It’s almost like it’s there for the people and it’s not like an option where you have to have money. This’ll be at all bars around the world because normally bars don’t play HBO or pay-per-view and stuff like that where they have to buy expensive cable offers.

It’s a chance to fight in front of the world, and it’s something I always dreamed of. But I would’ve never thought it would come this soon.

Q
Willie Monroe, Jr. doesn’t have a very high knockout percentage. Are you expecting to just walk through him?

J. Charlo
No, not at all. When a fighter is criticized by his knockout ratio, things like that, you kind of tend to think that okay now he’s going to try to develop power, more snap or something like that, things you have to watch out for. So he’s not like a wild guy. He’s a southpaw, a technical mover, real slick boxer. So there’s going to be some times in there where I might have to really export the game plan that we have for him. So no, I’m not expecting to walk out and just have an easy fight. It’s going to be a big fight, for me and Willie both.

Q
Willie, you fought through world champions in the past. How does Jermall Charlo compare to Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders?

W. Monroe
That’s something I can’t answer yet. We haven’t fought yet. So I’ll be able to tell you how he compares to those guys after the 23rd.

Q
Are you a better fighter since losing to both Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders?

W. Monroe
I think I am. But then again, like I said, that’ll be proven on the 22nd.

Q
Willie, do you think that there’s an element of being overlooked in this fight and just used as a stepping stone so that he could position himself for a fight with Golovkin?

W. Monroe
No. It’ll play is in my favor if I use it right. People pretty much do what they’re told to do. People like who they’re marketed. Certain fighters are marketed and a lot of people don’t actually know a lot about any of us fighters.

It’s like football and basketball. One day they’re a Lakers fan, they next day they’re a Golden State fan, next day they’re a Knicks fan. My job is to keep focusing on the task at hand.

Q
How disappointed were you with the results of the Saunders fight? And did you go out of your way for this particular training camp to prepare for a different result for Jermall on the 22nd?

W. Monroe
I wouldn’t say I went out of my way but we did what we have to do to prepare for two totally different fighters. You put together a game plan for what you have to deal with.

The whole Saunders thin leading up to the fight and what I had to deal with in London, you know what I mean, leading up to the fight, you know, had a lot more to do with who had my back. But I make no excused and I’m ready for December 22.

Q
Jermall, this question is for you. How good was the experience last night to partake in that toy drive with Floyd and all that that entails for your Houston community?

J. Charlo
It was great. The community came out. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. came out. A shout out to him. Shout out to the people. We raised awareness and we got toys to the kids who aren’t fortunate enough to get toys for Christmas. Just to see the smiles on people’s faces.

I got work to do. And that was my motto for this fight. I appreciate everybody’s support. The major thing was that we got the job done and we got the toys.

Q
How important is it for you to look good and avoid overlooking what’s obviously a very motivated Willie Monroe, Jr.?

J. Charlo
We don’t overlook anyone. There’s no such thing. Every fighter’s a hard fight. That’s how I’m coming into this fight. Willie Monroe, Jr. has been in there with great guys. But this is a different fight. Every fight is a different fight. You can’t even look at my last fight and say that I’m going to fight the same way.

It’s how I make my adjustments according to changes. I’m ready to go. This what we do. That’s how I make a living for my family. I put out for my legacy. So at this point I’m ready to go. I’m ready to go. Next week, on Saturday, you guys will get a chance to see again what I’m made of.

Q
After this fight, do you have any desire or plan to have your – have a fight in 2019 take place in Texas? Or are you comfortable fighting in Brooklyn?

J. Charlo
I’m most definitely comfortable fighting in Brooklyn. But the ultimate goal is to fight here at home in front of my fans, in front of my people. But like I’ve never really been on that side of it. So I don’t have any say so to that as of right now.

Besides, you know, TGB Promotions is doing great in Brooklyn, and that’s where we’re campaigning there right now. I know I got a place at home and I’ll be able to make the fans happy sooner or later. But right now, my focus is to keep fighting where the fans are and where they’re happy at.

Q
Do you kind of feel like you’re being overlooked by those Golovkin and Canelo?

J. Charlo
Man, it’s god’s time. It could be something that I want or something I’m ready for at the time. But it’s all a matter of time if I fight him now or I fight him later, I’m only getting wiser, stronger, faster and smarter. So they’re going to have to deal with that as it comes. But hopefully those fight happen for me sooner or later.

But right now, my main focus is Monroe. And that’s what we got on the 22nd. So I’ll let those guys take care of what they’re doing on their campaigns with Canelo and them and Golovkin. But sooner or later, they got to answer to Jermall Charlo.

Q
Now that you’re fighting in New York instead of having to go overseas to face Billy Joe Saunders, has there been kind of any difference in the mood around training camp?

W. Monroe
One thing that’s been different is that I’m thankful to PBC because I fought twice already going into a championship fight where in the other position where I went over to London I fought on HBO as the co-feature to Canelo when he fought Liam Smith. And I was supposed to have been fighting maybe four months after that. And I didn’t fight until a year after that, which was the Billy Joe Saunders fight. And while I was under the promoter I was under, there were two different times where I would go – it was the time where I was off 13 months, and the time that I was off 12 months, not due to anything that I was doing. That’s just the business.

I was making a point to keep me busy. And a fighter like me who fights off skill, intelligence, moving, you need to keep a fighter like me busy so I can stay sharp.

You have different type of fighters. You have the fighters who rely most on power. You can give them a long layoff because they have what’s called a game changer. They may be somebody may be able to out sharp them for four or five miles, but then they come through their power, and it may even the odds.

But when you have a guy like me who fights a super-intellectual style, you need to keep me busy.

We had the money to actually put together a great camp. We’ve fought twice, we’re coming off of two wins, so we’ve been busy. And I’ve been able to pay the sparring partners accordingly so they stay around.

We had about three different cruiserweights, both amateur and pros. Just to exaggerate the height and the quote, unquote power advantage that Jermall has.

I was able to sit down, put things together and create a camp accordingly, rather than just coming off of just being in shape and going in there and fighting off of what I know. So that would have put together a great camp, accordingly.

So I think that will play a huge amount of favor. This is the first time ever in my whole career that I’ve been able to do this, that I’ve been able to put together a full camp with the right sparring, after bringing these guys in to spar and have a great schedule.

So under those circumstances, I feel like that just boosts my confidence into who I am and what I can do all around. I mean, I’m sure Jermall and his team has put together a great camp, I just can’t wait to see what happens on December 22. I know him as a fighter, I’m also a fan. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen myself.

Q
What is it that you see in Jermall Charlo that you think you’re going to capitalize on?

W. Monroe
I’m not going to talk about that. We ain’t going to talk about what I’ll try to capitalize on. That’s like giving away the game plan. I just want to be in the mix. Because you’re in the mix, you can come out as champion. When you’re dealing with a promoter that’s just holding you, holding you, holding you, and then try to make a little money off of you, it’s hard to really gauge and really work and get into a mold.

I just like to fight. That’s just been me since I was a kid. I love to fight, I love to contend, I had a 142 amateur fights. I wish I had 100 more. Fighting is just what I love to do.

If you’re the big guy on campus that everybody’s saying no one can beat, then I want to try my chances against you. I was pretty much still a kid when I fought Golovkin. I was a 19 and 1. And that was really early in my career, but I been let to fight. I don’t turn down no fight. I don’t turn down anything.

And just as a challenge, I love to challenge myself. I’m just very ambitious and vigorous like that. And I mean, what Charlo has done in the box appropriate, you can’t deny it.

Q
Do you think the pressure is on him?

W. Monroe
The pressure’s more on him. I’ve seen the comments that I’m a stepping stone fight. I’m this, I’m that. But like I said earlier, the fans say what they say and then when you win then it’s “Oh, I knew you could do it.” Or I knew you was this, I knew you was that.

A lot of fans like the bandwagon, so a lot of that really doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t shake me either way because come December 22 it’s going to be me and him in the ring. Can’t nobody help me. Can’t nobody help him, no matter what’s said on the inside or outside. Jermall Charlo has to execute his game plan the best way to beat Willie Monroe, and Willie Monroe has to execute his game plan the best way to beat Jermall Charlo.

And December 22, we’ll just have to see who executes their game plan the best.
Q
Is there any question for you because the world is going to gauge you versus Gennady and your performances against Monroe?

J. Charlo
I’m focused on the 22nd. Do you hear where Willie saying? He’s had a great camp. I’m glad I’m able to put other fighters in position and to be able to make the type of money at this stage and at this level. I’m glad that everything is where it won’t be any excuses. And then on the 22nd, I’d better show the world why I’m so explosive. Why Golovkin and all those others don’t really want to take this high risk.

Q
Did the fact that this is on network TV take anything away from the camp? Or did you remain more focused than ever because of the limelight?

J. Charlo
No. No. None of this stuff bothered me. You get cameras every fight. The light is there. My future is bright. It’s always right in front of me. I’m not worried about none of the talk and none of the so-called this, so-called that.

I’m here to fight, man. I’m here to fight the best out there. I didn’t get the best fighter out there to fight me so I’m taking a fight with a guy that’s right there in the rank and he’s with me. So look, we’re going to make a show, we’re going to make him do what he do.

Brooklyn, the 22nd, that’s all I care about right now.

R. Flores
Thank you very much. Before we let them go, Willie, we’ll start off with you. If you have any final comments before you get set for, you know, your match of next Saturday for PBC on FOX from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, December 22nd.

W. Monroe
I just want to say thanks to everybody that’s part of this. Thanks to FOX. Thanks to PBC. Man, our prayers and wishes to every fighter. A lot of people talk a lot of stuff on the outside, but they don’t realize just how dangerous this boxing really is.

So all prayers and blessings to every fighter on the card, man. And I’m elated, thankful man. It’s five days after my birthday, a few days before Christmas. I keep reiterating that. So I’m blessed, man, and thank you guys for considering Willie Monroe and thanks for the opportunity and I promise I won’t disappoint on the 22nd.

J. Charlo
We got another one. We got work to do. We’re going to stand up. Houston, stand up. Everybody that’s on the phone lines, I want to thank them. PBC on FOX, this is bigger than pay-per-view. Like Willie said, you all don’t realize what we do, we’re putting our life on the line to entertain the world, so that’s what we’re going to do and we promise not to let you down with a great fight. And my hands will be raised after this fight and it’s going to mean so much to me, so I can’t wait to get in there.

BRETT YORMARK TO LEAD NEWLY ESTABLISHED ADVISORY BOARD OF HAYMON SPORTS, LLC

Advisory Board to work on PBC marketing, branding and growth initiatives

LAS VEGAS (December 14, 2018) – Brett Yormark, Chief Executive Officer of BSE Global (BSE), has been tapped to lead the newly established Advisory Board for Haymon Sports, LLC, the creator of boxing’s preeminent brand, the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).

Yormark leads BSE, which manages and controls Barclays Center, NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Brooklyn Nets, the New York Islanders and other New York venues. The Haymon Sports Advisory Board will help to fuel the direction for Haymon Sports by advising its leadership team on branding strategy, cross-licensing opportunities, commercialization, and future growth initiatives for PBC. Yormark will be identifying leaders in the sports, entertainment, and brand space, and a complete list of members will be announced in early 2019.

“I am looking forward to working with Haymon Sports, Al Haymon, and the PBC to lead the Advisory Board,” said Yormark. “The sport of boxing is a great passion of mine, and working with Haymon Sports and the PBC to bring the most exciting fights to Barclays Center has been incredibly rewarding. I am looking forward to working with them to find new ways to grow the profile of the sport in Brooklyn and beyond.”

“We’re excited that Brett will be assisting us with the continued growth of the PBC. He has done a remarkable job as CEO of BSE Global and he brings global experience and talents to this advisory role,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing.

Under Yormark’s leadership BSE has secured first-class programming for its venues. Through BROOKLYN BOXING, Barclays Center has hosted more than 200 fights and dozens of world championship bouts, involving some of the biggest stars in the sport today.

Yormark was instrumental in securing the rights of Barclays Center being named the east coast home of PBC Boxing. Under that agreement, which was announced in September, Barclays Center will host a minimum of eight PBC shows per year. Yormark also serves on the WBC Supreme Council.

In making Barclays Center a destination stop for college basketball, Yormark secured agreements to host the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2016, the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2017, 2018 and 2022, and the upcoming NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional in 2021. The venue also hosted the Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship for four consecutive years, which returns to the venue in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

In addition to sports programming, Yormark oversees the BROOKLYN SHOW and LONG ISLAND SHOW platforms, which brings the biggest names in music to Barclays Center and NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, including JAY-Z, Beyoncé, Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen and more.

Yormark is a member of the Board of Advisory Directors for both the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center. In addition to co-founding the BSE Advisory Board, Yormark is also on the board of the City Parks Foundation, the TJ Martell Foundation and NYC & Company.

TOP LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY TO FACE FELLOW-UNBEATEN XOLISANI NDONGENI IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

TOP LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY TO FACE FELLOW-UNBEATEN XOLISANI NDONGENI IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Prospect Developmental Series Kicks Off 2019 With Tripleheader Featuring Five Undefeated Fighters In Challenging Matchups

Live On SHOWTIME 10 p.m. ET/PT From StageWorks Of Louisiana in Shreveport

Credit- Devin Haney Promotions

NEW YORK – December 12, 2018 – Top lightweight prospect Devin Haney will face fellow-undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni in the first ShoBox: The New Generation telecast of 2019 on Friday, January 11 live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The 20-year-old Haney (20-0, 13 KOs) returns in a 10-round bout for his third consecutive test on the prospect developmental series having barely lost a round while his level of opposition has strengthened over the last two fights. The fast-rising prospect will face just his second undefeated opponent in South Africa’s Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs), an unbeaten 28-year-old who once held the IBO’s belt at 135 pounds.

In the co-feature, two-time National Golden Gloves Amateur Champion and highly touted Californian prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will take on hard-hitting former Puerto Rican amateur champion Carlos Vidal (14-0, 13 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout. The opening bout of the tripleheader will feature undefeated Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez Faure (10-0, 8 KOs) against an opponent to be announced.

“We are excited to begin our 18th year of ShoBox with another card featuring today’s top prospects matched tough,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation. “Simply put, this series is boxing’s best proving ground for tomorrow’s champions. Devin is on the fast track to becoming a world champion while Ruben is facing his first legitimate test in his quest to turn from prospect to contender. A tripleheader featuring five undefeated fighters is the perfect start for what promises to be a banner 2019 for ShoBox: The New Generation.”

The event is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale now and available at http://www.akafights.com.

Haney has been considered one of boxing’s top prospects since turning professional at the age of 17 in Mexico in 2015. In his last fight on Sept. 28 on ShoBox, Haney won via near-shutdown decision of three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos, handing the veteran his first loss since dropping a decision to Mikey Garcia in 2014.

Haney grew up in Oakland and fights out of Las Vegas, where he has earned a reputation as a prodigy having sparred with Floyd Mayweather, Shawn Porter and Jessie Vargas. The flashy and outspoken 20-year-old is now ranked in the top 15 of three of the four major sanctioning bodies (No. 8 WBA, No. 10 IBF, No. 11 WBC) after just 20 professional fights.

“I’m looking to start off 2019 with another great performance on SHOWTIME,” said Haney, whose three scheduled ShoBox opponents have entered with an impressive 91-4-2 record. “I’ll be facing a very dangerous undefeated fighter in Xolisani Ndongeni, who has been ranked as high as No. 3 in WBA and has never experienced defeat. He’s not just coming to fight, Ndongeni thinks he can win. These are the fights I need. I’m going to show the world once again that I’m not a prospect, I’m an elite fighter, and I deserve a world title shot.”

Ndongeni has rallied off 25 straight victories since turning professional in 2010 while campaigning largely in South Africa. His lone start outside of his hometown came in 2016 in California, where he handed previously once-beaten Juan Garcia Mendez the second loss of his career.

Ndongeni, who has nine scheduled 12 round fights on his resume, has been ranked as high as No. 3 by the WBA and owns a victory over former 130-pound world champion Mzonke Fana. He has won a number of regional titles and claimed the IBO’s vacant 135-pound title via ninth round knockout in 2015.

“Devin Haney is a great young boxer and I think it will be a good test for the both of us,” Ndongeni said. “I have the edge in experience. I have been in 12-round title fights and I feel I am more than capable of handling anything he brings to the ring. A win against Haney will take me back to the top of the rankings and open doors for me to be able to fight many more times in the U.S.”

The 21-year-old Villa started boxing when he was just 5 years old and compiled an impressive 166-17 record as an amateur. The Salinas, Calif., native was a two-time Junior Olympic National Champion and the 2014 and 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion. He owns two wins over eventual Olympic Silver Medalist Shakur Stevenson as an amateur before losing to his rival twice in the 2016 Olympic Trials. Villa turned professional in 2016 shortly after the Olympic Trials and has registered 14 professional victories in just over 24 months. The southpaw will face his toughest test to date and just his second undefeated opponent in Vidal on January 11.

“My team and I are really grateful and excited to finally be able to showcase my talents on a national platform and we will not take this opportunity for granted,” Villa said. “I’ve been working overtime to look perfect for this event. I’m coming to put on a show and prove I’m ready for the bright lights.”

Vidal was a two-time Puerto Rican National Champion with an amateur record of 104 wins against just 10 losses. The 29-year-old is a strong power-puncher with 13 KOs in 14 professional fights, with all 13 coming inside of three rounds. Villa, who lives and in trains in Las Vegas, will be making just his second start in the United States against his first undefeated opponent.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to prove myself against another undefeated fighter,” Vidal said. “I live in the gym and have dedicated my life to this dream of being a world champion. This is just the first step of that process and nothing is going stop me from achieving that goal.”

The 26-year-old Faure fought on the Cuban National Team and competed in more than 200 amateur fights. After defecting from Cuba, the heavyweight turned professional in September of 2017 and has won 10 fights in just over 14 months. Faure lives and trains in Las Vegas, where he is managed by International Boxing Hall of Fame referee Richard Steele.

“Growing up in Cuba, I’ve always dreamed of having this opportunity to fight on television in America, and now that dream is becoming a reality,” Faure said. “I’m going to punish my opponent and give the fans a reason to watch me every time I step in the ring. I’m the next Cuban sensation.”

Undefeated Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman Makes Long Awaited Ring Return…

Undefeated Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman Makes Long Awaited Ring Return to Defend His Title Against Battle-Hardened Veteran Josesito Lopez Live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, January 26
From Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Featured Picture Credit- Lionel Hahn-Fox Picture Group

Also in Action! Unbeaten Adam Kownacki Faces Gerald Washington in Heavyweight Attraction. Tickets on Sale Now!

BROOKLYN (December 12, 2018) – Undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito Lopez on Saturday, January 26 live in primetime in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round battle.

Tickets for the show begin at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“There is a high level of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the ring return of welterweight champion Keith Thurman, and Josesito Lopez will certainly provide some answers about where Thurman is after nearly two years out of the ring,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki and Gerald Washington have the opportunity to show exactly where they stand in the resurgent heavyweight division. Both of them are big heavyweights who love to throw power shots. It’s the kind of night that will have fans on the edge of their seats.”

“I speak for boxing fans everywhere when I say we are eagerly anticipating Keith Thurman’s return to the ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “He has experienced great success at Barclays Center, so it’s fitting that he will lead off a strong year of BROOKLYN BOXING programming in 2019. I also look forward to seeing local favorite Adam Kownacki, who always comes with a strong contingent of loud fans.”

Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) made a steady rise through the welterweight ranks and reached the pinnacle with hard-fought victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia at Barclays Center, the latter of which earned him a WBC crown in addition to his WBA title. But a string of injuries, including surgery and rehabilitation on his elbow, has sidelined him for nearly two years, calling into question his place amongst the 147-pound elites. The 30-year-old Thurman, who is still the reigning WBA welterweight champion, is looking to regain his top-tier status in the division starting with Lopez. Thurman, who lives and trains in Clearwater, Florida, enters the ring for the first time since a split decision victory Garcia on March 4, 2017.

“I’m extremely excited to step back into the ring,” said Thurman. “It’s a little nerve wracking considering the time off and because I want to have a tremendous performance. I want to speak more with my hands more than my words and quiet the naysayers who think that Keith Thurman has lost his passion and skills in boxing. I believe I’m the best welterweight in the division and in the world and I hope to showcase that on January 26 with a knockout. The best fights in the welterweight division have involved Keith Thurman and that will continue to be the case. I’m looking forward to having a tremendous year and showing why I’m number one.”

The 34-year-old Lopez (36-7, 19 KOs) is looking to thwart Thurman’s plans to regain his lofty position in the 147-pound division. Nicknamed “The Riverside Rocky” because of his all-action style, the Riverside, California-native has stepped into the ring against some of the best boxers of this generation. He has rattled off three straight victories since suffering a TKO loss to former welterweight champion Andre Berto in 2015. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cruz on April 28 live on FOX.

“I’m approaching this fight as leaving no stone unturned as I prepare to take that world championship,” Lopez said. “I’ve set up training camp with altitude, chasing chickens, chopping wood – really into putting in the work. Overall the layoff will affect him and there could be a little hesitation, but we’ll see come fight night. The improvements that I’ve made with Robert Garcia the last couple of years will come into play. They’ve strengthened my qualities and I can’t wait to show it to the world.”

Kownacki (18-0, 14 KOs) has risen through the heavyweight ranks with a tough-as-nails brawling style that produced a string of knockout victories and exciting showdowns. His knockout streak ended at four in his last fight when he scored a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin on Sepember. 8. Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and now lives in Brooklyn, will be fighting at Barclays Center for a third straight time and the eighth time overall.

“Living in Brooklyn this is like a home game for me,” said Kownacki.” I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and I can’t wait to step into the ring against Gerald Washington and showcase myself on PBC on FOX. There is nothing better to start off the year than with a knockout and that’s what I plan on doing on January 26 at Barclays Center. I hope all my fans will come out like they always do and have the arena in white and red.”

Washington (19-2-1, 12 KOs) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who has been able to use his athletic ability to power his way past most of the opponents he faces. That athleticism will pose a challenge to Kownacki, who could be facing the toughest fight of his career. The 36-year-old Washington of Vallejo, California is a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran who has challenged Deontay Wilder for his championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in his last fight on June 10.

“I can’t wait to show everything I’ve been working on,” said Washington, “Boxing is a sport of truth. It brings the truth to light and it exposed my truth and what I needed to work on. You have to be able to adjust and be comfortable in every situation. You have to be ready for what’s to come. I’m expecting a hard fight from him. He’s a bruiser. He’s tough and he loves to fight. He’s in his hometown and he’s ready and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready to position myself to fight again for a world title.”

CASEY “THE HAWAIIAN PUNCH” MORTON LOOKS TO CAPTURE WBO ASIA PACIFIC TITLE THIS SATURDAY IN CHINA

CASEY “THE HAWAIIAN PUNCH” MORTON LOOKS TO CAPTURE WBO ASIA PACIFIC TITLE THIS SATURDAY IN CHINA

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 11, 2018) – Undefeated female super flyweight Casey “Lady Hawaiian Punch” Morton (7-0-3 1KO), will be fighting for her second title as she faces Jutamas Jitpong (4-2 2KOs) for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Female Super Flyweight Title. The 10-round bout will take place this Saturday, December 8th, at the Yubei Sport Center in Yubei, China.

“I am excited to fight for my second WBO Asia Pacific Female title!” said Casey Morton. “I won the WBO Asia Pacific flyweight title earlier this year, so to get another title before the year over is a dream come true. I want to fight the best, I don’t want easy fights and I want to prove that I am a true champion.”

“Casey Morton is an amazing boxer who packs a featherweight punch in a flyweight frame,” said manager Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “I don’t see many flyweights surviving all ten-rounds with her after she moved up in weight to super flyweight. She is a star and we are excited to work with her.”

“I am super grateful for all of my opportunities but want to give all glory to God, as well as my team, including my manager Greg Hannley and everyone at SNAC System. I’m grateful to Victor Conte for the high-level training he provides and I will show my ability come fight night.”

Jermall & Jermell Charlo Plus Willie Monroe Jr. & Tony Harrison Talk Holiday Memories and Traditions Ahead of Respective Primetime Showdowns

Jermall & Jermell Charlo Plus Willie Monroe Jr. & Tony Harrison Talk Holiday Memories and Traditions Ahead of Respective Primetime Showdowns Just Days Before Christmas

Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, December 22 Live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn Begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

BROOKLYN (December 11, 2018) – As the holiday season ramps up with Christmas just around the corner, twin champions Jermall and Jermell Charlo, plus Willie Monroe Jr. and Tony Harrison discussed their favorite holiday memories and traditions while preparing for their respective showdowns on Saturday, December 22 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The Charlo twins have intertwined holiday memories from growing up in Houston and not even Christmas could stop the legendary competitiveness of the twins.

“My biggest childhood memories from Christmas was that my brother and I would get bikes and then disassemble them to see who could put it back together better,” said Jermell. “We didn’t tighten up the bikes enough so they would fall apart and we would have to walk home. But we really wanted to see who was the better mechanic and who could put together the cooler bike.”

“My brother and I were definitely concerned about our toys on Christmas,” said Jermall. “We would have a big dinner with our whole family and it felt like everyone loved buying the twins gifts. It was always competition to see who had the better toys. I love that now I can give my kids that same feeling on Christmas morning.”

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Monroe’s family, which includes his pro boxer father who defeated Marvin Hagler, was close knit throughout Monroe’s childhood. Now he relishes the opportunity for his own family to be involved in those special times, even if he spends the weeks leading up to Christmas focused on his task December 22.

“I’m a family guy and the holidays have always been about togetherness for us,” said Monroe. “Gifts were just a small part of it. It was all about communing as a family. It was cool to have family during the holidays, and now that I’m older and have my own family, it’s a truly special affair.

“I understand that training through the holidays is for the greater good. I would rather miss a Christmas or two so that my family could have great Christmases for years and years after. I’m sacrificing to reach that goal for my family.”

Detroit’s Harrison has already spent part of his holiday season giving back, as he hosted a Holiday Toy and Grocery giveaway this past weekend that helped serve nearly 400 people in his community. After a grueling training camp, Harrison is hoping to bring home the ultimate Christmas gift for his family.

“The holidays in the Harrison household are a real family affair,” said Harrison. “It’s a time to get together, reconnect and do all the stuff we don’t normally get a chance to do. My family really does their thing in the kitchen and I can’t indulge like that, so I made sure I was out training in Colorado during Thanksgiving.

“This Christmas is going to be special. All I want is the best present of all, to beat Jermell Charlo on December 22 and bring that belt home to my two-year-old son Tony Jr., and four-month-old daughter Jaia.”

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features WBC Interim Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo battling Willie Monroe Jr and WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo taking on Tony Harrison. Televised action also features a heavyweight attraction between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

ITV INKS BLOCKBUSTER 3-YEAR DEAL WITH HAYMON SPORTS & PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS (PBC)

ITV PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ITV ANNOUNCES LANDMARK BOXING DEAL

• ITV INKS BLOCKBUSTER 3-YEAR DEAL WITH HAYMON SPORTS & PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS (PBC)
• NEW DEAL WILL BRING UK FIGHT FANS THE BEST BOXING IN THE WORLD

LONDON (December 11, 2018) – ITV is delighted to announce today a ground-breaking new deal with Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring exclusive coverage of exciting PBC world-class boxing events to ITV viewers and fight fans in the UK.

The unique collaboration is the first time that Haymon Sports and PBC has partnered with a UK broadcaster to stage boxing events regularly in the UK. The exclusive three-year deal will guarantee a minimum of 15 televised events each year, drawing from PBC’s unrivalled group of over 160 of the best boxers in the world, which includes more than 60 current and former world champions in matches staged both in the UK and the US. PBC, the sports’ pre-eminent boxing brand, is broadcast over cable and network television in the United States.

“This unprecedented deal between PBC and ITV is great news for boxing fans in the UK. We look forward to bringing viewers big events and superb action from some of the world’s best fighters in the coming years,” said Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport.

The world-class action from events for the next three years will include free-to-air broadcasts on ITV’s channels, including ITV main channel and ITV4 and ITV Hub, and will also include pay per views on ITV’s PPV channel, ITV Box Office.

“Bringing big events to our platforms under this deal allows ITV to build on its aim of developing our direct relationship with viewers as part of our More Than TV strategy,” said Julian Ashworth, Director ITV Strategy and Direct to Consumer.

“We’re thrilled about this new exclusive three-year deal with ITV, UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, and the opportunity to bring the best boxers in the world to the UK,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “The unique collaboration means ITV’s viewers are in for a special treat with PBC’s world class boxing events.”

Further announcements on the first PBC shows that will be available to viewers on the ITV platforms will follow in the days to come.

This new deal for boxing adds to ITV Sport’s portfolio of first class events, which includes exclusive free to air coverage of the England football team’s qualifiers for both the European Championship and World Cup, the 6 Nations and exclusive coverage of the Rugby World Cup, UK horse racing, the Tour de France and the French Open.

Super Welterweight Contender Tony Harrison Hosts Holiday Toy & Grocery Giveaway for Hometown of Detroit Ahead of Battle Against 154-Pound Champion Jermell Charlo

Photo Credit- Team Harrison

Super Welterweight Contender Tony Harrison Hosts Holiday Toy & Grocery Giveaway for Hometown of Detroit Ahead of Battle Against 154-Pound Champion Jermell Charlo Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Begins at
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

DETROIT (December 10, 2018) – Detroit-native and super welterweight contender Tony Harrison spent this past Saturday spreading holiday cheer and giving back to his hometown as he hosted a Holiday Toy and Grocery Giveaway for the third year in a row to serve the Detroit community.

Harrison is nearing his world title challenge against Jermell Charlo that is part ofPremier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

“This year’s event was a huge success,” said Harrison. “It just keeps getting bigger each and every year. It brings me joy to be able to contribute something to people that need our help so badly.”

Born and raised in the city, Harrison used to train in Emanuel Steward’s famed Kronk Gym and was even managed by the boxing legend early in his career. Harrison has worked hard to instill the positive messages that he gleaned from Steward and to make himself part of the fabric of the boxing hotbed.

“I’m a product of Detroit, both the good and the bad,” said Harrison. “I know how hard it is out here and what these people are going through. I know what kind of help they need and I think it’s important that they know someone from their backyard is here to fight for them.”

Harrison held the event at his Superbad Fitness Gym and helped distribute toys and groceries for nearly 400 people throughout the morning and afternoon.

“There was one particular woman on Saturday who got very emotional and just poured out so much praise for the giveaway,” said Harrison. “She was so grateful and that really touched me and highlighted the importance of this whole event for me. You could tell she was a prime example of the extreme need that exists in our community, and I was very glad we could help her.”

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features WBC Interim Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo battling Willie Monroe Jr., in addition to the Charlo vs. Harrison showdown. Televised action also features a heavyweight attraction between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

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