Romulo Koasicha scored a stoppage after round seven over RGuillermo Avila in a scheduled 10-round Featherweight bout

Koasicha dropped Avila in round five from a combination in the corner. In round seven, Koasicha sent Avila own from a left hook. After the round, the fight was stopped.

Koasichia is now 25-4 with 15 knockouts. Avila falls to 15-4.

Roberto Pucheta won a 8-round unanimous decision over Martin Casillas in a Bantamweight bout.

Rafael Lopez scored a 2nd round stoppage over Esteban Zambrano in a scheduled 4-round Lightweight bout.

Lopez scored a knockdown in round two from a left hook and the fight was stopped.

By Norm Frauenheim-
Phoenix lightweight Victor Castro (15-0, 7 KOs) risks his unbeaten record Saturday against Mexican Angel Martinez (14-6-1, 10 KOs) Saturday night in Phoenix at Celebrity Theatre.

The bout is scheduled for eight rounds on an Iron Boy Promotions card. As many as 12 fights are scheduled. First bell is 5 p.m.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – It starts with a smile. It’s there because Sergey Kovalev genuinely enjoys what he does. Then again, so does a crocodile.

That smile was perhaps a hint at what many expect Saturday. Kovalev turned his head away from Nadjib Mohammadi during the ritual stare-down after a formal weigh-in Friday at Mandalay Bay.

After tipping the scales at 174.5 pounds, Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) looked at the crowd, flashing that grin with teeth that could make a Great White blink. It’s hard to know what Nadjib Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) thought during a moment when he looked a little bit like prey.

Mohammedi, who was at 173 pounds, is given no chance in a light-heavyweight bout televised by HBO (10 pm ET/PT). That’s probably not fair to a tough fighter who might have a significant advantage in his corner. Abel Sanchez, Kovalev’s ex-trainer, is Mohammedi’s current trainer. But will that, or anything else, make a difference? Few believe it will go the full 12 rounds.

Consider this: On a wagering sheet at the Mandalay Bay’s sports book, there’s a proposition that has Kovalev at minus-2200 to win by knockout. In other words, you’ve got to put up $2,200 to win $100.

“Where’s the closest ATM?’’ a wise guy in the media room said. “That sounds like an easy way to pick up a quick $100.’’

Maybe.

But all of that could change at opening bell. Above all, Mohammedi has absolutely nothing to lose. Sanchez is quick to remind everybody that Mike Tyson was a lopsided favorite to beat Buster Douglas in Tokyo. Huge upsets happen, all right

On Friday, however, all of the talk was about Kovalev and what was next for the Russian with the predatory smile. One scenario has him fighting Jean Pascal next in a rematch if Pascal gets past Yuniesky Gonzalez, a tough-looking Cuban, who escaped Cuba on small boat crowded with refugees in 2009.

Then, there’s the projected showdown that has already begun to capture the public’s imagination: Kovalev-versus-Andre Ward. It sounds as if it’s inevitable. Kovalev promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events says talks are ongoing.

“In fact, those talks have been better than most,’’ she said this week.

There’s speculation that it might happen next year, perhaps after there’s some clarity about when Floyd Mayweather Jr. will in fact retire. Kovalev-Ward could be sold as the fight that will determine Mayweather’s successor at the top of the pound-for-pound debate.

All of the talk has made Kovalev-Mohammedi look like a steppingstone for a legend in the making. That, the lopsided odds and a rival PBC promotion featuring BJ Flores-versus Beibut Shumenov in Vegas The Palms are probably having a lousy impact on ticket sales, although Duva said there has been an uptick during the last couple of days.

But ticket sales, talk about who’s next and speculation about what’s next didn’t seem to matter much to Kovalev. Only an imminent opening bell does. That’s always a reason to smile.

Saturday’s HBO World Championship Boxing doubleheader telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

Opening up the telecast from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada pits Jean Pascal vs. Yuniesky Gonzalez in a 10-round light heavyweight attraction.

The main event features light heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev defending his titles against challenger Nadjib Mohammedi for 12 rounds.

Official Weights from Las Vegas:

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev: 174.5 lbs.
Nadjib Mohammedi: 173 lbs.

Jean Pascal: 178 lbs.
Yuniesky Gonzalez: 177 lbs

Sulivan Barrera : 174,5 lbs
Hakim Zoulikha : 175 lbs
10 rounds.

Joel Diaz
Alejandro Rodriguez
Palmdale, California
Guadalajara, Mexico
18-0, 14 KOs
24-17-1, 14 KOs
Weight: 140.5
Weight: 140.5
Trunks: Burgundy/White Trunks: Black/Grey

Hernandez and Ritani-Coe
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Rodney Hernandez
Brice Ritani-Coe
Modesto, California
San Pedro, California
7-2-1, 1 KOs
4-3-1, 3 KOs
Weight: 239
Weight: 252.5
Trunks: Black Trunks: Black

Chaney and Ramirez
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Cassius Chaney Eduardo Ramirez
New London, Connecticut
Yuma, Arizona
2-0, 1 KO
1-2, 1 KO
Weight: 238.5
Weight: 233
Trunks: Red/Yellow Trunks: Black

About Kovalev vs. Mohammedi

WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will compete in his first mandatory title defense against Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The co-feature will include a ten-round light heavyweight match-up between Jean Pascal (29-3-1, 17 KOs) and Yuniesky Gonzalez (16-0, 12 KOs). Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Sergey Kovalev’s Greatest Hits
Sergey Kovalev’s Greatest Hits

Follow Us:

kovalboxer.com
Twitter: @krusherkovalev
Facebook: facebook.com/shopkrusher
irondjib.com
Twitter: @IronDjib
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Nadjib-Mohammedi-Officiel
www.jeanpascalboxing.com/en/
Twitter: @jeanpascalchamp
Facebook: facebook.com/Jean-Pascal/25519558870
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
YouTube: YouTube.com/MEBoxingSeries
www.Interbox.ca
Twitter: @Interbox
Facebook: facebook.com/InterBox
starboxing.com
Twitter: @StarBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/joe.starboxing
www.hbo.com/boxing
Twitter: @HBOBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/HBOBoxing
www.mandalaybay.com
Twitter: @MandalayBay
Official Hashtag: #KrusherMohammedi

While fans attending tomorrow night’s HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHT XI professional boxing show at the World Famous Florentine Gardens Nightclub in Hollywood, California receive their own hard copy of the one-of-a-kind HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NEWS newspaper/program, boxing fans from all over the world can now have a sneak preview electronic version including the bout card for tomorrow night’s show.

Viewers watching Top Rank’s Solo Boxeo Tecate on Unimas can also read up on the exciting bouts featured on tomorrow’s card, highlighted by the 10 round main event rematch bout between former WBC and IBF Junior Flyweight and WBO and WBA Flyweight World Champion, Brain “The Hawaiian Punch” Viloria (35-4, 21KOs) and four-time World Title challenger Omar “Lobito” Soto (23-11-2, 15KOs).
HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHT 11 takes place on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at the Florentine Gardens Hollywood, located at 5955 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, California. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hollywoodfightnight.com or by calling
(626) 388-8888. Tickets start at $50 for General Admission and range from $75 to $150 for Reserved (Rows 2 and 3) and Ringside Front Row seating. A limited number of VIP bottle service tables are also available. Doors Open at 6:30pm; First Bout at 7:00pm.

All bouts are subject to change

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 24, 2015) – Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the signing of Keri Anne Taylor-Melendez to an exclusive, multi-fight deal. The 31-year-old has previously competed in kickboxing and muay Thai, but fully intends on transitioning to the sport of mixed martial arts in the future.

Taylor-Melendez will debut as a kickboxer in front of her home town on June 19 at the highly anticipated “Bellator: Dynamite” show in San Jose, Calif. An opponent for Taylor-Melendez has yet to be decided upon.

The spouse of former WEC and Strikeforce Champion Gilbert Melendez and co-owner of El Nino Training Center in San Francisco, Taylor-Melendez first took up combat sports close to 10 years ago, making a name for herself on unsanctioned cards held in the Bay Area. After racking up a 4-1 amateur record, she took her talents to the professional circuit, where she currently holds a 2-1 kickboxing record.

“I’m very honored for the opportunity to fight on such a big stage with a great promotion and promoter. I actually fought for Scott Coker before Gilbert and we both have a great relationship with him, so I feel very comfortable with this situation,” Taylor-Melendez said. “Even though I haven’t been super active as a fighter I have never really stopped training and look forward to testing my skills as a muay Thai fighter and a mixed martial artist. My goal is to go out there and do my best and make my daughter, my family and team proud.”

About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

LONDON (24 JULY) Fresh from the announcement of his world heavyweight title shot against Wladimir Klitschko, unbeaten number one contender Tyson Fury will appear at Derby Arena tomorrow night (July 25) to witness both his brother and cousin in action.

Hughie, his cousin, takes on durable Brazilian veteran George Arias over a schedule 10 rounds, while Young Fury, his brother, fights Lativian Ostaps Basin over four. Both fights take place at heavyweight.

“Tyson has always trained with me and watched me fight,” said Hughie, 15-0 (8 KOs). “He sees everything I do in the gym and it’s great to be around him – especially in the lead-up to his world heavyweight title fight.

“We see a different side to Tyson in the gym. He’s cocky on the mic, but behind the scenes he’s a lovely, down-to-Earth person.

“Tyson often watches my sparring and tells me what I’m doing wrong. He sits me down and says, ‘Look, you’re doing this wrong and need to improve on this or that.’ I’ve learnt a lot from Tyson over the years.”

Trainer Peter Fury added: “It’s only family in the gym, so Tyson’s never put up there as any kind of role model or icon. He’s always just one of the lads. He’s no different. The outside world will see it differently, but we don’t. We’ve just got a job to do. Tyson is just like the big brother in camp. It will be good to have him in Derby with us.”

LONDON (24 July) – Knockout king Sergey Kovalev has labelled Adonis Stevenson as “not a real champion” and dreams of capturing his WBC belt.

The unified WBA, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight world champion has conquered all before him, including wins over the legendary Bernard Hopkins and Jean Pascal, but a showdown with 175-pound rival and current WBC champion Stevenson has eluded him.

A clash has been much talked about over the past year but 32-year-old Kovalev is now set to do battle this Saturday night, live and exclusive on BoxNation, against Frenchman Nadjib Mohammedi but his ambition is still to complete his title haul by adding the WBC belt.

“I don’t want to speak about him [Stevenson] at all because he’s not a real champion. He got lucky once against Chad Dawson when Dawson dropped his title against Andre Ward.

“Andre Ward destroyed him and he didn’t recover for the fight against Stevenson. He got lucky and right now is still “champion”. It’s smart for the business but it’s not good for boxing,” said Kovalev.

“I’m ready for any fight but I keep in my mind to win the WBC title first of all but I’m open for any fight. I think I’m a regular world champion but I have three world titles, the WBO, WBA and IBF, but my dream is to get a fourth.

“We’ll see what happens in the future. I hope somebody beats Stevenson and gets the WBC title and then we can make the fight. Even if it is a harder or tougher boxer, it’s no problem. I just need an agreement for a fight for the WBC and a unification,” he said.

The formidable Russian, who is undefeated in 28 bouts with 24 knockouts, is well aware however that a tough task lies ahead this weekend against Mohammedi.

The 30-year-old, a ten year professional, knows his way around the ring with 37 wins and only 3 losses, goes into the fight on a four-year winning streak with a chance of hitting the big-time should he upset the odds, something which Kovalev is well aware of.

“Mohammedi is not a puncher but he knows how to box. He’s smart, sets traps and improvises a lot in the ring. He doesn’t just come forward but has good movement and angles,” said Kovalev.

“He’s also ready for 12 rounds and has good stamina and conditioning. He’s a very good opponent and is dangerous because he’s very motivated.

“I know what motivation can do for a fighter and when a man is motivated he can do a lot of things and is very dangerous. I’m prepared for 12 rounds because you never know what is going to happen in boxing,” he said.

The man who Kovalev overcame in his last fight, Canadian ace Pascal, will also be on the card when he takes on unbeaten Cuban Yunieski Gonzalez in a ten-round contest at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

“There is no place like home. I have been fighting at home my whole career. I am glad to be in Vegas, it is my first time fighting here. Every fighter on my level wants to fight at least one time in Vegas,” said Pascal.

“This is my chance to make a statement on Saturday night. I know I am still among the best in the world and best in my division. I know Yunieski Gonzalez is hungry and he wants to make a statement. I want to give a great show on Saturday night,” he said.

Prior to Saturday’s big Las Vegas show, BoxNation will also have some thrilling live domestic action tonight from 7pm when super-middleweight star Frank Buglioni takes on Fernando Castaneda.

The Enfield boxer was set to face WBA world champion Fedor Chudinov but the Russian was forced to delay the fight due to a broken nose sustained in training.

26-year-old Buglioni, however, will be looking to stay busy and get a win under his belt against the tough Mexican before eyeing up his shot at world title glory in the Autumn.

Another top name will feature on the Wembley Arena show with Billy Joe Saunders, who will fight Andy Lee for the WBO middleweight world title on September 19 in a major showdown in Limerick, facing France’s Yoann Bloyer in a crucial must win fight.

Undefeated super-featherweight Mitchell Smith is also back in action this evening against Dennis Tubieron for the WBO Intercontinental title.

Kovalev v Mohammedi is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415 and online) this Saturday night. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

LONDON (24 JULY) British middleweight champion Nick Blackwell and unbeaten challenger Damon Jones both weighed inside the middleweight limit this afternoon in Derby ahead of their highly-anticipated title clash tomorrow night (July 25), live on Channel 5.

Twenty-two-year-old Jones, unbeaten in 13 professional fights, tipped the scales at 11 stone 5lbs 5oz, while 24-year-old champion Blackwell, 17-3-1 (7 KOs), weighed 11 stone 5lbs 1oz.

Blackwell and Jones will contest the prestigious Lonsdale belt over a scheduled 12 rounds tomorrow evening at Derby Arena.

Trowbridge’s Blackwell won the British middleweight title in May at London’s sold-out O2 Arena with a stunning upset victory against Londoner John Ryder, live on Sky Sports Box Office. The pair went toe-to-toe for six-and-a-half rounds before Blackwell’s better fitness and strength saw him halt Ryder in a dramatic seventh round. Now champion, Blackwell intends to clean up the domestic scene before pursuing world honours.

Yorkshireman Jones, meanwhile, his first challenger, has barely put a foot wrong since turning professional in 2012. The six-foot southpaw won an English middleweight title eliminator against fellow unbeaten Grant Cunningham last time out and, at just 22 years of age, believes he’s ready to win top honours in Britain.

*** Tickets for Blackwell vs. Jones can be purchased from the Derby Arena Box Office on 01332 255800 or by visiting www.derbylive.co.uk ***

*** Blackwell vs. Jones will be televised live on Channel 5 on July 25 (10pm), while the supporting undercard will be televised live earlier in the evening (8pm) on Spike ***

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS
For more information on Channel 5, MaxiNutrition and Hennessy Sports:

www.channel5.com
www.maxinutrition.com
www.hennessysports.com

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.HENNESSYSPORTS.COM

Las Vegas, NV: On July 25, 2015 WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will face his first IBF mandatory challenger, Nadjib “Iron Djib” Mohammedi (37-3-0, 23 KOs) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada and live on HBO World Championship Boxing. Although Krusher has amazing one-punch knockout power, he has struggled at times in his career against fighters with awkward styles like Mohammedi. Will the 30-year old from Gardanne, Bouches-du-Rhône, France give the champion the fight of his life? Below is the scouting report for this intense match-up:

Category
Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev
Nadjib “The IronDjib” Mohammedi
Age
32
30
Record
27-0-1 (24 KOs)
37-3-0 (23 KOs)
Strength
Kovalev has knockout power in both hands; he has the ability to end a fight with any punch he throws. He also showed the world that he has a good chin after taking some big shots in his successful title defense against Jean Pascal in March.
Nadjib is an aggressive fighter with good hand speed and great endurance; he is always in tremendous shape and treats every fight like there is a title on the line.
He throws punches from all angles and can pose a threat to any top light heavyweight contender.
Weakness
Sergey has been knocked down before but not hurt, he tends to leave openings in his guard which could pose a problem in this bout as Nadjib has finished his last 11 of 13 opponents.
Mohammedi has a tendency to get sloppy at times, in previous fights he had a tendency to throw wide looping punches that could potentially get him into big trouble considering the power that Kovalev brings to the table.
Experience
Kovalev has fewer pro fights than Nadjib, but the past two years he’s faced and defeated three former titleholders in Bernard Hopkins, Jean Pascal and Nathan Cleverly.
Nadjib has more pro fights under his belt than Kovalev. He has fought for world titles before.
Power
Kovalev will have the clear advantage here as he is best known for his vicious knockout power in either hand. He throws nasty body shots.
Nadjib does not pack one-punch power in either hand. He is known more for the volume of punches he throws.
Speed
Kovalev has average speed that picks up once he sees he has his opponent on the ropes and he goes for the finish.
Mohammedi has quick hands and quick feet as well. He is a small light heavyweight; he moves around the ring well and is very agile.
Endurance
Sergey has shown the ability to maintain a steady pace that allows him to conserve energy while still looking sharp in the later rounds. However, he has only fought 12 rounds once in his career when he defeated the former titleholder Bernard Hopkins.
Mohammedi may have a slight edge here, as he has been 12 rounds on three separate occasions, and 10 rounds three times as well.
Accuracy
Kovalev shows great accuracy with his one-punch knockouts; he also throws very accurate and powerful shots to the body that have ended fights in the past.
Nadjib’s accuracy is evident when his opponents stand and trade shots with him; he has an accurate jab plus an overhand right that tends to follow.
Defense
Sergey’s best defense may just be his offense. His power has become a complete game-changer in the past, forcing opponents to rethink their game plan.
Mohammedi is light on his feet and moves around the ring well, making it difficult for anyone to hit him. However, he enjoys standing and trading with his opponents which could ultimately get him into trouble against The Krusher.
Chin
In his last fight Kovalev showed that his chin is more than durable, he took some big shots against a heavy hitter in Jean Pascal and managed to stay on his feet and earn the stoppage win.
Nadjib’s chin may be in question here; he has been stopped twice in his career and has never been in the ring with a puncher as devastating as Kovalev.
Style
Sergey is an offensive-minded fighter who likes to walk his opponents down then go for the finish.
Mohammedi is a boxer who shows signs of being a volume puncher while utilizing great counter-punching.
Crowd Support
Sergey’s popularity has greatly increased since major wins over Bernard Hopkins and Jean Pascal. He is now competing in the fight capital of the world, so Kovalev will likely have majority of the crowd support here.
Nadjib may be at a disadvantage here as he is not well known just yet. However, Nadjib is a gamer and treats every fight like it’s a title fight, which is a mentality and style that may win him some crowd support throughout this fight.
Intangibles
Kovalev’s previous two bouts were by far the toughest of his career. He defeated Bernard Hopkins in November of 2014, and just four months later he earned a stoppage win over former world champion Jean Pascal. Now, rather than take some extra time to recover and enjoy these wins, he returns to the ring after another quick four-month turnaround and takes on Mohammedi, who has not lost a fight in almost five years.
Nadjib has waited patiently for over a year to capitalize on his number one contender position. After earning his position in June of 2014, Nadjib decided to stay active and risk his number one ranking. He competed on Kovalev’s two previous undercards against durable opponents, against both of which he scored stoppage wins. Those risks have paid off and Nadjib will finally get his shot against the world’s best light heavyweight.
The Match-Up
Will Nadjib’s awkward style and boxing skills frustrate Kovalev?
Will Nadjib still be light on his feet in the ring once he feels Sergey’s power?
Will Sergey be able to keep focused like he did in his last two fights against Bernard Hopkins and Jean Pascal?
Will being an underdog and fighting on a big stage for this fight help or hurt Nadjib?
Nadjib is training with Kovalev’s former trainer, Abel Sanchez, will this give him some advantage? Will Abel have any secret insight into Kovalev’s game?

Jolene Mizzone, Main Events’ matchmaker and the current NABF Matchmaker of the Year, said about this fight, “Any fight in the light heavyweight division is an important right now. In this fight, you have Sergey Kovalev who will fight ANYONE in the division and you have Nadjib Mohammedi who has earned his spot and has been preparing for this fight for over a year. Both of these fighters are hungry; one wants to keep his belts and the other wants them from him. Also there is one guy who has that one punch knockout power and the other who has that awkward style so the question is what style will come out on top?”

About Kovalev vs. Mohammedi

WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will compete in his first mandatory title defense against Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The co-feature will include a ten-round light heavyweight match-up between Jean Pascal (29-3-1, 17 KOs) and Yuniesky Gonzalez (16-0, 12 KOs). Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Sergey Kovalev’s Greatest Hits
Sergey Kovalev’s Greatest Hits

Hey Harold!: Kovalev vs. Mohammedi
Hey Harold!: Kovalev vs. Mohammedi

Follow Us:

kovalboxer.com
Twitter: @krusherkovalev
Facebook: facebook.com/shopkrusher
irondjib.com
Twitter: @IronDjib
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Nadjib-Mohammedi-Officiel
www.jeanpascalboxing.com/en/
Twitter: @jeanpascalchamp
Facebook: facebook.com/Jean-Pascal/25519558870
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
YouTube: YouTube.com/MEBoxingSeries
www.Interbox.ca
Twitter: @Interbox
Facebook: facebook.com/InterBox
starboxing.com
Twitter: @StarBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/joe.starboxing
www.hbo.com/boxing
Twitter: @HBOBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/HBOBoxing
www.mandalaybay.com
Twitter: @MandalayBay
Official Hashtag: #KrusherMohammedi

Dusseldorf, Germany (July 24) A press conference was held this past Tuesday at the ESPRIT Arena to formally announce the highly anticipated World Heavyweight Championship between undisputed and long reigning champion Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer” Klitschko and #1 ranked mandatory challenger Tyson Fury set for Saturday, October 24. The event will be televised in the U.S. live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Sporting a record of 64-3-0 (54KO’s) and holder of the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and “Ring Magazine” heavyweight titles, Klitschko will be making his 19th championship defense. He returns to battle following a dominant 12-round decision victory over Bryant Jennings on April 25 in front of a crowd of over 17,000 at Madison Square Garden.

A native of the United Kingdom, Fury brings an unblemished record into battle of 24-0-0 (18KO’s). Most recently he stopped Christian Hammer in the 8th round on February 28 in London, United Kingdom.

“After all these years, all the guys I have fought have been a challenge for me to motivate myself,” said Klitschko. I believe Tyson Fury really means what he says. He is coming to win the fight. “

“I have done my homework, he is very entertaining, he sings, he dances, people either like him or hate him. He’s not coming to be present on the canvas, he’s coming to win the championship.”

Stated Fury, “It’s a pleasure to be here in Dusseldorf, the time has arrived. Wladimir Kltischko is a great champion and has been for 11 years taking on all comers but I believe he has never faced a challenge like me. There’s never been someone like me.”

“I’m a very dangerous fighter, but I have to give credit to the older champion to face a fighter like myself.”
“The world heavyweight championship fight on October 24 is an energizing event for the division as well as the sport,” said Peter Nelson, vice president, programming, HBO Sports. “This is an intriguing, fascinating matchup that should captivate the boxing world. We know both Wladimir and Tyson will be ready. We are delighted to present the fight live on HBO in the United States.”

With the win over Jennings, Klitschko continued his path towards heavyweight division history with his 18 consecutive title defenses behind only Larry Holmes (20) and Joe Louis (25, the record for any weight class). A crowd in excess of 65,000 is expected at the ESPRIT Arena where Klitschko has fought twice previously.

The title defense will also be Klitschko’s 28th world title fight, a new record in the heavyweight division, surpassing Joe Louis (27), Larry Holmes (26) and Muhammad Ali (25)!

Known as much for his brash words as his firepower in the ring, the 6’9” towering Fury has been the talk of the United Kingdom’s heavyweight division since bursting onto the scene in 2008. The 26 year-old has proven his mettle with two dominant victories over former world title challenger and rival countryman Dereck Chisora in 2011 and 2014.

MAIN EVENT – Featherweights – 8 Rounds
Yenifel Vicente (26-3-2, 18) 124.6 lbs. vs. Manuel Herrera (21-15-1, 16) 123.8 lbs.

CO-MAIN EVENT – Junior Welterweights – 6 Rounds
Scott Burrell (8-2, 5) 137 lbs vs. Moris Rodriguez (5-6-1, 3) 138 lbs.

Julian Sosa (1-0-1) 141.4 lbs. vs. Jose Sanchez (0-1-0) 141.6 lbs.
Joseph Williams (6-0, 5) 184.4 lbs. vs. Michael Wilmer (5-7-1, 4) 177.6 lbs.
Matthew Armstrong (PD) 150.2 lbs. vs. Anton Williamson (1-3) 153.2 lbs.
Carlos Adams (PD) 146.6 lbs. vs. Jeff Souffrant (1-0) 146.2 lbs.
Nikita Miroshinchenko (PD) 161.8 lbs. vs.Sean Nurse (0-1) 162.4 lbs.
Villi Bello (2-1) 158.4 lbs. vs. Francisco Cruz (0-2) 158.8 lbs.
Alvin Varmall, Jr. (6-0, 6) 196 lbs. vs. Lamont Capers (5-7) 199.4 lbs.

Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions returns to action on Friday, July 24th, bringing another loaded fight card to the Brooklyn Masonic Temple. With many local prospects and rising stars, Ring of Fire will most certainly continue the tradition of Uprising Promotions to bring competitive and entertaining fights to boxing fans.

The Brooklyn Masonic Temple is located at 317 Clermont Ave #4 in Brooklyn. The intimate setting ensures that there is not a bad seat in the house, and tickets are priced at $60 for general admission and $100 for ringside seating. There is also a table option with dinner, beer/wine and seating with a celebrity fighter. For pricing on those tables, call (516) 451-6773.

This show, titled Ring of Fire, will continue the initiative of Uprising Promotions to KO Autism, with proceeds from the night getting donated to The School For Language and Communication Development (SLCD) in Glen Cove, New York. This card is being sponsored by Charlie’s Auto Collision in Long Island City, Sleep Inn, Ronson Frank Fitness and Resolution Sports. Doors open at 6:30 PM with the first bout taking place at 7:00 PM.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – Imagine trying to demolish what you once designed. It sounds awkward and it probably is if you’re an architect suddenly hired to bring down a building you constructed.

But boxing isn’t architecture. It’s about changing roles and changing sides. One day, you’re drawing up the blueprint. The next day, you’re swinging the wrecking ball.

So it is for Abel Sanchez, who finds himself in the opposite corner Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in an attempt to bring down a feared fighter he helped create.

Sergey Kovalev was just another Russian in 2010 when Sanchez became his trainer.

Then, Sanchez didn’t exactly foresee himself in Nadjib Mohammedi’s corner as the mastermind in an attempted plot to derail Kovalev’s swift emergence as a potential successor to the pound-for-pound throne soon to be vacated by Floyd Mayweather Jr.

He was only certain that Kovalev would become a star.

“I told him, I told him he would be where he is right now,’’ Sanchez said Thursday after a news conference for the light-heavyweight bout (HB0, 10 p.m. ET/PT).

For eight fights between October, 2010 and December, 2011, Sanchez trained Kovalev. Kovalev won all eight by stoppage. Only in hindsight is it evident that Kovalev was then beginning to discover an identity now summed by his nickname, Krusher. He’s been the real wrecking ball. Everybody, even Bernard Hopkins, has been crushed by lethal power complemented by unshakable poise.

Sanchez knew he had a future champion in his gym. But he also knew he had to make tough choice. Middleweight champ Gennady Golovkin was there, too.

“Sometimes, we make choices that maybe we are forced to make,’’ Sanchez said.

What happened after that decision, however, is a matter of some debate. It also appears to be at the heart of a simmering rivalry.

Stories about sparring sessions between Golovkin and Kovalev began to circulate. Sanchez told the media that GGG once knocked down Kovalev. He also was quoted as saying that he thought Golovkin had a higher ring IQ than Kovalev.

The comments had to get back to Kovalev, who is getting to know English as well as he knows his way around the ring. Translation: Very little escapes him.

When asked about Sanchez during an international conference call, Kovalev said:

“Who is this Abel? I don’t know any Abel.’’

Kovalev didn’t have to say anything more. It’s clear he intends to show that Sanchez made the wrong choice in 2011.

“I want to show in this fight just who I really am,’’ said Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs), who sounds as if he is motivated by what he believes was a sub-par performance in an eighth-round round stoppage of Jean Pascal in March.

Betting odds indicate that Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs), a Frenchman of Algerian descent, has no chance no matter what motivates Kovalev or who is in his corner

Mohammedi is a 33-to-1 underdog, according to odds posted on a sheet at the Mandalay Sports book late Thursday. The line is surprisingly lopsided, so much so that Mohammedi has nothing to lose. If it goes the distance, he probably earns another good payday.

“When I’m told we have no chance, that means we have every chance,’’ Mohammedi co-manager Vince Caruso said.

Best guess: Mohammedi’s best chance rests in what Sanchez knows about Kovalev. Sanchez was giving no hints Thursday as to what Mohammedi’s game plan might be. No surprise there. Instead, he praised Kovalev for the progress he’s made under trainer John David Jackson.

“He evolved,’’ Sanchez said. “He’s a world champion now. I think guys, when they become world champions, get better anyway. They have something to protect. They have something they don’t want to lose. They work harder.

“He’s a much better fighter because of all of those things and because he’s got a very good coach in John David.’’

A personal rivalry is an expected element, said Sanchez, who has been working corners long enough to know that emotion can turn an ordinary fight into great one.

“He has a very competitive nature,’’ Sanchez said. “He knows that one day he might fight another one of my guys. He might fight Golovkin, if it ever gets to that point.

“It’s professional competitiveness that sometimes gets mistaken for animosity. During the news conference, he looked over at me and I winked at him. He kind of acknowledged me.

“But you know what? It’s not personal. This is business, just business.’’

A business full of unexpected corners.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, undefeated Jr. Featherweight prospect Jessie Magdaleno injured his hand and is out of his August 1 UniMas Headlining fight with Rey Perez.

“He hurt his hand really bad sparring,” Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti told ESPN.com. “They were going to get X-rays but he definitely can’t fight on Aug. 1.”

LOS ANGELES (July 23) – Fighters featured on the Aug. 6 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB and Aug. 8 Perez vs. Mikhaylenko cards hosted a free youth boxing clinic at the City of Angeles Boxing Gym in downtown Los Angeles, working with the All Peoples Community Center summer youth camp. Main event fighter and undefeated featherweight standout Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez (18-0-1, 13 KOs), and new Golden Boy Promotions fighters set to make their professional debut Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Jonathan Navarro, and Joshua Franco led children ages 7 to 13 in various boxing techniques, with a focus on building confidence and encouraging fitness among the youth. Joet Gonzalez (11-0, 4 KOs) who is featured on the undercard of Johan Perez vs. Dmitry Mikhaylenko was also in attendance to lead the youth in boxing techniques.

Below are the fighters’ thoughts about their upcoming bouts on Aug. 6 and Aug. 8 as well as the day they spent working with kids from the All Peoples Community Center summer youth camp at the City of Angels Boxing Gym:

ABRAHAM “CHAMACO” LOPEZ, Featherweight Prospect:

“I’ve trained hard and feel very strong for my fight. I’m really confident with my new strength and conditioning program, so I feel excited to get back to it.

“Today, as I work with these kids, it motivates me that I can be in a position to serve as a role model. I remember being a young fighter and it feels great to give back. It would be great to be able to push them towards boxing. With the kids, one thing I wanted to stress was be the importance of defense and one of my favorite punches: the left hook to the body.”

HECTOR “EL FINITO” TANAJARA, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I’m extremely excited. I’ve been working to fight as a professional boxer my whole life and to finally be in this position feels great.

“My team and I have been preparing for this fight and I feel strong and ready. Today it was great to see these kids and teach them some basics. It keeps me humble and motivates me.”

JONATHAN NAVARRO, Lightweight Prospect:

“I’m excited. I live around the neighborhood, so it’s interesting to be a part of this project. I also have a job with the city to work with kids and teach them boxing. It’s surreal being in this position because I used to be in their shoes.”

JOSHUA FRANCO, Super Flyweight Prospect:

“I just feel excited to be working with the kids and teaching them the basics of fighting. Training as well has made me feel stronger, faster. It’s going good; it’s going real good.

I feel excited about my upcoming fight. I just can’t wait for my professional debut. Granted, I’m just a little bit nervous, but my family and friends aren’t worried. I know I’ll come out a victor.”

JOET GONZALEZ, Featherweight Prospect:

“Right now I’m just trying to give back. Today we’re showing the kids hard work and discipline. I remember the first time I started boxing, I already knew I wanted to do this. I knew I wanted to be a champion.

“I know that the fight’s easy if I train hard, and I’ve trained 2-3 times a day to prepare. That’s why I’m ready. I can’t wait to fight. I’m 150% ready to go.”

LA FIGHT CLUB: Lopez vs. Diaz is a 10-round featherweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The FOX Deportes broadcast will air live, Thursday, August 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT.

Johan Perez vs. Dmitry Mikhaylenko is a 12-round welterweight title bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 5:30 p.m. The HBO Latino telecast airs live at 10:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

All Peoples Community Center has become a comprehensive community center based in South Los Angeles, delivering a myriad of social and educational services and activities. Their services and activities are driven by the purpose of: helping children succeed at each stage in their development, strengthening and supporting individuals and families and building community, preventing violence and crime, in the community and in the home, addressing the root causes of gang involvement, providing job training and creating job opportunities, helping seniors stay active and engaged. All Peoples Community Center provides a broad spectrum of social services to all, regardless of faith or race, and to empower the community to meet its needs by promoting equality, unity, respect and self-determination among all who participate in its programs.

City of Angels Boxing Gym is a full service boxing gym featuring group and private classes for all people of all ages and conditions. Home to the LAPD Boxing Team and rated “Best Boxing Gym in Los Angeles” by LA WEEKLY, the gym has helped thousands of people with conditioning for other sports (amateur and professional athletes), weight loss and to find fun in fitness. The gym has been featured by several networks including ESPN, TELEMUNDO, FOX LATINO, UNIVISION and Fox Sports Network. The gym is dedicated to continue to share the love of boxing by enhancing the health and lives of members.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at $20 are on sale now and are available for purchase online at www.goldenboypromotions.comor by visiting the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page. For ticket information, email us at LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com.

Tickets for the August 8 event are on sale now, are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

24 JULY 2015 – SINGAPORE: Asia’s largest and the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization, ONE Championship™ (ONE) has announced its second event in China this year which takes place in the vibrant city of Shanghai. The stage is set for another blockbuster night of world-class mixed martial arts action on 1 September 2015 as the Mercedes-Benz Arena is set to play host to ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS (SHANGHAI). ONE Middleweight World Champion Igor “Lionheart” Svirid will headline the spectacular fight card as he defends his title against Vitaly Bigdash.

For ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS (SHANGHAI) ticketing enquiries and reservation, email rsvp@onefc.com.

CEO of ONE Championship™, Victor Cui, stated, “Shanghai will be ONE Championship’s next destination and we are excited to bring our world-class brand of MMA action to the colorful city of Shanghai! Shanghai is the largest city in China by population and as such, it serves as the perfect setting for our second event in the country.”

“We want our events to resonate with fight fans and give them the best experience, one that they can truly enjoy. ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS (SHANGHAI) is shaping up to be another intense fight night. Fans in Shanghai will finally get their wish and experience our live show for the first time ever this 1 September. Brace yourselves for a night of explosive, adrenaline-pumping action as the arena will be packed to the rafters!”

Igor Svirid is the top Middleweight star from Kazakhstan who took care of fan favorite Leandro Ataides in just 17 seconds to win the inaugural ONE Middleweight Championship in Singapore’s ONE: BATTLE OF LIONS show last year. Known for his fierce striking, Svirid hasn’t been beaten since losing his first bout as a professional mixed martial artist four years ago. The towering middleweight has since improved his record and is riding a 10-fight win streak, seven of which ended within the distance. Svirid is ready to defend his belt against tough Russian prospect, Vitaly Bigdash.

Making his ONE Championship debut, Vitaly Bigdash fights out of Rostov-on-Don, Russia and is currently undefeated after seven professional fights. None of his bouts have reached a decision, winning all contests either via submission or by knockout. Bigdash is in for a true test however, as he challenges Igor Svirid in a colossal clash between two world-class middleweights for the chance to capture the ONE Middleweight World Championship.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow on Instagram and Twitter @ONEFCMMA, Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA and Weibo at http://www.weibo.com/onefc.

About ONE Championship (ONE)
ONE Championship is Asia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.

LAS VEGAS (July 23, 2015) – Fighters competing in a pair of exciting cruiserweight matchups on Saturday’sPremier Boxing Champions on NBCSN event held a final press conference Thursday in advance of their July 25 bouts at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) taking on B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) in a 12-round showdown. A 10-round battle between undefeated fighters Jordan Shimmell (19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs) will also be featured on the telecast.

Rounding out the televised action is a 10-round featherweight battle between former world champion Rico Ramos (24-4, 12 KOs) and Claudio Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) plus eight-round of cruiserweight action featuring undefeated knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (10-0, 10 KOs) taking on Roberto Santos (12-1, 5 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

“I’m very happy to be part of PBC. My training camp was excellent, my best because I wasn’t stressed about losing weight. I’m blessed to have a great coach, Ismael Salas, and assistant coaches Jeff Grmoja and Rodney Crisler.

“All the work has been done for Saturday night. I want to fight the best to prove that I’m the best cruiserweight in the world.

“I’m really happy for this opportunity. I feel reborn since I met my new trainer. I’ve changed and I feel like it’s a new beginning. I want to fight the best fighters in the world.

“Every day we work hard on fundamentals to improve my skills and conditioning. Each day I learn.

“I feel much better as a cruiserweight without stress on my body like I did when I had to make 175 pounds. Now, I just focus on getting better instead of making weight.

“Flores has been a cruiserweight for a long time. Fighting an opponent like him is a good opportunity for me.

“If I pass the test, I want to unify the titles.”

B.J. FLORES

“I want to thank everyone on my team for having faith in me and believing me. This is a great opportunity for my career.

“I’m very excited about this night and this whole event. We have a great night of cruiserweight boxing. I’ve kept an eye on all of these guys because you never know who you’ll fight and now we’re all up here on the dais.

“As I look back in my career there are a lot of things I would have changed and things I would have done differently. I’ve had different promoters and switched things around a lot. I feel like this Saturday, I have the chance to erase all the wrongs from my career.

“Something that is very motivating for me is my one loss, when I traveled over to Australia to fight Danny Green.

“At 200-pounds I’ve never lost and I’m not going to lose on Saturday night.

“I have a lot of confidence and a lot of motivation coming into this fight. Beibut is a good fighter and I’ve taken this challenge more seriously than any other fight in my entire life.

“I know the dangers that this man possesses and I’ll be ready for them on Saturday. I’m going to lay it all out on the line and cement my entire career on Saturday night.

“I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring with Beibut. He’s a very good fighter. They don’t give light heavyweight world titles for free or because they’re easy. He earned it. Everything he’s gotten in his career he’s earned and I’m looking to get mine on Saturday night.”

JORDAN SHIMMELL

“I feel ready. I’m prepared. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for quite a while now. I trained hard and feel healthy. I just have to perform well and show everything I have on Saturday.

“From a young age it was always a dream of mine to be on this stage. Making it here now, I just want to further my career and perform well so I can do that.

“Anytime you get to fight in Vegas it’s an exciting thing. This is the boxing headquarters of the world. Being on the main stage on television is very exciting.

“I know Isiah is a quick guy, so we’ve been working a lot of speed, quickness and movement. I pride myself on not getting hit often. I want to continue that and make it an easier fight on Saturday.

“Fighting on this PBC card is definitely a big motivation because it’s where I’ve wanted to be. I want to get another opportunity to fight on television and if I perform well I think that will do it.

“I’m a good well-rounded fighter that can do a bit of everything. That’s what makes my fights easier, because I’m able to switch up styles.

“I represent the whole state of Michigan in this fight. I want to rep the state and eventually the whole country.

“Quite possibly one of those guys who was up on stage with me could a future opponent. Those are the top guys in the division and they’re all great fighters so I would look forward to any fight my team puts together.”

ISIAH THOMAS

“I’m very excited, it’s great to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time. I’ve said it before though, it doesn’t matter where I fight, my emotions are always in check and I’m just ready to go to work.

“Training camp was excellent. I was five weeks into training camp when I got this fight so everything is 100 percent.

“I’ve worked on staying busy, throwing a lot of punches and using angles. I’ll outwork him or outland him. I’m going to use my speed and my boxing skills.

“I’m a puncher-boxer with great ring generalship. I’m an all-around fighter. I want to get in the ring and look spectacular.

“I’m just going to work every night, if the knockout comes I’ll go for it. But it’s more about just looking impressive.

“To be a part of the PBC movement means a lot. They’re bringing back the history of boxing and to be a part of the movement is really important to me.”

ANDREW TABITI

“I’m ready to fight. I’ve worked hard to prepare myself to fight. Come Saturday it’s just going to be a regular day in the ring.

“Everything I do is setup, it’s like chess. I try to be smart and not take too much punishment. I want to catch guys when they make mistakes.

“I’m prepared for my opponent and the Mexican-style he’ll bring into the ring. I plan on him ending up like the rest of them.

“Being in the Mayweather gym is great because there’s so many different kinds of fighters in there. It feels like a fight every day. It gets your mind ready for the stage like this. There’s all kinds of people looking at you and it helps you get ready mentally.

“I’d like to fight any of the guys on the stage today. I want to make good fights and bring the cruiserweight division back.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev – WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion

“Thank you to WBO. This was my first belt and mean a lot to me. Thank you for this ring.”

“Thank you for everybody that came here today. Thank you Kathy Duva my promoter, Egis Klimas my manager and Nadjib Mohammedi. I want to show this Saturday who I am. I would like to still be champion as long time as possible. I did not get all my goals in my career yet. My amateur career I didn’t give me a lot of opportunities. I was hurt in amateur career and I had to try not to closed doors. Some of my dreams in the boxing and my goals not finished. For my dreams, my goals this Saturday is the next step in my career.”

“Welcome to Mandalay Bay and thanks HBO. I want to give you good show. We will know who is the best. Thank you HBO who built my career. I love boxing and boxing in America and HBO is the best.”

“I cannot say who is the best. I try to be better with everyday, fight and build my career as I would like.”

Nadjib Mohammedi
Photo Credits:
David Spagnolo/Main Events

Nadjib “IronDjib” Mohammedi – IBF Number One Contender

“I am very excited and happy. Thank you Sergey Kovalev, Main Events and HBO. I have hard work in my training camp for this fight. I am very happy. I promise Saturday a good fight. I am ready. Thank you very much.”

Kathy Duva
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Kathy Duva – CEO of Main Events

“Welcome to the beautiful Mandalay Bay. This Saturday’s HBO World Championship Boxing event will feature the light heavyweight champion of the world against Nadjib Mohammedi, the IBF mandatory challenger.”

“There has been a lot of discussion lately about where the best fighters fight. The place that has developed every major fighter in the last 30 years is HBO and that is why Sergey Kovalev is an HBO Fighter.”

“This event is going to be promoted with a group of great promoters. Krusher Promotions, Sergey’s promotional company, will be our new partner going forward. Our sponsor is Myagkov Vodka. It is so nice to be back here at Mandalay Bay. We have had a long relationship with Mandalay Bay going back to Fernando Vargas. It is in my view my favorite place in Las Vegas to come. It is associated with the great people at MGM International and my good friend Richard Sturm.”

“Our first time in Nevada was in 1981 when Sugar Ray Leonard fought Thomas Hearns. This is my first time working with the current commission here in Nevada. We are forging a good relationship with them. I want to thank Cisco Aguilar and Bob Bennett.”

Kovalev and Mohammedi
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

“The first time Sergey Kovalev fought in Las Vegas it was on an undercard. Those fighters work just as hard as everyone else. We have a great undercard for this Saturday’s event and it is always fun to watch the undercard fighters because you never know if one of them could be the next Sergey Kovalev.”

“The opening bout on HBO World Championship Boxing telecast will feature Jean Pascal, the former light heavyweight champion of the world, against the undefeated Cuban Yuniesky Gonzalez. Pascal is truly a warrior in the best sense of the word. His promoter is InterBox and he also has his own promotional company, Jean Pascal Promotions.”

“Sergey Kovalev has quickly gone from unknown to superstar in a short period of time but you never forget your first. We have a little surprise for Sergey. Paco from the WBO is here and he has a little surprise for Sergey.”

“We got to know Nadjib Mohammedi a year ago when he fought Anatoliy Dudchenko on one of our shows. He came in as the under dog and came away as the mandatory challenger.”

“I thank God every day for the day I met Egis Klimas and he brought me Sergey Kovalev. He has a great team around him. Sergey Kovalev’s trainer is a former world champion. I have known John David Jackson for a long time and he is one of the best trainers in the world.”

“Bernard Hopkins said to me that Sergey is getting better with every fight. He is powerfully fast and shockingly dominating. He is the kind of guy that people want to see. Hopkins warned Sergey not to get complacent. I think a mark of a great fighter is no matter what you do you are never satisfied and that is the best way to describe Sergey.”

Peter Nelson
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Peter Nelson – Vice President of Programming, HBO Sports

“Thank you. I want to thank all the media for coming out today this is a great turnout. I want to thank Main Events for putting together a tremendous event. They always make the best events. I want to thank Mandalay Bay and Richard Sturm for hosting us. Sergey Kovalev is one of the marquee fighters of our generation. He has a tough challenge ahead of him with Nadjib Mohammedi. I want to thank Joe DiGuardia for helping to make the fight with Jean Pascal and Yuniesky Gonzalez. We had a fight earlier this year with Jean Pascal and Sergey Kovalev and it was a big success. We are happy to have Pascal back on HBO. The telecast time is 10:00 PM ET/PT.”

Bob Bennett – Nevada Athletic Commission

“On behalf of the Nevada Athletic Commission, we are pleased and privileged to bring you this fight. We would like to thank Main Events, HBO, Richard Sturm and Mandalay Bay and last, but not least, we really want to thank the fighters because without them none of us would be here.”

Richard Sturm – President of Entertainment and Sports for MGM Resorts International

“Welcome everyone. I want to thank the media, the fighters and the fans for being here today. We are excited to partner with Kathy Duva and Main Events for a championship fight on HBO. Fighting for only the second time in Las Vegas Sergey Kovalev will make his Mandalay Bay debut against Nadjib Mohammedi, the IBF #1 contender. The event will be an international one and the world will get to see these two great fighters represent their home countries. Thank you Main Events, Bob Bennett, HBO and thank you all for being here. We look forward to seeing you all Saturday night.”

Kovalev Receives His Championship Ring from Valcarcel of the WBO
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Paco Valcarcel – World Boxing Organization

“Sergey Kovalev was a sensation. Sergey, we have something for you. He is a great human being. He is a great fighter, outstanding. You going to have a lot of excitement in this fight. We have a real diamond ring for him. This is something we give to our champions.”

John David Jackson and Egis Klimas
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Egis Klimas – Sergey Kovalev’s Manager

“Good afternoon. First I want to thank Don Turner who gave me my first steps in boxing. He is the man who introduced me to this sport. He noticed Sergey and told me I had to sign him. Coming back to Vegas brings back a lot of good memories because this is where Sergey won his first belt. He won the NABA Light Heavyweight Title. We were celebrating here and he grabbed his belt, put a shirt over it and brought it downstairs. He said he wanted to give it to me. He gave it to me and said it was our title together. I still have it at my house, he never took it back.”

“I want to thank HBO and Nadjib Mohammedi for taking this fight, Mandalay Bay and media for coming for this good event. We are looking for one of the best fights in the light heavyweight division. When Sergey came to United States in 2009 the light heavyweight division was dead and nobody was talking about it. I strongly believe the division is burning today and that is because of Sergey. There is not a match in this division that happens without mentioning his name.”

John David Jackson – Sergey Kovalev’s Trainer

“I am not going to talk too much. I am going to let Sergey do the talking in the ring Saturday night. But I was a WBO champion during my career and where is my ring, Paco? (laughing)”

“Enjoy the fight Saturday. It is will be a good fight.”

“I think Sergey Kovalev is in the top five fighters pound-for-pound and he can become #1.”

Vince Caruso
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Vince Caruso – Nadjib Mohammedi’s Co-Manager

“I want to thank everyone here. I want to thank Mandalay Bay. It is a great place for a fight. I want to thank Peter Nelson from HBO; he is a good guy. I support everything he is doing at HBO. I want to thank Main Events and Krusher Promotions. I think you are the best. Sergey thank you for this opportunity.”

“Nadjib Mohammedi, a lot of people didn’t know who we were not too long ago. After Saturday he will be known everywhere. I can make two guarantees: He will weigh 175 pounds tomorrow on the scale and he will have the best game plan possible. That is because of Abel Sanchez, who I believe he is the best trainer in the business. When Nadjib’s trainer couldn’t make it into the country back in November, I had the chance to call Abel to step in. It is like putting sugar in the Duncan Hines.”

“I have been around a lot of fighters and I know heart when I see heart, and determination when I see determination. I know all the intangibles fall on Sergey Kovalev’s side of the table but I am going to ride this guy [Nadjib] all the way to the championship. We love the IBF and thank them for this opportunity. Nadjib Mohammedi is Saturday’s challenger but he will be Sunday’s champion.”

“I would also like to thank all the media here today. I didn’t hear one negative word spoken about Nadjib. Not one media person in this building did that and I thank you.”

Nadjib Mohammedi, Abel Sanchez and Jon Ali
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Jon Ali – Nadjib Mohammedi’s Co-Manager

“I am glad to be here with my brother, Nadjib Mohammedi. I am very proud of him. Back in France he came a long way to get here. Saturday night will change his life forever.”

Abel Sanchez – Nadjib Mohammedi’s Trainer

“I want to thank Mandalay Bay, Peter with HBO, Sergey Kovalev and Egis Klimas for this opportunity. Nadjib earned this right by moving up the ladder to become the #1 contender. I believe we are fighting the best light heavyweight in the world. We know we are fighting a very tough guy. I hope everyone enjoys the fight.”

Jean Pascal
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Jean Pascal – Former Light Heavyweight Champion

“Hi everybody. There is no place like home. I have been fighting at home my whole career. I am glad to be in Vegas, it is my first time fighting here. Every fighter on my level wants to fight at least one time in Vegas. This is my chance to make a statement on Saturday night. I know am still among the best in the world and best in my division. I know Yuniesky Gonzalez is hungry and he wants to make a statement. I want to give you guys a great show on Saturday night.”

“My philosophy is the best must fight the best. I believe I am still among the best in the world. I am the best light heavyweight in the world but I had a bad night on March 14.”

Yuniesky Gonzalez

“Good afternoon. Thank you to Jean Pascal team, HBO and Joe DiGuardia and Kathy Duva of Main Events for this opportunity. Gracias. We are going to see high quality boxing from Yuniesky Gonzalez Saturday night.”

Pascal and Gonzalez
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Pierre Duc – InterBox Promotions

“Good afternoon. InterBox has been one of the lead promoters in Canada for a long time but this is our first time in Vegas, so this is a great thrill for us. Thank you to HBO, Kathy Duva and Main Events for having us here. Following Jean Pascal’s fight with Sergey Kovalev one of Pascal’s requests was to step back into the ring as soon as possible. We are so happy to make this happen for him. You are going to see a very exciting fight on HBO. Jean Pascal is a former light heavyweight champion. Kathy Duva described him as a warrior. This is going to be a long and very difficult fight for both fighters.”

Greg Leon – Jean Pascal Promotions

“Good afternoon I want to thank HBO, Peter Nelson, Main Events and Interbox for being such great people to work with. For Jean Pascal this fight is about him making a statement in his Las Vegas debut. He is going to let his fists doing the talking on Saturday night.”

Marc Ramsay – Jean Pascal’s Trainer

“Thank you for being with us today. After the fight with Sergey Kovalev, Jean Pascal requested a fight right away on HBO with the best opponent available. With the style of both fighters we are going to have a great fight. We had a great training camp and it should be a great fight Saturday night.”

Joe DiGuardia – Star Boxing, Gonzalez’s Promoter

“Thank you. It is great to be back here at Mandalay Bay where I have also had some great fights and my best success stories. I want to thank Kathy Duva and Main Events from having us, Peter Nelson and HBO for giving this opportunity to Yuniesky Gonzalez. Jean Pascal is a great champion. Sergey Kovalev is one of the greatest of our time. Yuniesky Gonzalez is pleased to have this opportunity. Yuniesky Gonzalez is an exciting fighter. I guarantee you will see an exciting fight with Yuniesky Gonzalez and Jean Pascal. Yuniesky Gonzalez has been clawing his way to get this opportunity and he will take advantage of it.”

About Kovalev vs. Mohammedi

WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will compete in his first mandatory title defense against Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The co-feature will include a ten-round light heavyweight match-up between Jean Pascal (29-3-1, 17 KOs) and Yuniesky Gonzalez (16-0, 12 KOs). Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Sergey Kovalev’s Greatest Hits
Sergey Kovalev’s Greatest Hits

Hey Harold!: Kovalev vs. Mohammedi
Hey Harold!: Kovalev vs. Mohammedi

Follow Us:

kovalboxer.com
Twitter: @krusherkovalev
Facebook: facebook.com/shopkrusher
irondjib.com
Twitter: @IronDjib
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Nadjib-Mohammedi-Officiel
www.jeanpascalboxing.com/en/
Twitter: @jeanpascalchamp
Facebook: facebook.com/Jean-Pascal/25519558870
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
YouTube: YouTube.com/MEBoxingSeries
www.Interbox.ca
Twitter: @Interbox
Facebook: facebook.com/InterBox
starboxing.com
Twitter: @StarBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/joe.starboxing
www.hbo.com/boxing
Twitter: @HBOBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/HBOBoxing
www.mandalaybay.com
Twitter: @MandalayBay
Official Hashtag: #KrusherMohammedi

ORANGE, Calif. (July 23, 2015) – Rising talent Danny Roman (15-2-1, 5 KOs) stars in Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “Locked n’ Loaded” 10-round main event against veteran Daniel Ortega (27-9-1, 15 KOs) this Friday, July 24, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Roman, who is from the Los Angeles suburb of Garden Grove, will try to get his hands on the vacant NABA Super Bantamweight Title.

Tickets priced at $40, $60, & $100 are available by calling 714-935-0900.

Danny Roman, 122 vs. Daniel Noriega, 122 NABA Super Bantamweight 10 Rounds
Isaac Zarate, 122 vs. Jesus Serrano, 121.4 8 Rounds
Jose Haro, 124.6 vs. Miguel Tamayo, 124.7 6 Rounds
Erick Ituarte, 130.7 vs. Pedro Lopez, 130.8 6 Rounds
Scott Alexander, 233.2 vs. Daniel Biddle, 228.6 4 Rounds

In the co-feature, Isaac Zarate (11-1-1, 1 KO), another talented super bantamweight from Los Angeles, plans to extends his winning streak to five against Jesus Serrano (7-2-2, 5 KOs) in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the first bout starts at 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave. Ontario, CA 91764, and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions, and sponsored by Lucas Oil in association with LATV Networks.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conservation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing and #LockednLoaded.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, find us on Google+ and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

“You’re overlooking me…I wouldn’t break camp, but you’re breaking camp for me. Good luck August 14. You’re crazy. You’re out of your mind.” – Tarver to Cunningham

“A few years ago, you were calling me a ‘nobody.’ Let’s keep it real. You’re a professional mouth-runner. I’m a professional fighter…period.” – Cunningham to Tarver

New York (July 23, 2015) – Former world champions Antonio Tarver and Steve Cunningham exchanged heated words today on a routine media conference call that escalated into a back-and-forth dialogue about mutual respect and ring generalship.

Both Tarver and Cunningham joined the call at minute 20:51 (MP3 linked above) following a much friendlier media Q&A featuring the televised undercard fighters Marco Huck and Krzysztof Glowacki.

The call became escalated between the two main event stars with the first media question and continued for nearly 20 minutes.One thing is for sure, there will be fireworks at the Prudential Center on August 14 live on PBC on Spike.

Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) and Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs) headline the event with their 12-round heavyweight battle. Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT when Marco Huck (38-2-1, 26 KO) defends his cruiserweight world title against Krzysztof Glowacki (24-0, 15 KOs).

Undercard action begins at 6:00 p.m. ET with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Huck Sports Promotion are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now viaTicketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.PruCenter.com andwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PruCenter and www.Facebook.com/Spike.

World Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko signed a 5 fight extension with German television network according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The first fight under the new deal starts with his October 24 defense with Tyson Fury.

“My previous contract expired after [the] Jennings fight, so now I have another five-fight deal with RTL. I never thought about the exact time of my retirement, but for some reason people are trying to retire me sooner than later,” Klitschko told ESPN.com.

“I don’t feel my age [and am not] tired of boxing,” he said. “I really mean it.”

SEDAT TASCI has sent a warning to WBA Oceania welterweight champion Cameron Hammond ahead of their clash in Narrabri, New South Wales on Saturday night.

The Sydney-based Turk is has lost only once in 13 professional fights and says young Hammond will pay the price if he underestimates him.

Both boxers are former Olympic representatives so it promises to be a high quality affair, with the winner set to go on to bigger and better titles.

“He (Hammond) is a good young boxer who went to Olympics in London, but he is still a boy!” Tasci, 30, stated.

“He has only had easy fights as a professional and as an amateur he qualified for Olympic Games through the Oceania Region. I was a silver medallist at European Championships and lost a close decision to bronze medal winner at 2004 Olympics.

“I won World Championships as a Cadet in Hungary, I have won many championships in Turkey, Europe and all over the world. He has never faced anyone like me!

“He has done well against boys but he’s not playing with boys against me. Now he faces a man and he will not be able to handle me.”

Saturday’s card takes place at the Crossing Theatre and features five professional fights. Tickets can be purchased from the venue on (02) 6792 4654 or BOXOFFICE@CROSSINGTHEATRE.COM.AU.

TORONTO (July 23, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of Battlefield Fight League 37: Gladiator this Saturday, July 25 at 11 p.m. ET, emanating from the Hardrock Casino in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada.

Fight Network’s live broadcast of BFL 37 will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Suddenlink Communications, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

In the main event, the BFL middleweight title is on the line as Ryan Janes (7-1) battles Brendan Kornberger (5-1). In other featured bouts, Dejan Kajic (6-4-2) meets David Perron (7-4) in a 175-pound catch-weight affair, once-beaten Super Fight League standout Gary Mangat (7-1) returns to the BFL cage opposite American Damon Wood (5-4) in a 128-pound matchup, Shawn Albrecht (11-6) takes on Tristan Connelly (4-4) in a lightweight duel, plus Curtis Harriott (0-0) makes his BFL debut against Ryan Ballingall (4-9) in 180-pound action.

In addition to the live BFL 37 broadcast, Fight Network presents a pre-show for UFC Fight Night Chicago: Dillashaw vs. Barao 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.