Tag: Featured
UNDISPUTED MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CLARESSA SHIELDS FIGHTS TO BECOME THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION IN HOMETOWN DEBUT AGAINST IVANA HABAZIN
UNDISPUTED MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CLARESSA SHIELDS FIGHTS TO BECOME THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION IN HOMETOWN DEBUT AGAINST IVANA HABAZIN SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Shields and Habazin Meet for WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship From Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Mich.
SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Live At 9 p.m. ET/PT
Tickets on Sale Thursday, June 20 at 3 p.m. ET!
NEW YORK – June 11, 2019 – Undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields will aim to make history by becoming the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion when she takes on former world champion Ivana Habazin Saturday, August 17 live on SHOWTIME. The showdown for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title headlines a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Dort Federal Event Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich. The vacant WBC Women’s Diamond Super Welterweight Championship will also be on the line in Shields’ first professional fight in her hometown.
Shields vs. Habazin is promoted by Salita Promotions. Ticket for the live event go on sale Thursday, June 20 at 3 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.
The 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) is a two-division titlist who became the undisputed middleweight champion with a near-shutout victory over Christina Hammer in April on SHOWTIME. In doing so, she joined Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class (Katie Taylor has since joined the prestigious list).
Now, the Flint star seeks to make even more history in her sixth headlining appearance on SHOWTIME. With a win over Habazin on August 17, Shields would become a three-division champion in just 10 bouts, breaking the record of Vasiliy Lomachenko, who accomplished the feat in 12 fights.
“It’s hard to even put into words how excited I am to be returning home as undisputed champion and fighting in front of all my fans in Flint,” said Shields. “And having the opportunity to become world champion in a third weight division faster than any man or woman in boxing history will make August 17 a night I will cherish forever. It’s another big step forward in lifting women’s boxing on the road to equality.”
Habazin (20-3, 7 KOs), of Zagreb, Croatia, is ranked No. 1 by the WBO at 154 pounds. The 29-year-old, who will be making her U.S. debut, won the IBF Welterweight Title over Sabrina Giuliani in 2014. In her next fight, Habazin dropped a unanimous decision to Braekhus in a historic unification bout where Braekhus picked up all four major world title belts. Most recently, Habazin avenged one of only three losses in her career to Eva Bajic in Zagreb.
“I’m honored to fight on SHOWTIME and to be making my debut in the U.S.,” said Habazin. “It’s a dream come true and this is a huge chance for me to prove that I am one of boxing’s elite fighters. I will not let this opportunity pass. I’m not just coming to the U.S. to fight, I’m coming for victory.
“I’m actually a big fan of Claressa. She made history for women’s boxing and will be a great opponent for me. She’s very confident in herself, she’s aggressive, she can move, she has speed and good defense. But I have all of this too, and I can punch. I can’t wait to see what she is made of. They said her fight against Hammer was the biggest of all time, but I think this one will be the greatest ever.”
“Without question, Claressa Shields is the face of women’s boxing and we’re excited to present yet another historic milestone in her career as she looks to capture a third division championship in record time,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION. “From the amateurs to the pros, Claressa has faced the best opposition available and won every test in dominant fashion. With a victory over Habazin in her sixth appearance on SHOWTIME, Claressa will further solidify herself as the top female fighter in boxing and continue her personal quest to become the greatest of all time.”
“I am delighted to promote another historic event featuring Claressa Shields, who strives to make history at a record-setting pace when she challenges herself to go down in weight to win a third division title against a very skilled and motivated fighter in Ivana Habazin,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Fans attending the fight at the Dort Center in Flint, as well as those watching the fight live on SHOWTIME, will be treated to another historic and exciting night of boxing featuring Shields.”
“August 17 will be a magnificent event for Claressa Shields, for women’s boxing, and for Claressa’s hometown city of Flint,” said Mark Taffet, manager of Claressa Shields. “Claressa continues to shine a beacon of light on the sport, making history in each and every fight and reaching levels previously unimaginable. She is a once in a lifetime athlete and young woman, and if she is victorious on August 17 she will move one step closer to realizing her dreams by becoming the fastest man or woman in boxing history to win a world title in a third weight division.”
Shields was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. She turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and headlined the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history in just her second professional fight in 2017. Shields became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight, and a two-division champion in her sixth professional contest. She was crowned the undisputed 160-pound champion in her ninth fight than three years after turning professional following the 2016 Olympics.
“The world’s attention will be on women’s’ sports this summer with two of its’ biggest events in the FIFA women’s World Cup, which is just getting started, and another Shields’ blockbuster event happening in August,” added Salita. “We’re continuing our goal of advancing the state of women’s sports to new heights and Claressa’s greatness helps make this happen.”
The undercard for the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.
GGG v. Rolls Weigh-In Highlights
Two-Time Super Featherweight World Champion Gervonta Davis Makes Baltimore Homecoming to Defend Title Against Mandatory Challenger Ricardo Núñez
Two-Time Super Featherweight World Champion Gervonta Davis Makes Baltimore Homecoming to Defend Title Against Mandatory Challenger Ricardo Núñez Saturday, July 27 Live on SHOWTIME® from Royal Farms Arena
WBA Super Featherweight Titlist Davis is First World Champion from Baltimore to Make Hometown Defense in Nearly 80 Years
Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, Friday, June 7 at 12 p.m. ET!
BALTIMORE (June 6, 2019) – Two-time super featherweight champion and Baltimore-native Gervonta “Tank” Davis will defend his WBA title in a championship homecoming against mandatory challenger Ricardo “Cientifíco” Núñez Saturday, July 27 live on SHOWTIME from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature the youngest reigning American world champion in Davis, as he becomes the first world champion from Baltimore to make a homecoming defense in nearly 80 years.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale tomorrow, Friday, June 7 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Royal Farms Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET.
“Bringing a show to Baltimore for Gervonta to perform on a stage in front of his hometown fans has been a long-time ask from him and I’m glad it’s coming to fruition,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “The timing that his homecoming is taking place couldn’t be better with him having elevated his career to being the most exciting fighter in the sport and ready to give his hometown fans a treat this summer. July 27 at Royal Farms Arena will be something special for the city of Baltimore.”
“At just 24 years old, Gervonta Davis is already one of the biggest stars in boxing, and his drawing power continues to grow with each performance,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “He has scored knockouts in each of his five consecutive appearances on SHOWTIME while thrilling fans with his theatrics in and out of the ring. For his next test, Gervonta is facing an opponent with a similarly impressive knockout ratio in Ricardo Núñez. We expect fireworks for as long as this fight lasts.”
Davis (21-0, 20 KOs) became the youngest reigning American world champion in 2017 when he delivered a star-making performance on SHOWTIME by knocking out Jose Pedraza for the IBF 130-pound title at just 22 years old. Now, he makes his return to his hometown to fight for the first time as a world champion.
The 24-year-old became the youngest two-time world champion in April 2018 when he knocked out Jesus Andres Cuellar in the third round of their WBA Super Featherweight Championship bout. Most recently he knocked out former world champion Hugo Ruiz in the first round of his first SHOWTIME main event in February. Davis, who owns knockouts in all five of his world championship fights, is the first Baltimore native to defend in his hometown since Harry Jeffra defended the featherweight world title in 1940.
“It was always a goal of mine to bring a world title fight back to my city of Baltimore,” said Davis, who has not fought in Baltimore since his fourth pro fight. “I’m excited and grateful to my team for helping make this happen on Saturday, July 27. Tickets will go fast, so don’t wait on buying them! I can’t wait to put on a great show and to see all my supporters in Baltimore help me make it a night to remember at Royal Farms Arena.”
The hard-hitting Panamanian Núñez (21-2, 19 KOs) will be making his U.S. debut on July 27 as he seeks to take advantage of his first world title opportunity. The 25-year-old is on a 10-fight winning streak in which he has scored nine knockout victories. After his opponent was forced to withdraw from a scheduled March 2 bout on SHOWTIME, Núñez scored a first-round knockout of Eduardo Pacheco in April to make it three consecutive knockouts heading into this championship bout.
“My daughter is about to be born and with her in mind I am working very hard for this fight,” said Núñez. “I am dedicating this fight to my daughter and Panama, which has always supported me. I’m thankful for this opportunity and although some people don’t know much about me, after July 27, everyone will know me as the new champion of the world.”
WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison Injures Ankle & is Forced to Withdraw from Rematch Against Former Champion Jermell Charlo
WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison Injures Ankle & is Forced to Withdraw from Rematch Against Former Champion Jermell Charlo
Hard-Hitting & Dangerous Jorge Cota to Step In and Replace Harrison Sunday, June 23 in FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event at Mandalay Bay Events Center
in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (June 3, 2019) – Super welterweight world champion Tony Harrison injured his ankle in training last week and has withdrawn from his title defense against former world champion Jermell Charlo that was scheduled to headline FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Harrison has an inner and outer ankle sprain with torn ligaments in his right ankle and he will be out for 10 weeks before he can resume training. Harrison and Charlo plan to have their rematch later this year.
Stepping in to replace Harrison for a 12-round fight is the always dangerous Jorge Cota (28-3, 25 KOs), who most recently lost a disputed split-decision in April on FS1 against Jeison Rosario. The 31-year old from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico had scored three straight knockout victories before the defeat in April.
“Watching my Mexican brother Andy Ruiz fight last weekend, I am very motivated,” said Cota. “I saw how he got an unexpected chance to become a champion and surprise the world. He has inspired me to win this fight in the same way. I will shock the world on June 23 just like Andy did on Saturday, for Mexico, the country that I love. This is the most important fight of my career.”
“As we have seen from Andy Ruiz’s incredible upset of Anthony Joshua in the heavyweight championship fight on Saturday night, replacement fighters are not to be taken as a joke,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jorge Cota is a dangerous fighter. He has heavy hands and he’s looking for an opportunity to make a statement. Jermell Charlo realizes just how serious this is and he wants to get his title back. I know he’s going to be prepared to make his own statement.”
The 29-year-old Charlo will now have to wait for his opportunity to avenge the only loss of his career and regain his title against Harrison. Fighting out of Houston, Texas, Charlo won the vacant WBC title with a devastating knockout victory over John Jackson in 2016. He made three successful defenses of the title with highlight-reel knockouts over Charles Hatley and Erickson Lubin, plus a majority decision win over former champion Austin Trout.
“It feels like a heartbreak,” said Charlo. “I was ready to destroy Tony Harrison and now I’m going to get in there and destroy Cota. I always pray for my opponent to have safe care and make it to the fight healthy. It’s unfortunate that Tony Harrison isn’t my next victim. I want the best Harrison so I want him healed up and ready to go, because that will only bring out the best in me.
“I feel my title was taken from me and being held hostage and I want it back. I will go through anything to get it back. The moment he’s cleared to fight I want the match and I will get my title back. I’m going in June 23 for a dominant victory with a ferocious attitude and a mindset to destroy, because I know I can’t leave it to the judges anymore.”
Harrison’s injury is the latest twist in the super welterweight division that started last December when Harrison and Charlo’s first encounter took place live on FOX. Harrison won the decision to upset Charlo and take away the title. The close nature of the bout helped warrant an immediate rematch that promises to be just as highly charged and dramatic. Julian “J-Rock” Williams scored a hard-fought unanimous decision over Jarrett Hurd as the IBF and WBA titles changed hands as well in May.
This setback for Harrison, who is from Detroit and was trained early in his career by the late Emanuel Steward, is another challenge for the 28-year-old champion. Harrison was on track for a title shot before suffering the first loss of his career in 2015 to Willie Nelson. After three-straight wins, he earned a shot at the vacant 154-pound title against Jarrett Hurd. Although Harrison had strong moments in the fight, he eventually lost to Hurd and was forced to again climb to the top. After another three victories, including a win over former champion Ishe Smith, Harrison took advantage of his second world title opportunity against Charlo.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.
Rising Heavyweight Sensation Efe Ajagba Battles Unbeaten 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen
Rising Heavyweight Sensation Efe Ajagba Battles Unbeaten 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen Saturday, July 20 in FOX PBC Fight Night Action & on FOX Deportes Co-Feature to Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant Defending His Title From the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
FOX PBC Fight Night Precedes Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View
LAS VEGAS (June 3, 2019) – Rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation and 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba will square off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen in FOX PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The 10-round heavyweight attraction will feature two 2016 Olympians putting their unbeaten records on the line as they look to make a statement in the red-hot division. FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender Mike Lee.
FOX PBC Fight Night will precede the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT that also takes place at MGM Grand featuring eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao facing WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman in the main event.
Tickets for the event, which is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office. The Ajagba vs. Demirezen match is being promoted in association with Ringstar Sports.
“Saturday, July 20th is the biggest night of boxing I can remember,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “The entire card top to bottom is toe-to-toe action with evenly matched fights featuring the most entertaining fighters in the world displaying their talent. I am sure several of the fights that night will be immediate Fight of the Year candidates. It is only fitting that the most talked about young heavyweight, Efe Ajagba, will be part of this Boxing-Extravaganza. Efe is simply put the definition of must-see TV. His opponent, Ali Demirezen, is undefeated in 11 fights with 10 of them by knockout. It will be two undefeated big punchers putting it all on the line, that is PBC boxing at its best!”
Ughelli, Nigeria’s Ajagba (10-0, 9 KOs) gained notoriety last August 24 when his opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round. The 24-year-old won the fight without throwing a punch as Harper was disqualified live on FS1. Ajagba, who lives in Stafford, Texas and trains with Ronnie Shields, has steadily increased his competition in his two fights this year, stopping Amir Mansour on FOX in March in two rounds, before disposing of Michael Wallisch in April in two rounds as well.
“My goal is clear: I want to be heavyweight champion of the world,” said Ajagba. “To get there I must continue to take on anyone and for the third time in my career it is another undefeated heavyweight. As they say ‘somebody’s o must go,’ and it won’t be mine. There’s no better platform for this performance than on the biggest boxing night of the year. The stage is set…don’t blink!”
Unbeaten since turning pro after the 2016 Olympics, Demirezen (11-0, 10 KOs) has fought out of Hamburg, Germany in the professional ranks and will make his U.S. debut on July 20. The 29-year-old most recently defended his European heavyweight title against Adnan Redzovic in April, winning by disqualification and matching Ajagba with a perfect knockout rate minus one DQ.
“I’m very happy to make my U.S. debut versus a really good fighter like Efe Ajagba,” said Demirezen. “I’m very focused on that fight and being in the best shape ever to make a statement. I plan to have a great performance in Las Vegas because I know the U.S. boxing fans like real fighters. I’m sure they will love me after the fight.”
RUIZ SHOCKS AJ IN NEW YORK
RUIZ SHOCKS AJ IN NEW YORK
2nd, June 2019
Andy Ruiz Jr produced one of the biggest shocks in the history of Heavyweight boxing to rip Anthony Joshua’s IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World titles from him in a remarkable night at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Ruiz floored Joshua four times en route to a seventh round TKO win that saw him become the first ever Heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, which stunned a sold out crowd of 20,201 at the iconic venue and handed the Brit his first defeat as a pro.
ANTHONY JOSHUA
On the fight: “Heavyweight boxing baby, thank you to the people who came out this evening. That’s number one. Thank you to DAZN, Sky Sports, Andy Ruiz. Heavyweight boxing is on fire. I just have to turn it around a few notches and bring it back my way. I don’t want people to drown in their sorrows. This will show I have the power and the strength.”
On the difference between tonight and Wladimir Klitschko: “It’s all the same. It just wasn’t my night. But listen, it is good for the TV. Good for DAZN and the people watching.”
On the stoppage: “I want to fight. I don’t do his job. I am never one of those fighters to disrespect a referee like he should have done this or he should have done that. He called it off when he thought I couldn’t fight. It’s a shame. But I don’t want anyone to drown in their sorrows. It’s the long game, not the short game.”
On the immediate rematch: “100%. 100%.”
ANDY RUIZ, JR.
On the upset victory: “I want to thank God for giving me this victory, without him this wouldn’t be possible. I just feel so good, man. This is what I have been dreaming about. This is what I have been working hard for. I can’t believe I just made my dreams come true. I just want to thank my team and my family. The sky is the limit, baby.”
On what happened in the third round: “That was my first time getting dropped on the floor. It just made me stronger. It just made me want it more. I just had to knock him down back.”
On taking Anthony Joshua’s power: “It’s because of the Mexican warrior I am, I have that Mexican blood in me. Talking about the Mexican fighting style, I just proved it.”
On sensing that Anthony Joshua was hurt: “I could but I just didn’t want to throw away what I had. I just wanted to hunt him down even more and work the body. I just wanted to listen to the game plan.”
On a rematch clause: “Of course man, right now, I just want to celebrate. I just made history for Mexico. This is what I have been dreaming about since I was six years old.”
Callum Smith floored Hassan N’Dam three times in three rounds as he successfully defended his WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles on his big US debut.
Smith scored a knockdown with a big left hook in the opening round, another left hook in round two and a right in the third finished the fight.
CALLUM SMITH:
On his performance: “It felt good to be back in there. I took a few months longer than most new champions to get back in there but I showed that I am the best in the world. I plan to keep proving that over the next few years. I hope the fans enjoyed it and I hope to be back in the ring soon with bigger and better things.”
On his sparring with N’Dam helping t§onight: “Not really, but I didn’t have to watch quite as much film on him. He is a good fighter and he has good movement. I knew if I was patient that I would get rid of him. It’s an honor to fight at Madison Square Garden, an iconic venue, to make my first title defense.”
On wanting to put on a show: “I said that in the build up – and it’s no disrespect to Hassan N’Dam – but this was a fight I was expected to win so anything less than a great performance people would take notice. I knew that a fan friendly, spectacular win would though. I knew it would get people talking about me. It was always about the performance just as much as the win.”
On Canelo Alvarez: “I think my audition went well. Canelo is a special fighter. I will have to wait to see what he will do in September or if not September than see what he wants to do in May. He hasn’t said he is moving up to 168 yet but I believe I am the best fighter in the world at 168 so I am open to the challenge. But I don’t want to keep waiting for the fight that might never happen, I want to keep fighting great champions in the meantime and stay busy. There’s a lot of good fighters at 168 with or without Canelo so I want to text myself against them. If Canelo steps up in the future than it will happen.”
Katie Taylor created history by becoming the undisputed Women’s Lightweight Champion of the World with a thrilling points win over Belgium’s Delfine Persoon.
Taylor came under relentless pressure from Persoon throughout the ten rounds that gripped the New York crowd. The Irish favourite looked exhausted in the final round but held on to earn a majority points win of 95-95 96-94 96-94.
KATIE TAYLOR
On the close decision: “It was a very, very close fight. I felt like I won the earlier rounds and she came on strong at the end. But I feel like I did enough to win that fight. But it was very, very close and I knew it was going to be that kind of fight. Persoon was a fantastic champion and she is very, very strong. It all made for a fantastic showcase for women’s boxing. I knew this was going to be the biggest and hardest fight of my life. But I am great at digging deep. I am born for fights like these in the trenches. I worked so hard these past few months in training camp for this kind of fight. My coach is the mastermind behind this and I am so grateful.”
On listening to her corner: “That’s my problem sometimes. I like a fight a bit too much sometimes. I probably should’ve fought on the outside a bit more sometimes. But then I just needed to dig deep and get that win.”
On a rematch: “I am definitely happy to give Delfine a rematch. There are big fights out there for me. There’s Amanda Serrano and I think that fight should be next but I am really happy to fight whoever.”
Josh Kelly and Philadelphia veteran Ray Robinson battled to a majority draw in what was another big step up for the rising Sunderland Welterweight talent.
The North East star once again showed his razor-sharp reflexes and quality counter punching early on but was pegged back by the Philadelphia southpaw in the second half, scores of 96-65 to Kelly and 95-95 twice seeing things finish all square.
RAY ROBINSON
On the scorecards: “Listen, he is the champ and to win you have to outwork him. I thought I did. He did a lot of moving his body, moving his head, and I stalked him. I feel like they brought a pup to a dog fight.”
On back-to-back draws: “At the end of the day, that’s why I am in the sport. I take chances. I am fighting other people’s fighters on other promoter’s cards and all that. If they feel like they are the best than they need to prove it to me. He was the champ and I thought I took his belt from him.”
Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi stopped Mexico’s Marco Antonio Periban in four rounds as he made another successful defence of his WBA International title.
Buatsi looked ruthless as he put Periban down in the fourth round, then finished him when the referee jumped in to end an assault on the 34-year-old Periban, a former Super-Middleweight title challenger.
JOSHUA BUATSI
On his performance: “I think it was just under a five. I rushed my work. I was too eager. I wanted to take my time. I thought I got a great win in my U.S. debut, I appreciate the welcome from the fans. Respect. I hope Antonio Periban is OK. He was slippery but once I hurt him, I thought, It’s time, it’s time.”
On where he would like to fight moving forward: “I’d like to fight back home but come out here once in a while. Hopefully in the future there’s going to be some big fights to come back here for. I am so glad to have experienced fighting in Madison Square Garden. I am humbled to be here.”
Tommy Coyle was reduced to tears as he suffered a stoppage defeat to Chris Algieri and was denied a fairytale victory in Madison Square Garden.
Coyle made an explosive start and almost stopped his New York opponent in the second round of a brilliant battle, but was eventually undone by a series of hurtful shots that forced trainer Jamie Moore to throw the towel in in round 8.
Algieri’s successful defence of his WBO International title puts him in line to face ‘Mighty Mo” Maurice Hooker for the WBO Super-Lightweight crown.
JERMALL CHARLO VS. BRANDON ADAMS HOUSTON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
JERMALL CHARLO VS. BRANDON ADAMS HOUSTON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
“I’m going to finish this fight…You might be a contender, but it’s another thing to be a champion,” Charlo
“I didn’t expect my road to be easy because it’s never been easy for me…The best man will win on June 29,” Adams
Unbeaten Top Middleweight Jermall Charlo Makes Hometown Return to Battle Brandon Adams Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME® from NRG Arena in Houston and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
HOUSTON (May 30, 2019) – Unbeaten WBC Interim Middleweight Championand Houston-native Jermall Charlo went face to face with middleweight contender Brandon Adams Thursday at a press conference in Charlo’s hometown to preview their showdown Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from NRG Arena and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event, Charlo will fight in Houston for the first time since 2012, as he looks to further cement his place amongst the middleweight elite against Adams, who shot up the 160-pound rankings by winning the 2018 reboot of The Contender.
Photo Credits- Andrew King/SHOWTIME
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Hotel ZaZa Museum District in Houston:
JERMALL CHARLO
“Me and my brother Jermell have been through so much in boxing. We’ve been doing it since we were eight-years-old. To make it to this world class level and to do it for Houston, it feels great.
“It’s going to be fireworks. I’m coming for the knockout every time. Houston is hot and the heat is going to be there fight night. I’m going to do what I normally do and give the crowd excitement.
“Ronnie Shields has changed me from being a kid to realizing who I am as a man in the sport of boxing. He’s had world champions before me so I know he can judge my progression. He’s going to make sure I stay at this level.
“I’m walking in the ring and I’m handling my business. This is definitely a step up fight for Brandon Adams, but I’m only worried about what I have to do. I’m just going to prepare to be my best. We’re going to both give it our all and I will be victorious.
“Boxing is about experiences and I’m still learning. I’m going to have my ups and downs, because no fighter is perfect. But I will always prepare myself well and that’s why I’m still undefeated. I needed a fight like my last one to get even better.
“I’m going to finish this fight. My goal is to make quick work of Brandon and show him that there are levels to this. You might be a contender, but it’s another thing to be a champion.
“I get a lot of juice from the hometown crowd. Just having my family there alone is what I really need to get the nerves and excitement to where I need them. I’m going to be comfortable and I’m going to stick to my game plan. I’m not here to make mistakes.
“Thus far camp has been great. I feel awesome and I’m well prepared. It’s an amazing feeling to be fighting in my hometown. It’s almost a dream come true to me. To have my own card at this level and on this stage, it shows the support Houston has for me.”
BRANDON ADAMS
“I appreciate the opportunity I have to step into the ring with this man across from me. I’m super excited about it and I can’t wait. These are two top fighters getting in the ring and we’re going to give the fans a show.
“It’s not just what I see in Jermall, it’s what I believe in myself. The combo of working with Dub Huntley and Freddie Roach is perfect. They are both seasoned vets and they teach me something new every day.
“I didn’t expect my road to be easy because it’s never been easy for me. I’m on the road and I understand that. I’m prepared to pack my bags and go wherever I need to, so that I can become what I’m supposed to become. The best man will win on June 29.
“Before The Contender I felt that I didn’t have an opportunity to show how good I am. During the whole series it was about getting back in the ring and shaking off the rust, then showcasing who I am.
“Winning The Contender helped get me here, but I always had confidence and believed in myself since day one. In choosing to accept Charlo’s challenge, I had it in my mind that I belong here.
“It was pressure every time I fought on The Contender. Each round were quality opponents leading up to the final and all of that will prepare me for Charlo. He deserves everything he’s gotten and I respect him as a man, but I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity.
“His team didn’t have to fight me, but they chose to. I appreciate his fans coming out to support him because they’ll see both of us. Hopefully I can win some of them over.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer
“We’ve done a lot of studying of Brandon Adams and he’s a really good fighter. Winning The Contender is not an easy feat. He’s truly a contender, so we have to make sure we’re working hard every single day.
“We’re not sitting back and waiting for someone to fight us. We have to continue to be busy. You still have to fight hard fights when you’re at the top and that’s what we’re doing. We’re preparing the right way.
“I’m so happy that everybody has come out to support Jermall because he’s been waiting to make his homecoming and this is it. It’s important to see everyone on his side.”
DUB HUNTLEY, Adams’ Trainer
“I hope everybody comes out for this one because it’s going to be a great fight. I’ve been with Brandon for a long time and I know that he’s going to win this fight and put on a memorable performance. Charlo is a great fighter but Brandon has all the tools necessary to come into his hometown and get the victory.”
MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN & CALEB PLANT VS. MIKE LEE LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN & CALEB PLANT VS. MIKE LEE LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
Pacquiao vs. Thurman Headlines Saturday, July 20 in a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Plant vs. Lee FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event Precedes Pay-Per-View Also from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at
7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
All Photo Credits- Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions
LOS ANGELES (May 22, 2019) – Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, plus unbeaten super middleweight champion Caleb Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee,squared-off for the second day in a row Wednesday, this time at a Los Angeles press conference as they previewed their respective showdowns taking place Saturday July 20 presented by Premier Boxing Champions and FOX Sports from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao and Thurman will battle in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Plant will make the first defense of his title against the unbeaten Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes preceding the Pay-Per-View and beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office. Plant vs. Lee is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles:
MANNY PACQUIAO
“It’s easy for my opponents to talk before the fight, and I’m used to everything they say. But when we get to the ring, it changes, and it will change on July 20.
“I chose Keith Thurman because he’s a great fighter, he’s undefeated and because we can give a good fight to the fans. I want to make the fans happy on that night and show that I can still go toe-to-toe with any opponent.
“He said he’s young, but we’ll see who looks young in the ring on July 20. I’m going to let my fists say everything for me.
“We will work hard in training camp like always for this fight. We’re not going to take Keith Thurman lightly or underestimate him. He’s a world champion. I’m thankful for what he’s been saying, because it’s giving me motivation to prove that at 40-years-old, I feel 29.
“Keith Thurman is aggressive and throws a lot of punches. I’m hoping on July 20 he will follow through with what he says and fight toe-to-toe with me.
“The fans need to watch this fight because it’s a once in a lifetime fight. It’s going to be a Fight of the Year and full of action from start to finish. I’m ready to get it on July 20.
“Most of my opponents are bigger than me and I beat them all. When we get into the ring, it doesn’t matter. This has happened before and it will happen again against Thurman.
“My experience will be very important for this fight. It’s going to be useful against an undefeated fighter. I’m going to give him the experience of losing for the first time.
“I’m still having fun and enjoying the sport. I’m excited to go straight to the gym after this and start focusing on training for the fight.”
KEITH THURMAN
“It’s a blessing to be on this stage and have a fight of this magnitude. I’m an all-American fighter, an all-American champion and come July 20, I’m going to stay champion.
“Manny is a world class fighter. He’s a gentleman inside and outside of the ring. I look forward to trading punches with a living legend. But one thing’s for sure, he’s not walking away with my title.
“All Manny does is hop around in the ring. I’m not going to lose to a bunny rabbit. He’s not Tupac, but he does a little hip hop and he’s not going to stop until he gets dropped.
“Manny is a world class fighter, not a world class boxer. I’m going to trip him up in the ring and he won’t know what direction to turn to. I know who I am as a fighter, and it will be proven come July 20.
“I’m destroying the legend of Manny Pacquiao. His legacy ends on July 20 and mine begins. He’s an inspiration to many people throughout the world and everyone respects him, but I’m respectfully going to finish him.
“This is a big fight as far as the stage goes, but it’s a big fight against a little guy. He’s a veteran and I’ve dismantled veterans in the past. I believe I would have destroyed Manny Pacquiao five years ago. I’ve always been ready for this fight. He’s never fought someone like me with this kind of lateral movement, speed and power. I’m coming for him.
“I was in the gym four weeks ago starting some preparations. I wanted to get the ball rolling and use the momentum from my last training camp for this opportunity. Who better to showcase my skills and talent against than Manny Pacquiao? He chose me because it will be a guaranteed action fight.
“I think this is one of the best Manny Pacquiao fights in a long time. I’m going to bring it. Pacquiao did not get reminded in his last fight what it feels like to be up against a real champion. I’m the youngest, fastest, hungriest fighter that he’s ever been in the ring with. July 20, it’s the ‘Keith Thurman show’.”
CALEB PLANT
“I never consider myself the A-side because my history says that I shouldn’t even be here. As beautiful as the belt is, it’s about more to me than that. It’s about legacy for me. I’ve been carrying myself as a world champion since the day I started this journey, so this is nothing new to me.
“I’m the whole package. I have speed, I have footwork, I have power, I have the heart and the will to win. Until you find someone else who’s all that, I’m going to keep having my hand raised.
“Where I’m from, there’s confrontation every day. This is nothing new to me. There are times I was told that I wouldn’t make it. Nobody paved the way for me like I’m from New York or Los Angeles. I paved my own way.
“Mike Lee is in uncharted territory. I’m curious on how he plans on beating me. Does he plan on roughing me up and trying to knock me out like my last opponent? Can he do that better than Jose Uzcategui? Is he going to try to outbox me with his hand and foot speed? Because there’s no person from 160 to 175 who could do that.
“I’ve been committed to the same thing for the last 18 years straight. Rain, sleet or snow, I stayed committed. I’m bred for this. I was created for this. It’s the only thing I’ve done my whole life. On July 20, I’ll be keeping the thing that I’ve worked my whole entire life for.
“At every decision that has to be made, you can go left or you can go right. From the genesis of my being, every time it was the moment to make a tough decision, I went the same way. Because I do not bend or fold for anything. No matter what’s tossed my way, this journey must go on for me. He said he has nothing to lose, but I have everything to lose.
“All the motivational videos that he watches and books that he reads, I’m the very essence and meaning of that. I’m the pinnacle of all those things he’s studied. You can’t learn mental fortitude in a book. Those things are earned, they’re not learned.”
MIKE LEE
“This is a dream come true for me. I’ve been through so much and there were days where I thought my dream was over. I’ve chased this since I was eight-years-old and I’m thankful for this chance to go after a dream that others thought I couldn’t reach.
“The beauty of this sport is that it’s only me and Caleb in there. Everyone else can only talk. I’ve been in the ring through adversity and stuck it out, because that’s the kind of person I am. I know that if I come on July 20 as the best Mike Lee possible, that I can win.
“I’ve been in the gym working every day. Doctors told me at one point that I wouldn’t fight again, but I’m still standing right here. I pushed through my pain to get here.
“I’m excited to be here in Los Angles, where we hold training camp. I’m bringing the belt back to Chicago, but Los Angeles is a second home to me.
“Today is the culmination of years of sacrifice, hard work and discipline. I’m undefeated for a reason but I feel people underestimate me and I like that. I’ve been underestimated my whole career. I’ve thrived off people say I couldn’t do it.
“I respect Caleb Plant. He’s the champion for a reason and I respect any fighter who can step into that ring. You have to be a different kind of animal to do that in front of all those people, and I am that animal.
“I’m coming with power, strength, speed and I’m going to give it everything I have. I’m going to become the new IBF Super Middleweight World Champion.”
RICHARD STURM, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment & Sports
“I’d like to welcome back Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman, two of the world’s best fighters, back to Las Vegas and MGM Grand. Manny returns to the ring at MGM Grand following his convincing win in January while Keith will fight in Las Vegas for the first time in four years, looking to remain undefeated.
“We’re truly excited to be hosting this sensational event at MGM Grand and we look forward to seeing everybody in July.”
BILL WANGER, Executive Vice President of Programming, Research & Content Strategy for FOX Sports
“Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman is a living legend, versus a legend in the making. We’re excited to deliver an unprecedented night of boxing on July 20 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“Manny is one of boxing’s biggest stars. Keith Thurman is an undefeated world champion and a huge ratings draw. We’re excited to bring viewers inside the ropes and up close to the action on fight night, and produce extensive behind the scenes preview programming that will air across the FOX networks.
“FOX Sports is thrilled to have a battle on July 20 with such a compelling storyline to kick off a great night of championship boxing with the IBF champion Caleb Plant against the undefeated Mike Lee.
“In January, Caleb Plant headlined the most-watched boxing event ever on FS1. Now he’s fighting on the FOX network for the first time as the main event. At FOX Sports, big events that capture America’s attention are in our DNA. This fight certainly fits that bill.
“Our goal with the PBC deal is to build these fighters into household names, and we’re well on our way. We expect a great show on July 20 in Las Vegas.”
VIDEO: RealDevinHaneyTV Episode 16 – (72 Hours)
Haney’s clash with Moran is part of a huge night of action in Maryland where rising Heavyweight Croatian talent Filip Hrgovic taking on Gregory Corbin on his US debut, more Heavyweight interest as Michael Hunter tackles Gregory Corbin and WBA World Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill looks to unify the division against WBA champion Anahi Sanchez.
Tickets are priced at $40, $80, $150 and $250 (plus fees) and are on sale now at this link:https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15005688E0B851B0
Standing-8 