FOX SPORTS AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCE 2019 SCHEDULE THROUGH APRIL

All photo credits- Lionel Hahn/FOX/Picture Group

FOX SPORTS AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCE 2019 SCHEDULE THROUGH APRIL, Five FOX, Four FS1 PBC Fight Nights, Plus First Pay-Per-View Highlight Schedule Unveiled at FOX Sports – PBC Media Experience.

LOS ANGELES – FOX Sports and Premier Boxing Champions announced eight televised world title fights today in Los Angeles and laid out their upcoming fight schedule through April. The lineup includes five world-class boxing fight nights live on FOX and FOX Deportes, four more on FS1 and FOX Deportes, and the first FOX PBC Pay-Per-View in March.

You can re-watch the PBC-FOX Sports Media Experience on FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports App and Caffeine. See below for the schedule of fights coming up in early 2019:

Jermall Charlo vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. and Jermell Charlo vs. Tony Harrison; Dominic Breazeale vs. Carlos Negron, Saturday, December 22, 2018, 8:00 PM ET on FOX. Barclays Center, Brooklyn

Jermall Charlo Monroe Jr. Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group

Jermell Charlo Harrison Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group

Breazeale Negron FOX PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn FOX Picture Group

Jose Uzcategui vs. Caleb Plant, Sunday, January 13, 2019, 8:00 PM ET on FS1. Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles

Uzcategui Plant Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group

Keith Thurman vs. Josesito Lopez; Adam Kownacki vs. Gerald Washington, Saturday, January 26, 2019, 8:00 PM ET on FOX. Barclays Center, Brooklyn

Thurman Lopez Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group

Kownacki Washington Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Miguel Flores; Omar Figueroa Jr. vs. John Molina Jr., Saturday, February 16, 2019, 8:00 PM ET on FOX. Los Angeles

Santa Cruz Flores Credit Lionel Hahan Fox Picture Group

Figueroa Molina Jr. Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group

Anthony Dirrell vs. Avni Yildirim, Saturday, February 23, 2019, 10:00 PM ET on FS1. The Armory, Minneapolis

Dirrell Yildirim Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group

Shawn Porter vs. Yordenis Ugas, Saturday, March 9, 2019, 8:00 PM ET on FOX. Las Vegas

Porter Ugas Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group
Errol Spence Jr. vs. Mikey Garcia, Saturday, March 16, 2019, 9:00 PM ET on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View. AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Spence Jr. Garcia Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group
Lamont Peterson vs. Sergey Lipinets, Sunday, March 24, 2019, 8:00 PM ET on FS1. MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD

Peterson Lipinets Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group
Caleb Truax vs. Peter Quillin, Saturday, April 13, 2019, 10:00 PM ET on FS1. The Armory, Minneapolis

Truax Quillin Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group
Danny Garcia vs. Adrian Granados, Saturday, April 20, 2019, 8:00 PM ET on FOX.

Danny Garcia Fox Sports PBC press event 11 13 18 Credit Lionel Hahn Fox Picture Group
The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Sports. Please visit http://www.premierboxingchampions.comand follow Premier Boxing Champions on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on FOX Sports, visit FOX Sports Press Pass.

About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About Premier Boxing Champions
The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.

–FOX SPORTS–

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Carlos Ocampo Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Carlos Ocampo Final Press Conference
Quotes & Photos
 
Unbeaten Welterweight World Champion Faces Undefeated Challenger This Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
FRISCO, TEXAS (June 14, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and top-rated contender Carlos Ocampo spoke to media at the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters Thursday as Spence nears his homecoming title defense against his unbeaten challenger this Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman defending his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores and former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction, all of whom were in attendance at Thursday’s final press conference.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday ahead of the first boxing event to take place inside Ford Center at The Star:
 
ERROL SPENCE JR.
 
“I’m really happy to be here and I’m so happy that everyone came out. Saturday night is going to be great. I’ve been training for 10 weeks and I’m 100 percent focused on Ocampo. I’m here to do my job, which is to win and look good winning.
 
“Ocampo is very dangerous because he has nothing to lose. It’s his first title fight, which is a position I’ve been in before. I had a lot of fire and I felt like I had nothing to lose. I’m sure he’s been training hard and is focused. I know he’s fighting for him family so he’s going to come to fight. I want a guy who’s going to test me so the crowd gets their money’s worth.
 
“I’ve had pressure my whole boxing career. Being on Olympian and a top prospect was pressure, but then I also went overseas to take the title from a top fighter. I’ve always overcome the pressure on me and I’m going to overcome another test on Saturday night.
 
“Every fight is a statement fight. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting. All eyes are on me in the welterweight division. People want to see if there are chinks in my armor, so it’s important for me to put on a great performance and prove I’m the best welterweight in the division.
 
“Dallas already is a boxing town, just not enough boxing comes here. I can be the star who has annual fights and bring the city out like we’re doing Saturday night. I’m going to prove we’re a boxing city in Dallas and that Texas is a boxing state period. I do this for the whole state.
 
“We work hard every camp and we’re 100 percent dedicated. There hasn’t been much difference in this camp than normal. The sparring with Jermell Charlo was top quality and has me prepared for Saturday night.
 
“I’m ready to line up those other champions. I’ve said that since I was 15-0. I want to fight every opponent and take them out no matter who it is. I’m here to prove that I’m the best in the division.”
 
CARLOS OCAMPO
 
“We’re here on the same stage and I’m ready. I’m appreciative to be here and I’m calm. I have nothing to lose. He has all the pressure of being in his hometown. I’m just relaxed and ready to fight.
 
“I’ve studied his fights enough. What’s most important is that I know that he has everything to lose and I don’t. He has a home field advantage, but at the end of the day, it’s just two guys in the ring.
 
“I’ve gotten a great reception from the people here in Dallas. I’ve been treated like a champion and after Saturday I’ll be a world champion. You don’t want to miss this fight.
 
“He can try to come and knock me out, but this is my dream. This is what I’ve trained my whole life for and i’m not going to let this chance pass me by.
 
“I’m going to use my height, distance and jab throughout the fight. The counter will be important for me. I’m going to look to catch him so he better be ready.
 
“I’m going to leave everything in the ring. I’m going to show what I have and give everyone a great performance from start to finish.”
 
DANIEL ROMAN
 
“Flores is a tough opponent. I don’t overlook anybody. I know he’s going to come in and fight. Defending my belt is the only thing that’s on my mind.
 
“We work hard like always. The only thing that changes in camp is strategy, and we will be ready for anything Flores can bring.
 
“We’re going to be ready for his pressure. I’m going to fight a smart fight. If we have a chance to take him out early, then I’m going to jump on it. You never know what could happen in a fight.
 
“Flores is not an easy opponent. Nobody is at this level. I just work hard every day like it’s my first shot at a world title. I know that if I put in the work, everything will come together in the ring.”
 
MOISES FLORES
 
“Roman is a good fighter, that’s why we’re here. Hopefully on Saturday night he won’t be able to take my volume of punches. I’m going to bring pressure for every moment of the fight and we’ll see if he holds up.
 
“Everyone knows that I like to come forward and make exciting fights. There will be drama and I’m expecting to come out of there with my hand raised.
 
“On Saturday night I’m going to get redemption for everything that happened in my last fight and deliver a win and an exciting fight. This is a chance that I’ve worked and trained hard to get again.”
 
JAVIER FORTUNA
 
“Everyone knows what I can do here in the ring. I’m very glad to be here meeting Granados, because we’re going to give the fans a a great fight on Saturday that’s going to steal the show.
 
“I know that Granados has fought a lot of top opposition, but on Saturday night, I’m going to be a different fighter than he’s ever seen in the ring.
 
“This will be a battle. Everyone will see on fight night what the difference is between me and him. I’m a special fighter. I’m going to prove it again on Saturday.”
 
ADRIAN GRANADOS
 
“It’s been a long hard road to this fight. I know I have marks on my record, but I can easily say that I know all of them have been controversial. I’ve pushed through everything and I know that I’m truly respected as a fighter.
 
“I’m always going to bring the same fire and determination to the ring. If my opponent is brave enough to stand with me, then it’s going to be all-action. Either way, I’m coming to break him down and get the victory.
 
‘Recently I’ve gone against a lot of opposition that is naturally bigger than me, but I’ve never backed down or been afraid of any of them. This fight is going to prove that I belong in the upper echelon of boxing.
 
“I’ve checked out Fortuna’s fights and he’s a scrapper. He likes to bang too in the ring just like I do. It’s all the recipes for a can’t miss fight.”
 
DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer
 
“I’m very happy to see everybody out here and we’re so glad that the fans are getting involved. This city means everything to me and Errol, so to bring a great night like this and have this huge reception from the fans, is a little bit of extra motivation.
 
“I think we’re going to see a great fight. Ocampo is very tough opposition and Errol has trained very hard. We’re going to see the best Errol Spence on Saturday night and I’m sure we’ll see the best Carlos Ocampo, which should make for a fun night for the fans.”
 
BRITTANY GOOSSEN BROWN, Vice President of TGB Promotions
 
“We are so excited for Saturday night and to be bringing the first boxing event inside Ford Center at The Star. Dallas is a great fight town and who better to headline the first title fight here in 50 years than hometown favorite Errol Spence Jr.? He is sure to put on a great performance for his hometown fans.
 
“It has truly been a pleasure to work with the entire Dallas Cowboys organization throughout this promotion and we hope this is just the start of bringing sellout crowds here to the heart of Texas. We can’t wait to see you all there on Saturday night.”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc.
 
“SHOWTIME is thrilled to be here at The Star for the first boxing event inside of Ford Center. Week after week and month after month, we’ve delivered the best fighters in the most meaningful fights to boxing fans. Saturday is the 11th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this year. These events have featured more than 15 world title fights, just in the first six months of the year. We’re doing more boxing and more high quality boxing than any other network by far.
 
“Saturday is no exception, especially in terms of quality. Errol Spence Jr. is a consensus top five pound-for-pound fighter. He’s knocked out 10 straight fighters and it was 2014 when an opponent last went the distance. Errol is in many ways our Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys quarterback), he’s a young star, a fan favorite and we expect him to be one of the faces of the sport for years to come.
 
“If you know of the tradition of Mexican fighters in this sport, then you know that Carlos Ocampo cannot be overlooked. He’s coming to win and that makes him very dangerous and should create an exciting fight.
 
“Both of the opening bouts leading up to the main event on SHOWTIME are significant bouts with fighters that bring all action styles to the ring.”

Super Bantamweight World Champion Daniel Roman Defends Title Against Unbeaten Moises Flores Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME®

Super Bantamweight World Champion Daniel Roman Defends Title Against Unbeaten Moises Flores Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME® from Ford Center at The Star
 
Plus! Former World Champion Javier Fortuna Battles
Adrian Granados in a 140-Pound Special Attraction
 
Welterweight Champion Errol Spence, Jr. Headlines With
World Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger
Carlos Ocampo in Homecoming Event Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions
FRISCO, TEXAS (June 4, 2018) – Super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman will defend his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The event will also see former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction that kicks off the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Undefeated welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. will defend his IBF world title in a Dallas-area homecoming at the Dallas Cowboys facility against unbeaten mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in the main event. It will be the first boxing event inside Ford Center and Spence’s first hometown fight as world champion.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com
 
“This is shaping up to be a fantastic card with the addition of the 122-pound championship fight between Daniel Roman and Moises Flores and former champion Javier Fortuna taking on Adrian Granados in a 140-pound special attraction,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “None of these boxers have reverse in their gear box, which promises entertaining battles for the fans at The Star and those watching at home on SHOWTIME.”
 
The 27-year-old Roman (24-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making his second title defense of the WBA 122-pound championship he won with a TKO victory over Shun Kubo last September in Japan. The 28-year-old, of Los Angeles, Calif., returned to Japan and made his first title defense with a unanimous decision victory over Ryo Matsumoto this February. Roman enters this bout having won 16-straight fights.
 
“Everyone knows I want to fight the best and Flores is right up there,” said Roman. “He’s unbeaten for a reason and he’s the number one challenger for my title. I’m not taking him lightly. I’m motivated to be great. I’m more focused now than ever before. I’m not going to let Flores, or anyone else take my belt. The plan is simple. Pick him apart round by round just like I’ve done in my other world title fights.”
 
Flores (25-0, 17 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, returns to the ring after a no contest against Guillermo Rigondeaux in a fight that saw Flores hit and knocked out with a shot that was initially called legal, but was eventually ruled to have come after the bell, thus causing the no contest. The 31-year-old scored an impressive win with a decision victory over Oscar Escandon in 2015 that earned him an interim 122-pound title and followed that up with victories over previously once-beaten fighters Luis Emanuel Cusolito and Paulus Ambunda.
 
“I’m going to make Daniel Roman fight me every round until the end,” said Flores. “He’s a good boxer and a counter puncher, but I’m a warrior so I’ll be ready for anything he brings. If he can’t hold up to my power, then he’s going down early. This is a must-win and I’m determined to become a world champion on June 16.”
 
Fortuna (33-2-1, 23 KOs) won the super featherweight title with a unanimous decision against Bryan Vasquez in 2015 and enters this fight looking to bounce back from a split-decision loss to lightweight champion Robert Easter, Jr. in January on SHOWTIME. The 28-year-old Fortuna, of La Romana, Dominican Republic, failed to make weight for the Easter fight and will now seek to challenge in the 140-pound division.
 
“I know that Adrian Granados is a warrior, but this fight breaks in my favor because I am simply the better fighter,” said Fortuna. “I respect Granados’ style and I know he surprises a lot of people with his resiliency in the ring. I’m fully prepared to out-box him on fight night. I’m not concerned about moving up in weight either because once we step into the ring, I’ll be the bigger guy.”
 
The 28-year-old Granados (18-6-2, 12 KOs) has garnered a reputation as a boxer willing to accept all challenges and one who always pushed his opponents to the brink. Fighting out of Chicago, he looks to get back on the winning track with a victory over Fortuna. Last year Granados lost a unanimous decision to former welterweight champion Shawn Porter and a split-decision to four-division champion Adrien Broner. Before those two losses, Granados had put together a five-match win streak that included a TKO victory over Amir Imam.
“Javier Fortuna is a crafty southpaw, but I’m going to be stronger and better than ever back at 140-pounds,” said Granados. “I feel like I can knock out anybody at this weight. After I beat Amir Imam, everyone has been ducking me at this weight class. I’m going to make a statement about where I belong in boxing and give the fans a great show like I always do.”

DEONTAY WILDER RETAINS WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND KNOCKOUT OF BERMANE STIVERNE

DEONTAY WILDER RETAINS WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND KNOCKOUT OF BERMANE STIVERNE SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME®FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
 
Shawn Porter Scores Unanimous Decision Win Over Adrian Granados in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
 
Catch The Replay Monday, Nov. 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Watch the Wilder KO: http://s.sho.com/2zguBki
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions 
 
BROOKLYN (Nov. 5, 2017) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder retained his WBC title in his sixth defense with a dominant first-round knockout of mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday night on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
 
Wilder (39-0, 38 KO’s) knocked Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs) to the ground three times before referee Arthur Mercante halted the bout at 2:59 of the opening round. After Stiverne took Wilder the distance in their January 2015 title bout, Wilder has now knocked out every single opponent that he has faced in his career. Watch Wilder knocking out Stiverne HERE.
 
“So much frustration, it just seemed like my career, it’s been crazy. So many guys using PED’s”, said Wilder, the only American heavyweight world champion. “I just want to prove that I am the best. I know I am the best but I want to prove I am the best.”
 
Wilder first knocked Stiverne to the ground with a devastating one-two combination that caught the Haitian challenger on the nose. Seconds after Stiverne got back to his feet, Wilder landed another clean combination with a big left and an overhand right that sent a stunned Stiverne back to the canvas. The final blow came in the waning moments of the opening round as Wilder landed four clean punches to the face of a wobbly Stiverne.
 
“You have to give props to Stiverne for getting in the ring,” said Wilder. “It takes a lot of courage and it takes a lot of pride to step in the ring with someone like me. We do what we have to do in the ring and at least he stepped up. He was a clean fighter.” 
 
After the brutal knockout, an emotional Wilder was asked by SHOWTIME Sports®reporter Jim Gray about a possible fight with unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
 
“I’ve been waiting on that fight for a long time now,” said Wilder. “I declare war upon you. Do you accept my challenge? I’ve been waiting for a long time. I know I’m the champion. I know I’m the best. Are you up for the test?
 
“A king doesn’t chase the peasants. A king takes kings. I want Joshua. If he doesn’t give me the fight we have other plans. The world wants Joshua, the world wants Wilder, I want Joshua. Joshua come and see me baby. No more dodging, no more excuses. Make the date, don’t wait.”
Former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter (28-2-1, 17 KOs) defeatedAdrian Granados (18-6-2, 11 KOs) via unanimous decision (scored 117-111 by all three judges) in an exciting fight between two all-action competitors that served as the co-featured event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. The victory makes Porter the mandatory title challenger for unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman’sWBC belt.
 
Porter, who injured his left hand in the sixth round, landed the sharper and more accurate punches throughout the fight, including 40 percent of his power punches. Both fighters came out aggressive in the early rounds and exchanged several powerful blows.
 
“He gave me a little trouble here and there,” said Porter. “I hurt my left hand in the sixth round, but I kept using it. I had to use my jab. It took a toll on me and by the 10th round I just couldn’t throw it anymore.
 
“The strategy was to keep working the jab. I knew he’d come at me periodically. I was prepared and dug deep to get the win.”
 
Granados, of Cicero, Ill., fought valiantly and withstood multiple barrages from the powerful Porter and countered with several quick combinations of his own. Granados, who landed just 24 percent of his total punches, disagreed with the judges’ scorecard. 
 
“I thought that I was controlling the fight and keeping up with him the whole time,” Granados told Jim Gray. “He was just trying to use his normal tricks. I rocked him multiple times and he never had me in any trouble.
 
“He’s a brute. I thought the referee [Gary Rosato] did a good job breaking up the fight at the right times. It was rough but I definitely thought I did better than the scorecards said.” 
 
In the opening bout of the telecast, unbeaten top contender Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs) earned the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Japanese veteran Akihiro Kondo (29-7-1, 16 KOs). The judges scored the fight118-110, 117-111 and 117-111.  
 
The back-and-forth 12-round world championship fight saw Lipinets control the early rounds with a diversified, creative attack targeting Kondo’s body. An accidental clash of heads in the sixth round, which opened up a deep cut on the forehead of Lipinets, altered the momentum of the fight as Kondo gained confidence and was able to land some powerful punches to the head and body of Lipinets. The 28-year old Lipinets, who earned the title in just his 13th professional fight, was able to regain control in the later rounds to earn the unanimous win.   
 
“I think the scorecards were accurate but it was a good fight,” said Lipinets. “The head-butt really impaired my vision and it led to me walking into some stupid shots.
 
“I’m happy with my performance. I’m just going to keep getting better from here. I’m ready to take any on challenge thrown my way.”
 
Kondo, who was fighting for the first time in the United States, proved a worthy opponent on the night. “It was a fair decision,” said Kondo, through a translater. “He hit me with a lot of hard punches and I felt like I needed at least a knockdown in the last round.
 
“I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to show any pain or fear from his punches. I was determined to keep fighting all night.”
 
Saturday’s telecast will replay on, Sunday, November 5 at 9 a.m. ET/PT and Monday, November 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®
 
This event was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions. 

Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Deontay Wilder vs. Bermane Stiverne Final Press Conference
Quotes & Photos
 
Heavyweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader Saturday, November 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
(Photos include Times Square Photo-op with Wilder)
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (November 2, 2017) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and former world championBermane Stiverne went face-to-face and exchanged words onstage Thursday at the final press conference before they battle in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event this Saturday, November 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, the event features former world champion Shawn Porter taking on Adrian Granados in a welterweight world title eliminator. The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten Sergey Lipinets battling Japan’s Akihiro Kondo for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.
 
Joining the fighters and press conference participants onstage was Hall of Fame Promoter Don King, who promotes Stiverne and predicted that his fighter would shock the world and deliver an upset on Saturday night.  
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.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 press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan:
 
DEONTAY WILDER
 
“Stiverne was the only man to survive the ‘Alabama Slammer’ and avoid a knockout. When I knock him out, then nobody will be able to say they made it through against me. He was nothing but a lot of lumps and excuses after the first fight.
 
“It’s been a long road for me. I’ve had my ups and my downs. The ups I’ve celebrated, but the downs have hurt the most. It’s all led me to here. All I ever wanted to do is prove to the world that I am the best. I am the baddest. I hit the hardest. I am the most feared. My record speaks for itself.
 
“Winner takes all. I am a man of my word. We’ve heard Bermane Stiverne say these same things before. We’ve heard it all before. What happened the first time? Everybody knows. Hopefully he doesn’t get dehydrated this time.
 
“This just turned up into a whole other level. The ambulance better be ready. The medical teams better be ready. The referee better be ready. They better have that towel to be able to throw it in because every blow is going to mean something. This just got even more personal.
 
“There’s nothing different that he can bring to the table. He brought everything he could bring the first time. He brought all his tricks – all his power. There’s nothing he’s going to be able to do this time. The only thing he’s going to be able to do is pick his spot on the ground where he’s going to lay at.”
 
“I do my talking and my walking in that ring. That’s what it’s all about. That’s why we’re here. November 4 the truth with reveal itself. That’s when it counts. When Deontay Wilder speaks, I mean what I say. But I’m going to show you, instead of tell you, on Saturday night.
 
“This will be an electrifying fight. That belt isn’t going anywhere. I will unify the division. I will be the undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
 
BERMANE STIVERNE
 
“Deontay Wilder has been trying to duck me. He’s been giving a lot of excuses about my career. He should be happy if I’ve been inactive. He should be jumping in the air. Everyone knows that means he’s scared. He knows what time it is.
 
“He already gave me his best. I had nothing last fight. But now I’m a very dangerous man. Everyone here knows what time it is.
 
“I feel great and I feel strong. There will be no excuses this time. I can guarantee you this. I’m 100 percent this time.
 
“Deontay said he fears for my life. Well, I don’t fear for his life. I’m going to do whatever it takes to grab that title. And I’ll walk away with a smile on my face.
 
“You caught me sleeping last time. Nobody is going to be sleeping this time. I’m going to be on you all night. It’s over for you.
 
“This is a fighter that I took him the longest rounds in any of his fights. He had never gone past seven or eight. 
 
“He’s like a third round or fourth round knockout guy depending on the level of his opponent. Anyone that would be a decent or strong opponent, he’s not going to last. From rounds six through 12 he didn’t do much. Everything was in the first six. 
 
“His last fights that I’ve watched, I haven’t seen any progress.
 
“Saturday, November 4 I will be two-time heavyweight champion of the world. No one can stop me. He can smile all he wants. But on Saturday I’m taking that belt home with me.”
 
SHAWN PORTER
 
“I’m glad to be back. I’m excited to fight once more before the year is done. This is really another tremendous fight card and I’m honored to be a part of it.
 
“I’m getting the seats warm this time before Deontay comes to close the show. You’re definitely going to want to be paying attention to this fight.
 
“I wanted to get back in the ring. Adrian Granados was also looking for a fight and was willing to accept the fight. It’s as simple as that. I’m a boxer and my job is to compete against the best. Right now, he’s the best challenge that I have.
 
“This is a great matchup. This is really fan friendly action everyone is going to see. I know I’m facing an aggressive guy who is going to come at me with everything he’s got.
 
“I enjoy every bit about fighting at Barclays Center. The energy is always great in that building. The atmosphere is really unbelievable. I’m happy to fight there again.
 
“The respect that Granados and I have for each other, that’s what boxing is all about. It’s about getting in the ring and competing. We wanted someone that was going to come here and fight me. We didn’t want someone who was going to run or lay down. We want to close the year out in fantastic form, and the best way to do that is by facing Granados.”
 
ADRIAN GRANADOS
 
“I’m very grateful to be here and have this opportunity against Shawn Porter. I appreciate it and I thank him and his team. This is definitely going to be a great fight.
 
“I’m fighting for everyone back home and all the people that are with me every day. Everyone knows how dedicated we are and that will all come together on fight night.
 
“This is all about proving myself and showing that I belong with the best of the sport. I have to take an opportunity like this when it’s offered to me. There’s nothing to do now but get in the ring and get down to business.
 
“This is a tremendous opportunity. I’m coming to win, not lay down. I’m here to fight. We both have fan-friendly styles and may the best man win.”
 
SERGEY LIPINETS
 
“This is a dream come true for me. I had to work very hard and overcome a lot to get to this point. Now that I’m here, I want to give the fans a great fight.
 
“I’m going to go for the knockout and become a world champion. This is the thing that motivates me every day through this hard training camp.
 
“I am prepared for anything Kondo can bring to the ring. He has earned his right to fight for the title and I have to take him very seriously and be at my very best.”
 
AKIHIRO KONDO
 
“I’m going to do my best to win for all of my fans in Japan. I’m going to take this world title belt back home to Japan and I’m happy to have the support of my country.
 
“I’ve come a long way to get here. This is the mecca of boxing. I feel really relaxed and calm. This feels like a normal fight for me still.
 
“No matter what happens in this fight, I think that is going to come down to heart. I am determined not to lose in that area.”
 
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
 
“This is a terrific card from top to bottom. I love this show. Dominic Breazeale vs. Eric Molina, Amanda Serrano a pound-for-pound champion, and two undefeated local kids Chris Colbert and Titus Williams, all featured on this card. The show is truly loaded with talent and stars.
 
“Nothing gets bigger than the defense of America’s only heavyweight championship. Deontay Wilder defending his title against Bermane Stiverne, the only man that Deontay has not been able to knockout.
 
“This is a dangerous fight. Stiverne is big, strong and he can punch. This is Christmas for him. He has nothing to lose. He can walk out of here with the heavyweight championship of the world.
 
“Shawn Porter is fighting against a real deserving challenger. Shawn is a champion with or without a belt, and Granados always makes great fights and he’s going to give it 120 percent.
 
“Kondo is a very accomplished fighter, but he’s going to have his hands full with Sergey LIpinets. Whenever LIpinets gets in the ring, someone gets hurt. I think he has a chance to go very far.”
 
DON KING, Hall of Fame Promoter
 
“I want to thank all of these young men up here who are fighting for the crown. Stiverne has something in store for Wilder on Saturday night that will be a shock. It’s going to be the Fight of the Year. Unquestionably.
 
“Deontay has never really met Bermane Stiverne, so I’m going to introduce them. It’s going to be a fantastic night of fighting at Barclays Center. You will have a tremendous upset on Saturday night when Bermane Stiverne knocks out Deontay Wilder.
 
“After this happens, we can have a rubber match. It will be an exciting time for me on Saturday night and the start of a ‘November to Remember.'”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
 
“This weekend’s telecast will be the second weekend of heavyweight title fights on SHOWTIME. We all know these two faced each other in 2015, but neither fighter went home happy. Deontay was impressive but he didn’t get the knockout. Stiverne is the only blemish on Wilder’s perfect knockout streak. Ever since that fight, Bermane has been asking for the rematch. On Saturday both men will get their wish. Deontay can send a message to the rest of the division and Bermane gets a second chance at a world title
 
“The first time they fought, everyone saw it as Deontay’s toughest opponent. Out of 42 media members, 22 predicted Deontay to win and 20 picked Stiverne. This is an all-action heavyweight fight with America’s heavyweight world champion.
 
“Sometimes a big fight can suck up the attention from the co-featured fights on the card. Both of these opening bouts could have been a main event and would be a main event on any other network. Porter and Granados is an intriguing matchup of all action fighters and if you haven’t seen Sergey LIpinets fight, I urge you to turn on the TV early and get to the arena, because this will be an entertaining fight.
 
“By the end of the night we will have done 29 world title fights this year alone. There is no other network that could put on that many high quality fights. We look forward to closing the year on a strong note on Saturday night.”
 
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
 
“This Saturday will be our last Brooklyn boxing event of the year. It’s been an incredible 2017. It started with Badou Jack vs. James DeGale, then in March the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia fight, which was probably the biggest we ever had at the arena. It hit new marks that we hadn’t seen before. This summer we had the Mikey Garcia vs. Adrien Broner fight and we’ve also seen the Charlo brothers fight at Barclays Center in 2017 and become stars.
 
“It’s been a great year full of memorable moments and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year than with Deontay on Saturday night. When Deontay defended his title at Barclays Center last year, it was the first heavyweight title fight in the borough of Brooklyn in 115 years and we’re excited to have him back.”