Category: Press Release

Quest for Muhammad Ali Trophy Begins as Three Cruiserweight Stars Sign Up for World Boxing Super Series

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Press Release

Zurich, 2nd June 2017

 

Quest for Muhammad Ali Trophy begins as three cruiserweight stars sign up for World Boxing Super Series

The first three star names have signed up for the inaugural season of the World Boxing Super Series. IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Murat Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs), WBC World Champion Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs) as well as former IBF / WBC champion & IBF top-ranked
challenger Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs) will all participate in the revolutionary global knock-out tournament, with five more elite fighters to be confirmed shortly. The winner will receive the GREATEST prize in boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

Boasting a combined record of 99 wins and 3 losses along with 72 KOs, Gassiev, Briedis and Wlodarczyk can´t wait to get in on and write history.

“It is an honor to be in the World Boxing Super Series,” said Gassiev, who holds the IBF title. “This is the best fighting the best. I have never lost a fight, I am
the IBF champion and I look forward to winning the other belts as well to cement my position as the best fighter in the division!”

WBC Champion Briedis is also thrilled to participate. “This is the Champions League of boxing and I am going to prove that I am the world´s best cruiserweight,” he
said. “The competition will be tough, but to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

Wlodarczyk, the former IBF & WBC Champion who now occupies the number one spot in the IBF rankings, is equally confident of success. “I will stamp my authority on the
division by beating the best cruiserweights out there and winning the World Boxing Super Series,” he stated. “There is a reason the winner gets the Muhammad Ali Trophy. He was the Greatest of all time, and the winner of this tournament has the right to call
himself the greatest cruiserweight of our time.”

Saturday will mark the first anniversary of Muhammad Ali´s death. Roberto Dalmiglio, Comosa´s Head of Management Board, paid tribute to the GREATEST of all time. “Nobody will ever forget what Ali has achieved,” he said. “He was the GREATEST of all time because
he defeated the best opponents out there. The World Boxing Super Series is all about the best fighting the best, and that is why we named the trophy after him.”

With three high-profile signings confirmed and many more to come, the stage is set for an exciting tournament. “The quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy has officially begun and we are thrilled to welcome two unbeaten world champions and a top-ranked challenger,
who is a former champion, to the World Boxing Super Series,” Dalmiglio said. “They have accepted the ultimate challenge to determine the best cruiserweight in the world.”

Season 1 of the World Boxing Super Series will feature the cruiserweights and super-middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight top fighters will battle out a bracket-style elimination tournament. There will be four quarter-finals (September / October
2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018), which makes for a total of 14 high-class fights. “We have received a massive amount of applications for both divisions,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa`s Chief Boxing Officer. “The best fighters are
lining up to be in the tournament. Just like the fans, they love the format and the fact that there will only be one man standing at the end.”

Richard Schaefer, Comosa`s Chairman of the Americas, added: “We promised you the biggest names and champions in the divisions and here we are delivering. More names will follow shortly. We simply can’t wait to get the action started!” 

The quarter-final pairings will be determined during the Draft Gala in Monaco in early July. In each weight class, the four top-seeded boxers (which will be determined
by the Comosa Board) will select their quarter-final opponents from the four unseeded boxers. Once the pairings are set, the exact fight dates and venues will be announced. Details about the participants in the super-middleweight division will be revealed
shortly.

For more information, please visit
www.WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram

Special Sunday Edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes on June 11 from The Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California

Special Sunday Edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes on June 11 from The Pioneer Event Center in
Lancaster, California

 

Hard-Hitting Former World Champion Brandon Rios Battles

Mexico’s Aaron Herrera in the Main Event

 

Plus! Undefeated Mario Barrios Faces Jose Luis Rodriguez While

Hard-Hitting Prospect Jose Miguel Borrego Takes on Lancaster’s

Kevin Watts

 

Televised Coverage Begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

 

Tickets on Sale Now!

 

LANCASTER, CA.
(May 25, 2017) – Former world champion
Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (33-3-1, 24 KOs) returns to the ring to take on Mexico’s
Aaron Herrera (32-6-1, 21 KOs) in the main event of a Special Edition of
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Sunday, June 11 from The Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California.

 

Televised coverage begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT after the Mexico vs. USA World Cup qualifier on FS1 and FOX Deportes and will feature unbeaten
Mario Barrios (18-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest against Mexico’s
Jose Luis Rodriguez (23-8-1, 13 KOs) and undefeated prospect Jose Miguel Borrego
(11-0, 10 KOs) squaring-off against once-beaten Kevin Watts (11-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

 

“This is my first fight in Southern California in almost five years and I can’t wait to put on a show for those fans who have supported me throughout my career,” said Rios. “I’ve always given the
fans a great show and I’m planning on picking up right where I left off and being better than ever when I get back in the ring. I’ve been training for a while in preparation for a great victory on June 11 on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

 

“This is a terrific opportunity for me to face a fighter the caliber of Brandon Rios,” said Herrera. “He’s had a great career and fought many champions and I look forward to giving him everything
I have. Fighting Rios is a great test for me and I’ll be ready to pass on June 11.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $30 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit the Pioneer Event Center’s website: www.uavpec.com

 

“Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes has come to epitomize all-action, fan-friendly matches, and this card fits perfectly into that mold,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions.
“Brandon Rios is never in a boring fight. After a long layoff, I expect him to come out firing against Aaron Herrera and I don’t expect Herrera, a rugged Mexican brawler, to back down. I’m
also excited to see the progress of Mario Barrios, who is moving up to 140 pounds, and Jose Miguel Borrego, a dangerous power puncher. It promises to be another fantastic night of boxing for those at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California and those
watching the PBC on FS1.”

 

After a stellar amateur career, Rios, an all-action brawler, went unbeaten in his first 27 pro fights before he stopped Miguel Acosta in 2011 to win a lightweight world title. The 31-year-old added
victories over Richar Abril, Urbano Antillon and John Murray before winning two out of three fights in a trilogy against Mike Alvarado. The Oxnard, California-native has challenged top welterweights Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley and will look to work his
way towards another world title show in the 147-pound division.

 

Fighting out of Yucatan, Mexico, Herrera enters this fight on a three-bout knockout streak since October 2016. The 28-year-old was unbeaten in his first 24 pro fights including 16 knockouts before
challenging for a regional title in 2013. He fights in the U.S. for the fourth time on June 11 when he takes on Rios.

 

A tall fighter for his division at more than six feet, the 21-year-old Barrios picked up seven victories in a jam-packed 2015 in which he stopped five opponents inside the distance and followed
it up in 2016 with three more victories, including a 12-round decision over Devis Boschiero in July. The San Antonio native began his 2017 campaign with a stoppage victory over Yardley Suarez on the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia undercard in Brooklyn in March.
He continues his campaign at 140-pounds when he enters the ring on June 11.

 

The 30-year-old Rodriguez enters this fight on a three bout winning streak including a third round TKO win in April in his last bout. Fighting out of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Rodriguez will make his
U.S. debut on June 11 having won seven of his last eight contests with his only defeat coming via a 10-round decision against unbeaten Felix Verdejo last April.

 

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 will fight in California for the first time since turning pro in 2015.

 

Born in Lancaster, California and fighting out of Los Angeles, Watts turned pro in 2013 and picked up victories over previously unbeaten Maximilliano Becerra plus once-beaten fighters Michal Chudecki
and Manuel Damairias Lopez before suffering his first loss last September to unbeaten prospect Eddie Ramirez. The 25-year-old who has fought professionally since 2013 will look to get back in the win column in his hometown on June 11

Former World Champions Omar Figueroa & Robert Guerrero Meet in Welterweight Brawl

Exciting Night of Action With Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Featured Saturday, July 15 Live in Primetime from NYCB LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island

 

Former World Champions Omar Figueroa & Robert Guerrero Meet in Welterweight Brawl

 

Undefeated Contender Marcus Browne Faces Unbeaten Long Island Favorite Seanie Monaghan in Light Heavyweight Clash

 

All-Polish Heavyweight Brawl Featuring a

Showdown Between Artur Szpilka & Adam Kownacki

 

Tickets on Sale Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m. ET!



LONG ISLAND, NY
(May 23, 2017) – A matchup between exciting former world champions
Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (26-0-1, 18 KOs) and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero
(33-5-1, 18 KOs) headlines an action-packed night of Premier Boxing Champions on
FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, July 15 in the first boxing event at the newly-renovated
NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the first boxing event at the Coliseum since Mike Tyson headlined in 1986.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and showing fans what I’m known for – exciting fights,” said Figueroa. “I’ve been quietly training and preparing in Indo, California with
Joel Diaz and now it’s time. I’m looking forward to a great fight with Robert Guerrero on July 15 in front of a New York crowd. I can’t wait to show everyone at the Coliseum and on FOX and FOX Deportes what ‘Panterita’ is all about.”

 

“Both me and Omar Figueroa like to bang on the inside, which should make for great entertainment, but Omar is going to find out on July 15 that he’s facing a man who has his back against
the wall and is going to leave everything in the ring,” said Guerrero. “I’m going to give the millions who’ll be watching on FOX and FOX Deportes a fight to remember. This is going to be a classic Mexican war and I’m coming out on top.”

 

The FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast will see unbeaten contender
“Sir” Marcus Browne (19-0, 14 KOs) battling undefeated Long Island native and fan favorite
Seanie Monaghan (28-0, 17 KOs) in a light heavyweight showdown.

 

“I have fought more times at Barclays Center than anyone, so it’s exciting to get to fight in a new venue not too far from home,” said Browne. “We might be in Seanie’s immediate backyard,
but I’m just down the block, so he really isn’t any more at home than I am. I know he’s a hard-nosed fighter with a come-forward style. I’m preparing for a tough opponent. A win won’t come easy, but we have to take care of business. I am just ready to display
my talent on national television and continue my climb toward a world title.”

 

“It is a dream come true to be fighting at the Coliseum, which is literally right next to the track where I run every day,” said Monaghan. “It is an honor to represent Long Island in
the first boxing event held at this venue in 31 years. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time, and I feel that this bout will bring a new chapter in my career. I have a lot of respect for Marcus Browne, but let the best man win. On
July 15, I am putting everything on the line.”

 

Also televised in prime time,
Artur Szpilka (20-2, 15 KOs)meets Adam Kownacki (15-0, 12 KOs) in an all-Polish heavyweight showdown that promises fireworks.

 

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and give my fans another exciting fight,” said Szpilka. “With two Polish heavyweights fighting, you know
there will be power and pride on display. I’m training harder than ever to get this victory in front of the great Polish fans in New York. This will be my first step towards getting back to fighting for the heavyweight world title.” 

 

“I can’t wait to fight again,” said Kownacki. “Most of my past fights were at Barclays Center, so fighting at the Coliseum will be a new and exciting experience. I am training very hard.
A win on July 15 puts me one step closer to becoming a world champion. Szpilka will not stand in my way.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased
online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,
www.nycblive.com,
or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE beginning Friday, May 26 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.

“Boxing’s grand return to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is going to be wall-to-wall action,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
“The PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes main event between Omar Figueroa and Robert Guerrero is destined to be a bloody slugfest. The co-featured bout between Staten Island’s light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne and Long Island’s undefeated ‘Irish Rocky’ Seanie
Monaghan will bring the heat on a summer night in Long Island. While Marcus and Seanie will bring in a big local crowd, the heavyweight grudge match between Poland’s Artur ‘The Pin’ Szpilka and Polish American Long Islander, by way of Brooklyn, Adam ‘Baby
Face’ Kownacki will pack the house with Polish fans. As a Long Islander, I am proud to promote the first fight card at Nassau Coliseum in 31 years. July 15 will be a fun, action-packed night of boxing entertainment from beginning to end; the remainder of the
card will be stacked with old-school brawls including local talent.”

 

“The Coliseum has a rich history in boxing, having hosted notable fights with the likes of Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Gerry Cooney, among others,” said Brett Yormark,
CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We are thrilled to build on the sport’s heritage on Long Island, and to bring boxing back to the venue 31 years later with a major event on network television.”

 

A high volume puncher with an exciting style, Figueroa has returned to training with Joel Diaz in California leading up to this fight and looks to make his presence felt on July 15. Representing
Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa is undefeated since turning pro in 2008 and won a lightweight world title by defeating Nihito Arakawa in a 2013 Fight of the Year standout. He followed that victory up with successful defenses against Jerry Belmontes and Daniel Estrada.
The 27-year-old most recently defeated former world champions Ricky Burns and Antonio DeMarco in his last two outings.

 

Born and raised in Gilroy, Calif., Guerrero is always in exciting contests having gone toe-to-toe with Danny Garcia in a FOX main event in 2016 and Keith Thurman sandwiched around a hard fought victory over Aron Martinez. Prior to 2015, the 34-year-old
picked up victories over Andre Berto, Secluk Aydin and Michael Katsidis while winning world titles in multiple divisions. The brawling warrior has been in several “Fight of the Year” candidates throughout his career, including a memorable brawl in Southern
California with Yoshihiro Kamegai in 2014, and he also challenged former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather in 2013. 

 

The undefeated Browne enters this fight after an electrifying performance in February that saw him drop former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. before knocking him out
in round six. The 26-year-old defeated previously unbeaten Radivoje Kalajdzic in April 2016 after a big 2015 that saw him defeat veteran contenders Gabriel Campillo, Aaron Pryor Jr., Francisco Sierra and Cornelius White. The 2012 U.S. Olympian fights out of
Staten Island, New York after an exceptional amateur career that saw him win the 2012 U.S. Amateur Championship at light heavyweight.

 

One of the most popular fighters representing Long Island, Monaghan looks to solidify his first world title shot when he faces Browne on July 15. Monaghan competed in the 2009
New York Golden Gloves before turning pro, reaching the final before dropping a memorable contest to fellow Long Island-native Joe Smith Jr. He has yet to taste defeat in as a professional while battling a slew of veterans eager to test his championship mettle.
Monaghan added two more victories in 2016 as he stopped Janne Forsman in five rounds and beat Fernando Castanedo in December.

 

The always entertaining Szpilka returns to the ring after a defeat at the hands of heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder in 2016 as he attempts to get back on the path towards world
title contention. The aggressive-minded 6-foot-3 Szpilka, had a four-fight win streak entering the Wilder bout as he picked up a 10-round unanimous decision over former cruiserweight world champion Tomasz Adamek in 2014 and stoppage victories
over Yasmany Consuegra, Manuel Quezada and Ty Cobb in 2015.

 

A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, five of Kownacki’s last six victories have come at Barclays Center and he now hopes to bring that winning mindset to the Coliseum. Originally
from Poland but now living in Brooklyn, Kownacki stopped previously once-beaten Joshua Tufte in January of this year after 2016 saw him earn a stoppage of Jesse Barboza in June and a decision over Danny Kelly in January. He will take on the toughest test of
his career in his countryman Szpilka

Gervonta Davis, Gary Russell Jr., Andre Dirrell, & Rances Barthelemy Get The W

GARY RUSSELL JR. DEFEATS OSCAR ESCANDON IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN CROWD FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®


Andre Dirrell Wins Via Disqualification Stoppage, Rances Barthelemy Earns Hard-Fought Decision Win


Gervonta Davis Stops Liam Walsh to Retain IBF Junior Lightweight Title from Copper Box Arena in London

 

Catch The Encore Presentation of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

 on Monday, May 22 at 10 p.m. on SHO EXTREME

 

Click
HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

Click
HERE To Watch Gary Russell Jr.’s TKO

 

National Harbor (May 20) – From the MGM National Harbor “Mr.” Gary Russell Jr.,

(28-1, 17 KOs) had a successful homecoming in front of a nearly sold out crowd as he defended his WBC Featherweight World title with a seventh-round stoppage against the very tough, strong-willed Columbian
Oscar Escandon (25-3, 17 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

 

Russell Jr. took control of the action from the outset, peppering the shorter Escandon at will and dropping him in the third.

 

However, the brave Escandon fought his way back into the fight in the fourth and fifth stanzas, but Russell stormed into the seventh, battering the hurt Escandon and dropping him early, causing referee Harvey Dock
to stop the fight at the 0:59 mark of the round (Click
HERE to watch the TKO).


About the victory, Russell Jr. said, “First and foremost, I want to say happy birthday to my father. Secondly, I’d like to tell all the fans that came to support me: I love you all. Thank you.

“I fought a tough competitor. I knew Escandon wanted to come and bring his best. I knew he was going to come forward. I was ready for him. We are warriors. 

“I want Lomachenko [next], that’s a no-brainer. I don’t want to do it for the fans or for the media, I want to do it for myself. And I want to do it twice. I’ll knock him out the first time and then, he’ll want me to fight him again.

“I’d love to unify against all the other guys in the featherweight division. I’d like Leo Santa Cruz, Lee Selby, Oscar Valdez.”

About the knockout loss, “I was getting my rhythm going and I felt like Gary was getting tired. I didn’t see him coming with the big punch he threw at the end and that was it. I went down and was hoping to get a 10 count,
but the referee didn’t give it to me and he stopped the fight. 

“I knew that Gary was going to go fast from the first to the fifth round and it was part of my strategy to let him do that and get tired. It didn’t work unfortunately. 

“Now we need to go back to the drawing board to rest and see what my manager has planned for me.”

Said trainer and father Gary Russell Sr., “I’m ecstatic. I’m really happy. I got three wins. Three stoppages. It’s my birthday. I’m 15 minutes from home and I can
go home and relax.

 

“We prepared fully for Mr. Escandon. We knew he was going to do what he did – come forward. I don’t want to diminish or take anything away from Mr. Escandon. He really is a hard, rough fighter. Throughout the course
of the fight, I instructed Gary to hit him with some good shots. Some hard shots. It is a brutal sport.”

 

Co-featured on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in a 12-round clash for the IBF Interim Super Middleweight Title, Flint, Michigan’s
Andre Dirrell, (26-2, 16 KOs), was declared the winner after round eight as
Jose Uzcategui, (26-2, 22 KOs) of Merida, Venezuela, was disqualified for a punch after the bell sounded to end the eighth round.

 

Uzcategui started fast, battering Dirrell from the opening round, cutting off the ring and slamming away with body and head shot through the first three rounds. Dirrell saw success starting in the fourth round, countering
Uzcategui and scoring

well.

 

Over the next four rounds, the contenders traded even as the fight became more hotly contested. At the end of the eighth round, with Dirrell backed into a neutral corner, Uzcategui let loose with a three-punch combination,
the last left hand hitting the southpaw after the bell as he fell to the combination.

 

Following a delay to allow medical personnel to attend to Dirrell, referee Bill Clancy declared that Uzcategui was disqualified with Dirrell being declared the winner.

 

Said referee Bill Clancy about his decision, “The bell rang to stop the round. The round was over and Andre [Dirrell] was knocked out with an illegal punch. So therefore, Dirrell will win this fight by disqualification.


“That’s a blatant foul. Earlier in the fight, I had warned Uzcategui. I warned him. Dirrell wins the fight, he was clearly unable to continue.”

About the ending, Dirrell said, “All I remember was him [Uzcategui] throwing a shot at me at the same time the bell rang. After that everything was blurry. I remember a shot and then all went fuzzy.

“I forgive Uzcategui. I forgive his camp. I don’t want to win a championship like this. I wanted to win fair and square. But I forgive him.

Following the decision, Dirrell’s trainer and uncle Leon Lawson punched Uzcategui in the corner, sparking a brief altercation in the ring that was quelled by MGM National Harbor security and local police.

“I’m sorry for what my coach has done. My coach is my family, my uncle, and he was worried. He cares for me. He loves me. Please forgive him.

“I’m going to stand up like a man. I didn’t win like I wanted to, but I’ll be back. I’m going to come back as soon as they let me.”

Stated a very disappointed Uzcategui, “I felt very good. I was hurting him the entire fight. I felt like I could hurt him anytime I wanted. Nothing he hit me with hurt me. 

 

“I was throwing a three-punch combination and I didn’t hear the bell. I didn’t mean to hit him. The third punch wasn’t that hard of a punch. I was surprised he stayed down.  

 

“He did the same thing against Abraham that he did against me tonight. He quit against me and he quit against him. I deserve to be the winner.”

 

The live televised fights in The Theater kicked-off with two-division world champion
Rances Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs) winning a 12-round unanimous decision over valiant
Kiryl Relikh, (25-3, 16 KOs), of Baranovichi, Byelorussia. Scores in the WBA Super Lightweight eliminator were 116-110, 115-111 and 117-109.

 

The opening two rounds of the fight featured excellent action with both fighters attempting to impose their will.  In the third round Relikh suffered a low blow resulting in a two-minute delay, however, no point deduction
was made by referee Kenny Chevalier. Following the low blow, the shorter Relikh became much more aggressive.

 

With the undefeated, blue-haired Barthelemy switching stances often in the fourth stanza, he was able to score at will against Relikh.

 

However, Relikh came out charging in the fifth, battering away against Barthelemy who was caught against the ropes and scoring a knockdown when the ropes held the Cuban up from a barrage of hard punches.

 

Recovering nicely in the sixth and seventh, Barthelemy badly hurt Relikh with a multitude of body shots from both hands.

 

In the eight round Barthelemy truly turned the tide for good in the ninth, drilling Relikh to the canvas with a blistering left hook to the body. Through the championship rounds it was all Barthelemy who finished
strong against the game but outgunned Relikh.


Said the victorious Barthelemy, “It feels great to be going forward. The 11-month layoff really took a toll on my body and I felt it in the ring.

“I knew it was a close fight but knew I should get a unanimous decision.

“Relikh was a hard hitter. He surprised me with a right hook in the 5th round and I hit the canvas, so I knew I had to be careful going forward. I knew I had lost that round and had to come back stronger.

“I took the sixth round to take a breather and then I came back to work the body. Once I knocked him down, I saw that he was hurt and protecting himself upstairs a lot more so I knew I was going to have to be more strategic
to come out victorious.”

Replied a very disappointed Relikh, “Of course I thought I won. Even TV thought I won. The referee did his job when he called it a knockdown in the fifth. I thought
it was over.”

 

“The two low blows definitely affected me. It takes the wind out of you. This is boxing not MMA.”

 

Hot super bantamweight prospect Gary Antonio Russell improved to 8-0 with six knockouts with a dominating performance and knockout stoppage of Puerto Rico’s Jovany Fuentes, (7-9, 6 KOs). Following knockdowns
in the second and third stanzas, the bout was called to a halt at 0:22 of round three.

 

Making his pro debut, super lightweight
Gary Antuanne Russell, (1-0 1 KO) wasted no time dropping Joshua Ross, (2-4-4) of Monroe, LA to the canvas three times enroute to a stoppage victory at the 2:25 mark of the initial stanza.

 

Gervonta Davis went on the road in the first defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship and made a statement with an emphatic third-round TKO
of previously undefeated local favorite Liam Walsh in the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from Copper Box Arena in London.

 

The southpaw Davis (18-0, 17 KOs) set the pace from the opening bell, connecting seemingly at will with a strong left hook.  In the third round, America’s youngest world champion floored Walsh with a strong left after
a series of brutal connecting combos on the inside.  Walsh got up, but the onslaught continued seconds later and referee Michael Alexander stopped the championship bout at 2:11, with Walsh defenseless and on unsteady legs. 

 

“Tonight we were in the groove,” Davis said.  “I think he was hurt pretty bad.  The ref did his job and it was just a matter of time.  I used my boxing IQ tonight and picked my shots, and when I picked my shots I
got him out of there.  

 

“I’m still on the rise.  I became a champion super-fast, but I’m still rising and there’s more to come.”

 

Promoter Floyd Mayweather was ringside in London to support his fighter, who he’s christened “the future of boxing.”

 

Walsh (21-1, 14 KOs), who entered the bout as the No. 1 challenger and the decided local favorite at Copper Box, was disappointed with the stoppage. 

 

“He’s very fast, very active, but that was too quick,” Walsh said.  “He won fair and square, but sometimes they stop the fight too early.  I never got an opportunity.  I’m not saying the result would be different,
but give me a chance. 

 

“I’d love to fight him again.  I’d fight him for next to nothing.

Rances Barthelemy Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 

Two-Division World Champion Battles Kiryl Relikh in 140-Pound Title Eliminator on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 20 From

MGM National Harbor in Maryland

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/

Premier Boxing Champions

 

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (May 10, 2017) – Cuban star
Rances Barthelemy will look to take one step closer to becoming the first Cuban fighter to win world titles in three weight classes when he battles
Kiryl Relikh in a WBA 140-pound title eliminator on Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

 

Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and is headlined by WBC Featherweight World Champion
Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against top challenger Oscar Escandon plus super middleweight contenders
Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis defends his IBF 130-pound world championship against Liam Walsh.

 

Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to
http://mgmnationalharbor.com/.

 

Already a champion at 130 and 135-pounds, a victory over the former title challenger Relikh will put Barthelemy in the mandatory position to face unified 140-pound champion Julius Indongo and do something that
no fighter has done in the rich history of Cuban boxing.

 

Here is what Barthelemy had to say from training camp in Las Vegas:

 

1) How is training camp going? How have you benefitted from sparring and training alongside of your brother Leduan and Yordenis Ugas and have their recent performances been an indication of
how you expect to perform? 

 

“Training camp is going really well. Training alongside of my brother and Yordenis under the tutelage of Ismael Salas is the best thing that could happen in my career. They keep me focused and
motivated to get better every day. Yordenis and I have been helping each other during our camps, he’s an Olympic athlete so having him to train with is really beneficial. We have a new strength and conditioning coach as well who has us in the best shape possible.
I know May 20 you guys will see the best Rances Barthelemy yet.”

 

2) What would it mean to you to become the first three-division world champion from Cuba?

 

“It would mean the world to me, after all that it took to defect from Cuba, the near death experiences, the imprisonments, leaving my loved ones behind, it would all have been
worth it. I want to inspire the youth that come after me as well, let them know to never give up on their dreams no matter the conditions you live in or what the naysayers may say. Me winning a third world title and making history for a Cuban would prove that.”

 

3) What did you take away from Relikh’s loss to Ricky Burns? 

 

“I didn’t get to watch the fight but watched the highlights and it seemed like a very entertaining fight. People were saying that it probably should have gone the other way even, so it seems like
he put on a good performance.” 

4) How would you characterize Relikh’s style and how do you see this fight playing out? 

 

“He likes to come forward a lot and attack. I’m prepared for that if that’s what he plans to do come fight night but I also anticipate having to make adjustments. I always prepare to adjust to
whatever my opponent brings. Being a cerebral fighter is a skill that has helped me succeed inside the ring.”

5) Can you address your 11-month layoff and how your training has been geared towards shaking off any ring rust you may have? 

 

“There will be no ring rust come May 20 as we have been in the gym non-stop since my last fight against Mickey Bey. We took a few weeks off to visit Cuba for the first time since my defection.
Aside from that I made sure to stay active and I’ve been training hard to be prepared when my name got called. The 11-month layoff happened for reasons out of my control. My management team has been trying to get the best opponents and unfortunately it took
longer than we expected but we are here now and I’m as prepared as I have ever been.”

 

6) How did you trip back to Cuba come about and what was it like to be back in your home country?

 

“It was very emotional and a long eight years since I had been back. I didn’t know if I’d be able to go back or not. But I visited the Cuban embassy in Washington D.C. and they told me I’d finally be able to
go back to visit my loved ones. It was nothing but nerves until I got over there. It was an emotional time and everyone welcomed me back with open arms in my hometown of Havana. It’s something I will never forget, especially for the way I was received.”

7) How do you rate your skills and progression as a fighter considering your last three dominant wins over top quality opposition? Do you feel that you are at the peak of your career? 

 

“I am definitely at my peak physically, and I’m looking to match that on paper this year. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. I don’t like to rate myself, I leave that to the people
and the media. They’ve taken notice and that’s why I am where I am today, but I am expecting big things to happen this year.”

 

8) Why did you feel it was time to rise in weight, especially considering the wealth of talent at 135 right now? Who do you consider to be the top 135 fighter now that you are gone? 

 

“My body was asking for it, 135 was taking too much of a physical toll on me. It may not have been noticeable, but I struggled to make weight during my last fight at 135 and felt I lost some of
my power because of the drainage. Since I moved up to 140 I definitely have felt a lot better. It was the right move. Plus, I now have the chance to go after a third world title in a third division, which would be the first time for any boxer from Cuba.”

 

9) Why did you make the decision to move from Miami to Las Vegas and how do you think it has benefited you?

 

“To be honest, there is nothing better for a Cuban than to be living in Miami, because the weather is just right and what we are used to. But at the same time it presents a lot of distractions too. So moving
to the boxing hub of the United States is better for me so I don’t get wrapped up in anything extra other than boxing. Plus, there are so many sparring partners here and I can go up to Mt. Charleston and get my runs in up there

Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. OquendoPress Conference Quotes & Photos
 

Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo

Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 

Shannon Briggs & Fres Oquendo Battle for WBA Heavyweight Championship Saturday, June 3 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

Tickets on Sale Now!

 

Editor’s Note: Click
HERE for photos of press conference. 

Photo credit: Ralph Notaro/Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

 

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 9, 2017) – Heavyweight contenders
Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs and Fres Oquendo faced off for the first time today (Tuesday, May 9) before they battle for the WBA Heavyweight Championship on Saturday, June 3 in the main event of
Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo taking place at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

The two-time heavyweight champion Briggs and three-time title challenger Oquendo participated in a highly energetic press conference at Hard Rock Live as both men, along with representatives from their camps,
proclaimed victory on June 3. Also in attendance were a trio of former Heavyweight champions who plan on attending fight night including
Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe and Briggs’ trainer Chris Byrd, adding to the anticipation for the Heavyweight title bout. 

 

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $75, $100, $150, $250 and $500; ringside seats are sold for $1,000; ringside tables with six seats are $5,500 and 10 seats are $11,000 (plus a $5 Facility Maintenance
fee applies). All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at
www.myhrl.com,
www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. *Additional fees may apply.

 

Here is what the participants had to say:

 

SHANNON BRIGGS

 

“This has been a long journey. Five years ago, I was depressed and out of the boxing game, but then my daughter was born. I took a stand. I said that I’m going to do this for her. Everyone doubted me. When I
met with Kris Lawrence, he listened to me talk for hours on a Monday and then on Friday he called me and said ‘Let’s Go Champ!’ That was the beginning of the comeback.”

 

“I lost 145 pounds and I went around the world, meeting people and trying to inspire them, but they were inspiring me too. It’s a huge motivation to me to see these people and get the response from people who
say that I was able to inspire them.”

 

“We’re here now. We got the shot. I look forward to becoming a champion for a third time. I’m fighting a very good fighter in Fres Oquendo. He’s a seasoned guy, but he’s out of his league. This isn’t his time.”

 

“I’ve heard things that he’s said about me, that it might be an easy fight. But he has no idea how motivated and how focused I am right now. I just can’t wait for the bell to ring so that the people can look
up and see me smash him.”

 

“I’m coming out in the first round and I’m gunning for you. As soon as the bell rings, I’m coming to take your head off. If I don’t get you in the first, I’ll get you in the second. All the way to the 12th.
I got Liakhovich at 2:59 of the last round and you might have to go that way too.”

 

“I’m happy and excited. The time is now. I’m home in Florida where I’ve lived for the last 18 years. I’m training like never before. I might have taken two weeks off in the last four years. I’m looking forward
to glory. I want to see the people around the world saying “LETS GO CHAMP!”

 

FRES OQUENDO

 

“It’s a pleasure to be here for this historic event. Shannon and I go way back.  We’re gentlemen of the sport. We carry ourselves with dignity. We’re going to go after it.”

 

“We actually shared a twin bill on my HBO debut in 2001. That was a special night for me. I’m thankful to Shannon for stepping up and facing a fighter of my caliber. I’m going to go in there with everything
that I have. It’s not going to be easy in there for him.”

 

“I’m dedicating this fight to my son’s friend Jaxon King, who passed away last year at five years old. I have a non-profit that helps a lot of at risk youth in Chicago because I was one of those kids. They all
mean so much to me and I’m going to have Jaxon in my heart that day and give me the extra edge to do what I have to do.”

 

“I’ve been in there with the best in the sport. This is a very special fight for me. This is life and death for me. I’ve fought everywhere in the world, sometimes I didn’t get the decision, but I’m going to
bring it every time.”

 

“I hope to see everyone out there on fight night. It’s going to be a great night of boxing. I can’t wait to make history on June 3.”

 

EVANDER HOLYFIELD, 2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee

 

“I’m honored to be here and see boxing back. I know that this is going to be a great fight. I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll be there ringside on June 3 here at Hard Rock Live.”

 

“The important thing is that one of these guys is going to be the oldest heavyweight champion in history. I thought it would be me, but the person who walks out of here will be able to say they did it. It shows
that these guys take care of themselves and are dedicated to the sport. I can’t wait.”

 

CHRIS BYRD, Briggs’ Co-Trainer & Former Heavyweight Champion

 

“I’m a boxing guy. I love this sport. I’ve known Shannon and Fres for a long time. It’s crazy that Shannon is 45 and still wants to learn every day in the gym. He wants to win this fight so badly. He wants everything
he does in camp to be the best, so he can be the best in the ring.”

 

“It’s scary when Shannon Briggs gets in front of you. The power, speed and athleticism is crazy. I think Shannon Briggs is the best heavyweight in the world right now.”

 

STACY MCKINLEY, Briggs’ Co-Trainer

 

“I work with many heavyweights before Shannon asked to work with me. I was surprised to see the power and speed that he has. It’s unbelievable. We’ve been working for a couple of years now and he’s always been
dedicated to what we do.”

 

“We’ve got all these great heavyweights here today and I’ve worked with a lot of great heavyweights. Shannon Briggs is one of the hardest punchers I’ve ever worked the pads with. This is going to be the first
time that Fres Oquendo will be knocked out.”

 

HENRY RIVALTA, The Heavyweight Factory

 

“This is going to be a very exciting matchup. You have South Florida’s own Shannon Briggs and Chicago’s Fres Oquendo. Both men are fighting for their future and legacy in the sport of boxing. This is going to
be a great fight between two veteran American fighters.”

 

“Shannon has been the people’s champ for a long time. The ‘Let’s Go Champ!’ mantra is not just him out there saying it, there is so much behind it. It helps so many people who are out there struggling and I
commend you for that.”

 

“Shannon is going to let his fists do the talking on June 3. The Heavyweight Factory is about teamwork, working hard and results.”

 

“Anthony Joshua was granted an optional defense by the WBA, so the winner of this fight could be in a great position. The future fights that are coming for these fighters will be great, but neither guy is looking
past this one. After this fight, we can talk about everybody else.”

 

“I wish both fighters the best on fight night. I know who I think is going to win, but I truly wish Fres good luck because he is a true gentleman.”

 

“We want to thank the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for being a great host and everyone should get their tickets now, you won’t want to miss it.”

 

BOBBY HITZ, Hitz Boxing

 

“Our team is going to come prepared. The talk is all nice, but when he gets in the ring, it’s just going to be the two fighters. We’re going to be like Clint Eastwood and come in to town real quiet and leave
with the belt.”

 

“I promised Fres in 2009 that I’d get him to the heavyweight championship of the world and I did. Now he’s going to do his part and come back with the title. It’s going to be a great fight.”

 

JOHN WIRT, Square Ring Promotions

 

“We’re really happy to be here and we’re thankful to everyone who helped put this all together. It’s a hard road to glory and Fres has been on a journey that I’ve been with him on since 2008.”

 

“The last title fight that Fres took was taken on one day’s notice. We arrived in Chechnya an hour and a half before the weigh-in. This is Fres’ real shot. This is the shot that Fres deserves.”

 

TOM TSATAS, Oquendo’s Manager

 

“Once Shannon gets in the ring, he’s going to have to deal with Fres Oquendo. I know what he’s capable of. Fres has never been knocked out and he’s never had to go to the hospital. We have a great team over
here.”

 

“We will see on June 3 who is in shape and ready. Fres has more experience, he’s faster and he’s just as strong as Shannon. We’ll find out on June 3.”

 

“I have no doubt in my mind that the fourth time is the holy grail for us. We’ve been ripped off too many times. We’re going to win and Fres is going into the history books.”

 

DAVE GOLD, VP of Entertainment, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

 

“Over the years Hard Rock Live has been Florida’s premier destination for boxing. Exciting boxing events have come through here throughout the years. It’s opened its doors to thousands of boxing fans and watched
both the next big names step into our ring and seen legendary names win championship titles.”

 

“We’re happy to welcome Shannon Briggs back after his triumphant win here in 2015. June 3 will see Briggs back in the ring as he takes on Fres Oquendo. We’re very excited and looking forward to seeing history
on that night.”

 

Representing the boxing hotbed of Brooklyn,
Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs) seeks the third heavyweight world title in his long and eventful career. Briggs became a world champion in 2006 when he scored a 12th round stoppage of Siarhei Liakhovich. Briggs has faced the best heavyweights in the world and
won the lineal heavyweight world title from George Foreman in 1997. He also defeated Ray Mercer in 2005, in addition to world title challenges of Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko. He enters this fight as the winner of his last nine contests, including eight
knockouts and a 12-round decision over Raphael Zumbano Love.

 

Originally from Puerto Rico and fighting out of Chicago throughout his pro career,
Oquendo (37-8, 24 KOs)looks to capitalize on his fourth opportunity and capture a world title. The slick-boxer has faced a slew of top heavyweights throughout his career, including narrow decision losses to Evander Holyfield and James Toney, plus title
challenges of Chris Byrd and John Ruiz. The 44-year-old owns recent victories over Derric Rossy and Joey Abell in addition to triumphs over Clifford Etienne, David Izon and Javier Mora

World Boxing Super Series to feature Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight Divisions in Season 1 – Enrollment begins on May 15

Press Release 


Zurich, 9th May 2017

 

World Boxing Super Series to feature Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight Divisions in Season 1 – Enrollment begins on May 15

 

Comosa AG, the organiser of boxing´s first global knock-out tournament, is delighted to announce that the inaugural season of the World Boxing Super Series will feature the fiercely-competitive cruiserweight and super middleweight divisions. In each weight
class, eight fighters will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament. The last man standing will receive the GREATEST prize in boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

 

“We are thrilled to kick off the World Boxing Super Series in style with two of the sport’s most exciting divisions,”said Roberto Dalmiglio, Comosa’s Head of Management Board.”The tournament will create never- seen before drama for fans around the globe.”

 

Richard Schaefer, Comosa’s Chairman of the Americas, believes the World Boxing Super Series will lift boxing to a new level. He said: “The cruiserweights and super-middleweight have time and time again thrown up thrilling contests – but nobody has ever pitted
the top fighters against each other in a fan-friendly, easy-to- understand way within a short period of time. Our revolutionary KO tournament will take less than a year and deliver the crème de la crème in these weights with a blend of past, present and future
from the world’s finest fighters.”

 

The tournament will kick off in September, with four quarter-finals per division. The semi-finals will be held in early 2018, and the winners will be crowned in May 2018. “We have an exciting format, two exciting divisions and now we will sign exciting fighters,”
said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa´s Chief Boxing Officer. “These weights give a great opportunity for us to deliver a huge geographic spread. On top of that, I can imagine champions and challengers from other divisions, such as light heavyweight, stepping up or
down in weight to join the quest for the Ali Trophy.”

 

A special boxer selection process has been put in place to determine the contestants for Season One.

 

On May 15, tournament enrollment will commence where all WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF Champions as well as all top 15 world-ranked contenders  (or their respective promoters,  agents,  managers or trainers with legal entitlement) can make their application
to enter the tournament via enrollment@WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com.

 

Enrollment closes on May 26. All applicants will be verified and evaluated by the board of Comosa. The Comosa Sports Division will then contract eight fighters per weight class as well as potential back-ups.

 

In early July, Comosa will stage an official Presentation Gala in Monte Carlo to publicly announce all 16 participants and determine the draw. In each weight class, the four top seeds will select their quarter-final opponents from the four unseeded boxers
in a live TV show.


For more information, please visit the newly-launched webpage

www.WorldBoxingSuperSeries.comor follow the tournament on Twitter (@WBSuperSeries), Facebook (@WBSuperSeries), Instagram (@WBSuperSeries) or Snapchat (@WBSuperSeries).

ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES

Organised 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 1 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. For more information follow us on Twitter (@WBSuperseries), Facebook (@WBSuperSeries), Instagram (WBSuperSeries) and Snapchat (@WBSuperSeries) or visit our websitewww.WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com.

 

Rising Contender Yordenis Ugas to Face Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 

Rising Contender Yordenis Ugas to Face Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara on Premier Boxing Champions
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tonight, April 25 From Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi

 

TUNICA, MS (April 25, 2017) – Welterweight contender
Yordenis Ugas (18-3, 8 KOs) will battle Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara (17-7-4, 9 KOs) in the 10-round match on
Premier Boxing Champions
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS
on FS1 and
BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes tonight, April 25 from the
Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi.

 

In old school boxing tradition, Ugas steps in to fight on one day’s notice after Lara was overweight for his scheduled super lightweight bout with Mario
Barrios, who declined to go forward with the match.
 The bout between Ugas and Lara will now be contested at the super welterweight limit.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a 10-round matchup of exciting welterweights as once-beaten
Oscar Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) takes on Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava
(17-3-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.

 

Ugas returned from a two-year layoff last August and has looked sensational in defeating undefeated prospects Jamal James by decision and Bryant Perrella by fourth-round stoppage. Most recently,
Ugas earned a decision in an exciting clash with Ghvamichava on FS1 and FOX Deportes in February.  A highly-decorated Cuban amateur, Ugas picked up a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and also owns gold medals from the 2005 World Amateur Championships and
2007 Pan American Games. Now fighting out of Miami, the 30-year-old looks to further establish his credentials for a world title shot.

 

Originally from Nicaragua but now fighting out of Costa Rica, Lara was unbeaten in 17 of his first 18 pro fights after turning pro in 2004. Lara enters this bout having won his last two contests
by stoppage including his most recent triumph in March. Lara will fight in the U.S. for the third time as a pro in a career that has seen him enter the ring in six different countries

Special Edition of Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS2 & FOX Deportes 

Special Edition of Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS2 & FOX Deportes Features Former World Champion Layla McCarter Battling Former Title Challenger Szilvia Szabados & Super Lightweight Prospect
Ladarius Miller Taking on Once-Beaten Jesus Gutierrez

Saturday, April 29 Live from Las Vegas

 

Televised Coverage Begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

 

LAS VEGAS (April 24, 2017) – Former world champion
Layla McCarter (38-13-5, 9 KOs) meets former title challenger Szilvia Szabados
(15-9, 6 KOs) in a women’s welterweight showdown while super lightweight prospect
Ladarius Miller (12-1, 3 KOs) takes on once-beaten Jesus Gutierrez
(14-1-1, 4 KOs) in a special edition of Premier Boxing Champions prelimson
FS2 and FOX Deportes on Saturday, April 29 from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

 

Televised coverage begins on FS2 and FOX Deportes at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT before switching over to FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT for a show headlined by WBA Interim Featherweight
Champion Carlos Zambrano (26-0, KOs) defending his title against once-beaten contender
Claudio Marrero (21-1, 15 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $75, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at
www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

 

One of the most accomplished female fighters in the sport, McCarter has fought at the highest level since turning pro in 1998. She has won titles at featherweight, lightweight, super lightweight
and super welterweight. In 2008 she became the WBA Lightweight World Champion by defeating Jelena Mrdjenovich in Canada and successfully defended it against Fujin Raika in 2009. McCarter has won 15 fights in a row entering April 29 including a victory over
Noni Tenge that earned her the vacant WBA Super Welterweight Championship.

 

The 26-year-old Szabados turned pro in 2014 and won her first five fights. Fighting out of Hungary, she challenged Nikki Adler for a 168-pound world title in 2015. She would go on to win her next
four fights as she built her way up the ladder. Szabados has a pair of stoppage wins in 2017 sandwiched around a challenge of two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields in March.

 

A pro since 2014, Miller won his first nine pro fights as he used his speed and skills to out box opponents. Originally from Memphis but now living and training in Las Vegas, Miller has won three
fights in a row including a stoppage victory over Carlos Castillo, a decision over previously unbeaten Maynard Allison and most recently a second-round TKO of Ronald Rivas last October in Las Vegas.

 

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Gutierrez was undefeated in his first 15 pro outings including a victory over Rashad Ganaway that earned him a regional lightweight title. The 28-year-old owns victories
over previously unbeaten Mike Maldonado and veterans Roberto Acevedo and Pablo Becerra

SHAWN PORTER STOPS ANDRE BERTO IN WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR 

SHAWN PORTER STOPS ANDRE BERTO IN WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

 

Jermell Charlo Knocks Out Charles Hatley In Defense Of WBC 154-Pound Belt In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature; VIDEO:
http://s.sho.com/2ogV2nv

 

Amanda Serrano Makes History On SHOWTIME EXTREME® As First Female & Puerto Rican Five-Division Champion

 

Catch The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Replay Monday, April 24 At 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click
HERE For Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

Click
HERE For Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Click
HERE For Photos; Credit Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (April 23, 2017) – Shawn Porter scored a ninth round stoppage of
Andre Berto to become the WBC’s mandatory challenger to unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday night on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2pS68zi

 

With the convincing victory, Porter potentially earns a rematch with Thurman, who he narrowly lost to last June in a 2016 Fight of the Year candidate at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. 

 

The welterweight matchup was a rough and tumble affair from the opening bell.  Porter (27-2-1, 17 KOs) barreled forward to smother the offense of Berto (31-5, 24 KOs), pounding Berto’s body at close range.  A deep gash opened
over Porter’s left eye from an accidental headbutt in the second, and another opened over his right eye just two rounds later.  Porter’s constant aggressiveness and effective body work seemed to frustrate Berto, who struggled to stay off the ropes.  

 

An odd series of events unfolded in the opening minute of the ninth round.  With Berto unsteady on his feet following another clash of heads, Porter pounced and floored the former champ with a left hook for his second knockdown
of the fight.  Berto got up, but Porter continued to connect with Berto against the ropes and referee Mark Nelson waved off the contest at 1:31.  At the time of the stoppage, Porter had out-landed Berto 60-12 over the final two rounds.

 

“I have to clean up those head butts,” Porter said.  “We tried to use the whole ring, but sometimes in the heat of the battle stuff happens. I’m a fighter and Mr. Berto is a fighter as well, those head butts were just the two
of us going in and fighting. 

 

“I thought I fought smart tonight. I thought I picked my punches well. There were times where I smothered my shots, but there were also times where I smothered him. He has a dangerous uppercut but we had a great game plan. This
was a just very hard fought battle by both of us and I’m blessed to get the victory.”

 

After the fight, Berto admitted that Porter’s aggressiveness and the accidental headbutts frustrated him.

 

“I have to give him credit, but he’s a rough fighter,” Berto said.  “He has great skills but, at the same time, he was trying to be rough and trying to handle me anyway he could.  I got a lot of headbutts, and he did too.  Shawn’
is a tough competitor.  We had a good competitive fight until the headbutts got to be a little too much for me.  But I thought it was a really good fight before that.”

 

After the fight, SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray asked Thurman, who was ringside for the eliminator, if he would grant Porter a rematch.

 

“His team was adamant about the rematch and now he’s fought his way to earning that,” Thurman said.  “We just need to sit down and talk about.  He’s hungry, you see the way he fights, it could be a great fight again.”

 

Answered Porter: “I was just up here wishing he said yes – that’s the fight I want next.”

 

Jermell Charlo defended his WBC Super Welterweight World Championship in dominant fashion with a devastating sixth-round knockout of mandatory challenger
Charles Hatley in the co-main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. 

 

Charlo (29-0, 14 KOs) landed the crisper shots from the opening bell, using a sharp left jab to set up a remarkably efficient straight right.   The Houston native Charlo, the younger twin of undefeated former 154-pound champion
Jermall, floored Hatley (26-2-1, 18 KOs) midway through the third with a textbook left-right combo that stunned his fellow Texan.  

 

Charlo’s striking precision continued in fourth and fifth, before an onslaught of punches and a perfectly timed right to the chin sent Hatley falling face-forward to the canvas.  Referee Harvey Dock didn’t hesitate and instantly
waved off the fight at :36 with Hatley out cold on the canvas.

 

The accuracy of Charlo’s jab was telling – he landed his jab at a 31 percent clip to set up his power shots, which connected at an impressive 52 percent.  Overall, Charlo landed 42 percent of his total punches over nearly six
full rounds of prizefighting.

 

“I used that jab to set up the right hand,” Charlo said.  “I knew Charles Hatley goes down and he gets back up – he’s a warrior – and I knew I had to get in there and be a lion. 

 

““Hatley was moving around a lot. He was trying to engage and I tried to tell him to come fight. When he finally got in there, that’s when I got him out.
I’m the champ so I have to continue to fight my mandatory.  They got a guy named Jarret Hurd that took my brother’s title – we could unify.”

 

Amanda Serrano became the first women and the first Puerto Rican to win world titles in five weight divisions with an eighth-round TKO of
Dahiana Santana to capture the vacant WBO Women’s Bantamweight World Championship in the featured bout of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME. 

 

Serrano (32-1-1, 24 KOs) was the aggressor from the opening bell, moving forward and attacking with precision as Santana (35-9, 14 KOs) backed up and ate a steady diet of counter shots.  Santana was deducted a point for clinching
in the fourth, and had visible welts above both eyes following the seventh. 

 

Serrano was connecting at an almost 3-1 power punch ratio when referee Benjy Esteves stepped-in to stop the bout at 1:14 of the eighth round.

 

“It means everything to me.  We worked so hard.  We worked hard for this moment,” Serrano said.  “To be a five division world champion is amazing.  To be the first female and first Puerto Rican is amazing. 

 

“I’m so proud to be a Puerto Rican.  I’m so proud to be a SHOWTIME fighter.  I’m just so happy for this moment.  Just to be a five-division world champion, I could retire today and it’d be the happiest moment of my life.  I’m
just getting started.  I hope I’m back again.”

 

In the opening bout of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME,
Jose Miguel Borrego (12-0, 11 KOs) knocked out a game John Delperdang (10-3, 9 KOs) at 2:07 of the seventh in a scheduled eight-round welterweight contest. 

 

Borrego, who landed his uppercut at will throughout the bout, landed 229 power shots at a more than 50 percent clip in the action-packed bout.

 

Saturday’s event was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air on Monday, April 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.  Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast will replay on Tuesday, April 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME
EXTREME.  Both telecasts will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®