In just over 2 weeks we’ll see the highly anticipated WBO Flyweight world title match up between defending champion Sho Kimura (17-1-2, 10) [木村翔] mandatory challenger Kosei Tanaka (11-0, 7) [田中恒成].
For the last 2 weeks Kimura has been taking part in a Thai training camp, doing 4 minute rounds and working incredibly hard on improving his stamina. He was not only sparring with top Thai talent but also Japanese Flyweight champion Masayuki Kuroda (30-7-3, 16) [黒田 雅之] .
Today the world champion returned to Japan, ending the training camp in Thailand, and he has no injuries despite a lot of intensive and hard sparring.
Despite ending his Thai camp the fighter has certainly not finished his preparation for Tanaka and stated that he would be back in the gym to focus on sparring and weight loss. It seems clear the the rest of his training will see him further working on developing the game plan to defeat Tanaka, with his stamina and mental toughness being a big part of that game plan.
October 13: Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford to Make Hometown Title Defense Against Jose Benavidez Jr. on ESPN
Crawford to defend WBO title at the CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. CST
OMAHA, Neb. (Sept. 6, 2018) – Terence “Bud” Crawford will return to the scene of many of his greatest professional triumphs intent on stopping a man who has repeatedly lobbied for a fight. Crawford will make the first defense of his WBO welterweight world title against Jose Benavidez Jr. on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the CHI Health Center Omaha (formerly the CenturyLink Center). Crawford-Benavidez will air live and exclusively on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10:30 p.m. ET with undercards streaming live in the United States at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ – the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.
It was Benavidez who challenged Crawford in Corpus Christi, Texas, this past February, accusing him of ducking a potential showdown. Crawford invited Benavidez to “step outside” before cooler heads prevailed. They will settle the score in front of a raucous crowd who will be cheering on their hometown hero.
ESPN’s coverage of the event starts Friday, Oct. 12 with the live Top Rank on ESPN Crawford vs. Benavidez Jr. Weigh-In show. Lineup (ET):
TV:
5:30-6:00 p.m., ESPN2 (LIVE, Main and Co-Main Events)
9:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; 1:30 a.m.-2:00 a.m., ESPNEWS (repeat)
Streaming on ESPN+:
5:00-6:00 p.m., ESPN+ (streaming LIVE, entire card)
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to this world championship event go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. CST. Priced at $178, $103, $63, and $38, not including applicable fees, tickets can be purchased at the CHI Health Center Omaha box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com.
“The Crawford-Benavidez fight is an old-time grudge match. These are two elite fighters who don’t care for each other, to put it mildly,” said Bob Arum, Top Rank’s founder and CEO. “They will battle each other at a fever pitch. I can’t wait to watch the action.”
“This fight is the fight he has been calling for, and now he will get the chance to see what it’s like to be in the ring with a real champion,” Crawford said. I’ll happily give him his first L.”
“I’ve been wanting this fight for three years. I know I have what it takes to beat him, and I am going to beat him,” Benavidez said. “Crawford has been running his mouth and saying I’m a nobody. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
Crawford (33-0, 24 KOs) is a three-division world champion, a pound-for-pound elite who was recently named “Fighter of the Year” at the 2018 ESPY Awards. In his first bout of 2018, June 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, he defeated defending WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn via ninth-round TKO. Crawford did not miss a beat against Horn despite a nearly 10-month layoff due to a hand injury. Prior to dominating Horn, Crawford became only the third fighter of the four-belt era to unify all the belts when he knocked out fellow unified 140-pound champion Julius Indongo in the third round. Crawford has drawn a total of 44,360 fans in four bouts at the CHI Health Center Omaha, including nearly 11,000 when he knocked down Yuriorkis Gamboa four times en route to a ninth-round TKO to retain the WBO lightweight title in one of the best fights of 2014. Five months after the Gamboa win, Crawford cruised to a wide unanimous decision against Ray Beltran, who went on to win that title more than three years later. In his most recent CHI Health Center Omaha appearance, Dec. 10, 2016 against John Molina Jr., 11,270 fans packed the building as Crawford battered Molina before stopping him in the eighth round. Crawford is 11-0 with eight knockouts in world title bouts and is ranked by many boxing experts as the world’s best fighter.
Benavidez (27-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA interim super lightweight champion, turned pro in 2010 following a standout amateur career that included a 2009 National Golden Gloves gold medal at 141 pounds. His road to this career-defining fight has been anything but smooth, as he was shot multiple times in an August 2016 incident in his hometown of Phoenix. After a nearly 18-month layoff, Benavidez returned on Feb. 3, 2018 in Corpus Christi with an eighth-round TKO against Matthew Strode. It was before the weigh-in for the Strode bout that Benavidez confronted Crawford. Benavidez last fought on the Crawford vs. Horn undercard, knocking out the previously undefeated Frank Rojas at 1:23 of the opening round.
Today’s press conference featured fighters competing in streaming action this Saturday on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) as five-division world champion Amanda Serrano attempts to win a world title in her record sixth weight class when she faces Yamila Esther Reynoso for the WBO 140-pound title at the Barclays Center. The social media offering will be available on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page.
AMANDA SERRANO
“I’m so thankful to have this great opportunity to make history again. I’m going to put on a tremendous show like I always do and give my hometown fans something to cheer for.
“Come Saturday night, I’m super excited to grab this title in a sixth division. It puts me up there with two of the best fighters of all time in Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao. I’ve won all of my titles by knockout and I have to keep that streak going on Saturday night.
“Winning this fight is everything. I hope that I’m doing something great for young Latinas coming up in the sport. I’m going to continue to break down these barriers and one day cement my legacy in the Hall of Fame.”
YAMILA REYNOSO
“I’m very proud to be in this position. I feel relaxed because I know my team has worked hard to get me to this big fight in the U.S.
“I can box or brawl. I like to keep my options open and see what the fight calls for. I’m here to put on a good show.
“I have studied Amanda Serrano and I feel like I know her well. She’s a great world champion with a lot of experience, but I’m ready for anything she brings.”
On Friday, Sept. 28, in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., promoter Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory return with “Rumble at the Rock 2,” another sensational night of world-class professional boxing. A treasure for Florida’s fans of live boxing, Heavyweight Factory’s shows at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino have become the nation’s strongest off-TV boxing series.
“Rumble at the Rock 2” is no exception. In the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against former WBA Fedecentro Super Lightweight, WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight and WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Champion John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama.
Blessed with cat-like reflexes, fast hands and substantial power, the promising 19-year-old Yoon is gaining fans and reputation with every impressive performance. In his last fight in July, he took a unanimous decision over Colombian veteran Luis E. Flores with scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 97-93. In March, Yoon overcame the determination and experience of former two-time world champion Juan Carlos Salgado, winning a unanimous 10-round decision (100-89, 97-92 and 98-91). Yoon is currently the WBO #11-rated contender.
“I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to fight in my first professional main event,” said Yoon. “I’m not any more nervous than usual because I fought in the amateurs in main events before and I’m used to all eyes being on me. I know he’s got a body punch, so I’ll be watching out for that. Training is going well. I’m training two or three times a day, six days a week. The weight is good. I feel awesome physically and I’m very confident going in.”
Twenty-six-year-old Renteria, of Panama City, is a six-year professional. He won the WBA Fedecentro Super Lightweight Championship in March 2016, with a TKO 6 over then-undefeated (16-0) David Lobo Ramrez. Renteria picked up the WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight title the following April by ninth-round technical decision over Omir Rodriguez. He also grabbed the WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Championship with a TKO 5 over formerly undefeated Lesvy Maure.
“I am happy to be coming to Florida,” said Renteria. “I am representing Panama and I am coming to showcase my talent. My rival Logan Yoon is a very tough upcoming prospect who is very powerful, so I will bring my all.”
The evening’s 10-round co-main event will feature Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) defending his NABA-USA Featherweight Championship against undefeated Colombian Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs).
Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock 2” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com.
“We are very happy to be back at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, bringing live boxing to South Florida fans,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing Operations, The Heavyweight Factory. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of this. Boxing at the Seminole Hard Rock is always great, and the event center is a perfect place for it. The Hard Rock is filled with wonderful things to do, from fine dining to gambling and spectacular events – all in one place! The Heavyweight Factory wishes to send a special thanks to Jim Allen Larry Mullin and Dave Gold and their entire staff. Fight fans, please enjoy South Florida’s boxing at its best.”
On fight night, the Event Center doors open at 6 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.
There’s chasing greatness then there’s chasing greatness and catching it. Once you get to a certain pinnacle in your career, the really good ones look to be great. Enter Puerto Rico’s own Amanda Serrano. A female fighter that has had quite an amazing career. The only Puerto Rican fighter to win a title in five divisions.
Serrano will be making her return to ring after a long break from the sport. She last fought in November scoring a TKO victory over Marilyn Hernandez. Afterwards she took a hiatus from the sport, she began to train for MMA, her new challenge. You would think she wouldn’t box again but don’t tell her that.
She will return to the ring on September 8th to face Yamila Esther Reynoso for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight Title. It will be an opportunity to win a title in her sixth division.
Here’s the thing. Her last bout was at super bantamweight, she will be moving up a whopping four divisions!
She’s already great and has achieved greatness in the ring, this is about enhancing her legacy. She’s already cemented her name in the history books, this about adding another chapter to what’s already a great story. She doesn’t get the attention of her male counterparts, not even close to receiving the the same amount of money.
This is about someone that gets in the ring because she loves it.
She has earned all the success she has had, she works hard and is constantly in the gym. She pushes herself and the ones that do, usually do great things. Her idol is Miguel Cotto who has held belts in four different divisions, she’s already surpassed that and looks to add to her lead.
She has an illustrious nine year career but she’s not done yet.
She will be chasing history once again, come September 8th but don’t think she’s done yet! She has dared to be great and achieved it.
What’s next after September 8th? What bout her stepping back into cage? That’s the game plan she has publicly spoke about, that’s not just about being great, that’s pushing to do great things.
SHOWTIME Sports will live-stream Serrano vs. Reynoso as part of undercard coverage on the network’s social media platforms. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The live stream precedes a three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, SHOWTIME) headlined by Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter for the welterweight world championship.
360 Promotions kicked off a full schedule of events for fans and media leading up to the highly anticipated SUPERFLY3 world championship, international boxing card by hosting a ‘Meet and Greet’ at the Filipino Community Center in Los Angeles. Among those on-hand to meet the large crowd of fans and media were three-division world champion and #1 world ranked Donnie ‘The Snake’ Nietes, #2 world ranked contender ‘Mighty’ Aston Palicte, women’s world title challenger ‘Bang Bang Lulu’ Louisa Hawton along with 360 Promotions’ President Tom Loeffler and Event Host Cynthia Conte.
Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:00 p.m. PT. The triple-header will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.
For the vacant WBO Jr Bantamweight World Title, four-time world champion DONNIE ‘The Snake’ NIETES, (41-1-4, 23 KO’s), of Bacolod City, Philippines, moves up one division to challenge countryman ‘Mighty’ ASTON PALICTE, (24-2-0, 20 KO’s) of Bago City, Philippines.
Nietes:
“This fight represents a lot to me as I will seeking my fourth world championship in a fourth different weight division. Winning the world title will put me at the level of Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire and will add worldwide recognition to my career.”
“I believe my fight with Aston has a very real possibility of being the best fight of the night. We are both training very hard and I am sure that we will be at our very best on September 8 and will give all the fans a great fight.”
“I would be worried if we were playing basketball, but this is boxing and I know how to fight taller opponents and that is why we are working so hard in the gym. I think it’s very important that Filipino boxing has reached the level where we fight for a world title against each other and at a historic venue like the Forum and on HBO.”
Palicte:
“I am happy to have the opportunity to fight for a world championship on such a big card and to be on HBO. The fact the we are both Filipino doesn’t matter, we are both here to do a job and no matter what happens we will still be friends after the fight.”
“I have worked very hard to get here and I want to give the fans the best fight possible and I also believe that our fight could be the best of night as we both have a lot at stake on September 8.”
Nietes, who has won the WBO Mini Flyweight and WBO Jr. Flyweight World titles is looking to be a WBO three division champion, with a victory over Palicte. ( Nietes has also won the IBF Flyweight World Title )
Oscar De La Hoya (130 lbs, 135 lbs, 160 lbs), Miguel Cotto (140 lbs, 147 lbs, 154 lbs), Jorge Arce (108 lbs, 115 lbs, 122 lbs), Fernando Montiel (112 lbs, 115 lbs, 118 lbs) and recently Terence Crawford (135 lbs, 140 lbs, 147 lbs) are the only fighters who have won WBO crowns in three different divisions.
Advance tickets for SUPERFLY 3, priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25 can be purchased HERE. The Forum is located at 3900 W. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood CA 90305. Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:00 p.m.
WBO World Middleweight Clash: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM MATCHROOM BOXING USA IN BOSTON
Tickets for the October 20 bumper bill at the TD Garden on sale now
Eddie Hearn, President of Matchroom Boxing USA:
“I am thrilled to be bringing this triple-header of World championship action to the TD Garden in Boston.
“We want to take major fight nights to major cities across America that haven’t had the chance to witness this great sport in the flesh, that’s why we’re in Chicago on October 6 and then in Boston on October 20 – we’re taking this great sport to great cities in great arenas like the TD Garden with the best night of boxing the city has seen.”
Billy Joe Saunders – Hertfordshire, England – 26 (12) – 0 – defending his WBO World Middleweight title against Demetrius Andrade:
“This is such a big fight. The two main men at Middleweight at the moment is GGG and Canelo – and neither of them want to fight me or Demetrius. There’s a lot of smoke and mist in the division right now, and when it clears up I will be the man standing there.
“All jokes and trash talk aside, this is going to be a really good fight. Does anyone want to fight Demetrius? No. Does anyone want to fight me? No. We have to fight each other to prove who the number one guy is. Technically, we are the best two in the division, and the winner is going to be number one. I’m World champion, I’ve been more active, I’ve boxed the better opposition – but I have to beat this man.
“David Lemieux is a bum, a bum – he’s not worth talking about and I don’t take any credit from beating him. But I’ve been in with and easily handled World-class opposition – I’ve been in with Chris Eubank Jr and dealt with him, been in with Andy Lee and dealt with him, Willie Monroe had no heart or desire to win.
“There’s too much at stake in this fight to even think about losing – and I will prove that I am number one. If I turn up at my 100 per cent best, it’s good enough to beat him. He’s a great fighter and he’s been avoided, our paths have crossed and we have to fight. The winner is number one.”
Demetrius Andrade – Providence, Rhode Island – 25 (16) – 0 – challenging WBO World Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders.
“It’s an honour to be fighting at the TD Garden, we’re giving you the best fight in boxing this year, you have to be there.
“Billy Joe is a great fighter, an undefeated southpaw, he’s ugly looking, but he can fight – but your boy Demetrius Andrade always come through. Never have I failed to come out with the victory.
“It’s going to be an entertaining build up and I’m thrilled to be working with Eddie Hearn, he’s bringing boxing at the highest level out here – there’s no sport like boxing, and we’re showcasing it in Boston.
“We’re going to be in shape to do 12 rounds, I know I have the bigger dog inside me than Billy Joe, and I’m going to unleash that on him on October 20.”
Tickets for October 20 are on sale now from www.TDGarden.com
For the vacant WBO Featherweight title, Heather Hardy (21-0, 4 KOs) and Shelly Vincent (23-1, 1 KO) will collide in a rematch. (Photo by Ed Mulholland).
They first collided in August of 2016, when Hardy won a ten round majority decision in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
The two women went face to face on Thursday in New York City, at a press conference to officially announce their fight on October 27 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced the officials for two WBO World title bouts to be held this Saturday, August 25th in Arizona.
In the main event, WBO Lightweight (135 lbs) World Champion Raymundo Beltrán, from México, will face WBO ranked number two José Pedraza, from Puerto Rico.
For this bout, which will headline the card presented by Top Rank from the Gila River Arena in Glendale, the referee will be Tony Weeks, from the United States.
Arizona’s Rubin Taylor, as well as Lisa Giampa and Robert Hoyle, both from Nevada, were appointed judges for the bout. The WBO Supervisor will be WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, Esq.
For Beltrán (35-7-1, 21 KOs), it will be his first defense of the title he won by beating WBO Africa Lightweight titlist Paulus Moses via unanimous decision. On his part, Pedraza (24-1, 12 KOs) is looking to be crowned a two division World Champion with a victory over Beltrán. He previously held a title as a Junior Lightweight (130 lbs).
In the co-main event of the evening, WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Isaac Dogboe, from Ghana, will battle WBO ranked number six Hidenori Otake (31-2-3, 14 KOs), from Japan.
For this bout, the referee will be Chris Flores, from the United States.
Illinois’s Patrick Morley, Texas’s Javier Álvarez and Connecticut’s Glenn Feldman were appointed judges for the bout. The WBO Supervisor will be WBO Vice-President North America/Chairman of North American Boxing Organization Richard de Cuir.
For Dogboe (19-0, 13 KOs), it will be his first defense of the title he won by defeating former WBO World Champion Jessie Magdaleno by 11-round knockout.
Beltrán-Pedraza and Dogboe-Otake will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10:30 p.m. ET, with undercard action streaming live beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.
Unbeaten Jeyvier Cintrón and Luis “Popeye” Lebrón already have opponents for their WBO Latino bouts in the return of the series “Sabado de Campeones in Casino Metro Boxing Nights” to be held on Saturday, September 1, in the San Juan Ballroom of the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino in San Juan, in a presentation of PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP), which will be broadcast by Wapa Deportes.
In only his eighth fight as a professional, Cintrón (7-0, 4 KOs), twice (2012 and 2016) a Puerto Rican Olympian and signed by Top Rank, will face Mexican Alonzo Melendez (15-2, 13 KOs) for the vacant WBO Latino Junior Bantanweight title in a 10 rounds scheduled bout.
It will be the second fight in Puerto Rico for Cintrón, who has defeated Venezuela’s Gregory Vera last month to win the WBO Youth belt at 118 pounds. The match against Meléndez will also be the sixth of 2018 for Cintrón.
Meanwhile, Popeye Lebrón (12-0-1, 6 KOs) will defend his WBO Latino title at 126 pounds against Chilean Robinson Laviñanza (13-4-2, 5 KOs).
For Lebrón, it will be the second defense of the title he won in April against Luis Ruiz and defended in July against Milner Marcano in Colombia. Lebrón is ranked #12 by the WBO in the featherweight division.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Aug. 16, 2018) – Boxing is being featured for the first time at the recently opened Ocean Resort Casino (formerly Revel), which is located steps from the Atlantic City boardwalk.
Heavyweights will take center stage on Saturday evening when Philadelphia’s Bryant “B.Y.” Jennings faces Alexander “Sascha” Dimitrenko in the 12-round heavyweight main event for the vacant NABO and IBF International heavyweight titles.
Jennings-Dimitrenko will be broadcast on ESPN at 10 p.m. ET, with the entire undercard to be shown on ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
The fighters and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum gathered Thursday for the final press conference. This is what they had to say.
Bob Arum
“This is a terrific card because any time you highlight Philly fighters, you’re going to get fights. Philly fighters bring the heat. They’re exciting.”
Bryant Jennings
On whether he still has the hunger: “If you’re not hungry, you don’t eat. And if you don’t eat, then you starve. If you starve, then you die. And I want to live. I’m hungry. I didn’t eat. I need to eat. Just make sure it’s vegan. In fact, it don’t gotta be vegan because Saturday, I’m eating Russian!”
On whether he’s a different fighter following back-to-back defeats in 2015: “Every fight is a different fight. As you grow, things change. You make changes as you grow in your sport and your craft. So, yeah, I’m a different fighter.”
On fighting taller fighters like Dimitrenko: “As a kid, I was told, ‘never tell your secrets.’ You thought I was about to say something {laughing}?”
Alexander Dimitrenko
“This is a great opportunity for me. I’m here to win this fight. I’m 36, and I have big plans. I want to win this fight. I look forward to make this fight and to show what I can.”
ESPN, 10 p.m. ET
Bryant Jennings vs. Alexander Dimitrenko, 12 rounds, vacant NABO and IBF International heavyweight titles
ON Saturday night Carl Frampton defends his ‘interim’ WBO Featherweight title against Australian Luke Jackson at Belfast’s Windsor Park live on BT Sport from 7.45pm.
Frampton’s great friend Paddy Barnes challenges WBC flyweight champion Cristofer Rosales on the biggest show ever held in Belfast and reckons his clash will steal the show in front of 25,000 fans.
Here are a selection of quotes from today’s final press conference.
FRANK WARREN (Promoter)
“It is going to be a fantastic occasion. We have Ireland’s best in action.
“Carl is a tremendous professional, fantastic to work with and the reason we are here. He knows what is at stake and wants to put himself in line for a full world title fight.
“He is not fazed and just wants the best. He wanted to fight at Windsor Park and we have delivered.
“After this he will be in a major, major fight which fans will love, but Jackson is here to win and upsets happen. This is Carl’s dream and I don’t want it turning into a nightmare.
“Paddy is really stepping up to the plate after five professional fights and if gameness wins world titles he wins this weekend.
“I am looking for history being made and I believe Paddy can do it in his sixth fight.”
CARL FRAMPTON
“It has been a dream to box at Windsor Park and is about to become a reality. To have friends on the bill like Paddy Barnes, Conrad Cummings and Steven Ward makes it more special.
“I have seen a few things Luke has said, but from start to finish I have trained very hard and it’s about more than Luke. It’s Windsor Park.
“The last year everything has flipped. I’m in my prime and about to deliver big performances. In the past I was getting big wins, but I wasn’t a happy fighter.
“I know a fair bit about Luke and he is highly ranked for a reason. He is a good fighter, but I am at another level.
“It will also mean the world to me for Paddy to win a world title on this bill and I think his fight will steal the show.
“He is always the joker, but he is serious this time and if I had my last pound I would back him.”
JAMIE MOORE (Frampton’s trainer)
“Carl is a consummate professional. We wanted one of the top two or three guys in the world, but it wasn’t possible. Windsor Park is the dream he has always wanted though.
“I understand why Luke’s camp say Carl has overlooked him, but that is to give them confidence. Statistics have shown he is 10 per-cent fitter than the Donaire fight.
“I think Carl is in his prime. Boxing isn’t about fitness and technique but also mental. It is about getting everything right.
“Carl is still improving and that is scary. He does things you cannot teach.”
LUKE JACKSON
“I thought Carl was overlooking me but he knows what is at stake. If Carl loses to me his career is over. I have got to fight the perfect fight and I believe I can do it.
“It’s a real life Rocky story if I win. I have come from nothing. I have gone through a lot to get here and if I spoke about that I’d be here all day.
“My father has left Australia for the first time ever to be here and it makes me so proud. A 67-year-old man has travelled halfway around the world for me.
“I have tried to prepare mentally for all the things that can happen and we have to see if it works.”
WBO JR. WELTERWIGHT PURSE BID MAURICE HOOKER vs. ALEX SAUCEDO
Purse Bid was convened for August 14th 2018 at 11:30 am EST held at:
WBO HEADQUARTERS 1056 MUÑOZ RIVERA AVENUE SUITE 711-714
SAN JUAN, PR 00927 787-765-4444
Purse Bid Attendees:
WBO President, Francisco Valcarcel, Presiding
Mr. Dino Duva representing Maurice Hooker & Matchroon Boxing
Mr. Carl Moretti representing Alex Saucedo & Top Rank
Mr. Gardy Lopez from Top Rank
WBO Attorney – Gustavo Olivieri, Esq.
WBO Public Relations – Jose Sanchez Fournier
The Purse Bid Notice was issued on August 6th 2018 for the date of August 14th 2018 to all Bona-Fide Promoters. The Purse Bid officially began at 11:56 am.
Mr. Valcarcel greeted everyone present.
Mr. Carl Moretti, representing Mr. Alex Saucedo from Top Rank, Inc., handed Mr. Valcarcel his first envelope, thus initiating the Purse Bid. The envelope contained a check in the amount of $1,000.00 (One Thousand) Dollars for the Purse Bid Service Fee and proof that Top Rank is a bona fide licensed WBO Promoter.
Mr. Dino Duva, representing Mr. Maurice Hooker from Matchroom Boxing, handed Mr. Valcarcel his first envelope containing a check for $1,000.00 (One Thousand) Dollars to cover the Purse Bid Service Fee and proof of current WBO license.
Mr. Valcarcel stated for the record they are bona fide promoters.
Mr. Valcarcel then indicated for the record that Mr. Moretti was to provide the second envelope that held an offer of the Purse Bid amount of $1,625,000.00 (One Million Six Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand) Dollars. The proposed site for the bout is Oklahoma City, OK with the proposed date of November 16 or 17, 2018.
Then, Mr. Valcarcel opened the second envelope belonging to the representative of Mr. Hooker that contained a check in the amount of $155,555.00 (One Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-Five) Dollars, representing 10% of the Purse Bid Amount of $1,555,555.00 (One Million Five Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-Five) Dollars. The proposed sites for the bout are TP Garden in Boston Massachusetts, Stub Hub Center in Los Angeles, CA and the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City with the proposed date of October 20, 2018.
The Bid was awarded to Top Rank, Inc.
Mr. Valcarcel then informed Mr. Moretti, winner of the Purse Bid, about Section 11.2.4 of the WBO Regulations for World Championship Contests that states, “…the date of the fight shall not be later than ninety (90) days or earlier than forty-five (45) days from the date of the Purse Bid…”
Mr. Dino Duva questioned the possibility of a higher percentage for the division Champion, Maurice Hooker. However, Mr. Valcarcel stated for the record that in accordance to the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. The Champion shall receive 75% of the purse and the Challenger shall receive the remaining 25%.
Finally, Mr. Valcarcel stated the following conditions:
If the Champion becomes injured prior to bout, an Interim Title will be held.
If the Challenger becomes injured prior to the bout, the next available contenderwill be selected.
The fight shall be held within the time frame pursuant to the WBO Regulations ofWorld Championship Contests.
If the winning bidder does not comply with our Rules, the Bid can be awarded tothe second highest bidder.
The winner was informed that the signed contracts must be sent to the WBO nolater than ten (10) days after the Purse Bid.
Mr. Valcarcel then congratulated the winner, Top Rank, Inc., and thanked all present for their participation. The Purse Bid ended at 12:30 pm.
WBO News: Top Rank wins the Hooker-Saucedo Purse Bid
The purse bid for the mandatory bout between World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight World Champion Maurice Hooker (24-0-3, 16 KOs), of Texas, and first-ranked Alex Saucedo (28-0, 18 KOs), from Oklahoma, was held today at the WBO central offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Top Rank won the rights for the fight with a successful bid of $ 1.625 millions. Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti, personally presented the winning bid. The fight is scheduled for November in Oklahoma.
Matchroom Boxing also participated in the purse bid and was represented by Dino Duva.
The WBO exhorted both Top Rank and other promoters to submit their boxers to doping controls, not only immediately prior to and after the title fights, but throughout the entire training phase of both combatants.
NEW YORK – August 9, 2018 – Amanda Serrano will fight for a world title in a sixth weight division on Saturday, September 8 at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. Brooklyn’s Serrano will face Yamila Esther Reynoso for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship. If successful, Serrano will set a women’s boxing record as a six-division world champion, joining Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya as the only boxers, male or female, to reach the mark.
SHOWTIME Sports will live-stream Serrano vs. Reynoso as part of undercard coverage on the network’s social media platforms. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The live stream precedes a three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, SHOWTIME) headlined by Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter for the welterweight world championship.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, the network’s seventh social media offering of live boxing in 2018, is available to all domestic users with internet access. The livestream is hosted by Ray Flores with Chris Mannix serving as analyst.
Serrano (34-1-1, 26 KOs), who is already the only woman to win titles in five weight classes, is looking to best her personal record. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico and representing her hometown of Brooklyn, Serrano has won titles from 118 to 135 pounds, earning her the No. 2 ranking on the BWAA’s inaugural women’s pound-for-pound list. The 29-year-old is also the only Puerto Rican – male or female – to capture world titles in five different weight classes and will look to build on that record against Reynoso. She fights for the fifth time in her career at Barclays Center on September 8 with a chance to once again make history again in front of the passionate fan base of Puerto Rican boxing fans in New York.
“I’m super excited to be fighting for a world title in my sixth weight class,” said Serrano. “My opponent is really a welterweight, having defended her Argentinean 147-pound title by knockout in her last fight, and is dropping down one division to face me. I am coming up four divisions for this shot. I’m sure Reynoso will rehydrate back up to her natural weight after the weigh-in, but this is a risk worth taking. She’s never been stopped either, so I know she’s durable. This is a tremendous card to be a part of with Garcia vs. Porter as the main event. My promoter, Lou DiBella, has big things lined up for me, and I am eager to take on all challenges.”
Reynoso (11-4-3, 8 KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has challenged for world titles at 140 pounds and 154 pounds. The 22-year-old has most recently campaigned at welterweight, where she held the Argentina 147-pound title, and will be moving back down in weight for her third shot at a world title. Reynoso, who will make her U.S. debut on September 8, has recorded all eight of her knockouts inside of five rounds.
“I’m very happy to be training for such a great opportunity for this WBO world title against a terrific champion in Amanda Serrano,” said Reynoso. “I am coming ready to give Serrano a real fight, and I look forward to capturing the title belt.”
“Amanda Serrano is one of the best pound-for-pound female boxers and one of the best boxers in the world, period,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “She is also now a two-sport athlete, embarking on her MMA career earlier this year. In the boxing ring, Serrano is a record-breaker, becoming the only female boxer to win world titles in five weight classes, and on September 8, she will attempt to break her own record, vying for a sixth division championship. I’m thrilled that the world will get to see Serrano make history once again with the bout being a part of the SHOWTIME live stream online.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
The quarterfinal match of the second season of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS), at the Bantamweight limit, will see WBO World Champion Zolani Tete go up against Olympian Mikhael “Misha”Aloyan in Yekaterinburg on October 13.
This fight was announced on Monday at a press conference by the Secretary-General of the Russian Boxing Federation, Umar Kremlev.
“It is planned that on October 13 at the Expo Center in Yekaterinburg, there will be the fight between Aloyan and Tete, and another quarter-final, but the draw of that weight category has not happened as of yet,” Kremlev said.
Last month’s draw matched up Tete and Aloyan in the opening round of the competition.
“This is an opponent with a lot of experience, he has 30 fights, a lot of knockouts. I hope for a spectacular fight, we will train hard,” Aloyan said.
Kremlev added that in Yekaterinburg, there is a lot of attention being paid to boxing.
“There is a boxing academy here, it’s the only place in Russia where you can professionally train athletes. Here we can bring national teams to the training camp… We hope that there will be fights from both the semifinals and finals held here,” he said.
The 29-year-old Aloyan is the owner of the title of the International championship of the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the bantamweight division. He made his professional debut on May 2017, he has four wins (no knockouts) and no defeats. He is also a bronze medalist in the 2012 London Olympic Games, a two-time world champion and European champion.
On the record of the 30-year-old Tete, he has 27 wins (21 by KO), 3 losses. He held the world title of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the super flyweight division during 2014-2015, and he’s held the WBO belt at bantamweight since November 2017, and he’s made one defense of that belt.
Beltran to defend WBO lightweight title against Jose Pedraza Aug. 25 at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona
LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes
(Aug. 6, 2018) — Ray Beltran scratched and clawed and spent nearly 19 years as a pro boxer before earning his first world title. He outpointed Paulus Moses on Feb. 16 in Reno, Nevada, to win the vacant WBO lightweight title, a lifelong dream finally fulfilled. A native of Los Mochis, Mexico, Beltran is now a proud resident of Phoenix, a short drive from where he will make his first title defense.
Beltran (35-7-1, 21 KOs) will defend his title against former 130-pound world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza as the headliner of an ESPN-televised card, Aug. 25 at the Gila River Area in Glendale, Arizona.
Beltran returned home Saturday for a full slate of media activities, including an open workout at Gent’s Boxing Club in Glendale and as a guest broadcaster for the second inning of the Arizona Diamondbacks Alumni Game.
This is what he had to say.
On his future: “Hopefully, we have another big fight coming up against {Vasiliy} Lomachenko. I’m pretty happy when I fight the best. I’ve had no easy fights in my boxing career. We made our own way. We made our own name. We got a contract with Top Rank after 20-something fights. Nobody created our record. I have a lot of knockouts, but I have more power than it looks like on {my record}. All the losses that I have, four or five were robberies. I’m ready. Right now, I’m focused on Pedraza, but we dream big.”
On fighting for Phoenix and Mexico: “I feel like my heart is in half. I feel like a Phoenix fighter, but I’m also a Mexican fighter from my hometown. I can’t believe what I’ve come from. I come from nothing. I come from a place where nobody is supposed to make it. I think it’s important that the people where I came from know about it, so they get the message — whatever you want to do in life, if you work hard, you can make a change.”
On his opponent: “Pedraza is a former world champion. I believe he’s going to bring some heat. He’s going to come and fight hard to take the belt away from me. He bobs and moves around the ring a lot. He’s got good footwork, but we’ve been working at Wild Card with all different types of styles.”
Beltran-Pedraza and the Isaac Dogboe-Hidenori Otake WBO junior featherweight title bout will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10:30 p.m. ET, with undercard action streaming live beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.
Tickets to this world championship doubleheader, priced at $125, $75, $50, and $25, not including applicable fees, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the Gila River Arena Box Office, by phone at 800.745.3000, or online at www.gilariverarena.com.
For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing,facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo, @ESPNDeportes.
Use the hashtags #BeltranPedraza and #DogboeOtake to join the conversation on social media.
THREE-time world champion Donnie Nietes left for the U.S. on Saturday where he resumes his training camp a month before he faces compatriot Aston Palicte for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Jr. Bantamweight title.
Nietes was accompanied by trainer Edmund Villamor as they set-up camp once more at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood, California, where they initially trained for almost a month before returning to the country last June.
Lead trainer Edito Villamor will join them in California two weeks before the 12-round fight which serves as the co-featured match of the highly-popular ‘Superfly 3’ series headlined by the Juan Francisco Estrada-Felipe Orucata showdown at The Forum in Inglewood, California on Sept. 8
“Maganda ang takbo ng training niya and preparado talaga siya as always,” Edito Villamor said in a correspondence with SPIN.ph from Cebu.
The second world title fight involving two Filipinos this year – after the Jerwin-Ancajas-Jonas Sultan International Boxing Federation super-flyweight clash in May – was originally scheduled for August 18 in Cebu City, but was made part of the ‘Superfly 3’ at the last-minute.
Edito said the change in the fight date hardly affected the training of the 36-year-old Nietes, who hails from Murcia, Negros Occidental and considered the star fighter of Cebu-based ALA boxing stable.
The three-week postponement, according to Edito, was actually to the benefit of Nietes, who formerly held titles at minimumweight, junior flyweight, and flyweight, and is moving up at super-flyweight for the first time.
“Walang problema (sa postponement),” he said. “Mas maganda rin kay Donnie at maka-adjust pa siya lalo ng husto.
“Tamang-tama rin siya sa 115 lbs.”
Nietes, who has won the WBO Mini Flyweight and WBO Jr. Flyweight World titles is looking to be crowned in a third division by the WBO, with a victory over Palicte in the Jr. Bantamweight division. ( Nietes has also won the IBF Flyweight World Title )
Oscar De La Hoya (130 lbs, 135 lbs, 160 lbs), Miguel Cotto (140 lbs, 147 lbs, 154 lbs), Jorge Arce (108 lbs, 115 lbs, 122 lbs), Fernando Montiel (112 lbs, 115 lbs, 118 lbs) and recently Terence Crawford (135 lbs, 140 lbs, 147 lbs) are the only fighters who have won WBO crowns in three different divisions.
The 27-year-old Palicte, a former national team member, has a record of 24-2 with 20 KOS, including three of his last four fights.
(Atlantic City, New Jersey) – In a stunning turnaround, Eleider Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) of Montreal, Canada scored a seventh round knockout victory over Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs) of Russia before a sellout crowd of 5,642 fans at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Etess Arena. Alvarez now becomes the WBO and IBA World Light Heavyweight Champion.
Alvarez found success with his jab early in the fight, snapping Kovalev’s head back at times. In the fourth round, Kovalev found his range and started strafing Alvarez with pounding head shots from right and left, with body work mixed in. Most other opponents would have withered under the assault, but Alvarez made it out of the round on his feet.
The pair continued to trade punches for several rounds. Two minutes into the seventh round, Alvarez, not previously known as a knockout puncher, delivered perhaps the single hardest punch of his life, a perfectly placed right to the head which threw Kovalev back onto the canvas. Kovalev beat the count, but as the final seconds ticked down, Alvarez knocked Kovalev down twice more, and referee David Fields ended the fight at 2:45 of the seventh round.
“I can’t describe how I feel,” said an elated Alvarez, thanking God and his entire team including trainer Marc Ramsey and promoter Yvon Michel, along with his family and the people of both Quebec and Colombia.
“I wanted to show him I’m strong, I have a good chin, and I’m ready for big things,” said Alvarez. On the knockout blow, Alvarez said “We practiced that punch during training camp, and that’s how it went … I always practiced that punch in training.”
Alvarez, a native of Colombia, had waited on a title shot as the WBC mandatory challenger for three years. When offered, he jumped at the chance to face Kovalev, earning him tremendous respect. Now he sits at the top of the division. Asked if he’d like to face the winner of the co-main event, Dmitry Bivol, Alvarez said “I’m ready for the best in the world. I’m ready for the best in the division. I’ve been waiting for five years. I’m ready for anybody.”
Speaking on Instagram from the back of an ambulance en route to a local hospital, an upbeat Kovalev reassured fans he was all right. “I am on my way to the hospital to check my head, check my body … I feel OK. Thank you everyone, thank you very much to all the fans around the world for your support. I love you, and I’m fine.”
Weigh-In for WBO Light Heavyweight Title Bout – World Champion Sergey Kovalev 174 lbs and challenger Eleider Alvarez 174.4 lbs @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino #KovalevAlvarez
About Kovalev-Alvarez: In the first boxing event at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will defend his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title against undefeated contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Saturday, August 4, 2018.
Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and World of Boxing and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. (photos by Ed Mulholland).
Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events – “Oh, if these walls could talk! There are so many stories. If I got started, we’d never hear from anyone today. Main Events could not be happier to be bringing world championship boxing back to Atlantic City. We hope it’s a long, enjoyable stay.
“We are happy to have Eleider Alvarez here for just his second fight in the United States. He is undefeated with a record of 23 wins, 11 by knockout. He is coming off notable wins over legendary Canadian veterans Jean Pascal and Lucien Bute.
“When others said no to Sergey Kovalev – and I promise you, Jolene can attest to this – many others have said no to Sergey. Eleider and his team did not hesitate for one second. Bravo and how refreshing. Alvarez is ranked in the top five and a legitimate challenger. He has been waiting for two years for the shot that he earned – two eliminator fights, including one with Isaac. He is crafty and smart. And not to be under estimated.
“I’m going to ask Eleider’s promoter, Yvon Michel to come up and introduce him, and trainer, Marc Ramsay.”
Yvon Michel, Promoter of Eleider Alvarez
“Thank you very much, Kathy. Thank you very much everybody who is here for this press conference. We are very, very happy. You cannot imagine how happy we are to be here, and for several reasons. I want to thank HBO for televising this event. I want to thank Mr. Dillon for your great place here at the Hard Rock. I want to thank the Main Events staff, Kathy for all their collaboration for the making of this event.
“Atlantic City means a lot for people in Quebec. It’s been for long, a great vacation place. Also, we used to come here for great boxing events. My first fight here, it was when I came for a world championship with Matthew Hilton, Stefan Willette, and many more.
“And I can tell you, that fight has been easy to make with Kathy. And I’m happy, very happy, that finally we have been able to make a big event together. We have done the title eliminator between Eleider and Isaac Chilemba. But for a main event, we started the first time I met Kathy to try to make a deal, it was in 2004. It was for Leonard Dorin against Arturo Gatti. We laid down everything to make the deal, and finally I left the company Interbox then. She went ahead and made the deal with the group that followed up. So, I came here as a spectator.
“I met Kathy, and we have tried several times to make other things. But this one, it’s a good one. We’re very happy to fight The Krusher. Sergey Kovalev is a great, great champion. He proved it by coming back. And a lot of people are saying that maybe he’s not the same since the Andre Ward fight. But probably a lot people believe he won the first fight against Andre Ward. The second fight, it’s another story. But he came back and when a fighter is coming back like that, this is showing his true value.
“It’s a great, great challenge for Eleider Alvarez against Krusher. But Eleider is ready for that. Eleider Alvarez has come a long way. He has been fighting professional since 2009. It’s been nine years since he moved, he left everything in Colombia, to come to Quebec, learn French, and learn his professional boxing. He’s been world ranked five years. The first time he was world ranked, he became a mandatory contender almost two years ago. He didn’t waste his time, he was a mandatory contender and he got his best win in his career. The best wins in his career have always been against the biggest challenge. When he fought in Monaco, when he came here in Chicago, when he fought Jean Pascal – he always gave his best performance against the best opposition.
“And when, even if he hasn’t fought since the Pascal fight 14 months ago, I tell you he is the best prepared that is possible for Eleider Alvarez. He has done everything, He has a great team of trainers behind him. And I’d like to invite the greatest coach trainer in Canada, to come here and talk about his preparation. So, I’d like to have Marc Ramsay come here.”
Marc Ramsay, Trainer of Eleider Alvarez
“Thank you, Yvon, first of all I would like to thank HBO, Main Events, and Groupe Yvon Michel for coming together to give us that great opportunity. I would like to thank also Sergey, he has no obligation to give us that chance. Win or lose, he is always going for the biggest challenge possible. And as a coach, as a boxing guy, I respect that, I have a lot of respect for this.
“Eleider Alvarez had an amazing training camp. We have no injury, no excuse. He is ready to perform, ready to go, and I can guarantee you Saturday we are going for our realm.”
Eleider Alvarez, WBO Light Heavyweight Contender
“Good afternoon to all of you, First, I want to thank God for being able to actually be here. Thank you, HBO, Main Events, Kathy Duva, Groupe Yvon Michael, to the members of my team, and my manager who’s not here right now. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.
“With my trainer, I had one of the best, hardest trainings in the world. It’s made me in the best shape I’ve ever been right now. Having this opportunity to go up against a fighter with one of the greatest reputations of any contender I could think of, Sergey Kovalev, it’s an incredible opportunity. I’m very full of pride and joy to let the world know who Eleider Alvarez is. It’s time.
“I have a great training team, with Marc right here. We will be ready to go and fight. I have the talent, I am what I am. All I can do is wait to get in the ring Saturday and go for it. I give my respect to Kovalev. I want to let him know it’s a great honor. But on August 4th, I’m going to be the next world champion.
“Thank you to the journalists from Quebec for your support. I will bring home the victory.”
Kathy Duva
“You know, the last time there was a big fight in Atlantic City was just about four years ago when Sergey had one of those legendary nights with Bernard Hopkins here and walked away with three world titles. You think about it and here he is bringing it back, and when you think about it, it kind of makes sense. In my lifetime in this sport, the fighters who probably were the absolute favorites here in Atlantic City were Mike Tyson and Arturo Gatti. What those two have in common with Sergey Kovalev, other than being knockout artists, is they kind of have an attitude. Okay, and we know Sergey has an attitude, but it makes sense because this is Jersey. We all have an attitude, and I think that’s why this guy from Russia fits in so beautifully here!
“And Egis just said to me he’s got four ringsides for the highest bidder, if anybody wants it. Tickets are in very short supply.
“And so finally we move on to the man. And you have all heard that saying. right? ‘To be the man, you have to beat the man.’ Well, Sergey is the man in this very competitive division. And you don’t have to just take it from me; just ask any of the light heavyweights whenever they win a fight and gets asked, “who do you want next?’ They say Sergey Kovalev — you know, until Jolene calls them up and offers them a fight.
“But he is hungry, and he is looking forward. He has one goal left before he retires, and that is all of the belts. So, let’s hope all of the other champions cooperate this time. And if they do, we are in for one hell of a good time.
Sergey is here along with his manager and my dear friend Egis Klimas, who I call Manager of the Year for life. Because I really think they’re going to have to retire that award for you soon. Sergey and Egis, we at Main Events were just meant to meet them the day we did, and it has been glorious ever since. We’ve had our ups and we’ve certainly had our downs, and it has been one of my greatest experiences of my life to work with them and it continues to be. And I’m going to bring Egis up here to please give us our thoughts about Saturday’s bout.
Egis Klimas, Manager of Sergey Kovalev
“Hello everybody and welcome to Atlantic City, with a venue nobody thought we would be seeing, this Hard Rock. So, thank you for the hospitality.
“Great news! First of all, I have the best seat in the house between two champions. Second, Kathy just mentioned they have four ringside tickets, which I can sell for $800. she didn’t mention the price… going once, going twice No? Okay, we’ll deal later.
“What can I tell, what can I tell, that’s going to be a big test for Sergey Saturday night. Because he is going to be facing, as Yvon Michel said, one of the best. They are champions, but when we talk they are not champions – but one of the best light heavyweights today in boxing. I have no doubt. I believe in Sergey, I saw his preparation, and I saw the way he prepared for this fight. And I’m not going to talk much; Sergey is going to show us Saturday night in the ring. And I just want to say: Krusher is back. Thank you.”
Kathy Duva
“And again, it is my profound pleasure to be able to introduce to you the light heavyweight champion of the world, Sergey Kovalev. The Krusher.”
Sergey Kovalev, Two-Time Light Heavyweight World Champion
“Hi everyone. What can I say, but I am really glad to be here at one of the famous places of boxing, Atlantic City. I am very happy to be fighting here.
I want to first of all say, thank you very much to my team, my newest promotions of Krusher Promotions, HBO and Hard Rock Hotel for organizing this fight, this event and to all of my boxing friends who follow me. It is very important to me, because it gives me motivation moving forward. And all that I do right now and continue to do after my two crazy losses.”
It was a kick from life to awaken me and put my mind on the right trail. I lost my mind when I started to get famous. And I also didn’t have a coach in my training camp. I now have coaches in my training camps. (Before) all of my training camps were done myself, and of course some training camps were good, and some were not. There were some mistakes, of course there are always mistakes, and of course my performances were right, some a little good, and some not.”
Right now, with my coach working with me for the fight, Abror Tursunpulatov, I feel much more professional, because we’ve delivered and went through mistakes. I hope this Saturday, I will show my best skills and what I came to do.
Thank you to the team of Eleider Alvarez to take this fight, because this fight is going to be really interesting. And I’m really proud because he is an undefeated guy and he is professional and fights strong. I just want to say, watch HBO this Saturday, and come to Hard Rock Hotel and watch a nice evening of boxing. Thank you very much, and thanks to God for everything.”
About Kovalev-Alvarez: In the first boxing event at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will defend his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title against undefeated contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Saturday, August 4, 2018. In the co-main event, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Isaac “Golden Boy’ Chilemba. Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and World of Boxing and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Two-time Light Heavyweight world champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (32-2-1, 28 KOs) puts his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title on the line against long-time WBC Light Heavyweight number one Contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (23-0, 11 KOs) at the Etess Arena in the brand new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Saturday, August 4, 2018.
The event, promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. This will mark Kovalev’s 14th appearance on HBO® with Alvarez making his network debut.
Kovalev vs. Alvarez will be the first professional boxing event to take place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, which opens on June 28. Kovalev, 35, of Chelyabinsk, Russia, will be fighting for the fourth time in Atlantic City, including his 2014 victory over future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, which unified three of the four light heavyweight world titles. The only light heavyweight world title Kovalev has not had the chance to win belongs to WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson. Kovalev and Stevenson have come close to getting in the ring several times, but “Superman” seems set on avoiding the hard-hitting Russian.
Undefeated Eleider Alvarez also knows a little something about being avoided by Stevenson. Alvarez defeated Isaac Chilemba in 2015 to secure the WBC mandatory position and the opportunity to face Adonis for his piece of the light heavyweight crown. Since then, Alvarez is 4-0 with notable wins over former world champions Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute. After more than two years since becoming the mandatory contender and almost one year since his last fight, Stevenson still has not agreed to fight Alvarez, so Eleider jumped at the opportunity to face Kovalev for the WBO World Title when the offer arrived.
NAGOYA – Two-division champion Kosei Tanaka announced Tuesday he will challenge Sho Kimura for the World Boxing Organization flyweight belt on Sept. 24.
Tanaka (11-0, seven knockouts), who has previously held the WBO Mini Flyweight and Jr. Flyweights belts, will aim to add a third title at Kimura’s expense when the two meet at Nagoya’s Takeda Teva Ocean Arena.
“If I have a chance to win a title in a third division, I want to achieve it,” the 23-year-old Tanaka told a news conference at his gym.
The 29-year-old Kimura (17-1, 10 Os) retained his belt by beating Froilan Saludar of the Philippines by sixth-round knockout on Friday in Qingdao, China. It was his second defense of the title he won from China’s Zou Shiming last July.
Tanaka most recently defeated Filipino Ronnie Baldonado by TKO in a non-title fight in Nagoya on March 31.
In related news, Hidenori Otake (31-2-3, 14 KOs) is preparing to challenge the United Kingdom’s Isaac Dogboe (19-0, 13 KOs) for the WBO super bantamweight title.
The 37-year-old Otake, 37, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super bantamweight champion, is scheduled to meet the 23-year-old Dogboe in Glendale, Arizona, on Aug. 25.
“If I lose, I will retire, so I’m definitely bringing home the title,” Otake said.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (July 26, 2018) – Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (23-0, 15 KOs) will have the crowd on his side Saturday evening at the Kissimmee Civic Center when he takes on Japan’s Masayuki Ito (23-1-1) for the vacant WBO junior lightweight title.
Kissimmee is home to a large Puerto Rican population, and Diaz is seeking to become the fifth current male world champion from the “Island of Enchantment.”
Ito, who has fought solely in Japan as a professional, will look to become the ninth 130-pound world champion in the rich fighting history of his homeland.
Diaz-Ito and the 10-round welterweight showdown between Artemio Reyes and Gabriel Bracero will stream live and exclusively in the United States at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with undercard action set for 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Also in action will be middleweight contender Esquiva Falcao (20-0, 14 KOs), who will face Jonathan Tavira (16-5, 12 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
Diaz and Ito crossed paths for the first time Thursday at the final press conference. This is what they, and many of the other fighters on Saturday’s card, had to say.
Christopher Diaz
“I never expected to be at this point in my career. I had my pro debut in 2013, and I didn’t even know that I was going to get to 10-0, 20-0. And I never expected to be fighting for a world title. But my hard work every day, my anger, my passion for this sport, made me be here for this opportunity. I think nobody is going to take that out of me, and I feel so good. It’s a moment. It’s one more fight. I know Ito is a great fighter. I’ve been working for 15 years to now for this opportunity.”
“{My fans} know that I always make a war. I know Masayuki Ito is going to come to give me a war. That’s the kind of fight that I want for the fans.”
Masayuki Ito
“Thanks for giving me the opportunity to fight here. Also, I appreciate Top Rank, All Star Boxing, and Teiken Promotions. I did not have enough English training, but I did have hard training in boxing every day. I promise I’ll show a very good fight on Saturday night.”
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Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, remaining tickets to this world championship event, priced at $100 (red carpet ringside), $50 (lower bowl), and $30 (general admission), may be purchased at the Kissimmee Civic Center box office, online at ticketerapr.com, or charge by phone at (787) 305-3600.
For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter:twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo,@ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtag #DiazIto to join the conversation on social media.
About ESPN+
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The fight that many people in boxing didn’t think would happen is now a reality: Billy Joe Saunders will defend his WBO middleweight title against former junior middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade in the fall.
The respective promoters, Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, came to an agreement Wednesday just before a purse bid for the fight was set to take place.
Hearn told ESPN that the fight “looks like” it will occur Oct. 20 on the East Coast, since Andrade is from Rhode Island. Hearn originally earmarked that date for an event in Los Angeles. Saunders, from England, would be fighting in the U.S. for the first time.
A purse bid was scheduled for 5 p.m. ET Wednesday but was canceled when the WBO was informed Warren and Hearn had reached an agreement. The two rival promoters from England rarely conduct an event together, so the expectation was the fight would put up for bid, in which Saunders would receive 70 percent of the highest bid.
