James Kirkland Signs to Davies Entertainment: The Boom is Back!

PRESS RELEASE

James Kirkland Signs to Davies Entertainment: The Boom is Back!

James Kirkland (32-2, 28 KO) former regional WBO-NABO Junior Middleweight Champion inked a comprehensive management deal with up & comer Davies Entertainment in a move signaling: The Boom is Back!

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Davies Entertainment
Apr 16, 2019, 08:00 CT

San Antonio, April 16, 2019 – Once hailed as “potentially, the most dominant offensive force in boxing since a prime Mike Tyson”, Kirkland, the aggressive southpaw, intends to reunite with his former trainer, Anne Wolfe, while adding Bay Bay McClinton to his training staff and upstart management company, Davies Entertainment, to help restore his ascent as one of the most powerful forces in the fight game.

“This is a human-interest story as much as it is a sports story” said Cameron Davies, CEO of Davies Entertainment, “James is hungry, he’s reconnected with Anne (Wolfe), we look forward to playing our part to get James back to fighting at a championship level.”

Kirkland represents the second boxer signed by Davies Entertainment in less than a week, having signed Daniel “Da Beast” Baiz to a similar comprehensive management deal. Having made a name for himself by becoming one of the global authorities of mobile business fabrication (www.cruisingkitchens.com), Davies has since launched a creative hub which includes film production (That’s a Wrap), a state of the art mobile recording studio (The Boom Box), a graphic design & large format print company (www.justprintitsa.com) and a marketing consultation division. Said Davies “I have assembled a group of companies that can now be tasked to provide our boxers with resources that extend beyond training, whether film production, merchandise & marketing, or brand mobility we want to attempt to put a more current spin on how we manage our roster, providing resources that may not have been possible or easily accessed in the past.” Said Kirkland “I’m ready!”

That’s a Wrap will document Kirkland’s story with intent to produce a full length documentary of the boxers return to the ring.

You can follow Kirkland’s progress at http://www.daviesentertainmnet.com or on Facebook/IG @daviesentertainment and @kirklandboxing.

Davies Entertainment, LLC. located in San Antonio, TX, is a full service sports entertainment promotions & management company specializing in promotions, brand building, merchandising and talent management.

RANCES BARTHELEMY TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

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RANCES BARTHELEMY TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

“Fights like this are what make boxing great. Cuba will have a champion once again on April 27!”- Barthelemy

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Photo Credits- Irving Quinonez/Damian Vasquez – Team Barthelemy

Former Two-Division World Champion Faces Former Champion Robert Easter Jr. for WBA Lightweight Title Saturday, April 27 Live on SHOWTIME® from The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2019) – Former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy discussed changes to his training camp as he nears a vacant WBA Lightweight Title showdown with former lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. taking place Saturday, April 27 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight champion Viktor Postol taking on France’s Mohamed Mimoune in a WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba looks to remain undefeated against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, can be purchased at http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster.

 

After losing for the first time in his pro career in a 140-pound title fight against Kiryl Relikh last March, Barthelemy rebounded to stop Robert Frankel in December as he prepared to return to the lightweight division to face Easter. Since the loss to Relikh, Barthelemy made fellow Cuban and former world champion Joel Casamayor head trainer as he looks to return to the championship ranks.

Here is what Barthelemy had to say from training camp at Prince Ranch Bones Adams Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

How has training camp gone so far?

“Everything has been going well under the guidance of Joel Casamayor and the assistance of my brother Yan Barthelemy and Oscar Vasquez. We have been training twice a day and sparring three to four times a week against solid guys like former world champion and ex-opponent Mickey Bey. Like they say, ‘iron sharpens iron’ and the quality of sparring has been tremendous help in getting me ready for April 27. I feel better prepared both mentally and physically than I did in my most recent fights.”
What do you make of Robert Easter Jr. and what do you know about him?

“I have seen various Robert Easter Jr fights and have been studying him very closely. He’s a great boxer who likes to use his height and reach to his advantage. He’s an ex-world champion who has fought quality opponents. He deserves all of my respect but we are very confident that we will be victorious against him.”

Do you feel you have been able to rebound from your first career defeat?

“Most definitely, I have been able to move on and use that defeat as a lesson in my career. They say sometimes we learn more in defeat than we do in victories and that was the case in that fight.

“Sometimes we do not see clearly when we are winning. Bad habits or little details that need correction are overlooked when you are winning. Sometimes we do not even see them. I feel rejuvenated and we have made many important changes that were necessary for my career. You will see on April 27 that there is still much more left from Team Barthelemy.”
What would it mean to become a champion again on April 27?

“We have no doubt that we’ll become champion again for a third time on April 27. This will bring my name back at the top of the sport with many potential big fights to be made. It will mean so much more to me because Cuban boxing has currently gone through a rough patch and this victory will allow Cuba to have a champion once again.”

Any final message to your fans before your fight?

“Please make sure to tune in on April 27. This fight will be very competitive, with two evenly-skilled former world champions looking to reclaim their status at the top of the sport. Fights like this are what make boxing great. Cuba will have a champion once again on April 27!”

James ‘Lights Out’ Toney To Be Special VIP Guest For April 25 Edition Of Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights

Story at Golden Boy Promotions, Link Below-

 

Source: James ‘Lights Out’ Toney To Be Special VIP Guest For April 25 Edition Of Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights

Daniel ‘Miracle Man’ Jacobs Discusses His Mental Preparation Ahead Of His Fight Against Canelo Alvarez

Photo Credit- Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing

Story at GoldenBoyPromotions.com, link below-

Source: Daniel ‘Miracle Man’ Jacobs Discusses His Mental Preparation Ahead Of His Fight Against Canelo Alvarez

Former Champions Peter Quillin & Caleb Truax Fight to No Decision

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Former Champions Peter Quillin & Caleb Truax Fight to No Decision After Truax Suffers Cut from Accidental Head Butt in Round Two of Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Saturday Night from The Armory in Minneapolis

Top Contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko Outpoints Jack Culcay in Middleweight Title Eliminator & Sensational Prospect Joey Spencer Scores Unanimous Decision Over Osias Vasquez.

Prospects Chris Colbert & Jose Miguel Borrego Earn Wins in PBC Prelims on FS2

                                      Photo Credits- from Andrew Dobin/The Armory

MINNEAPOLIS (April 14, 2019) – Former world champions Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and Caleb “Golden” Truax fought to a no-decision in an IBF super middleweight title eliminator that headlined Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday night from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Truax suffered a deep cut above his right eye midway through the second round from an accidental head butt. While he was able to finish the round, upon returning to his corner, the ringside doctor recommended stopping the bout. Because four rounds had not been completed, the fight was ruled a no-decision one second into round three.

Quillin, who won both of the first two rounds on all three scorecards, was disappointed in the result but understood the doctor’s decision.

“First of all, I think the doctor’s job is to make sure the fighter is safe,” said Quillin. “That’s number one. People would rather see him fight without an eye, but I’d rather have the guy be able to fight another day.”

Truax, a Minnesota-native fighting in front of an electric hometown crowd, was understandably upset with the way the fight turned out.

“It’s disappointing I couldn’t put on a good fight for the fans,” said Truax. “They came to see 12 rounds of action. It hurts but that’s boxing. I’m flattered that everybody came out for me. The fans are doing a great job representing how strong our boxing community is. This is one of the best times in decades for Minnesota boxing.

“My cutman tells me it’s pretty bad so I’m going to have to take a little time off and get some stitches. I’ll heal up and see what’s next.”

After the fight, Quillin said he would be willing to rematch Truax, and that he himself is ready to get right back to work.

“I want to do it again with Truax here in Minnesota or come back to Brooklyn, my home,” said Quillin. “Let him get stitched up. Me and my trainer will be back in the gym on Monday. We didn’t get the sweat in, we didn’t get to do anything tonight. We’ll be back in the gym Monday and be dedicated and will wait for the phone to ring.”

The co-main event saw top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-1, 10 KOs) earn a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Jack Culcay (25-4, 13 KOs) in an IBF middleweight title eliminator.

The early action saw Culcay looking to box and evade the returning fire from Derevyanchenko. Culcay had success landing quick combos before rapidly circling the ring as his opponent tried to get his offense going.

“I knew that he was going to move a lot,” said Derevyanchenko. “We prepared for it because we knew what kind of fighter he was. My mentality was that I had to seek and destroy.”

In round four Derevyanchenko began to have more success throwing combinations to negate the movement from Culcay. After establishing the jab, he began to use a straight right hand to initiate the offense and close the distance before Culcay could retreat and relentlessly attacking him with volume punching.

“My strategy was to use my jab and control the distance, because I had the height advantage,” said Derevyanchenko. “I wanted to put pressure on at the right times and fight smart.”

As the fight went on and Derevyanchenko looked to be taking control, Culcay began to try to smother Derevyanchenko’s offense by crowding him on the inside. This led to more exchanges and eventually Culcay’s best moment of the fight, landing a clean right hand on the end of an exchange that nearly put Derevyanchenko on the mat.

Derevyanchenko was able to weather the rocky moment and recover by the final round to stamp the victory by winning the 12th on all three judges’ cards. The final scores were 116-112 twice and 115-113. Derevyanchenko was able to win the fight with his volume, out landing Culcay 229 to 145 and out throwing him 887 to 476, while Culcay had an advantage with a 30.5% connect rate to Derevyanchenko’s 25.8%.

“I thought that I won the fight,” said Culcay. “It was close but I thought I edged it by a couple of rounds. I had him hurt in the 10th round. He’s a good fighter but I was close to getting him out. The judges saw it differently than I did.”

“I want the big fights,” said Derevyanchenko. “I’m ready for any of the champions. I’m not backing down from anyone.”

Action on FS1 also featured unbeaten rising prospect Joey Spencer (6-0, 6 KOs) dominating Osias Vasquez (4-3) on his way to a unanimous decision in a six-round super welterweight attraction.

“I was extremely happy to get six rounds in,” said Spencer. “This is the first time I’ve gone six rounds. This guy was tough and kept walking through everything. That was what I needed. I hadn’t experienced that yet in a fight.”

The 19-year-old Spencer dominated his opponent, flashing a powerful sweeping left hook to punctuate his offensive arsenal, along with ring generalship beyond his years.

Vasquez became frustrated early, throwing low blows until he was deducted a point in round three by referee Gary Miezwa. After six rounds, Spencer remained unbeaten by scores of 60-52 twice and 59-53.

“He was very durable and I just had to keep fighting until the end,” said Spencer. “I love fighting here in Minnesota, it’s becoming my second home. I’m going to get back in the gym and be back soon and continue to take care of business.”

In PBC Prelims on FS2, rising super featherweight prospect Chris Colbert (11-0 4 KOs) scored a dominant knockout of Mario Briones (29-9-2, 21 KOs) in the second round of their bout. Colbert delivered a one-punch knockdown of Briones midway through round two with a lightning-fast left hand and follow up with a flurry that forced referee Celestino Ruiz to halt the fight 1:59 into the round. The action also saw prospect Jose Miguel Borrego (15-2, 13 KOs) earn a unanimous decision over Hector Ambriz Suarez (12-10-2, 6 KOs) by scores of 100-89 twice and 100-90 after 10 rounds of action.

CLARESSA SHIELDS CROWNED UNDISPUTED MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION WITH NEAR-SHUTOUT VICTORY OF CHRISTINA HAMMER SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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CLARESSA SHIELDS CROWNED UNDISPUTED MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION WITH NEAR-SHUTOUT VICTORY OF CHRISTINA HAMMER SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Catch An Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Shields Defeats Hammer Credit Stephaine Trapp Showtime

                                         All Photo Credits- Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

ATLANTIC CITY (April 13, 2019) – Claressa Shields is the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. The 24-year-old Flint, Mich. native delivered the best performance of her career and cruised to a unanimous decision over Germany’s Christina Hammer Saturday on SHOWTIME in arguably the most significant women’s boxing match in history. The judges scored the fight 98-92 and 98-91 twice.

The two-time Olympic gold-medalist Shields (9-0, 2 KOs), who entered the fight holding the IBF, WBA and WBC 160-pound titles, showed off her complete arsenal of skills in the dominating performance and now joins Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and women’s welterweight Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class.

 

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Christina Hammer (24-0, 11 KOs), who owned the WBO belt entering the fight, had her jab largely neutralized and her defense exploited from start to finish. Shields landed a remarkable 44% of her power punches and landed on 112 total punches compared to just 49 for Hammer. As impressive as her offense was, Shields’ defense and head movement was immaculate as Hammer was able to connect on just 13% of her total punches, 11% of her jabs and 18% of her power shots.

Speaking to SHOWTIME’s Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood following the historic night for women’s boxing, the outspoken and emotional Shields held nothing back.

“I am the greatest woman of all time,” said Shields, who nearly earned a stoppage during a barrage in the closing moments of the eighth round. “I did it. She didn’t win a single round. I almost knocked her out. I swear I feel like I’m dreaming right now. Thanks to Christina Hammer and her team. They said she had a hard jab and they weren’t lying. Her jab is off the chain.

“I was just calculating in the first round and after that I started picking her apart,” she continued. “I knew I could hurt her. I thought I finished her in round eight. I thought the fight should have been stopped. She was holding onto me. I just told myself, stay cool, stay cool. I was trying to get the perfect punch to get her out of there.”

Fresh off the biggest win of her professional career, the newly-crowned undisputed champion of the world already has her sights set on another opponent.

“Women’s boxing, we’re on fire. I cannot wait to see the next super fight. Give me Cecilia Brækhus at 154 pounds. That’s who I want next. Either her or Savannah Marshall.”

“I didn’t fight very good or fast,” said a subdued Hammer. “That’s boxing, anything can happen. I wanted this fight. She won, respect to her. She’s a tough, strong woman and that’s all I can say.

“She’s fast, she comes forward. She has fast hands. I couldn’t land my jab as good as I expected. I’ll come back and I’ll be back stronger.”

“I think tonight’s fight will go down in the history books as an epic battle with the likes of Ali-Frazier, Leonard-Hearns and De La Hoya-Trinidad,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “With this dominating and captivating performance to become crowned undisputed middleweight champion coupled with her list of record-breaking accomplishments, Claressa Shields is well on her way to being as revered as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Serena WIlliams, Michael Jordan, Pele and others at the top of their game.”

In the co-featured bout, Jermaine Franklin (18-0, 13 KOs), widely regarded as the top American heavyweight prospect, kept his unbeaten record intact with a 10-round unanimous decision over former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Rydell Booker (25-2, 12 KOs). The judges scored the fight 99-91 and 98-91 twice.

The 25-year-old Franklin dictated the tempo throughout and was far more active and aggressive than his 38-year-old counterpart. Booker had his moments, particularly in the early rounds when he landed several flush power shots but the youthful Franklin pulled away in the second half of the fight as Booker tired and Franklin targeted the body. Franklin averaged 54 punches per round to Booker’s 35 and led 146-94 in overall punches landed.

“I think I had a decent performance,” said the Saginaw, Mich. native. “There’s some stuff I could work on. I over-crowded myself a little bit and I was a little over-anxious. He had a lot more experience than me and used it to his advantage. He could see what I was doing.

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“I learned to stay more patient because I had him hurt a few times, but once I got over-anxious, my whole game plan went out the window. I started messing up and making crazy mistakes I shouldn’t have. Now it’s back to the drawing board to work on my mistakes and come out bigger and badder next time.”

“I felt he out-hustled me, but it was a lot closer than how the judges scored it,” said Booker. “He was missing me a lot more than it looked. I slipped a lot of shots and hit him clean.

“I knew he would bring the pressure, but he needs a lot of work. He stays too centered with his head. He’s alright. What he has on his side is youth. I’d rate my performance about a seven. I had a training camp injury I was dealing with. I’m going to stay active and come back stronger than ever.”

In the telecast opener, undefeated top-five ranked heavyweight prospect Otto Wallin (20-0, 13 KOs, 1 ND) and Baltimore’s Nick Kisner (21-4-1, 6 KOs, 1 ND) had their 10-round bout cut short when the two heavyweights clashed heads in the opening round. Wallin suffered a gash on the side of his head while Kisner suffered a cut over his right eye, hindering his ability to see. At the advice of the ringside physician in between rounds one and two, referee Earl Brown stopped the fight, resulting in a no-decision.

At the time of the stoppage, Wallin led 14-3 in overall punches landed, 7-1 in jabs and 7-2 in power punches.

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“To me, his cut didn’t look that bad,” said a disappointed Wallin, who was making his U.S. debut. “It’s a shame because I trained really hard for this fight and was looking to put on a show for fans in America. I just didn’t have time to get going.

“I’d like to get back in there soon and show what I can do. I’m going to take this as a learning experience.”

“I caught a headbutt and the referee came to me,” said Kisner. “He saw me swiping at my eye and said ‘can you see?’ I said, ‘soon as I get the blood out of my eye, sure.’

“I feel horrible after training so hard. I felt good in the first round. The judges probably gave him the first round, but I always take off the first round. I was feeling like I could get to him eventually. You saw me land my overhand right.”

Tonight’s live event was promoted by Salita Promotions.

An encore presentation of tonight’s tripleheader will air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available via the network’s On Demand platforms.

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action alongside fellow Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez. World-renowned ring announcer and Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. rounded out the telecast. The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. CHRISTINA HAMMER FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS

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CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. CHRISTINA HAMMER FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR UNDISPUTED WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOMORROW ON SHOWTIME
®

Live at 9:10 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City

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Click HERE To Watch The Full Weigh-In: https://s.sho.com/2IgTZ0B

ATLANTIC CITY(April 12, 2019) – Undefeated middleweight champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer went face-to-face one final time during a tension-filled official weigh-in for the most significant event in women’s boxing history. Both fighters made weight as the two champions aim to become the undisputed middleweight champion tomorrow in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION live on SHOWTIME (9:10 p.m. ET/PT) from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

Top American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin will take on former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Rydell Booker in the 10-round co-featured bout while undefeated Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin will battle highly decorated amateur Nick Kisner in a 10-round clash that will open the tripleheader.

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

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO Middleweight World Championship – 10 Rounds
Claressa Shields: 159 ½ pounds
Christina Hammer: 159 pounds
Referee: Sparkle Lee; Judges: Lynne Carter (Pa.), Guido Cavalleri (Italy), Ruben Taylor (Ariz.)

Heavyweight Co-Feature – 10 Rounds
Jermaine Franklin: 245 ¼ pounds
Rydell Booker: 238 ¾ pounds
Referee: David Franciosi; Judges: Eugene Grant (N.J.), Alan Rubenstein (Pa.), James Kinney (N.J.)

Heavyweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Otto Wallin: 227 ¼ pounds
Nick Kisner: 221 pounds
Referee: Earl Brown; Judges: Eugene Grant (N.J.), Alan Rubenstein (Pa.), James Kinney (N.J.)

Click HERE for a Full Bout Sheet

FINAL QUOTES:

Claressa Shields

“I’m very relaxed. When I feel this relaxed, I know it’s going to be a good fight. I don’t even feel like there’s a fight; I feel very calm and I always fight better when I feel this way. I’ve checked all the boxes for this fight. The conditioning, the nutrition, the training, everything. I am entirely focused on the fight.

“I’ve played this fight in my head many times. The first round is a very important round. She’ll find out just how strong I am in the first round and I’m going to let her know she’s in with a fighter. I’m going to let her know she won’t control this fight in any aspect. I can outbox Hammer. I’m way faster and I have great head movement. I came to fight. I want to see where her heart is and how strong she is. If she’s not as strong as she says she is, she’s going to want to get out of there.

“Every time I box, I feel like I need to go out there and perform so that women’s boxing isn’t in the position we’re in now. I want the little girls coming up not to have to go through what I’ve gone through in terms of equal pay and trying to get on TV. I was able to box my way up to get here and it shouldn’t be as hard for other women to do the same. This fight is bigger than me.”

Christina Hammer

“I’ve worked really hard for this. I’ve sacrificed everything for this fight and it’s time to show who’s the real champion and who Christina Hammer is. I feel like I’m the stronger one, mentally. I showed her at the stare down that I’m not scared. Every fight, there’s a mental battle and I think I won the mental battle for this fight.

“I have to stick to my game plan and not worry about hers. Shields is beatable. Hanna Gabriels showed that. I have to make her pay for every mistake. We’ve analyzed her a lot and I’ve known for a long time that I would one day fight her.

“I’m not scared of her one bit. Why would I be scared of her? I worked really hard for this opportunity and now it’s the point where I have to show it. I have to focus in every single round. This will be a tough fight and I know my opponent also wants to win but on Saturday night, I will be the undisputed champion of the world.

“I hope that a lot of women will be inspired by this fight. I want women to know that if they work hard, they can make it to whatever level they aspire to be in whatever sport it is they do.”

Jermaine Franklin

“I always study my opponents and watch tape. I see a guy in Booker that likes to slow the pace and try to control the distance. I’m very active. I call myself a boxer-puncher, and I adjust my game plan depending on my opponent. I will capitalize on his weaknesses.

“I want to fight the best. That’s a mindset that I’ll always have, but I understand how boxing works and I might have to wait for my time. It’s a great time to be a heavyweight and I feel like it will be my time soon.

“I’m going to take him to the deep waters, and he may not be able to survive once I take him there.”

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Rydell Booker

“I’ve been boxing since I was seven years old. I’ve always had a passion for boxing and while I was away, I took care of my body and I always knew I wanted to fight again. I was able to do a little bit of training and did the best I could, but being in prison definitely wasn’t conducive to being a boxer.

“I have a gift that a lot of fighters don’t have. I have a good jab. I have the ability to be an effective counter-puncher and I can fight when I need to. Jermaine Franklin has never been in with somebody with the talent and experience that I have. I’m a better fighter than I was 15 years ago because I’m smarter and stronger mentally. My skills have not deteriorated at all and my body has been preserved.”

Otto Wallin

“I’ve been in New York for three years with Joey [Gamache]. I’m used to the training. To be fighting on such a big card, there’s a lot more press than I’m used to. There’s been a lot of interviews and press conferences and I can feel that this is a big event.

“Sweden needs a boxing superstar that stands out, and I want to be that person. I see good fighters in the heavyweight division. The top three fighters are really good. I want to take care of Saturday night, fight a couple more times this year and then next year I will be ready for a step-up in competition.”

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Nick Kisner

“I sought this fight. I asked for it. Wallin is good but I really like to challenge myself. I think he’s one of the best heavyweights out there. This is a great opportunity. I think it’s going to be a challenge but at the same time I think I can win this fight. It doesn’t get much bigger of an opportunity than to fight live on SHOWTIME.”

CLARESSA SHIELDS AND CHRISTINA HAMMER INSPIRE AND GIVE BACK TO ATLANTIC CITY YOUTH AT PAL GYM

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CLARESSA SHIELDS AND CHRISTINA HAMMER INSPIRE AND GIVE BACK TO ATLANTIC CITY YOUTH AT PAL GYM AHEAD OF SATURDAY’S MIDDLEWEIGHT UNIFICATION LIVE ON SHOWTIME FROM BOARDWALK HALL

CLARESSA SHIELDS AND CHRISTINA HAMMER INSPIRE AND GIVE BACK TO ATLANTIC CITY YOUTH AT PAL GYM11

All Photo Credits: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

“I want to inspire kids that come up in rough areas like I did. Boys and girls. I hope they look at me and think they can be a boxer…I hope they watch the fight on Saturday and really see that girls can box too.” – Claressa Shields

“This gives me hope for women’s boxing. This fight is changing everything. I hope these kids see that if they work hard enough, they can fight on SHOWTIME someday.” – Christina Hammer

ATLANTIC CITY (April 11, 2019) – Undefeated middleweight champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer spent the afternoon giving back to the Atlantic City community as they met with local youth from the New Jersey Give A Kid A Dream organization and the Girls in Gloves boxing program at the Atlantic City PAL gym. They spoke to the attendees about working hard, following your dreams and never giving up. The main event combatants were also joined by the Mayor of Atlantic City Frank Gilliam and other local dignitaries.

IBF, WBC and WBA Champion Shields (8-0, 2 KOs) will unify with WBO Champion Hammer (24-0, 11 KOs) for the undisputed middleweight world championship this Saturday night, April 13 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City live on SHOWTIME (9:10pm ET/PT).

The winner will become only the second undisputed champion in women’s boxing history and only the sixth fighter – male or female – to unify all four recognized world titles.

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

Shields and Hammer spoke with media and the youth attendees ahead of their Saturday showdown:

CLARESSA SHIELDS

“Seeing the kids reminded me so much of the way I grew up. I grew up in a place just like this. It made me a little emotional.

“I told one of the girls that I hoped they gave me something to leave with and she said I gave them hope and I got a little shaky.

“I didn’t have a role model growing up. So it is a little weird to hear kids say that I am their role model. I am just trying to do a good job.

 

 

“I want to inspire kids that come up in rough areas like I did. Boys and girls. I hope they look at me and think they can be a boxer. There are girls that have signed up in boxing because they have seen me. I hope they watch the fight on Saturday and really see that girls can box too.

“I think there has been friendly action between us. It showed she is an ‘internet thug’ and that is it. I am going to let the media think she is a scary monster. I don’t think people know how big of a scary monster I can be in the ring and everyone will find out Saturday night.”

CHRISTINA HAMMER

“It was so nice that the kids were here today. We talked about boxing and sports. I hope I can inspire them to keep going in this sport. It is a great way to lift your life up and you learn a lot from a sport like this.

 

“This gives me hope for women’s boxing. This fight is changing everything. I hope they can see that if they work hard enough, they can also fight on SHOWTIME. This is a game changer and a great opportunity for future champions.

“I feel great. I have waited so long for this fight. I can’t wait to step into the ring and shine bright.”

DMITRIY SALITA

“The women are in excellent shape, are anxious to fight, but still took time to be here, which shows what kind of champions they are. Salita Promotions is looking forward to hosting a large group of kids from New Jersey Give A Kid A Dream Saturday night, making it even more special. It will be a great night of boxing.

“To be able to give back to the community in this way two days before an incredible night of boxing, makes me proud to be the promoter of this event.”

PETER QUILLIN VS. CALEB TRUAX FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Quillin Truax header

PETER QUILLIN VS. CALEB TRUAX FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Former Champions Peter Quillin & Caleb Truax Battle in Super Middleweight Title Eliminator This Saturday in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

                                   Photo Credit- Andrew Dobin/The Armory

MINNEAPOLIS (April 11, 2019) – Former world champions Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and Caleb “Golden” Truax went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in an IBF Super Middleweight World Title Eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes this Saturday from the Armory in Minneapolis.

Also in attendance at the press conference were top middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jack Culcay, who battle in an IBF Middleweight Title Eliminator, and sensational prospect Joey Spencer, who takes on Osias Vasquez to kick off the telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

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

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Generals Hall at The Armory:

PETER QUILLIN

“I’m here to put on a great fight. That’s what we worked so hard to do on Saturday night. I’m excited to showcase my talents on FS1 and FOX Deportes and make a statement at super middleweight. “My wife just had a daughter, and that’s been my biggest motivation all training camp. I’m fighting for my family, not just myself. I’m hoping to inspire people who see my story and realize it’s not just about the fight, but about what we’re fighting for. I’m here to spread a positive message.

“When we’re in that ring, all I’m going to see is Caleb Truax, nothing else matters. I’m very fortunate to be here and have the chance to display my skills. He has to look good in front of his fans, and I’m just here to give the fans a good fight. There’s no pressure to do anything extra.

“The weather here kind of reminds me of back home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Going to new cities is kind of like having new places to conquer. I’m here with the right mindset that Minnesota is going to be a place I’m remembered and that I’ll have a great memory from.

“When I sparred Caleb I remember I knocked his headgear off and it flew across the ring, that’s the only thing I really remember from that. I knew our paths could eventually cross. I’ve had my eye on him and I was really happy for him when he won his title. I have a feeling we’re going to combine for a great fight.

“I have a very determined opponent and I’m fighting in his backyard. It’s a tough fight for both of us. I have to put my authority down on this fight and control it. It’s going to be hard with all his fans in there, but what I’ve always done is take negative circumstances, and turn them into positives.”

CALEB TRUAX

“I’m excited for Saturday night. It’s a big fight and important for me that I’m in the main event and in a title eliminator. I’m looking to earn a chance at another title and I know that I have to take care of business on Saturday to get there.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with Peter Quillin, a guy I’ve known and respected for a while. He’s accomplished a lot. I think that our styles are really going to clash and give the fans a lot of action and drama.

“Peter and I sparred a long time ago, back in 2012. I came away feeling confident that if we ever fought, I’d be able to get the job done. I don’t remember much of the specifics, but I felt confident from the experience. At the same time, I’m expecting an even better Peter Quillin on Saturday night and that’s what I trained for.

“I’ve tried to train a little bit smarter for this one. I need to focus more on recovery at this point in my career. I’ve had pretty much the same team around me for a while now. We do the old school training and work hard every day.

“The stakes are high for this fight. Whoever wins hopefully gets a crack at the title. It’s going to be tough for the loser to bounce back. If I want to keep fighting I have to leave Saturday with my hand raised.

“It’s a thrill to be in this fight and have it here at The Armory in front of my hometown fans. I saw the support that (fellow Minnesota-native) Jamal James got for his last fight, and I’m expecting more of that on Saturday. It’s going to be special and I’m going to take advantage.”

SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

“I’m happy to be here for this world title elimination fight. This fight is important for my career to get back to where I want to go and to show what I am capable of.

“On Saturday night I’m going to put on a really good show and give the fans a beautiful fight. Everyone knows I always bring action and great technical skill. I am confident that I will be victorious on Saturday and go on to win a world championship.”

JACK CULCAY

“It’s nice to be here and I’m very thankful for this opportunity against Derevyanchenko. It’s a great honor for me to be in this fight against one of the best middleweights in the world. This the step that I was looking to take in my career.

“I’ve been sparring with Caleb Truax, and I feel it’s gotten me completely ready for this challenge. I’m going to show it in the ring on Saturday night. It’s going to be a lot of action and a lot of skill in the ring.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m really excited to be fighting on this card headlined by Peter Quillin and Caleb Truax. I want to thank everyone for the support, both my fans and my team for everything that’s gotten me here. We’ve worked really hard every day in training camp and I can’t wait to put on a show.

“The Armory is a great venue with great energy. I’ve fought here before and I’m looking forward to coming out and putting on another great performance for this Minneapolis crowd.”

LEON MARGULES, President of Warriors Boxing

“I’m excited to welcome everyone back to the latest PBC fight night at the armory. Those who have come to the previous shows have noticed that the crowds have gotten larger and larger. These shows are generating great excitement and Saturday is another example of a card loaded with elite fighters.

“It’s really a terrific treat to be promoting this card. It should be a great night of boxing for everyone at The Armory and watching on FS1 or FOX Deportes. This card is stacked from top to bottom and is set to deliver from start to finish.”

Former Super Welterweight Champion Austin Trout Battles U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha

Former Super Welterweight Champion Austin Trout Battles U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Saturday, May 25 from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi

Also in Action! Unbeaten Super Welterweight Contender Chordale Booker Clashes with Rugged Veteran Wale Omotoso & Sensational Prospect Eimantas Stanionis Fights in Welterweight Attraction – (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

Tickets on Sale Monday, April 15!

BILOXI, MS. (April 11, 2019) – Former super welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout returns to the ring to take on former title challenger Terrell Gausha in a 10-round super welterweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Saturday, May 25 from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In the co-feature, unbeaten super welterweight contender Chordale Booker battles rugged veteran Wale Omotoso in a 10-round bout, while sensational unbeaten welterweight prospect Eimantas Stanionis will open the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in an eight or 10-round welterweight fight.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale Monday, April 15 and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster.

“Austin Trout has one of the best resumes at super welterweight in the sport today,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He’s been in the ring with some of the best boxers at 154-pounds of this generation and I’ve never seen him in a bad fight. Terrell Gausha doesn’t back down from anyone and that will make for an exciting match against Trout. Chordale Booker will be putting his unbeaten record on the line against Wale Omotoso in what will be one of his toughest tests to date. It’s a show that has something for everyone that attends at Beau Rivage or tunes in to FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

Trout (31-5, 17 KOs) has tangled with some of the top super welterweights of this generation, including Saul Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Jermell and Jermall Charlo and Jarrett Hurd. The 33-year-old from Las Cruces, Mexico, will look to rebound from a majority decision defeat to Jermell Charlo last June. His knockout victory over Joey Hernandez in 2015 headlined the first PBC show on FS1.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring,” said Trout. “I’m ready to take another chop at the world title and this is my way back. I’m really motivated to get that championship belt again. Gausha is a strong, technical fighter with an Olympic pedigree. I’ve got to get in there and take care of him and look good doing it. A good win over him will get me right back in the mix.”

The 31-year-old Gausha (21-1, 10 KOs), a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team from Cleveland, Ohio, will look to put himself back into title contention with a victory over Trout. He came up short in his first title fight against Erislandy Lara, losing a unanimous decision in 2017, before rebounding with a knockout victory over Joey Hernandez in his last fight in December.

“I feel good about this fight and I think it’s the perfect fight for me,” said Gausha. “With Austin Trout being a former champion and having experience fighting all the top guys in the division, it gives me a chance to show where I’m at. It’s not only about winning, but it’s the way I’ll win that will put people on notice.”

Booker (14-0, 7 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel in January on FS1. The 27-year-old southpaw from Stamford, Conn., was busy in 2018, going 5-0 with three knockouts. Booker is very active in his Stamford community as well, running his charity for at-risk youth and training amateurs for the Golden Gloves.

“My expectations for myself are to put on the best performance I’ve had in boxing period – amateur or pro,” said Booker. “I’m looking to showcase every ability that I have, not just brute strength. I want to show people that I’m championship caliber. What I see from him is that he’s a game fighter and comes to fight. He likes to come forward. He’s going to try to take it to me. But I can do a lot of things, box going forward, backwards, sideways, or anything it will take to get this win.”

The 33-year-old Omotoso (27-3, 21 KOs) is a hard-nosed veteran who will present Booker with his toughest test to date. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Omotoso learned to fight in the streets before honing his skills in the boxing gym. He calls himself “Lucky Boy” because he feels fortunate to have made it off the streets alive and become a successful professional boxer. Now training in Los Angeles, Omotoso most recently defeated Freddy Hernandez in December 2017.

“I got the call to fight a young, undefeated fighter in Booker and I said bring it on,” said Omotoso. “I’m really happy he took the fight because most people say I’m too dangerous and too tough. I will give it all I got. When I go to the ring I put all my effort and training into the fight. That’s the way this sport is. I know he’s going to come in with all he’s got, but the toughest man will win.”

Stanionis (8-0, 5 KOs) is from Kaunas, Lithuania and was a member of the 2016 Lithuanian Olympic boxing team. The 24-year-old, who now lives in Oxnard, California, and trains with Ronnie Shields in Texas, is on the fast track toward being a top contender. He’s continued to impress with victories over durable veterans Levan Ghvamichava and Samuel Figueroa in his last two bouts.