Month: June 2019

KEITH THURMAN’S TRAINER DAN BIRMINGHAM SENDS MESSAGE TO THE PUNDITS: “KEITH THURMAN WILL WIN THIS FIGHT”

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KEITH THURMAN’S TRAINER DAN BIRMINGHAM SENDS MESSAGE TO THE PUNDITS: “KEITH THURMAN WILL WIN THIS FIGHT”

Thurman Pre Pac Credit- Andy Samuelson.png
Photo Credit- Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions

Keith Thurman Takes on Eight-Division Champion Manny Pacquiao in PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Main Event Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (June 26, 2019) – Keith Thurman’s head trainer Dan Birmingham is typically a man of few words who likes to keep his focus on his job; which is training, coaching and creating world champion boxers. So when Dan speaks, people listen. His Mr. Miyagi-style message ahead of Keith’s blockbuster PBC on FOX Sports pay-per-view showdown versus Manny Pacquiao?

“Freddie Roach is going to lose a lot of money,” said Birmingham. “When the fight is over Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman’s hands will be raised. Keith is going to win this fight and win it in fine fashion.”

“Dan and I have worked together since I was an amateur, he was my mitt-man when my trainer Ben Getty couldn’t take my power,” said Thurman. “Ben would be on the sidelines and tell me what to throw and Dan would be there to catch it. The day I turned pro, Dan was in my corner and I felt blessed to have Dan become my coach and first corner when Ben passed away. Dan knows my strengths and he’s worked with other world champions. We’re not rookies. We’re prepared to be on the big stage.

“He’s a man of few words but his actions and words that he picks are always right on point. He sees what is going on even when I can’t or don’t see it. He isn’t hype. He is honest. He is giving me technique, criticism and whether or not we won the round; I know I can trust him.”

Trained by Birmingham since his original coach Ben Getty passed away ten years ago, Thurman continues to hone and develop his boxing prowess at Birmingham’s St Pete Boxing Club gym in St. Petersburg, FL. The Florida Boxing Hall of Famer knows what is needed for his pupil to win this historic fight on Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“This is a very important fight for Florida boxing and for our gym,” said Birmingham “From Winky to Jeff Lacy and all the guys who train and fight for titles, we have a lot of pride in Keith. This fight and holding this title means everything to our gym.

“Manny knows Keith’s a puncher, and that he brings youth and experience like Manny does. But Keith wants to fight, he’s anxious to fight and he’s got someone to fight for besides himself.”

One of the keys to Thurman’s impending victory is very simple, said Birmingham. “It’s been the rest factor. He’s rejuvenated his body and mind, he got married and as I said before, he has someone to fight for.”

Thurman’s over two-year recovery have allowed him to fully heal and its made for a powerful training camp. The undefeated, two-time world champion is operating at his very best – showing glimpses on his Instagram channel (@KeithOneTimeThurman) of his high intensity workouts.

“I am back on the big stage, I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase my talent and skill with a legend in the sport. It’s a big ‘get back’ year for me,” said Thurman. “I tried to tell everyone that and this is what it’s like when champions get back to performing like world class champions. No excuses. I want to be the best Keith Thurman I can be, and we set up a camp where we can bring out the best in me, for myself, for the fight and for the fight fans.”

“He has a renewed vigor – more energy – and he’s anxious to fight and anxious to train,” said Birmingham. “His power, ferociousness and tenacity will be a problem for Manny. We’ve only escalated that in this camp. He has two strength and conditioning coaches – NFL great Yo Murphy and leading strength coach Kimberly Doehnert. The core team includes post-workout trainer Eric Wilson for stretching and recovery in addition to myself and Chris Getty for strategy and training.

“We’ve mixed up sparring with some guys who emulate Manny but are tougher, stronger fighters who can take a punch. You’ve got to be tough to box with Keith.

“We’re going to win this fight.”

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE PARTNERS WITH CES FOR SATURDAY SHOWDOWN AT FOXWOODS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE PARTNERS WITH CES FOR SATURDAY SHOWDOWN AT FOXWOODS

Fan-friendly Facebook platform closes out June in New England with former World Champion “Bad” Chad Dawson at the historic Fox Theater.

Online: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

NEW YORK (June 26, 2019) – Now approaching seven million views and looking toward the 38th show of the series, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast makes its way to Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Conn. on Saturday to once again showcase some of New England’s finest with Jimmy Burchfield Sr.’s Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES). Fans from across the globe can catch all the action for FREE – including a main event that features former WBC, IBF and IBO World Light Heavyweight Champion “Bad” Chad Dawson – beginning at 8 p.m. ET on any device wherever Facebook is available.

“We love partnering with CES. We know each other, we love working on shows with the Burchfield Family and have relationships with the promoters and fighters that extend long past the bell,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “This is a great card and we’re especially looking forward to the main event. These are great people and great athletes and we’re excited as always to give them a platform to showcase their talent and tell their stories.”

“We’ve promoted many memorable fights at Foxwoods so it is only fitting that we deliver yet another unforgettable card featuring Connecticut’s own ‘Bad’ Chad Dawson and Tramaine Williams. We are proud to have Foxwoods as our casino partner from day it opened. We have hosted close to 50 fights at ‘The Fight Capital of the Northeast’ and this may be the best card from top-to-bottom, yet,” said Burchfield, Sr.

Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs) – an accomplished warrior who has clashed with the likes of Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson and Andre Ward, among others – faces North Carolina vet Quinton Rankin (15-5-2, 12 KOs) in the eight-round main event. The card also includes a 10-round featherweight co-feature bout between fellow New Haven boxer Williams (17-0, 6 KOs) and Filipino Neil John Tabanao (17-5, 11 KOs). Super welterweight Jose Rivera (7-4, 5 KOs) battles Luca Podda (7-3, 3 KOs) of Miami in a six-round bout and Oscar Bonilla (5-3-2, 1 KO) of Bridgeport, Conn., faces Julio Perez (4-3) of Worcester, Mass., in a six-round lightweight bout.

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly Facebook platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 605 fighters and 19 promotions during 37 live event broadcasts from 21 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

• Since May 2017, the numbers on the 37-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have shown promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 179,838 views per event and more than 6.6 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018, twenty FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Season II shows have reached 5.2 million fans and have averaged more than 261,000 views.
• The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) in New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the May 2019 “Murphys Open MGM Springfield” (296,078), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871) and the March 2019 Murphys Boxing “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (252,065) all logged 250,000 or more views, and collectively the 37-show series has seen a total of more than 6,653,998 views across all devices.
• In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 460,000 collective live post engagements (more than 12,000 per show), including more than 355,000 “likes” or “loves,” almost 63,000 comments and more than 20,000 shares.
• The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with 594,447 views. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.
• The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has almost 89,000 fans and more than 98,000 followers.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

Additional FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Summer 2019 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEventsor #LinacreMediaOnTV.

About Everlast Worldwide Inc.
The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visit http://www.everlast.com.

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NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME Interactive Boxing Exhibit Museum Now Open To The Public

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                                Anthony Saldana Photos Click HERE                 www.headzupvegas.com                     www.NVBHOF.com

 

 

 

 

BLAIR “THE FLAIR” COBBS REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH DOMINATING PERFORMANCE

Blair Cobbs Credit- Marlene Marquez

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 22, 2019) – Last night at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, CA, charismatic welterweight prospect, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (11-0-1, 7 KOs), scored an impressive sixth round KO against once beaten foe, Robert Redmon Jr. (7-2-2, 6 KOs). Redmon’s corner threw in the towel midway through round six.

Cobbs, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing and promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, got off to a good start dominating the first three rounds. In round two, Cobb’s floored Redmon with a right hook to the head in a heated exchange. Redmon survived and followed with a solid round four but got hurt again in round five by a staggering left hook by Cobbs. In round six, Redmon’s corner had seen enough and threw in the towel at the 1:52 mark of the round. Redmon’s eye was severely swollen.

“Tonight, I showed a lot of patience and maturity by staying in control when I had Redmon hurt in two,” said Blair Cobbs. “I took my time, broke him down, and got him out of there in round six. I know I have the talent to beat anyone in the world at 147 pounds. I’m 29-years old and there is no time to wait, I want all the top contenders in the welterweight division.’

“With another dominating performance, Blair Cobbs once again showed why he should be mentioned amongst the top welterweight prospects in the world,” stated manager Greg Hannnely. “I want to keep Cobbs busy with step up fights and march him up the rankings. A world title shot is right around the corner.”

Cobbs vs. Redmon aired live on DAZN and is available On Demand.

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JORGE COTA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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JERMELL CHARLO VS. JORGE COTA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Former World Champion Jermell Charlo Battles Hard-Hitting & Dangerous Jorge Cota in FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event Live on FOX & FOX Deportes This Sunday Night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (June 21, 2019) – Former world champion Jermell Charlo and hard hitting Jorge Cota went face-to-face at the final press conference on Friday before their main event showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night live on FOX and FOX Deportes this Sunday night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Friday’s press conference also featured former world champions Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux and Julio Ceja, ahead of their WBC Super Bantamweight world title eliminator, plus sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer, who faces Akeem Black as a part of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and
Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Charlo and Cota squared off for the first time in front of media Friday, after Cota replaced WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison, who was forced to withdraw from his rematch against Charlo due to an ankle injury. Harrison and Charlo plan to have their rematch later this year.

 

         Photo Credit- Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions

Here is what the fighters had to say from Rhythm & Riffs Lounge at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I’m ready to fight. I’ve been ready to fight since they robbed me of my title. I want my belt back and I want every title in this division. This is my moment, and Cota is in my way.

“I’m always motivated to fight because I love boxing. I want to get in the ring any moment that I can. At the end of the day, I’m here to fight any of the top fighters in this division who will get in there with me.

“I’m thankful for every opportunity that I have to fight. It’s time for me not to just put a show on, but to dominate a guy who thinks he’s going to come in and beat me.

“I’m going to press my action and do anything I have to do to win this fight. If he can hang in there and stand the power and punch output, he can go 12 rounds. I’m not running from anyone.

“I have been going hard in training camp since January. I’ve really been going hard forever. I have a lot to prove and a whole new ambition for this sport. You’re going to see it on Sunday in primetime on FOX.

“The top fighters in the division know what they’re facing in the Charlos. I know (WBA and IBF 154-pound champion) Julian Williams is in-studio, and I’m proud of the way he overcame adversity and did his thing against Jarrett Hurd. He fought that fight the the same way that I would have, he just got there first. Just like him, I’m coming back from adversity to prove a point.

“When the Harrison injury happened I just thought, why is this happening to me again? But we have to go through things like this in our careers. The goal hasn’t changed. The road has changed, but we’ll keep going.”

JORGE COTA

“They told me three weeks ago about the fight and I knew this was a great opportunity that I was going to take advantage of. I’m going to win and then fight for the world title.

“Andy Ruiz had a great victory and it motivated me a lot heading into this fight. Something similar can happen Sunday with me against Charlo. Ruiz showed the underdog can win, so I hope that Charlo is prepared for Sunday.

“I thought Tony Harrison won against Jermell. I thought he boxed very intelligently, took Charlo out of his game plan and that allowed him to win.

“I think Jermell is a boxer who talks too much. He was very serious when we filmed our “Face To Face” show and I think he’s a guy who doesn’t back it up. He may talk tough today, but it’s only going to be the two of us in the ring on Sunday.

“We definitely picked it up in training when I got the call about fighting Charlo. We got intense and there was a lot of added motivation. We did everything we needed to do for this fight.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“I’m glad for this opportunity that I have and I’ll always be prepared for any opportunity. I’m going to put on a great performance on Sunday night.

“I’m ready to continue my legacy as a pound-for-pound great and I feel I have the opportunity here. I’m going to be the King of 122-pounds. No one wants to see me in the ring.

“I’ve had a great camp and I’m well-prepared for Sunday night that I’m working towards something big and at the end, I’ll have beaten everyone in the division.

“I know that I’m where the best will fight that best, and that’s what I’m all about. I’m the best out there and I’m here to prove it.”

JULIO CEJA

“I’ve fought on big stages before so this will be nothing new to me. I’m not worried about his name. I’ve just prepared well for a great fighter like I do every fight.

“I’m more prepared for this fight than I ever have been. I’m mentally 100% ready for this challenge and anything that happens in the fight.

“I’m very happy to have this opportunity. We made changes in camp and have been working with the Joel Diaz and his brothers in Indio, California. They’ve helped me a lot and gave me intense training for this fight. I’ll be ready on Sunday night.”

JOEY SPENCER

“On paper he’s my toughest opponent. He’s got the best record of anyone I’ve faced and I just want to keep stepping up and progressing the right way. I know I can knock him out, but I’ll be ready to go six rounds. If I get more experience, I’ll never be mad at that.

“Before my last fight I got sick in training which affected my weight cut, but this time I’m completely healthy, plus I have a new strength and conditioning coach. I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m ready to fire away.”

AKEEM BLACK

“I’ve been training for this since before I even even knew about Joey Spencer. I’ve had a lot of time to watch him and study his fights. I’m going to be ready to show him something he’s never seen.

“Right now, I’m better than I’ve ever been. He’s fought nobody like me and I’ve fought much better competition to him. He’s going to find out on Sunday.”

 

 

ERICKSON LUBIN TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

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                                      ERICKSON LUBIN TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

Hard-Hitting Erickson Lubin Takes on Zakaria Attou in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in Co-Main Event Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME® from NRG Arena in Houston and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. (June 21, 2019) – Hard hitting super welterweight Erickson “Hammer” Lubin discussed his upcoming showdown and more from training camp as he prepares to take on France’s Zakaria Attou in a WBC title elimination bout in the co-main event Saturday, June 29 ive on SHOWTIME from NRG Arena in Houston, Texas.

The broadcast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by unbeaten top middleweight Jermall Charlo battling contender Brandon Adams in a 12-round showdown.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

 

 

                                                    Photo Credit- Team Lubin

Here is what Lubin (20-1, 15 KOs) had to say about his upcoming matchup, training camp with Kevin Cunningham and more as he prepares to enter the ring June 29:

On his matchup with Zakaria Attou:

“Attou is coming into this fight with a lot of confidence being that he hasn’t lost a fight since 2015. He’s on a nice winning streak and I’m looking at this fight like a world title fight.

“Stylistically I feel I’m going to have every advantage with my speed, power and footwork. I’m taking this fight very serious. I’m going to adjust after the first few rounds and go from there. I see this being a fan friendly fight because both of us will have everything on the line.”

On working recent training camp with Kevin Cunningham:

“This is a 12-round bout, so I’ve been training for a long grueling fight. This will be my second fight with Kevin Cunningham as the lead and we are working great together. Right now, we are finalizing the last days of camp out here in West Palm Beach Florida. I feel great and I’ll be at my best on June 29.

On working his way back to a world title shot…

“Everything takes time and right now we are solely focused on Attou. When I’m victorious against him, I’ll be knocking on the door of another world title shot. When that time comes, I will take full advantage of the opportunity. I will be a world champion in my career.”

On the state of the super welterweight division…

“Right now, the 154-pound division has a lot of good fighters from top to bottom. All the champions are beatable though, so the division is wide open for me to take over, in my opinion. I must win this fight first. One thing for sure is I’m coming for all their heads.”

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JORGE COTA FIGHT WEEK MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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JERMELL CHARLO VS. JORGE COTA FIGHT WEEK MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Former World Champion Jermell Charlo Battles Hard-Hitting & Dangerous Jorge Cota in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event This Sunday Night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (June 20, 2019) – Former world champion Jermell Charlo and hard hitting Jorge Cota took part in a media workout Thursday as they near their main event showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Sunday night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The workout also featured former world champions Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux and Julio Ceja, ahead of their WBC Super Bantamweight world title eliminator, plus sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer, who faces Akeem Black as a part of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

Plus, undefeated rising prospect Chris “Primetime” Colbert showed off his skills as he prepares to take on Alberto Mercado on a special edition of FOX PBC Fight Night Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.

 

Photo Credit- Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I want to get him out of there. This is a fight to show that I’ve been back and I never left. I feel like the judges took my title, so all I can do is go in there and be me.

“It was a quick change to Cota, but I’m always ready for anybody. Tony Harrison could have gone in there fighting like Cota, so it’s no difference to me. I’m prepared for anything. This is just the kind of adversity that champions face.

“I’m going to establish my strategy and be prepared for a 12 round fight. If it comes down to it and I see the opening, I’ll go from there.

“Training camp was really good. I feel like I trained way harder than ever. I was determined to get my belt back, and I’m still determined to get my belt back. Nothing has changed for me. I’m going to give Las Vegas a show and let them know what Lions are about.

“Everyone’s going to see how hard I trained and think that Tony Harrison made the right decision not fighting me right now.”

JORGE COTA

“I don’t feel any pressure at all for this fight. On the contrary, I’m very motivated to spoil Charlo’s plans on Sunday night.

“This win would give me an opportunity to fight for a world title and that’s why I’m in this sport. I want to reach the top and become world champion.

“I’m not worried about what Charlo brings to the ring. I know he’s a great fighter, but I have the power, speed and boxing ability to beat anybody. I’m confident of how this fight is going to end on Sunday.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready for Sunday. When you train 100%, you get the results you want, 100%. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.

“I know that I’m facing a great fighter who comes in with a rough and exciting style. I expect this to be a great fight for the fans.

“I’ve always been the champ and I’m ready to show the world that I’m still the champ, starting Sunday night.”

JULIO CEJA

“This is a great opportunity for me to showcase me skills against a talented fighter in Guillermo Rigondeaux on Sunday. I’ve prepared really well and I’m excited to get in there and get the job done.

“A victory would elevate my status in boxing and we’re looking to accomplish that and eventually reclaim that world title.

“I know I have a tough opponent but I also know that I have everything in my arsenal to get the job done. I hope he’s ready because I’m going to bring it to him.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m really excited for this one. I haven’t fought in Las Vegas since my pro debut. I’m looking forward to coming back to Mandalay Bay and putting on another show

“I bring an explosive style to the ring. I’m fan-friendly. I fight hard. I can also box if I need to. If it comes down to it, I can fight a good technical fight.

“I know that my opponent is a pressure fighter. I have to come out and use my jab to show him my boxing skills. I’m going to sit down on my shots and hopefully get him out of there.

“This was my best training camp yet and I feel stronger than I ever have. I’m looking forward to showcasing that.”

CHRIS COLBERT

“This is another day in the office for me. I get excited, but not like other fighters would. I’ve been doing this so long and I feel like I’m a young veteran in this sport. I have to keep proving myself and never take my foot off the gas, because other young fighters want to take my spot.

“I’m sure Mercado is coming to fight and so am I. All I know about him is his record. My team does the studying and they tell me what they see. I execute their game plan.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and for my great team behind me. My team knows what they’re doing and we’re going to keep fighting and winning and get on the big stage at the end of the year.

“Fighting on FOX is a dream come true. I remember watching Floyd Mayweather on the big TV and now people are going to be watching me. It’s ‘Primetime’ in primetime on Sunday.”

UNDISPUTED MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CLARESSA SHIELDS SUSTAINS MINOR INJURY IN TRAINING;

UNDISPUTED MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CLARESSA SHIELDS SUSTAINS MINOR INJURY IN TRAINING; BID TO BECOME THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION AGAINST IVANA HABAZIN TO BE RESCHEDULED FOR FALL

Main photo Credit- Stephanie Trapp-Showtime

A minor injury in training has forced undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields to suspend training and postpone her bid to become the fastest fighter in boxing history, male or female, to become a three-division world champion.

Shields injured her knee doing roadwork early this week, while preparing to take on former world champion Ivana Habazin for the vacant WBO Super Welterweight Championship on Saturday, August 17, at the Dort Federal Event Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich., and televised live nationally on SHOWTIME.

The 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) says she looks forward to resuming training and having the fight take place this fall.

“There’s nothing I love to do more than boxing, and I train hard for all of my fights. It’s going to be tough for them to keep me out of the gym for a few weeks,” said undisputed champion Claressa Shields. “But I will heal quickly and then go to training camp, so I can make history in front of all my fans in the fall. I can promise you this – I’ll be training harder than ever soon again, and I will provide a spectacular performance and make history for everyone in attendance and for the viewers on SHOWTIME.”

Shields’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says a new date for the fight is already being hammered out, as he works feverishly behind the scenes.

“Claressa will bounce back quickly,” said Salita. “Unfortunately, training injuries are part of the sport. A great champion like her will take it in stride and move forward to the new fight date we are currently working to finalize. The fight will be rescheduled for the fall and we will announce the new date shortly.”

Exciting Array of Undercard Attractions Set for Blockbuster Night of Action Saturday, July 20

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Exciting Array of Undercard Attractions Set for Blockbuster Night of Action Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Featuring Showdown Between Prospects Austin Dulay & Justin Pauldo, Unbeaten Rising Prospect Rolando Romero & Welterweight Abel Ramos in Separate Bouts, Plus a Trio of Filipino Contenders Enter the Ring as Genisis Libranza, Jayar Inson & John Leo Dato Fight in Separate Showdowns

LAS VEGAS (June 20, 2019) – An exciting array of undercard attractions will support a blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas including once-beaten prospects Austin Dulay (13-1, 10 KOs) and Justin Pauldo (12-1, 6 KOs) battling in an eight-round lightweight fight.

Unbeaten rising prospect Rolando “Rollie” Romero (9-0, 8 KOs) will return to action in a six or eight-round lightweight bout, while welterweight Abel Ramos (24-3-2, 18 KOs) steps in for an eight-round fight. Rounding out the card are a trio of Filipino contenders as Genesis Libranza (18-1, 10 KOs) battles in an eight-round flyweight bout, Jayar Inson (18-2, 12 KOs) competes in an eight-round welterweight affair and John Leo Dato (11-0-1, 7 KOs) enters the ring for a six-round featherweight bout.

The event is headlined by boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao taking on undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown in the main event of a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Preceding the pay-per-view, FOX PBC Fight Night will feature undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender Mike Lee in the main event, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

MIKE LEE TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

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  MIKE LEE TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

Unbeaten Contender Talks Upcoming Title Showdown Against Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant Saturday, July 20 in FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena

SANTA MONICA, CA. (June 20, 2019) – Unbeaten super middleweight contender Mike Lee shared his thoughts on his upcoming title showdown against super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant from his training camp at Gloveworx in Santa Monica, California before he steps into the ring Saturday, July 20 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night action begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation and 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba squaring off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen.

 

                                   Photo Credits- Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

Tickets for the event, which is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Lee is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he earned a finance degree from the Mendoza School of Business before embarking on his pro boxing career. Here is what Lee had to say about his training camp, his journey to fighting for the title and more:

MIKE LEE

“I have strong belief in my power. I think to put yourself out there and drive through adversity, it’s going to be more mental than physical and god knows I’ve had my ups and downs especially with my illness and being in and out of hospitals. But I’m here now and I’ve won seven fights since I was diagnosed with my auto-immune disease and I’m here doing what people thought I could not do. Whether it’s the boxing media or doctors, I’m defying the odds, so why should July 20 be any different.

“What’s kept me going through the ups and downs is the love for this sport and the love for moments like this. I always knew this world title shot would come if I kept grinding and grinding and putting in that work when people weren’t watching. Ultimately, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it on the days that I doubted myself.

“I’ve fought on big stages before. I’ve headlined a card at Notre Dame that had 6,000 people. I’ve headlined Chicago fights too, so this is nothing different. It’s not like I’m some unknown challenger coming in to the spotlight. I thrive in the spotlight and have had some big moments since the beginning of my career. This is just another day in the office.

“I think Caleb Plant is going to see a Mike Lee he’s never seen. He’s going to feel that power. He’s talking about knockouts, but he hasn’t knocked anyone out in his past seven fights. Wait until he feels my power. It’ll only take one and you’ll see the doubt that will plant in his head.

“Notre Dame means so much to me. I worked so hard to get into that school and that school gave back so much to me as well. To be a part of that Notre Dame community and have friends like Golden Tate and Justin Tuck, who won Super Bowl rings, I want to be a part of that. I want to be a part of that championship legacy and continue to keep giving back.

“For me I moved from Houston to Los Angeles because for a couple of years when I got sick, I was back home in Chicago trying to figure out how to become healthier. Ultimately moving to California has been a phenomenal move for me. I loved my team in Houston but I love being by the beach and by the water. California has been an awesome training spot. You’ve got some of the best fighters and athletes in the world that come here. Being immersed in that type of culture has been phenomenal.”