Category: Press Release

DEONTAY WILDER RETAINS WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND KNOCKOUT OF BERMANE STIVERNE
DEONTAY WILDER RETAINS WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND KNOCKOUT OF BERMANE STIVERNE SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME®FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
 
Shawn Porter Scores Unanimous Decision Win Over Adrian Granados in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
 
Catch The Replay Monday, Nov. 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Watch the Wilder KO: http://s.sho.com/2zguBki
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions 
 
BROOKLYN (Nov. 5, 2017) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder retained his WBC title in his sixth defense with a dominant first-round knockout of mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday night on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
 
Wilder (39-0, 38 KO’s) knocked Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs) to the ground three times before referee Arthur Mercante halted the bout at 2:59 of the opening round. After Stiverne took Wilder the distance in their January 2015 title bout, Wilder has now knocked out every single opponent that he has faced in his career. Watch Wilder knocking out Stiverne HERE.
 
“So much frustration, it just seemed like my career, it’s been crazy. So many guys using PED’s”, said Wilder, the only American heavyweight world champion. “I just want to prove that I am the best. I know I am the best but I want to prove I am the best.”
 
Wilder first knocked Stiverne to the ground with a devastating one-two combination that caught the Haitian challenger on the nose. Seconds after Stiverne got back to his feet, Wilder landed another clean combination with a big left and an overhand right that sent a stunned Stiverne back to the canvas. The final blow came in the waning moments of the opening round as Wilder landed four clean punches to the face of a wobbly Stiverne.
 
“You have to give props to Stiverne for getting in the ring,” said Wilder. “It takes a lot of courage and it takes a lot of pride to step in the ring with someone like me. We do what we have to do in the ring and at least he stepped up. He was a clean fighter.” 
 
After the brutal knockout, an emotional Wilder was asked by SHOWTIME Sports®reporter Jim Gray about a possible fight with unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
 
“I’ve been waiting on that fight for a long time now,” said Wilder. “I declare war upon you. Do you accept my challenge? I’ve been waiting for a long time. I know I’m the champion. I know I’m the best. Are you up for the test?
 
“A king doesn’t chase the peasants. A king takes kings. I want Joshua. If he doesn’t give me the fight we have other plans. The world wants Joshua, the world wants Wilder, I want Joshua. Joshua come and see me baby. No more dodging, no more excuses. Make the date, don’t wait.”
Former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter (28-2-1, 17 KOs) defeatedAdrian Granados (18-6-2, 11 KOs) via unanimous decision (scored 117-111 by all three judges) in an exciting fight between two all-action competitors that served as the co-featured event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. The victory makes Porter the mandatory title challenger for unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman’sWBC belt.
 
Porter, who injured his left hand in the sixth round, landed the sharper and more accurate punches throughout the fight, including 40 percent of his power punches. Both fighters came out aggressive in the early rounds and exchanged several powerful blows.
 
“He gave me a little trouble here and there,” said Porter. “I hurt my left hand in the sixth round, but I kept using it. I had to use my jab. It took a toll on me and by the 10th round I just couldn’t throw it anymore.
 
“The strategy was to keep working the jab. I knew he’d come at me periodically. I was prepared and dug deep to get the win.”
 
Granados, of Cicero, Ill., fought valiantly and withstood multiple barrages from the powerful Porter and countered with several quick combinations of his own. Granados, who landed just 24 percent of his total punches, disagreed with the judges’ scorecard. 
 
“I thought that I was controlling the fight and keeping up with him the whole time,” Granados told Jim Gray. “He was just trying to use his normal tricks. I rocked him multiple times and he never had me in any trouble.
 
“He’s a brute. I thought the referee [Gary Rosato] did a good job breaking up the fight at the right times. It was rough but I definitely thought I did better than the scorecards said.” 
 
In the opening bout of the telecast, unbeaten top contender Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs) earned the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Japanese veteran Akihiro Kondo (29-7-1, 16 KOs). The judges scored the fight118-110, 117-111 and 117-111.  
 
The back-and-forth 12-round world championship fight saw Lipinets control the early rounds with a diversified, creative attack targeting Kondo’s body. An accidental clash of heads in the sixth round, which opened up a deep cut on the forehead of Lipinets, altered the momentum of the fight as Kondo gained confidence and was able to land some powerful punches to the head and body of Lipinets. The 28-year old Lipinets, who earned the title in just his 13th professional fight, was able to regain control in the later rounds to earn the unanimous win.   
 
“I think the scorecards were accurate but it was a good fight,” said Lipinets. “The head-butt really impaired my vision and it led to me walking into some stupid shots.
 
“I’m happy with my performance. I’m just going to keep getting better from here. I’m ready to take any on challenge thrown my way.”
 
Kondo, who was fighting for the first time in the United States, proved a worthy opponent on the night. “It was a fair decision,” said Kondo, through a translater. “He hit me with a lot of hard punches and I felt like I needed at least a knockdown in the last round.
 
“I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to show any pain or fear from his punches. I was determined to keep fighting all night.”
 
Saturday’s telecast will replay on, Sunday, November 5 at 9 a.m. ET/PT and Monday, November 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. 
 
This event was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions. 

Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Final Press Conference
Quotes & Photos
 
Heavyweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader Saturday, November 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
(Photos include Times Square Photo-op with Wilder)
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (November 2, 2017) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and former world championBermane Stiverne went face-to-face and exchanged words onstage Thursday at the final press conference before they battle in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event this Saturday, November 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, the event features former world champion Shawn Porter taking on Adrian Granados in a welterweight world title eliminator. The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten Sergey Lipinets battling Japan’s Akihiro Kondo for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.
 
Joining the fighters and press conference participants onstage was Hall of Fame Promoter Don King, who promotes Stiverne and predicted that his fighter would shock the world and deliver an upset on Saturday night.  
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now 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.
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan:
 
DEONTAY WILDER
 
“Stiverne was the only man to survive the ‘Alabama Slammer’ and avoid a knockout. When I knock him out, then nobody will be able to say they made it through against me. He was nothing but a lot of lumps and excuses after the first fight.
 
“It’s been a long road for me. I’ve had my ups and my downs. The ups I’ve celebrated, but the downs have hurt the most. It’s all led me to here. All I ever wanted to do is prove to the world that I am the best. I am the baddest. I hit the hardest. I am the most feared. My record speaks for itself.
 
“Winner takes all. I am a man of my word. We’ve heard Bermane Stiverne say these same things before. We’ve heard it all before. What happened the first time? Everybody knows. Hopefully he doesn’t get dehydrated this time.
 
“This just turned up into a whole other level. The ambulance better be ready. The medical teams better be ready. The referee better be ready. They better have that towel to be able to throw it in because every blow is going to mean something. This just got even more personal.
 
“There’s nothing different that he can bring to the table. He brought everything he could bring the first time. He brought all his tricks – all his power. There’s nothing he’s going to be able to do this time. The only thing he’s going to be able to do is pick his spot on the ground where he’s going to lay at.”
 
“I do my talking and my walking in that ring. That’s what it’s all about. That’s why we’re here. November 4 the truth with reveal itself. That’s when it counts. When Deontay Wilder speaks, I mean what I say. But I’m going to show you, instead of tell you, on Saturday night.
 
“This will be an electrifying fight. That belt isn’t going anywhere. I will unify the division. I will be the undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
 
BERMANE STIVERNE
 
“Deontay Wilder has been trying to duck me. He’s been giving a lot of excuses about my career. He should be happy if I’ve been inactive. He should be jumping in the air. Everyone knows that means he’s scared. He knows what time it is.
 
“He already gave me his best. I had nothing last fight. But now I’m a very dangerous man. Everyone here knows what time it is.
 
“I feel great and I feel strong. There will be no excuses this time. I can guarantee you this. I’m 100 percent this time.
 
“Deontay said he fears for my life. Well, I don’t fear for his life. I’m going to do whatever it takes to grab that title. And I’ll walk away with a smile on my face.
 
“You caught me sleeping last time. Nobody is going to be sleeping this time. I’m going to be on you all night. It’s over for you.
 
“This is a fighter that I took him the longest rounds in any of his fights. He had never gone past seven or eight. 
 
“He’s like a third round or fourth round knockout guy depending on the level of his opponent. Anyone that would be a decent or strong opponent, he’s not going to last. From rounds six through 12 he didn’t do much. Everything was in the first six. 
 
“His last fights that I’ve watched, I haven’t seen any progress.
 
“Saturday, November 4 I will be two-time heavyweight champion of the world. No one can stop me. He can smile all he wants. But on Saturday I’m taking that belt home with me.”
 
SHAWN PORTER
 
“I’m glad to be back. I’m excited to fight once more before the year is done. This is really another tremendous fight card and I’m honored to be a part of it.
 
“I’m getting the seats warm this time before Deontay comes to close the show. You’re definitely going to want to be paying attention to this fight.
 
“I wanted to get back in the ring. Adrian Granados was also looking for a fight and was willing to accept the fight. It’s as simple as that. I’m a boxer and my job is to compete against the best. Right now, he’s the best challenge that I have.
 
“This is a great matchup. This is really fan friendly action everyone is going to see. I know I’m facing an aggressive guy who is going to come at me with everything he’s got.
 
“I enjoy every bit about fighting at Barclays Center. The energy is always great in that building. The atmosphere is really unbelievable. I’m happy to fight there again.
 
“The respect that Granados and I have for each other, that’s what boxing is all about. It’s about getting in the ring and competing. We wanted someone that was going to come here and fight me. We didn’t want someone who was going to run or lay down. We want to close the year out in fantastic form, and the best way to do that is by facing Granados.”
 
ADRIAN GRANADOS
 
“I’m very grateful to be here and have this opportunity against Shawn Porter. I appreciate it and I thank him and his team. This is definitely going to be a great fight.
 
“I’m fighting for everyone back home and all the people that are with me every day. Everyone knows how dedicated we are and that will all come together on fight night.
 
“This is all about proving myself and showing that I belong with the best of the sport. I have to take an opportunity like this when it’s offered to me. There’s nothing to do now but get in the ring and get down to business.
 
“This is a tremendous opportunity. I’m coming to win, not lay down. I’m here to fight. We both have fan-friendly styles and may the best man win.”
 
SERGEY LIPINETS
 
“This is a dream come true for me. I had to work very hard and overcome a lot to get to this point. Now that I’m here, I want to give the fans a great fight.
 
“I’m going to go for the knockout and become a world champion. This is the thing that motivates me every day through this hard training camp.
 
“I am prepared for anything Kondo can bring to the ring. He has earned his right to fight for the title and I have to take him very seriously and be at my very best.”
 
AKIHIRO KONDO
 
“I’m going to do my best to win for all of my fans in Japan. I’m going to take this world title belt back home to Japan and I’m happy to have the support of my country.
 
“I’ve come a long way to get here. This is the mecca of boxing. I feel really relaxed and calm. This feels like a normal fight for me still.
 
“No matter what happens in this fight, I think that is going to come down to heart. I am determined not to lose in that area.”
 
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
 
“This is a terrific card from top to bottom. I love this show. Dominic Breazeale vs. Eric Molina, Amanda Serrano a pound-for-pound champion, and two undefeated local kids Chris Colbert and Titus Williams, all featured on this card. The show is truly loaded with talent and stars.
 
“Nothing gets bigger than the defense of America’s only heavyweight championship. Deontay Wilder defending his title against Bermane Stiverne, the only man that Deontay has not been able to knockout.
 
“This is a dangerous fight. Stiverne is big, strong and he can punch. This is Christmas for him. He has nothing to lose. He can walk out of here with the heavyweight championship of the world.
 
“Shawn Porter is fighting against a real deserving challenger. Shawn is a champion with or without a belt, and Granados always makes great fights and he’s going to give it 120 percent.
 
“Kondo is a very accomplished fighter, but he’s going to have his hands full with Sergey LIpinets. Whenever LIpinets gets in the ring, someone gets hurt. I think he has a chance to go very far.”
 
DON KING, Hall of Fame Promoter
 
“I want to thank all of these young men up here who are fighting for the crown. Stiverne has something in store for Wilder on Saturday night that will be a shock. It’s going to be the Fight of the Year. Unquestionably.
 
“Deontay has never really met Bermane Stiverne, so I’m going to introduce them. It’s going to be a fantastic night of fighting at Barclays Center. You will have a tremendous upset on Saturday night when Bermane Stiverne knocks out Deontay Wilder.
 
“After this happens, we can have a rubber match. It will be an exciting time for me on Saturday night and the start of a ‘November to Remember.'”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
 
“This weekend’s telecast will be the second weekend of heavyweight title fights on SHOWTIME. We all know these two faced each other in 2015, but neither fighter went home happy. Deontay was impressive but he didn’t get the knockout. Stiverne is the only blemish on Wilder’s perfect knockout streak. Ever since that fight, Bermane has been asking for the rematch. On Saturday both men will get their wish. Deontay can send a message to the rest of the division and Bermane gets a second chance at a world title
 
“The first time they fought, everyone saw it as Deontay’s toughest opponent. Out of 42 media members, 22 predicted Deontay to win and 20 picked Stiverne. This is an all-action heavyweight fight with America’s heavyweight world champion.
 
“Sometimes a big fight can suck up the attention from the co-featured fights on the card. Both of these opening bouts could have been a main event and would be a main event on any other network. Porter and Granados is an intriguing matchup of all action fighters and if you haven’t seen Sergey LIpinets fight, I urge you to turn on the TV early and get to the arena, because this will be an entertaining fight.
 
“By the end of the night we will have done 29 world title fights this year alone. There is no other network that could put on that many high quality fights. We look forward to closing the year on a strong note on Saturday night.”
 
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
 
“This Saturday will be our last Brooklyn boxing event of the year. It’s been an incredible 2017. It started with Badou Jack vs. James DeGale, then in March the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia fight, which was probably the biggest we ever had at the arena. It hit new marks that we hadn’t seen before. This summer we had the Mikey Garcia vs. Adrien Broner fight and we’ve also seen the Charlo brothers fight at Barclays Center in 2017 and become stars.
 
“It’s been a great year full of memorable moments and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year than with Deontay on Saturday night. When Deontay defended his title at Barclays Center last year, it was the first heavyweight title fight in the borough of Brooklyn in 115 years and we’re excited to have him back.”

Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Media WorkoutQuotes & Photos

 

Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Media Workout

Quotes & Photos

 

Heavyweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader Saturday, November 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (November 1, 2017) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion
Deontay Wilder and former world champion Bermane Stiverne showed off their power and skills at the media workout Wednesday in Brooklyn before they meet in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, November 4 from Barclays Center,
the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, the event features former world champion
Shawn Porter taking on Adrian Granados in a welterweight world title eliminator. The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten
Sergey Lipinets battling Japan’s Akihiro Kondo for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now 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.

 

Joining the televised fighters at Gleason’s Gym on Wednesday were five-time world champion
Amanda Serrano, who returns to the ring in undercard action Saturday. Also in attendance were unbeaten prospects
Chris Colbert and Titus Williams, who meet in an eight-round featherweight attraction.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

 

DEONTAY WILDER

 

“Stiverne is going to see me come to Barclays Center and finish the job on Saturday. He survived the first time. He’s the only one to survive on their feet. This is something that I’ve come back to. I will finish
the job this time.

 

“Stiverne had a lot of excuses after the last fight. Nobody wants to hear excuses from the loser. He knows what happened. I beat him 12 rounds in a row. I think this fight will be even easier for me. He hasn’t
improved since we last fought, but I’m going to show him a whole new Deontay Wilder. This is the end of Bermane Stiverne’s career right here.

 

“As soon as Anthony Joshua accepts the fight, then I’ll be there. They’re trying to distract people because they know that I’m a danger to anybody’s career. All their excuses have nothing to do with the sport
of boxing. The only thing people care about is the best fighting the best, and that’s what I’m trying to do.

 

“I thought the first Stiverne fight should have been stopped. He had knots all over his faced and was concussed. I’m not trying to leave any doubt this time around.

 

“This is my mandatory opponent. I must face him and that’s just what it is. I’ve called out every name in the sport. All the top guys have ducked me, so I just have to take care of the people that are able to
get in the ring.”

 

BERMANE STIVERNE

 

“I have no fear heading into this fight. It’s not that I didn’t see the openings in the last fight, I just couldn’t physically perform how I needed to.

 

“I had health concerns last fight but now I’ve turned the chapter on that and I’m focused on Saturday night. This is going to be a completely different fight this time around

 

“I’m hungry to win. I’m always motivated and excited about getting into the ring, but obviously this is the biggest chance I’m going to have.

 

“The stage is set and my destiny is in front of me. I always said I was going to be the first person to beat him, and that is going to come together on Saturday.

 

“Everything has been perfect in camp. Deontay is going to be in for a real rude awakening on Saturday. I’m going to let my fists do the talking for me.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“This is a great style matchup. I think that’s why this fight was made. We are two guys that are going to go in there and go 12 hard rounds. My job is to get in there and outbox him and get him
out of there. 

 

“I don’t think I need to make any adjustments because I can come forward, move around the ring, create angles – I think Adrian isn’t exactly ready for that. My foot movement and of course my hand
speed will be the difference.

 

“This is the second eliminator for me. It is about doing it again. I have to get the job done and get that fight with Keith Thurman.

 

“I want to make it very clear that I’m the better boxer. I want it to be clear that I can do to Adrian Granados what no one else has been able to do – put him on his butt.

 

“On all of our gear we wrote #VegasStrong. We want to send a message to everyone in Vegas that I don’t just live there, but it is part of my heart now. My heart goes out to everyone affected by
the tragedy and now we are over a month past that. I am fighting for the people of Vegas.”

 

ADRIAN GRANADOS

 

“It means a lot to me to be in this fight on this stage. I definitely need to win and bounce back from my loss to Broner and show that I have a lot more to give to this sport. I’m far from down and out, I just
showed up to the party and I’m ready to leave my mark.

 

“I think 147 is a weight that I’ll be good at. I’ve fought here and at 140-pounds so I’m comfortable either way. This was just an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.

 

“I never fight the same way. This is a fight and it’s going to have everything that comes with that. I’m going to be prepared for what Shawn Porter brings to the ring. This fight kind of came out of nowhere
but it was easy for me to agree to.

 

“This is a great opportunity to prove that I’m able to fight with anyone in this sport. I can compete on the highest level and I’m going to show everyone that I’m a force on fight night.”

 

SERGEY LIPINETS

 

“I’m very happy right now. I’m very excited to fight for a title, but I know how to contain my emotions and direct them in a positive way. When I get in the ring, I’m going to make everyone else happy with my
performance.

 

“I had great sparring partners for this camp and I’ve worked hard with Buddy McGirt to get in the best shape possible. My team did a great job getting me to this point so I couldn’t be happier.

 

“At this level, there are no bad fighters. Anyone who walks in the ring and stands in their across from me should be respected.

 

“My preparation for this fight has been at the same level as it was for all of my other fights. I always train like the title is on the line. I always bring my best and I know that Kondo will do. He’s trying
to take advantage of this opportunity too.

 

“I was here in March fighting on the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia undercard and I knew that one day I would be fighting for the title in that same arena. I love New York and I love the boxing fans here. This
is just a great event and I hope everyone sees my performance.”

 

AKAHIRO KONDO

 

“I had a really strong training camp. I feel ready to fight. I’m ready to go today If I had to. Everything in camp went as well as I could have hoped.

 

“I know that Lipinets is a hard puncher and a very good overall fighter. I’m going to do my best to avoid the big shots and use my skills.

 

“I want to put on a performance that will guarantee that people will remember my name. I think it’s going to be a really good fight and make me more well-known throughout the world. I’m not just doing this for
myself, but for everybody back home.

 

“I’m so grateful and excited to have the opportunity to be on this card. I know how fortunate I am to be in this position and I’m ready to make the most of it.”

 

AMANDA SERRANO

 

“Every fight is huge for me to show that I’m still winning and continuing to get better. I love fighting at Barclays Center on big shows like this one. It’s always fun to fight in front of your fans and hopefully
as I gain recognition I can bring bigger and better things to women’s boxing.

 

“I’m always looking for the next big challenge. Eventually I would like to break my own record and look to grab a title in a sixth weight class. I’m ready to take on the best fighters and the biggest challenges.

 

“You can’t underestimate anyone in this sport, so we trained very hard leading up to this one. She’s coming in here to knock my head off. This camp was actually a little different because I didn’t have to diet
for this fight. I could actually eat at this weight and I’m feeling really strong.

 

“I’m facing a tough girl who’s only been stopped twice, so my goal is to make this one quick. The faster the fight the easier for me and it gives the fans something to get excited about.”

 

CHRIS COLBERT

 

“I’m different from a lot of other up-and-coming fighters in this business. I’m willing to take risks. In this boxing game it’s either win or lose, and I’m in it to win.

 

“I’m familiar with Titus as a fighter and I know that I have what it takes to beat him. That’s the name of the game and that’s the goal on Saturday.

 

“Training camp was tremendous. This was the longest camp that I’ve ever had. We’ve gone strong for seven weeks straight. No days off, just hard work every day.

 

“I feel 100 percent healthy right now. Everything happens for a reason. That minor setback that I had, it’s leading to a major comeback starting on Saturday night.

 

“I love to fight in my city. It’s always great to have my city behind me. Once I get in the ring though, it’s just another day for me. I’m going to show off my skills. I’m going to bring everything I need to
get this win.”

 

TITUS WILLIAMS

 

“Taking on a fight like this proves that I’m fearless. I’m willing to take on all the challenges in this sport. I’m not looking to pad my record with easy wins. When there is a challenge put in front of me,
I’m ready willing and able to face it.

 

“I’m in the best shape of my life right now. I’ve never felt this good heading into a fight. Mentally and physically I’m in a really good place and ready to go.

 

“Colbert has speed, he’s crafty and he’s slick. He’s going to come to fight and he’s going to come to win. But I’m going to break his will.

 

“All of those attributes that he has, I have the same ones. But I have the difference maker. In the professional game, that difference maker is power.

 

“I’m facing a guy I came up with during the amateurs and went on national trips with. None of that really matters to me when the bell rings. I have to go in there and do my job, and that’s to win

Former World Champion Ishe Smith Clashes With Top 154-Pound Contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams In Super Welterweight Showdown Headlining Premier Boxing Champions
Former World Champion Ishe Smith Clashes With
Top 154-Pound Contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams
In Super Welterweight Showdown Headlining
Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce Live from
The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 18
 
Lionell Thompson Duels Earl Newman In Light Heavyweight Co-Featured Attraction & Tugstsogt Nyambayar Meets Xavier Martinez in Battle of 
Unbeaten Prospects
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
LAS VEGAS (October 23, 2017) – Former world champion Ishe Smith battles top 154-pound contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams in a 10-round super welterweight clash that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Bouncelive from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, November 18.
 
In the co-feature, Lionell Thompson clashes with unbeaten prospect Earl Newman in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten prospects Tugstsogt Nyambayar andXavier Martinez going head-to-head in a 10-round featherweight fight.
 
“This card is going to bring it,” said Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe. “The fans will be presented with variety; veterans and prospects going head-to-head and tough fighting styles meshing come fight night. The main event between Ishe Smith and Julian Williams is going to be an exciting battle! I think Ishe and Julian are going to put on a great show. Both fighters are very tough competitors and fight with everything they have. We also have a great undercard line-up. This is going to be an all-around exciting night of boxing for the fans.”  
 
“This is the kind of show that presents something for every boxing fan,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Ishe Smith is a former champion who still has title aspirations. He’s going up against a young hungry contender on the comeback trail in Julian Williams. Earl Newman will be taking a major step up when he takes on Lionell Thompson in the co-feature and both Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Xavier Martinez will be looking to keep their undefeated records intact. It all adds up to a fun night for boxing fans.”
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $29, $39, $59, $69, $89 and $149 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 andwww.ticketmaster.com.
 
The 39-year-old Smith (29-8, 12 KOs) won his world championship with a majority decision over Cornelius Bundrage on Feb. 23, 2013 to become the first Las Vegas-native to win a world title. He has also challenged top fighters such as Erislandy Lara and Daniel Jacobs and most recently defeated Tommy Rainone and Frank Galarza in his last two bouts.
 
“I took this fight just like I’ve taken every tough fight over the years,” said Smith. “I constantly challenge myself to the best and I believe Julian Williams is one of the best in the division. If you look at my resume, all I’ve done is fight the best guys, in their prime, so this is nothing new to me. I’ve reached the point where I’ve seen it all. This fight will get me exactly where I need to be, closer to a world title shot.”
 
Williams (23-1-1, 15 KOs), one of the top young contenders in the 154-pound division, is working his way back into title contention by taking on a tough former world champion in Smith. The 27-year-old Williams of Philadelphia suffered a KO loss to Jermall Charlo in his first title shot in 2016 and returned to the ring with a TKO victory over Joshua Conley in his last fight on June 30.
 
“We’ve been working hard for months and I’m ready to get back in the ring,” said Williams. “I could fight tomorrow. I know this is an important fight for my career. Ishe is a veteran and he is going to bring his ‘A’ game to try to prove he’s still got it. I’m not going to give him that opportunity. I will be victorious and show that I’m ready to fight the best in the world.”
 
Lionell Thompson (18-4, 11 KOs) is on the trail of a 175-pound world championship and he hasn’t taken the easy road, having challenge the likes of Sergey Kovalev and Radivoje Kalajdzic in his pro career. The 32-year-old out of Buffalo, N.Y. is coming off a knockout victory over Steve Lovett in his last fight on Feb. 24. The last time he fought at the Cosmopolitan, he defeated Donovan George by unanimous decision on Sept. 16, 2016.
 
Unbeaten prospect Earl Newman (10-0-1, 7 KOs) will be taking a big step forward in taking on his toughest competition to date in Thompson. The 26-year-old Brooklyn-native is coming off a split draw against Paul Parker on Sept. 19 after winning his first 10 pro fights.
 
A 2012 Olympic Silver medalist from Mongoloa, Tugstsogt Nyambayar (8-0, 8 KOs) now fights out of Carson, California. The 25-year-old turned pro in March of 2015 with a first round knockout of Gabriel Braxton. Since then, Nyambayar has stopped every opponent in his path, including most recently scoring a 10thround TKO over Jhon Gemino in February.
 
The unbeaten 19-year-old prospect Xavier Martinez (9-0, 5 KOs) will face his toughest test as a pro when he enters the ring on November 18. Representing Sacramento, Martinez has scored two victories in 2017 having stopped Jesus Aguinaga in September after earning a decision over then unbeaten Prince Smalls in June. 

IBF CHAMPION MURAT GASSIEV KNOCKS OUT KRZYSZTOF WLODARCZYK IN ROUND THREE OF WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CRUISERWEIGHT QUARTER-FINAL
IBF CHAMPION MURAT GASSIEV KNOCKS OUT KRZYSZTOF WLODARCZYK IN ROUND THREE OF WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CRUISERWEIGHT QUARTER-FINAL & SETS UP SEMI-FINAL CLASH WITH WBA CHAMPION YUNIER DORTICOS
                                                                                   
Mateusz Masternak Stops Stivens Bujaj After Seven Rounds in WBSS Cruiserweight Reserve Match & Maciej Sulecki Decisions Jack Culcay in Super Welterweight Title Eliminator Saturday Night from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/Ringstar Sports
 
NEWARK, N.J. (October 22, 2017) – Unbeaten IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Murat Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs)delivered a dominant third round knockout Saturday night against former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (53-4-1, 37 KOs)in their World Boxing Super Series quarter-final matchup from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. and on AUDIENCE Network.
 
With the victory, Gassiev sets up a WBSS cruiserweight semi-final showdown with WBA champion Yunier Dorticos, who was in attendance Saturday night.
 
“Dorticos is a very good fighter with great experience,” said Gassiev. “He’s undefeated and I can’t wait to give all the boxing fans the big gift of a great fight against Dorticos.”
 
“I really wanted Gassiev to win, because he’s going to taste the power of a real man against me,” said Dorticos. “His opponent tonight was past his time. I’m ready to show him what a champion looks like and give him a challenge he’s never faced before. I want to take his belt. I want to get in the ring and destroy Gassiev.”
 
Gassiev stalked his opponent around the ring for much of the three round fight, looking to land a big combination while Wlodarczyk was steadfastly in retreat mode. The former two-time champion threw very little other than his jab and was unable to break through and hurt Gassiev at any point in the action.
 
In round three, Gassiev closed the distance and began to land on Wlodarczyk eventually shooting a left uppercut and then left hook to the body combo that ended with Wlodaczyk laying on the canvas. Referee Albert Brown officially counted Wlodarczyk out at 1:57 of the third round.
 
“I had a great opponent tonight,” said Gassiev. “I prepared myself for a tough fight but it is boxing and anything can happen. We do a lot of work in the gym and I just listened to my coach round after round and he told me what I needed to do. That’s all I needed.”
 
“We worked hard to try to avoid this kind of punch but unfortunately he got a really hard shot through and hurt me,” said Wlodarczyk. “We knew how good he was and we prepared hard for it. I wanted to use the jab as much as possible. My strength is the second part of the fight and we were hoping to bring him to the later part of the fight and take advantage.”
 
In the WBSS cruiserweight reserve match, Mateusz Masternak (40-4, 26 KOs) stopped Stivens Bujaj (16-2-1, 11 KOs) on the advice of the ringside doctor after seven rounds of action.
 
“I got stronger as the fight went on,” said Masternak. “I was ready to go hard rounds and use my attack to overwhelm him. Once I started using combinations I was very effective in hurting him. That made the difference for me.”
 
Bujaj tried to use his elusiveness to jab and avoid big shots from Masternak and had some success early on. Bujaj frequently used head and body movement to parry the attacking Masternak.
 
The fourth round saw Masternak begin to break through with powerful right hands to the side of Bujaj’s head. Masternak continued to stalk Bujaj around the ring and had his most success pinning Bujaj in the corner.
“I thought I was boxing well, but I wasn’t offensive enough,” said Bujaj. “I was trying, but I felt like I was one step behind. I was definitely rusty. I’m disappointed in myself. I know I could have fought better than that and performed better. I just didn’t feel like myself tonight.” 
 
Masternak’s power finally broke through in the seventh round when he connected with another right hand, this one sending Bujaj to the canvas. Bujaj rose to his feet and survived the round, but not before taking more punishment from Masternak. Bujaj’s corner had seen enough and stopped the fight after seven rounds.
 
“I stayed focused and kept my right hand ready to deliver damage,” said Masternak. “I’m ready to fight with anyone they put in front of me. I’m always ready in the gym and I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”
 
Featured bouts began with super welterweight contender Maciej Sulecki (26-0, 10 KOs)scoring a unanimous decision victory over former title challenger Jack Culcay (22-3, 11 KOs)in a back-and-forth 10-round WBC title eliminator.
 
“It was a very tough fight and I had to be at my best,” said Sulecki. “I didn’t think he’d be quite as tough, but I wanted to fight him and I got him.”
 
The contest opened cautiously as Sulecki looked to use his reach advantage to subdue Culcay. Sulecki had success varying his attack as Culcay looked to navigate the distance and throw big punches from the inside.
 
The series of right hands eventually led to a cut opening near the left eye of Culcay, which seemed to inspire Culcay to pick up his efforts in the seventh round. The once-beaten contender came out incredibly aggressive in the seventh round and hurt Sulecki with a series of combinations.
 
“I prepared for about four or five weeks for this opponent,” said Sulecki. “The seventh round was the toughest round for me. I got hit with a couple big shots, but I wanted a war. I was never going to let down.”
 
“It was a close fight,” said Culcay. “Hard to tell but I felt like I was winning. It was very close but I really thought I was winning. I felt like I was strong. I thought that I hurt him. But this is boxing. I would love a rematch, but either way I will be back even stronger.”
 
Sulecki and Culcay continued to stand toe-to-toe for the finals rounds, with both men having their dominant moments. After 10 rounds, all three judges saw the fight in favor of Sulecki by scroes of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94.  
 
“I want the best in the division and that means facing Jermell Charlo,” said Sulecki. “I’m ready to challenge for a title.”

RISLANDY LARA, JERMELL CHARLO & JARRETT HURD SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND 154-POUND TITLES IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLEHEADER
ERISLANDY LARA, JERMELL CHARLO & JARRETT HURD SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND 154-POUND TITLES IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLEHEADER SATURDAY
ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
 
Lara Outpoints Terrell Gausha, Charlo Scores Stunning Knockout Of Erickson Lubin & Hurd KOs Austin Trout In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Event
 
Don’t Miss The Replay Monday, Oct. 16 At 10 p.m. ET/PT
On SHOWTIME EXTREME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
BROOKLYN (Oct. 15, 2017) – WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy Lara knocked down previously unbeaten Terrell Gausha en route to a 12-round unanimous decision in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday on SHOWTIME at Barclays Center.
 
The Premier Boxing Champions event featured three world title fights in the stacked 154-pound division, a lineup including five fighters ranked in the top 10, and four in the top five. 
 
The southpaw Lara used a precise jab to set up a sharp left hand in the sixth defense of his world title. The supreme technician, known for his elusiveness, put on a clinic as expected. He fought mostly in the pocket and picked apart the 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha, a Cleveland native getting his first shot at a world title. 
 
Lara landed 45 percent of his power shots and threw 200 more total punches in the bout that was scored 116-111 and 117-110 twice. 
 
“We want to give a lot of credit to Gausha. He’s an Olympian and he came to fight,” Lara said.  “I take the rhythm of the boxing match and that’s when I take over. He’s fighting with the best in the division. He’s not a stupid fighter, but he knew who he was facing today. 
 
“I’m ready to box anyone that comes my way. I’m the best boxer at 154 pounds and I won’t shy away from anyone that wants to fight me. I’ll box whoever, just line them up. I’m not afraid. I have proven that I’m a true champion. I’ll fight (Jermell) Charlo if I have to. We are friends, but business is business.”
 
One of the most anticipated fights of the year lasted only 2:41 seconds as WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo knocked out Erickson Lubin with a brutal right uppercut to the chin in the opening round in the second of three 154-pound world title fights.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2yoXIU6
 
While the matchup of young, undefeated Americans was regarded as one of boxing’s best fights in a year of marquee matchups, Jermell Charlo had other plans. After feeling each other out Charlo, the twin brother of undefeated former champion Jermall, unloaded a strong right uppercut that the highly touted Lubin leaned into. With Lubin struggling to return to his feet, referee Harvey Dock waived off the contest and helped a dazed Lubin return to his corner. 
 
“They were giving him a lot of attention,” a fired up Lubin told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray. “I was quiet the whole time. They said they were going to come take my title. I had to defend it. They didn’t know what I was brining into this and I think (Lubin) was worried about the wrong things.
 
“We’re going to unify. The other champions want to fight me and I’ll take any of them. Give me another title. I want Hurd. Hurd just won. Give me Hurd.”
 
The 22-year-old Lubin, boxing’s consensus 2016 prospect of the year, had his hopes of becoming the second youngest titlist in boxing dashed in less than three minutes. 
 
“I’m fine. He caught me with a blind shot. I didn’t see it coming. He landed it. I felt like when I got up I could have kept fighting, but it’s boxing. It happens.
 
“I’m young and I’m hungry. I know I’m one of the best out there. He caught me with a blind shot that I didn’t see. Like I said, it’s boxing. I’m just going to remain hungry, get back in the gym and become the champion I know I am.
 
“I’m young and have plenty of fight left in me. This is just a minor setback. I’ll be back sooner than later and hungrier than ever.”
 
IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jarrett Hurd became the first person to stop veteran former champion Austin Trout with a 10th round technical knockout in the first defense of his world title in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast. 
 
The 27-year-old Hurd did what Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and Jermall Charlo could not after the ringside doctor stepped in to stop the bout following a brutal closing 20 seconds of the 10th frame. 
 
The Accokeek, Md., native often neglected defense in the early rounds and fought back after a slow start to wear down the toughest opponent of his career. The championship affair shifted in the sixth as Trout tired and Hurd picked up his output of power shots despite a bloody cut over his left eye. Trout was practically saved by the bell in the 10thround and trainer Louie Burke did not protest as he was advised that the fight should be stopped.
 
“It’s most definitely tougher to defend the title than win it,” Hurd said. “I’m always the one that comes on stronger at the end of the fight. We knew we were going to wear Austin Trout down in the later rounds and eventually stop him. My cut made me a little better with my head movement. 
 
“Team Swift, we don’t run from anyone. I’m ready to unify. 2018 is the year for unifications. It doesn’t matter who it is. I’m ready to fight anyone.”
 
Hurd had a 89-31 edge in power punches landed over the last three rounds and connected on 43 percent of his power shots over 10 rounds.
 
Trout was taken to Lutheran Hospital for observation after the bout. 
 
Saturday’s telecast will replay on Monday, Oct. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. 

FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONS LEO SANTA CRUZ & ABNER MARES SCORE VICTORIES TO SET UP  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH IN 2018
FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONS LEO SANTA CRUZ & ABNER MARES SCORE VICTORIES TO SET UP 
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH IN 2018
 
Santa Cruz Stops Chris Avalos in Round Eight & Abner Mares Earns Technical Decision over Andres Gutierrez in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Action from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
 
Former Champion Antonio DeMarco Shocks Previously Unbeaten Eddie Ramirez By Controversial First Round Stoppage
 
Click HERE for Photos from Andy Samuelson/
Premier Boxing Champions – Photos to be added shortly
 
CARSON, CALIF. (October 14, 2017) – Featherweight world champions Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares were both victorious in their Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes fights Saturday night from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and officially set up a world championship rematch between the two popular southern California champions in early 2018.
 
“I want Abner Mares,” said Santa Cruz. “I said if we both win; we’re going to fight. I’m ready to fight him in Los Angeles in the beginning of next year.”
 
“I’m a totally different fighter now since I started working with Robert Garcia,” said Mares. “We’re going to keep showing that when we fight Leo Santa Cruz.”
 
In the main event, Santa Cruz (34-1-1, 19 KOs) took care of business and defended his title by stopping Chris Avalos (27-6, 20 KOs) in the eighth round.
 
“He was very tough and I was fighting the wrong fight,” said Santa Cruz. “I wanted to please the fans and give them a brawl. Once my dad told me how I could stop him easily, I boxed him more and got the stoppage.”
 
Santa Cruz used his length effectively and set up his jab while firing straight right hands to Avalos’ head. Avalos stayed tough, but was in trouble in round four when Santa Cruz connected with a left hook that stunned Avalos in the corner.
 
Avalos originally retreated but as Santa Cruz came forward he was forced to brawl through the remainder of the round and took a great deal of punishment. Always game, Avalos continued to fight back and landed punches as Santa Cruz attempted to walk down his opponent.
 
“I thought I had him in the fourth round,” said Santa Cruz. “I gassed out a little bit but I got my air back later. I thought the ref was going to jump in during that round but he let him continue.”
 
Finally, in the eighth round, after several more flurries of punishment, referee Thomas Taylor jumped in and stopped the bout 1:34 into the round. Although he was out landed 282-169, Avalos believed he could have continued in the fight.
 
“I’m very upset with the stoppage,” said Avalos. “We were fighting the whole time. There was no reason to stop this fight. I wasn’t hurt like the referee thought. I want to fight for the title again.”
 
The co-main event saw Mares (31-2-1, 15 KOs)make the first defense of his title by wearing down and eventually earning a technical decision over Andres Gutierrez(35-2-1, 25 KOs).
 
Referee Jack Reiss called on the advice of the ringside physician midway through the 10th round, who determined that Gutierrez was unable to continue due to a cut. Although the cut was originally opened by a punch, the commission determined that a series of accidental fouls caused the cut to worsen to the point that the fight was ended, and a final verdict would be decided by the scorecards.
 
Mares was sharp from the outset, using the jab to get to Gutierrez and teeing off with combinations. The right hand was a weapon all night long and in the second round he connected with the shot that opened up the cut under Gutierrez’s left eye.
 
“I told everyone that I was here to make a statement,” said Mares. “I had a tough opponent and he showed how good he is. It took a lot of punches and a lot of big punches. It was just a matter of time before I stopped him.”
 
Gutierrez continued to put up a strong effort and never stopped throwing punches, using his jab to try to keep Mares at bay. However, as the cut worsened throughout the fight, Mares had an easier time landing thudding right hands to Gutierrez’s face.
“I didn’t feel like the fight should have been stopped,” said Gutierrez. “I was hurting him as much as he was hurting me. My cuts did not bother me. I want to fight him again or have another shot at the title. I was prepared to fight to the final bell.”
 
“I thought they could have stopped it earlier,” said Mares. “He’s a young guy who was too brave for his own good. I was happy with the decision. I deserved the stoppage but I’m happy I got the win.”
 
It was the accumulation of punches that eventually forced the referee to stop the fight. At the time of the stoppage all three judges had the fight in favor of Mares, by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice.
 
The opening bout of the telecast saw an action-packed opening round that ended in controversy as former world champion Antonio DeMarco (33-6-1, 24 KOs)score a first round stoppage of previously unbeaten Eddie Ramirez (17-1, 11 KOs) in their super lightweight affair.
 
The fighters disagreed on the decision to stop the fight by referee Gerard White to stop the fight.
 
“That stoppage was way too early,” said Ramirez. “I was not hurt. I was fighting back and I felt like I was recovering. I want an immediate rematch if possible.”
 
“I think it was a good decision from the referee,” said DeMarco. “He was taking a lot of solid punches and I felt like I had him.”
 
Ramirez came out aggressive early and pushed DeMarco against the ropes, looking to punish him with combinations. Midway through the round however, DeMarco connected with a straight left hook that stunned Ramirez and sprung DeMarco onto the attack.
 
As DeMarco stalked Ramirez around the ring, he caught him in the corner and forced Ramirez’s knees to buckle. Ramirez was able to stay on his feet and appeared to be throwing back, but the referee jumped in and stopped the bout 1:56 into round one.
 
“I’m very thankful to Ramirez for taking the fight,” said DeMarco. “I think big things are coming for me. I’m going to talk to my team and see what is next. I think this performance will erase a lot of doubts about me. 
 
“I’m an experienced fighter and I stayed patient. I had great preparation and waited for the right moment. I feel great right now.”
 
“I want an immediate rematch if possible,” said Ramirez. “I’ll talk to my team but that was a bad stoppage and I want a chance to redeem myself.”

“BACK TO BUSINESS” CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING AT THE HISTORIC SAN FRANCISCO ARMORY

“BACK TO BUSINESS”
CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING AT THE HISTORIC SAN FRANCISCO ARMORY
Press Release
For Immediate Release
RAQUEL “PRETTY BEAST” MILLER
TO FACE NEW OPPONENT LISA GARLAND
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 11, 2017) – Unbeaten female middleweight prospect,Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (4-0, 2 KOs) will now face Lisa Garland (15-8, 8 KOs)
when professional boxing returns to the city of San Francisco, CA, on October 21, 2017.  Miller was supposed to battle Sydney LeBlanc (4-4) but the fight fell through.  Miller vs. Garland, a 6-round bout, will serve as the co-feature to Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (19-4-1, 11 KOs) vs. Miguel Dumas (10-0, 7 KOs).  The card titled “Back To Business” will take place at the historic San Francisco Armory.
“I’m happy they found an opponent for me as I have a lot of family and friends coming to see me fight,” said San Francisco native Raquel Miller. “Garland has a lot of experience and I know it’s going to be a tough fight.  I believe my hunger and skill will be to much for Garland to handle though.  I’m ready to bring it, and I can’t wait for my hometown fans will see me in action.  I’ll be looking to stop Garland before the final bell rings.”
“Back To Business” tickets priced $40 (standing room only), $50 (floor seats tier 3), $60 (floor seat tier 2), $80 floor tier 1, $125 (front seats), and ringside $250, are on sale now at EVENTBRITE.COM or by calling (415) 722-3184.  Doors open up at 4:00 p.m.  First bout at 5:00 p.m.
The San Francisco Armory is located at 1800 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Located conveniently at the corner of Mission Street and 14th Street, the SF Armory is served by Muni routes, major bus lines and is easily accessible by BART that serves the East Bay and the airport. Parking can be arranged using local lots or valet.
Other Featured Bouts:
8-round bout featherweight bout
Xavier Martinez (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Jonathan Alcantara (7-16-2, 1 KO)
6-round bout super-lightweight bout
Stan Martyniouk (17-2, 3 KOs) vs. Luis Alfredo Lugo (14-27-1, 3 KOs)
6-round middleweight bout
Ricardo Pinell (14-3-1, 8 KOs) vs. Carlos Ruiz (8-3, 3 KOs)
4-round bout super-lightweight bout
Will Shaw (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Lenard Davis (1-0-2)
4-round bout super-lightweight bout
Luis Casillas (1-1, 1 KO) vs. TBA
4-round bout featherweight bout
Marquita Lee (3-5) vs. TBA
Top Heavyweight Contender Dominic Breazeale
Will Take on Eric Molina on the Undercard of the
Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Heavyweight
Championship Showdown at Barclays Center on
Nov. 4
 
Plus! Five-Division World Champion, Top Pound-for-Pound Fighter Amanda Serrano Battles Marilyn Hernandez; Long Island’s Seanie Monaghan Returns; Undefeated Prospects Chris Colbert and Titus Williams Clash In Featherweight Battle
 
New Ticket Pricing Set for the Live Event
 
BROOKLYN (October 12, 2017) – Top heavyweight title contender Dominic Breazeale will take on Eric Molina in a 12-round WBC title elimination match on the undercard of the showdown between WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and Bermane Stiverne live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, Nov. 4. The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. 
 
The stacked card will also feature former welterweight champion Shawn Porter taking on Adrian Granados and Sergey Lipinets battling Akihiro Kondo for the vacant junior welterweight title in televised bouts. The live three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Plus, five-time world champion Amanda Serrano of Brooklyn takes on Marilyn Hernandez, Long Island’s Seanie Monaghan (28-1-0, 17 KOs) makes his ring return to face Evert Bravo (23-6-1, 17 KOs), from Arboletes, Colombia, and Brooklyn’s Chris Colbert (6-0, 2 KOs) battles Long Island’s Titus Williams (7-0, 2 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout.
 
New prices have been set for tickets to see the event live at Barclays Center, giving fans an unprecedented opportunity to see the heavyweight champion of the world in a rematch against the only contender who has taken him a full 12 rounds.  
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now 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.
 
“We’ve recognized that Deontay’s opponent has changed, and we’ve restructured ticket prices to encourage as many fans as possible to attend a great night of fights, and the Heavyweight Championship of the world,” said Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, the promoter of the card. “Stiverne is thrilled for this second chance and he has nothing to lose. Bermane Stiverne is the only opponent that Deontay hasn’t knocked out among his professional opponents. Deontay wants to fix that and Stiverne is looking to throw a wrench into Wilder’s dream of heavyweight unification.”
 
Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) dethroned defending champion Stiverne in January 2015 via unanimous decision in what was the promising challenger’s toughest fight to date.  With the win, Wilder became the first American heavyweight champion in nearly a decade and he has gone on to defend the title five times.  Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) remains the only Wilder opponent to go the distance with the hard-hitting Tuscaloosa, Ala., native who has knocked out every other professional opponent on his long resume. 
 
Dominic Breazeale (18-1, 16 KOs), who lives in Eastvale, California, is coming off a KO victory over Izu Ugonoh on Feb. 25. The 32-year-old Breazeale suffered the only loss of career in a heavyweight championship match against Anthony Joshua in London on June 25, 2016.
 
Eric Molina (26-4, 19 KOs) has twice fought for the heavyweight world championship. In his first title shot the 35-year-old from Weslaco, Texas was knocked out by Deontay Wilder on June 13, 2015. Molina lost via TKO to Anthony Joshua in his next opportunity on Dec. 10, 2016. Molina bounced back with a majority decision victory against Jamal Woods in his last fight on Sept. 2.
 
Five-division world champion Amanda Serrano (33-1-1, 25 KOs) will be making her fourth appearance at Barclays Center when she defends her super bantamweight world title against Marilyn Hernandez (26-10, 17 KOs).  Serrano, who was born in Puerto Rico and lives in Brooklyn, successfully defended her title with a TKO victory over Edina Kiss in her last fight on July 21. Hernandez of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic scored a TKO victory over Maria Hernandez in her last fight on Jan. 10.

WORLD’S BEST 154-POUND FIGHTERS SOUND OFF & FACE OFF AT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLEHEADER THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
WORLD’S BEST 154-POUND FIGHTERS SOUND OFF & FACE OFF AT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLEHEADER THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
 
Photo by Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast of Premier Boxing Champions Event Begins Live At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
NEW YORK (Oct. 12, 2017) – Six of the world’s best 154-pound boxers met face-to-face at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan on Thursday at the final press conference for this Saturday’s world championship tripleheader live on SHOWTIME. 
 
The Premier Boxing Champions event taking place at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®, features five fighters ranked in the top 10 – and four in the top five – in one of boxing’s deepest divisions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara making the sixth defense of his title against undefeated contender Terrell Gausha.
 
In the co-feature, WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo will defend his title against fellow unbeaten No. 1 contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin. IBF Junior Middleweight Champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd makes the first defense of his title against former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout in the televised opener.
 
Tickets to the event are on sale now and start at $50 (not including applicable fees). 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.
 
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday:
ERISLANDY LARA
 
“On Oct.14, I will show why I’m the No. 1 fighter in the division.
 
“Just another day at work; another day at the office for me. I have to do what I have to do and be a smart boxer to win this fight. I’m going to have to show a little bit of everything: show my boxing, and show my power. He will see a little bit of everything on Saturday night.
 
“Absolutely I want to unify. That’s what I’m here for – to win all the belts. After this fight, hopefully one of these young guns will step up to the plate and fight me.
 
“I will show everybody I’m the best in the 154-pound division, and I’m here for a long time. It’s very important to bring this world title back to the people of Houston. There’s been a lot of tragedy in Houston, and I hope with this win it brings just a little bit of joy to my fans and people going through a hard time.”
 
TERRELL GAUSHA
 
“This is going to be my best performance to date and I look to be sharp and focused. I love the competition and the tough challenges, and I look to be at point on Saturday night.
 
“It’s time for the young guys and Olympians like me, Errol Spence and Rau’Shee Warren to take over. It’s our time.
 
“I’ve got a huge support system in Cleveland and my mom has a busload of people coming to see me. To have fans like that come and support you makes you want to dig down deep and get that win.”
 
JERMELL CHARLO
 
“We had a strong camp with my sparring partners in Dallas. We know who’s below us. This young guy here [Lubin] has a big fight coming up. I already know what I have to do. They got to be the ones that try and figure out a game plan. Try and come up with a ‘Plan B’ or ‘Plan A.’ You got a lot of hype man, a lot of people around you buzzing. They keep you going, they keep you rowdy. That’s good. We clap too, we love it. We enjoy it. But Saturday night, the fight that I thought should have been the main event of the card is going to be the one that steals the show. We did this before, we will do it again.
 
“I’m undefeated, he’s undefeated. Regardless of if he has the same amount of fights that I have, he’s hungry. He’s been running his mouth a lot lately. That has a lot to do with the reason why my team gets rowdy. We get rowdy and that’s the kind of energy we feed off of. When you continue to do what you do, I just got to back it up in the ring and I can’t worry about what my opponent says and what his team says, because nobody has to fight but us.
 
“Let’s get in there and get comfortable in the ring. Hopefully I make him pay for the mistakes he’s making right now.
 
“It’s so important for me to bring a world title back to Houston. I told my brother [Jermall] that I’m competing with one of his knockouts against an undefeated fighter. It’s not about the world title because my city needs it. My family needs it. My son loves it. Therefore, I’ve got my life on the line.”
 
ERICKSON LUBIN
 
“I’m very excited. I’m very confident, I had a great training camp and I’m just ready to go on Saturday.
 
“I hear it a lot, that I’m younger and he’s more experienced. It doesn’t really get to me, I know it is a huge step up because I’m fighting for the WBC title, not because of my opponent. I’ve seen everything in the ring. I’ve seen all types of fighters through training, fighting and through amateurs so this is definitely a big step up when it comes to me fighting for the WBC title.
 
“This definitely should have been the main event, but you got an experienced guy like Lara in the main event, which I don’t complain about. I know I got to go in there and take care of business. We’re both young. I’m not even in my prime yet. I’m ready to capture this title and I’m hungrier than ever and I know he’s hungry. He’s fairly young and we’re both undefeated and we both have a huge entourage. We’re just backed up by a lot of people and we got hype behind us. We’re ready to see who’s the hype and who’s the real deal.
 
“Orlando hasn’t had a champion in a very long time, or maybe never. This means everything. I’ll be a big, huge inspiration to Orlando. I am already a huge inspiration to Orlando. I can’t wait to bring it back to Orlando to give more people hope to go out there and do something positive.”
 
JARRETT HURD
 
“I’m feeling great. I’m right on weight. Like I said, this is the fight I’ve been waiting for and that I’ve wanted, so I’m ready to fight.
 
“I really want to go out here and make a statement and be the first to stop Austin Trout and send him into retirement.
 
“Here’s the thing, in my last four televised fights I’ve never possessed the same style. Austin Trout doesn’t know what style I’m coming out with in this fight. I never look the same in any of my fights so he can say that he prepared for a toe-to-toe matchup and that he prepared for me moving around, but he doesn’t know what I’m bringing to the table. I’ve got a couple tricks up my sleeve.
 
“[My height] is going to be a big factor because he’s going to try and move around and box from the outside, but I’m the taller, longer guy. So it’s going to be hard for him to stay on the outside, let alone stay on the inside, which he isn’t going to want to do either because I’m the bigger guy. It’s going to play a big factor and make it more difficult than he thinks.
 
“They say it’s easier to become a champion than to defend a belt. Right now this is my chance to defend my title and bring it back home. I can’t wait to represent.”
 
AUSTN TROUT
 
“When I become champion on Saturday night I will continue to represent this game with class and dignity. I know this sounds like a campaign speech, but the beautiful part about it is that I don’t need your votes. I don’t need anyone to vote me in. I get to go in there and take it with my two hands. I have the faith that I can do it, but we all know faith without works is dead. But I’ve put in the work. So I have faith in the work behind me. My experience is just the icing on top to go in there and become the two-time world champion and stake the claim as the best 154-pounder in this game.
 
“Honestly, I didn’t see a big frame up there, I just saw a tall guy. His shoulders look lean and his arms look lean. Either he’s sucking down for weight, or he’s just a little guy in a big, tall man’s body.
 
“He’s right in saying the fight isn’t going to go the distance, but it’s funny because he’s not going to be the one doing the knocking out. You know this man isn’t going to last 12 rounds.
 
“I’m going to drown this kid. We’re taking him into deep waters. He’s never been there. This is unchartered territory for him.
 
“Two-time Trout. I like that. I need that belt in order to solidify my legacy.”
LOU DiBELLA, CEO of DiBella Entertainment
 
“This is as good as it gets in boxing. We hope to have as many regular boxing fans in that room as we possibly can. You can get a great seat for the price of what you pay for a Pay-Per-View telecast. This quality of boxing has been emblematic of SHOWTIME’s boxing program in the last few years.”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President/General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports
 
“This event will be the 25th boxing event at Barclays Center in five years. I need to recognize Barclays Center and their staff because there are not that many venues supporting and contributing to this sport the way Barclays Center is. More than half of those shows have been on SHOWTIME as we’ve done 12, and two have been on CBS.
 
“We’ve set a very high bar with those events. Fighters know and promoters know – everyone knows that when you fight on SHOWTIME at Barclays Center it’s a big and exciting night in boxing.
 
“Fight fans sometimes complain that having multiple belts or multiple champions is complicated and confusing. But in this division, it’s not. I’ll make it really simple: these guys up here are the best guys in the division. That’s it. Who’s at No. 1 and who’s the best? I can’t tell you. But it’s one of these six guys. So this coming Saturday you will see the best in the division, and they’ll be fighting each other.”