Springfield, VA (APRIL 22, 2014)–This Saturday night at the Springfield ABC, undefeated and world-ranked Super Middleweight Jerry “The Kings Son” Odom will make his 4th start in as many months when he takes on Edgar Perez in a six round bout on a card that is promoted by Jeter Promotions and RBA Promotions.

Odom is promoted by GH3 Promotions

Odom of Bowie, Maryland is 10-0 with 10 knockouts which shot him up to number-15 by the WBA. He has been picking up the competition as evidenced by his 1st round destruction over Douglas Otieno Okola on April 4 in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Perez of Chicago has a a record of 5-8 with three knockouts.

The combined record of his last 8 opponents is 68-3-1 which includes bouts with Steven Martinez, Jermall Charlo, Anthony Ogogo, Antoine Douglas and his last bout on January 10 with Joel De La Paz.

Tickets are $50 for General Admission and $75 for VIP.

ESPN and ESPN Deportes will televise two World Heavyweight Championship fights within two weeks, Wladimir Klitschko (61-3, 52 KOs) vs. Alex Leapai (30-4-3, 24 KOs) on Saturday, April 26 from the König-Pilsener-Arena in Oberhausen, Germany, and, as previously announced, Bermane Stiverne (23-1-1, 20 KOs) vs. Chris Arreola (36-3, 31 KOs) on Saturday, May 10 from the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, both live and exclusive in the U.S.

The 12-round fight between WBA, IBF, and WBO World Heavyweight Champion Klitschko and challenger Leapai will air at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates (Fight Night). Two weeks later, the WBC World Heavyweight Championship fight for the vacant title and rematch between top-rated Stiverne and Arreola will air at 8 p.m. on ESPN and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates. That fight will be presented by Corona Extra. Both fights will also be available on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox and Roku via WatchESPN.

“We are thrilled to have ESPN televise this great one-two combination of World Heavyweight title fights,” ESPN senior director of programming & acquisitions Brian Kweder said. “The winners of these two fights will be on a collision course for the potential unification of the Heavyweight title. With fighters like Deontay Wilder, Mike Pérez, Bryant Jennings and Tyson Fury all waiting in the wings, the Heavyweight division is poised for a major comeback.”

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will call Klitschko vs. Leapai for ESPN, while Delvin Rodríguez and Pablo Viruega will call the action for ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates. Two weeks later, Tessitore and Atlas will call the Stiverne vs. Arreola bout, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will present boxing news and highlights on site. Viruega and David Faitelson will call Stiverne vs. Arreola for Noche de Combates, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will anchor the on-site studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both networks.

About the Fights:
Klitschko, of the Ukraine, who will be making his 16th title defense and fighting in his 25th World Heavyweight Championship bout, scored a unanimous decision over Alexander Povetkin in his last fight. Klitschko has held a Heavyweight title longer than anyone in boxing history (IBF, 2006-present) other than Joe Louis (nearly 12 years). He has made the third-most title defenses in Heavyweight history, trailing only Louis (25) and Larry Holmes (20). His challenger, Leapai, a native of Samoa living in Australia, is coming off a November unanimous decision upset win over Denis Boytsov.

Stiverne and Arreola were chosen to fill the vacant WBC title after Wladimir Klitschko’s older brother Vitali vacated the title to pursue his political career in the Ukraine. Stiverne and Arreola will not only battle for the vacant WBC World Heavyweight title, but also to become the first boxers of Haitian or Mexican descent to hold a Heavyweight title. Read more on Stiverne vs. Arreola.

About ESPN Boxing:
ESPN is home to ESPN Friday Night Fights and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates (Spanish version), a weekly boxing series which runs between January and August and showcases some of the best bouts in the boxing industry. Friday Night Fights began on October 2, 1998, and Noche de Combates (formerly Viernes de Combates) began on January 10, 2004. ESPN began televising boxing on April 10, 1980, when weekly boxing returned to television for the first time since 1964, with the debut of Top Rank Boxing on ESPN.

Jamie McDonnell will take on Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat for a Bantamweight title on May 31 in London at Wembley stadium as part of the Carl Froch – George Groves undercard according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I am so excited to be fighting for a world title on the biggest boxing show in British history,” McDonnell said. “I’m honored to be a part of it and especially to be fighting to become a world champion again. I am absolutely flying with this news, and it’s going to be a great boost in training.”

“It’s been a full year since I last fought for a world title and it’s been tough, to be honest,” McDonnell said. “I had a little taste of being a world champion. I loved it and it made me want it even more. Reaching the top of the world changes your life and I want to feel that again.

“I don’t know much about Na Rachawat and I will leave that to the team. His record says he can bang a bit and he is a come-forward fighter who is game, so it will be an entertaining fight as that suits me. I’m expecting to win and win well.”

“I’m delighted to deliver this opportunity for Jamie on a huge night for British boxing,” Hearn said. “It’s going to be a tough night for Jamie, but no one deserves a shot more in the division and I’m excited about watching him win his world title back.”

CHESTER, PA (APRIL 22, 2014)–On Friday, May 9, Anthony Caputo Smith will take on Pedro Martinez in a scheduled 10-round bout that will be for the Pennsylvania State Heavyweight title.

The card is promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

Smith of Kennett Square, PA has a record of 15-2 with 10 knockouts and is a 2-time state title holder in both the Light Heavyweight and Cruiserweight divisions.

He won the Light Heavyweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Dhafir Smith. After being stopped by undefeated Seanie Monaghan on the Timothy Bradley – Juan Manuel Marquez Pay Per View card in Las Vegas, Caputo Smith came back to win the Pennsylvania Cruiserweight title with a 10-round split decision win over Tony Ferrante on January 31 at Harrahs Philadelphia.

Martinez of Philadelphia has a record of 7-7 with 3 knockouts, has quality wins over previously undefeated Reshawn Scott (1-0) and Elvin Sanchez (4-1). Martinez is coming off a 6-round unanimous decision over Ferrante on March 21 at Harrahs Philadelphia.

Ferrante of Philadelphia will take part in the 6-round co-feature when he takes on Brian Donahue in a battle of Philadelphia based Cruiserweights.

Ferrante of Philadelphia has a record of 12-6 with 7 knockouts will be looking to get back in the win column against the hard nosed Donahue who has a deceiving record of 2-8-2 with many of those losses being of the controversial variety.

In for round bouts:

Featherweight Roberto Irizarry (1-0-1) of New Jersey, Jr. Middleweight Anthony Prescott (3-3-1, 1 KO) of Cherry Hill, NJ, Featherweight Antonio Dubose (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia and Heavyweight Patrick O’Çonner (2-0) will see action against opponents to be named.

John Mercurio (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Aaron Bratton (1-2) of Baltimore, MD in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Tickets are now on sale for $100 (VIP); $75 (Ringside) and $50 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the Harrahs Philadelphia Gift Shop; By calling Joey Eye (267-304-9399); David Feldman (610-291-0806); 800-480-8020 or on www.webtix.net

MACAO (April 22, 2014) – A press conference in Manila on Tuesday announced the details of Featherweight Fury – a championship event with three featherweight world title main event fights to be hosted by The Venetian® Macao on Saturday, May 31 at the Cotai Arena.

The world-class event is headlined by three spectacular featherweight title matchups: four-division world champion and 2012 Fighter of the Year NONITO “The Filipino Flash” DONAIRE will challenge World Boxing Association (WBA) undisputed featherweight world champion SIMPIWE “V12” VETYEKA; undefeated WBA world featherweight champion NICHOLAS “The Axe Man” WALTERS will defend his title against two-division world champion VIC “Raging Bull” DARCHINYAN; and undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion EVGENY “The Mexican Russian” GRADOVICH, making his third consecutive featherweight title defense at the Cotai Arena, will be battling No. 1 contender ALEXANDER MISKIRTCHIAN.

The Donaire-Vetyeka title fight will be televised on the same day in the U.S. on HBO, beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will also include the world super middleweight title rematch between defending champion Carl Froch and top contender George Groves, which will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.

All “Featherweight Fury” undercard bouts will be streamed live via http://www.toprank.tv with Fran Charles handling the blow-by-blow and former world champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Hall of Famer Larry Merchant adding their expert analysis and commentary, except for the IBF junior featherweight title elimination bout between Top-Five contenders CHRIS “The Hit Man” AVALOS and YASUTAKA ISHIMOTO. That fight will be televised via same-day delay as the main event on Sólo Boxeo Tecate on UniMás. The winner will be declared the IBF’s No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger to IBF junior featherweight world champion Kiko Martinez.

“All eyes will be on the fabulous Cotai Arena with these three world title fights in one of boxing’s hottest divisions,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “Featherweight Fury is one of the most exciting events I have promoted in a long time.”

“This is our fifth time working with Bob Arum and Top Rank to bring sports entertainment at its best to Macao,” said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd. “The world’s eyes will continue to be drawn to Macao as we continue to establish our city as a world centre of tourism and leisure with the diverse offerings of our multi-tiered entertainment strategy.”

Donaire (32-2, 20 KOs), a native of General Santos City, Philippines, now living in Las Vegas, has been a consensus Top-10 pound-for-pound fighter for several years. His banner year in 2012 included four world championship victories. He beat former world champion Israel Vazquez, Jr. to capture the vacant WBO junior featherweight title, then unified the title by defeating IBF junior bantamweight champion Jeffrey Mathebula. Donaire collected his third belt of the year by knocking out WBC Diamond Belt super bantamweight champion Toshiaki Nishioka, ending Nishioka’s eight-year, 16-bout, winning streak. Donaire concluded his magnificent year by blasting out Mexican icon Jorge Arce in the third round and sealing his 2012 Fighter of the Year honours while extending his 12-year, 30-bout winning streak. He lost his title to undefeated Cuban sensation and WBA super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux in a title unification bout at a sold-out Radio City Music Hall on April 13, 2013. Career highlights for Donaire also include knockout victories of defending IBF flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan, former WBA bantamweight champion Wladimir Sidorenko, and defending WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel, ending Montiel’s 25-bout winning streak. That victory was named the 2011 Knockout of the Year. Donaire’s last fight was a ninth-round knockout victory of Darchinyan in their eagerly-awaited rematch which took place on November 9, 2013.

Vetyeka (26-2, 15 KOs), of Mdantsane, South Africa, will be making the first defence of the title he won from the legendary Chris John. A 12-year professional, four of Vetyeka’s five last victories have been by knockout. He scored a major upset to win his world title last December, knocking out the undefeated defending WBA featherweight champion John in the sixth round. John had celebrated the 10th year of his title reign two months earlier, which included 18 title defences.

Walters (23-0, 19 KOs), of Montego Bay, Jamaica, enters this fight having won nine of his last 10 fights by knockout. He captured the vacant WBA featherweight title on December 12, 2012, knocking out Daulis Presscott (26-1, 19 KOs) in the seventh round. He made his first title defence on November 9, 2013, stopping Alberto Garza (25-5-1, 20 KOs) in the fourth round.

Darchinyan (39-6-1, 28 KOs), a native of Armenia whose home base has been Sydney, Australia, is one of the lower division’s most exciting fighters. A member of Armenia’s 2000 Olympic boxing team, he won his first world title in his 22nd professional bout, knocking out undefeated IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco in the 11th round of their 2004 battle, ending Pacheco’s five-year reign. During his own three-year tenure as world champion, Darchinyan successfully defended his title six times – all by stoppage – against the division’s top contenders. After losing the title and his undefeated record to Donaire, in 2007, Darchinyan moved up in weight and claimed the IBF junior bantamweight crown, knocking out defending champion Dimitri Kirilov in the fifth round. He unified the 115 pound world titles in his next fight, knocking out World Boxing Council (WBC) / WBA super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares in the ninth round. The first person to unify three of the titles in that weight division, Darchinyan successfully defended his titles three times during his two-year reign as unified super flyweight champion, including an 11th-round stoppage of Méxican icon Jorge Arce. Darchinyan vacated his titles in mid-2010 to campaign as a bantamweight, defeating former IBF bantamweight champion Yonnhy Perez, Evans Mbamba and Eric Barcelona, while losing competitive decisions to world champions Abner Mares, Joseph Agbeko and Shinsuke Yamanaka. Last November, Darchinyan finally got his long-awaited rematch with Donaire. It was an exciting fight that had Darchinyan leading on the judges’ scorecards through eight rounds until he got caught by Donaire and was stopped in the ninth round.

Gradovich (18-0, 9 KOs), of Igrim, Russia, captured the IBF featherweight title on March 1, 2013, winning a gritty split decision over defending champion Billy Dib. He has successfully defended the twice – both at Cotai Arena – where he has developed a rabid fan following. At Fists of Gold II last July, Gradovich won a dominating unanimous decision over Mauricio Muñoz and on the November 24 Pacquiao-Rios undercard, he knocked out Dib in the ninth round of their rematch.

Miskirtchian (24-2-1, 9 KOs), of Namur, Belgium, will be making his Asian debut. He enters this fight riding a five-year, 11-bout winning streak, with over half those victories coming by way of knockout. After winning the European featherweight title and defending it twice during his two-year reign, he won a 12-round decision over Sofiane Takoucht, in an IBF featherweight title elimination bout, to become the IBF’s No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger to Gradovich. This will be Miskirtchian’s first world title shot.

Avalos (23-2, 17 KOs), of Lancaster, Calif., enters this fight riding a two-year, four-bout winning streak, including an NABO junior featherweight title victory over Drian Francisco last July. He is currently world-rated No. 1 by the WBO, No. 4 by the IBF and the WBC and No. 5 by the WBA.

Ishimoto (24-6, 7 KOs), of Tokyo, Japan, is riding a two-year, five-bout winning streak himself, with four of those victories coming by way on knockout. His most impressive victory during his current streak was for the WBO International junior featherweight title, where he won a majority decision over former world champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. at the Coati Arena on April 6, 2013. He is world-rated No. 5 by the IBF, No. 7 by the WBO and No. 8 by the WBC.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate, PS4 and Foreman Boys Promotions, Featherweight Fury will take place on Saturday, May 31, with the first bout beginning at 5:30 p.m. local time. Tickets to the multi-bout event can be purchased at all Cotai Ticketing box offices*, and are available in seven categories, ranging from HKD/MOP 80 (~PHP 450) to HKD/MOP 3,280 (~PHP 18,800). HKD/MOP 88 adds a round trip Cotai Water Jet ferry ticket between Hong Kong and Macao (HKD/MOP 80 tickets excluded). Tickets can be booked online at www.cotaiticketing.com, or by phone at +853 2882 8818 (Macao) / +852 6333 6660 (HK) / 4001 206 618 (China) / +63 2 395 3370 (Philippines). Tickets are also available through Hong Kong Ticketing (customer service fee applies), online at www.HKTicketing.com or by phone at +852 3128 8288, and via Macao Kong Seng Ticketing Network, online at www.macauticket.com, by phone at +853 2855 5555, or in person at selected retail outlets (for locations, visit www.macauticket.com/TicketWeb/ServiceStations.aspx). Hotel packages including two tickets and one night accommodation at your choice of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, Conrad Macao, Cotai Central; Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central; Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central; or Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip are also available for purchase starting at HKD/MOP 3,240† (~PHP 18,500) through Cotai Ticketing.

NOTE: Bouts and times subject to change

Photos from the press conference and workout session will be available at:

http://tinyurl.com/Featherweight-Fury

###

Entertainment at Sands China Ltd. Properties
Sands China Ltd. has as a clear vision to establish Macao as Asia’s top entertainment destination.

The 15,000-seat Cotai Arena is the only venue in Asia ranked in Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues based on ticket sales. It is the top entertainment destination in southern China, hosting the world’s and the region’s biggest names in music, sports and awards shows. Superstars frequently choose the venue as the starting point of their Asian tours.

The 1800-seat, multi-purpose Venetian Theatre is one of the most luxurious entertainment venues in greater China. Featuring ushers in black-tie, champagne service, gourmet food and beverage items and other unique, premium amenities, it offers an intimate, luxurious and exclusive venue experience. The Venetian Theatre is playing a key role in bringing the best in international and Chinese entertainment to Macao, with a luxury theatre experience like no other in the region.

The 650-seat Sands Theatre regularly features internationally-renowned singers, performers and artists of the highest calibre. From traditional Chinese-costumed dancers to modern performances, and from singing troupes to contemporary bands, everything from Western rock to Cantonese pop is covered.

With an unbeatable diversity, the entertainment offering of Sands China Ltd. is ushering in a new era of entertainment in Macao.

For information about upcoming shows and events, visit www.venetianmacao.com/entertainment.html.

About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
Opened in 2007, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao’s first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat Cotai Arena designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; TAIVEXMALO Day Hospital & Spa; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes at Venetian. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.

For more information, please visit www.venetianmacao.com.

About Cotai Strip Resorts Macao – Macao’s Integrated Resort City
Sands China Ltd. is the leading developer, owner and operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The befittingly named Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, situated on reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa, is the one destination that provides a stunning array of experiences at the heart of Cotai. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao has transformed a gaming-centric day-trip market into an integrated resort city and international hub for business and leisure travellers.

Pulsating with life, both night and day, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao features an expansive offering of affordable luxury available nowhere else in Macao, with approximately 9,000 hotel rooms and suites, international superstar live entertainment, duty-free shopping with 600 retailers offering an unparalleled array of name brands, 1.3 million square feet (120,000 square metres) of meeting and exhibition space for Asia’s leading conferences and exhibitions, gaming excitement, transportation offerings and well over 100 dining options, including international restaurants, bars and lounges. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is a must-see destination providing every guest with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled excitement.

Comprised of The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel; The Plaza™ Macao, featuring the Four Seasons Hotel Macao; and Sands® Cotai Central, featuring the world’s largest Conrad, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn hotels, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is where Asia’s ultimate destination is all within reach.

Cotai Strip Resorts Macao….Macao Starts Here. For more information, please visit
www.cotaistrip.com.

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (April 22, 2014) – Hall of Famer Mike Tyson’s promotional company, Iron Mike Productions (IMP), returns this Thursday night to Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with another installment of “KO Kings of Tomorrow.”

Florida light heavyweight Rowland Bryant (17-3, 12 KOs takes on Pittsburgh veteran Rayco “War” Saunders (23-22-2, 10 KOs) in the eight-round main event. Bryant is a late replacement for recently injured Dominican light heavyweight Lenin Castillo (11-0, 7 KOs).

After a prolonged absence, 2004 Puerto Rican Olympian Alex “El Pollo” DeJesus (20-1, 13 KOs) returns to the ring in a six-round bout against Mexican welterweight Gerardo Pipino Cuevas, Jr. (17-11, 5 KOs), the son of former world champion Pipino Cuevas.

Undefeated Philadelphia prospect Miguel “No Fear” Cartagena (12-0, 5 KOs) puts it all on the line against Kyrgyzstan bantamweight Timur “Here Comes Trouble” Shailezov (16-7, 3 KOs) in a six-round fight. Cartagena was the 2009 National Golden Gloves and US National amateur champion, while Shailezov is a former NABA and Russian title holder.

Also scheduled to fight on the card in four round fights are unbeaten IMP prospect Dennis Galarza (2-0, 1 KO), Miami, FL vs. lightweight Abraham Rubio (4-3-1 (1 KO), Sonora, Mexico; lightweight Rolando Chinea (6-0-1, 4 KOs), Lancaster, PA vs. Ronnie Reams (4-3, 1 KO), Colorado Springs, CO; lightweight Sam Quinones Jr. (5-2, 2 KOs), York, PA vs. Carlos Lopez (4-3), San Juan, Puerto Rico; pro-debuting middleweight Erik Spring, Reading, PA vs. Lionel Charles (0-1), New York, NY; and Easton (PA) welterweight Arthur Trujillo (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets priced at $150.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $35.00 are on sale and available to purchase at the Sands Event Center Bethlehem Box Office, visit http://sandseventcenter.com/event/details/ko-kings-of-tomorrow-featuring-mike-tyson/, all TicketMaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, or call 1-800-745-3000.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or http://sandseventcenter.com/event/details/ko-kings-of-tomorrow-featuring-mike-tyson/
ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com, friend on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/IronMike Productions, or follow on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

K. Swanson
Thank you everybody for calling. We are talking about “The Moment” and this, to me, is one of the big moments we’ve been waiting for. We have one of the participants of our main event. That, of course, is Marcos Maidana, the WBA Welterweight World Champion.

Also on the call we have Robert Garcia, who is a former world champion and the Boxing Writers Association of American 2012 Trainer of the Year; and, also, Leonard Ellerbe, Chief Executive Officer of Mayweather Promotions; Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Showtime Sports; and last but not least, and to make the introductions for the call, and to start us off, is Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. Oscar?

O. De La Hoya
Thank you, Kelly. Thank you very much everybody, everyone on the call. Yes, it is “The Moment,” the biggest event that everybody has been waiting for. It is, once again, a privilege to be working with Mayweather Promotions and Leonard Ellerbe and Showtime PPV. It’s going to be one of those events. Once again, when you have the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world facing another dangerous opponent, we know that people are anxiously waiting for May 3rd, as I am. We are truly, truly humbled and honored to be working alongside Mayweather Promotions. It is my pleasure now to introduce to you to make some opening remarks. You all know him. He is the Vice president of Showtime Sports, Stephen Espinoza. Stephen?

S. Espinoza
Thank you, Oscar. I’ll be brief here. We’re very excited to kickoff this part of the promotion. We’ll be hearing very shortly from Marcos Maidana.

Just a few words about Marcos. I’ve seen the first episode of All Access and I’ve seen what a remarkable story he’s got. Not many have been exposed to this story, although we’ve seen Marcos in the ring many, many times. We will be seeing a new side of Marcos and learning some new things with our All Access series, which does premier this weekend, 9 p.m. Eastern, immediately preceding Hopkins versus Shumenov.

The Marcos Maidana we know is a world class fighter. He’s been in the ring with elite competition. We all know this. Sometimes we forget it because there is so much focus on his game-changing knockout power, but he has been operating at a high-level within boxing for years and has simply elevated his level of performance with the addition, a few fights ago, with Robert Garcia.

When people ask, why this opponent? Why is this an attractive fight for the network? It’s very simple. The combination of the caliber of competition that he’s faced, the team that he has behind him, his knockout power and, above all, his relentlessness. As we all saw in the Adrien Broner fight, there is a ferocity and a relentlessness that Marcos Maidana fights with. I think that’s the biggest asset that he brings to the table for this fight. It is for that reason, and almost that reason alone, that I’m very, very excited to see the fight between Marcos Maidana and Floyd Mayweather. Oscar, I’ll hand it back to you.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Stephen. As we all know, the undercard has become a special tradition for all fight fans across the globe and this is obviously no exception. We’ve put together a tremendous, tremendous card along with Mayweather Promotions who has been doing a tremendous job in making sure the fight fans are the ones who are ultimately happy, having Amir Khan fighting Luis Collazo, which will be a 12-round for the vacant WBC Silver Title.

Also, a fighter who is always entertaining and explosive and people are wondering, what is going to happen? Is he going to rise to the occasion? Is he going to fight even harder, come back even stronger, especially after fighting in such a terrific, terrific fight against Marcos Maidana? That is Adrien Broner going against Carlos Molina.

The opening bout, a fight actually that I truly, truly am looking forward to because it’s going to be one of those fights that you always think, this one can steal the show because it’s so competitive and so entertaining. That’s J’Leon Love versus Marcos Antonio Periban. That will be a 10-rounder for the Super Middleweight match up.

Obviously, this fight will be at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. I want to really thank and appreciate the sponsors who really do a tremendous, tremendous job. That is Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T, who have just done a tremendous job in marketing the fight and making sure that the grass root markets and making sure that the message is sent across the globe.

Tickets, as we know, are priced and they’ve obviously gone fast. They’re priced at $1500 all the way down to 750, to 350, I’m sorry. The 550 and 350 are sold out. You can still get tickets, but they are going like hotcakes, that’s for sure. I also just want to mention Fathom Events. Once again, the moment when you have a Mayweather event along with Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, you’re going to be in for a special treat.

Any fight fan that wants to go down to the movie theaters and watch this fight, and have a very unique experience, you can log on to fathomevents.com and you can see which movie theaters, across the nation, will be showing the fight and experience it with other fans and fight fans. It truly is a unique experience, which I would definitely recommend.

At this time I would like to turn over the call to – he is the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, who, like I said before, has done a great job in making sure this event goes smoothly. He put it together and did a tremendous job. That is Leonard Ellerbe. Leonard?

L. Ellerbe
Thank you, Oscar. I would like to thank everyone for coming on the call today. I had a chance to go see Marcos, his media day yesterday. Like I said, I wanted to stick my head in it and see what all the noise was about. I hear he’s been having a tremendous camp and he’s preparing really well. I was quite impressed with the fan support up there and how hard he was working. This is going to be a tough fight for Floyd.

A lot of people have paid attention to the odds, but when it comes down to a fight, we know that Maidana can end this thing with one punch. We saw it happen, almost saw it happen, in the Shane Mosley fight a couple years ago and I had a chance to see Marcos yesterday. I know he’s preparing really well. Like I said, this is going to be a great, great fight.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Leonard. At this moment, let’s get to the fighter. Marcos Maidana, what can you say about him? You all know he’s an action warrior. He’s a fighter that never gives up. He’s a fighter who is improving and learning and becoming not only a fighter, but a boxer learning the craft. You have to, obviously, owe it all to his trainer.

His trainer is a friend of mine, a fighter that I grew up with, that we have many great memories together. He’s a tremendous, tremendous fighter. In his day, World Champion, and it is unbelievable and very admirable of what he’s done outside the ring, being the Trainer of the Year in 2012. What other fighter, World Champion, can say that [indiscernible] become a Trainer of the Year? He’s only, it’s only just the beginning, which is incredible.

Without any further ado, let me introduce to you the trainer of Marcos Maidana, Robert Garcia. Robert?

R. Garcia
Thank you, Oscar. It’s always great to hear somebody like you, Oscar, to say such great things and It’s great to know that we’ve known each other for such a long time. “The Moment” is going to be an event that people are not going to want to miss. I have Chino Maidana, who in the past three years has been learning so much from me and my team, my whole staff in the gym.

He’s learned so much that this is the time, “The Moment,” for him to get the shot at the best in the world. We all understand and know that Mayweather is the best at what he does. He’s been the best for the past 15 to 16 years and it’s just an honor for us to be part of this event. We want to go out there and do our best in trying to upset the world and give everybody a great fight.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you. Thank you very much, Robert. It is my pleasure now to introduce to you a man they call “Chino.” He has a record of 35 and 3. Only 3 losses and 31 knockouts, which is unbelievable. His knockout ratio is 82%. When this fighter steps into the ring, you know you’re going to get an exciting fight. There’s no doubt about it. Anybody who tells me that Marcos Maidana has been in a dull or boring fight, I don’t know what you’re watching.

This kid comes to fight. He has a heart. He has desire, but what’s most interesting now, for “The Moment,” is that he has a super trainer who has taken him to a whole new level in such a short period of time. It is definitely going to be very interesting to see him up against the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. He does hail from Margarita Santa Fe, Argentina. Like I said, he has a record of 35 and 3, 31 knockouts. Marcos Maidana.

M. Maidana
I’m very happy to be part of this event. I have prepared myself for the best part of my career.

Q
Hi, guys. Oscar, it’s good to hear you, man. Oscar? Oscar, well, obviously, you’ve been in the ring with Floyd. You had a great fight with him. You tried everything you could. As Floyd has said in the past, there have been guys that you thought had the blueprint to beat him, I guess Shane, Robert Guerrero, Canelo. What couldn’t they do? What couldn’t you do that you think Maidana can do?

O. De La Hoya
I actually have no idea what they have been working on in the gym. That’s a question that you can ask Robert Garcia. Mayweather has said all the fighters have tried and then all of them have failed, but in every challenge, in every fight, it’s always a new opponent. It’s always something different. There’s always something different that every fighter brings to the table. Robert Garcia can answer that question for you.

They’ve been training hard. I’m sure they’ve been studying Mayweather. I’m not sure what they’re thinking, but I’m positive they have a game plan and they have to execute that game plan. There are different reasons why everybody lost to Mayweather and, obviously, because he’s best.

Q
What is, in your words, as a guy that’s been in there with him, and a guy that probably came closer than anybody to beating him, what is difficult? Put us in the ring with Floyd. What is difficult about him?

O. De La Hoya
He’s just, he’s slippery. He’s just slippery, slippery to hit. Obviously, and this is my experience, I’m just talking for myself. This is my experience. Obviously, he is a competitor and has a fighting spirit. Obviously, if I was younger, I would have beat him. That’s just the way I feel. Nobody has beat him before. That’s reality. He’s undefeated.

Q
Robert, you there?

R. Garcia
Yes, I’m here.

Q
What do you say to people who say the guys that have come to Floyd, and this is kind of a fact, the guys that have come after him have lost almost worse – Gatti, Diego Corrales, guys like that. I know Jose Luis Castillo had some success, but what do you say to people who say that and then say that he’s tailor made for Floyd? What is your answer to that?

R. Garcia
Against Floyd, that is true. Those that have tried and come forward, they have failed, but the fact is that Floyd has never faced somebody with the power and the heart, the determination that Chino has. This is a fighter who doesn’t worry about anything. He’s not worrying about, I’m fighting the best pound-for-pound in the world or the best fighter in history. He’s not worried about that. He gets ready to fight and do what he does best and he does it against anybody.

It doesn’t have to be the best in the world. He goes out there just to try to hurt his opponent and that’s what he’s training to do. He throws punches from different angles. He has tremendous power in both hands. Everybody knows that. There is no secret to that. He doesn’t respect whoever is in front of him. That’s one thing that he’s going in and not thinking of, or not having in mind, I’m [indiscernible]. I have no chance against him. No, he doesn’t feel like that. He feels like he could beat him and anybody else in the ring in front of him.

L. Ellerbe
Let me touch on that, too. I think that the difference in this fight is that a lot of fighters in the past have come in – really they say one thing, but this guy is a little different in my eyes. We know that we’re in a tough fight because one, this guy brings it from the opening bell. A lot of people talk about it and they get in there and they look and they make attempts a first couple times and they get frustrated.

This guy, he continues to bring it and bring it and bring it and bring it and he doesn’t stop. We have to be prepared for what he’s going to bring to the table. Floyd hasn’t faced anybody like that before and, on top of that, his knockout percentage. Like I said, it’s a known fact, when he hits guys, they fall. Floyd’s objective is obviously not to get hit with none of that, but like I said, we know what we’re in for. That’s what Floyd is preparing for, a very, very tough fight.

Q.
What is your response, Marcos, when you hear, or if you even pay attention, to people saying others have tried to come right at Floyd and he chops them up, he turns the gameplan against them, that kind of thing?

M. Maidana
I’m going to go out to win it. If others haven’t been able to do it, I’m training to do it. I’m training to be the first one to do it.

Q.
Leonard, what is your reaction to ESPN naming Floyd again, once again, the highest paid athlete?

L. Ellerbe
He’s extremely humbled. It’s a great feeling. We have a wonderful team and he’s very grateful for all the support from the fans to be in this position.

Q.
One of the things you were talking about this past weekend in Vegas was the fact that you guys, it’s all about the dollars, and it’s all about making the big events. Can you comment on that a little bit, too?

L. Ellerbe
Well, yes, at the end of the day, that’s what it comes down to. Doing it at this level, that’s what you’re trying to do, is maximize every opportunity possible with every fight as it relates to the revenue. We have a wonderful team. Like I said, Floyd is truly grateful and blessed and he’s very thankful to the fans.

Q.
Hi. Question for Marcos and for Oscar. Bob Arum made some very strong comments last week that this fight was too one-sided, that the odds were too long, that it wasn’t a good fight and, basically, suggesting that Marcos has no chance to win and that people should not watch it. What is Marcos’ reaction to that? Does it make him angry? Does it make him more determined? What’s his reaction?

M. Maidana
It doesn’t bother me at all. All I’ve got to say for people doubting me is to and order the fight because they’re going to enjoy a good fight. They’re going to be beat Floyd Mayweather.

R. Garcia
If you guys want me to say something about that, I’ve been in this before where we are the underdogs. It surprised me for Bob Arum to say that because he knows that I’ve trained a lot of fighters under his banner, and a lot of times I’ve been the underdog on those fights, from Steven Luevano to Brian Viloria, when he beat Archie Solis. Brandon Rios himself, Bob Arum thought Peterson was going to dominate Brandon pretty easy and we upset it, the whole HBO and the whole people thinking that Peterson was their next star. So, we’ve been in it before.

I think Bob should know better than that. He knows that I’m training Chino Maidana and he knows what I can do with Chino. I think it’s probably just part of the way he reacts, the way he wants to react. Of course, the companies don’t work together, so it’s something that he’s going to try to do to prevent us from having a great night and having a great fight. Of course, Showtime Pay-Per-View is doing good [indiscernible]. That’s all he’s trying to do.

Q.
Oscar, what were your thoughts about Arum’s comment?

O. De La Hoya
Well, my thoughts were that, once again, he was, maybe he’s using reverse psychology. Maybe he does feel in his mind that Floyd is going to have an easy time with Maidana and that people shouldn’t buy the fight, but that’s Bob Arum for you. What he really is telling you is buy the event. What he really is telling you is Marcos is going to beat Mayweather. That’s what he’s really telling you. That’s who Bob Arum is. We’re doing our event. He should do his event and, therefore, the boxing fans and the boxing world wins.

Q.
Just a question for Leonard quickly. Leonard, Bob Arum used the word “thug” or “thuggery” several times when he was referring to your promotions, to Floyd, and your camp in general. It would seem to be a fairly inappropriate choice of words. What were your thoughts on that aspect of it specifically?

L. Ellerbe
I didn’t think about it one bit. I don’t think about a damned thing about what he says and comes out of his mouth. Everything that comes out of his mouth is a lie. We’re doing our thing and they’re doing their thing. We wish him the best. We don’t have anything bad to say about anybody. We’re looking forward to our great event on May the 3rd. We’re going to be in a sold-out arena and we’re going to have a big, big event on pay-per-view.

Q
What has changed since you started training with Robert Garica?

M. Maidana
I better now that he’s been working with Robert Garcia. I feel much better. My punches are connecting even stronger now because the punches are being thrown in a better location and with precision. I feel a lot better. I feel much, much better now that I’ve been working with Robert Garcia.

I’m fighting and beating great fightersMost of them have the same style, very similar style and defensive, but I already beat Broner the way I did and I think I can do the same with Mayweather, but until I’m in the ring, and we’ll look at things that no one has seen.

Q
Robert, what was your reaction to Leonard Ellerbe popping up on you guys on media day?

R. Garcia
It was something that we did not expect, but Leonard, the few times that I’ve met him, showed us to be a very professional person. They know what they’re doing with the promotion. They know what they’re doing with their job. I’ve enjoyed working with them. It was an honor to have somebody like him visit the gym. He loved it there.

My gym is a facility that has everything. We have a complete boxing facility for a lot of great future fighters, too. And just to be part of this event and to get know better these people that we’ve only seen on TV, working with Mayweather now, and now working with them. To have him show up to media day, it was awesome. It’s awesome. We were joking around, having fun, and that’s what it’s all about.

Q
Marcos, what did you think?

M. Maidana
The truth is, I didn’t even know who this guy was, but he came to my gym and I have nothing against him.

Q.
Hi, guys. Thanks for taking the time to do the call. I appreciate it. The first question is for Marcos. Marcos, a lot of people are saying the only way that you can beat Floyd Mayweather is by knockout. I’m wondering if that’s true. Is that the only way to beat Floyd Mayweather, by knockout?

M. Maidana
With Broner, everybody thought I had to knock him out and I beat him with decision. I am preparing myself to go 12 rounds if it’s necessary. I’m preparing to hurt him every time I throw punches and if a knockout comes, then great, but I am preparing myself to win after 12 rounds.

Q.
Alright, great. Oscar, I’d like to welcome you back. You’ve been kind of quiet. I’m wondering, what’s your prediction for this fight?

O. De La Hoya
I have no prediction whatsoever. I’m just going to enjoy the fight, just like everybody else and may the best man win.

Q.
Okay, thank you very much. My other question is for Mr. Maidana. How are you, Champ? I just want to ask you, you and Mr. Mayweather both hold titles. Do you see yourself as a challenger coming into this bout or is Mayweather’s equal?

M. Maidana
I am a champion and I am ready to fight for my title. Most importantly, I am preparing to beat Mayweather. The last thing that I’m worried about is my title. I want to just train and beat Mayweather.

Q.
Okay, thank you very much. One last question for Mr. Garcia. How are you? Mr. Garcia, how will Marcos be able to keep swinging to keep moving forward when Mayweather is known to almost lull his opponents into zombies? That seems to be his biggest asset in the ring, as far as I can see. How will Marcos be able to keep swinging and keep moving forward?

R. Garcia
Mayweather has fought great fighters and great big names and has beaten them all, but he has never fought somebody with a style like Chino has. Maidana has a style that is pretty awkward and confusing to his opponents and frustrates his opponents and has tremendous power. That’s a big thing in this fight and a big factor that the world is going to see.

Q.
My first question is for Robert Garcia. Robert, right now Floyd Mayweather, Jr., he’s 37 years old and I’m curious, from your perspective, do you think he is as good as he’s ever been as a fighter?

R. Garcia
I think he’s in incredible shape right now and even though he’s been World Champion for the past 16 years, I think, right now, what he’s done lately with so many great fighters out there, I think he’s better than ever, so we’re preparing for the best Mayweather ever.

Q.
Okay. My question now is for Marcos Maidana. Marcos, that win that you had over Adrien Broner, it surprised a lot of people. You gained a lot more fans. I’m curious, what has it been like since that win for yourself going forward and the reception you’ve been getting from fans?

M. Maidana
This is the most important part of my career. The fight with Broner gave me a lot of exposure, but this fight itself is the biggest fight of my career and it would be a tremendous upset and that’s what I’m training for, to upset the world and to do it for my country. It would be huge for my country.

Q.
Marcos, you mentioned upsetting the world. Odd makers have you as high, down. They have you as wide as 14 to 1 underdog. I’m curious, do you use that as extra motivation or is just like any other fight, you just go out there and win?

M. Maidana
It doesn’t bother me at all. What motivates me is that if I win, I’m going to beat the best in the world and that’s what motivates me.

Q.
Okay. I have a question directed for Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar, throughout your career, you were known for big pay-per-view events. You had the one with Mayweather. I’m just curious, are you at all surprised the way that Mayweather has carried this sport with these huge pay-per-view events that have kind of exceeded what you did in your career?

O. De La Hoya
No, we’re extremely proud at what Golden Boy can do and, obviously, when you have a fighter like Mayweather who is easily promoted and who can be promoted across the globe. I’m just really proud to be part of it.

Q.
Hello, how is everybody? My first question is actually for Robert. Robert, I wanted to know, Floyd is known to become more offensive when someone challenges him and forces him to fight. As you can see, with the Ricky Hatton, his power became clear. Are you cautious about Mayweather’s power as well?

R. Garcia
No. We’ve got to be very careful, definitely. He’s a tremendous fighter with tremendous skill. When you throw punches accurate and land them good, you don’t have to put out the biggest punch in the world to hurt your opponent. It’s the way the world of boxing is. If a punch lands correctly, anybody could get hurt. We are very aware of that and we’ll prepare for that. We’re trained for that.

Q.
Marcos, are you curious about Mayweather’s power?

M. Maidana
I’m not worried. I bout with spot guys that hit hard and it’s nothing new to me, so I’m not worried about his power.

Q.
Okay, thank you. My second question is for Leonard Ellerbe. I wanted to know, Leonard, we seen a video on Instagram. Floyd is sparring fighters that weigh 168 pounds. Is this something that he does as a normal routine for Floyd?

L. Ellerbe
It’s a normal routine for Floyd. Floyd is always working out with much bigger guys because the smaller guys – it’s hard to work with smaller guys.

Q.
Does that mean that Floyd runs through smaller guys? They can’t take it?

L. Ellerbe
No, it’s just that he always looks to push and challenge himself by working out with bigger guys. They’re more physical. They’re stronger. He’s always looking to push himself.

Q.
With training camp with Roger and Floyd, Sr., is everything going good over there? Is everything good between the family?

L. Ellerbe
Everything is great. Both guys are working great together and we’re looking forward to May the 3rd.

K. Swanson
Okay that was our last question. Oscar, if you want to make closing comments, and Leonard, and then we’ll wrap it up.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you so very much to all the media. Love you guys. We are looking forward to this magnificent event May 3rd. Once again, Floyd Mayweather is back with a tough challenge again. Marcos is a fighter, a challenger who never backs down. He’s coming prepared. Marcos is as fast as ever, as smart as ever, so we’re really looking forward to it. Thank you very much to all the sponsors and everybody involved. We will see you soon.

L. Ellerbe
Just wanted to thank everyone for coming on the call. We all look forward to May the 3rd. It’s going to be a great event.

# # #

“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” is a 12-round world championship unification bout for Mayweather and Maidana’s respective 147-pound titles. This is the third fight of Mayweather’s lucrative multi-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc. THE MOMENT is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. In the co-main event, Amir Khan faces Luis Collazo in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC silver welterweight world title. The pay-per-view undercard also features a 10-round junior welterweight fight between Adrien Broner and Carlos Molina as well as a 10-round super middleweight bout featuring J’Leon Love vs. Marco Antonio Periban. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

“THE MOMENT” will be broadcast live on nearly 520 select movie theaters across
the country through Fathom Digital. In addition, six MGM Resorts Properties will host live closed circuit telecast of THE MOMENT: Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Monte Carlo.

Tickets for the live event priced at $1,500, $1,000 and $750 are still available, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets priced at $550 and $350 are sold out. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $75, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711 or at www.mgmgrand.com. Select properties also will sell tickets through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or by purchasing online atwww.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets for live movie theatre broadcast are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Verona, NY (APRIL 21, 2014)–Brandon Adams and Willie Monroe Jr. each took home decision victories and punched their tickets to the finals of Boxcino 2014.

The finals will take place at the same venue as the semifinals, that being the Turning Stone Resort and Casino and is promoted by Banner Promotions and the semifinals were broadcast on ESPN 2.

The finals will take place on May 23 as will the lightweight finals that will feature Fernando Carcamo and Petr Petrov. Both bouts are scheduled for 10 rounds.

Adams scored an exciting 8-round split decision over Raymond Gatica while Monroe boxed his way to an 8-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Vitalii Kopylenko.

Adams and Gatica put on a good show that saw them stand toe to toe all over the ring. Adams mixed it up being the aggressor and counter-punching effectively.

The action picked up in round three with some good exchanges. Adams rocked Gatica with a solid right in the next frame. Later in the round, Adams landed another right hand that buckled his opponent. In round six, Gatica tried to make a stand by landing a combination on the ropes but that was short lived as Adams successfully fired off a pair of right hands to stop that flurry. Adams boxed well down the stretch and even put a stamp on the fight by landing a hard right at the bell.

Right hand from Adams

Adams, 161 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 78-74 twice and Gatica, 158 lbs of Austin, TX took a card 77-75.

Adams is now 14-0. Gatica is now 14-3.

“He is a tough guy,” said Adams. “This is the 1st southpaw I had fought. It is a lot tougher, but I got the job done. He taught me a lot in the ring and it was a fun fight.”

Said Gatica, “I won the fight. I was busier and I landed more punches.”

Monroe darted in and out and boxed at a comfortable range. He was quick with his right hooks and quick left hands. Kopylenko looked and remained dangerous throughout the fight and landed a big right hand in round five that sent the mouthpiece of Monroe flying. That was Kopylenko’s high point of the contest as Monroe got back to effective boxing and won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74.”

Monroe Jr. lands a jab

Monroe Jr, is now 17-1. Kopylenko is now 23-1.

“It was hard but fair,” said Monroe. “I gave him his 1st loss. He was coming but we fought at my range and set up feints and landed good shots.”

Adams commented on the final by saying, “We are going to dance. This is very exciting. He is a flashy southpaw. I am going to train for a slick southpaw. He put on a good show tonight.

Nate Heaven remained undefeated by scoring an explosive 1st round stoppage over Donovan Dennis in a scheduled 8-round Heavyweight bout.

Both guys landed heavy shots until Heaven landed a crushing right to the jaw that sent Dennis down. Dennis got to his feet but was wobbly and the fight was stopped at 3:00 of round one.

“I give all hail to god,”said Heaven. “The right hand is my weapon. I saw him on youtube and saw that he gained weight and got slower. My coach said to relax and I would get him.”

Heaven, 233 lbs of Ocala, FL is now 9-0-1 with 7 knockouts. Dennis, 226 lbs of Davenport, IA is now 11-2.

Marcus Hall scored a 4-round unanimous decision over Raphael Luna in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Hall, 153 lbs of Rochester, NY and is now 7-6. Luna, 152.5 lbs of Albany, NY is now 3-8-3.

Simeon Hardy destroyed Rahman Yusubov inside of a round of their scheduled 6-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Hardy scored three knockdowns with the 1st and 3rd coming from devastating left hooks at 2:36 of round one.

Simeon Hardy

Hardy, 155 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Yusubov, 155 lbs of Dallas is now 9-15.

Cecil McCalla remained perfect by scoring a 6-round unanimous decision over Antonio Chaves Fernandez in a Welterweight bout.

McCalla hurt Fernandes in the 4th and cruised home to the victory by scores of 60-54 on all cards.

McCalla, 149 lbs of Randallstown, MD is now 18-0. Fernades, 150 lbs of Brockton, MA is now 4-17-2.

Stuart Hall will defend his IBF Bantamweight title against Paul Butler on on June 7 in New Castle, England, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Butler is a very good fighter and his performances have got himself into this position, but he’s also talked himself into this fight by making derogatory comments and I’m really looking forward to making him eat his words,” Hall said. “I’ll be too big, too strong and he’ll regret getting this chance. I’ve worked hard to become world champion and I won’t be losing the title.

“I’ll take care of Butler before moving onto my mandatory challenger [Randy Caballero of Coachella, Calif.] later in the year.”

“It’s the fight I’ve wanted and I know I’ve got the skill and firepower to beat Hall and take the world title from him,” Butler said. “Hall’s a good, strong, fighter. He’s [a] world champion and I respect him for that, but all respect will go out of the window on the night and I will do my job and I’ll go out and smoke his boots. To fight for the world title is every fighter’s dream and I’ll realize that dream on June 7.”

LAS VEGAS (April 21, 2014) – World Series of Fighting continues to build an extremely stacked welterweight division with the addition of former Strikeforce champion and UFC title contender Jake Shields.

With the addition of Shields, the World Series of Fighting welterweight division is now one of the best on the planet with such top talent as current champion Rousimar Palhares and top contenders Jon Fitch, Josh Burkman, Steve Carl, and Gerald Harris.

The California-based fighter recently announced that he signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion and is expected to debut in the World Series of Fighting decagon in July. He brings a 29-7-1 record into the cage and will make his first appearance against an opponent to be named shortly.

Shields has beaten a very impressive who’s who list of fighters that includes Dan Henderson, Carlos Condit, Paul Daley, Robbie Lawler, Tyron Woodley, Demian Maia, Martin Kampmann, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Jason Miller and Yushin Okami.

Shields is ranked as a top-10 welterweight and has built himself a hall-of-fame worthy resume in 15 years of professional fighting. The 35-year-old is a proud member of the “Skrap Pack,” where he trains alongside some of MMA’s best, including Gilbert Milendez as well as Nick and Nate Diaz. He also works closely with coach Tareq Azim at his Empower gym in San Francisco.

Shields, an American Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, previously held the EliteXC welterweight title, as well as the Strikeforce middleweight championship. “I have so much to prove, and I will become the World Series of Fighting welterweight champion,” Shields said. “I’m really looking forward to fighting at my new home with World Series of Fighting. I think that when you look at the World Series of Fighting welterweight roster, there is no denying that they’re housing many of the world’s best, and I’m proud to be a part of that group.”

“Jake has been a top fighter in professional mixed martial arts for years now, ” World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. “You know you’ve got one of the best in the world when you sign someone who has won multiple championship belts and has had 15-fight win streaks over some of the world class fighters he’s beaten. This kid is an extremely tough, proven warrior capable of beating anyone who stands in his way. I’m extremely proud we were able to sign him and I will continue bringing fighters of this caliber to World Series of Fighting.”

About WSOF
World Series of Fighting is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering an incredible, action-packed entertainment experience for fight fans by producing the best possible matchups between elite fighters from around the globe. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow World Series of Fighting on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

New York, NY (4/21/14) – This past Wednesday and Thursday, the famed New York Golden Gloves finals took place before a packed house at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Following the completion of the finals, it was officially announced that the New York Daily News and DiBella Entertainment have entered into an exclusive joint partnership. The broadcasts of the finals will be shown on SNY as well as Comcast affiliations as part of DBE’s popular Broadway Boxing series.

“DBE is thrilled to forge this partnership with the New York Golden Gloves. The Gloves are one of the preeminent amateur tournaments in the world and a New York institution. Broadway Boxing has become the home for many former New York Golden Glovers. It is natural for DBE and Broadway Boxing to join forces with the Golden Gloves to bring this exciting action to our viewers,” said Lou DiBella, who served as the lead commentator on the broadcast both nights.

“Lou DiBella, being the great friend that he is, has committed to giving this exposure to these amateurs and it’s truly appreciated by all of us involved with the Gloves. Lou understands the value of NYC grassroots boxing and we are thrilled to have him involved in this capacity,” said Brian Adams, the New York Daily News Golden Gloves director.

“SNY is excited to add the Golden Gloves to our Broadway Boxing television package”, said Kevin Sornatale. “The rich history of New York Golden Gloves enhances our overall boxing programming in 2014 and adds to our profile as the television home of all things New York sports.”

NEW YORK, N Y (April 21, 2014) – On Saturday, May 31, boxing returns to The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas with an exciting doubleheader featuring Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna taking on Juan Antonio Rodriguez and Luis Rosa against Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle. Tickets start at just $37 for the event, which will take place in the Tropicana Pavilion. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO Latino at 12 midnight EST ( 9 p.m. local start time in Las Vegas). In addition to the HBO Latino telecast, the HBO2 service will air the doubleheader with English language commentary at 12 midnight (ET/PT).

To view Tropicana Las Vegas hotel rates, visit www.troplv.com.

The main event will feature former world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (24-0-1, 18 KOs) taking on heavy-handed contender Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23 KOs) for 10 rounds in the super featherweight division. The co-feature will pit undefeated contender Luis Rosa (16-0, 7 KOs) against the once-beaten, top 10-rated Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13 KOs) for 10 rounds in the super bantamweight division.

This Las Vegas boxing event is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing in association with Right Hook Promotions.

“From top to bottom, this is going to be an exciting card filled with action-packed fights,” said promoter Lou DiBella. “Javier Fortuna has been flirting with stardom for a couple of years now, and an impressive showing on May 31further cements that. The co-feature is one of the absolute best matchups that you can possibly make at that weight. We are happy to be able to bring boxing back to The New Tropicana Las Vegas.”

“This doubleheader will be an exciting event, which will bring together four very exciting boxers who are ready to challenge the best of their respective divisions. I am very happy to bring this event to my hometown, especially to the recently transformed Tropicana Las Vegas,” said promoter Sampson Lewkowicz.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting this event,” said Fred Harmon, vice president and chief marketing officer for The New Tropicana Las Vegas. “We look forward to welcoming the boxing community and their fans to our all-new resort and casino, and are delighted to provide our guests with this exhilarating entertainment option.”

Also scheduled to appear on the card in a special attraction eight-round middleweight bout will be former WBA junior middleweight world champion and “The Contender” champion, WBA #10-rated Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (25-3-2, 8 KOs) taking on once-beaten Samuel Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs).

Additional Las Vegas boxing bouts and a complete list of the undercard will be announced soon.

Tickets are priced at $85, $65 and $37, plus applicable taxes and fees and will go on sale today, Monday, April 21. They will be available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034) starting today.

For fight updates, visit www.dbe1.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.troplv.com, Facebook (facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, facebook.com/hboboxing)and Twitter (twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/loudibella, twitter.com/sampsonboxing).

Tweet this:LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodriguez & L.Rosa vs L.Del Valle! @HBOLatino

Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna
Fortuna, a 24-year-old Dominican southpaw, was a hot prospect in 2012. Winning all three of his fights that year, Fortuna was included on Dan Rafael’s ESPN.com “Prospects to Watch” list. He also won the interim WBA world featherweight title that year with a unanimous decision victory over previously undefeated Patrick Hyland. The bout against Hyland was shown on the HBO PPV undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez IV and was Fortuna’s first exposure to the HBO network family. Training alongside middleweight kingpin Sergio Martinez, Fortuna followed up that performance with a devastating first-round knockout over Miguel Zamudio in April 2013, on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights.”Unfortunately for Fortuna, he had outgrown the featherweight division and lost his title on the scales. In his next bout, also aired on “Friday Night Fights,” Fortuna took on Cuban Olympian Luis Franco. In a bout that Fortuna seemingly dominated, he was held to a split decision draw, in what many viewed as one of the worst decisions of 2013. Fortuna has since won two bouts in a row, both by stoppage, and now the WBA #2 and WBC #7-rated super featherweight is looking for his first shot at capturing a piece of the super featherweight crown. To do so, Fortuna must first get by the hard-hitting and upset-minded Rodriguez, against whom Fortuna has a personal vendetta.

“I am very happy to be on HBO Latino and have a chance to redeem myself on national TV, especially in my second home of Las Vegas where I will bring pride to my beloved Dominican Republic. I will avenge the loss of my countryman Yenifel Vicente in devastating fashion with a spectacular knockout of Juan Antonio Rodriguez.”

Juan Antonio Rodriguez
Rodriguez, a 26-year-old former WBC youth featherweight champion, is riding a five-bout winning streak, with four victories coming by way of knockout, since dropping a 10-round decision to former IBF world champion Billy Dib back in 2012. In January of this year, Rodriguez made his U.S. debut as the co-feature on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights,” winning an eight-round decision over once-beaten Yenifel Vicente. Rodriguez knows that the fight with the highly regarded and top-rated Fortuna is exactly the opportunity he needs to move himself a major step closer toward challenging for his first world championship.

“This is the type of opportunity I have been waiting for. People in Mexico know how good I am, but after I beat Javier Fortuna on May 31 on HBO Latino, the entire world will see how good I am. My ultimate dream is to win the coveted WBC green championship belt, and a win over Fortuna moves me that much closer to achieving that,” said a determined Rodriguez.

Luis Rosa
Rosa turned pro back in 2010 at just 18 years of age and has steadily progressed along the way. Rosa was a perfect 4-0 in 2013 and opened up 2014 with his most impressive victory to date, a dominant eight-round unanimous decision over former top-rated contender Jorge Diaz on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” on January 31. Rosa is looking to feed off that momentum and have another breakout performance when he takes on Del Valle.

“I couldn’t be happier about this opportunity,” said the 22-year-old Rosa. “This is my chance to show that I am not only one of the best fighters in the 122-pound division but also for me to pick up my first title belt and to make a major jump up the world ratings. I respect Orlandito as a fighter, but this is my time to shine and there is no one who will stand in the way of that.”

Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle
A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the 27-year-old Del Valle was a stellar amateur and national champion before turning pro in 2008 and reeling off 16 consecutive victories and steadily moving up the ranks of the super bantamweight division. Then Del Valle met former three-time world champion Vic Darchinyan in his HBO debut, eventually dropping a hard-fought 10-round decision to the now resurgent contender. Del Valle has since put together two consecutive stoppage victories and is looking to once again throw his name into the title mix of the 122-pound division.

“A while back, it used to be all fun and hype for me, but not anymore,” said Del Valle. “May 31 is just another date and another fight for me to prove to the world the type of fighter I am. I am all business now, and come May 31, Rosa is going to find that out very quickly.”

# # #

About The New Tropicana Las Vegas | TropLV.com
Welcome to affordable luxury. The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today’s global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation that provides a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With a unique South Beach vibe, the resort features all-new rooms, suites and luxury villas that evoke the sentiment of a breezy beach house or penthouse in Miami, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a new race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes headliners in the all-new Tropicana Theater, Laugh Factory and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. Coming spring 2014, the Tropicana Theater will be home to the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! Take a Virtual Tour.

By Bart Barry–

What if Michael Jordan came back tomorrow, at age 51, and won an NBA championship with, say, the Washington Wizards for whom he last played in 2003? It would be a massive event, an orgy of media celebration as one of the world’s most famous athletes, nay, men, returned to a field of glory and dominated at an age that was absurd. But once the orgy got tired and broke up and media folk went their separate ways, showing the promiscuity of spirit for which they are notorious, what would it say about professional basketball that a man in his sixth decade was able to dominate the best professionals in their 20s?

Now imagine for a second that Jordan never did retire in 2003 but rather finagled from that lousy Wizards team a four-corners offense, and as part of an ownership group selected referees prone to ignoring the shot clock, and won his 2014 championship in five games by an average score of 38-36. Would kids still wish to “Be like Mike” or would they perhaps decide football players were cooler, and spend a generation in cleats instead of Jordans?

Saturday in Washington D.C., 49-year-old American Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins decisioned 30-year-old Kazakhstani light heavyweight titlist Beibut Shumenov in a match uncompetitive enough to bring heaps of dudgeon upon the lone judge who narrowly scored the match for Shumenov – in a nod to this fact much as another: Boxing aficionados are a cantankerous lot, and they like writers who tickle their lesser impulses, and also because tributes to agelessness are, almost invariably, insipid.

Through three rounds Saturday’s match was unwatchable as any Hopkins fight. Whatever else Shumenov was in his title-winning San Antonio match in December, and he was not particularly active, he was fearless. He had a willingness to stand wherever his opponent’s punches were bound to land, arms spread, chest bared in willing reception, and blast his way through them. Shumenov was not a picture of athleticism or class, perhaps, but he was verily a picture of self-belief. Hopkins removed that from him almost instantly and instead of seeing the dangerous puncher Texans watched flatten Tamas Kovacs, a man whose 23-0 dossier was, in retrospect, filled with hot air enough to fuel at least two questions of a Hopkins interview, fans in Washington D.C. got treated to an entirely untested man who did not belong near even a WBA light heavyweight title of the Eastern Bloc, much less the world.

Hopkins’ style remains defensively flawless – he has righted what balance issues sprung up years back against men of faster reflex and activity, and his skills as a handicapper, too, have kept pace, ensuring nobody busy or quick need apply for the privilege of standing across from him. Hopkins still flashes a silent dissent that takes men’s fingers off their triggers, and make no mistake about this either: Hopkins still punches hard and accurately enough to dissuade even men previously mistaken for portraits of fearlessness.

Boxing is not a dying sport in the sense of an entity that has a terminal condition – as anyone who reads about our sport knows already. Most arguments for boxing’s health treat either this certainty, that the spectacle of men swapping blows in a primal reenactment of what was done for finite resources millennia ago will not cease in our lifetimes and draw always paying spectators, or else fetishize the iota of one percent of licensed prizefighters still making massive fortunes from duping the public semiannually with large promotional budgets, special effects, roadtours, conference calls and a medium, television, ever compelled by itself to sell its customers reheated products they’ve already purchased.

It’s all missing widely a point quieter debate fails rarely to unearth: Ours is a sport fantastically diminished. Every number, from subscribers to media-day galas to earnings to punch stats, is open to wildeyed interpretation or misunderstanding in the name of profit, in the short-term or long-. What cannot be faked but easily confirmed in the urban area of any city in the United States, though, is this: There is a fraction the interest in boxing among kids today as there was even a generation ago. The gyms are not filling the way they always did before, and if your city is blessed with a full gym here or there, you can be assured your city once hosted five more than it does right now. Every local initiative to get kids in boxing begins with a wealthy donor and an employed politician and so much hope, and every local initiative quietly loses its impetus for one reason or another and is forgotten.

There is a desire among many to conflate probability and possibility, and so now is the time we excavate a gym here or there in an urban area that hasn’t hosted a fight and hasn’t a commission to confirm it, hold that concept aloft and give fullthroat to it as if its unverified existence disproves the very thing we all know already. And those that stick around to hear this conflation get convinced anew, inevitably, but their number dwindles each time.

Bernard Hopkins’ longevity and wondrous agelessness is good a monument as any to this. Were Michael Jordan still able to ply his Washington Wizards craftsmanship and win titles, outclassing LeBron James and friends in championship games, the NBA would know there was something dreadfully wrong with its product, would know how embarrassingly it appeared to those just discovering the physics of its nature, cylinders and shots and nets and reflexes and vertical leaps and the like, and would know better than to project images of half-filled arenas on the public’s consciousness as if all were just wonderful.

No, there will never be another Bernard Hopkins.

Bart Barry can be reached via bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

Gamalier Rodriguez scored a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Orlando Cruz in a Featherweight bout at the Bahia Shrine Temple in Orlando, Florida.

Rodriguez controlled the fight with the exception of being knocked down at the end of round five.

Rodriguez, 125 1/2 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 97-92 twice and 96-93 is now 24-2-3. Cruz, 126 lbs of Maia Rey, PR is now 20-4-1.

Felix Verdejo scored an explosive one-punch knockout over Ivan Zavala in a Jr. Welterweight bout scheduled for six rounds.

Verdejo landed a huge overhand right that Zavala down for the ten count at 1:14 of round one.

Verdejo, 134 1/2 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 12-0 with 9 knockouts. Zavala, 139 1/4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 6-6-1.

Antonio Ortiz scored a 3rd round stoppage over Alexis Pena in a scheduled 6-round Welterweight bout.

Ortiz dropped Pena in round three and he was counted out at 1:05 for round three.

Ortiz, 142 1/2 lbs of Humacao, PR is now 6-0 with 3 knockouts. Pena, 141 3/4 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is now 7-6.

Follow all the action live as Bernard Hopkins and Beibut Shumenov meet in a Light Heavyweight unification bout. the action start at 9:30 pm with 2 more world titles, Shawn Porter defends the IBF Welterweight championship against former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi. WBO Middleweight champion Peter Quillin defends against Lukas Konecny

12 Rounds–IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight title–Bernard Hopkins (54-6-2, 34 KO’s) vs Beibut Shumenov (14-1, 9 KO’s)

Round 1 Not much at all..Shumenov tried to jab…10-10

Round 2 Trading rights..20-20

Round 3 Shjab..umenov lands a jab..Good right from Hopkins..jab…right uppercut..body..jab..jab..Shumenov lands a right...30-29 Hopkins

Round 4 Hopkins counters with a right…counter right..Shumenov lands a right…Hopkins lands a right..combination from Shumenov…39-39

Round 5 Shumenov lands a hook..Right and 2 lefts from Hopkins..Perfect right to the head..49-48 Hopkins

Round 6 Hopkins lands a right..Right from Shumenov..Jab and 3 rights from Hopkins..swelling around left eye of Hopkins..59-57 Hopkins

Round 7 Hopkins lands a counter right..lead right..jab..jab…69-66 Hopkins

Round 8 Jab from Hopkins…Left from Shumenov…lead left hook from Hopkins..1-2 and jab..79-75 Hopkins

Round 9 Hopkins lands a left...89-84 Hopkins

Round 10 Right from Shumenov…Counter right from Hopkins..99-94 Hopkins

Round 11 HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SHUMENOV…jab and big right..Big lead left…109-102 Hopkins

Round 12 Big right from Hopkins..119-111 Hopkins

116-111 Hopkins…114-113 Shumenov….116-111 Hopkins

12 Rounds–IBF Welterweight title–Shawn Porter (23-0-1, 14 KO’s) vs Paulie Malignaggi (33-5, 7 KO’s)

Round 1 Malignaggi cut under left eye…Malignaggi lands a right..right.. 2rights..Porter lands a body shots and 2 rights..10-9 Malignaggi

Round 2 Porter lands a left..Malignaggi lands a jab..right from Porter..big right..trading jabs..huge left hurts Malignaggi..19-19

Round 3 Porter double jab/left…hard jab..Porter landing power shots..clubbing right..Malignaggi lands 2 rights and Porter lands a left…29-28 Porter

Round 4 RIGHT HAND AND DOWN GOES MALIGNAGGI…Hugke keft hook..BIG COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES MALIGNAGGI AND THE FIGHT S STOPPED

12 Rounds WBO Middleweight Title–Peter Quillin (30-0, 22 KO’s) vs Luka Konecny (50-4, 23 KO’s)

Round 1 Right from Quillin…right to the body..jab..Kocecny lands a jab..Quillin 1-2…Konecny lands a jab abd a couple left hooks..10-9 Quillin

Round 2 Konecny flashes jab.uppercut..left hook..left..Quillin lands a left…19-19

Round 3 Quillin lands a jab..uppercut and combination..Konecny lands a body combo…body..over hand right…29-29

Round 4 Quillin double jab and right hand…4 punch combination…double jab/right hand..stiff jab..39-38 Quillin

Round 5 Quillin lands a jab..left to body..left hook to head…49-47 Quillin

Round 6 Quillin lands a combination..nice right from Konecny..right from Quillin..uppercut…Konecny lands a right..good combination…Konecny wobbled at the bell…59-56

Round 7 Right from Konecny..big left hook from Quillin..Nice combo from Konecny..2 left hooks…68-66 Quillin

Round 8 Quillin lands a leadt keft hook..left..Combination from Konecny..Quillin lands a combination..Right from Konecny..right uppercut from Quillin..Lead right and uppercut get through..left hook..78-75 Quillin

Round 9 Quillin lands a straight right…jab…88-84 Quillin

Round 10 Clubbing keft from Konecny..right from Quillin..right uppercut..clubbing right..jab…Right from Konecny..Blood from around the right eye of Konecny.uppercut and straight right from Quillin..98-93 Quillin

Round 11 Double jab and right from Quillin..lead right..Konecny lands a lead left hook..combination..Qullin lands a right to the body..Konecny lands a jab..jab..left hook and body shot from Konecny..they trade body shots..Konecny lands 2 left hooks..107-103 Quillin

Round 12 Konecny working body..nice left hook..116-113 Quillin

120-108, 119-109, 119-109 for Peter Quillin

49 year-old Bernard Hopkins continued to make history as scored a 12 round split decision pver Beibut Shumenov to to retain his IBF and capture the WBA Light Heavyweight title at the DC Armory in Washington, DC.

The 1st three rounds set the pace that Hopkins wanted as next to nothing happend and Shumenov’s offensive pace was set for the evening. Hopkins started to get his trademark lead right hand going in round four. Hopkins became a little more active as each round passed. Hopkins took took all the middle rounds and was building up a solid lead. In round 10, he landed a perfect right hand that sent Shumenov to the canvas. It looked for a minute as if Hopkins would be able to get the stoppage but he did not turn on the gas and continued to land solid shots all be that they were one at a time. Shumenov landed very few punches of note but somehow a score card read 114-113 in his favor. The two other cards were correct at 116-111 for Hopkins.

The ageless wonder will now wait for the winner of the May 24 WBC title fight between Adonis Stevenson and Andrej Fonfara. Hopkins, 172.4 lbs of Philadelphia improves his Hall of Fame mark to 55-6-2. Shumenov, 174.4 lbs of Shymkeent, KAZ is now 14-2.

On his future, Hopkins said, “We are with SHOWTIME until I end my career. Stevenson, I am coming to Canada. I am getting my papers together. I want to be the undisputed light heavyweight world champion this year, period.”
A disappointed Shumenov told Gray, “To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about the scorecard. I tried hard. Bernard, but he was the better man tonight. I chose the wrong strategy and used the wrong style. I am angry that I couldn’t get the victory. I am a true warrior and I want to fight only the best. Tonight, obviously it wasn’t my fight.”

Shawn Porter scored an explosive 4th round stoppage over Paulie Malignaggi to retain his IBF Welterweight title.

In round one, Malignaggi was cut from what looked like a jab. In round two, the fight get physical and hurt Malignaggi from a leaping left hook. Porter landed several more power shots during the round.

In round four, Porter came out and landed a right hand that sent Malignaggi to the canvas. Malignaggi was clearly hurt and ate a huge left hook that drove him to the ropes. Porter was all over Malignaggi and landed 2 hard punches in close and Malignaggi was sent to the canvas and the fight was stopped.

In the aftermath, Gray asked Porter what it was that Malignaggi had told him just moments after the bout. “Paulie, wished me the best and I don’t know what he is looking at for himself [in the future] but he said, ‘Make sure they know that I lost to a great champion. Go out there and be great.’ I am going to honor his words and his wishes.”

Speaking about the win, Porter said, “I definitely needed this victory. To get it like that from a guy like this. He touched me in every way possible being in the ring with him. I knew what he was coming with. But I always had questions of my own. I came in and answered those questions tonight.”

When asked what he wants next, Porter said, “I’m going to enjoy this and let my team handle what is next. I’m sure they will all communicate. We’ll come up with the next game plan and we’ll tackle it.”

Gray then asked Malignaggi what it was that he told Porter. “I just said, ‘Don’t make me have lost to an average fighter. Go be great so that I can say that a really great fighter beat me.’ I know that he has that potential.

Regarding retirement, “If I do retire, and I don’t want to make that decision right now while I am emotional, but I don’t want to do it off of an average champion. I want to do it off of a great champion.

Breaking down the fight, Malignaggi said, “He was controlling the distance. I couldn’t get going. He was going away and then bringing the attack. He mixed it up well. He came right at me at times and then, at other times, he moved away.”

When asked about retiring and focusing the rest of his career solely on his commentating work for SHOWTIME, Malignaggi said, “I can’t really think about that right now. If I give you an answer right now I would tell you that I am stopping fighting but maybe I’d change my mind next week. I want to go home and think about it.”

Porter, 146.8 lbs of Akron, OH is now 24-0-1 with 15 knockouts. Malignaggi, 146.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 33-6.

Peter Quillin scored a 12 round unanimous decision to retain the WBO Middleweight crown over Lukas Konecny.

Quillin boxed well over the 1st half of the fight and landed shots through the high guard of Konecny. At the end of round six, a right hand wobbled Konecny. Round eight saw some good action as both land hard shots. Quillin got through with a left hook while Konecny landed some left hooks. The fight turned lethargic in round ten and even drew some boos from the crowd at the Armory. Konecny started to bleed from right eye in round ten. There were a couple decent exchanges down the stretch but neither fighter was in any danger.

Quillin, 159.8 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 120-108 and 119-109 twice and is now 31-0. Konecny, 158.25 lbs of Usti, CZ is now 50-5

After the fight, Quillin said, “I’m thankful that I was able to get up in here with a tough customer in front of me and get up and fight.”

Sadam Ali made short work of Michael Clark by scoring a 1st round stoppage in their 10-round Welterweight bout.

Ali landed a left hook to the face that sent Clark down for the 10-count at 2:06 of round one.

Ali. 146 1/4 lbs of Brooklyn is now 19-0 with 12 knockouts. Clark, 144 lbs of Columbus, OH is now 44-10-1-1.

Marcus Browne remained undefeated by scoring an 8-round unanimous decision over veteran Otis Griffin.

Browne dominated the action and scored a knockdown from a perfet straight left in round five.

Browne, 174 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 80-71 on all cards and is now 10-0. Griffin, 176 lbs of Sacramento, CA announced his retirement before the fight finished with a mark of 24-16-2.

Zachary Ochoa scored a 5th round stoppage over Hector Marengo in a scheduled six round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Ochoa dominated and scored a knockdown in round round from a roundhouse right hand. He dropped Merango for a 2nd time from a body shot in round five. Just seconds later, Merango’s corner threw in the towel at 1:32 of round five.

Ochoa, 139 1/2 lbs of Brooklyn is now 7-0 with 4 knockouts. Merango, 140 1/4 lbs of Aricibo, PR is now 6-8-4.

BLUE CORNER RED CORNER
MAIN EVENT – IBF, WBA, & IBA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLES – 12 ROUNDS
Bernard HOPKINS vs. Beibut SHUMENOV
Philadelphia, PA Shymkent, KAZ
54-6-2 (32 KOs) 14-1 (9 KOs)
Weight: 172.4 lbs. Weight: 174.4 lbs.

CO-MAIN EVENT – IBF WELTERWEIGHT TITLE – 12 ROUNDS
Shawn PORTER vs. Paulie MALIGNAGGI
Akron, OH Brooklyn, NY
23-0-1 (14 KOs) 33-5 (7 KOs)
Weight: 146.8 lbs. Weight: 146.2 lbs.

WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE – 12 ROUNDS
Peter QUILLIN vs. Lukas KONECNY
Brooklyn, NY Usti, CZ
30-0 (22 KOs) 50-4(23 KOs)
Weight: 159.8 lbs. Weight: 158.25 lbs.

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Lamont ROACH JR. vs. Victor GALINDO
Washington, DC Ponce, PR
Pro Debut 1-3 (1 KO)
Weight: 134.4 lbs. Weight: 142.8 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS – 10 ROUNDS
Sadam ALI vs. Michael CLARK
Brooklyn, NY Columbus, OH
18-0 (11 KOs) 44-9-1 (18 KOs)
Weight: 146.25 lbs. Weight: 144 lbs.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS – 4/6 ROUNDS
Zachary OCHOA vs. Hector MARENGO
Brooklyn, NY Arecibo, PR
6-0 (3 KOs) 6-7-4 (4 KOs)
Weight: 134.5 lbs. Weight: 140.2 lbs.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
Marcus BROWNE vs. Otis GRIFFIN
Staten Island, NY Troy, AL
9-0 (7 KOs) 24-15-2 (10 KOs)
Weight: 174 lbs. Weight: 176.5 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
D’Mitrius BALLARD vs. Quincy MINER
Washington, DC St. Louis, MO
4-0 (3 KOs) 3-4
Weight: 167 lbs. Weight: 165.2 lbs.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
Dominic WADE vs. Marcus UPSHAW
Largo, MD Jacksonville, FL
14-0 (10 KOs) 15-11-2 (7 KOs)
Weight: 163 lbs. Weight: 157.4 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
David GRAYTON vs. Howard REECE
Washington, DC Miami, FL
6-0 (5 KOs) 2-4 (1 KO)
Weight: 148.2 lbs. Weight: 149.2 lbs.

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Chrisshawn ALEXANDER vs. Jose VALDERRAMA
Washington, DC Arecibo, PR
4-0 (4 KOs) 3-7 (3 KOs)
Weight: 135.2 lbs. Weight: 138.6 lbs.

Scott Quigg retained the WBA Super Bantamweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over late replacement Tshifiwa Munyai.

Quigg dropped Munya in round round with a perfect left hook to the jab. Munyai was on shaky legs but there was only a few seconds left in the round. It didn’t matter as halfway through round two, Quigg landed a booming right that crumpled Munyai to the canvas again. Quigg finished things with a big flurry of punches and referee Howard Foster stopped the fight at 1:56.

Quigg, 121 1/2 lbs made the 3rd successful defense of his belt and he is now 28-0-2 with 21 knockouts. Munyai is now 24-3.

In what was billed the Battle of Manchester, Anthony Crolla scored a 10th round stoppage over his close friend John Murray in a scheduled 12 round Lightweight bout.

The fight lived up to its billing that saw Murray set a face pace early. Around the 5th round, Crolla started getting into the fight as he landed some shots and began to focus on the body.

Colla seemed more confident and was getting through with shots that cut and eventually closed the left eye of Murray. Crolla wore Murray down and dropped Murray in round 10. Murray showed toughness but ate a flurry of hard punches and was eventually stopped.

Crolla, 134 3/4 lbs is now 28-4-1 with 11 knockouts. Murray, 134 3/4 lbs, who fought Brandon Rios for a Lightweight title is now 33-3.

Josh Warrington scored the biggest win of his career by stopping former world title challenger Rendall Munroe to and retained his Commonwealth Featherweight title after the 7th round of the 12 round bout.

Warrington systematically beatdown Munroe until he stopped the fight in the corner between round’s 7 and 8. Munroe cited a damaged mouth.

Warrington, 125 1/2 lbs is now 17-0 with 2 knockouts. Munroe, 125 lbs is 28-5-1.

An emotional Munroe announced his retirement after the bout.

Good looking Super Middleweight prospect Callum Smith scored a 3rd round stoppage over Francois Bastient in a scheduled six round bout.

Smith dominated the fight while landing shots to the head and especially to the body. It was an uppercut to the body that sent Bastient to the canvas and the bout was stopped by the corner at 1:10 of round three.

Smith 171 1/4 lbs of Liverpool, UK is now 10-0 with 8 knockouts. Bastient, 177 lbs of France is now 43-11-1.

Sam Eggington scored a 6-round decision William Warburton in a Jr/ Middleweight bout.

The score was 59-55 for Eggington is now 10-2. Warburton, 152 lbs is 12-61-3.

NEW JERSEY (April 19, 2014) – Gary Shaw Productions is happy to announce the ranking updates of six GSP fighters, who have worked their way up the WBC ratings. Fighting in a heavyweight elimination bout, is # 4 ranked contender Bryant Jennings (18-0, 11 KOs). Former two-time Australian Middleweight world champion, Daniel Geale (30-2, 16 KOs), is ranked # 2. At Lightweight (135 lbs), Rustam Nugaev (27-6-1, 17 KOs) is rated # 4, while the undefeated Alejandro Luna (17-0, 13 KOs) is # 10. Thomas Dulorme (21-1, 14 KOs) is rated # 4 at Super-Lightweight, and Jose Pedraza (16-0, 10 KOs) is now # 5 at Super-Featherweight (130 lbs), putting Puerto Rico on the map.

Daniel Geale is right back into title contention with his recent victory over world rated Garth Wood, and will now be fighting Matthew Macklin in a meaningful bout. Geale is knocking on the doorstep of a world title bout. Look for him to go all out against Macklin.

Jennings possesses the athletic ability that hasn’t been seen in the heavyweight division is some time. His style some would say emulates Evander Hollyfield, because of his slippery defense and deceptive punching power. As a late bloomer, Jennings is now coming into his own, getting better with each bout. A world title bout against Wladimir Klitschko (61-3, 51 KOs) is on the horizon, should he beat Mike Perez (20-0-1, 12 KOs) in his upcoming title elimination bout.

Thomas Dulorme is on a roll, winning five fights in a row since his move to Super-Lightweight. His recent win against former undefeated contender, Karim Mayfield (18-1, 11 KOs), has placed him in position to fight for a world title. He’s hoping to get in the ring with any of the champions at 140 lbs.

Known as a pressure fighter, Rustam Nugaev has been unstoppable of late, destroying everyone in his path, winning his last five bouts by knockout. He’s on the cusp of a world title opportunity and would like to face any of the champions at 135 lbs.

Pedraza is a technical fighter with immense boxing skills. His ability to adapt to any style makes him a problem for any challenger. If need be, Pedraza who is a conventional right handed fighter, can switch his stance to southpaw and not lose any momentum during a fight. He’s seeking a fight with champion, Takashi Miura or any of the top contenders in his division. Should Pedraza capture the WBC title at Super Featherweight, he could then move up to Lightweight and have a possible Puerto Rican showdown with Felix Verdejo.

A true Mexican Cowboy, Alejandro “El Charro” Luna is a young hungry 22-year old fighter who has power in both hands. He also has the skill to switch stances and be extremely effective. His steady march up the rankings is gaining him the notoriety he needs to make a run for a world title shot. With a massive fan base in Southern California, Luna’s ready to challenge any top fighter in the Lightweight division.

“My guys are great men with the character to become stars in this sport,” said Gary Shaw. “Geale is one fight away from a world title as is Jennings. My goal is to get Dulorme, Nugaev and Pedraza in a mega TV fight against any of the current champions in their division by the end of the year. With Luna, I want him to stay busy and keep him marching up the rankings. I want to thank the WBC ratings committee for recognizing these future WBC Champions

San Diego, CA – April 18, 2014 – Don’t miss an explosive afternoon of world-championship boxing this weekend as undefeated WBA world champion Scott Quigg (27-0-2) battles proven challenger Tshifhiwa Munyai (24-2-1) for the WBA Super Bantamweight World Championship, live and exclusively on AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment.. This exciting afternoon of live boxing takes place this Saturday, April 19th, beginning at 11:30 am PST/ 2:30 pm ET.

AWE jumps back into the ring on May 17th with another exciting afternoon of LIVE world-class boxing as one of Mexico’s toughest fighters, Romulo Koasicha (21-3-0), battles top ranked UK boxer, Lee Selby (18-1-0), in this WBC World Featherweight title elimination bout. The co-main event features world ranked Cruiserweight Nathan Cleverly (26-1-0). This exciting afternoon of live boxing takes place on Saturday, May 17th, beginning at 2 pm PST/5 pm ET. Don’t miss it!

Boxing fans can enjoy Quiggs v. Munyai and upcoming world-class boxing bouts live on AWE via Verizon FiOS TV channels 169 and 669 in HD, AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and1470 in HD, along with over 100 cable systems across the country and worldwide. Watch for additional live boxing announcements at www.awetv.com

About AWE LIVE BOXNG

In 2012, AWE earned 2 of the 6 Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” candidates, beating out all other networks except HBO which earned three. AWE also showcased live all 2012 David Price fights. In 2013, AWE has featured the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, bouts with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew, who just fought each other for the Light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale and possibly the two most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran as well as the debatable stoppage that saw Carl Froch retain his title against George Groves.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyle and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 470 and 1470 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 116 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

MONROEVILLE, Pa. (April 19, 2014) – Rod Salka put on a boxing clinic for Alexei Collado in Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation main event. And then he stated his case for a world title shot.

Salka was the more intelligent and effective fighter from the opening bell, pounding the body and utilizing his superior movement in an impressive 10-round unanimous decision victory (96-94, 96-93, 96-93) over the previously undefeated Collado at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pa., just down the road from his hometown of Bunola, Pa.

The naturally bigger fighter, Salka scored a third-round knockdown and essentially kept Collado at bay, limiting him to looping, clubbing right hands that rarely landed.

“I’m heading to Carson next week to call out the winner of Figueroa-Belmontes,” said Salka as he celebrated with his Pittsburgh-area fans after the fight. “I want to fight whoever wins that, doesn’t matter to me. I earned a shot at the title.”

Salka was referencing next Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING showdown between WBC Lightweight World Championship Omar Figueroa and Jerry Belmontes at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

“I dictated the pace of the fight. I kept him where I wanted him and forced him to keep going for that overhand right, which he couldn’t land cleanly. I was throwing first and throwing last, just like I wanted to do. I mixed up my offense well and kept my hands up.”

It was a learning experience for the previously undefeated Collado (18-1, 16 KOs), a former Cuban standout who had over 300 amateur bouts.

“He was smart and that was the difference,” Collado said. “He kept moving. His movement was the problem for me.”

ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood agreed with Collado’s assessment and was impressed with what he saw from the lightweight contender.

“You have to love what Salka did and how he did it,” Farhood said. “Even after scoring a left hook knockdown, he stayed with his game, didn’t try to do what he couldn’t do and remained poised and confident in his own abilities. His conditioning was fantastic and even though he did nothing to surprise Collado, the Cuban couldn’t find the answer.”

In the ShoBox co-feature, undefeated Dominican prospect and Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz scored a close, eight-round split decision victory over Emmanuel Lartey, scored 77-75 (Diaz), 77-75 (Lartey), 77-75 (Diaz).

Diaz was aggressive early and was most effective when he utilized combinations, but was hurt in the third by a right-left combo from Lartey (15-2-1, 7 KOs) that seemed to change the pace bout for a few rounds. Diaz (15-0, 8 KOs) came back and took control of the fight, doing his best work against the ropes and spoiling a potential birthday celebration for the now twice-beaten Ghanaian prospect.

“It’s disappointing to know it was scored a split decision,” Diaz said. “I think I dominated most of the rounds so I don’t see how the judges scored it that way.

“I want to see my family – it’s been three months – and then head back to Oxnard to get in the gym with Robert (Garcia).”

Lartey also took issue with the judges’ scorecards. .

“I can’t tell the judges what to do,” Lartey said. “I think it should have been scored a draw. This is the only job I know. I need to go back to the gym and work on some things.

In a matchup of southpaws in opening bout of the telecast, local favorite and undefeated welterweight prospect Sammy Vasquez, Jr., handed fellow unbeaten Juan Rodriguez, Jr., the first loss of his career with a dominating first round TKO.

Vasquez (14-0, 10 KOs) scored a knockdown with a left shot to the face less than 20 seconds into the bout, followed by a left body shot that sent Rodriguez (11-1, 5 KOs) to the canvas less than a minute later. Rodriguez went down yet again after a barrage of punches, spit out his mouthpiece and the referee stopped the bout at 2:49 of the first.

“It’s not that it was easy, it was that it was well-executed,” said Vasquez, a U.S. Armed Forces veteran who served two tours of duty in Iraq. “We had a game plan, stuck to it and that’s what happened. All the fans, the soldiers watching overseas on AFN (American Forces Network), my family watching on SHOWTIME, that was the biggest part of the night.”

Friday’s fights will replay on Thursday, April 24 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME and On Demand through May 16.

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Rod Salka scored a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Alexei Collado in a Lightweight bout at The Convention Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

Salka scored a knockdown in round three from a left hook. Collado was cut over the left eye a round earlier from an accidental headbutt. Salka outworked Collado for most of the fight.

Salka, 132 1/2 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA won by scores of 96-94 and 96-93 twice and is now 19-3. Collado, 131 1/2 lbs of Havana, CUB is now 18-1.

2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner Felix Diaz scored an 8-round split decision over Emanuel Lartey in a Welterweight bout.

Diaz, 139 1/2 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won two cards by scores of 77-75 while Lartey took a card 77-75.

Diaz is now 15-0. Lartey, 142 3/4 lbs of Accra, Ghana is now 16-2-1.

In a battle of undefeated southpaw Welterweights, Sammy Vasquez made short work of Juan Rodriguez in a scheduled 8-round bout.

Vasquez dropped Rodriguez with a left to the head. Rodriguez never full recovered as he sent down for a second time with a body shot. Vasquez finished things with a barrage of punches that sent Rodriguez to the canvas and the fight was stopped by referee Gary Rosado at

Vasquez, 146 3/4 lbs of Monessen, PA is now 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Rodriguez, 148 lbs of Union City, NJ is now 11-1.

Alan Sanchez scored a stunning 6th round stoppage over Jorge Silva in a scheduled 10-round Welterweight bout at The Illusions Theater in San Antonio, Texas.

Sanchez landed a huge right that sent Silva flat on his stomach and the bout was stopped at 42 seconds of round 6.

Sanchez, 146 1/2 lbs of Fairfield, CA is now 13-3-1 with 7 knockouts. Silva, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 19-6-2.

2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. took out Raymond Charles in round one of their scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Spence sent Charles down in the 1st from a left to the head. Spence was all over Charles and sent Charles to the canvas at the end of the round and the fight was stopped at 2:52 of round one.

Spence, 147 1/2 lbs of Dallas, TX is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Charles, 148 lbs of San Antonio, TX is now 12-3-2.

Good looking Jr. Welterweight prospect Travell Mazion scored an explosive 1st round stoppage over Antonio Sanchez in scheduled 6-round bout.

Mazion obliterated Sanchez with an explosive left hook that sent Sanchez to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:23 of round one.

Mazion, 138 1/2 lbs of Austin, TX is now 8-0 with 7 knockouts. Sanchez, 139 lbs of Toja Baja, PR is now 5-4-2.

Joseph Rodriguez Jr. remained undefeated by scoring a 4-round unanimous decision over Francisco Arrellano in a Featherweight bout.

Rodriguez Jr., 124 1/2 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 6-0. Arrellano, 125 lbs of Bay City, TX is now 4-3.

Golden Boy Promotions won the purse bid to stage the WBO Featherweight title by a mere $2500 and the fight will take place on June 21 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Golden Boy won the promotional rights to the fight with a bid of $1,052,250, edging Top Rank’s offer of $1,050,000 at the ceremony in Orlando, Fla., site of a Top Rank card on Saturday night.

The difference of $2,250 was only two-tenths of 1 percent between the bids. The minimum bid was $150,000.

“I’m happy we are going to be promoting the fight. Gary is very happy, Showtime is happy, and it should be an interesting fight,” said Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “I am having conversations with [Showtime Sports chief] Steven [Espinoza] about it. I should have everything wrapped up shortly. We are going on June 21, most likely in Carson.”

“I won the purse. I have to do nothing with them. All that has to happen is that their fighter has to show up,” he said. “I’ll have my matchmakers take care of the paperwork with Top Rank and that’s it. This fight has nothing to do with Top Rank.”

“I discussed a range with Stephen (Espinoza of Showtime) and agreed on a number,” Schaefer said. “We figured out what we could get in foreign television and then I discussed it with Al, and he gave his blessing. I had four envelopes prepared for the bid and then [Friday] morning I called Raul Jaimes [the Golden Boy employee representing the company at the auction]. He was on his way to the purse bid, and I told him which envelope to use.

“It’s an intriguing fight, and there’s more to the story because of what’s going on between Golden Boy and Top Rank and HBO and Showtime.”

Carl Moretti, the Top Rank vice president who represented the company at the bid, told ESPN.com that Lomachenko will participate in the fight.

“Lomachenko will be there 110 percent ready to win the title,” Moretti said. “It’s two southpaws that should make for a very intriguing fight. We know Lomachenko can go a tough 12 rounds, but we don’t know if that’s the case with Russell. We were told the fight is June 21 with a site to be determined. Let’s hope it’s not at the MGM Grand.”

LONDON (April 18) – Veteran Bernard Hopkins has warned his Kazakhstani opponent ‘to get ready for school’ as he does battle this weekend looking to enhance his unique legacy.

The 49-year-old IBF light heavyweight world champion goes up against WBA Super champion Beibut Shumenov in a world title unification taking place at the DC Armory in Washington DC, this Saturday night, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

As the oldest world champion in history and having reigned supreme in the middleweight division for over 10 years, Hopkins’ legacy in the sport of boxing was cemented long ago.

However, the man from Philadelphia, whose gripping life story has captured the imagination of so many, has warned Shumenov to be prepared to be taught a lesson as he aims to build on his incredible achievements.

“He’s motivated to fight me, he said he’s been dreaming of this all his life. Understand one thing, be careful what you wish for.” Hopkins fired. “After this is over with, let’s pray he has the career going forward. I have a track record. There’s a whole list of names that didn’t survive the mental beat down.

“Get ready for school, student. No disrespect, its logic. I am the professor with a PhD. I’m going to take his GED learning that you need more than that to make a living,” he said.

“This is really a defence of my legacy. Belts are nice, but they’re nicer when you’re younger and establishing a foundation. My foundation was laid down years ago. You get what you put in most of the time and then you get the times where you have to fight for what you want.

“Enjoy and understand that this is history. I’m defending something bigger than a title. My legendary 20 plus year legacy, is more important than anything around my waist,” said Hopkins.

The American star is also hoping that his 30-year-old opponent is at his very best, as he looks to continue his inspirational story.

“The best in Beibut will bring out the best in me. I want him to try to win every round. I want him to do this because if he doesn’t do this, you won’t see the best of me. I’ll do what I do regardless, but I don’t want to look like the worst word in America – a bully,” Hopkins said.

“This is an opportunity for me to represent the 40 and up club that is very alive in the world. Boxing and non-boxing fans are supporting me. I go and train understanding that it’s not just for me, but for you all to enjoy what is taking place while it is taking place.

“Sometimes we take personal achievements for granted. We don’t appreciate it until you get treated the opposite way. Come April 19, you will be inspired by me. The work I’ve put in all these years has already been set. Now I’m here to let you know how I feel,” he said.

Shumenov, who now resides in Las Vegas, came to prominence after he captured the WBA title in a rematch against Spaniard Gabriel Campillo.

The 2004 Olympian insists that Hopkins’ age will have no bearing on his mindset going into the fight. “You’re mistaken if you think I’m going into this as if I’m fighting a 50-year-old man,” Shumenov told Hopkins. “On Saturday night we are going to see who is taking whose belts. It’s not about money for me. I’m fighting for the honour and the glory to be acknowledged as a great fighter. I’m not thinking about future fights.

“I prepared for this fight like it’s my last. I’m a man of my word, so you’re going to see a great fight Saturday night. I want to fight the best and I am fighting the best,” he said.

The Kazakh is also looking to fight night to realise a long held dream as he looks to prove to the world that he is the best 175 pounder in a division stacked with a host of top names.

“I’ve been dreaming all of my life for this moment. I’ve been ready to fight at this level for several years. I couldn’t get there on my own. This is a good opportunity for me.,” he said.

“I am fighting one of the greatest ever, who beat so many other legends and great fighters. I am ready to show the world what I’m capable of. I will show the world that I am the best light heavyweight champion,” said Shumenov.

This weekend’s card also sees Paulie Malignaggi challenge for his third world title as he takes on IBF welterweight champion Shawn Porter, with undefeated middleweight ace Peter Quillin defending his WBO belt against Lukas Konecny.

Hopkins vs. Shumenov is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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Nat Heaven remained undefeated by scoring an explosive 1st round stoppage over Donovan Dennis in a scheduled 8-round Heavyweight bout.

Both guys landed heavy shots until Heaven landed a crushing right to the jaw that sent Dennis down. Dennis got to his feet but was wobbly and the fight was stopped at 3:00 of round one.

“I give all hail to god,”said Heaven. “The right hand is my weapon. I saw him on youtube and saw that he gained weight and got slower. My coach said to relax and I would get him.”

Heaven, 233 lbs of Ocala, FL is now 9-0-1 with 7 knockouts. Dennis, 226 lbs of Davenport, IA is now 11-2.

Marcus Hall scored a 4-round unanimous decision over Raphael Luna in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Hall, 153 lbs of Rochester, NY and is now 7-6. Luna, 152.5 lbs of Albany, NY is now 3-8-3.

Simeon Hardy destroyed Rahman Yusubov inside of a round of their scheduled 6-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Hardy scored three knockdowns with the 1st and 3rd coming from devastating left hooks at 2:36 of round one.

Hardy, 155 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Yusubov, 155 lbs of Dallas is now 9-15.

Cecil McCalla remained perfect by scoring a 6-round unanimous decision over Antonio Chaves Fernandez in a Welterweight bout.

McCalla hurt Fernandes in the 4th and cruised home to the victory by scores of 60-54 on all cards.

McCalla, 149 lbs of Randallstown, MD is now 18-0. Fernades, 150 lbs of Brockton, MA is now 4-17-2.

Philadelphia, PA (APRIL 18, 2014)–Two undefeated fighters remain in the Boxcino 2014 Middleweight tournament. Brandon Adams of Los Angeles raised a lot of eyebrows with his 4th round stoppage over Daniel Edouard in the quarterfinals that took place on February 28 in Hammond, Indiana.

Adams, who is now 13-0 with 9 knockouts takes Raymond Gatica (14-2, 9 KO’s) in the 8-round semifinal bout this tonight at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

The bout, along with the 2nd semifinal bout between undefeated Vitalli Kopylenko and Willie Monroe Jr. will be broadcast live on ESPN2, ESPNDeportes+ and WatchESPN beginning at 9 pm ET.

Adams was very happy with his 1st performance in the national stage with the stoppage win over Edouard.

“I did what my corner wanted me to do. My camp wanted me to work off the jab. We watched a little bit of tape on him and we wanted to see where he positioned himself,”said Adams.

With the quick 6-week turnaround, Adams did not much have much time to savior his impressive victory.

“I train everyday. I have been feeling real good. I am ready for Gatica. He is my first southpaw and I have been getting good work and I am feeling very good.”

After their respective fights on February 28, Gatica and Adams had a very respectable if not friendly exchange in the middle of the ring.

“I know how to separate friends. He is not an enemy. We are just in here working and I will do what it takes to win.”

Adams also has a lot of respect for Gatica the fighter and expects a good show for the fans.

“I saw his fight with Agbeko. He is a crowd pleaser. He comes forward and likes to throw big shots but that is nothing I am unfamiliar with. The only difference is that he is a southpaw. Come April 18, I will show that I am different. I plan on stopping him.”

With the 1st fight down, Adams sees that he can be the Boxcino champion.

“I am satisfied that we took care of the 1st fight. I am not looking past Gatica. This is one fight at a time and I dream of winning. I am going for Brandon Adams. i feel strongly and I look forward to giving the audience at Turning Stone and watching on ESPN what they want to see on April 18,” said Adams

Brandon Adams 161 – Raymond Gatica 158
Vitalii Kopylenko 160 – Willie Monroe Jr. 160
(BOXCINO MIDDLEWEIGHT SEMIFINAL BOUTS)

Donovan Dennis 226 – Nat Heaven 233
Cornelius Whitlock 145 – Greg Jackson 144
Cecil McCalla 149 – Antonio Chaves Fernandez 150
Simeon Hardy 155 – Rahman Yusubov 155
Marcus Hall 153 – Raphael Luna 152.5

Promoter: Banner Promotions
Venue: Turning Stone Resort Casino
Time: ESPN 2 Broadcast is at 9 PM ET

Photos by Emanuel Thomas / Banner Promotions