EDDIE HEARN: When I saw Luis Arias fight on the Kovalev-Ward undercard, I thought ‘This is a guy that really excited me.’ He had plenty of charisma and he loves to fight and he could become a star on November 11. In the other corner a very determined Daniel Jacobs, trying to recapture the title and trying to pick up more championship belts and potentially unify the division. He’s a honest a kid if I ever saw one and since the press conference in New York Danny Jacobs has been extremely motivated. I believe that his team and certainly I and Roc Nation know all about the threat of Luis Arias and I think this is a great fight.

LUIS ARIAS: Training camp is going great. I am working hard. We know what kind of fight we have ahead of us. I plan on making it a dog fight and I am in dog shape and everything is coming together perfectly, my weight is good – training camp has been perfect. I’m ready. What can I say? I am ready.

How much have you studied Jacobs?

LUIS ARIAS: I have studied him a lot and I have known Danny Jacobs since I was about 15 years old – his name has been in my weight division and I always new that Daniel Jacobs and I would end up fighting at some point in my life. It wasn’t in the amateurs and it ended up being in the pros. I know a lot about Daniel Jacobs. I know how he fights. I mean, I am just going to fight my fight. I can’t change anything up.. I’ve seen everything I could possibly see in the ring. I have been fighting my entire life. I’ve fought them all and seen it all, so I’ve got to go in there and do my thing. I don’t want to run and I don’t want to chase him but I know I’m going to have to so I just plan on making this a dig fight. Daniel Jacobs is going to be in a very dogfight – a hard fight. I’m coming to fight, I’m going to rough him up and I’m going to be in his face all night. I’m looking forward to showing the world what I’ve got.

Do you think Danny Jacobs is overrated?

LUIS ARIAS: I do think he’s overrated. I just like Danny Jacobs has a lot of things in his story but I’m a lot better. He comes from a big city – he comes from New York – and the amount of media and attention that anyone gets compared to anyone else around the United States is different. But if you go and look at his record there is nobody there that he beat. Eddie mentioned adding another world title but he never was a world champion. Everybody knows that the WBA has two world champions and that’s not even right. There should only be one world champion. Then he had the opportunity to be a world champion and he didn’t win. He has shown there are flaws in his game. He has been down some; he’s been hurt plenty and I don’t see a lot of tough fights. The tough fights that I see – he lost. But he is a good athlete, he is a good fighter and he has good fundamentals. But me personally I think he’s a little overrated and I feel he hasn’t completely cemented his name in the game yet. Like I said, he hasn’t been a legitimate world champion. The Last couple years, GGG has had all the belts. And Saunders . . . He’s just holding onto that belt. But he’s a good fighter and he’s got a lot of experience. This is a mixture of me being underrated and him being overrated.

Danny said yesterday that you talk a good game outside the ring but when you get inside the ring it’s going to be a totally different story

LUIS ARIAS: Jacobs? Well, every time that bell has rung and I’ve been inside that ring and the fight ended, my had was raised. So, no flaws have been shown in my game.

How have you grown over the past few fights?

LUIS ARIAS: I’ve grown a lot. I’ve grown a lot as a person and as a man. I was in a different stage of my life when I was with that whole (Mayweather Promotions) situation. Now I’m a lot older and a lot wiser and I’ve dealt with my ups and down with the game. I have a daughter now and I’m just in a better place in my life. I learned about the game. I learned about myself. I learned about the people around me. It’s a valuable lesson I had to learn and I took what I need and progressed.. I’ve gotten better, I’m fighting twelve-rounds now. I’ve grown as an athlete and as a fighter and it’s good and it’s a good learning experience.

Have you put a chip on your should moving forward since then?

LUIS ARIAS: No, people split in business all the time – aside from the boxing game – just business I general. Guys are making millions and doing business deals one moment, the next moment they are doing something else. I wasn’t mad a actually being let go, I was just upset abou the way it was handled. I felt I was undefeated and I should have more respect in the way it was handled and had it been handled in a more professional manner it would have been fine. It is what it is and what motivates me most is to be a world champion. I always felt that it really doesn’t matter what that banner says on top of the ring it’s about what you do in the ring. As long as I am controlling what I can control, which is the fights, I really can’t pay too much mind to that. What happened happened, and it was just a learning experience from God. God obviously had a different plan for me.

Were you planning a fight with Jacobs?

LUIS ARIAS: No – actually it’s no secret how the game is – whether you are on this side or that side. For the most part everybody in the middleweight division was on this side and Daniel Jacobs was really the only one that was on that side. I was shocked actually because we had put together a list and HBO put together a list of possible opponents and I never heard his name. His name had not come up because he was on that side. But it is what it is and it ended up falling in my lap and I didn’t hesitate to take it.

What kind of a fight are you expecting?

LUIS ARIAS: Hopefully he does try to come in and blast me out – that’s what I want him to do but I think he’s a little bit smarter than that. We both have a lot of fighting experience – he is just a little more known that me. I feel like the fight will be tactical in the beginning until I catch him. The moment I catch him that’s when the fight will change. I want a war. I want to duke it out. I want to stand in the middle of that ring and duke it out. Tha’ts what I want but I’m sure that’s what Danny doesn’t want. We’ll see how it plays out but I want a dog fight. I want to get out of that ring and feel like I’ve been in a fight – not in a marathon, so.

Have you fought anyone like a Danny Jacobs?

LUIS ARIAS: I have fought my whole life so in the amateurs I have fought guys like Daniel Jacobs. Even in the pros, I fought a couple bigger guys. My first fifteen fights were at super middleweight which is the reason I’m not worried abut the size difference. I was fighting at the wrong weight class until just this year. I can’t really say. Every fighter is different – they’ve got their own different things. I’ve got a lot of fights – 160 amateurs and twenty fights in as a pro and not even counting the guys I have sparred – thousands and thousands of sparring partners. I’ve seen it all. I didn’t just turn pro a couple years ago. I’ve been fighting my whole life.

If you get the win are you hoping to jump right in with the Canelo’s and the Golovkin’s?

LUIS ARIAS: The main reason I took the fight was I was told this would be a world title eliminator – that’s what really jumped on me – so I can jump right in. My goal is to become a world champion. There are different ways to get to a world title fight. You can be blessed and just given a world title fight or you can fight the names and climb the rankings. This is one of those fights where I get a name and climb the rankings. I am No. 6 in the IBF and Jacobs is No. 5 in the IBF because he is a name. After this I should be in line for a world title fight – if not the very next one, then the one after that. The goal is to get the GGG or Canelo fight. Whoever has the belts. I want a crack at the world title some time next year.

How important is the fight for Matchroom Boxing USA’s first promotion?

EDDIE HEARN: Maybe I’m a little bit different, maybe I’m too much of a fan – it the upset comes, the upset comes. It’s boxing and may the best man win. Of course Danny Jacobs is our guy and I want him to win but if Luis Arias goes out there and gets the victory – good on him. It’s about putting on good fights and the way Luis is talking he’s making me want these two weeks to hurry up because I really want to see this fight and actually the good news for the fans is we haven’t got a showcase fight here we don’t have HBO saying welcome to the world Danny Jacobs – you’ve got a real fight. Don’t forget, we threw out a bunch of opponents and he never said ‘no’ to anybody. When Luis Arias got the call he took it straight away. This is a huge opportunity, especially with Luis Arias – when you talk about a world title eliminator – there are official world title eliminators and there is commercial world title eliminators – this may end up being both but it is certainly a commercial world title eliminator and what I mean by that is if he beats Danny Jacobs on HBO he becomes a star overnight. The real pressure on this fight is on Danny Jacobs but Luis will put his own pressure on himself. It’s not a case of “if Danny lost our world would end” but we want Danny Jacobs to win but if Luis Arias deserves the victory – good on him. That’s my philosophy on the fight – I just want to see a great fight.

Was there any concern on your end when looking at opponents?

EDDIE HEARN: No, we’ve got a reputation for putting on great fights in the UK so the last thing I wanted to do was to come to America and put on a one-sided fight. I gave Danny and Keith Connolly a bunch of names and Luis Arias is one they came back with straight away and said “yea we think that is a good fight” and I spoke to Roc Nation and they spoke to Luis Arias they jumped to the opportunity and it’s refreshing in a sport where you’ve got guys trying to pad their record. This is a risky fight for Luis Arias, he is an undefeated fighter with a good record and he’s challenging Jacobs to beat him to see where he’s at – to see if he’s good enough or if he’s ready. For Danny Jacobs this is a dangerous fight because Danny Jacobs is a good name to give Golovkin or Canelo a big fight, but he knows he has to build himself on the network and he has to be in real fights, he wants to be active and Luis Arias is the guy in front of him. Again, the pressure is on Danny Jacobs in this fight. I think Luis, by the sound of things he is going to go out there and have fun and try and switch his career up.

What made you say, about Danny Jacobs, we have to get this guy?

EDDIE HEARN: I met him in New York at the Broner-Garcia fight and he looked the part. I knew he could fight in the Golovkin fight, he just about won. So straight away I knew he was a great middleweight but you look at him and you look at his backstory, his profile is not where it should be. There are many guys in American that aren’t household names that should be household names, who have the personality, who have the charisma – I’m not just saying that because Luis is on the line – but if Luis Arias beats Danny Jacobs he will be one of those as well. Deontay Wilder – he is another guy – he could walk down many streets in many cities all over America and I doubt he would get recognized. He is the heavyweight champion of the world, in America. And you look at someone like Daniel Jacobs, he has everything, and he should be a superstar too. He’s not yet but now he’s going to be active. He’s going to get the profile, but he has to win. Without the win he is completely irrelevant. Luis Arias comes to the press conference wearing the Gucci suit, he’s got the chat, he’s got the bling, but if he doesn’t win, he is irrelevant. But if you’ve got the charisma, you’ve got the personality and you can fight and you can win – you’re the package. This really is a crunch clash for both because it takes Luis to another level.

Is it extra motivation to come in a upset all of the plans he has for Daniel Jacobs?

LUIS ARIAS: To an extent, yes. Eddie just has to do his part. Eddie made a great fight and the people love it. He’ll be happy he just want to put on a great main event. I think everyone was shocked how I took this fight and talking at the press conference. That makes for a better bigger fight. They’ve got their plans and I’ve got my plans but I want that world title.

How do you view the pressure that is on Jacobs?

LUIS ARIAS: To be hones, all the pressure is on Jacobs. There is no pressure on me. No one really knows who I am. I am the young kid from Wisconsin that nobody knows. To the world, everyone thinks I am coming in to lose. Everyone is expecting me to lose so all the pressure is on him because even if he looks bad or he is in a dogfight and he gets put down again, that’s going to look bad on him. I just have to come in there and put on a valiant effort – I’m coming in to win the fight but everyone else thinks I am coming in to lose. Really all the pressure is on him.

How much does it help you with all the pressure being on him?

LUIS ARIAS: Ahhh, it helps me because I’ve just got to come in and do my thing. All t he pressure’s going to be on him so I guess we’ll se when that bell rings.

What do you see that other people don’t see that make him overrated?

LUIS ARIAS: I just look at his opponents – the guys he beat. To be that high and to have that big of a name, like who has he really beat? The only name that I can see that I can really give him credit for beating is Quillin but even Quillin to me was overrated. What happened to Quillin after that fight? He fought Sergio Mora twice – Sergio Mora was in The Contender. The Contender happened when I was like 8 or 9 years old. How did he get the Sergio Mora fight twice? After that I just down see top notch guys. I haven’t seen him in any dogfights. I’ve seen him in a lot of fights where everything benefitted him. Then again, he had two opportunities to be a world champion where the stage got bright and the lights got big and he dropped the ball. He’s getting credit for simply not getting knocked out by GGG and Eddie Hearn gave him a deal for it, and HBO did to because of Eddie. So you tell me who Danny Jacobs has beat.

You think too much was made of the Quillin win?

LUIS ARIAS: 100% – who has Quillin beat? Nobody. Quillin is another one with a pampered record. I learned a lot in the game. You can make a fighter look a lot better and build him up and make him look a lot better than he really is. You keep him away from punchers, you keep him away from boxers, you keep him away from legitimate threats and you build him up. Soften him up. To me Peter Quillin had a soft record – out of those 30 guys he beat nobody. He fought Andy Lee to a draw. He fought Jacobs and got knocked out. I don’t think Quillin was all that either. I thought Quillin was weak when I was 3-0 at the time. I just don’t see no big name guys that either of them beat, and like I said the two big fights that they had, they lost.

How much better do you feel now fighting at middleweight after fighting at a weight you said you didn’t belong in?

LUIS ARIAS: A lot better. I have always been a middleweight and I always said I was a middleweight but for some reason they were always having me fight bigger guys and fighting at the other weight class. But I feel a lot better at middleweight – I’m stronger, fast and I’m usually the bigger guy coming in and all the guys the smaller they are I knock them out. Everybody that made 160 except for one guy has got knocked out. My power is a lot stronger than what my record is – not only have I been fighting tough veterans but they were all bigger than me and even then I was able to stop a lot of them. I feel a lot better. My goal was always to be a middleweight champion first and then move up but they had me fighting at super middleweight first and then when we finally got it right I started looking more and more impressive.

Do you feel that those fights at super middleweight will benefit you against Jacobs?

LUIS ARIAS: 100% – because a lot of those fights with those bigger guys made me be a dog. I had a lot of dogfights. I was fighting guys at six rounds – I was fighting guys that were coming off ten round fights – experience veteran guys. I was 4, 5 6-0 fighting guys with 30 or 40 fights. I’ve had a lot of tough fights – they have just been in the background – but they helped me learn – they helped me learn my pace and they helped me to go around and helped me to learn to fight in a dogfight, so it’s going to prepare me – everything up to this point has prepared me for November 11 and I am 100% ready.

What about Danny Jacobs won you over – was it the Golovkin fight or the whole package??

LUIS ARIAS: Yes, for sure I think the Golovkin fight got everyone’s attention. I think the point Luis made about who he has beaten I think you can say that about most resume’s but the fight against Golovkin, many felt that he won, some thought it was a draw and some thought he lost by a round so you know that he s on that level but he didn’t win and that is the reality of it and he wants to do it. He wants to fight Golovkin again and he wants to fight Canelo. I already knew he could fight but when I looked in and when I spoke to him but again he was speaking to HBO and they were identifying him as the guy, the perfect guy, for their network. Once we knew that we were able to work the pieces and get he deal done. So it is a mixture of charisma, personality and the fact that he is a world class middleweight.

DANIEL JACOBS: Training camp is going very well. When it is all said and done it will be an eight-week camp. The mental is there, the physical is there and I am just looking forward to putting it all together on November 11.

Did you hear Arias on the call?

DANIEL JACOBS: I heard him for a little bit. I was on the last ten minutes. I put my phone on mute. It is kind of hard to listen to him because he is trying to force you guys into believing something that does not exist or really is not there. This guy is talking a good one. To the ones that really don’t know, they will believe it but I will let this guy know what’s really going to happen November 11 and all of that talk – he can talk a good one but at the end of the day it’s about what you do inside the ring. Every fighter that he fought had a losing record. This experience that he’s claiming – that he got from these professional wars? I have no idea what he’s talking about. I fought guys, and what you’re supposed to do with guys that have losing records, is knock every one of them out – that’s how you look impressive. Not go the distance and get split decisions and unanimous decisions and no contests. You’re supposed to get these guys out. How many first-round knockouts do I have? I have about as many first-round knockouts as he has fights, so this is what you do when you fight a so-called bum with no experience – you knock him out. I have no idea what this guy’s talking about, but I understand it, I get it, he’s trying to hype this fight and ultimately hype himself up because he doesn’t believe all the things he is saying.

Is it surprising to you that he is talking a lot of smack?

DANIEL JACOBS: Not really, you have to realize that this guy is a former TMT guy – he is used to the brash talk. He is used to guys trying to sell fights going over and beyond especially if that’s not him – I get it and I understand it – but I don’t think he even believes what he is saying which is the whole confusing part of it. Yea, you can sell a fight but at least put some truth into it. It’s just lies and it’s weird. He’s a weirdo.

Is that a TMT trait? They get around Floyd and they think they’re Floyd?

DANIEL JACOBS: Of course, everybody wants to do the shoulder roll – they go to the Floyd Mayweather Gym and they want to come out and be like him and that’s exactly how he fights. All those guys are an imitation of Floyd Mayweather. Maybe one or two or three of them are maybe no like that – like Gervonta Davis is his own person and a couple other guys have their own style – Badou Jack – but the rest of them, especially guys who hang around the gym and are just there, it’s the trend that goes around. It’s not bad, of course if you want to try and be like one of the greatest fighters than that’s cool but be yourself – that’s really what it comes down to. I’m a man, I’m not going to try and be like another man or act like another dude – that’s just weird to me, so yea.

This is your first fight with Matchroom USA – is there extra motivation, to go for a knockout?

DANIEL JACOBS: I’m hoping I would get it but I would be completely find getting a decision, because I’m a boxer puncher and I love to box. I think if I could get twelve rounds in it would be great experience-wise. I want to knock this guy out, but I’m not going to go int here and focus on it. If it happens, it happens. He wants me to stand there and bang with him at every opportunity to fight the fight that we thinks he will have success in but I’m too experienced for that. We have a strategic game plan that we that we are going to go in there and try to execute but there is also Plan B and Plan C if that doesn’t work. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve and excited for everything to come together, but a knockout would be nice but I’ll be content with a decision. One thing he will know come November 11 is the level between him and I and that will be with the skills I possess and the determination I will show inside that ring.

Can you tell the difference pre-Algieri and now?

DANIEL JACOBS: Absolutely, it gives you more experience having a team that knows exactly what they’re doing with their knowledge and experience – these guys have been doing it for a long time – Chris, Anthony Irons, Andre Rozier and even the support I get from friends and family. It just helps me but I’ve been at this stage before and I get hat he’s saying that I may have “dropped the ball” – but people are not praising me for making 12-rounds with Gennady Golovkin – let’s not get that confused. If they are praising me they are praising me for the fact that they believe that I won the fight – not that I just went twelve rounds with Gennady Golovkin. It’s like 60/40, 50/50, 70/30 – a lot of people agree that I won the fight and I don’t stand alone with that so I am not getting praise for going the distance with Gennady Golovkin. People realize the talent that I have and that’s just it. My job is to continue what I’ve been doing – I’m a professional and have to act accordingly and the goal is to get the job done and look impressive, so as long as I look impressive which I have done in every one of my fights – let’s make that clear – in every one of my fights I have looked impressive and I always gave 100%. Even if I lost the fight, I was always willing to give 100% and I think that’s what people admire – he just sounds a little sulky to me, maybe because he has the long way up. A lot of people have success early on in the game and a lot of people don’t, but it’s up to him to try and steel the glory and that’s going to make for a good fight but he can’t me mad at me because I have a great team. Not a good team but a great team, and I’ve always had a good team. I may have had, what he says, the easy road, but no I have worked hard for everything that I have gotten and I am going to continue to do so with all of these opportunities as they present itself.

Do you want Canelo or Golovkin more, or doesn’t it matter, or everyone?

DANIEL JACOBS: I am a realist and I understand the business of boxing. And I know that even thought these guys aren’t really fearful of me, right now I’m in a lose-lose situation with those guys because I am not technically a champion. I am one of the best in the division and the fans do want all of us, I mean the fans do want me to fight those guys, but they know it’s not worth it to step in there with a guy like me. I’d rather continue to do my job, climb the ladder, get a title eventually and maybe chase these guys, but to fight me right now? I don’t see that happening. These guys are looking at it from a business perspective, not from a true champion want to be dominant of the sport perspective and I understand that so I need to go in there and not get frustrated, let my team do their job and I continue to do mine.

If they are out who do you target?

DANIEL JACOBS: Anything is possible. I think my team has the say-so in the direction that we want to go in. But as a fighter, every fighter is going to say he is willing to face any and every opponent – it doesn’t matter. Our job is to get in there and fight. It’s really not by job to say who we fight. I know that with the team that we have they will set me up and everything will be perfect, but I will step in the ring with anybody and everybody.

What made you pick Eddie Hearn?

DANIEL JACOBS: He is the most handsome guy out of all of the promoters. It was a no-brainer. This guy is a clean-cut – I just think it really makes sense. May manager Keith Connolly in my No. 1 guy who has supported me since I was 15 years old. I just wanted to go in that direction. When you think of the success that Anthony Joshua has had over in the UK, I think him coming to America and making the same success it would be that much easier because of the experience that he has. If I can get on the train at the first stop with nobody on it, for the ride, I think I am in a great position. HBO is backing me as well, so I think it’s a dream come true to have the best manager, promoter and network, to have the best team with the potential to make me a superstar that is backing me.

DANIEL JACOBS: I think every fighter deserves that. I think every fighter needs that. Ultimately I think every fighter needs that certainty of a schedule where he can provide for his family and stay active because this is what we do for a living. You have to understand the mental state that a fighter has and that he maybe fights twice every year or year and a half – it can be very frustrating and I think it’s a perfect time for me to start this new chapter and to be a lot more active, and, get the promotion from a promoter that is outstanding. Listen, Eddie Hearn is not saying these things just to say them. If you think about it, and I’m not trying to toot my own horn, but if I was a promoter, if I was a manager, I would want to have a guy like myself because there are too few guys that have the ‘it’ factor in boxing, and I think that I represent the sport well like a gentleman inside and outside the sport and if I can have a guy that I can promote like that, it’s an easy thing to do. I think that with the experience he has it’s a great recipe.

Do you think he can do here what he has done in the UK?

DANIEL JACOBS: I am looking forward to seeing what great things will happen and I know things will. I don’t know why things are the way they are here but I just know that I’m taking things in my hands and taking control of me and at the end of the day that will benefit me because I put my life on the line each and every time I go inside that ring. It’s a matter of whet makes me feel comfortable and what’s best for me.

Do you think Daniel would fight in the UK?

EDDIE HEARN: Yes, absolutely, but the focus is on America for sure and what Danny talks about in terms of his schedule in terms of activity, when he leaves the ring on November 11, I’m certain we will know the date of his next fight. So that gives him an opportunity to plan his camp and spend some time with the family and plan out his schedule. We want him to box three times in 2018 and if one is in the UK – no problem. When we look at future opponents of course everyone looks at Danny Jacobs they look a the Golovkin-Canelo winner, but you’ve got Billy Joe fighting Lemieux on December 16 and that’s a fight where Danny is a natural for the winner – it could be in Canada, it could be in the UK, it could be in New York. But really and truly I believe the plan is to grow Danny in America. I don’t think he’s been built up the way he should be. Hey listen, Rome wasn’t built in a day – it’s not just a case of turning up on November 11 like he’s a superstar and he’s being carried out and all this kind of stuff, but in time people will get to see him. HBO will run his story to show the build-up on November 4 – little things like that and activity across social media. It’s going to take time but it’s not difficult when you’ve got a fighter, an asset, a brand like Daniel Jacobs. I don’t want to take the credit for it when it happens but it is quite easy. But again at this tie we are playing catch-up because it should have been done a while ago. But we are doing it now and all he’s got to do is win on November 11 then we move on to the next one. He will really enjoy the profile but he’ll more enjoy the activity and the schedule and know what we are doing.

Can you promote a guy in the US like you can in the UK?

EDDIE HEARN: I just don’t think there are promotional machines out there. Even when people are sleeping you’ve got to be working whether it’s a viral clip or a digital clip across social media – a different kind of build-up – sometimes you might not even see it. Sometimes things might be happening that you don’t even realize it’s happening but it’s out there and people are hearing the name Daniel Jacobs and seeing the clips and seeing the content, they are watching him fight. It’s not something that happens over two or three months – it happens over probably 12 or 18 months. Fighters in America seem to be promoted over two or three weeks before the fight. They do one press conference and then a bit of build-up before. It’s not about that, it’s about aligning with a brand. If you look a the Anthony Joshua – I am currently standing in the middle of a 80,000 seat stadium and their won’t be one empty seat tomorrow. His partner is Under Armor – commercial brands that actually grow the profile of the fighters. Again you talk about Daniel Jacobs – he is the kind of guy that is perfect for a brand and actually why wouldn’t you want to be involved with Danny Jacobs. Deontay Wilder – he’s another guy. He’s the world heavyweight champion. He looks the part he talks the part, yet where’s the vehicles driving these guys. We deal with 40 or 50 fighters in the UK and some are easier to promote than others. I look at Danny Jacobs and I say this isn’t really difficult. The only thing he needs to do is keep winning. He’ll come out of the ring on November 11, I believe he’ll be victorious and then he’ll have another date in the diary, probably April next year. He can have a little rest with his family, have a nice Christmas and get back to work. It’s not waiting three or four months to find out when you’re next fight is. You have to have a schedule and fans need to know about your schedule because it’s all about the story that you’re trying to tell.

What do you think the options are?

EDDIE HEARN: I feel like Danny Jacobs is the guy outside of Canelo and Golovkin. I think we need to keep moving forward, but there is not sort of desperate we need him or we need that. We want the Canelo Golovkin winner and that’s the reason why Danny signed with HBO so in the meantime if that fight is going to happen in May, Danny will box in April then we want the winner of that fight. Who we box in April could be the Lemieux-Saunders winner – we would love to have a shot at the world title in April. It could be a whole host of other guys. It’s really a case of building – moving forward getting activity and being ready for the super pay per view fight when it comes. Within 12 months that fight is coming because he is the guy to fight the winner of Canelo-Golovkin and by the time the Canelo-Golovkin fight happens, Danny will be three times the size that he is now so there will be no way out for those guys. Even when they go into that fight they will already know that the winner is fighting Danny Jacobs. So all Danny has to do is just keep winning. That’s all that matters. We take care of the rest. He’s got a great manager in Keith Connolly who is like a father to him. He’s got his back all the time. We plan, we put this structure together for the fights and all he has to do is train and everything else it taken care of.

Arias has been disrespectful to you, unlike the way you are to your opponents. How do you fee about that?

DANIEL JACOBS: I don’t dislike him. I think like I said before, he’s trying to pump himself up and it’s thru these tactics that he has to do it and I understand it. He is a little younger than me so maybe he is a little immature. The only think that I don’t agree with and it kind of doesn’t sit well with me is the fact that he’s undermining my skills and that’s a big mistake. I get it, sometimes boxers, they have to say certain things to get inside their opponent’s head but I’m too far experienced to let a yungin come in the game and mess it up for me.

What do you think about the Saunders-Lemieux fight and what do you think about fighting the winner?

DANIEL JACOBS: I think it’s a great opportunity for me. Like I said before I’ll be going against these top guys and I’m gunning for these guys and it would be that much better if they had a title. I think there’s a great possibility for the fight to happen and it makes sense because those guys have been avoiding me for some time now. Now that they are fighting each other, it’s like where else do you go if these guys are contractually tied. Yea we are going to go to Montreal if in fact we get this victory which I am sure we will, we are going to be present and hopefully – it doesn’t matter who wins to me -I think BJ might edge him a little bit it is boxing and anything can happen. But it doesn’t matter I think the winner makes total sense to fight me in the future, the near future.

TICKETS for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, NYCBLIVE.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Ticketmaster Box Office at the Coliseum.

In the main event on Saturday, Nov. 11, Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs battle undefeated Luis Arias in a twelve-round middleweight bout at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Opening the action-packed HBO telecast will be super lightweight knockout artists Long Island’s own Cletus Seldin and Roberto Ortiz squaring off in a 10-round bout. In the chief-support bout, exciting heavyweight Jarrell Miller looks to stake his claim on a heavyweight title shot and in his way is Polish giant Mariusz Wach.

Jacobs vs. Arias and Miller vs. Wach are presented by Matchroom Boxing USA, in association with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, Salita Promotions and Roc Nation Sports. Seldin vs. Ortiz is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

LONG ISLAND (October 27, 2017) – In the main event on Saturday, Nov. 11, Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs battle undefeated Luis Arias in a twelve-round middleweight bout at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Opening the action-packed HBO telecast will be super lightweight knockout artists Long Island’s own Cletus Seldin and Roberto Ortiz squaring off in a 10-round bout. In the chief-support bout, exciting heavyweight Jarrell Miller looks to stake his claim on a heavyweight title shot and in his way is Polish giant Mariusz Wach. As part of the stacked undercard, undefeated New York City police officer Dimash “Lightning” Niyazov (12-0, 5 KOs) will fight in a six-round lightweight bout.

DANIEL “Miracle Man” JACOBS
“He has to be super human to beat me and I will be his kryptonite. I don’t think he has the mentality. He talks a lot of trash but when you go in there it’s a different story. Yeah, you can make it sound good outside the ring – you can trash talk and you can try and hype yourself up but it’s a totally different story once you get inside that ring – you get hit then you realize you are in there with a totally different caliber of fighter. I am elite compared to the caliber of opponents he has fought in his professional career. He talks about the amateurs but you can’t talk about amateurs and I don’t know why he’s highlighting his amateur career. I mean, when do we highlight amateur fights at this level – it really doesn’t mean anything now. There are levels to this game and I am going to show him that on November 11.”

JARRELL “Big Baby” MILLER
“All I am focused on right now is Nov. 11th and doing what I do best and that is delivering a knockout when I step back in that ring. I’m very grateful to HBO, Eddie Hearn and Dmitry Salita for this opportunity and I will not disappoint. It took a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice to get to this point and I didn’t do it alone…my team has been with me and my fans. Big Baby is coming….beware.”

DIMASH “Lightning” NIYAZOV
“There are 250 cops in my precinct and about half of them will show up. This guy (points to friend) is a cop in another precinct and he loves boxing and he will come and he will bring a bunch more. Every time I fight in New York he brings his cop friends and I bring my cop friends. Between Long Island and New York City there are 35,000 of us. Each of the other precincts will have about 20 guys there. It’s great support. We are a big family. It is a dream of mine to walk to the ring with hundreds of cops and just me walking down the middle.

“I train every day. I work night shift from 11:00 pm to 8:00 am. And now I am here. I take a little nap after work then I go to the gym. I think my fight is going to make the card. I haven’t fought in New York in a long time and I’m very excited about being on this card. I’ve known Danny since we were 15 training in the Coney Island projects and to see him come up and to become world champion – I am trying to follow his dream.”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, NYCBLIVE.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Ticketmaster Box Office at the Coliseum.

Jacobs vs. Arias and Miller vs. Wach are presented by Matchroom Boxing USA, in association with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, Salita Promotions and Roc Nation Sports. Seldin vs. Ortiz is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

LONG ISLAND (October 24, 2017) – The off-TV stacked undercard has officially been set for the Saturday, Nov. 11 showdown between Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs and undefeated Luis Arias at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Leading the undercard is Jesse Angel Hernandez (9-1, 7 KOs), a 26-year-old southpaw from Fort Worth, Texas, who will battle Glenn Dezurn (9-0-1, 6 KOs) from Baltimore, MD. Jesse has 16 siblings – nine boys were boxers and six turned professional, including Jose “El Loco” Hernandez, and Rodrigo Hernandez. Salita Promotions recently signed Hernandez after witnessing an impressive knockout over then undefeated in seventeen fights Russian Vladimir Tikhonov, also a Salita Promotions fighter.

“It’s great exposure to be part of such a big event,” said Hernandez. “I want to be the guy fighting on TV and in the main event in the near future. Dezurn is a steppingstone for me and you can expect an action packed fight ending in a knockout.”

Undefeated Connor Benn (9-0, 7 KOs), from Essex United Kingdom, the son of former middleweight and super middleweight world champion Nigel Benn, will battle Highland NY’s Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-14-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round welterweight contest. Benn has fought in some of the biggest venues in the world (O2 and Manchester Arenas); and on the biggest fight cards, (making pro debut on Martin vs. Joshua card, and also the Golovkin vs. Brock and Joshua vs. Molina events).

“New York here I come!” said Benn. “I’m honored to be the first Matchroom UK fighter to box on a show in America and it’s a massive chance for me to make a big impact in front of a new audience. I’m only 20, I love new experiences and I plan on making this a long journey.”

Undefeated New York City police officer Dimash “Lightning” Niyazov (12-0, 5 KOs) will fight in a six-round lightweight bout. Born in Shymkent, Kazakhstan and now residing in Staten Island, NY, Niyazov began boxing at 4 years old. At 13, his family moved to the United States and his father began boxing training in earnest. As an amateur, Niyazov won the NY Empire State Games and NY Metros. He became a member of New York City’s finest three years ago and is stationed in Brooklyn.

Shohjahon Ergashev (9-0, 9 KOs), Uzbekistan’s popular 25-year-old four-time amateur national champion will battle Marquis Hawthorne (5-7, 1KO) from Waco, TX, in a six-round welterweight bout. To prepare for his US debut, Ergashev, who has won his last five fights inside of round one, is training at Kronk Gym in Detroit with well-known Javan SugarHill Steward (nephew of legendary Emmanuel Steward).

“Shoh has the power, skills and charisma to be a star in boxing and has a very loyal fan base,” said Salita. “Hundreds of people from his community will be there to support him on November 11.”

Tommy Rainone (26-8-1, 6 KOs) from Rockville Centre, NY, will have a six round welterweight rematch with Mexican Fidel Monterrosa-Munoz (38-14-1, 30 KOs), inwhich Monterrosa-Munoz won by unanimous decision on July 15. While Rainone began his love affair with boxing at age seven when he saw the movie “Rocky”, he didn’t make his professional debut until age 26. With a loyal fans base that has continues to grow, Rainone won his first eleven professional bouts, including two wins in a five-day span and a third victory 15 days later.

“I’m Looking forward to this fight and I’m extremely humbled and blessed to get this opportunity for revenge with the same opponent at the same venue under better circumstances then the first time around,” said Rainone. “That loss has haunted me for months and I didn’t know if I would get the chance to make the wrong thing right.”

Long Islander Tyrone James (4-0, 3 KOs) from Elmont, NY, is carrying the torch of his athletic family and will fight in a six-round welterweight bout. Tyrone’s father, Derrell, was a standout professional football player and his uncle Jerry was a 1988 Golden Gloves champion. Tyrone started boxing at age 10 and went on to have an outstanding amateur career becoming a 5-time Junior Olympic [MG1] champion and Nebraska Golden Glove champion.

“I’m very excited to be fighting so close to home and on such a huge card. As soon as Joe DeGuardia called to offer me the opportunity I jumped at it,” said James. “I was at the first boxing card in July at the Coliseum and knew I wanted to fight there. It’s a great place for my family and friends to see me in action.”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, NYCBLIVE.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Ticketmaster Box Office at the Coliseum.

Opening the action-packed HBO telecast will be super lightweight knockout artists Long Island’s own Cletus Seldin and Roberto Ortiz squaring off in a 10-round bout. In the chief-support bout, exciting heavyweight Jarrell Miller looks to stake his claim on a heavyweight title shot and in his way is Polish giant Mariusz Wach.

Jacobs vs. Arias and Miller vs. Wach are presented by Matchroom Boxing USA, in association with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, Salita Promotions and Roc Nation Sports. Seldin vs. Ortiz is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

Long Island, NY — Undefeated New York City police officer Dimash “Lightning” Niyazov (12-0, 5 KOs) born in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, now residing in Staten Island, NY, will fight in a six-round lightweight bout on the non-televised portion of the Jacobs vs. Arias fight card on Saturday, November 11 at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

“I haven’t fought in NY in a long time,” (August 28, 2015 to be exact) said Dimash. “My most recent fights were out of state and last one overseas. I can’t wait to see all my fans at home. They all have been waiting for me to fight here. It’s time I bring the shine back home, to my friends and fans.

Dimash, as well as Jarrell Miller, is promoted by Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions. The Ukrainian born Salita is a former world title challenger and resides in Brooklyn. Dimash became a member New York City’s finest three years ago and is based in Brooklyn.

“Dimash is a talented fighter who exemplifies the American dream, which he is living out right now in New York City,” said Salita. “He is an exciting, popular fighter that brings excitement to every one of his matches.”

Dimash was introduced to boxing at 4 years old in native Kazakhstan. At age 5 he began to dedicate his time to gymnastics until at 13, when his family moved to the USA, his father began to train him in boxing once again. “Ever since then I have been in the hurt business,” said Dimash with a smile.

As an amateur, Niyazov had 30 wins against only 3 losses. He won the NY Empire State Games and NY Metros. He also traveled with the Kazakhstan team to China prior to the Beijing Olympics. “I trained in Beijing for two months,” said Dimash about that incredible opportunity. “And that helped me win the NY Metros.”

Currently, Dimash trains in Brooklyn at the Fight Factory Gym with his father who is his main coach and Akmal Zakirov, his second coach. He trains a couple of hours every day. “I’m excited to fight on the Jacobs card,” said Dimash. “I’ve known Danny since I was a teen when we trained in Coney Island houses. He came a long way and I’m proud of him. He gave my countryman GGG (Gennady Golovkin) a tough fight.”

Brooklyn’s Daniel Jacobs (32-2, 29 KOs) will face undefeated Wisconsin-Based Luis Arias (18-0, 9 KOs) in a twelve-round middleweight clash on his Matchroom Boxing debut at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York on Saturday, November 11. In the twelve-round co-feature, in a battle of top ten heavyweights, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller takes on Mariusz Wach. Opening the telecast will besuper lightweight knockout artists Cletus “Hebrew Hammer” Seldin and Roberto “Massa” Ortiz in a 10-round bout The tripleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Tickets for the live event, starting at $35, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, NYCBLIVE.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Ticketmaster Box Office at the Coliseum.

HBO Sports, widely acclaimed for its innovative boxing programming, takes an in-depth look at Daniel Jacobs, one of the sport’s true superstars in and out of the ring, as he makes his return in November in the talent-rich 160 pound division against undefeated middleweight Luis Arias, when MY FIGHT: DANIEL JACOBS debuts SATURDAY, NOV. 4 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT following the prime time replay of the HBO BOXING AFTER DARK telecast from Monte Carlo.

The special will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO® and HBO On Demand®, and at hbo.com/boxing, as well as other new media platforms.

Former middleweight champ Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (32-2, 29 KOs), returns to action following his superb performance against fearsome pound-for-pound king Gennady Golovkin this past March in New York where “GGG” edged the Brooklyn native out on points. Jacobs will be looking for an explosive performance against the unbeaten American Arias as he looks to get back into title contention and a force to be reckoned with in the stacked middleweight division.

MY FIGHT cameras travel with Jacobs in his proud hometown neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY to chronicle the long journey it took to reach the elite level of professional boxing.

On Saturday, Nov. 11, Jacobs and Arias meet at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, in a 12-round showdown that will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing as part of a tripleheader event beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information, visit hbo.com/boxing; become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/HBOBoxing; and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #JacobsArias.

MY FIGHT: DANIEL JACOBS is narrated by Liev Schreiber.

Daniel Jacobs will face Luis Arias on his Matchroom Boxing debut at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York on Saturday, November 11. The middleweight clash will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Former WBA Middleweight king Jacobs (32-2, 29 KOs), is back in action following his brilliant performance in New York against Gennady Golovkin last March. The Brooklyn born ‘Miracle Man’ is targeting world title action in 2018 and will be looking for an explosive performance against the unbeaten American Arias to signal his intent to be recognized as the man in the deeply talented 160 pound division.

“I’m excited to debut at the Coliseum on November 11 live and exclusive on HBO,” said Jacobs. “We wanted a real fight for the fans and have picked a young hungry lion in Luis Arias. I’m looking to make a real statement on Nov 11 and prove I am number one in this division. Don’t miss it!”

Wisconsin-based Arias (18-0, 9 KOs), will look to spoil Jacobs’ plans at the first hurdle. The 27 year old decorated amateur and USBA champion is thrilled to have landed the huge fight he’s been craving and to announce himself on the world scene.

“I want to thank Roc Nation Sports, Matchroom Boxing and HBO for making this fight happen,” Arias said. “I’ve been hungry for a fight of this magnitude and I’m going to shock the world. Danny is a talented fighter, but I thrive in the limelight and look forward to showing the boxing world that I’m a force to be reckoned with on Nov. 11. Confidence has always been the key to my success and I know this fight will take my career to the next level.”

“Roc Nation Sports prides itself for creating fights with the potential to transform the boxing landscape – this fight between Luis Arias and Danny Jacobs is no different,” said Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy Michael R. Yormark. “Time after time, Luis has shined under the bright lights and he deserves this opportunity to establish his dominance against a competitor of Danny’s caliber. We’re thrilled to work with Matchroom Boxing and HBO to make a memorable fight that pits two of the best Middleweight fighters in the world together.”

Also part of the HBO telecast serving as the chief-support on the first Matchroom Boxing USA fight night card sees exciting heavyweight Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller taking on Mariusz Wach. Miller looks to stake his claim for a world title shot in 2018 with an impressive performance while Wach looks to spoil his plans.

Unbeaten Miller (19-0, 17 KOs), recorded his 17th win inside the distance this past July when he forced the retirement of Gerald Washington at Barclays Center. The Brooklyn native will look to lay down a marker as he meets Poland’s former world title challenger Wach (33-2, 17 KOs), who has his mind set on upsetting Miller’s game plan.

“I’m delighted to announce the return of the ‘Miracle Man’ Daniel Jacobs on November 11 at the Coliseum against the dangerous and unbeaten Luis Arias,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We believe that Danny is the number one Middleweight in the world and the aim is to collect every belt in the division.

“Also on the card is one of the brightest and loudest Heavyweight stars as Brooklyn’s Jarrell Miller in the fight of his career so far against the highly ranked Mariusz Wach. Fans can expect an electric night of boxing with a deep card featuring some of the biggest talents from both sides of the Atlantic.”

“Inspiring and electric in the ring, Daniel Jacobs is a true ambassador for boxing,” says Peter Nelson, executive vice president, HBO Sports. “Daniel is a force to be reckoned with in the stacked middleweight division. We look forward to watching his exceptionally bright future unfold as part of the HBO family.”

“Danny has been part of our family in Brooklyn since our doors opened at Barclays Center five years ago,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, which also manages and operates the Coliseum. “I am thrilled to extend our relationship to Danny’s second home on Long Island, where boxing fans at the Coliseum can see firsthand what makes him a force to be reckoned with in the ring. I would like to thank Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing, HBO, and Roc Nation Sports for their support in bringing this world-class boxing event to Long Island.”

Tickets for the live event will go on sale on Thursday, October 5 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, NYCBLIVE.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Ticketmaster Box Office at the Coliseum, starting Friday, October 6 at noon.

BROOKLYN, NY (July 13, 2017) – Undefeated IBF #6 middleweight contender, Luis Arias (18-0, 9 KOs), is coming off a stellar performance, winning by fifth round knockout against once beaten, Arif Magomedov. He now has his sights set on conquering the whole entire middleweight division.

“Every fighter in the middleweight division needs to take note, I’m coming for all Y’all, especially the Golovkin vs. Canelo winner,” said Luis Arias. “Billy Joe Saunders can get a beating too. I have the skills, hunger and heart to become the unified middleweight champion of the world. I’m going to make a statement in every fight moving forward. I won’t be denied.”

In addition, Arias gives his thoughts on the Floyd Mayweather vs. Connor McGregor showdown taking place at the T-Mobile Arena on August 26th.

“I think the Floyd Mayweather vs. Connor McGregor fight is going to be bad for boxing, but good for MMA,” Arias continued. “Never will an MMA fighter be on a stage like this. Floyd is going to mop him up. I think I would whoop McGregor’s ass if we fought in the ring. He would have the advantage in the octagon, but I know with some MMA training, I would give him some serious problems.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 15, 2017) – On Wednesday, June 14, the televised undercard of Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” sat down to participate in roundtables with the media during Fight Week Powered by Monster. Head trainers Virgil Hunter (Team Ward) and John David Jackson (Team Kovalev) followed the group of boxing talent with respective roundtables of their own. Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” will take place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Below is what the participants had to say:

Virgil Hunter, Trainer of Andre Ward

“[Andre’s] ring IQ speaks for itself but the worst mistake you can make is to underestimate the opponent’s IQ. We take it all the way to the top, whoever we’re fighting. The mindset is you’re the best in the world. You’re the best that ever did it. You don’t want to stop the bar on eight when you can go all the way to 10. The bar is set at 10 in giving Sergey the credit that he rightfully deserves. Look, I’ve said it before, but I’m a Sergey Kovalev fan. Just not this fight. But I’m a fan of his. I knew a long time ago that if we ever moved up to light heavyweight that we would meet. I understood that a long time ago.

“You can never tell what’s going on in a fighter’s mind. I tend to let Andre set the tone. If we have to change it up, then I’ll come in and we might change up a few things. But he’s been doing it so long and I trust him. I know exactly what I’m looking at when he’s fighting. He can set the tone. If the frustration becomes an asset for us, we’ll stay there and keep him frustrated.

“Me knowing Andre’s mindset and how he approaches things, I told him that we’ll train for a knockout. It doesn’t mean it’s going to come, but we’ll train for it. It’ll be quite evident in the fight. He’s going to get hit because you got to get hit to win and get knockouts. He’s been hit by Sergey and he described the punches just as I see the punches on TV, very sharp… not concussive but sharp. [A knockout] is a possibility. I’ve only trained Andre to purposefully knock out somebody twice – the first one was Chad [Dawson], the second one was this one. I never trained him to knock anybody out, but those two I did. Only twice have we changed strategy to stop somebody.

“What we want to do is make sure Sergey doesn’t get the flush punch. He might graze you, he might rush punch, he might punch you like ‘get off me’ as opposed to being planted and zeroed in and ‘boom’ give him that shot. Sergey never landed another punch after the knockdown. So, if Andre was hurt, how could he make Sergey miss? All you got to do is watch it after the knockdown.

“I’ll have to take Sergey at his word, but when I look at the fight, I just don’t see where he got tired. He continued to throw and he continued to press. I don’t see personally where he got tired and I think I can identify fatigue in a fighter pretty well. But I have to take him at his word.

“No, Andre never made any excuses about his fight. Look, it was a tough fight, a great fight. If you came to the fight and participated in the fight, you don’t have any excuses. I’m not making any excuses; I’m just saying we’re going to have a different fighter. That doesn’t guarantee victory or anything, just a different fighter.”

John David Jackson, Trainer of Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev

On the first fight against Ward:

“My opinion is the same now as it was that night: Sergey won the fight. If you look at the first half of the first fight Sergey dominated. If you look at the second half of the fight Ward got back in the game but Ward didn’t come back and dominate like the way everyone says he did. Especially with the knockdown, Sergey won the fight hands down but he unfortunately didn’t get the decision. For this fight, if he can fight the second half of this fight the way he fought the first half of the last fight, then of course we will win the fight. He has proved it publicly that he can outbox Ward at his own game. The question now is, can Ward come back and try to outbox Sergey at Sergey’s game? That is highly doubtful. Ward isn’t a big puncher and can he take Sergey’s body shot? We’ll see in the second fight what happens but if Sergey fights the second half of this fight the way he fought the first half of the last fight then he wins. I had the first half 5-1 or maybe 6-0 for Sergey but the second half I had it 3-3 or at best 4-2 for Ward. So, when you count in the knockdown, Sergey won the fight.”

On whether it’s the game plan to knock out Ward:

“No. Sergey needs to stick with his jabs and his combinations, put every round in the bank just like we did the first fight but in the second half he needs to sustain that attack. Don’t falter and he will win. If he goes for the knockout, he may not catch Ward. Ward is a very defensively sound-minded fighter. Sergey needs to be smart.”

On Sergey’s tiredness, late in the first fight:

“There is a different conditioning coach now so hopefully that helps him physically as well as mentally. They seem to work well together. If he did his job than Sergey will be fine. For the first fight Sergey was running 14 miles a day and I asked him why. I told him he was going to wear his legs out. He is still running but not nearly as much. He is saving himself for this time around. I told him that although he was fatigued he hid it pretty well. I couldn’t tell that he was fatigued. He got a different coach for the conditioning part and that should work for him. If it works for him physically, it will help him mentally. And that is a tremendous blow to help him win this fight. Now that he has brought a new guy in let’s see if that is what he needed to be more successful in his pursuit of Andre Ward.”

On prediction for the fight:

“I give Andre a lot of credit for being a very defensive-minded fighter. The fight might go the distance but that’s ok. We aren’t worried about that. If it goes the distance and Sergey does what he is supposed to do, he dominates; he should win hands down. Just think about this: if Sergey hadn’t slowed down and kept up the same pace he had, what would Ward have done differently? He would have gotten his ass whooped the same way because Sergey beat him in the first half of the fight the way he wanted to. Sergey slowed down and that allowed Ward to get back in the game. If he didn’t slow down, then what would Ward do? He would have still lost the second half of the fight the way he lost the first half. Sergey allowed him to get back in the game. He didn’t just do it; Sergey allowed him to get back in the game because he got tired.”

On the knockdown in the first fight:

“I wasn’t surprised he got up because Sergey didn’t hit him flush. It was kind of a grazing shot. It wasn’t full with his knuckles. If Sergey had hit him with a solid shot, Ward probably wouldn’t have gotten up. He got hit with a shot that wasn’t solid.”

On changes for this fight:

“We worked on the inside game. Both fighters held a lot and Sergey was to blame for that also. Now Ward thinks that he is going to hurt Sergey to the body and probably break him down. Well, guess what? If you watch Ward’s fights he grabs a lot. He is not a true inside fighter. He grabs a lot and he holds and hits with the free hand. As good as Sergey punches, do you think that he is going to stand there and take those kinds of punches to the body? No. Sergey’s mentality is different. He is a survivor-type fighter. He is defensively sound. Once he gets hit he is going to take off. He is not going to stand there and take those kinds of punches.”

Guillermo Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs), WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion

“I can’t wait for Saturday night. The Mexican boxing community is going to be out there and every Mexican is ready for war, so we’re ready to put on a spectacular fight on Saturday. I believe my preparation has always been excellent and the Cuban school of boxing has always been something I’ve focused on. I believe, on Saturday, June 17, it will be shown. I train for one boxer at a time and when it comes, it comes. You just train hard all the time. No boxer intimidates me in any way. [Flores] is a good boxer and I’m impressed by his style, but I’m not intimidated by anyone. It’s a God-given gift to move [the way I do] in the ring and have the reflexes I have. It just kicks in. I go to work when I step into the ring.

“I’m 122 pounds, I’ve always been at 122 but I’ll still beat anyone at 126. Weight isn’t really much of a big issue for me. I just want the big names and the big fights. For really good quality boxing, it’s not really about size. It’s more about heart, conditioning, speed, experience, excellence – everything I’ve gone through. We live everyday based on the results and the good work we put in. All the people are intimidated to get in the ring with me.

“When you have two superstars like that – and two friends of mine – it’s hard to determine [who will win]. But they’re going to put on an excellent show on Saturday, June 17. Andre Ward will truly have to prove whether he’s the real champ and this is the real test.’

Moises Flores (25-0, 17 KOs), Interim WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion

“I feel great; I’m level-headed. I’m trying to take advantage of the opportunity and do what I need to do. [Rigondeaux] being favored is not really a big deal. I’ve been the underdog during my last five fights, so this is nothing new to me. I understand the game. I’m humble; I’m OK with it, I’m ready. I’m ready to fight.

“[My reach and height] is definitely an advantage. We’re definitely going to use that advantage – we just need to use it the right way. His age will play a part in [the fight], so we need to take advantage of it and my youth. But I’m sure he’s done his job in the ring and in the gym. But so have I. I think it will be one of the toughest fights of my career because of his boxing style. He operates from a distance, his legs are strong and he’s intelligent. He doesn’t have the same speed he once had, but he’s still fast. We just need to attack him and trap him. I think my boxing style can slow him down.

“These are the opportunities you train for. He’s a boxer in every sense of the word. But what can he – or any rival – do to me that life hasn’t already done to me. [Rigondeaux] is the posterchild of a real boxer and, for all that, I give him credit. People talk because they love to see action, blood, a horror movie. They want to see combat. Rigondeaux has talked a lot and we’re going to confront him in the ring. There will be action, there will be blood. I work for that.”

Dmitry Bivol (10-0, 8 KOs) – Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion

On changing opponents from Sullivan Barrera to Cedric Agnew, a Southpaw:

“Any fight with any level opponent can create problems for a fighter. This is boxing and anything can happen. I think that if I follow the plan that we have set everything is going to be good. I am definitely glad with the way things have gone now. It is my 11th fight and I am glad to be fighting on such a big event on HBO Pay-Per-View. It is a great honor. It is a great achievement for me. We have set certain goals with my manager, my trainer, my promoter and the rest of my team and so far, everything is going by the plan. I am very glad that everything is going the way it is.”

On the Russian light heavyweights:

“I have certain pressures in my career and in boxing most of those pressures come from what I have to accomplish for myself. The goals I have set are for myself. It really isn’t a competition or a comparison to other fighters from Russia or any other fighters in the division. As long as I am achieving what I have set out to do and as long as I am going beyond what I am supposed to be doing fight after fight, that is the achievement for me. That’s a win for me.”

On his opponent:

“I never really try to set the main goal of knocking somebody out. Obviously, I want to showcase a good, exciting fight. I will be looking for openings and if there are openings I will use as many of them as I can. Hopefully, I can try to finish the fight earlier but I am ready to go the full ten rounds if I have to.”

Cedric Agnew (29-2, 17 KOs) – Former WBO Light Heavyweight World Championship Challenger

On his opponent:

“I think he is a pretty tough competitor but that goes without saying because everyone is a tough competitor. My thing is to overcome what I am dealing with that night and to impose my will on him and come out with the victory. It is going to be an all-out war. I am just trying to take it to him the whole fight. The things they say about him [Bivol] are the same things they said about Kovalev. I didn’t run from Kovalev. I can take a hit. I just need to stand in there and try to overcome that storm for the first few rounds and stay focused, stay grounded and stay ready.”

On his title fight with Kovalev in 2014:

“I just underestimated him. It was a learning experience. I grew from it. I am still trying to grow. Afterwards, we went back to the gym and we worked on different things and worked on perfecting different parts of my craft. We’re not quite where we need to be but things are moving in the right direction. People don’t know certain things that a fighter deals with on fight night and in training camp. He could be feeling physically ready but not mentally ready. We need to give fighters a chance to prove themselves and comeback after a loss. People look at fighters like they are not human but we are human too.”

On his confidence for this fight:

“If I wasn’t confident I wouldn’t be taking this fight. My thing is to fight the best-of-the-best in my weight class, to prove to myself and prove to the naysayers out there. I have been the underdog in quite a few fights and it doesn’t bother me at all. My thing is, those who really know me know I am not an underdog. It is going to be an action fight. It is going to be a grit and grind war out there. I am here to showcase my talent, my skills and it is going to be an amazing fight. You’re gonna see me fight a hell of a fight. You’re gonna see a lot of Cedric Agnew come Saturday night.”

Luis Arias, USBA Middleweight Champion (17-0, 8 KOs)

“I should have been at this stage (in my career) already but timing is everything. For whatever reason, my timing is now. I’m a little late; I’m 27 and should be fighting for a world title by now. But give it another year and I’ll be fighting for a world title. I’m just going to make a statement. I’m going to get him [Magomedov] out of there and I’m just going to start calling out some names.

“The middleweight [division] is definitely one of the top divisions in the game right now; I think it’s middleweight, welterweight and heavyweight that are the popular divisions in the game. I’m coming out at the perfect time. There’s a mega-fight coming in September in my weight class. The goal is to get the winner.

“[Magomedov] has a good record. He has the best record that I’ve fought so far. I honestly don’t feel like he’ll be my toughest opponent. But like I said, we’ll have to wait and see. He’s coming off a loss; he got dominated by an opponent. He’s fighting an undefeated champion, who is very confident and strong. Had the best camp I ever had. We’ll just have to wait and see. If he’s willing to take it, I’m willing to dish it out for 10 rounds but it will be over before then. We’ll find out Saturday night.”

Arif Magomedov (18-1, 11 KOs) – Former NABO Middleweight Champion

On his only career loss:

“It was a long time ago; it was more than one year ago. I know I did a big mistake, I know what it was and right now I am preparing completely different. We are going to see everything is going to work for me for sure. I know why I lost the fight before and I know where I made my mistake. That guy was not very good and I was fighting in even more better fighters. I know how I’m going to work to (give him a loss).”

On his opponent:

“He’s a very good boxer; he never had a loss and I watched a lot of his fights. I saw the video on the internet about him and he’s very fast and a very tough guy. I think he is one of the best opponents I ever had. Anybody who saw my fights on the internet probably tell that I’m going all the time straight, I give a lot of power punches and I’m doing a lot of combinations all the time.”

On extra motivation coming to the United States as the underdog:

“I got the goal to have performance here in the United States and I am reaching it step-by-step. I’m going to the big shows and I know that one day I’m going to be a champion. People in the United States love boxing more than in my country. People are very loud here and you can feel the fans are very (interested) in the boxing; they know who is good in boxing.”

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, sponsored by Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Jetlux, Life10 Electrolyte, Zappos, D’USSÉ Cognac, ProSupps and Powered by Monster. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Tickets for Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” are available on axs.com and at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Box Office.

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Oxnard, CA: As Arif “The Predator” Magomedov (18-1, 11 KOs) prepares to face his toughest opponent to date, Luis “Cuba” Arias (17-0, 8 KOs), on the Ward vs. Kovalev 2 HBO Pay Per View® telecast on June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, he will have a new trainer in his corner, Marco Contreras, the long-time assistant to legendary trainer, Robert Garcia.

After he first arrived in the United States in 2015 from Russia, Magomedov trained with UFC star Ronda Rousey’s notorious trainer Edmond Tarverdyan. During their time together, Arif secured a 4-0 record with two knockouts and earned the NABO Middleweight Title. Tarverdyan’s training schedule with Rousey proved to be too difficult to maneuver around, so they parted ways amicably. Since then, Magomedov suffered his first career loss against to Andrew Hernandez in May of last year. He returned to Russia for the remainder of 2016 and stopped Chris Herrmann in the second round in his most recent fight.

Earlier this year, Arif returned to the US to prepare for his appearance on HBO Latino Boxing against Elias Espadas. While he was in Russia, Magomedov’s manager, 2016 BWAA Manager of the Year Egis Klimas, had arranged for Contreras to begin training Magomedov. The two men met for the first time at the airport, as soon as Arif arrived in Los Angeles. When asked about his initial impressions of Arif, Marco replied, “Arif is a tough guy. He’s got experience. He came back after that one loss in Vegas determined to make a change for his career. He’s been really adjusting well. He’s a good fighter, pressure fighter and he can take a punch. It’s always a pressure fight. So he’s gonna come, come and come and be in front of your face all night. He’s not gonna be dancing around, he’s just gonna be there and make it a fight. I don’t see any weaknesses right now. Mentally he’s good. He wants to prove a point.”

Magomedov and Contreras train at Klimas’ new gym, the Boxing Laboratory, in Oxnard, California where several of Klimas’ fighters, including Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, train. The environment has been beneficial for Magomedov, who added, “I am very happy that I ended up in this gym. I really, really like to work with Marco. I am so happy that I ended up here in Oxnard.”

The fight with Espadas was scrapped at the last minute due to illness. Because he was already training with Marco for the Espadas fight, they felt he was in prime condition to accept the fight with Arias when it was offered to him shortly thereafter. Magomedov acknowledges that Arias will be a tough opponent for him, but is ready for the challenge. He said, “I watched all his fights. He’s a good boxer, he moves well, he’s fast but I made some notes that I need to make and know what I have to do.”

Furthermore, he feels he learned a lot from his loss against Hernandez and can apply those lessons to this fight. “I had enough time to think, to look back at everything, to see if I need to make adjustments and I did make certain adjustments. I learned something for myself, that I won’t let this happen again.”

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva visited Arif at the Boxing Laboratory last week and was happy to see a change in him: “Before the Hernandez fight, Arif just didn’t seem like himself. When I saw him at the gym last week, I saw the Arif who had been so impressive in the ring against Derrick Webster. Training in Oxnard and working with Marco has been great for him and I can’t wait to see the results in the ring at Mandalay Bay on June 17th.”

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, sponsored by Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Jetlux, Life10 Water, Zappos and Powered by Monster. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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MIAMI, FL (May 19, 2017) – Yesterday, reigning WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs) and USBA Middleweight Champion Luis “Cuba” Arias (17-0, 8 KOs) participated in a media workout at the historic Tropical Park boxing gym in Miami. Both fighters are preparing for championship defenses on the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast of Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” on Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Rigondeaux will face interim WBA title holder Moises “Chucky” Flores (25-0, 17 KOs), while Arias takes on rising prospect Arif “The Predator” Magomedov (18-1, 11 KOs). The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

The fighters put on a showcase that included shadow boxing, heavy bag, mitt work and stretching. They were joined by Roc Nation Latin artist Victoria La Mala, who will be the national anthem performer for June 17.

Below is what the fighters and La Mala had to say during the media workout:

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX, WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion:

“Training has been going excellent in Miami, we have been preparing for a great battle with Moises Flores. I respect Chucky, he’s a great fighter and these are the types of big fights that are great for boxing. Nothing better than two undefeated fighters putting their records on the line.

“Flores is going to come prepared for the fight of his life and so am I. We never underestimate anyone and two undefeated warriors will be getting in the ring for an exciting fight on June 17.

“I have been constantly avoided by all the fighters in my division. I am the best in the world at 122 pounds and one of the top pound-for-pound fighters. I can’t wait to show the world that I am still the best. I thank Flores for having the courage to get in the ring with me unlike many top contenders that have avoided the challenge. Tune in June 17 to watch two fighters bring all that they have to the ring. It’s going to be an exciting co-main event on this year’s biggest boxing card.

“I’m happy for the opportunity to be part of such a big Pay-Per-View event, one of the biggest anticipated fights of the year – Ward vs. Kovalev 2. I’m very grateful to fight on such a big platform, and I want to let boxing fans know to expect nothing but an exciting fight. My opponents feel my power and run after the first round. Chucky Flores is a brave undefeated boxer that is coming with all he has, and we’re ready to show why each of us is the best come June 17.

“I’ve had everyone in my division run away from any mentions of me in the ring with them. My team is first focused on the Flores fight, and we’re ready to come and fight the best names in my division so that we can give the fans what they pay big Pay-Per-View money for, big exciting fights.

“I’m grateful to be a part of such a close community here in Miami, FL especially my boxing family at Tropical Park Boxing Gym. Miami is my home and I have all the support with me down here. I’m thankful for all the support that my fans brought during my training camp here in Miami. We have been able to bring boxing back here in Miami and make a great impact on the community, especially all the families that come to the park.”

LUIS ARIAS, USBA Middleweight Champion:

“June 17, I start cementing my name and legacy in this game! I’m ready to steal the show and prove that I stand amongst the best in the division.

“I’ve stepped up all levels of training. I train six days a week with two hours of boxing, one hour of strength and conditioning, and run 3.5 – 5 miles on average. I’m also working with one of the top nutritionists, Chris Alergi. He helps me with what to eat and how to monitor my weight. Can’t wait to show all of my progress on June 17.

“My message to Magomedov is simple…I hope he comes ready. He better be doing ‘em sit-ups. I’m coming!

“When I step in the ring, it’s not just about getting a win anymore. It’s about winning and looking good. I’ve built up my record. Now, I’m looking to put on an A-class performance. That’s what is going to make me stand out.

“My goal for the second half of 2017 is to put myself in top ‘contender’ position for what is probably the most stacked division in professional boxing. GGG, Canelo, Lemieux…bring them on!”

VICTORIA LA MALA:

“It’s an honor to be singing the national anthem at such an anticipated boxing event. Being from a Mexican family, I grew up watching boxing and am a huge fan of Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. I can’t wait to cheer on my Roc family–Andre, Rigo and Luis–on June 17.”

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, sponsored by Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Jetlux, Life10 Water, Zappos and Powered by Monster. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Tickets for Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” are available on axs.com and at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office.

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NEW YORK, NY (April 27, 2017) – USBA Middleweight Champion Luis “Cuba” Arias (17-0, 8 KOs) and prime contender Arif “The Predator” Magomedov (18-1, 11 KOs) will lead off the HBO Pay-Per-View lineup for Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” on Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Arias will be defending his title and undefeated record against one of the division’s top prospects. Magomedov has previously held the WBO’s Inter-Continental, Youth and NABO middleweight titles with only a single career loss coming against Andrew Hernandez for the vacant WBC USNBC middleweight title. Both fighters are eager to make an impression during their Las Vegas debut.

“Finally my opportunity has come. The road to the big stage has been long but it’s here and I’m ready. It’s time to prove to the world that I am a threat to anyone in this division. I have been saying it for some time, my record shows it, but now I’ll get the chance to prove it,” said Arias. “I’m coming to make a statement on June 17! My opponent has been beat before and will be beat again. Thanks to Roc Nation Sports and my handlers for making this happen. A new star will be born.”

“My goal is to be a world champion. I have been waiting for a fight like this. Arias is a tough opponent but I will be ready for him,” said Magomedov. “I am so excited to work with my new trainer, Marco Contreras and to fight on HBO Pay-Per-View. Be ready for ‘The Predator’ on June 17.”

“If the heat between the Ward-Kovalev rivalry hasn’t been felt yet, then the cross promotional matchup of Roc Nation Sports’ Luis Arias and Main Events’ Arif Magomedov will certainly add fuel to the fire,” said Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy Michael R. Yormark. “We are excited to have USBA Middleweight Champion Luis Arias make his Las Vegas debut and open the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast with a title defense on June 17 against Arif Magomedov.”

“Arif has been ready for this fight since the first Kovalev-Ward card in November. We are so pleased to finally give him this match-up,” said Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. “This is a huge opportunity for both Arif and Luis to test themselves on such a big stage. A win or a good showing by either fighter could catapult them in the rankings and put them on the map in this stacked middleweight division.”

USBA Middleweight Champion Luis “Cuba” Arias (17-0, 8 KOs), 26, takes great pride in his Cuban heritage. The Milwaukee-native chose his nickname in homage to his father’s homeland and its people, honoring them each time he steps into the ring. A former USA junior amateur standout, Arias made his professional debut on November 10, 2012 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, where he defeated Josh Thorpe via a four-round unanimous decision. Since joining Roc Nation Sports in February of 2015, Arias has advanced his undefeated record, paving way for his first title shot on August 20, 2016. In a homecoming at the Milwaukee Center, Arias captured the vacant USBA Middleweight title with a stoppage of Detroit’s Darryl Cunningham at the 1:11 mark of the fourth round. Arias successfully defended his title on March 31, 2017 at the Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh, winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Virginia’s Scott Sigmon. All three judges scored the fight 99-91 for Arias who put on a potent body punching display to settle a long-standing grudge with Sigmon.

Arif “The Predator” Magomedov (18-1, 11 KOs), 24, is a middleweight from Kizlyar, Russia. He made his professional debut in January of 2013 when he earned a decision win over Ruslan Sirazhev in Russia. Magomedov would go on to finish 2013 with a bang, posting a record of 8-0 with 6 KOs and none of those six opponents made it past the third round. He made his US debut in April of 2015 when he unanimously outpointed tough journeyman Derrick Findley. In May of 2015, he earned one of the biggest wins of his career when he scored a first-round knockout over the always tough and durable Darnell Boone. In July of 2015, Magomedov cruised to a unanimous decision win over previously undefeated and rising prospect Derrick Webster. In his most recent bout, Magomedov scored a second-round TKO over Chris Herrmann in Moscow, Russia. Arif is co-promoted by Main Events and Shamo Boxing and managed by Egis Klimas.

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, sponsored by Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and Powered by Monster. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Tickets for Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” are available on axs.com and at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office.

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Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports led to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, supporting athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been working alongside and advocating for artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto and Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Erick Aybar, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Jerome Boateng, Miguel Sano, CJ Prosise, Ronnie Stanley, Henry Ellenson, Caris LeVert, Mike Gbinije, Melvin Ingram, Rudy Gay, Ty Lawson, Leonard Fournette, Juju-Smith-Schuster, Isaac Rochell, Josh Hart and Dwayne Bacon.

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Main Events is internationally recognized as one of the top boxing promotional firms in the world. Main Events has promoted boxing legends Evander Holyfield, Arturo Gatti, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker and many more. Main Events was founded in 1978 by Hall-of-Fame promoter Dan Duva, who passed away in 1996, and is now run by his widow Kathy Duva. Main Events is committed to promoting quality fights that boxing fans want to see. Currently, Main Events promotes a stacked roster of international contenders, including former WBO, IBF and WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Main Events gained a reputation throughout the 80’s and 90’s as the sport’s number one incubator for new talent. Nearly 40 years after the company’s birth, Main Events is still turning out boxing stars and future world champions.

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ABOUT CONSTELLATION BRANDS
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, New Zealand and Italy. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The company’s beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S. In addition, Constellation is the world’s leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Franciscan Estate, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The company’s premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila, and High West Whiskey.

Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio, about 40 facilities and approximately 8,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com.

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