Category: Press Release

Former World Champion Nonito Donaire Returns to the Ring to Take onRuben Garcia Hernandez for the WBC Silver Featherweight Title  September 23 at the Alamodome in San Antonio

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Press Release

 

Former World Champion Nonito Donaire Returns to the Ring to Take on

Ruben Garcia Hernandez for the WBC Silver Featherweight Title  

September 23 at the Alamodome in San Antonio

 

Plus! Once-Beaten Cruiserweights Keith Tapia & Lateef Kayode Battle in

World Boxing Super Series Reserve Match

 

Tickets
on Sale Now!

 

SAN ANTONIO (September 5, 2017) – Exciting
former world champion Nonito Donaire (37-4-0, 24 KOs) will return to the ring to take on
Ruben Garcia Hernandez (22-2-1, 9 KOs) for the WBC Silver Featherweight Title in a bout that takes place alongside the World Boxing Super Series Quarterfinals
on Saturday, September 23  from the Alamodome live in San Antonio and presented by Ringstar Sports.


Additional action will feature a 10-round showdown between once-beaten cruiserweights
Keith Tapia (17-1, 11 KOs) and Lateef Kayode (21-1, 16 KOs) that will serve as the reserve match for the World Boxing Super Series Quarterfinal matchup of Cuban WBA World Champion Yunier ‘The KO Doctor’ Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs) versus Russian Dmitry
‘Russian Hammer’ Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs).


Donaire returns to the ring after a controversial loss last November to Jessie Magdaleno.  Donaire recently teamed up with Ringstar Sports where he plans to reclaim his
supremacy in the featherweight division.  Garcia Hernandez is a tested Mexican fighter looking to make a name for himself in the U.S. at the Alamodome.


“I’m ready to return to the ring and show that I still have what it takes to be a world champion and face the best in this sport,” said Donaire. “I’m thankful to Ringstar
Sports for helping me in this next chapter of my career and I know with them in my corner, I’ll be back to where I belong soon. I’m excited to give the great fight fans in San Antonio a great show, just like when I fought Wilfredo Vazquez at the Alamodome
in 2012. After this fight, I’m coming for all of the featherweight champions and to prove I’m the best in the division.”


 “I am grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Garcia Hernandez. “I know that I am facing a great fighter and that has motivated me to
train harder than ever before for this matchup. I’m planning on giving it my all and giving the fans a great fight. I hope Donaire comes to fight because I am coming to knock him ou on September 23rd.”


Tickets for the live event are priced at $250, $125, $100, $50, and $30, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com

HERE. 

 

“The return of Nonito Donaire to the ring is a treat for boxing fans in San Antonio as he looks to return to his place as one of the top fighters in the sport,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “He will
be in an all-action matchup against a tough Mexican fighter in Ruben Garcia Hernandez and I expect them to give the fans an exciting night. The entire card will be jam packed with rising prospects and contenders, plus a great cruiserweight showdown between
Keith Tapia and Lateef Kayode that will be the reserve match for the World Boxing Super Series Quarterfinal that night.”


The Filipino fighter known as the “Filipino Flash” Donaire grew up in Northern California and now fights out of Las Vegas.  His last fight was November 2016 when
he battled Magdeleno for a junior featherweight world title in a bout that he lost by controversial decision.  Hoping for a rematch that was never made, he partnered with Ringstar Sports looking to return to the top of the featherweight division. Prior to
that, Donaire won belts in four different weight classes and was recognized as the 2012 Fighter of the Year by the BWAA, ESPN and Ring Magazine.


Fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico, Hernandez
made his pro debut in 2010.  Since that time he has battled his way through Mexico while fighting in the U.S. four times.   Hernandez enters this bout on a seven fight winning streak and plans to make a name for himself in the United States on September
23rd when he takes on Donaire.

 

The 27-year-old Tapia returns to the ring after dropping a decision to unbeaten Andrew Tabiti that snapped a 17-fight win streak to begin his professional career. Originally from Puerto Rico but fighting out of the Bronx,
Tapia has picked up victories over durable veterans Garrett Wilson and Anthony Caputo Smith and will look to cement his status as a cruiserweight contender on September 23rd.

 

A former title challenger at cruiserweight, Kayode
last battled Denis Lebedev for his cruiserweight crown in a November 2015 bout in Russia. Fighting out of Hollywood, Calif., by way of Nigeria, Kayode has shared the ring with the likes of Antonio Tarver and Luis Ortiz while taking down Felix Cora Jr, Matt
Godfrey and Nick Kisner on his way to an unbeaten mark after his first 21 pro fights. 

*** 

 

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES
09/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Marco Huck (WBO World) 
Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
 
16/09/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final: 
Callum Smith vs. Erik Skoglund (WBC Diamond)
Echo Arena, Liverpool, United Kingdom 
 
23/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov (WBA World)
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, USA

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World) 
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia
 
07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final: 
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany  

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final: 
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom  
 
TO BE CONFIRMED
Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals: 
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
 
Super Middleweight Quarter-Finals:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant
 
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16 
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

Leo Santa Cruz Defends Title Against Chris Avalos
 

Leo Santa Cruz Defends Title Against Chris Avalos;

Abner Mares Takes On Andres Gutierrez in Title Match as

Pair of Featherweight Showdowns Set the Stage for

 Santa Cruz vs. Mares Rematch

 

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Live On FOX &

FOX Deportes from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., On

Saturday, October 14

 

Tickets on Sale Now!

 

CARSON, CALIF. (August 30, 2017) – Sensational three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will defend his featherweight world title against Chris Avalos, while four-time
world champion Abner Mares defends his 126-pound championship against once-beaten Andres Gutierrez at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on a show presented by Premier Boxing Champions live on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, October 14. Televised
coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

 

If Santa Cruz and Mares win their respective matches, they have both agreed to terms to meet in a highly anticipated rematch for the WBA featherweight title in early 2018.  Santa Cruz won a hard-fought,
narrow decision against Mares in a 2015 Fight of the Year candidate that saw the two men go toe-to-toe for 12 fast-paced rounds and combine for over 2,000 punches thrown.  

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $250 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com HERE.

 

“Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares are two of the best featherweight champions in boxing and to have them both fighting on the same card is a treat for boxing fans,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB
Promotions. “Against Avalos, Santa Cruz will have the opportunity to demonstrate why he’s considered one of the most skilled and durable fighters in the division and in his first defense since winning the title Mares can expect a rugged challenge from Gutierrez,
who has only lost once in his career and by a close decision.”

 

“This is going to be a jam-packed afternoon of can’t-miss action for boxing fans in Southern California,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “StubHub Center brings out the
best in fighters and I expect that to continue when Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares defend their titles against two hungry challengers in Chris Avalos and Andres Gutierrez. Ringstar Sports, along with TGB Promotions, are looking forward to putting together
an exciting card full of future stars and compelling bouts for the great fans at StubHub Center and watching on FOX and FOX Deportes.”

 

Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs) established himself as one of the top featherweights in the world in matches against Mares and Carl Frampton. Cruz lost a close decision to Frampton in 2016 and avenged
the loss with a decision victory on Jan. 28 in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old was unbeaten in his first 33 pro fights on his way to world titles at 118, 122 and 126-pounds. With a victory over Avalos, Santa Cruz, who fights out of Los Angeles, will cement his
hold on featherweight supremacy and stay on the path to that showdown with Mares.

 

“I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Santa Cruz. “I’ve been working hard in camp and it’s great to be back in the gym. Chris Avalos is a tough contender who’s
fought the best in the division. I love my fans and I’m planning on giving them a great show. I never overlook any opponent, but my plan is to put on a great performance, and then give fans more exciting fights against Abner Mares and Carl Frampton. I’m ready
to prove I’m the best featherweight in the world.”

 

Fighting out of Lancaster, California, Avalos (27-5, 20 KOs) will be vying for a featherweight title for the first time. He came up short in his other world championship bout, losing the 122-pound
world championship Carl Frampton via knockout in 2015. In his most recent bout, Avalos scored a TKO victory over Miguel Flores when the fight was stopped on cuts in the fifth round on July 18 in the main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

 

“I grew up with Leo Santa Cruz, so I know how to fight him,” said Avalos. “We did a lot of sparring wearing headgear as amateurs, and I put a hurting on him back
in the day.  I’m not scared. I’m ready to fight. I know in the back of his mind, he’ll be thinking about that. I know I’m the underdog, but I’m not scared. I have a game plan and I know I’m going to win. I’ve
fought two champions and lost to Carl Frampton and Oscar Valdez, but I’m a much better fighter and I’m more focused now than I was for those fights.  I’ve got the opportunity I’ve been waiting for and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

 

Mares (30-2-1, 15 KOs) has fought some of the best competition between the 118-126 pound divisions and has claimed world titles in three different weight classes during his pro career. The 31-year-old
climbed back into the championship ranks in December of 2016 by dropping featherweight Jesus Cuellar in a hard-fought, narrow decision victory.  Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Robert Garcia’s gym in Riverside, Calif., Mares has taken
down former champions Daniel Ponce De Leon, Joseph Agbeko and Anselmo Moreno in a career that dates back to his time representing Mexico at the 2004 Olympics.

 

“I’m excited to be getting back in the ring on October 14 at StubHub in Los Angeles on FOX and FOX Deportes,” Mares said. “My fans will once again see the boxing style and strength that won me
my WBA Featherweight title in December. I’m stronger, faster and committed to keeping that title and taking the others. My opponent is a strong challenger and we will bring an action filled fight for boxing fans. I am the people’s warrior and a boxer they
can believe in. You don’t want to miss this fight.”

 

The 24-year-old Gutierrez (35-1-1, 25 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career when he dropped a narrow decision to tough veteran Cristian Mijares last year. That interrupted a 16-fight win streak
that included nine knockouts and began after he fought to a draw with Jesus Ruiz in 2011. Gutierrez, of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was set to fight Carl Frampton in a title eliminator in July, but the fight was called off when Gutierrez fell in his bathroom
in Belfast, Ireland and broke his nose, lost two teeth and cut his chin.

 

“I am coming to destroy Abner Mares,” said Gutierrez. “I am in great shape and I’m very hungry to get in the ring and prove I’m one of the best in the world. I will be world champion and reach my
dreams on October 14

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SCORES 10th ROUND TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SCORES 10th ROUND TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT WIN OVER UFC STAR CONOR McGREGOR ON SHOWTIME PPV® FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS
VEGAS

 

Gervonta Davis, Badou Jack and Andrew Tabiti All Record Victories In Four-Fight SHOWTIME PPV Event




Delayed Telecast of Tonight‘s Main Event Will Air Exclusively on SHOWTIME® on Saturday, September 2 


at 9 p.m. ET/PT

 

Click HERE for
Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 27, 2017) – Future Boxing Hall of Famer
Floyd “Money” Mayweather ended his historic career in style on Saturday night with a convincing 10th-round technical knockout victory over UFC mega-star Conor McGregor in the main event of a four-fight SHOWTIME PPV event from T-Mobile Arena in
Las Vegas.

 

The 40-year-old Mayweather, fighting for the first time in 714 days, announced after the fight that he will never fight again, ending his 21-year career in style by controlling an all-action fight that thrilled
the 14,623 fans in attendance and watching around the world. With Mayweather coming forward just like he promised, referee Robert Byrd stopped the super welterweight fight at 1:05 of the 10th round as Mayweather punished McGregor with a series of
blows that staggered his weary opponent.

 


With the win, the five-division world champion from Las Vegas becomes the first boxer to finish his career at 50-0, eclipsing the record he had previously shared with the legendary Rocky Marciano.

“I think we gave the fans what they wanted to see,” Mayweather told SHOWTIME ringside reporter Jim Gray after the fight. “I owed them for the Pacquiao fight. I had to come straight ahead and give the fans
a show. That’s what I gave them.”

 

All three judges – Dave Moretti (87-83), Burt Clements (89-82) and Guido Cavalleri (89-81) – had Mayweather ahead on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage. SHOWTIME’s unofficial scorer Steve Farhood had Mayweather
ahead by the score of 86-85.

 

The first two-division champion in UFC history, McGregor, from Dublin, Ireland, said he was fatigued as the fight got into the later stages. “He’s composed, he’s not that fast, he’s not that powerful, but boy
is he composed in there,” the 29-year-old McGregor said. “I thought it was close though and I thought it was a bit of an early stoppage. He was just a lot more composed with his shots. I have to give it to him, that’s what 50 pro fights will do for you.”

 

Both fighters had their moments in the early rounds. In the fourth round, Mayweather forced McGregor to back-pedal and continued to force the action.

 

At the midway point of the fight, Farhood had given the first three rounds to the more aggressive McGregor, but then rounds four, five and six to the more accurate Mayweather.

 

“Our game plan was to take our time, go to him, let him shoot his shots early and then take him out down the stretch,” Mayweather said. “We know in MMA he fights for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, he started to
slow down. I guaranteed to everybody that this wouldn’t go the distance. 

 

“Our game plan was to go straight ahead. I said numerous times that I wouldn’t back down and that’s what I did.”

 

McGregor said he would consider boxing again, and would also return to fight in the UFC. “I’ve been strangled on live TV and came back,” he said. “When you’re in here in the squared circle, everything is different.
Let the man put me down, that’s fatigue, that’s not damage. 

 

“Where was the final two rounds? Let me walk back to my corner and compose myself.”  

 

Mayweather was lethally accurate in the final round, landing 20 of 26 power punches before the referee stopped the fight. McGregor had a 51-40 advantage in punches landed over the first five rounds but was out-landed
130 to 60 in rounds six through 10 as Mayweather put an exclamation point on the final fight of his career.

 

“Rocky Marciano is a legend and I look forward to going into the Hall of Fame one day,” said Mayweather. “This was my last fight tonight. For sure. Tonight was my last fight. Tonight I chose the right dance partner
to dance with. Conor, you are a hell of a champion.”

 

In the co-main event, undefeated rising star Gervonta “Tank” Davis defeated unbeaten challenger Francisco Fonseca via a controversial eighth-round knockout 39 seconds into the round.

 

The 22-year-old Davis (19-0, 18 KOs) landed a series of clean blows before an apparent shot to the back of the head sent Fonseca down. Referee Russell Mora gave the 10-count allowing Davis to earn his 18th stoppage
win in 19 professional fights. The fight was originally scheduled to be Davis’ second defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship, but Davis failed to make weight on Friday, coming two pounds over the 130-pound limit that Fonseca (19-1-1, 13 KOs)
weighed-in at.

 

“I threw the shot as he put his head down,” said Davis. “I was definitely going to stop him eventually. He was in trouble before the last shot.”

 

Davis continued, “I’m going to stay at 130 pounds and try to get my title back. I still want to unify the junior lightweight division.”

 

Fonseca said he was sent to the canvas with an illegal blow.

 

“Everybody saw that when I was going down, he hit me twice behind,” Fonseca said. “It’s a blow that’s not legal. It was here in Las Vegas, so he had the crowd going for him, and I just want a rematch. He never
hurt me with that exchange. Even though he came in at 160 pounds today, he doesn’t hit as hard as they say he hits.”

 

Former super middleweight champion Badou Jack became a two-division world champion with a TKO win over Nathan Cleverly to capture the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship.

 

The Las Vegas-based, Swedish-born Jack (21-1-3, 13 KOs) out-classed Cleverly (30-4, 16 KOs) in a one-sided bout that was stopped by referee Tony Weeks with 12 seconds remaining in the fifth round. It was the first
fight for Jack since moving up from 168 pounds to 175 pounds.

 

Jack had recorded majority draws in each of his past two fights against James DeGale of England and Canada’s Lucian Bute.

 

“It’s a dream come true,” said the 33-year-old Jack. “I’ve learned that you can’t leave it in the hands of the judges.”

 

“Jack was very strong,” said Cleverly. “He caught me and broke my nose in the third round. It was a downward spiral from there. I was wounded and protecting myself. It’s horrible but part of
the sport.”

 

Jim Gray asked Jack who he would like to fight next, Andre Ward or Adonis Stevenson? “I think Adonis Stevenson, let’s get it on. I’ll go to Canada. I’ll go anywhere.”

 

“I got a little excited at times but I barely got hit,” Jack said. “My boxing IQ was the difference in this fight. Everybody doubting me motivated me. My trainer and my team did a great job getting me to this
point.”

 

The PPV telecast began with unbeaten Andrew Tabiti and former world champion Steve Cunningham meeting in a 10-round cruiserweight battle. Tabiti (16-0, 13 KOs) controlled the action against the 41-year-old
Cunningham (29-9-1, 13 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision scored 97-93 twice and 100-90. 

 

With Floyd Mayweather Sr. working in his corner, the 27-year-old Tabiti set the tempo early and set the pace for the entire fight. “I was just jabbing him and making sure I stayed smart,” Tabiti said. “He’s a
veteran so I had to stay composed. I wanted to show that I could box. This was a step up for me and I felt comfortable in there.”

 

A Chicago native who lives and trains in Las Vegas, Tabiti landed 31 percent of his jabs (70 of 229) and 49 percent of his power punches compared to just 27 percent for Cunningham. With the win, Tabiti retains
the NABF cruiserweight title and won the USBA cruiserweight championship.

 

“He had a decent jab but he wasn’t busy enough,” Tabiti added. “I just didn’t want to make mistakes. If you start too fast against a veteran you’re liable to get caught by him.”

 

Cunningham wasn’t impressed with Tabiti. “I don’t think Andrew Tabiti is a championship level fighter,” he said. “I thought I won the fight. I didn’t think I saw anything special from him

Unbeaten Sergiy Derevyanchenko Stops Tureano Johnson in Middleweight World Title Eliminator 


Unbeaten Sergiy Derevyanchenko Stops Tureano Johnson in Middleweight World Title Eliminator that Headlined Special Friday Night Edition of Premier Boxing Champions
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 &
BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes

 

Hugo Centeno Jr. Scores Sensational Knockout of Previously Unbeaten Immanuwel Aleem in Co-Main Event
From Main Street in Miami, Oklahoma

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Gary Crow/Premier Boxing Champions


(Photos to be added shortly)

 

MIAMI, OK. (August 25, 2017) –
Sergiy Derevyanchenko (11-0, 9 KOs) remained unbeaten as he stopped Tureano Johnson
(20-2, 14 KOs) in the 12th and final round of their middleweight world title eliminator that headlined a special Friday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on
FOX Deportes

 

Derevyanchenko put himself in line for a world title shot with an impressive stoppage of the durable contender Johnson in their bout from Main Street – in front of historic Coleman Theater – in Miami,
Oklahoma.

 

“I’m very happy with my performance,” said Derevyanchenko. “I did exactly what we worked on in training and broke him down to get the knockout.”

 

“I’m very disappointed,” said Johnson. “But I give a lot of credit to Derevyanchenko and congratulate him on his performance tonight.”

 

Johnson was aggressive from the start, positioning himself right in front of his opponent while trying to throw punches from orthodox and southpaw stances. Derevyanchenko was able to sustain the pressure
and use a steady jab to create enough space to unload big power shots on Johnson.

 

The third round saw Derevyanchenko’s offense break through as he was able to land multiple punches to the head while Johnson could only try to cover up. After falling behind in the first half of the
fight, Johnson upped the aggression in rounds six and seven and was able to have more success landing series of hooks through Derevyanchenko’s own offense.

 

However, in round eight Derevyanchenko returned to relying on his jab and was once again able to create the space to land strong shots and got the best of multiple exchanges. Derevyanchenko continued
to show off impressive combos until finally breaking down Johnson for good in the 12th round with a ferocious combination that included three clean left hooks to the head.

 

“He was very tough and took a lot of punches,” said Derevyanchenko. “Maybe the fight could have been stopped earlier but I was always ready to go the distance.”

 

Johnson was sent down and referee Gary Ritter immediately called a halt to the bout 40 seconds into the final round.

 

“I’m ready to fight the winner of Golovkin vs. Canelo for the title,” said Derevyanchenko. “I think that Golovkin will win and I look forward to fighting him next.”

 

The co-main event of the telecast saw once-beaten
Hugo Centeno Jr. (26-1, 14 KOs) deliver a highlight reel knockout of previously undefeated
Immanuwel Aleem (17-1, 10 KOs) in the third round of their middleweight matchup.

 

Centeno Jr. looked to use his 6’1″ frame to hurt Aleem from a distance as he circled the ring and stayed on the outside until attacking with a combination. Aleem came out dedicated to throwing huge
left hooks to the body and worked to stay on the inside against the taller opponent.

 

Aleem upped the aggression in the second and third rounds, but Centeno Jr. stayed calm and slowly began to time the charging Aleem. A Centeno uppercut in round two was the first shot that got the
attention of Aleem, who was coming in to this bout off of a knockout victory over Ievgen Khytrov in a Fight of the Year candidate from January.

 

Late in the third round, Centeno Jr. landed a perfect left hook on the button just as Aleem tried to throw his own left hand and sent Aleem crashing to the canvas. Referee Gerald Ritter counted
Aleem out as the fight was officially ended 2:27 into the round and Centeno walked away with a victory that will likely garner Knockout of the Year consideration

Marcos “Mad Man” Hernandez Training Camp Quotes & Photos

Marcos Hernandez Training Camp Quotes & Photos



 

Photo Credit: Team Hernandez



RIVERSIDE, CA. (August 21, 2017) – Middleweight prospect Marcos
“Madman” Hernandez (9-1, 1 KO) is scheduled to face Kevin Newman II (7-0-1), this Saturday on the
Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard.  The 6-rounder, will serve as the swing bout for the preliminaries on FOX and FOX Deportes.  Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and leads directly into the Mayweather vs. McGregor
event that will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Marcos Hernandez gives his thoughts on training camp, his upcoming showdown with Newman, and more. 

 

On his current training camp with new trainer Henry Ramierz…

“This time around I was in better shape entering camp.  I’ve brought on Henry Ramierz as the lead trainer in my corner and we are working great together.  Riverside, California, has been home
for me for the last five weeks.  Ramierz had me go back to working on the fundamentals of boxing.  He’s not trying to change my style, he’s just letting me be myself, while working on some of my weaknesses.  My dad Joseph will still be with me working my corner. 
He knows me best and I will always have him by my side when I fight.  It’s been a very productive training camp to say the least. 

 

On his matchup with Kevin Newman II…

“I know I’m facing a tough undefeated fighter in Newman, so my preparation is at an all-time high.  Henry and I
are focused on his tendencies, and we see some flaws that we feel we can exploit.  It will be an exciting fight for the fans, that I can guarantee.   

 

On moving up to the contracted weight of 163 lbs. …

“I’ve never fought above the middleweight division.  This will be my first time fighting this heavy at 163 pounds.  Personally, I feel it’s going to a good thing for me to fight at this weight. 
I’m 6’1, so making 154 pounds was getting tough.  I feel I can still make that weight but right now I’m right on weight and my body feels fantastic. 

 

On rebounding from his first defeat…

“Going into this training camp, I feel a lot better.  Right now, I feel my back is against the wall, so I’m going to give it my all when I step into the ring this Saturday.  Looking back, I
know I could have done better.  Losing my first bout really has me motivated going into this fight. 

 

On fighting in one of the biggest events in boxing history…

“I’m extremely excited to be fighting on a card that will be shown to millions around the world.  It’s not everyday you get this type of opportunity.  With the world watching, I’m going to
leave everything in the ring on fight night.  I’m going to show the world that I have what it takes to become an elite fighter

Former World Champion Shawn Porter Withdraws from Bout With Thomas Durlorme Scheduled for Mayweather vs. McGregor Preliminary Bouts 

Former World Champion Shawn Porter Withdraws from Bout With Thomas Durlorme Scheduled for Mayweather vs. McGregor Preliminary Bouts on FOX & FOX Deportes

 

Welterweight Contender Yordenis Ugas Replaces Porter & Will Face Former Title Challenger Dulorme

 

Saturday, Aug. 26 From T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

FOX & FOX Deportes Begins Live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Four-Fight SHOWTIME PPV Telecast Begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT

                                              

LAS VEGAS (August 17, 2017) – Former world champion and top welterweight contender
“Showtime” Shawn Porter has pulled out of the welterweight battle against former title challenger
Thomas Dulorme that headlines the Mayweather vs. McGregor preliminary bouts presented by Mayweather Promotions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Aug. 26 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

 

Porter withdrew from the match due to personal reasons, which included a death in his family.

 

Top welterweight challenger and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist
Yordenis Ugas (19-3, 9 KOs) will replace Porter and now take on Dulorme (24-2, 18 KOs) in the main preliminary bout on FOX and FOX Deportes.

 

“On behalf of Mayweather Promotions we send our prayers and deepest condolences to the Porter family,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “In boxing we have to deal with curveballs
that constantly come at us. Thomas Dulorme has been training hard and is ready to face Yordenis Ugas. Ugas is a tough competitor that shouldn’t be overlooked, and Dulorme is ready. The fight fans are definitely in for an outstanding show between Dulorme and
Ugas come Aug. 26.”

 

“I have been training for this fight for a several weeks now, I knew at the-time Porter was going to be a tough challenger so I took training camp extremely serious,” said Dulorme. “Fighting
on a card this big, you cannot doubt anyone in front of you. My new opponent doesn’t change much. All I can do is continue to stay focused and listen to my team and bring the best fight I can.”

 

“It’s an honor to be fighting on one of the biggest boxing cards in history and fighting in the same ring as one of the most famous boxers in the world – Floyd Mayweather,” Ugas said. “This
is the type of fight that I’ve been looking forward to having since I came back last year after being off for almost three years. This will be my fifth fight in a year. And this is the second fight that I’ve taken on short notice this year. But it doesn’t
bother me because I’m always training. Dulorme is a tremendous fighter. He’s very aggressive and very technical. He’s going to get my very best as I know I will get the very best from him. It’s really an honor to fight a quality opponent on a card like this.”

 

Saturday’s coverage begins on FOX and FOX Deportes with a one-hour Prefight Show at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and leads directly into the Mayweather vs.
McGregor event that will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

The action on FOX and FOX Deportes will include a 10-round battle between unbeaten prospects
Juan Heraldez (12-0, 8 KOs) and Jose Miguel Borrego (13-0, 12 KOs).

 

Representing Puerto Rico, by way of French Guiana, Dulorme last fought in January when he stopped Brian Jones in the sixth-round to pick up his second straight win after the
27-year-old had previously challenged Terrence Crawford for a vacant world title in 2015. Prior to his title opportunity, Dulorme picked up impressive victories over Hank Lundy, Karim Mayfield and DeMarcus Corley. He will look to make a statement on his way
to another world title opportunity with a win against Ugas.

 

Ugas will enter the ring for the third time in six months when he faces Dulorme on Aug. 26. The 31-year-old Ugas, a bronze medal winner for the Cuban team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has been on an impressive
four-fight roll that started last year when he scored a decision victory over then unbeaten Jamal James and followed it up by stopping then unbeaten Bryant Perrella in the fourth round. Ugas continued to take down contenders in 2017 as he defeated Levan Ghvamichava
by decision on Feb. 2 before stepping in at the last minute two months later to stop Nelson 

Hammer Time! World Boxing Super Series comes to the U.S. as Dorticos vs. Kudryashov set for September 23 at Alamodome in San Antonio


Press Release
16th August 2017


Hammer Time! World Boxing Super Series comes to the U.S. as Dorticos vs. Kudryashov set for September 23 at
Alamodome in San Antonio




Tickets
on Sale Now!

 

SAN ANTONIO (August 16, 2017) – The quest for the World Boxing
Super Series Muhammad Ali Trophy in the cruiserweight division comes to San Antonio, Texas on

September 23 when Cuban WBA World Champion Yunier ‘The KO Doctor’ Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs) faces Russian Dmitry ‘Russian Hammer’ Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs) in a quarter-final bout at the Alamodome. 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, are priced at $250, $125, $100, $50, and $30,
and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com
HERE. 

 


“It’s a thrill to promote the first World Boxing Super Series fight in the United States,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “This fight may very well turn out to be the best clash of the entire
tournament.  The WBSS is a first class organization and I am proud to be working with them to bring the best fighters in the world to the US competing for the Ali trophy.  San Antonio is a great boxing town and the Alamodome is the perfect place to kick-off
the US leg of the tournament.”

 

“We can’t wait to bring the Ali Trophy to San Antonio,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer. “This is a real boxing Mecca and the US will get
their first taste of what this tournament is all about”

 

A full slate of undercard bouts will be announced soon.  

 

“I’m proud to attend a tournament where Muhammad Ali’s name is on the trophy and I’m looking forward to proving that I’m the best cruiserweight in the world,”
said 31-year-old Dorticos from Miami, Florida. 

 

“I am also happy that this bout is in the United States, which I now consider my country. I am sure that on September 23rd, I
will be victorious.”

 

There are two KO specialists, two effective hammers colliding when the World Boxing Super Series hits Texas. 

 

“Kudryashov calls himself ‘Russian Hammer’, but do not forget that there is also a Cuban hammer in this fight. My nickname is ‘The KO Doctor’, and Kudryashov
is my next patient.” 

 

The Draft Gala in Monaco in July paved the way the clash of the KO kings between fourth-seeded Dorticos and unseeded Kudryashov. 

 

“I can’t wait for this fight to take place. One thing is for sure – the crowd in San Antonio gets an explosive affair that doesn’t go the distance!” said 31-year-old
Kudryashov from Volgodonsk in Russia. 

 

“I think it’s amazing that this tournament only contains the best of the best, all four reigning cruiserweight champions. I have respect for Dorticos and the
other participants, but they will also respect my hammer because it will bring me all four titles and the Muhammad Ali Trophy,” said Kudryashov. 

 

*** 

For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com 

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports

Photos are free to use, but please credit World Boxing Super Series.

 

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES
09/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Marco Huck (WBO World) 
Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
 
16/09/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final: 
Callum Smith vs. Erik Skoglund (WBC Diamond)
Echo Arena, Liverpool, United Kingdom 
 
23/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov (WBA World)
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, USA

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World) 
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia
 
07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final: 
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany  

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final: 
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom  
 
TO BE CONFIRMED
Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals: 
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
 
Super Middleweight Quarter-Finals:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant
 
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16 
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs 
 
ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite
boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be
staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for
more information or follow @WBSuperSeries

Floyd Mayweather Las Vegas Media Workout Quotes & Photos

Floyd Mayweather Las Vegas Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 

Mayweather vs. McGregor SHOWTIME PPV Event Saturday, Aug. 26 From T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

 

Plus! Gervonta Davis, Badou Jack & Andrew Tabiti Quotes & Photos Ahead of Showdowns on PPV Undercard

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

(Photos to be added shortly)

LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2017) –
Floyd “Money” Mayweather opened up the Mayweather Boxing Club on Thursday for a media workout ahead of his highly anticipated matchup against UFC champion
Conor McGregor on Saturday, Aug. 26 in the headlining attraction of a SHOWTIME PPV event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

 

Joining Mayweather at the media workout were a trio of fighters competing under the Mayweather Promotions banner who enter the ring in undercard attractions on SHOWTIME PPV.

 

America’s youngest world champion,
Gervonta “Tank” Davis will make the second defense of his world title against unbeaten challenger
Francisco Fonseca while former world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper”
is set to challenge 175-pound titleholder Nathan Cleverly in his debut at light heavyweight.

 

The PPV event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undefeated rising cruiserweight contender
Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti taking ontwo-time world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham
in a 10-round bout.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

 

“I’ve been here before and I know what it takes. It’s my same old routine but I’m older now so I have to let the body rest a lot more. With age comes wisdom. When I was a lot younger I would just train and train
and never let myself recuperate. When I come back from resting I come back rejuvenated and with a lot more spark.

 

“This isn’t just a fight; this is an event. We both owe the fans and everyone tuning in a lot of excitement. That’s what we’re there to give them.

 

“I know I’m going to face a warrior. It’s not for me to worry about what he does on a day-to-day basis. I have to worry about what I have to go out there and do. I have to execute the game plan. I’m not going
to overlook him. That’s why I’m in here working extremely hard.

 

“When it’s all said and done it comes down to the two competitors. My dad can give me a brilliant game plan but he can’t get in there and fight for me. Same for Conor and his team. It doesn’t matter who the
crowd’s rooting for, it’s two men in there.

 

“This training camp has been a lot different. I’ve spent some time in Miami and in Los Angeles training. I’ve been pushed really hard by the young guys in camp. I don’t need to post every workout video because
I’ve been around this sport a long time and everyone knows what I can do. 

 

“On paper we know he’s taller and has a long reach. He has youth on his side. People say that he has power on his side. I know that ring IQ and experience are in my favor. I have the fight knowledge on my side.
We both have advantages.

 

“I know he’s going to come out and try to switch stances. He’ll come out southpaw then go the other way. But all that does is burn energy. Then I’m going to give him a look and give him some knowledge, and we’ll
see what happens.

 

“Conor feels it’s not going to go past four rounds and I don’t think it’s going the distance. We’re both confident in our skills and we’ll see who gets it done.

 

“My opponent is always confident, but it’s different being in there with Floyd Mayweather. They realize that this is real. But for me, it’s just another day. That’s the mentality that has allowed me to stay
undefeated.

 

“It’s been great to be in a position as a promoter to give knowledge to young fighters. It’s one of my ultimate goals to take a young fighter and make them a household name. I want to take fighters to the next
level.”

 

GERVONTA DAVIS

 

“I’m feeling great. Being in the same ring and on the undercard of Floyd’s fight is amazing. I’ve worked hard to get to this point and I’m ready to put on a great show on August 26.

 

“Training has been sharp. I’ve been stopping a lot of guys in training. I can’t wait to get in the ring and give the fans a big knockout.

 

“Being on this card has been a big motivation in training. It feels great and I’m truly blessed to be in this position. I think the excitement that this card brings will be great for the sport of boxing. I’m
ready to shine.

 

“I know I have a tough undefeated opponent who’s going to come in and try to take my belt and I have to take care of business. He has some decent power so I think it’s going to be an exciting fight.

 

“I’ve accomplished a lot at a young age. It’s all because of the hard work that I’ve put in for my entire life. I don’t complain, I just keep working every day.

 

“I’m ready to take full advantage of this chance I have. It’s just one step on a long road I see to the top of this sport.”

 

BADOU JACK

 

“Everything is great in training camp. I’ve been in training for about seven weeks getting ready for this matchup. I’m excited and happy to be a part of such a big event.

 

“I think this weight is going to be better for me. I’m going to have more power. I’ll be more athletic and style-wise I prefer to fight bigger guys. I can use my speed, but I also like to go inside and break
my opponent down. It’s harder if I have to chase them, but the big guys are going to be right there.

 

“Cleverly has a high work rate and he’s very tough. He’s going to come to fight. That’s what we want. It’s a good first fight for me at this weight.

 

“I’m excited to work hard these next two weeks and get to fight night. He’s been in some good fights but I’m different than anyone he’s faced. I’ll show how my skills translate to light heavyweight.

 

“It’s really a blessing to be in this position. I’m happy because a lot of other fighters don’t get to be on this stage. I’m so thankful to my whole team. I won’t let the fans down and on August 26, I’m coming
to steal the show.

 

“I’ve done everything right to get to this point. It’s an honor to be in this position. I just have to take care of business.”

 

ANDREW TABITI

 

“This is a huge deal to me. Floyd Mayweather is the biggest star in boxing and to be a part of everything that’s going on is a dream come true.

 

“I was really happy when I found out that I’d be fighting on this card. There aren’t really words for how blessed I am to be in this position.

 

“This fight means a lot to me. This is a chance for me to become the American face of cruiserweights just like Steve Cunningham was. I’m taking this very seriously and I have great respect for Steve Cunningham,
but this is my time to take it.

 

“I’m ready to be a fresh face in the cruiserweight division. I’m going to give it everything I have. I’m humbled by this experience and I’m going to take advantage of it.

 

“I can’t wait to open the show. There’s a little added pressure being at the beginning of the PPV but I’m going to embrace it and put on a great performance.”

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

“Floyd is a lot wiser now. He’s gotten smarter with age. He’s a young man who has an incredible vision and I have a great deal of respect for everything he’s done.

 

“The older you get, the harder it is to get things going in training. It’s taken Floyd a while to get in a groove, but he’s in a groove now.

 

“All of these records being broken are because of Floyd Mayweather. He’s been innovative and he always thinks outside the box. That’s why he’s had such tremendous success.

 

“We’ve been able to generate a great deal of interest in new avenues and bring Floyd to even more casual fans because of the boxing and MMA worlds colliding. This is going to be one of the biggest nights in
sports entertainment history.

 

“Both guys are looking to knock each other out. I believe Conor McGregor when he says that he’s looking to knock Floyd out in the first four rounds. He hasn’t shown me anything to make me think differently.
Floyd usually just goes and does his thing, but with some things that have happened recently, I think Floyd really wants to get him out of there.

Former World Champion Shawn Porter Meets Former Title Challenger Thomas Dulorme

Exciting Former World Champion Shawn Porter Meets

 Former Title Challenger Thomas Dulorme in Welterweight Battle That Headlines Mayweather vs. McGregor Preliminary Bouts on
FOX & FOX Deportes

 

Plus! A Battle Between Unbeaten Prospects Juan Heraldez &

Jose Miguel Borrego in the Co-Feature

 

Saturday, August 26 From T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

FOX & FOX Deportes Begins Live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Four-Fight SHOWTIME PPV Telecast Begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT

 

LAS VEGAS (August, 10, 2017) – Former world champion and top welterweight contender
“Showtime” Shawn Porter (27-2-1, 17 KOs) will take on former title challenger
Thomas Dulorme (24-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-round showdown that headlines Mayweather vs. McGregor preliminary bouts presented by Mayweather Promotions live on
FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Aug. 26 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

 

“As always I’m just excited to get in the ring and perform,” said Porter. “I think fighting on network television again will be awesome and a huge opportunity for me. And to do it before one of
the most anticipated sporting events ever is even more exciting. I feel like I’ve earned this spot and I’m ready to give the people the appetizer they deserve! ‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter never disappoints and I will prove that again on August 26.”

 

“I’m thankful for this opportunity on August 26,” said Dulorme. “I have been blessed with great fans and my last fight helped me to gain a little more recognition, but I am just getting started. I had a great
performance back in January with a TKO victory, and this fight I plan to bring that same mindset into the ring. I am ready to win and to fight on Floyd Mayweather’s card is a blessing. I have a great team behind me and I am confident. I know my opponent is
tough, but he’s just the opponent I need to really show everyone that I am even tougher.”

 

Saturday’s coverage begins on FOX and FOX Deportes with a one-hour Prefight Show at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and leads directly into the Mayweather vs. McGregor event that will
be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Action on FOX and FOX Deportes will include a 10-round super lightweight bout between unbeaten prospects
Juan Heraldez (12-0, 8 KOs) and Jose Miguel Borrego (13-0, 12 KOs).

 

“After my last fight, I gained a lot of inspiration to show more to my fans,” said Heraldez. “I’m bringing the best Juan Heraldez to this fight. My last few performances have been great, and I’ve shown that
I can have the power to knock my opponents out. I’m familiar with my opponent, but truthfully he’s not a factor and on fight night my 0 will not go.”

 

“This is a great chance for me to continue to show that I have the skills to be a future world champion,” said Borrego. “I’m going to leave everything in the ring and put on a great show for the fans like I
always do. I respect my opponent and I think this will be a great fight, but I will end the night victorious.”

 

“The fans are in for a show,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Not only do we have an amazing lineup of fights on our PPV telecast, we have a stacked undercard and plan to give the fans more.
More fights, more access. We plan to get the fans excitement brewing with matchups like Dulorme vs. Porter and Heraldez vs. Borrego all on network TV. These are some even matchups and we are happy to have FOX and FOX Deportes on board to showcase this talent
ahead of the grand finale that is, Mayweather vs. McGregor.”

 

A physically gifted fighter who had a strong amateur career, Porter became the WBC’s number one contender with a stoppage of Andre Berto in April after a close loss to unified champion Keith
Thurman in June 2016 that garnered unanimous Fight of the Year consideration. The 29-year-old won a welterweight world title when he defeated Devon Alexander in 2013 in Brooklyn before defending the title with a dominant stoppage of Paulie Malignaggi. The
Akron, Ohio-native now lives and trains in Las Vegas and he bounced back from a previous defeat to Kell Brook to knockout Erick Bone and earn a unanimous over four-division world champion Adrien Broner in 2015.

 

Representing Puerto Rico, by way of French Guiana, Dulorme last fought in January when he stopped Brian Jones in the sixth-round to pick up his second straight win after the
27-year-old had previously challenged Terrence Crawford for a vacant world title in 2015. Prior to his title opportunity, Dulorme picked up impressive victories over Hank Lundy, Karim Mayfield and DeMarcus Corley. He will look to make a big statement on his
way to another world title opportunity with a win against Porter.

 

Unbeaten and fighting out of Las Vegas under the Mayweather Promotions banner, Heraldez is unbeaten since turning pro in 2009, including a successful 2017 debut that saw him
go eight rounds for the first time as he dropped Alfonso Olvera on his way to a unanimous decision. The 27-year-old earned five victories from 2015 through 2016 and will have an opportunity to make a statement against his toughest opponent to date on August
26.

 

At just 19-years-old, Borrego has burst onto the scene displaying big knockout power as he made his U.S. debut in February with a first round stoppage and followed it by stopping John Delperdang in the seventh-round
of a televised contest this April. Fighting out of Aguascalientes, Mexico, Borrego most recently scored a fourth-round stoppage of once-beaten Kevin Watts in June and enters this contest on an 11-fight knockout streak.

 

The undercard bouts in the arena will kick-off with 2016 Great Britain Olympian
Savannah Marshall making her pro debut in a four-round super middleweight attraction. The 26-year-old from Hartlepool, England was an Amateur World Champion, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist and the only boxer to have ever defeated two-time Olympic
gold medalist Claressa Shields

TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS INCLUDING AMERICA’SYOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION GERVONTA DAVIS FACING FRANCISCO FONSECA ANNOUNCED FOR MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR SHOWTIME PPV® UNDERCARD

TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS INCLUDING AMERICA’S

YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION GERVONTA DAVIS FACING FRANCISCO FONSECA ANNOUNCED FOR MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR SHOWTIME PPV® UNDERCARD

 

Badou Jack Challenges 175-Pound Champ Nathan Cleverly & Undefeated Andrew Tabiti Takes on Two-Time World Champion Steve Cunningham In Trio Of High-Stakes Matchups Preceding

Mayweather vs. McGregor Main Event

 

Saturday, Aug. 26 Live on SHOWTIME PPV at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

From T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas

 

LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2017) – Two world championship fights including a title defense by America’s youngest world champion are part of the trio
of high stakes matchups on the Mayweather vs. McGregor SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, Aug. 26 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Mayweather Promotions.

 

The four-fight SHOWTIME PPV event, beginning live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, is headlined by the unprecedented super welterweight matchup between boxing’s undefeated all-time great Floyd Mayweather and UFC superstar
Conor McGregor.  In the co-featured bout, undefeated rising star Gervonta “Tank” Davis
will make the second defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship against undefeated challenger
Francisco Fonseca as the 22-year-old looks to continue his reign as the youngest current champion from the U.S.

 

WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist
Nathan Cleverly will defend his title against former 168-pound world champion
Badou Jack “The Ripper”, who is stepping up in weight and into this world title tilt.

 

The pay-per-view telecast will open with undefeated rising cruiserweight contender
Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti taking ontwo-time world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham
in a 10-round bout for the USBA cruiserweight title.

 

“What a night this will be for fight fans,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Not only will they witness a first of its kind main event, but they will also
see two incredible world title fights, as Mayweather Promotions’ very own current and former world champions go head-to-head in separate bouts. Gervonta Davis is nothing short of pure boxing talent with dynamite power.  Former super middleweight world champion
Badou Jack is making his light heavyweight debut, and looking to take the title away from a tough and experienced Nathan Cleverly.  But first, Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti will open the pay-per-view telecast with what I expect to be a magnificent performance.
 This diverse card is an epic, international affair stacked with talent.  Make sure you don’t miss the biggest event the sport has ever seen.”

 

“This undercard includes three meaningful matches featuring fighters we’ve seen develop over the years on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “Gervonta
Davis has fast-tracked himself to stardom on this network, we’ve seen Badou Jack develop from prospect to champion, and we’re now witnessing similar growth with Andrew Tabiti.  We’re excited to watch them compete in tough, competitive matchups on this global
stage.”

Gervonta Davis vs. Francisco Fonseca – IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship

 

One of the fastest-rising young stars in
the sport, Davis (18-0, 17 KOs) became the youngest reigning champion from the U.S. when he knocked out Jose Pedraza in January to capture the IBF 130-pound crown. The 22-year-old made his first title
defense in style when he went to London and stopped Liam Walsh in May. Both bouts aired live on SHOWTIME.  Representing Baltimore, Davis won the 2012 National Golden Gloves championship and scored knockouts in his first eight fights after turning pro in 2013.
He enters this matchup on a streak of nine-straight fights that have ended with a knockout victory.

 

“I’m really excited to fight as the co-main event on the biggest card in combat sports history,” said Davis. “I plan to put on a great show for everyone in attendance in Las Vegas and for those who purchase
the PPV. I want to thank my team for this incredible opportunity. I’m ready for Floyd Mayweather to pass his torch to me. To my fans, I appreciate all of you. Support me and I’ll fight for you!”

 

Fighting out of San Ramon, Costa Rica, Fonseca (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has won 19 straight fights after turning pro with a majority draw in 2013. Fonseca quickly established himself as one of the top fighters from
his country with victory after victory, including a fourth-round knockout of Luis Gonzlaez to capture a regional 130-pound belt last August. The 23-year-old will make his U.S. debut when he faces Davis and he enters this contest having won his last five bouts
inside of the distance. Fonseca began his 2017 with a third round knockout of Eliecer Lanzas in March and is trained by two-time world champion Ivan Calderon.

 

“I am super grateful for this great opportunity,” said Fonseca. “The dream of every young boxer is to fight for the world title and this opportunity comes at the best moment
of my career and in the biggest in the history of this sport. I will beat Gervonta Davis and I will shock the world that night.” 

 

Nathan Cleverly vs. Badou Jack – WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship

 

A two-time world champion at light heavyweight, Cleverly (30-3, 16 KOs) bounced back from a defeat to Andrzej Fonfara in a 2015 Fight of the Year contender to defeat hometown champ Juergen Braehmer last October
to pick up his WBA title. Cleverly’s previous title reign saw him take down the likes of Tony Bellew, Nadjib Mohammedi, Shawn Hawk and Tommy Karpency before dropping a contest to Sergey Kovalev. The Wales resident will make his fourth start in the U.S., having
won two of his first three contests stateside.

 


“This is a fight I have wanted ever since Badou Jack moved to light heavyweight and I’m delighted to fight in Vegas on an event like this,” said Cleverly. “I’ve trained long
and hard for this fight and I’m ready to be let off the leash. This is the biggest fight of my career so far and I’m going to do a number on Badou Jack on August 26.”

 

Now fighting in the 175-pound division, Jack’s final fight at 168 pounds came in a title unification on SHOWTIME in January against James DeGale.  Jack (21-1-2, 12 KOs) shook off an early knockdown to floor
DeGale in the final round in a close majority draw in which both fighters retained their belts. The 2008 Olympian from Gambia won his world title in 2015 by defeating then unbeaten Anthony Dirrell and defended the belt against current champion George Groves
and former champion Lucian Bute. The 33-year-old is unbeaten in his last six bouts as he seeks a world title in a second weight class.

 

“I’m thankful for this opportunity and I’m excited about getting another shot at a world title,” said Jack. “To be a part of this event and fighting on this card is historic. Nothing
beats it. I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’m getting ready to take that belt, and win a title in my second weight class. The biggest difference between past training camps and preparing for this fight is the fact that I was training to get the weight
down, now I’m training to build muscle and perfect my boxing strategy. This will be a tough fight, but I don’t see any issues getting through it. I feel confident and fans can expect a win by knockout or decision. He’s not leaving with that belt. It’s staying
right here in Las Vegas.”

 

Andrew Tabiti vs. Steve Cunningham – 10 Round Cruiserweight Bout

 

Originally from Chicago but fighting out of Las Vegas, Tabiti (14-0, 12 KOs) recorded victories against previously unbeaten fighters Keith Tapia and Quantis Graves in his last two outings – both on
ShoBox: The New Generation – as he works to solidify himself as a contender in the red hot cruiserweight division. The 27-year-old turned pro in 2013 after amassing a solid 32-6 amateur record and scored knockout victories in his first 10 fights. He’ll
battle his most experienced opponent to date when he faces the multiple-time champion Cunningham.

 

“I’ve always been dedicated when it comes to training and this camp has been no different,” said Tabiti. “I know I am fighting a veteran who has a lot of experience, so I can’t slack on my conditioning
and training. He’s tough and he’s only been stopped once and that was when he moved up in weight to heavyweight, so it would be a big statement for me to stop him. This fight is a test for me. Anytime you get in the ring you never really know how things will
pan out, but I have a great team. To the fans, expect a victory and a great fight on August 26th because I am going to make sure I come out on top.”

 

Representing the great fight city of Philadelphia, Cunningham
(29-8-1, 13 KOs) returned to action in March with a victory over Felipe Romero after an exciting challenge of cruiserweight champion Krzysztof
Glowacki in April 2016. Twice a world champion as a cruiserweight, he defeated Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in 2006 to capture his belt before successfully defending his title against Marco Huck via a twelfth-round TKO. He became a world champion again in 2010 when
he stopped Troy Ross in the fifth round. The experienced veteran also owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Amir Mansour and Natu Visinia and scored a knockdown of Tyson Fury in a losing effort during their 2013 bout.

 

“This is one of the biggest cards of the decade and its mind blowing to be a part of it,” said Cunningham. “I have to top it off with a victory. Taking on a good, undefeated young prospect is a challenge in itself,
but a victory will prove age is just a number. Hard work is a part of my everyday life.”