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

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

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

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

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

“BACK TO BUSINESS”
CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING AT THE HISTORIC SAN FRANCISCO ARMORY
Press Release
For Immediate Release
RAQUEL “PRETTY BEAST” MILLER
TO FACE NEW OPPONENT LISA GARLAND
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 11, 2017) – Unbeaten female middleweight prospect,Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (4-0, 2 KOs) will now face Lisa Garland (15-8, 8 KOs)
when professional boxing returns to the city of San Francisco, CA, on October 21, 2017.  Miller was supposed to battle Sydney LeBlanc (4-4) but the fight fell through.  Miller vs. Garland, a 6-round bout, will serve as the co-feature to Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (19-4-1, 11 KOs) vs. Miguel Dumas (10-0, 7 KOs).  The card titled “Back To Business” will take place at the historic San Francisco Armory.
“I’m happy they found an opponent for me as I have a lot of family and friends coming to see me fight,” said San Francisco native Raquel Miller. “Garland has a lot of experience and I know it’s going to be a tough fight.  I believe my hunger and skill will be to much for Garland to handle though.  I’m ready to bring it, and I can’t wait for my hometown fans will see me in action.  I’ll be looking to stop Garland before the final bell rings.”
“Back To Business” tickets priced $40 (standing room only), $50 (floor seats tier 3), $60 (floor seat tier 2), $80 floor tier 1, $125 (front seats), and ringside $250, are on sale now at EVENTBRITE.COM or by calling (415) 722-3184.  Doors open up at 4:00 p.m.  First bout at 5:00 p.m.
The San Francisco Armory is located at 1800 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Located conveniently at the corner of Mission Street and 14th Street, the SF Armory is served by Muni routes, major bus lines and is easily accessible by BART that serves the East Bay and the airport. Parking can be arranged using local lots or valet.
Other Featured Bouts:
8-round bout featherweight bout
Xavier Martinez (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Jonathan Alcantara (7-16-2, 1 KO)
6-round bout super-lightweight bout
Stan Martyniouk (17-2, 3 KOs) vs. Luis Alfredo Lugo (14-27-1, 3 KOs)
6-round middleweight bout
Ricardo Pinell (14-3-1, 8 KOs) vs. Carlos Ruiz (8-3, 3 KOs)
4-round bout super-lightweight bout
Will Shaw (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Lenard Davis (1-0-2)
4-round bout super-lightweight bout
Luis Casillas (1-1, 1 KO) vs. TBA
4-round bout featherweight bout
Marquita Lee (3-5) vs. TBA
Top Heavyweight Contender Dominic Breazeale
Will Take on Eric Molina on the Undercard of the
Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Heavyweight
Championship Showdown at Barclays Center on
Nov. 4
 
Plus! Five-Division World Champion, Top Pound-for-Pound Fighter Amanda Serrano Battles Marilyn Hernandez; Long Island’s Seanie Monaghan Returns; Undefeated Prospects Chris Colbert and Titus Williams Clash In Featherweight Battle
 
New Ticket Pricing Set for the Live Event
 
BROOKLYN (October 12, 2017) – Top heavyweight title contender Dominic Breazeale will take on Eric Molina in a 12-round WBC title elimination match on the undercard of the showdown between WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and Bermane Stiverne live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, Nov. 4. The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. 
 
The stacked card will also feature former welterweight champion Shawn Porter taking on Adrian Granados and Sergey Lipinets battling Akihiro Kondo for the vacant junior welterweight title in televised bouts. The live three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Plus, five-time world champion Amanda Serrano of Brooklyn takes on Marilyn Hernandez, Long Island’s Seanie Monaghan (28-1-0, 17 KOs) makes his ring return to face Evert Bravo (23-6-1, 17 KOs), from Arboletes, Colombia, and Brooklyn’s Chris Colbert (6-0, 2 KOs) battles Long Island’s Titus Williams (7-0, 2 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout.
 
New prices have been set for tickets to see the event live at Barclays Center, giving fans an unprecedented opportunity to see the heavyweight champion of the world in a rematch against the only contender who has taken him a full 12 rounds.  
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000.  Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.  Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
 
“We’ve recognized that Deontay’s opponent has changed, and we’ve restructured ticket prices to encourage as many fans as possible to attend a great night of fights, and the Heavyweight Championship of the world,” said Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, the promoter of the card. “Stiverne is thrilled for this second chance and he has nothing to lose. Bermane Stiverne is the only opponent that Deontay hasn’t knocked out among his professional opponents. Deontay wants to fix that and Stiverne is looking to throw a wrench into Wilder’s dream of heavyweight unification.”
 
Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) dethroned defending champion Stiverne in January 2015 via unanimous decision in what was the promising challenger’s toughest fight to date.  With the win, Wilder became the first American heavyweight champion in nearly a decade and he has gone on to defend the title five times.  Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) remains the only Wilder opponent to go the distance with the hard-hitting Tuscaloosa, Ala., native who has knocked out every other professional opponent on his long resume. 
 
Dominic Breazeale (18-1, 16 KOs), who lives in Eastvale, California, is coming off a KO victory over Izu Ugonoh on Feb. 25. The 32-year-old Breazeale suffered the only loss of career in a heavyweight championship match against Anthony Joshua in London on June 25, 2016.
 
Eric Molina (26-4, 19 KOs) has twice fought for the heavyweight world championship. In his first title shot the 35-year-old from Weslaco, Texas was knocked out by Deontay Wilder on June 13, 2015. Molina lost via TKO to Anthony Joshua in his next opportunity on Dec. 10, 2016. Molina bounced back with a majority decision victory against Jamal Woods in his last fight on Sept. 2.
 
Five-division world champion Amanda Serrano (33-1-1, 25 KOs) will be making her fourth appearance at Barclays Center when she defends her super bantamweight world title against Marilyn Hernandez (26-10, 17 KOs).  Serrano, who was born in Puerto Rico and lives in Brooklyn, successfully defended her title with a TKO victory over Edina Kiss in her last fight on July 21. Hernandez of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic scored a TKO victory over Maria Hernandez in her last fight on Jan. 10.

WORLD’S BEST 154-POUND FIGHTERS SOUND OFF & FACE OFF AT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLEHEADER THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
WORLD’S BEST 154-POUND FIGHTERS SOUND OFF & FACE OFF AT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLEHEADER THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
 
Photo by Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast of Premier Boxing Champions Event Begins Live At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
NEW YORK (Oct. 12, 2017) – Six of the world’s best 154-pound boxers met face-to-face at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan on Thursday at the final press conference for this Saturday’s world championship tripleheader live on SHOWTIME. 
 
The Premier Boxing Champions event taking place at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®, features five fighters ranked in the top 10 – and four in the top five – in one of boxing’s deepest divisions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara making the sixth defense of his title against undefeated contender Terrell Gausha.
 
In the co-feature, WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo will defend his title against fellow unbeaten No. 1 contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin. IBF Junior Middleweight Champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd makes the first defense of his title against former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout in the televised opener.
 
Tickets to the event are on sale now and start at $50 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
 
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday:
ERISLANDY LARA
 
“On Oct.14, I will show why I’m the No. 1 fighter in the division.
 
“Just another day at work; another day at the office for me. I have to do what I have to do and be a smart boxer to win this fight. I’m going to have to show a little bit of everything: show my boxing, and show my power. He will see a little bit of everything on Saturday night.
 
“Absolutely I want to unify. That’s what I’m here for – to win all the belts. After this fight, hopefully one of these young guns will step up to the plate and fight me.
 
“I will show everybody I’m the best in the 154-pound division, and I’m here for a long time. It’s very important to bring this world title back to the people of Houston. There’s been a lot of tragedy in Houston, and I hope with this win it brings just a little bit of joy to my fans and people going through a hard time.”
 
TERRELL GAUSHA
 
“This is going to be my best performance to date and I look to be sharp and focused. I love the competition and the tough challenges, and I look to be at point on Saturday night.
 
“It’s time for the young guys and Olympians like me, Errol Spence and Rau’Shee Warren to take over. It’s our time.
 
“I’ve got a huge support system in Cleveland and my mom has a busload of people coming to see me. To have fans like that come and support you makes you want to dig down deep and get that win.”
 
JERMELL CHARLO
 
“We had a strong camp with my sparring partners in Dallas. We know who’s below us. This young guy here [Lubin] has a big fight coming up. I already know what I have to do. They got to be the ones that try and figure out a game plan. Try and come up with a ‘Plan B’ or ‘Plan A.’ You got a lot of hype man, a lot of people around you buzzing. They keep you going, they keep you rowdy. That’s good. We clap too, we love it. We enjoy it. But Saturday night, the fight that I thought should have been the main event of the card is going to be the one that steals the show. We did this before, we will do it again.
 
“I’m undefeated, he’s undefeated. Regardless of if he has the same amount of fights that I have, he’s hungry. He’s been running his mouth a lot lately. That has a lot to do with the reason why my team gets rowdy. We get rowdy and that’s the kind of energy we feed off of. When you continue to do what you do, I just got to back it up in the ring and I can’t worry about what my opponent says and what his team says, because nobody has to fight but us.
 
“Let’s get in there and get comfortable in the ring. Hopefully I make him pay for the mistakes he’s making right now.
 
“It’s so important for me to bring a world title back to Houston. I told my brother [Jermall] that I’m competing with one of his knockouts against an undefeated fighter. It’s not about the world title because my city needs it. My family needs it. My son loves it. Therefore, I’ve got my life on the line.”
 
ERICKSON LUBIN
 
“I’m very excited. I’m very confident, I had a great training camp and I’m just ready to go on Saturday.
 
“I hear it a lot, that I’m younger and he’s more experienced. It doesn’t really get to me, I know it is a huge step up because I’m fighting for the WBC title, not because of my opponent. I’ve seen everything in the ring. I’ve seen all types of fighters through training, fighting and through amateurs so this is definitely a big step up when it comes to me fighting for the WBC title.
 
“This definitely should have been the main event, but you got an experienced guy like Lara in the main event, which I don’t complain about. I know I got to go in there and take care of business. We’re both young. I’m not even in my prime yet. I’m ready to capture this title and I’m hungrier than ever and I know he’s hungry. He’s fairly young and we’re both undefeated and we both have a huge entourage. We’re just backed up by a lot of people and we got hype behind us. We’re ready to see who’s the hype and who’s the real deal.
 
“Orlando hasn’t had a champion in a very long time, or maybe never. This means everything. I’ll be a big, huge inspiration to Orlando. I am already a huge inspiration to Orlando. I can’t wait to bring it back to Orlando to give more people hope to go out there and do something positive.”
 
JARRETT HURD
 
“I’m feeling great. I’m right on weight. Like I said, this is the fight I’ve been waiting for and that I’ve wanted, so I’m ready to fight.
 
“I really want to go out here and make a statement and be the first to stop Austin Trout and send him into retirement.
 
“Here’s the thing, in my last four televised fights I’ve never possessed the same style. Austin Trout doesn’t know what style I’m coming out with in this fight. I never look the same in any of my fights so he can say that he prepared for a toe-to-toe matchup and that he prepared for me moving around, but he doesn’t know what I’m bringing to the table. I’ve got a couple tricks up my sleeve.
 
“[My height] is going to be a big factor because he’s going to try and move around and box from the outside, but I’m the taller, longer guy. So it’s going to be hard for him to stay on the outside, let alone stay on the inside, which he isn’t going to want to do either because I’m the bigger guy. It’s going to play a big factor and make it more difficult than he thinks.
 
“They say it’s easier to become a champion than to defend a belt. Right now this is my chance to defend my title and bring it back home. I can’t wait to represent.”
 
AUSTN TROUT
 
“When I become champion on Saturday night I will continue to represent this game with class and dignity. I know this sounds like a campaign speech, but the beautiful part about it is that I don’t need your votes. I don’t need anyone to vote me in. I get to go in there and take it with my two hands. I have the faith that I can do it, but we all know faith without works is dead. But I’ve put in the work. So I have faith in the work behind me. My experience is just the icing on top to go in there and become the two-time world champion and stake the claim as the best 154-pounder in this game.
 
“Honestly, I didn’t see a big frame up there, I just saw a tall guy. His shoulders look lean and his arms look lean. Either he’s sucking down for weight, or he’s just a little guy in a big, tall man’s body.
 
“He’s right in saying the fight isn’t going to go the distance, but it’s funny because he’s not going to be the one doing the knocking out. You know this man isn’t going to last 12 rounds.
 
“I’m going to drown this kid. We’re taking him into deep waters. He’s never been there. This is unchartered territory for him.
 
“Two-time Trout. I like that. I need that belt in order to solidify my legacy.”
LOU DiBELLA, CEO of DiBella Entertainment
 
“This is as good as it gets in boxing. We hope to have as many regular boxing fans in that room as we possibly can. You can get a great seat for the price of what you pay for a Pay-Per-View telecast. This quality of boxing has been emblematic of SHOWTIME’s boxing program in the last few years.”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President/General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports
 
“This event will be the 25th boxing event at Barclays Center in five years. I need to recognize Barclays Center and their staff because there are not that many venues supporting and contributing to this sport the way Barclays Center is. More than half of those shows have been on SHOWTIME as we’ve done 12, and two have been on CBS.
 
“We’ve set a very high bar with those events. Fighters know and promoters know – everyone knows that when you fight on SHOWTIME at Barclays Center it’s a big and exciting night in boxing.
 
“Fight fans sometimes complain that having multiple belts or multiple champions is complicated and confusing. But in this division, it’s not. I’ll make it really simple: these guys up here are the best guys in the division. That’s it. Who’s at No. 1 and who’s the best? I can’t tell you. But it’s one of these six guys. So this coming Saturday you will see the best in the division, and they’ll be fighting each other.”

Santa Cruz v. Avalos & Mares v. Gutierrez Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes
Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
 
 
Tripleheader Headlined Headlined by Santa Cruz vs. Avalos &
Mares vs. Gutierrez World Title Fights Saturday, October 14 from
StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
 
Click HERE for Photos from Erick Ramirez/Ringstar Sports
 
CARSON, CALIF. (October 12, 2017) – Fighters entering the ring for Saturday’sPremier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes tripleheader event went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday before they compete at StubHub Center.
 
PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes is headlined by three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz defending his featherweight world title against Chris Avalos, while four-time world champion Abner Mares defends his 126-pound championship against once-beaten Andres Gutierrez. Televised coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT with unbeaten rising contender Eddie Ramirez taking on former world champion Antonio DeMarco.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $250 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com HERE.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Whiskey Red’s in Marina Del Ray:
 
LEO SANTA CRUZ
 
“I’m very happy to be in this position. I’m going to give a great show to the fans. There are a lot of great fighters here and we’re all going to try to put on the best performance of the night.
 
“I just want to give the fans a great fight. I’m going to bring the fight to Avalos and I hope he stays in there and looks to make it a war as well.
 
“I’m prepared, motivated and focused. I need to win on Saturday so that I can get the Mares rematch. That’s the fight that we want.
 
“I’m definitely not overlooking Avalos. I know that I have to fight a dangerous guy. He’s going to come to take my belt and he doesn’t care about any fight I want in the future.
 
“I hope that all my fans enjoy this fight because I’m going to give it my all. We worked really hard and trained really well for this fight. I have to take care of Avalos before I can worry about any other fights.
 
“I always prepare the same for my opponents. People have their opinions on each guy, but I respect all of my opponents the same.
 
“We’ve worked on versatility during training camp. You never know how an opponent is going to come out so I have to be ready to do anything and adjust in the ring.
 
“It’s important for me to give the fans in Southern California a great fight. These are the best fight fans and I always owe it to them to be at my best.
 
“This has been another very hard training camp for me and my team. No matter who the opponent is, we work hard every day and build each other up.”
 
CHRIS AVALOS
 
“It’s really a blessing to be here. I’m thankful to my team for giving me a strong, hard camp that has me very confident heading into this fight.
 
“This is a great card to be able to show my skills on. With so many high-level fighters, it’s a chance to do my best with the world watching.
 
“I’m happy Leo took this fight and gave me the opportunity to prove myself. I know that I still have a lot to give and this is exactly the chance I need to show everyone that.
 
“I’m very confident heading into this fight. Leo and I sparred a lot when we were amateurs. I’m going to take that experience and use it to my advantage on Saturday.
 
“I’m going to come to fight and I’m going to come to win. I’m sure Leo will as well. It’s going to be an exciting fight from start to finish.”
 
ABNER MARES
 
“I’m really happy to be in this position. I’m fighting a great competitor. He’s a hungry kid who has the opportunity of his lifetime. He’s going to take advantage of it
 
“I trained really hard. There were no shortcuts. It was hard training every day. Fighters like Gutierrez are the most difficult because they have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
 
“It feels great to be back in this position fighting in what is basically my hometown. Everyone knows that StubHub Center is the ‘War Grounds.’ After Saturday night, I’m anticipating that everyone will go home happy.
 
“I can’t wait to get back in that ring. I want to give the fans a great show and make sure they leave satisfied. I’m really excited to take in the atmosphere before I enter the ring and go to work.
 
“The game plan always changes depending on the opponent, but I’m also ready to adjust during the fight. I have to stay focused and ready. In the end I think it’s going to be a great fight for the fans.
 
“Robert Garcia has taught me a lot and he’s brought some extra things out of me. I’ve looked great in sparring, but now it’s time for me to bring it into the ring.
 
“I definitely see some of myself Gutierrez. I was once the young fighter looking to upset the established veteran. That’s why I’ve trained for this fight like I’m facing any of the champions or top fighters. I know that it’s a tough fight and I’ll be ready.
 
“I think this fight will make me better. I like to entertain and I’m going to give you a really good show on Saturday.
 
ANDRES GUTIERREZ
 
“I’m honored to be here and give the fans a great fight on Saturday. What happened before the Frampton fight is behind me. I’m prepared and I feel very strong.
 
“I know that Abner is the highest level fighter that you can face. I have to be at my very best to win a world title. That’s the kind of challenge that I want and I’ll be ready for anything.
 
“I hope that Abner is not underestimating me. I want him to be at his very best so that when I win. My plan is to go in there and fight hard until the fight is over and show everyone how I compete.
 
“There’s no quit in my body. I’ve worked too hard to get to this point of my career. I’m going to absolutely give it everything I have and then some.
 
“I want to give everyone a great fight. I’m ready for a war. I’m excited to put on a spectacular performance.”
 
EDDIE RAMIREZ
 
“I had a great training camp and I’ve put all the hard work in. I stay in the gym so I’m always ready for an opportunity like this.
 
“My team is really important to me and they get a lot of the credit for getting me to where I am. We work hard and push each other every day in the gym.
 
“I get better every single time I get in the ring. This is going to be another learning experience for me as I get to where I want to go in my career. This is still only the beginning.
 
“Fights like these are ones that all champions have to go through before they reach the top level. It’s important to win, but also to impress when I’m in the ring.
 
“DeMarco is a guy with a lot of experience so I know that he thinks he has that advantage over me. All I can do is be at my best. I’m confident that my youth, speed and power will be the difference in the end.
 
“I can’t wait to showcase myself this Saturday and I hope to see everyone there. DeMarco is fighting for his career so I know that he is going to come prepared and put on a great fight.
 
ANTONIO DEMARCO
 
“I want to thank everyone for being here and I’m thankful to be on this stage. This is another great experience for me in my career and one that I’m not going to take lightly.
 
“I also want to thank Eddie Ramirez for putting in the work and accepting this fight. I know that he will come prepared to give the fans a great show.
 
“It’s a blessing to be on a card of this magnitude. With guys like Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares, I can’t stress how blessed I feel. I can’t wait to get in the ring.
 
“I have put myself through a terrific training camp for what I hope will be a great fight. I’m ready to prove to myself. I want to show the fans that when things get difficult, you can still overcome and come out victorious.”
 
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
 
“It’s going to be party time this Saturday from StubHub Center. There will be a lineup of champions, including Mikey Garcia and many more, at the Fan Fest on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. Live music, food trucks and autograph signings for all fans, so make sure you show up early.
 
“This is a great showcase for the sport of boxing and for these great fighters up here. This action will be seen across the world and we’re thankful to have the chance to lift up these great fighters.
 
“This is a 12-fight card that is going to be a boxing festival at StubHub Center. Besides the three TV fights we have two rising Olympians in Eimantas Stanionis and Mexico’s Misael Rodriguez, the first Mexican Olympian to bring a medal home in 16 years.
 
“Eddie Ramirez is rising in the sport and he will face a very familiar name in boxing in Antonio DeMarco. DeMarco knows that this is his chance to prove that he still has a lot left, but Ramirez will try to add another name to his contender resume.
 
“Andres Gutierrez has an opportunity to go in against a true legend of the sport in Abner Mares. You don’t always get a second chance in this sport so I know that Gutierrez is going to be prepared. This is a fight that you don’t want to miss.
 
“Abner is a true student of the sport and he’s had a lot of great trainers in his life. We have seen what happened with how Abner reinvented himself by working with Robert Garcia. Some people had written him off, but he proved that he is still among the elite.
 
“The main event is another fight that will bring non-stop action. Chris Avalos knows that this is his moment, maybe his last chance, to capture a world title. These are the kind of fights that you truly can’t underestimate their opponents, because they are going to come ready to take it from you.
 
“Leo Santa Cruz is a true champion of this sport and truly on of its’ nicest competitors. He beings non-stop action every time he fights and I know that with this chance to perform on FOX and FOX Deportes, he will be at his best.”

Erislandy Lara vs. Terrell Gausha Training Camp Notes
Press Release
For Immediate Release
 
Erislandy Lara vs. Terrell Gausha Training Camp Notes
 
Super Welterweight Title Fight Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader Saturday, October 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Training Camp Photos
BROOKLYN (October 2, 2017) – WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will defend his belt for the fifth time, and the first against an unbeaten opponent, when he battles 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the headlining fight of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader on Saturday, October 14 from Barclays Center,the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
 
Coverage on SHOWTIME begins live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo taking on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and“Swift” Jarrett Hurd making his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.
 
Tickets to the event are on sale now and start at $50 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say from their respective training camps:
 
ERISLANDY LARA
 
(24-2-2, 14 KOs) From Guantanamo, Cuba & Training with Ronnie Shields in Houston
 
Q. How has training camp gone? Has it been affected by the Hurricanes and what is your message for the people effected in your training home in Houston and home in Miami? 
 
“Training camp is going smooth as always.  A lot of hard work has been put into the camp.  As far as the Hurricanes, it flooded bad in the areas close to our gym, but we were only gone for a couple of days.  The roads to the gym were flooded, so we couldn’t go to the gym on those days.  I just want to say I’m praying for all those affected by the hurricanes in both Houston and Miami.”
 
Q. What do you know about Gausha and what kind of problems does he present? What do you have to be prepared to do to get the win?
 
“Gausha is a very good fighter.  I know he was an Olympian and is currently undefeated as a professional.  There’s nothing he does that I haven’t already seen.  So, I’m just going to stick to my game plan and listen to my corner. If I stay composed I will be able to put on the performance I’m looking for.”
 
Q. What does it mean to you to be on a card with all of these 154-pound champions and top contenders? How important is it to make a statement to the rest of the division? 
 
“It’s a great honor, especially since I’m in the main event.  It shows I’m the top fighter in the division.  Getting the win by all means necessary will be my statement.  If I get the knockout, it will be icing on the cake as the say here in the U.S.”
 
Q. What do you think is the significance of you being the longest-reigning 154-pound champion? If you’re able to win on October 14 what fights in the division do you want to make in the future? 
 
“It means a lot.  I have a goal to break the record, held by Gianfranco Ross, for most title defenses at 11.  But I’ll always be ready to fight anyone they put in front of me. I want big challenges so I would love to fight with GGG or Canelo, and I would also jump at the chance to unify against Cotto or Hurd.” 
 
TERRELL GAUSHA
 
(20-0, 9 KOs) From Cleveland, Ohio & Training with Manny Robles in Norwalk, California
 
Q. How has training camp gone so far? Who have you been sparring with and what have they been able to do to prepare you for Lara? Have you tried anything new this training camp?
 
“Training has been great. We’ve been at it for 10 weeks. I’ve been sparring with good partners, even though I can’t pronounce most of their names. We brought in a bronze medalist from the 2012 Olympics, Chris Pearson and a great Nigerian fighter as well. They’re defensively skilled and as close as we could find to Lara’s style. He’s hard to mimic, but they’re close. We’re not really doing anything new, just working more rounds. I’ve done lots of 12-rounders in sparring, but we’ll save the rest of our secrets for fight night.”
 
Q. What does it mean to you to fight for a world title for the first time? Is there extra motivation from seeing other 2012 Olympians who’ve picked up titles?
 
“It’s a blessing and a dream come true. I’ve been working on this since I first laced up the gloves. Not everyone gets this shot and I plan on taking full advantage. Those guys from the 2012 Olympics are my brothers. We talked about things like this back at the Olympics. Then they went out and showed me it’s possible. I want to be the next one to pick up a title to fulfill my promise too.”
 
Q. What kind of problems does Lara present in the ring? How do you prepare for his skill set and what he does well in the ring?
 
“I’ve been watching Lara for a while. I know he’s a mover. Guys like that are slick and he’s a good counter-puncher. He’s a crafty veteran and has fought a lot of top guys. But I have a lot of experience myself. I’m undefeated and it’s my time.”
 
Q. What does it mean to you to be part of a tripleheader with the top talent in the division? How important is it to take advantage of this opportunity and put on the best performance possible?
 
“Being involved in this lets me know where I’m at. Not just anybody got on this card. We earned our way here and this night will open up other big fights in the division. There’s no pressure for me, though. I put in all the hard work at the gym. On fight night, I just let things flow.”

DEONTAY WILDER TO DEFEND WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST MANDATORY CHALLENGER BERMANE STIVERNE LIVE ON SHOWTIME® ON SATURDAY, NOV. 4 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN & PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

DEONTAY WILDER TO DEFEND WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST MANDATORY CHALLENGER BERMANE STIVERNE LIVE ON SHOWTIME® ON SATURDAY, NOV. 4 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN & PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS
Wilder vs. Stiverne World Title Rematch Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader Beginning Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Photo Use Must Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
BROOKLYN (Oct. 5, 2017) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title against mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne on Saturday, Nov. 4 live on SHOWTIME in a rematch of their 2015 world title fight.  The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. 
 
Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) dethroned defending champion Stiverne in January 2015 via unanimous decision in what was the promising challenger’s toughest fight to date.  With the win, Wilder became the first American heavyweight champion in nearly a decade and he has gone on to defend the title five times.  Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) remains the only Wilder opponent to go the distance with the hard-hitting Tuscaloosa, Ala., native who has knocked out every other professional opponent on his long resume.  
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000.  Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.  Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
 
The Nov. 4 main event will be the second heavyweight world championship bout to air live on SHOWTIME on back-to-back Saturdays.  On Oct. 28 unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will meet Kubrat Pulev for Joshua’s IBF and WBA world titles in the main event of a fight card from Cardiff, Wales.
 
After Wilder vs. Stiverne I, Stiverne was hospitalized at University Medical Center in Las Vegas for severe dehydration and muscle damage, which he claimed affected his performance in his first title defense.  Stiverne bounced back with a win over Derric Rossy and has been advocating for a rematch since. 
 
“Stiverne asked for it, so he’s going to get it,” Wilder said. “Whatever happens happens. Ask and you shall receive.  I’m relieved to be getting my mandatory out of the way.  At least now I won’t have to deal with that down the road.  
 
“In the first fight, I broke my hand in the third round, and I still dominated.  That was a lot of the reason why it went the distance.  This time it’s a different day, different time and different fight.  This time it won’t end well for him. 
 
“Despite all of these obstacles that are thrown in my path, it still will not stop me from reaching my ultimate goal, which is to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
 
Stiverne replaces Luis Ortiz, who was pulled from the fight by the WBC on Wednesday after he failed a VADA anti-doping test. 
 
“Stiverne will pay for Luis Ortiz screwing up,” Wilder concluded. 
 
Stiverne was in camp preparing to fight Dominic Breazeale in a heavyweight attraction on the Nov. 4 undercard.  Now the Haitian-born Las Vegas resident gets a shot at winning back the heavyweight crown he first won with a knockout of Chris Arreola in 2014. 
 
“I am ready, willing and able to seize back my title from Wilder,” Stiverne said.  “We all know that Wilder dodged a bullet in the first fight, but not this time.  It was my fault, but I learn from my mistakes.  On November 4, Wilder will feel my pain.”
 
After defeating Stiverne, Wilder went on to knockout each of his next five challengers including twice as the headliner on SHOWTIME.  Wilder-Stiverne II will be the 10th heavyweight world championship fight to air live on SHOWTIME in the last two years as the heavyweight division continues its resurgence.  
 
“The show must go on, as they say, and Deontay Wilder still plans to put on a show for New York City,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment and promoter of the stacked Nov. 4 event.  “Considering Stiverne’s status as mandatory challenger, he was always going to be a roadblock in Deontay’s quest for heavyweight unification.  Now it’s time to see if Deontay can clear that roadblock and continue on his path to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion and the most recognizable and dominant force in boxing.”
 
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter will battle perennial contender Adrian Granados in a matchup of two all-action fighters.  In the opening bout of the three-fight telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, unbeaten contender Sergey Lipinets will take on Akihiro Kondo for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.