Tag: Adonis Stevenson

SPLIT-SITE DOUBLEHEADER FEATURING ADONIS STEVENSON AND JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. KICKS OFF BIG NIGHT OF BOXING ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1

SPLIT-SITE DOUBLEHEADER FEATURING ADONIS STEVENSON AND JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. KICKS OFF BIG NIGHT OF BOXING ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1

COUNTDOWN LIVE: WILDER VS. FURY Begins At 6:45 PM ET/3:45 PM PT Live On SHOWTIME® And SHOWTIME Sports® Social Media Platforms Preceding Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury SHOWTIME PPV® Event.

Massive Night Of Action Presented By Premier Boxing Champions

NEW YORK – November 9, 2018 – A split-site doubleheader airing live on SHOWTIME and streaming live on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms will kick off a big night of boxing on Saturday, December 1, leading into the SHOWTIME PPV presentation of the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury heavyweight blockbuster event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Adonis Stevenson will make the 10th defense of his WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship against undefeated, mandatory challenger Oleksandr Gvozdyk to start the action live from Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada. The two-fight telecast presented by Premier Boxing Champions continues live from Los Angeles, where Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. will take on Alfredo Angulo in a 10-round super middleweight clash at STAPLES Center.

COUNTDOWN LIVE: WILDER VS. FURY will begin at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME and on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Facebook page, preceding the Wilder vs. Fury SHOWTIME PPV event that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from STAPLES Center.

The December 1 SHOWTIME PPV and COUNTDOWN LIVE presentations feature two of the most feared knockout punchers in the sport. With 39 knockouts in 40 professional fights, Wilder’s right hand is widely regarded as the biggest weapon in boxing. The southpaw Stevenson’s left has led to knockouts in six of his nine title defenses. On December 1, the two power-punchers will take on top-rated, undefeated opponents as they make the 10th and eighth defenses of their respective WBC titles.

Stevenson (29-1-1, 24 KOs) is boxing’s longest reigning world champion, having won the WBC 175-pound title in 2013. The Montreal-based southpaw will face his WBC-mandated challenger in Gvozdyk (15-0, 12 KOs), a Ukrainian with 12 knockouts in his 15 professional fights since a standout amateur career that included a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics.

In Gvozdyk, Stevenson will face his second consensus top-10 light heavyweight of 2018, following his Fight of the Year candidate draw with Badou Jack in May on SHOWTIME. Gvozdyk, an amateur teammate of fellow Ukrainians Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk, earned the mandatory status with a near-shutout decision over Mehdi Amar in March.

“I’ve been pushing myself in training to be ready to put on a great performance December 1 and defend my title once again,” said Stevenson. “My old trainer, the late great Emanuel Steward, used to tell me that ‘knockouts sell’ and that’s what I’m going for in this fight. I know I’m facing a good boxer who’s coming in very determined. He’ll be ready, but it won’t be enough. It’s going to be show time on SHOWTIME and another victory for ‘Superman’.”

“I have been waiting for this title shot for a very long time, and I will take full advantage of the opportunity,” said Gvodzyk. “It doesn’t matter where we fight. I am fully prepared to become the new WBC light heavyweight champion. Canada, ‘The Nail’ is coming to put on a show!”

Chavez, Jr. (50-3-1, 32 KOs) is the son of Mexican boxing legend and Hall of Famer Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr. The 32-year-old from Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico ripped off 46 straight victories to start his career using a gritty boxing style that denoted his toughness in the ring. Chavez is seeking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on May 6, 2017.

The 36-year-old Angulo (24-7, 20 KOs) is a tough brawler who has faced some of the best boxers in the sport. Angulo, who lives in Coachella, California but was born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, is coming off a hard-fought split decision loss to former world champion Sergio Mora in April.

“I am excited to be back on December 1 to perform for the great Mexican fans in Los Angeles,” said Chavez Jr. “At my weight I know I can beat anyone. I am focused and feel strong. Angulo will be first, but then I will pursue a belt at 168. I’m putting the division on notice. Chavez is back.”

“I have been training very hard in anticipation of this fight and this is the best I have felt in a long time,” said Angulo. “I am looking forward to defeating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and getting a title opportunity in the near future. I’m thankful for everyone who has supported me and I promise to surprise a lot of people on December 1.”

 

Adonis Stevenson Retains Light Heavyweight World Title After Battling Badou Jack to Majority Draw Gary Russell Jr. Outpoints Joseph Diaz Jr.

ADONIS STEVENSON RETAINS WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER BATTLING BADOU JACK TO MAJORITY DRAW IN HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BOUT SATURDAY IN SPLIT-SITE DOUBLEHEADER ON SHOWTIME®
 
Gary Russell Jr. Outpoints Joseph Diaz Jr. to remain WBC Featherweight Champion at MGM National Harbor
in Maryland
 
Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On 
SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Click HERE For Stevenson-Jack Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Additional Stevenson-Jack Photos; Credit Janer Bigio/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE For Russell Jr.- Diaz Jr. Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (May 20, 2018) – WBC Light Heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson and former two-division world champion Badou Jack fought to a highly competitive majority draw Saturday at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. At MGM National Harbor in Maryland, and in the opening bout on SHOWTIME, Gary Russell Jr. (29-1, 17 KOs) defeated Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (26-1, 14 KOs). 
 
With the draw, Stevenson retains the WBC belt in what was Toronto’s most significant world title fight in more than 30 years. The judges scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Jack and 114-114 twice. Russell won his fight via unanimous decision, 115-113 and 117-111 twice, to retain his WBC featherweight world title.
 
The Stevenson-Jack bout was the main event of a split-venue SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader. Video recap here: https://s.sho.com/2LgUaqL
 
It was a day that saw SHOWTIME deliver three world championship fights from three countries.
 
In a bout filled with momentum swings, it was Jack (21-1-4, 13 KOs) who was the busier and more accurate fighter. While Stevenson (29-1-1, 24 KOs) outpointed Jack in the early rounds, the challenger turned it on in round number seven and dominated the champion in the second half of the fight. In rounds seven through ten, Jack out landed Stevenson 114-40. However, a ferocious body shot from the right hand of Stevenson in round ten altered the momentum back in his favor.
 
Stevenson, who has resided in Montreal since he was five-years-old, was able to gain a second wind in the 11thround, riding the momentum of the body shot that injured Jack. With everything on the line in the night’s final round, both fighters emptied the tank and left it all in the ring. Jack rebounded tremendously and when the final bell rang, it was Stevenson who was struggling to stay on his feet.
 
“I went to the body and saw that he was fatigued,” said Stevenson, who moves to 9-0-1 in world title fights. “I had to keep the pressure on him. He’s a slick fighter, a two-time world champion but I felt I won the fight. 
 
“I used both hands. I touched him a lot with the right hand on the body and slowed him down. He tried to come and attack me. I feel like I won the fight but I’ll give him a rematch if he wants it.”
 
Jack, who started the fight sluggishly, thought he did enough in the later rounds to win the fight.
 
“I thought I definitely won the fight,” said Jack, who drew for the fourth time in his career. “No judge had him winning. I have no idea why I can’t get a decision. It could be that they’re jealous of Floyd and don’t like him. I’m one of his top fighters. I can’t do anything about it. I’m not the judge. I have to respect their decision. 
 
“Maybe I started the fight too slow. I gave away those rounds. He didn’t really hit me. I can’t do anything about it, let’s do a rematch in Las Vegas. I came to his backyard, it’s time he comes out to Vegas.”
 
In the main event from MGM National Harbor in Maryland, it was a tactical and hard fought battle of two former U.S. Olympians as Russell Jr. (29-1, 17 KOs) defeated Diaz Jr. (26-1, 14 KOs).  Russell won the contest via unanimous decision, 115-113 and 117-111 twice, to retain his WBC featherweight world title. The 29-year-old hometown favorite used his hand speed, quickness and relentless attack to overwhelm Diaz Jr., the previously undefeated top-ranked contender. 
 
Russell Jr.’s game plan to dictate the pace and establish the jab was clear, throwing a career-high 587 jabs throughout the 12-round battle. While the number of punches landed were close (199-192 in favor of Russell Jr.), Russell Jr.’s output trumped Diaz Jr.’s accuracy as the champion’s career-high 992 punches thrown were the most ever for him in a CompuBox tracked fight. Diaz Jr. was committed to attacking the body of Russell Jr., but he was unable to break the champion down, who injured his right hand in the third round.
 
“We train to survive those body shots,” said Russell Jr. “We put the work in every day in the ring. We consistently grind and push ourselves to be great and we push ourselves to the limit.
 
“I was disappointed in my performance because I wasn’t planning on going the distance. I hurt the right hand, but I still had to use it, because he could not get past my jab.”
 
Diaz Jr. showed heart and youthful enthusiasm, closing the fight with a strong final round but ultimately, he lacked the creative, diversified attack needed to truly trouble Russell Jr. 
 
“The game plan was to break him down with the body shots and start attacking him more in the later rounds,” said the South El Monte, Calif. native. “But I started attacking him too late and didn’t pick it up until the 8th or 9th round. Gary Russell Jr. is a tremendous fighter and he did a great job keeping me at bay.”
 
“This will just make me a hungrier fighter. I hope I got the respect of a lot of fight fans. I wanted to become champion against the best featherweight fighter in the world. Tonight wasn’t my night but I’m going to bounce back harder and I’ll be champion soon.”
 
Earlier in the day of in a live stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page, Josh Warrington became the new IBF featherweight world champion by upsetting Lee Selby in a split-decision victory. The judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113 and 113-115.
 
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

A Jack Of All Trades Will Make It Difficult For Stevenson To Be Super

It is a lonely time when a pugilist unexpectedly finds themselves on the canvas. Their faculties rudely interrupted as they try to make sense of it all. The crowd is a blur, a faint voice counting numbers, “one, two, three…..”

They get up but their legs have left them. Instead of muscle they are reduced to jelly. “What the hell are you doing?” says the mind, “Mayday, Mayday..” says the legs..”What the hell is happening to my balance?” counters Mr. Equilibrium

At that exact moment the fighter wobbles into the ropes. They try to fight on but their legs give out and they fall again face first. They get up again but it’s no use, legs gone, they wobble again into the ropes as the referee grabs them and waves off the fight.

That fighter was unbeaten Badou Jack (22-1 -2 13 KO) back in 2014. A short right hand courtesy of Derek Edwards landed directly on the point of Jack’s chin and at the time, a rising star watched a possible title elimination bout with James DeGale derailed after the TKO loss.

In life, we are faced with many challenges and roadblocks. Some expected, some not, but it’s how we face adversity that ultimately determines our destiny. Boxing is often a metaphor for life. A loss does not define you, it defines you when refuse to go on.

There are high expectations when you are promoted by a legend and the upset to Edwards could have derailed his career had he let it, instead, he tightened things up and it is obvious he committed himself to be the best he could be. If you’ve been watching Jack since the Edwards fight you can see it. He has gotten better fight after fight, adding a different wrinkle each time out. Since losing unexpectedly by TKO to Edwards , Jack has gone 6-0-1. A true definition of a champion.

Further, his run from Dirrell to Cleverly has been quite impressive. Showcasing something different each time out, speed, movement, combinations, very systematic and calculated in his approach. He beat a string of quality fighters/champions who have given others hell and did it in succession.

Jack has become a different/better fighter than he was even just a few years ago. Not a lot of fighters have the ability to continuously improve. You know what most fighters will bring fight after fight, but with Jack, he seems to redevelop himself in the ring during the fight. He has a stong mindset which is aligned with his physical skills in executing the fight plan.

Going into Saturday night’s fight against Adonis Stevenson (29-1 24 KO), I look for Jack’s ever improving jab to set the tone. His body work is top shelf but he is mastering the jab now to go along with his underrated movement. With his expanding and improving skill set in all phases, it is his jab that he works behind which sets up everything else. He will need the stick to keep Stevenson at distance.

Stevenson is a southpaw; however, 2 out of the last three Jack opponents, DeGale and Bute are southpaws. Probably not a coincidence that Team Jack’s journey towards Stevenson has been very calculated.

Ok, we all know that Jack needs to be mindful of Stevenson’s left. That said, once thing that I’ve noticed as I went back and watched film on Jack is that since the Edwards fight, he holds the right hand very high and is disciplined in his approach. He uses it for defense but is very adept at firing it for offense when he needs to. Something to keep an eye on Saturday night.

If Sakio Bika can take Stevenson the distance with a limited skill set, Jack should find many opportunities for success. Further, on fight night, Stevenson would have had only four fights in just over three years.

Watching film on Stevenson’s KO loss to Darnell Boone back in 2010 and the similar knockdown he took at the hands of Andrzej Fonfara, Jack will have opportunities. It was a left jab followed by a sharp right that gave Stevenson his only loss and although he beat Fonfara, he was knocked down with almost the same combination. In watching Jack and reviewing film, I have observed the same punch selection used by Jack against the previous two southpaws. Again, something to watch on Saturday night.

In watching Stevenson over the years and reviewing tape for this piece, I compare it to a broken record. He does the same thing over and over. Jab high, jab high, jab low, power left, move in, move out, jab high, jab low, power left. Not to be disrespectful to Stevenson, he has held the WBC World Light Heavyweight Belt since 2013, it works for him. That said, we’ll see if he can execute the same strategy with an adversary with many tools in the tool belt.

I look for Jack to frustrate Stevenson with his movement and combination punching. Jack’s speed also will be a factor. Stevenson has not fought anyone who possessed the overall skill set that Jack has at a similar point in their career.

I look for Stevenson to come out strong and try to impose his will but will be surprised by Jack’s movement and counter punching. They will have some close rounds and Jack may even be the victim of a flash knockdown but slowly Jack will begin to take control of the fight pushing Stevenson back.

One glaring observation in reviewing film on Stevenson is that he has difficulty fighting backwards. As Jack begins to move forward and take the fight to Stevenson in the middle rounds, Stevenson will be less effective with his approach. His power will weaken as he moves backwards and the body work that Jack will put in early and often will contribute as well.

If he can stay out of a firefight and away from Stevenson’s left, Jack will relegate the champ to a one-dimensional fighter. The call here is Jack by MD but only because I do not believe he can get a UD in Stevenson’s Canada.

It is a joyous time when the ring announcer announces “And The New!!!” Getting off the deck to win at life.

Adonis Stevenson and Badou Jack Promise Knockouts In WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship Saturday on SHOWTIME
Adonis Stevenson and Badou Jack Promise Knockouts In WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship Saturday on SHOWTIME® From Air Canada Centre In Toronto
 
“Don’t Blink! Because it’s only going to take one punch to knock him out.” – Adonis Stevenson
 
“I know Adonis is one of the hardest hitters in the business. I know he can give it, but can he take it?” 

– Badou Jack
 
Saturday, May 19, Live on SHOWTIME® from Air Canada Centre 
In Toronto
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photo by Janer Bigio / Mayweather Promotions
 
TORONTO, Ontario (May 17, 2018) – Adonis Stevenson and Badou Jack both predicted they would win the WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship by knockout as they were joined by all-time great Floyd Mayweather during the final press conference on Thursday.
 
Stevenson will make the ninth defense of his title against Jack in the biggest and most meaningful fight in the 175-pound division in 2018 from Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Saturday night.
Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

telecast beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against No. 1 ranked contender Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage then shifts to Canada at approximately 11 p.m. ET/PT.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say on Thursday from the Rec Room-Toronto Roundhouse:
 
ADONIS STEVENSON
“Badou, are you ready? You’ve never been hit; that’s the problem. When you get hit, it’s going to be different. I know you have trained very hard and are excited.
 
“Don’t blink! Because it’s only going to take one punch to knock him out. I am looking for the knockout. It’s 12 rounds and I just need one punch. Only one. That’s all I need. And as soon as it lands, I’m going to knock him out, and he will stay on the floor.
 
“I may be 40 years old but I’m hungry and just like him I have a family to support. My promoter always tells me, ‘Knock outs sell. Knock outs sell.’ So that’s what I’m going to do. I can go 12 rounds, and I can box. But I want to knockout. That’s what I’m looking for.
 
BADOU JACK
“When Floyd told me he was going to give me this fight I said, ‘Why not? This is the bigger fight.’ He can start looking for excuses now, because I’m going to knock him out.’
 
“I know Adonis is one of the hardest hitters in the business. I know he can give it, but can he take it?
 
“What happened to me (being knocked out by Derek Edwards) was an accident. It just woke me up. I have faced six world champions back to back to back, and not a lot of people in boxing could say they have done that.
 
“I want to thank all of the supporters here in Canada. I can’t even walk around the city of Toronto without somebody stopping me, everybody is supporting me. I’m very thankful.
 
“We had an amazing camp. I haven’t been sick, I haven’t had a single injury or a single problem. This is the best camp I’ve had. Everybody says that but this is actually true.
 
“You’re going to have a new champion. I asked for this fight. He didn’t ask for it. I called him out before I even moved up to light heavyweight. He’s one of the best so I’m all about fighting the best. This is my sixth world champion back to back. I’m all about the big fights and I’m all about the big money.
 
“He has nothing that scares me. I fear no man. He’s one of the toughest guys in boxing but I’m a tougher guy. I’m going to prove that May 19. There will be a new champion.”
 
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions
“Badou is not just a great champion inside the ring, he’s a great champion outside the ring. Everything that Badou Jack has got in the sport of boxing he has earned by going out there, working hard and being the best that he can be.
“Adonis Stevenson is a tough competitor. He’s a heavy hitter and one of the faces in the sport of boxing that you don’t always see. He’s behind the scenes, but he always makes a lot of noise.
“The matchup is a 50-50. Anything can happen in the sport of boxing. All it takes is one shot. One thing we do know about Badou Jack is he can give it and he can take it. He’s not going to back down from any opponent.
“Adonis has always been a solid fighter. Adonis is world champion for a reason, and Badou isn’t overlooking this guy. Stevenson is in his position for a reason.
 
“I was a lot faster, and hit harder when I was younger. As I got older, I wasn’t able to see the things that I was able to when I was younger. It was a totally different game at age 38, 39, 40. It was totally different.”
 
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“We have two great champions here. Will Adonis be able to land his vaunted left hand and be able to stop Badou Jack like he has his other opponents? Or Will Badou Jack continue his winning streak while fighting the highest boxers in the sport? It’s going to be a treat on Saturday night. Badou Jack is the face of Mayweather Promotions and he helps us out with our younger fighters and is such a good guy. Come Saturday night he will be the new WBC light heavyweight champion of the world.”
 
YVON MICHEL, President of Groupe Yvon Michel
“The reception has been great and the crowds at Air Canada Centre will be packed. Adonis Stevenson was one of the major fights that SHOWITME announced at the start of the year, and from the start the Stevenson-Jack fight has been recognized as one of the most important fights and it will be very interesting to see if two-time champion Badou Jack can take the crown from Adonis Stevenson has on his head.
 
“No one hits harder than Adonis. No one trains harder than Adonis. That’s why at 40 years old he is still at the top of boxing and one day he will be considered the best light heavyweight in the history of boxing.”
 
LEE BAXTER, President of Lee Baxter Promotions
“I promised you guys I would bring big fights, world title fights to Toronto and to the Air Canada Centre. This is a real 50-50 fight and there is a lot on the line for both of these fighters and a lot to lose. So get your tickets because I guarantee it’s going to be a sellout.”

Badou Jack Training Camp Quotes & Photos
Badou Jack Training Camp Quotes & Photos
 
Two-Division World Champion Jack Challenges Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME® from Air Canada Centre in Toronto
 
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
 
TORONTO (May 14, 2018) – As two-division world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” arrives in Canada for fight week in Toronto, he shared his thoughts on training camp and his matchup this Saturday, May 19 against WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Jack conducted training camp at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas with trainer Lou Del Valle and was able to have one of his smoothest and most effective camps of his career.
 
“This is the first camp that I haven’t had any injuries or felt sick at all during,” said Jack. “This is definitely one of the best, if not the best, camp of my career. We’ve watched film, kept a strict diet and really focused this camp on gearing up toward fight night.”
 
After a successful run as a 168-pound world champion, Jack moved up to light heavyweight last August and stopped 175-pound titlist Nathan Cleverly to become a two-division champion. However, Jack had already told his promoter Floyd Mayweather that he had his eye on the longest-reigning light heavyweight champion and he would go on to relinquish his belt to seek this fight against Stevenson.
 
“I asked for the Adonis Stevenson fight a long time ago and the Cleverly fight got me there,” said Jack. “We’ve been talking to Floyd a long time about this fight. He’s a man of his word and he always said that I was going to fight Stevenson. I’m grateful for what he’s done and now I just have to take advantage of the opportunity.”
 
Jack is well aware of the challenges presented by Stevenson, who last let an opponent go the distance in 2015, but enters this fight supremely confident in his abilities to bring the title back home.
 
“Adonis is definitely my toughest opponent on paper, but that doesn’t really mean he will be the toughest on fight night,” said Jack. “Adonis has always fought everyone put in front of him and I respect that. He’s definitely a good fighter, but I’m a better fighter.
 
“Everyone knows about his power, but he has good skills and overall can do everything you need to in the ring. I am excited to fight him and beat him.”
 
With the recent birth of his second child and launch of his new nutrition supplement brand “Ripper Nutrition” providing extra motivation but also possible distractions, Jack has been able to maintain a laser focus on May 19 and a matchup he calls “the biggest of my career.”
 
“Start to finish this camp has really gone smoothly and I feel sharp and ready for fight night,” said Jack. “Boxing is all about fighting the best. He’s one of the best, but so am I. I’m ready to show everyone on May 19.”
 
Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, May 19.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca.

BADOU JACK HITS CANADA FOR TORONTO’S MOST SIGNIFICANT WORLD TITLE FIGHT IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS
BADOU JACK HITS CANADA FOR TORONTO’S MOST SIGNIFICANT WORLD TITLE FIGHT IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS
 
Jack Challenges WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson This Saturday Live On SHOWTIME® From Air Canada Centre
 
“I’m younger, I’m stronger, I’m faster. I’m the better guy.” – Badou Jack
Click HERE For Photos Of Jack At Maple Leaf Square at Air Canada Centre; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
TORONTO (May 16, 2018) – Former two-division world champion Badou Jack explored Toronto and Maple Leaf Square at Air Canada Centre on Wednesday just three days before he challenges light heavyweight king Adonis Stevenson in what will be the city’s most significant world title fight in more 30 years.
 
Jack will attempt to dethrone WBC 175-pound champion Stevenson this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Stevenson vs. Jack is the most noteworthy fight in Toronto since Aaron Pryor defended his 140-pound title against Toronto-native Nicky Furlano on June 22, 1984 at Varsity Arena. Eleven years prior, on Sept. 22, 1973, Welterweight World Champion Jose Napoles defeated Canada’s Clyde Gray at the old Maple Leaf Gardens.
 
The most significant fight in Toronto boxing history took place more than 50 years ago when Heavyweight World Champion Muhammad Ali, on the heels of consecutive wins over Sonny Liston and Floyd Patterson, faced Toronto-native George Chuvalo. Ali defeated Chuvalo in the March 29, 1966 showdown at Maple Leafs Garden in what was a grueling 15-round unanimous decision.
 
“To have my fight here in Toronto, and for it to be the biggest fight in the city in 30 years is amazing,” Jack said. “I will become the new WBC Light Heavyweight Champion in his own country, in his backyard.”
 
Stevenson (29-1, 24 KOs), who has resided in Montreal since he was five-years-old, has fought just once in Toronto. The southpaw defended his WBC belt via knockout of Tommy Karpency at Richoh Coliseum in 2015 in a fight that he was heavily favored to win.
 
Most experts see Stevenson vs. Jack as much closer, perhaps even a 50-50 fight.
 
Jack (21-1-3, 13 KOs) is a former 168-pound and 175-pound champion who relinquished his light heavyweight title for the chance to challenge the longest reigning champion in the division, and the second-longest reigning champ in boxing.
 
“It’s become more of a reality now that I’m here in Toronto,” Jack said. “Now it’s just the countdown to fight night. My focus is making weight and becoming the new world champion. Nothing else matters. The trash talk, the critics, they don’t affect me at all.
 
“I’m younger, I’m stronger, I’m faster. I’m the better guy.”
 
Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, May 19.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca.

Adonis Stevenson Training Camp Quotes & Photos
Adonis Stevenson Training Camp Quotes & Photos
 
“I’m the best fighter in this division, period.” – Stevenson
 
Light Heavyweight World Champion Stevenson Takes on
Two-Division Champion Badou Jack Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME® from Air Canada Centre in Toronto
 
Click HERE for Photos from Sugar Hill Steward
 
TORONTO (May 15, 2018) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson is set to make his ninth, and perhaps most difficult, world title defense when he faces two-division world champion Badou Jack Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. As fight week events in Toronto near, Stevenson shared some thoughts on his training camp and Saturday’s showdown.
 
“Badou is a two-time world champion for a reason,” said Stevenson. “I’m not underestimating him. I know he’s durable and that he has attributes like good head movement and I’ll have to be ready for everything.”
 
Although many consider this Stevenson’s toughest defense in at least a few years, the champion’s mindset is unchanged from any of his other world title fights.
 
“Every fight is a big fight for me,” said Stevenson. “This fight is nothing different. Badou Jack is a good fighter and people think very highly of him. But in my mind, he’s just the next guy that I have to beat.”
 
With knockout victories in seven of his nine world title fights, Stevenson has become known for exceptional power, especially in his left hand. This serves as a strategy for the champion and is something he trains for under the guidance of his trainer Javan “Sugar” Hill.
 
“I’m always going for the knockout,” said Stevenson. “I’m still ready for 12 rounds, but I want the stoppage every time. I’m hungry for knockouts. If Badou comes in aggressive, this could end very quickly.
 
“You have to step into the ring with me to understand my power. If I connect right just one time, that’s it, lights out. We train specifically for knockouts. You’ll have to wait and see how I do it on May 19.”
 
As the longest-reigning champion at 175-pounds, and the second longest-reigning champion in boxing, Stevenson has established his case as the best fighter in the division, something he looks to continue to prove on May 19.
 
“I’m the king at light heavyweight,” said Stevenson. “I beat the king to become the king. I know that I’ve accomplished some great things and me and my team plan to continue to do everything we can to stay on top.
 
“I’m the best fighter in this division, period. When I win on May 19, I’ll just be doing my job. People might still talk trash, but I’ll still be the champ.”
 
Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, May 19.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca.
 

ADONIS STEVENSON & BADOU JACK FACE OFF IN TORONTO TO FORMALLY ANNOUNCE MAY 19 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP LIVE ON SHOWTIME
ADONIS STEVENSON & BADOU JACK FACE OFF IN TORONTO TO FORMALLY ANNOUNCE MAY 19 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM AIR CANADA CENTRE
“I am the best light heavyweight in the world, and Toronto and the world will see that on May 19.” – Adonis Stevenson
“I asked for this fight for a long time and finally we got it. On May 19 we’re going to have a three-time world champion.” – Badou Jack
Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Baxter Promotions
WHAT: WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and former two-division world champion Badou Jack faced off in Toronto on Tuesday to formally announce their highly anticipated showdown Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
 
The southpaw Stevenson (29-1, 24 KOs) is the longest reigning champion in the 175-pound division and one of the hardest hitters in boxing. Jack (22-1-3, 13 KOs) is a former 168 and 175-pound champion who relinquished his title for the chance to challenge Stevenson in the biggest light heavyweight showdown of 2018.
 
Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
 
Tickets for the Premier Boxing Champions event in Toronto, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale Friday, April 27 and will be available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca.
 
Below are quotes from the fighters and event promoters.
 
ADONIS STEVENSON:
“I love Toronto, I spend a lot of time here. I have fought here before. I have a lot of fans in Toronto, and on May 19 I’m going to put on a show for them. I’m going to give them something to remember.
“Badou Jack is an excellent opponent. He’s smart, he’s been a world champion, and he’s shown he’s a true competitor. But I am the best light heavyweight in the world, and Toronto and the world will see that on May 19.
 
“Badou Jack is a good champion. He’s not coming to Canada to lose. I know he’s coming to win so we need to train like we’ve never trained before.
 
“I know Badou is one of the best boxers in the world and I can’t take him lightly. We can’t underestimate this guy – he’s a two-time world champion.
 
“I’m looking for the knockout. I know Badou is ready, I’m ready, May 19 will be exciting.”
BADOU JACK:
“I’m glad to be fighting here in Toronto on May 19. I want to thank Adonis and his team for giving me the opportunity. I’ve been training for a while now, and feel great. Camp has been great. I think I’m getting better and better, and I’m ready to become a world champion again on May 19 and give Toronto a show.
“He’s a strong fighter, everybody knows that. He does a lot of things well, not just land the big shots. But I’m a guy who’s great at a lot of things, and who’s coming to win. I promise you, I’ll leave Toronto a champion.
 
“We have three more weeks to get ready for one of the biggest fights of my life. I asked for this fight for a long time and finally we got it. On May 19 we’re going to have a three-time world champion.”
 
YVON MICHEL, Groupe Yvon Michele:
“We were faced with a situation in Montreal that demanded this fight be moved. I called MLSE, and Lee Baxter, and with the co-operation of everybody here, we knew almost immediately that this fight had a great new home here at the ACC in Toronto.
“Over the duration of his time as world champion, Adonis has become not only one of the best light heavyweights in the world, but one of the best fighters in the sport. But Badou Jack is the toughest opponent that Adonis has faced since becoming champion. Adonis has always risen to the occasion, and on May 19th he’ll do it again and be successful in defending his world championship.”
LEE BAXTER, Baxter Promotions:
“Taking on a project like this with just three weeks to sell the fight is a huge task. But this is an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. We’ve been on a mission to bring boxing to Toronto sports fans and put us back on the sport’s map. I think this is the perfect group of people to pull off this task and turn this endeavor into a huge success.
“I want to thank Yvon Michel, MLSE, Mayweather Promotions, the champion Adonis Stevenson, Badou Jack, and everybody else represented on the dais. This is a great fight, regardless of where it takes place, but because it’s happening here in Toronto at the ACC, with an undercard featuring some of the best local fighters fighting on the biggest stage of their careers, it’s going to be a great Toronto sports event.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, Mayweather Promotions:
“First, I want to extend our hearts and best wishes to everybody affected by Monday’s horrifying tragedy here in Toronto.
“I know first-hand that Toronto is a great sports city. Floyd and I saw it with our own eyes when we were here last year promoting his fight with McGregor. The fans are passionate, and vocal, and they’re hungry for a good fight. I know they’re going to love seeing Badou Jack become a three-time world champion.”

Hard-Hitting Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Defends His Title Against Two-Division Champion Badou Jack Saturday, May 19 Live on SHOWTIME

Hard-Hitting Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Defends His Title Against Two-Division Champion
Badou Jack Saturday, May 19 Live on SHOWTIME® at
Air Canada Centre in Toronto in an Event Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions
 
SHOWTIME Presents Two Main Events In a Split-Site Telecast on May 19 As Featherweight Champion Gary Russell, Jr. Defends Title Against Top Contender Joseph Diaz from
MGM National Harbor in Maryland
 
Tickets on Sale for Toronto Event Friday, April 27
TORONTO (April 24, 2018) – Undefeated knockout artist Adonis Stevenson, the longest reigning light heavyweight world champion, will defend his title against two-division champion Badou Jack on Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The showdown between Stevenson and Jack is one of the most intriguing matches in the light heavyweight division as Jack, a former 168-pound and 175-pound champion, has relinquished his title for the chance to challenge one of the hardest hitters in the sport. Both men are looking to make their claim as the class of the division.
 
Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, May 19.
 
Tickets for the Toronto show, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale Friday, April 27 and will be available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca.
 
“It is the second time that we will come to Toronto to promote a WBC world championship fight with Adonis Stevenson,” said Yvon Michel, President of Groupe Yvon Michel. “If you found the first event to be spectacular, be sure not to miss the second one as it will be a real firework! Badou Jack is a two-division world champion and an Olympian. He is dangerous and by far the biggest challenge for Adonis since he won the title against Chad Dawson in 2013. We are confident that ‘Superman’ has what it takes to defend his title successfully for the ninth time.
 
“I would also like to give thanks to our co-promoter Lee Baxter. This event would not have been possible without his collaboration. In addition, I am grateful for Lee and Wayne Zronik from MLSE, who are providing great support for this event and has opened the doors of the Air Canada Centre to us.”
 
“Mayweather Promotions is looking forward to partnering with Groupe Yvon Michel to pull off this highly anticipated matchup,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Adonis Stevenson has been a reigning champion in this division since 2013. Badou Jack has risen to every challenge he’s faced in his career. Now, he has an opportunity to become a three-time world champion and that raises the stakes for him. I predict two confident, hard-punching and highly skilled fighters will enter the ring at Air Canada Centre on May 19, both determined to walk away a champion.”
 
“We are looking forward to hosting this spectacular event at Air Canada Centre,” said Wayne Zronik, Senior Vice President, Music and Live Events at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “It is the first title fight that the venue will host. We’ve worked with this group before to bring world class boxing to the city and are excited for the return of championship boxing to Toronto, and to Air Canada Centre in particular.”
 
Stevenson (29-1, 24 KOs) owns one of the most powerful left hands in boxing and goes by the ring moniker “Superman”. The 40-year-old Stevenson has made eight successful defenses of his title since winning it with a knockout victory over Chad Dawson in 2013. The lineal 175-pound champion most recently defended his title with a second-round stoppage of Andrzej Fonfara last June and delivered a third round TKO over Tommy Karpency in his most recent defense in Toronto in 2015.
 
“I’m definitely excited and hungry to get into the ring and perform,” said Stevenson. “I’ve trained very hard for this fight against Badou Jack. I’m looking forward to winning this fight by knockout. I’m from the Kronk Gym and we always look for the knockout. Jack is a good, technical boxer. He was a world champion and he has done very well. He’s tough and I won’t underestimate him. I’ll be prepared for anything he brings in the ring.
 
“I’m fighting him at home in Canada, so I’m looking to give the fans a good show. I’ve got power and I’ve got the best left hook in boxing. I’ve got 12 rounds and I just need to touch you once to end it. It’s not complicated. I don’t need three or four shots. I just need one shot and you’re not going to recover. I’m going to finish you.”
 
The 34-year-old Jack (22-1-2, 13 KOs) relinquished his 168-pound world championship following a majority draw against James DeGale in 2017 to move up to light heavyweight. He made a successful debut at 175 pounds by knocking out Nathan Cleverly for the light heavyweight championship last August. Jack then relinquished that title to seek out this challenge against the division’s heaviest hitter. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, a 2008 Olympian for his father’s native Gambia and now residing in Las Vegas, Jack is looking to become a three-time world champion on his opponent’s home turf on May 19.
 
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to fight for my third world title against one of the division’s best, Adonis Stevenson,” said Jack. “I’ve been asking for this fight for a long time and was willing to fight him anywhere, including his backyard. I know he’s good and very dangerous and that’s the reason I want to fight him. I’m all about the best fighting the best and come May 19th, I’m bringing the WBC belt back to Las Vegas. My newborn son, Malik was born just before training camp so now I have two children to fight for, which gives me all the motivation I need to get this win.”

Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Faces Andrzej Fonfara in Championship Rematch 

Andrzej Fonfara “Im ready for revenge”


 “

Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Faces

Andrzej Fonfara in Championship Rematch That Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING,

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, June 3

Live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre in Montreal

 

Light Heavyweight Showdown Between Top Contender Eleider Alvarez and Former World Champion Jean Pascal Featured as

Co-Main Event on SHOWTIME

 

Tickets on Sale Now! 

MONTREAL (April 21, 2017) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion
Adonis “Superman” Stevenson will take-on hard-hitting Polish contender
Andrzej Fonfara in a rematch of their 2014 slugfest on Saturday, June 3 in the main event of
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, live on SHOWTIME from the Bell Centre in Montreal.  

 

Televised coverage will also include a matchup of top light heavyweights as WBC number-one contender
Eleider Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs) faces former world champion Jean Pascal
(31-4-1, 18 KOs) with both men looking to get a shot at the winner of the main event next.

 

Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) and Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) battled at Bell Centre on May 24, 2014 as Stevenson was able to survive a knockdown late in the fight to win a decision and defend his belt for the third time. Both men threw
huge shots all the way until the final bell and will look to pick up where they left off on June 3.

 

“I’m very excited for this rematch with Fonfara, but it is going to be a short night for him because they don’t pay me for overtime,” said Stevenson. “I’m very happy to
be back in the ring for my first fight of 2017. I can’t wait to fight in front of my hometown fans at the Bell Centre. The first time I fought Fonfara was at the Bell Centre in 2014 and now we’re back doing it for a second time. I will put on a great, exciting
show for the fans in my hometown, and for the fans on SHOWTIME.”

 

“I feel good that I’m back here after three years,” said Fonfara. “I’m ready for revenge. I’m a different fighter physically and mentally. I’ve shown in a couple of fights that I’m a better fighter. It’s a
great opportunity to get the rematch and be a world champion. The last fight against Chad Dawson gave me experience because it was very technical. But really all the fights since then – Julio Chavez, Jr., Nathan Cleverly and even Joe Smith – have helped me
prepare for Stevenson again. I changed my team, got a new coach and a trainer, which makes me physically and mentally where I need to be for this fight. I don’t have a problem fighting in Montreal. I love Montreal. It’s a beautiful city with beautiful people.
It will be a great night of boxing and I’m sure that I will be victorious on the night of June 3.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Group Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced from $80 to $350, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the
Bell Centre box office, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514)

383-0666)

or at Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980.

 

“This is one of the best shows in Quebec in a long time,” said Yvon Michel, President of GYM. “It’s the kind of event that will inject some adrenaline into boxing in Quebec. We have two fights that
could be main events anywhere in the world and on any network. Adonis will defend his title for the eighth time. To be a world champion for four years is exceptional. Fonfara has a style that can give Adonis some problems.’

 

“In the co-main event we have a former world champion in Pascal who still believes he can be world champion. He will have a tough assignment with Alvarez, a fighter who just proved he belongs with the
best in the world with his win over Lucian Bute. If he beats Pascal he will have beaten two of the best stars that Canada has ever produced in back-to-back fights. He will prove to be a threat to anyone in the future.”

 

“We’re really looking forward to taking on Stevenson at the Bell Centre in Montreal on SHOWTIME,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing, Fonfara’s promoter. “Andrzej was just 26-years-old when
they fought last time and it was a big step up for him. We believe he’s now ready to win because he has gained a significant amount of experience in matches with Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Nathan Cleverly and Chad Dawson. We’re thrilled to be given the opportunity
to fight Stevenson for the world title for a second time.”

 

Stevenson won the world light heavyweight title in June of 2013 in Montreal, via a sensational 76-second, first-round knockout over the then-undisputed king of the division Chad Dawson. The
impressive victory earned Stevenson “Knockout of the Year” and “Fighter of the Year” accolades. From there, Stevenson went on to record stoppage victories over Tavoris Cloud and Tony Bellew in addition to the decision over Fonfara. Born in Haiti, but fighting
out of Quebec, Stevenson defended his title twice in 2015 before making the seventh defense of his belt in an exciting firefight with Thomas Williams Jr. that ended with a fourth-round knockout for the reigning champion. The lineal 175-pound champion trains
out of the late Emanuel Steward’s Kronk Gym with his head trainer Sugar Hill.

 

Now training in Oakland with Virgil Hunter, Fonfara enters this bout coming off of a 10th-round stoppage victory over former world champion Chad Dawson in March at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The fighter out of
Warsaw, Poland bounced back from his defeat to Stevenson with a TKO victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and a decision over Nathan Cleverly in a 2015 Fight of the Year contender. The 29-year-old won his first 13 fights after moving up to light heavyweight
in 2010 including wins over Gabriel Campillo, Glen Johnson and Tommy Karpency.

 

A 2008 Colombian Olympian fighting out of Montreal, Alvarez worked his way into the mandatory position for the WBC title with victories over Isidro Ranoni Prieto and Isaac Chilemba in 2015. He followed those
up with wins over Robert Berridge and Norbert Dabrowski before his most recent matchup that saw him deliver a sensation fifth round knockout over former world champion Lucian Bute.

 

Originally from Haiti, Pascal and his family moved to Canada when he was a child and began boxing at the age of 13. He would eventually become one of the most accomplished fighters from Montreal. Pascal became
a world champion in 2009 when he defeated previously unbeaten Adrian Diaconu. He would go on to defend the title three times, including a victory over Chad Dawson. After losing his title to Bernard Hopkins, Pascal has picked up victories over Lucian Bute,
Yuniesky Gonzalez and most recently Ricardo Ramallo in addition to two challenges of former unified world champion Sergey Kovalev