Month: April 2019

ADRIAN GRANADOS & ANDY RUIZ JR. LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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ADRIAN GRANADOS & ANDY RUIZ JR. LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Veteran Contender Adrian Granados & Heavyweight Contender Andy Ruiz Jr. Prepare for Respective Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Matchups Saturday, April 20 From Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

 

    Photo Credits- Mayweather Promotions

LOS ANGELES (April 4, 2019) – All-action welterweight Adrian Granados and heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. continued preparation for their respective showdowns at a media workout in Los Angeles Thursday before they step in the ring Saturday, April 20 as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Granados will face former two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in a 12-round welterweight bout that headlines action, while the Southern California-native Ruiz takes on Alexander Dimitrenko in heavyweight action as part of the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to not miss any of the televised action.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with DSG Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or at the Dignity Health Sports Park box office from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Here is what the workout participants had to say Thursday from Fortune Gym in Los Angeles:

ADRIAN GRANADOS

“I feel great. I’m starting to peak and everything is clicking. I had a great camp and I’m just excited for this fight.

“This is a great style matchup. Danny is a strong puncher and a great counter puncher. I’m going to be right there. I’m going to come with it. I also have a lot of intangibles that people don’t see. I’m not one-dimensional and I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

“I think I have more dog in me than Danny does. He complains a lot and also gets away with a lot. He does what he has to do to win. I’ve never been given anything and I think I have a lot more to prove than he does.

“My fights against Shawn Porter and Adrien Broner were good preparation for this. I think against Broner I should have gotten the decision, but I didn’t. Against Porter, I fought the wrong fight and missed the chance I did have. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder from both experiences.

“This is my chance to show the boxing world that I’m elite and get my title shot. I’ve always wanted to become a world champion, and I haven’t got my opportunity at 140 where I beat the number-one contender. I’m not afraid to fight anyone so I’m here to get a big win.

“I think I need a stoppage or a dominating win. It has to be one-sided. I have enough controversial losses that I know that I can’t leave it up to the judges. I’m training hard to dominate the fight.

“I’m kind of a ‘young vet’ because I’m only 29-years-old but I’m battle-tested. I was never promoted until the last three or four years. I’ve had to do what I had to coming up. I took the tough fights that most prospects wouldn’t.

“I always knew I had the talent to be at this level and I’m glad that I’m respected and recognized now, but it’s time for me to get a big win. I’m going to show that I really belong and I’m an elite fighter.”

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“All the hard work in the gym has been paying off and I feel prepared for April 20. I’m facing an experienced guy who’s tall, but I think my pressure and my speed will make it difficult for him.

“We’ve looked at Dimitrenko’s past fights and put together a game plan. We’re going to stick to it and execute. We’re going to attack the body and I think with my speed and combinations I’m going to get him out of there.

“I’m coming back from a layoff but it’s over and right now my goal is to make a statement and let everyone know that I’m back in action. I’m ready to take one of the spots at the top of the division.

“There are a lot of big fights I want, but my mind is totally focused on April 20. I’ve never been this motivated. I’m going to be fighting more often and I’m glad to have the opportunity.

“Fighting for the Mexican fans gives me more motivation now than ever. I want to be the first Mexican heavyweight champion of the world and hopefully this year or next year I will accomplish those dreams.

“I have everything I need now to get to where I want to go. This is just the beginning. The more fights I have, the better I’m going to be looking.

“It feels great to be fighting in Southern California and I know there will be a lot of Mexicans out there on April 20. It’s always a great atmosphere and my game plan is to steal the show. I’m going to give it all I got for the fans.

“I think Dimitrenko is going to use his jab and move around. He’s tall, but he can’t run away forever. At some point you have to be there toe-to-toe. We’ve worked on our head movement and we’re going to be ready for anything he brings.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Andy Ruiz Jr. is exactly where he should be right now. He’s re-dedicated himself to the sport of boxing and when he does, there might not be a better heavyweight out there. He traveled to New Zealand and took on Joseph Parker in his backyard and lost a majority decision. He’s tasted it and he’s hungry for it again.

“Arguably Adrian Granados could have a record of 27-1 and he’s ready for his moment to shine. I like where he’s at mentally as far as taking charge and winning these fights so he can move on and become a champion, which has been his goal since he got into the game.”

UNIFIED MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CLARESSA SHIELDS MIAMI MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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UNIFIED MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CLARESSA SHIELDS MIAMI MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

“Christina doesn’t know what’s coming for her. I’m going to break that Hammer in half,” – Shields

WBC, WBA & IBF Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields Prepares for Undisputed Middleweight Championship Showdown Against Christina Hammer Saturday, April 13 Live on SHOWTIME® from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City

Shields (Hammer) Jose Pineiro SHOWTIME

                                       Photo Credit-Jose Pineiro/SHOWTIME

MIAMI (April 4, 2019) – WBA, WBC and IBF Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields hosted a media workout at 5th Street Gym in Miami Thursday as she nears her showdown against WBO Middleweight World Champion Christina Hammer for the undisputed middleweight world championship Saturday April 13 live on SHOWTIME from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

The two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Shields and unbeaten Hammer will look to become the sixth fighter in history to unify all four major world titles in the main event of a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (9 p.m. ET/PT).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster and at boardwalkhall.com.

Shields has been training in Florida for the last week with her trainer John David Jackson, after spending the previous five weeks at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado. Here is what Shields had to say Thursday:

CLARESSA SHIELDS

“Christina doesn’t know what’s coming for her. I’m going to break that Hammer in half.

“When we’re in there, it’s about who punches harder. This is a real fight. Just because she has height, doesn’t mean she’s going to dictate what happens. She’s going to have to do a lot to keep me off of her.

“I have two Olympic Gold Medals, three belts and more coming. I’ll have all the titles at the end of the night on April 13.

“I work hard, really hard. If I was a man, I would probably be one of the most famous boxers out there. There is a gender gap. We all know it. I’m working towards changing that. We work hard, we get less money and less recognition, but the world is changing. We are changing it.

“Hammer has been talking smack but I’m not worried about her. I’m just ready for a fight. She talks about a lot of stuff that has nothing to do with boxing. I’m waiting for her to say she’s going to hit me with an uppercut or something, but it’s more of the same.

“Being here in Florida to finish up camp has really been ideal. I’ve still been working extremely hard, but here I have a little extra space and sunshine. It was time for some new scenery in camp and I think this was the perfect move to take me into fight week.

“I’ve been working on my ‘Ali shuffle,’ this gym inspired me. Don’t be surprised if you see me break it out during the fight. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve. At the press conference there will be some surprises too – I have an outfit picked that is going to steal the show.

“This fight is long overdue and I’m just glad I’m going to get my chance to show her what a real champion is. Someone is going down on April 13 and I promise it’s not going to be me.

“People can say they’re not paying attention to you and not studying you, but they’re lying. I’m glad she’s looking at me closely though. Hammer flew one of my friends out there to be a sparring partner, not even knowing that she hasn’t sparred me in years and knows nothing about me. It makes me know I’m on her mind. She can spar with Ann Wolfe and she still isn’t going to beat me.”

QUOTES, PHOTOS & VIDEO FROM FORMER CHAMPION CALEB TRUAX CHARITY EVENT IN MINNEAPOLIS

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QUOTES, PHOTOS & VIDEO FROM FORMER CHAMPION CALEB TRUAX CHARITY EVENT IN MINNEAPOLIS

Team Truax
        (Photo Credit: Team Truax)

Minnesota-Native Truax Serves Up Meals for House of Charity Ahead of Showdown Against Former Champion Peter Quillin Saturday, April 13 in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis

Click HERE for Video Recap from Team Truax

MINNEAPOLIS (April 3, 2019) – Minnesota-native and former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax gave back to his community Tuesday as he teamed up with The Armory to serve meals at House of Charity, a cafeteria and shelter just blocks from The Armory, where he will face Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin on Saturday, April 13 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

Truax was moved by the experience and related the struggles of the people he was helping to his own experience growing up and trying to make a career in boxing.

“It’s humbling to hear other people’s stories because I didn’t have the easiest childhood and my career has often been a struggle,” said Truax. “Nothing has been handed to me, but compared to some of these people, I’ve faced nothing.”

The Food Centre, where Truax served meals Tuesday, feeds more than 350 people each day. House of Charity has served the community in Minneapolis for over 60 years.

“It’s our responsibility as a community to feed these people and to have Caleb and The Armory come out here shows that this whole community has a commitment to making sure people are fed,” said Deb Moses, Executive Director for House of Charity. “It was great having the champ here lending a hand.”

As part of this event and Truax’s “Cut No Corners” campaign, The Armory Foundation will be donating $100 to House of Charity for each of the 19 knockouts that Truax has racked up throughout his career.

“This is really big for me to show that we are all together and we are all people,” said Truax. “We have to serve and care for each other. This shows that people out here in Minneapolis are working hard to solve the problems that we have.”

Team Truax 1

                                                         (Photo Credit: Team Truax)

Tickets for the April 13 event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

UNBEATEN RISING HEAVYWEIGHTS JERMAINE FRANKLIN & OTTO WALLIN TALK UPCOMING BOUTS & ROAD TO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

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UNBEATEN RISING HEAVYWEIGHTS JERMAINE FRANKLIN & OTTO WALLIN TALK UPCOMING BOUTS & ROAD TO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Franklin Battles Rydell Booker while Wallin faces Nick Kisner Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, April 13 Leading Up to Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer Main Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (April 3, 2019) – Unbeaten rising heavyweight contenders Jermaine Franklin and Otto Wallin will be looking to make a splash and announce themselves in the heavyweight division when they step in for separate bouts live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 13 from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by Claressa Shields battling Christina Hammer for the undisputed women’s middleweight championship.

Franklin will face Rydell Booker while Wallin takes on Nick Kisner in a pair of 10-round attractions leading up to the main event. For both Franklin and Wallin, they see April 13 as a step towards their larger goals.

“Booker is in the way of where I’m eventually trying to be,” said Franklin. “I’m part of that next generation of heavyweights and I’m working hard to end up as the heavyweight champion when the dust settles. I always find a way to win and I’m going to show it on April 13.”

“Coming to the U.S. for the second part of my career is very exciting,” said Wallin. “I’ve accomplished a lot in my career in Europe but this is a new beginning. This is the moment I’ve been dreaming of since I first laced up mitts and I can’t wait to introduce myself to the fans here.”

A 25-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan, Franklin hopes to show that he’s primed to become the next American heavyweight champion, and is ready to take the mantle from current WBC titlist Deontay Wilder and the long line of American heavyweight champions that came before him.

“I’m going to raise the competition amongst the heavyweights,” said Franklin. “The division is definitely back on the map and I’m planning on having a hand in making it must-watch TV once again. America needs another face in the heavyweight division and that’s going to be me.

“I already believe that I am the best heavyweight in the world. There are a lot of big, strong heavyweights, but I’m a balanced athlete, which makes me different. I’m strong, fast, athletic and getting better with each fight.”

Although his native Sweden is not known for boxing, Wallin’s home country has previously produced a heavyweight champion in Ingemar Johansson, who famously stopped Floyd Patterson in their first fight at Yankee Stadium in 1959. After defeating fellow Swedish heavyweight Adrian Granat in his last fight, Wallin decided it was time to fight in the U.S., following previous training camps in New York with trainer Joey Gamache.

“Training here in New York brings me a great energy and it shows in my performance,” said Wallin. “It’s the center of the world, and while I’m fully focused on training, I feed off the energy of the city.

“Ingemar Johansson is of course a big inspiration for me. When he came to the U.S. and beat Floyd Patterson, he was the baddest man on the planet. I’m looking to take that mantle and become a hero for young Swedish boxers, just like he has been for me.”

In addition to being Wallin’s U.S. debut, the unbeaten heavyweights will make their first appearances on SHOWTIME and it will be Franklin’s first time fighting in the northeast. They each hope to show off their respective talents and are prepared for what comes with the increased platform.

“This is a great chance for me to showcase my skills, but I still treat it like just another fight,” said Franklin. “I’m going to adapt to my opponent and expose his weaknesses. I’m always improving because once you think you know it all, that’s when you find out you know nothing.”

“I’m just a kid from a small town in Sweden and I’ve worked hard to get to this point,” said Wallin. “Training here in the U.S. and fighting here is going to help me put on the best performance of my career. The fun begins on April 13 and I’m not stopping until I am champion.”

Both recently signed with Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions and on April 13 will begin a year that could leave each fighter on the precipice of a title shot.

“On April 13 two of the best heavyweight in the world, one from the U.S., one from Sweden, will both have a chance to make a claim that they are ready to challenge for the heavyweight title,” said Salita.

“Jermaine Franklin is by far the best American heavyweight prospect who is soon to be a contender and a champion. He will have a great opportunity to showcase his skills and worth against the experienced, hungry and accomplished Rydell Booker.

“Boxing is a sport of individual stories and Otto Wallin is a great example of that. A top-rated heavyweight from a small town in Sweden, he is showing that dreams, combined with hard work, can come true. He is one of the best heavyweight contenders from Europe and on April 13 he will show that he belongs with the elite in the U.S.”

With this opportunity to announce themselves in the resurgent heavyweight division, Franklin and Wallin are keyed for eye-opening performances next Saturday.

“My ultimate goal is to become world champion and I believe right now I’m on the right path,” said Wallin, who is ranked No. 5 by the IBF and WBA. “I had good years fighting in Europe, but now is the time for me to go to the next level. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m all about and give the fans great fights.”

“I’m planning to be a major force in the heavyweight division by the end of the year,” said Franklin. “It’s my coming out party. I feel like my dreams are going to come true. I’m going to show everyone who I am: the best new heavyweight in the world.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster and at boardwalkhall.com.