Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2 35 KO) and Danny Jacobs (35-2 29 KO) arrived in Las Vegas to kick off fight week ahead of their Middleweight World Championship bout this Saturday.
All photo and video credits- Golden Boy Promotions
Video Links-
Canelo Arrival/Interview– Click Here
Jacobs Arrival/Interview– Click Here
Jacobs # 2– Here
Oscar De La Hoya- Click Here
Eddie Hearn– Click Here
CELEBRATION OF CLARESSA SHIELDS TO BE HELD SATURDAY IN HOMETOWN OF FLINT, MICHIGAN
Undisputed Middleweight Champion Shields To Be Honored in Hometown After Defeating Previously Unbeaten Christina Hammer in SHOWTIME Main Event Saturday, April 13
Saturday, April 27 at Berston Field House –
Doors Open at 3 p.m. ET – Event Begins at 6 p.m. ET
Read More HERE from MLive.com
Undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields will be honored in Flint, Michigan this Saturday, April 27 as her hometown recognizes her achievements inside and outside of the ring.
“I’m so proud of Claressa for all she has accomplished in her young career and no one is more deserving of being honored by their hometown,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions, who promotes Shields. “Through every step of her life Claressa has been a role model in Flint and all around the world. This is an exciting day for Claressa and Flint and we can’t wait to see her continue to achieve all of her dreams.”
“Claressa Shields is an undisputed champion of women’s boxing in the ring, but even more importantly, she’s an undisputed champion for the people of Flint, Michigan every day outside the ring,” said Mark Taffet, Shields’ Manager. “I’m so proud of Claressa and what she stands for, and I’m thrilled she will have such a special day on Saturday.”
Shields most recently defeated previously unbeaten Christina Hammer on April 13 in arguably the most significant match in women’s boxing history. The 24-year-old won a unanimous decision live on SHOWTIME from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey to become just the sixth fighter, male or female, to unify the WBC, IBF, WBA and WBO world titles.
The only fighter male or female to win two Olympic gold medals in boxing, Shields has been outspoken in raising awareness for her hometown and will be honored at an event that includes food, DJ, a bounce house for children and other activities. The first 250 people entering the event will receive a free autographed photo of Shields.
WHERE: Berston Field House
3300 Saginaw St.
Flint, MI 48505
WHEN: Saturday, April 27*
3:00 p.m. ET – Doors Open
6:00 p.m. ET – Event begins
*Parking is free but limited near Berston Field House
Former Two-Division World Champion Devon Alexander Takes on Exciting Welterweight Ivan Redkach in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event on Saturday, June 1 from Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto, California
Middleweight Contenders Hugo Centeno Jr. & Willie Monroe Jr. Clash in Co-Main Event & Unbeaten Heavyweight Onoriode Ehwarieme Battles Rodney Hernandez in Telecast Opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Tickets on Sale Next Week!
SAN JACINTO, CA. (April 25, 2019) – Former two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” will face exciting welterweight Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, June 1 from Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto, California.
The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature a 10-round clash of middleweight contenders as Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. faces Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr. in the co-main event. The action begins with unbeaten heavyweight Onoriode Ehwarieme in a 10-round clash against Rodney Hernandez.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale next week and can be purchased at the Soboba Box and Soboba.com.
“Devon Alexander could easily be 2-0 in his last two fights and has shown that he’s back to the form that made him a two-division world champion,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Working for the first time with the legendary Roy Jones Jr. in his corner, Alexander is poised for another championship run at welterweight. He’s going to have his hands full with all-action Ivan Redkach, who is hungry to prove that he’s grown into a welterweight contender in his own right. Combined with a 50-50 middleweight showdown between Hugo Centeno Jr. and Willie Monroe Jr., plus heavyweight knockout artist Onoriode Ehwarieme, this is shaping up to be a dramatic night on FS1 and FOX Deportes and live at Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto.”
“We’re looking forward to hosting this exciting championship match, this will be the first event of its kind in our all new event center,” said Jason Cozart, Assistant General Manager of Soboba Casino Resort. “We look forward to hosting many more bouts in the future.”
Alexander (27-5-1, 14 KOs) returned to the spotlight in February 2018, after a period of inactivity in which he sought treatment for an addiction to painkillers, and delivered in two exciting contests on FOX. After fighting to an action-packed draw against Victor Ortiz, he dropped Andre Berto in their August matchup before losing a narrow split-decision. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Alexander will train with the legendary Roy Jones Jr. in Pensacola, Florida for the first time for this fight. He has defeated the likes of Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse and Jesus Soto Karass throughout an accomplished career where he won titles at 140 and 147-pounds.
“I’m excited to get back in the ring on June 1 on FS1 and FOX Deportes and bring a great fight to the fans at Soboba Casino Resort,” said Alexander. “As most people know, I’ve switched trainers to Roy Jones. Jr. Roy has accomplished everything in this sport and he’s teaching me to have fun again. He’s also helping me balance both my physical and mental game. I’m just excited to enter the ring with him in my corner and to fight my way back into world title contention.”
Originally from Ukraine, but now training in Los Angeles, Redkach (22-4-1, 17 KOs) has won back-to-back fights heading into June 1, defeating Brian Jones last June and Tyrone Harris in February. The 33-year-old is a training camp teammate of featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz and put together those recent victories after losing contests to John Molina Jr. and Argenis Mendez on FS1. The December 2017 battle against Molina saw both men hit the canvas in a firefight that garnered Fight of the Year recognition.
“This fight is very important to me and I appreciate the opportunity to compete against a fighter like Devon Alexander,” said Redkach. “I am always in the gym and ready to fight, but I am also preparing mentally for the challenge ahead and to be at my very best. Devon Alexander is a good fighter with a name people know, but after my performance on June 1, they will know me too.”
Representing his hometown of Oxnard, California, Centeno (27-2, 14 KOs) bounced back from a loss to Jermall Charlo in 2018 to defeat Oscar Cortes in February. The 28-year-old previously scored a highlight-reel knockout of Immanuwel Aleem on FS1 in August 2017 and won his first 24 pro fights.
The 31-year-old Willie Monroe, Jr. (23-3, 6 KOs) has shown the skills to compete at the elite level, having faced top middleweights Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders throughout his career. The 32-year-old from Rochester, NY holds victories over Gabriel Rosado, Brian Vera and Brandon Adams and has won back-to-back fights heading into June 1.
Representing his home of Sapele, Nigeria, Ehwarieme (17-0, 16 KOs) was a 2008 Olympian who is unbeaten since turning pro in 2010. The 31-year-old has a 16-fight knockout streak heading into his U.S. debut, as he continues to seek a path to becoming the first Nigerian heavyweight champion since Samuel Peter. He will be opposed by San Jose, California’s Hernandez (12-7-2, 3 KOs), who defeated Nick Jones and then unbeaten LaRon Mitchell in 2018. The 30-year-old has battled heavyweight standouts Adam Kownacki, Michael Hunter and Efe Ajagba in a career dating back to 2011.
ROBERT EASTER JR. AND RANCES BARTHELEMY FIGHT TO A SPLIT-DRAW IN MATCHUP FOR WBA LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME
® FROM THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS
Viktor Postol Outclasses Mohamed Mimoune In WBC Super Lightweight Eliminator & Efe Ajagba Knocks Out Michael Wallisch In Co-Featured Bouts
LAS VEGAS – April 27, 2019 – Robert Easter Jr. and Rances Barthelemy fought to a split-draw in their matchup for the vacant WBA Lightweight World Title Saturday on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The challenging fight to score was ruled 115-113 Barthelemy, 115-113 Easter and 114-114. The WBA 135-pound title remains vacant following the split decision.
With both former world champions needing a win in a crossroads affair, neither fighter was able to pull the trigger in a matchup of talented counterpunchers. The tall, rangy lightweights competed on the outside for much of the 12-round bout, and while both relied on their reach to keep their opponent at bay, they failed to land many effective shots from the outside.
The switch-hitting Cuban Barthelemy (27-1-1, 14 KOs), who fought defensively for most of the fight, transitioned to mostly southpaw in the third. The former two-division world champion’s most effective punches appeared to be body shots from the southpaw stance, while Easter (21-1-1, 14 KOs) was at his best when he countered with his right.
As the 12-round affair progressed, the corners of both fighters – Robert Easter Sr. and former Cuban champion Joel Casamayor – pleaded with their pugilists to increase their output to little avail. Neither fighter landed 10 punches in any round, and while Easter was slightly more active they combined to throw just 743 punches. They combined to land just 106 total punches.
“I feel I did enough to win this fight but the judges saw it differently,” said Easter, who was fighting for the first time since losing to pound-for-pound great Mikey Garcia in a unification last summer. “They saw it a different way. Rances is a crafty fighter, an elusive fighter. I tried to take the fight to him but he wouldn’t take it. It was hard to land my shots.”
Barthelemy, who was returning to lightweight after losing a rematch to Kiryl Relikh in his bid to become Cuba’s first three-division world champion, was frustrated with the decision.
“Robert was absent in the ring tonight,” Barthelemy said. “I wanted him to land his right and he didn’t. I wanted him to come forward and he didn’t. We were prepared for a different Robert Easter – the one that attacks – but he didn’t show up so I couldn’t deliver my strategy.
All Photo Credits- Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
“I landed the cleaner and more accurate shots. I feel I threw more punches. I was the busier fighter. I won the fight. I think this was a missed opportunity for me. I really feel I won this fight.”
Former 140-pound world champion Viktor Postol outclassed Mohamed Mimoune in a WBC Super Lightweight Eliminator, winning via unanimous decision 98-92, 97-93, 99-91 in the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION co-feature.
Postol fought off a stiff jab and utilized his reach advantage to keep the fight at range. The Ukrainian, who was working with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, was the more active fighter from bell to bell, throwing 587 punches compared to just 306 for the French Mimoune. While Mimoune was elusive and able to slip many of Postol’s power shots, he never left himself in a position to effectively counter his taller and more aggressive opponent. The southpaw Mimoune (21-3, 2 KOs) averaged just 30 punches per round and was off balance for much of the fight, throwing wide looping shots that rarely landed.
After the fight, Postol attributed his victory with being able to remain disciplined and stick to the game plan of Roach.
“I always try to be disciplined,” Postol said. “I did well tonight. My opponent’s style was a little awkward, but I did okay. If I could fight a guy like (Terence) Crawford, I can handle Mimoune. And I did.”
After the fight, Postol, who’s only losses came against top fighters Terence Crawford and Josh Taylor, promised to chase the elite of the 140-pound class.
“I want the next big fight,” Postol said. “Doesn’t matter who – WBC Champion Jose Ramirez would be a great choice. I was away for two years so I was a little bit worried before, but now I feel like I’m back. I’m 100 percent back and ready for the next test.”
Hall of Famer Steve Farhood, who served as unofficial ringside scorer for the SHOWTIME telecast, gave Postol all 10 of the rounds in the WBC Eliminator.
In the opening bout of the telecast, fast-rising heavyweight Efe Ajagba added another knockout to his resume with a second-round TKO of previously once-beaten Michael Wallisch.
Ajagba (10-0, 9 KOs) was aggressive from the outset, throwing nearly 100 punches in the opening round. Utilizing a steady diet of 1-2 combos, Ajagba landed at will in the second against Wallisch, who fought behind a high guard but couldn’t prevent the Nigerian’s power shots from landing. After eating a series of combos in the second, Wallisch (19-2, 12 KOs) took a knee and was given time to recover after Ajagba appeared to throw and land a punch with his opponent on his knee. Wallisch got back up but was defenseless against Ajagba’s onslaught, forcing referee Tony Weeks to step in to stop the contest at 1:40.
“I took my time in there, I used my jab a lot and it worked,” said Agjaba, who landed 43 percent of his power shots. “When I shot my right hand and he took it, I decided to keep unloading. I kept throwing combinations and I knew I was hurting him so I kept doing it.
“I’m happy to be training with Ronnie (Shields). He is one of the best trainers in the world. He helped me with my jab and he’s helping me develop as a fighter.”
Said trainer Ronnie Shields: “I think we still have a lot to learn. You saw he’s a busy guy and for a big guy to throw 93 punches in the first round, it’s a lot. He may be about a year away to becoming a contender. He will get there.”
Tonight’s live event was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions.
An encore presentation of the tripleheader will air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available via the network’s On Demand platforms.
SHOWTIME Sports® To Live Stream Wilder vs. Breazeale Undercard Bouts Saturday, May 18 Featuring the BombZquad’s Deon Nicholson And Robert Alfonso; Plus, Fellow-Unbeaten Prospect Richardson Hitchins Competes From Barclays Center in Brooklyn
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN Streams Live at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page Leading up to the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONHIP BOXING® Live Telecast
BROOKLYN (April 25, 2019) – SHOWTIME Sports will provide live streaming coverage of three Wilder vs. Breazeale undercard bouts on the network’s social media platforms as part of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, May 18 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Unbeaten cruiserweight Deon Nicholson will take on Brian Howard in a 10-round fight and undefeated heavyweight and former Cuban Olympian Robert Alfonso will face Iago Kiladze in a 10-round showdown as two of the BombZquad’s rising prospects take center stage. The streaming coverage also includes Brooklyn native and 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins returning for his eighth fight at Barclays Center in an eight-round super lightweight bout.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN streams live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page leading up to the evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® event. The three-fight SHOWTIME telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder as he makes the ninth defense of his title against mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale.
Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.comand barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
The undercard action at Barclays Center includes unbeaten rising contender Antonio Russell (13-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight fight and 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell (8-0, 8 KOs) stepping in for an eight-round super lightweight attraction. Additionally, 20-year-old Dylan Price (7-0, 5 KOs) competes in a six-round super flyweight matchup and Staten Island’s Kenny Robles (5-1, 2 KOs) enters the ring for a six-round 140-pound attraction.
Representing Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the same hometown as heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, Nicholson (11-0, 11 KOs) will look to keep his 100-percent knockout ratio intact when he steps in on May 18. The 28-year-old has fought professionally since 2016 and defeated then once-beaten fighters Shamarian Snider and Charles Dale by knockout in his two most recent fights. He will be opposed by Atlanta’s Howard (14-2, 11 KOs), who most recently knocked out Garrett Wilson on March 1.
Originally from Havana, Cuba and currently residing in Orlando, Florida, Alfonso (18-0, 8 KOs) was a highly-decorated Cuban amateur who represented Cuba in the 2008 Olympics in addition to capturing a gold medal in the Cuban National Championships. The 32-year-old owns amateur victories over heavyweight contenders Luis Ortiz, Oscar Rivas, Andy Ruiz Jr. and Michael Hunter. Alfonso was victorious three times in 2018 before defeating Ray Austin in his 2019 debut in February. He will take on the 33-year-old Kiladze (26-4, 18 KOs), who is originally from Georgia but now lives in Los Angeles. Kiladze will look to rebound from his last outing, a loss to rising heavyweight Joe Joyce.
At just 21-years-old, Hitchins (8-0, 4 KOs) has quickly become a BROOKLYN BOXING staple, competing in seven of his first eight bouts at his hometown arena. The 2016 Haitian Olympian most recently stopped David Morales after three rounds at Barclays Center in March and will look to pick up his third victory of 2019 when he steps in on May 18.
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & WEIGH-IN PHOTOS FOR ROBERT EASTER JR. VS. RANCES BARTHELEMY
Photo Credit- Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
MARIO BARRIOS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS
Unbeaten Super Lightweight Contender Barrios Takes on Argentina’s Juan Jose Velasco in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Action Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Photo Credit- Brett Ostrowski
OAKLAND, Calif. (April 26, 2019) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will return to action and look to further solidify his spot amongst the 140-pound elite when he takes on Argentina’s Juan Jose Velasco in a 10-round showdown as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd defending his titles again top contender Julian Williams.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).
The 23-year-old made his 2019 debut in February, knocking out Richard Zamora in round four to bring his knockout streak to eight. Here is what Barrios (23-0, 15 KOs) had to say about his upcoming matchup, training camp with Virgil Hunter and more as he prepares to enter the ring May 11:
On his matchup with Juan Jose Velasco:
“Velasco is a tough fighter from Argentina who’s only loss is at the world class level against Regis Prograis. He will have to adjust to my style because I’m going to be dictating the action from the opening bell. My jab will be the key in this fight. I know I’ll have to let my hands go to be effective. This is going to be a tough fight, but I’m ready for the challenge.”
On his recent training camp:
“Training camp is going as planned. I’ve been in the Bay Area for the last six weeks working with Virgil Hunter and getting world class sparring with some of the best fighters in the world. Virgil has me perfecting my ability to fight with my length while using my jab efficiently. I’ve also been doing my strength training with Victor Conte and Remi Korchemny at the SNAC facility. I’m in amazing shape and will be at my best when I step in the ring against Velasco.”
On when he thinks he’ll be ready for a world title:
“I’m ready now, in my opinion, to fight any of the champions at super lightweight. I’m only 23, so there is plenty of time. I’ve never turned down a fight and when that time comes for me to get that title shot, I’ll be ready. I’m just talking it one fight at a time.”
On fighting on FOX:
“This is a major opportunity for the world to see me in action. The exposure on FOX is going to be unbelievable. My goal is to give the fans another knockout performance. Since I’ve moved up in weight, I’ve been knocking everyone out and my game is getting better with each fight. I feel I’m the next Mexican-American star in boxing who’s going to help keep this sport thriving.”
DEVIN HANEY PROMOTION Press Release For Immediate Release
DEVIN “THE DREAM” HANEY
SIGNS WITH MATCHROOM BOXING USA
Lightweight Star Pens Deal with Eddie Hearn and DAZN – Fights on May 25
LAS VEGAS, NV (April 25, 2019) – Matchroom Boxing USA and Eddie Hearn are delighted to announce the signing of Lightweight star Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney.
Haney (21-0 13 KOs) has raced to the top of the Lightweight rankings and is on the cusp of fighting for his first World title ahead of turning 21 in November.
‘The Dream’ has rattled off 21 wins since turning pro in Mexico in 2015 at 16 years of age following a stellar amateur career that saw him crowned junior amateur champion seven times and plunder 130 wins.
The Las Vegas-based talent now sits at number three in the WBC rankings where the Lightweight title is now vacant, five in the WBA, eight in the WBO and ten in the IBF – and Haney will look to make a big statement on his debut with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN when he takes on Antonio Moran (24-3 17 KOs) at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on May 25.
“I’m excited about my multi-million dollar partnership with Matchroom Boxing. All this hard work is finally paying off. This is a huge chapter in my career. I have a co-promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn is the perfect guy for me to go in business with.
“While Matchroom will provide the infrastructure, together we will select the best opponents to showcase my talents in the sexiest cities in the world. I’m the future of the sport, and without a doubt in my mind… I’m going to continue to set the boxing world on fire. Matchroom and DAZN now have another superstar… ME!”
“Antonio Moran is a tough fighter with a lot of experience. He has been in the ring with good opposition. He fought Jose Pedraza to a decision last year, so I know he comes to fight. I expect nothing less from him on May 25. I’ve been in the gym working hard. Everyone knows that I stay ready and May 25 can’t come soon enough. On fight night the world will see I’m ready for anyone.”
“Devin Haney is a superstar – no two ways about it,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “At just 20 years old he has already racked up 21 victories, untouched as a pro and has become one of the most talked about fighters in America.
“The big fights are right in front of him, he is ready for anyone and we look forward to a wonderful partnership together. DAZN has another exceptional talent on their platform and we look forward to his Matchroom and DAZN debut on the huge Usyk vs. Takam card May 25 at MGM National Harbor.”
Haney’s clash with Moran is part of a huge night of action in Maryland as Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk moves up to Heavyweight after dominating the Cruiserweight division, and takes on former World title challenger Carlos Takam. In addition, rising Heavyweight Croatian talent Filip Hrgovic takes on Gregory Corbin in his US debut, and WBA World Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill looks to unify the division against WBA champion Anahi Sanchez.
RINGSTAR SPORTS ADDS 16 YEAR OLD MEXICAN SUPER TALENT FERNANDO MOLINA TO ITS WORLD CLASS ROSTER OF FIGHTERS
Los Angeles, California, April 25 – 2019 – Ringstar Sports is proud to announce the signing of the most prominent Mexican Amateur fighter, Fernando Molina. At just 16 years of age, Molina has one of the best amateur records in Mexico. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Molina started boxing at the age of 6. Since then, Molina has compiled an amazing record including 200 amateur wins. Among those wins were 4 State Championships, 4 Regional Championships, and Gold in the 2017 National Junior Championship.
Discovered by world renowned boxing manager, Shelly Finkel, the young talent has all the tools to become a superstar. “Fernando Molina is a rare talent with an exciting style. Although only 16 years old, he impressed me with his maturity in and outside the ring. I am happy to work with him and help make his dream of becoming a world champion a reality,” said Finkel.
World-renowned promoter Richard Schaefer, Chief Executive of Ringstar Sports, will promote Molina. “I am blessed to have had the opportunity to promote some of the biggest names in the sport over the past 20 years. Most of them I built up from the beginning and many were managed by Shelly Finkel. Shelly has without a doubt the best eye for boxing talent. With Molina, we have a generational super talent who will certainly stamp his name in the history books alongside the names of Barrera, Morales, and Marquez. I am proud to welcome Fernando to Ringstar Sports and start his journey of becoming a superstar of boxing,” said Schaefer.
Molina added, “I am delighted to have been able to secure an All Star team with Shelly Finkel and Richard Schaefer to guide my career in the pro ranks. I have worked hard since I was a young boy to eventually become a professional boxer. The time is now! I am committed to hard work and dedication to uphold the rich boxing tradition of my native Mexico.” Molina is planning to turn professional in the lightweight division limit 135 pounds. Further information about Molina’s debut will be announced soon.
RANCES BARTHELEMY & MOHAMED MIMOUNELAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS
Former Two-Division World Champion Barthelemy Takes on Robert Easter Jr. for WBA Lightweight Title This Saturday, April 27 Live on SHOWTIME® from The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS (April 23, 2019) – Former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy and France’s Mohamed Mimoune continued preparations for their respective showdowns at a media workout in Las Vegas Tuesday before they step into the ring this Saturday, April 27 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Barthelemy faces off against former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. for the vacant WBA Lightweight title in the main event, while Mimoune takes on former champion Viktor Postol in a WBC 140-pound title eliminator as part of the action live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Photo Credits- Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, can be purchased at http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster.
Here is what the workout participants had to say Tuesday from Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas:
RANCES BARTHELEMY
“The key thing for me to get back to the top, is to get back to my roots. It’s about using what made me a champion and getting back to that. We’ve gone back to our Cuban roots in training with Joel Casamayor and left any distractions behind. You’ll see all of that in my performance on Saturday night.
“Easter and myself are both on the road to redemption coming off of our first defeats. I expect the same Robert Easter Jr. that I’ve seen on tape. He comes forward and tries to fight it out. There’s nothing overly impressive about him to me.
“I’m ready for whatever Robert Easter Jr. wants. If he wants a war, we’ll have a war. Everyone knows I’ve never backed down, but I’m going to win this fight with the intelligence that made me a world champion.
“Casamayor comes from the same streets as me, he knows my style, how I think and how I need to work. We identify with one another a lot so we don’t have to confront each other. With a simple look, I know what he’s trying to tell me. Between him and my brother, Yan, I feel blessed to have two Olympians in my corner.
“To the Cuban people, this will be my best fight and and a strong performance for the Cuban boxing community. I’m going to focus and work hard like us Cubans always have since we were born. I had to grow up through hardships and I’ve worked to show that anything is possible coming from Cuba.”
MOHAMED MIMOUNE
“Postol is one of the best that I will face but I am not afraid. I am confident I will win. I’ve studied him together with my coach and we have a strategy in place that you will see on Saturday.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity. It is every boxer’s dream to fight in Las Vegas and I am happy and ready to show the Americans what I have.
“I have no issues with Postol’s height advantage. I am prepared for it. It is not my first time facing off against a boxer that is taller than me. I have a very good reach as well, but it is my speed that will beat him.
“I have worked very hard after my losses and put all my effort into bettering my performance. I’m stronger and more mature now than ever. I know I have to win and I will win.
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to fight for the world title after I win on Saturday night. I’m dedicating this fight too all French people and I hope they make sure to not miss it on Saturday.”
JOEL CASAMAYOR, Barthelemy’s Trainer
“We’ve been training since mid-February for this fight. It’s been a long three months in the gym together. I see a different Rances. He’s fighting smarter and he’s gotten back to his Cuban roots. That’s what made him a two-time world champion.
“It’s hard to predict, but if it were up to me of course I’d say Rances will win by knockout. From what I’ve seen in training camp, Rances is going to put on a great performance Saturday night. He knows what he has to do.
“We have a great connection throughout camp. I just have to look into his eyes and I feel like I know what he’s going to bring. All the hard work has been done and he’s 100 percent ready for Saturday night.”
MEHDI OUMIHA, Mimoune’s Trainer
“Mohamed Mimoune is an improved fighter who’s shown a lot of new and different skills in training. We have the right tactics to earn this victory on Saturday.
“We are prepared for what Postol can bring, but we’re focused on Mohamed Mimoune being at his best. Everything I have seen in training camp makes me very confident that we’re going to win Saturday and go on to fight for the title.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“Rances has a tremendous amount of experience. If you look at his earlier fights before he became champion and during his championship runs, he’s fought on the big stage time and time again.
“I think Rances’ experience will help in a fight like this, but Robert Easter Jr. has also been in big fights. They both bring a lot of background in exciting, high-quality fights. You have two fighters with something to prove looking to do just that live on SHOWTIME Saturday night.”
Standing-8 