★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Friday, October 4, 2019

Undisputed Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields and Former Champion Ivana Habazin Meet for WBO Junior Middleweight Title Saturday, October 5 Live On SHOWTIME® From Flint, Mich.

Undisputed Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields participated in a media workout in Miami on Tuesday in preparation for her upcoming showdown with Ivana Habazin next Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME from Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, Michigan.

Shields will look to become the fastest fighter in history, male or female, to win world titles in three divisions when she faces Habazin for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION in her hometown of Flint.

Also participating in Tuesday’s workout was IBO Super Welterweight Champion Hannah Rankin, who competes in a non-televised undercard attraction next Saturday.

Shields vs. Habazin is promoted by Salita Promotions. Tickets for the live event can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.

In the televised co-feature on October 5, undefeated welterweight sensation Jaron Ennis will return to national television against once-beaten Demian Daniel Fernandez in a 10-round bout. In the SHOWTIME opener, undefeated heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin will face once-beaten Pavel Šour less than an hour from his hometown of Saginaw, Mich.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday from the famed 5^th Street Gym in Miami Beach:

CLARESSA SHIELDS, Undisputed Middleweight World Champion

“I love boxing and I love that I’m one of the women who is carrying the sport, making it bigger and more well known. We’re getting more respect.

“There are fighters out there who believe that they can beat me and that really motivates me. That’s why I train and put in the time that I do.

“I want to show everybody that I’m a truly great fighter. I can beat Vasiliy Lomachenko’s record of winning titles in three divisions in 10 fights instead of 12. Plus, I’m going backwards, not going up in weight, where there are better challenges for me.

“My performances will lead to bigger fights and bigger purses for me and my opponents. I’m just going to keep building my name and building my brand.

“With this fight against Habazin, I’m definitely going in looking for the knockout. If I get it in spectacular fashion, that will go viral and help push my career forward.

“It means everything to have this fight back in my hometown. I want to be the good news for Flint and make people smile. I’m happy to be bringing a fight back home while I’m still on top. I feel like Flint will be uplifted by that.

“Everyone back home is really excited for this event. It’s going to be a huge homecoming for me on October 5.

“Muhammad Ali has trained here at 5^th Street Gym and every time I train here I feel like I’m in his presence. It makes me want to be even greater. He’s the GOAT and I’m going to be the GWOAT.

“Being here in Florida is great for the weight cut. I’ve been down here for nine weeks and it’s hot every day. I’m sweating and working hard and the pounds are just coming off.”

HANNAH RANKIN, IBO Super Welterweight Champion

“It’s fantastic to be in Florida training for this fight. Everything has been perfect and I’m feeling great.

“I’m really looking forward to October 5. Me and my opponent are going to put on a great show for fans for six rounds or as long as it lasts. I want to show them what women’s boxing is about.

“There are lots of exciting things in the cards for me after this fight. I’m ready to take on the top fighters and pursue world titles at 154-pounds. I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights! and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment & Sports and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

THE RISE: Claressa Shields | Part 1 | Shields vs. Habazin | Oct. 5 on SHOWTIME

THE RISE: CLARESSA SHIELDS Part 1:  First Of Three-Part Series Featuring Undisputed Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields Available Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhy4OAnRQPk&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2lUCH0kK4_UMdk6pwFveR0jNqr4FDIOv6mPelAuhbRUMMEFp3GsGkmfKI

Shields will aim to make history as the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion when she takes on former world champion Ivana Habazin for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title on Saturday, October 5 on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, Mich.

SHOWTIME Sports has released the latest installment of the digital franchise THE RISE which profiles boxing’s stars as they grind their way to the top. This installment features 24-year-old undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields as she prepares to make history in her sixth headlining appearance on SHOWTIME this Saturday, October 5 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

THE RISE is part of a collection of digital offerings from SHOWTIME Sports that delivers exclusive access to the personalities, training camps and fight nights of boxing’s best fighters and future stars. Other original, digital-exclusive franchises from SHOWTIME Sports include DAY IN CAMP, FIGHT NIGHT, THE APPROACH and RING RESUME, an all-encompassing lineup of content available on SHOWTIME Sports online platforms and tailored specifically for a digital audience.

In part one of the series, viewers are taken back to Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich. Shields opens up about the struggles of her youth and how she found solace in boxing to overcome seemingly insurmountable trauma. Shields discusses how she went on to win back-to-back Olympic Gold Medals and became the first woman to headline a main event on premium television.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION IBF Champion Errol Spence Jr. battles WBC Champion Shawn Porter for the unified welterweight championship of the world.

The stakes are high this Saturday on FOX Sports PPV as Errol Spence and Shawn Porter engage in a welterweight world title unification and Anthony Dirrell put his 168-pound strap on the line versus David Benavidez.

Welterweight stars collide in Los Angeles when IBF Champion Errol "The Truth'' Spence Jr. clashes with WBC Champ "Showtime'' Shawn Porter in a massive 147-pound title unification match on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View at Staples Center.

Friday, September 27, 2019

BOXING SUPERSTAR CLARESSA SHIELDS, SALITA PROMOTIONS AND CORPORATE SPONSOR IRONROAD JOIN FORCES TO HONOR FLINT AREA YOUTH GROUPS AT SHIELDS' HERSTORIC HOMECOMING FIGHT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 IN FLINT, MICH.

Undisputed middleweight world champion and hometown hero Claressa Shields is joining forces with corporate sponsor IronRoad and her promoter, Salita Promotions, to honor representatives from several area youth groups at her upcoming world-championship fight on October 5 at the Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Mich.

Nearly 300 youth and chaperones from six different groups including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County, YMCA of Greater Flint, Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint in partnership with "SHE IS" Youth Empowerment Group, GENYOUth and the Claressa Shields Community Program will be introduced to the crowd in attendance and recognized by the community during Shields historic 10-round "Homecoming for Herstory," showdown with former world champion Ivana Habazin for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship.

In her first professional fight in her hometown of Flint, 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) will be looking to become the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion by defeating #1-ranked Habazin (20-3, 7 KOs), of Zagreb, Croatia.

The fight will headline a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT) telecast that will also feature undefeated Saginaw, Mich., heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin (19-0, 13 KOs) facing Czech Republic's once-beaten Pavel Sour (11-1, 6 KOs) and unbeaten welterweight prospect Jaron "Boots" Ennis (23-0, 21 KOs) taking on Argentina's Demian Daniel Fernandez (12-1, 5 KOs).

"The youth are the future of Flint. I want them to know that being born in Flint is not a bad thing, that we can still be successful," said Shields. "It wouldn't be a homecoming without involving the kids. I love Flint and want to show the kids that no matter what is thrown at us, we are fighters and we are winners!"

"I want to thank IronRoad for their vision and support which allowed us to honor the Youth Groups of Flint at this historic event," said Dmitriy Salita. "The presence of three-hundred youth will make an historic event even more special and memorable."

"There's nothing more important to Claressa than including the youth of Flint in the October 5 homecoming event," said Shields' manager, Mark Taffet. "I thank IronRoad and Salita Promotions for their support which will enable us to honor Flint youth and recognize the leaders of the Flint youth groups for their dedication."

IronRoad ( ironroad.us ) is a corporation which provides human resources services and support to companies across the US and is a regular supporter of causes which give back to communities and particularly support the development of the youth of America.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County ( www.bbbsflint.org ) makes a difference by creating professionally supported one-to-one matches for kids who want to realize their full potential. They are located at 410 E. Second Street in Flint. For more information, call (810) 235-0617 or email info@bbbsflint.org .

YMCA of Greater Flint ( flintymca.com ) focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the nation's health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. They are located at Downtown Branch: 411 E. 3rd St. in Flint, call (810) 232-9622 and Pierson Road Branch: 5219 W. Pierson Road in Flushing, Mich., call (810) 732-9622.

The Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village's ( sbev.org ) mission is to cultivate leadership capacity. They serve all people in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and work to empower the youth in Flint and their communities to give them a voice in the world. They are located at 4119 N Saginaw St in Flint. For more information, please call (810) 893-6098 or email info@sbev.org .

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint ( www.bgclubflint.org ) gives children an opportunity to elevate themselves in the community. The building-centered effort provides a safe haven for them. Programs and services are designed to benefit children socially, physically, economically, and educationally. They are located at Averill Unit - Main: 3701 N. Averill Ave. in Flint, call (810) 249-3413 and Peak Site: 1205 W. Bristol Rd. in Flint, call (810) 213-8788.

GENYOUth ( www.genyouthnow.org ) convenes diverse stakeholders, generates dialogue and insights and collaborates with public and private partners to channel resources to bolster healthy, high-achieving students, schools and communities nationwide. They are headquartered at 515 Madison Avenue (26th Floor) in New York, NY, call (212) 225-8420.

Claressa Shields Community Project/Summer Camp ( www.facebook.com/CSCP2019 ) will empower families and provide meaningful activities for young people and is committed to making their community a greater place today and every day. They are located at 1505 N. Chevrolet Ave. in Flint. For more information, email claressashieldsproject@gmail.com

"Homecoming for Herstory" is promoted by Salita Promotions. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

2 DAYS TO THE SIN CITY SHOWDOWN THIS FRIDAY 💥 GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDERS LIONELL THOMPSON & SCOTT SIGMON TALK TRAINING CAMP IN ADVANCE OF THEIR SIN CITY SHOWDOWN BOUT THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 FROM THE CLUB INSIDE THE CANNERY HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS

Battle-tested light heavyweight contender, Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson 20-5 (11 KO’s) and Bedford, Virginia’s Scott “Cujo” Sigmon 34-13-1 (17 KO’s), spoke about their respective training camps and upcoming matchup before they enter the ring on Saturday, September 20 from The Club at the Cannery Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Coverage on Facebook Live begins at 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET and also features talented prospects including Cameron Krael, Andres Cortes, Maurice Lee, Sanjarbek Rakhmanov, Lanell Bellows, and more all in separate bouts.

Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson was introduced to the sweet science at the age of 16, a passion that would later mold him into a decorated amateur, Golden Gloves champion, participant of the 2008 Olympic boxing team, and a skilled professional fighter. Confident in his talent and skills, Thompson will be returning to the ring for the first time after a year lay-off, stronger and more focused than ever before with the help of longtime trainer Donald Patterson and Chris Ben-Tchavtchavadze.

Bedford, Virginia native, Scott “Cujo” Sigmon has added multiple notable names on his growing resume, including Thompson’s stablemates. Thirty-two-year-old Sigmon began his boxing career at the age of 17 as an escape outlet to his troubled childhood. He trains with Jeff Austin at his personal boxing gym that he has owned and operated for the last 10 years, The Hurt Factory Boxing & Fitness. Sigmon’s recent bout ended in a unanimous decision victory over Ronnie Glass on April 13, 2019. Sigmon is no stranger to Las Vegas and is looking to make his return to the city after 3 years, when he faces Thompson.

Here is what the fighters had to share ahead of their matchup:

Thompson: “He’s tough, I know that he’s never been stopped before. He’s also been in the ring with some good quality guys. Every opponent poses a threat to you because they have hands and one punch can change everything. The best you can do is to plan and train, but you can never plan what’s going to happen. I’m taking this fight extremely serious, as if I’m fighting for a world title.”

Sigmon: “Thompson is quick-footed, and I know he is going to box and stay away from me the whole fight.”

How has training camp been going? Have you made any recent adjustments to your camp?

Thompson: “The layoff has been great for me because I used the time to learn my body, learn how to eat right, and reprogram my whole body. I’m always in shape or doing my best to be in shape. The only adjustment I’ve made is dieting the right way, eating the right things, and learning the nutritional part of boxing. I’ve been working on it for the past year along with getting a good amount of rest and learning how to recover properly. I’m also working on throwing a lot more punches and picking the pace up more each round.”

Sigmon: “I had a great 8-week camp for a fight on September 1^st, which was derailed by a slight shoulder injury I had. I’ve been training around it and doing my rehab. I have not lost any conditioning during this time and expect to parlay that work into September 20^th.”

How do you expect this fight to look? What is your fight prediction?

Thompson: “I am 1,000% sure that I am going to be victorious, but I am just focused on getting the knockout and seeing how my energy level is. I’m always looking for the stoppage. I’m looking to be extremely impressive and dominant from the opening bell until the fight is over.”

Sigmon: “I am going to come forward and cut the ring off and Thompson is going to move and stay away, this is definitely a contrast in styles.”

On what a win from this fight will do for their career:

Thompson: “I’m praying that this win will get me a big fight, someone in the top 10 or a title fight. I think I deserve it because I’ve paid my dues in boxing and I’ve done everything that someone with 5 losses can do. At 168, I think that a win should give me a big fight. I feel that I can beat any champion in the super middleweight division and any top 10 fighters in the division.”

Sigmon: “A win over Lionell Thompson would be a step in the right direction to a bigger payday for me.”

Who would you like to go after next with a win on September 20?

Thompson: “Anybody, I can go for Peter Quillin, winner of Dirrell vs. Benavidez, Caleb Plant, and so many guys at 168. I feel like I am an uncrowned champion. I’m keeping my faith in god and doing my part in working hard and I truly believe that I didn’t make it this far for this to be it. One day I will be the super middleweight champion of the world.”

Sigmon: “I am not new to the business so my first option would be to make another fight with Mayweather Promotions. I would like a rematch with Love or Bellows, but of course I want to land the big fish Badou Jack! I’ll take it one step at a time.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on Mayweather Promotions’ Facebook beginning at 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET. Bring a minimum of 5 food items to receive a complimentary general admission ticket (limit 1 ticket per person while they last). List of accepted items includes: mac & cheese, cornbread, green beans, cake mix, cake icing, and mashed potatoes. Tickets for the live event start at $15 and are on sale now.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Casimero retains crown with Ramirez KO!

MANILA, Philippines – Johnriel Casimero softened up Cesar Ramirez with body shots before finishing the Mexican off with a left uppercut and right hook in the 10th round to retain the World Boxing Organization interim bantamweight crown Saturday night, August 24 at San Andres Sports Complex.

As Ramirez’s mouthpiece flew out and he fell flat on his back, referee Ramon Pena did not even bother to count. The end of the slugfest came at the 2:23 mark.

True to his word, the Mexican gave Casimero a tough fight, even causing some anxiety as the pride of Ormoc City got winded starting the 5th round.

Drawing from his inner reserve, Casimero poured it all as the Mexican’s legs gave way with a torrent of body blows and posted his 28th win against 4 losses, 19 by knockout.

Ramirez recorded some bright moments in the 4th and 6th rounds as Casimero, after spending energy throwing head punches and chasing him, got tagged by a few solid shots.

Clearly, however, Casimero packs more power, with Ramirez also given standing 8 counts in the 3rd, 5th and 7th, when a left straight bloodied the nose of the Mexican who dropped his mouthpiece.

“Halos ubos na ako, kaya binigay ko na rin lahat (I’m almost spent so I gave all),” said Casimero, who is being groomed by MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons to challenge WBO bantamweight champion Zolani Tete on his next bout.

Ramirez fell to 18-4 with 11 knockouts.

Among those in attendance were Casimero’s benefactor Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who staged the fight card for free with the support of ABS-CBN.

According to Nonoy Neri, who supervised Casimero’s final stage of preparations at MP Boxing Stable in Davao City, bared that the three-division world champion was really intent on knocking out Ramirez.

That it came a little bit late and with a lot of struggle, hardly posed a concern for Neri.

He knew Casimero would keep his word.

Earlier former national amateur standout Criztian Laurente needed just 32 seconds to stop Christian Gabayeron in a lightweight bout and raised his record to 3-0, all by knockout.

Rio de Janeiro Olympian Charly Suarez put down Virgil Puton with body shots in the 1st round of a special lightweight tussle for his third straight KO victory in as many fights. – Rappler.com

Friday, July 12, 2019

Caleb Plant vs Mike Lee Sat July 20 at 4 PM · MGM Grand, Las Vegas · Las Vegas, Nevada

IBF Super Middleweight World Champ Caleb Plant faces unbeaten Mike Lee July 20 on FOX

IBF 168-pound title fight at MGM Grand in Las Vegas precedes the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View fight between eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman.

Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb "Sweethands" Plant will make the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender Mike Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will precede the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event that also takes place at MGM Grand and is headlined by eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao facing WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman.

"Caleb Plant put the boxing world on notice with his exciting title-winning performance in January and will look to build on that showing against an unbeaten contender in Mike Lee on July 20," said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. "His first defense of the title will put Plant in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes in Las Vegas and building up to the Pacquiao vs. Thurman pay-per-view event. With two undefeated fighters going toe-to-toe in this first main event of the evening, fans are in for a memorable night of action."

Tickets for the event, which is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Plant vs. Lee will see two hungry unbeaten fighters square off, as Plant looks to defend his title and cement himself as the class of the 168-pound ranks, while Lee will look to join the super middleweight elite as a world champion for the first time.

To win the title, Plant (18-0, 10 KOs) turned the tables on the hard-hitting Venezuelan slugger Jose Uzcategui in their IBF championship fight in January on FS1. Going into the match the consensus was that Uzcategui was the harder puncher and that Plant would have to withstand his power to walk away with the belt. It was the 26-year-old Plant, however, who stunned Uzcategui by dropping him to the canvas twice on the way to a convincing unanimous decision. It was an emotional night for Plant, who is from Ashland City, Tenn. and now lives in Las Vegas. He had dedicated his career-best victory to the memory of his late daughter Alia, who suffered from a rare disorder that caused seizures.

"I'm more than ready to return to the ring on July 20 as the main event on FOX at MGM Grand in Las Vegas," said Plant. "I'll be defending my IBF world title in tremendous fashion and this is one fight you guys will not want to miss. I'm taking this fight just as seriously as my last opponent.

"This guy is undefeated and looking to stay that way, but unfortunately for him, he took on the wrong challenge against the wrong guy. Come July 20, he'll realize he's in deeper water than he's ever been in. My last fight was for Alia, but this fight I'm dedicating to my beautiful mother Beth Ann. May you Rest in Peace, Love you Momma."

The 31-year-old Lee (21-0, 11 KOs) graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in business, but decided to pursue his boxing dreams rather than take a job on Wall Street. A native of Wheaton, Illinois who now lives in Chicago, Lee has made a steady climb up the ladder and has been campaigning at light heavyweight. He will be moving down to super middleweight to challenge for his first world championship. Lee is coming off an impressive unanimous decision victory over Jose Hernandez on last June 8.

"I've have dreamt of the opportunity to fight for a world title for years," said Lee. "All the years of hard work, pain and sacrifice have led me to this moment. On July 20 I will be victorious and prove everyone wrong that didn't believe I was good enough to even get here.

"When I spent almost two years in and out of hospitals battling an autoimmune disease there were moments I never thought I could get back to this level and there were doctors who told me my fighting days were done. But I have won every fight since and I plan to prove that anything is possible if you want it bad enough. I could not have done this without my Dad, my advisor Mike Borao and my trainers Jamal Abdullah and Julian Chua."

Friday, July 5, 2019

GERVONTA DAVIS BALTIMORE PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS Two-Time Super Featherweight World Champion Davis Joined by Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young Wednesday Ahead of Baltimore Homecoming Against Mandatory Challenger Ricardo Núñez Saturday, July 27Live on SHOWTIME® from Royal Farms Arena

Baltimore-native and two-time super featherweight world champion Gervonta "Tank' Davis greeted fans in his hometown Wednesday at an open to the public press conference at the Mondawmin Mall as he previewed his upcoming title defense against Ricardo Núñez Saturday, July 27 live on SHOWTIME from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

Davis, who was joined at Wednesday's event by Baltimore MayorBernard C. "Jack" Young, returns to defend his title in front of a hometown crowd and will be the first world champion from Baltimore to make a homecoming defense in nearly 80 years. Davis will be making the second defense of his WBA Super Featherweight World Championship.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Royal Farms Box Office Monday through Fridayfrom 10 a.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from the Mondawmin Mall Center Court in Baltimore:

GERVONTA DAVIS

"I want to thank the whole city of Baltimore for backing me. Not just for this fight, but I believe that Baltimore's been backing me for a long time. I used to come up to this mall a lot, and just to have a press conference here means a lot to me.

"I'm coming home to fight in front of my people. Everyone showed out in Brooklyn when I fought for my first world title, and they did it again the second time I won a title there. So I'm pretty sure it's going to be a huge sold out event.

"I can't wait to put on a great show for everybody in my city. I'm really grateful for the opportunity that I have and I'm going to take full advantage of it.

"I definitely feel like a role model whether I like it or not. I'm the main one that made it out of the gym, other than the people I came up with. The people I came up with are dead. They all got killed. The two people that I look up to in the gym, just got killed like two weeks ago. It's overwhelming, but then again I'm strong and I hold my own and I'm staying strong.

"I never thought of me actually fighting in Baltimore city, fighting in a big arena like this. I've always watched it on TV, people coming back to their home town to fight. I'm the type of person that I always adapt to the place I'm in at the moment.

"I'm training every day. Twice a day. Even on Saturdays and Sundays. I'm working out trying to stay sharp. You have to work harder. There are so many people that are coming for you, I've always had that mindset that you're going to have to kill me to beat me. I beat a lot of people mentally first and I've always been that type of person since I was young.

"I know that my opponent only lost twice and he's got good power. I actually watched him running and sparing the other day too. He has good power and speed. Hopefully we will put on a great show July 27.

"I remember when Aquille Carr use to play basketball here they called him the 'Crimestopper' because it was like they shut down the whole city to watch him. You can call me the 'Crimestopper' July 27 because everyone's going to be there."

BALTIMORE MAYOR BERNARD C. "JACK" YOUNG

"I'm very excited for this championship fight next month, both as the Mayor of this city and as a fan of the sweet science. This is huge for this city and for a generation of people who will be able experience this type of event in their hometown.

"I want to thank Gervonta and Leonard Ellerbe and their team for making this dream a reality. Gervonta will be the first world champion from Baltimore to make a homecoming defense in almost 80 years and that is incredible for this city. Our great city has produced eight world champions and I'm excited that their legacy lives on with Gervonta.

"Make sure you get those tickets because it's going to be a sell out and you don't want to be left out. Come out and support our own world champion July 27 at Royal Farms Arena."

CALVIN FORD, Davis' Trainer

"Everyone knows I'm a very emotional coach, and I just want to say, Baltimore let's put on a show. The world has a chance to look at this city. We have had great champions here and we're not finished. There's a lot coming behind Gervonta Davis. He's opening up the door for everyone to do their thing.

"On July 27, let's show the world that we can put on a world class show. Everyone come out and support this man. We have so much raw talent in this city it's unreal. I'm witnessing it. I love you Baltimore, we're going to show the world how we do it here."

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

"Mayweather Promotions is excited to bring this event to an iconic city. We're thrilled to bring you Baltimore's own two-time world champion, Gervonta 'Tank' Davis. He's fought overseas, he's fought opponent's in their hometowns, and the results have all been the same. Win after win. That's all he knows how to do.

"Now it's time for Gervonta to come back home and bring you a very exciting fight on July 27. He'll be defending his super featherweight title on a great night of boxing. Gervonta has quickly become one of the biggest rising stars in the entire sport and we're proud that he's a part of Mayweather Promotions.

"I promise you that Gervonta Davis will eventually become the biggest star in the entire sport. You want to get your tickets now if you haven't got them, because it's going to be a sold out, star-studded event. This is a must-see fight."

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

"Together, SHOWTIME and Mayweather Promotions have done the biggest events that sports have ever seen. From Mayweather vs. Pacquiao to Mayweather vs. McGregor, and now we have a new project in this young man, Gervonta Davis.

"I remember I first heard Gervonta's name in 2014. Floyd Mayweather called me during his fight week and he asked me, 'how many times have I ever called you about a fighter?' I said 'none', and he told me to remember the name Gervonta Davis. I'm proud to be standing here today, five years later, and bringing 'Tank' home to Baltimore.

"This is SHOWTIME's first event ever in the city of Baltimore. As your Mayor has noted, Baltimore has a great history in boxing, going back to the very first African American world champion in the sport. There's a lot of boxing history in Baltimore here, but not a lot lately. That is about to change.

"Gervonta is America's youngest world champion and one of the most exciting fighters in boxing. He'll be appearing on SHOWTIME for the seventh time. The first six times have delivered six knockouts, and that's why we love Gervonta Davis. It's going to be a historic and exciting night in Baltimore on July 27."

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Pacquiao vs. Thurman Saturday, July 20 in a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, plus unbeaten super middleweight champion Caleb Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee went face-to-face Tuesday in New York at a press conference to preview their respective showdowns on Saturday July 20 and presented by Premier Boxing Champions and FOX Sports from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao and Thurman will square-off in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Plant will make the first defense of his title against the unbeaten Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes preceding the Pay-Per-View and beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I’ve never been scared of a challenge. I’m so excited for this fight against an undefeated champion. He’s the kind of fighter that you can’t underestimate. His record and successe gives me more motivation to work hard.

“I will make sure that I’m 100 percent and ready for this fight. We’ll find out what happens on July 20, but it’s going to be exciting. I like being the underdog for this fight because that gives me more focus in training.

“I’ve been careless and over confident in some fights, but this time around it’s different. Keith Thurman is a good fighter and we’re going to make sure the fans are happy on July 20.

“It’s a great honor for me to be fighting back in Las Vegas and on the FOX Sports pay-per-view. I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I chose Keith Thurman because he’s undefeated and I want to prove that at age 40 I can still beat a great fighter like Keith.

“My time is not yet over. My journey is continuing. I’m going to prove that and more on July 20 against Keith Thurman.

“I’m the kind of fighter that I don’t talk too much. I do my talking in the ring. I can do a lot of things in that ring. He can prove his words in the ring. I’m going to be a warrior on July 20 and show Keith Thurman what it’s like to be in the ring with me.

“I will work hard for this fight. I haven’t felt this motivated and excited since the Oscar De La Hoya fight. I feel like I’m back against the best fighters in the world.

“Our focus in every fight is on the speed and footwork, because those are advantages for me. We’re going to work on avoiding Keith’s offense.

“Fans should watch this fight because it’s a once in a lifetime showdown. We’re going to bring action and I’m confident I will be victorious.”

KEITH THURMAN

“We’re ready. This is a blessing to be here and a dream come true. I started boxing at the age of seven. I worked hard to be a champion and I’ve always wanted to fight the greatest names in the sport.

“Pacquiao wants a challenge and I’m very grateful to be sharing a ring with a legend. If you understand boxing history, you know that times change. I believe boxing is in a new era. Come July 20, Pacquiao will disappear. He’ll always be remembered in the sport, but I’m doing to Manny Pacquiao, what he did to Oscar De La Hoya.

“This is a big fight. I’ve waited 22 months to get back in the game. We had our ups and downs, but Keith Thurman is back on the rise. I’m going to make a big statement.

“This training camp is going to start this Saturday. Once I get home, it’s grind time and on July 20, it’s going to be my time.

“July 20 is 23 years in the making. I’ve dedicated myself to this beautiful sport of boxing for so long and my first trainer Ben Getty told me that I had what it takes to be a great champion. I’m truly looking forward to having another chance to show it.

“We definitely had a stretch with a lack of activity. Not everyone knows who Keith Thurman is today. You could see that I wasn’t at my best in January. But on July 20, ‘One Time’ is back. I’m getting ready to have one of my best training camps for this fight.

“I had the knockdown in my last fight that was a reminder of what ‘One Time’ is all about. We brushed the dust off and we’re taking that momentum into this fight.

“I’m excited to be the guy who shows Manny Pacquiao where the exit is. He’s a legend who’s done great things. But I’ve never lost to a fighter who’s lost seven times. I have no intention of losing this fight and I don’t see him winning in any shape or form.

“Speed, power and overall ring IQ will be the difference. I’m one of the smartest fighters in the sport. I always find a way to win. I know Pacquiao comes in shape, but he’s going to fall short of that finish line.”

CALEB PLANT

“I’ve been boxing my whole life. They say it takes 10,000 hours of work to become a true success at something. Come July 20, I’ll have been doing this for 18-years straight. No breaks and no Plan B. I’ve just been boxing, day in and day out.

“Mike Lee may have a financial degree, but in boxing, I have a Ph.D. That’s something he doesn’t know anything about. I came from very rock bottom, where nobody makes it out. If he thinks I’m going to let him mess this up for me, he’s not half as educated as I thought he was.

“I have everything to lose. Every night from now until July 20, I hope Lee and his team are envisioning the worlds ‘and still’. Because that’s all anyone is going to hear on fight night.

“It’s exciting to be on this primetime card. Everyone who wants to take it to the top of the sport wants to be a main event at MGM Grand. At the same time, where we fight is not most important to me. We can fight in the parking lot, because it’s about legacy to me.

“Anytime that someone steps into the ring and wins their first world title in fashion, it’s going to be a confidence booster. But I did tell everyone what was going to happen. There’s a season for everything and right now is mine.

“He may come into the ring bigger and heavier than me, but boxing skills are what wins fights. Years of repetition with boxing teachers, are what wins fights. You’ll see all of that on July 20.

“I don’t look at myself as the favorite in any fight. I’m the one who’s not supposed to be here. Put everyone through what I’ve been through, and see if they would make it here.”

MIKE LEE

“This has been a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Most importantly, I’ve gotten somewhere no one thought I would get. I’m fine being the underdog. I have nothing to lose.

“I’m coming out with everything I have. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. I respect Caleb Plant, but on July 20, I plan on making it my moment.

“I’ve headlined cards in Chicago and at Notre Dame before so the bright lights are nothing new to me. I’m very excited and working hard. On July 20, I’m going to keep proving people wrong.

“The whole reason I got into this sport is to do it on big stages. Everyone wants to prove it on the biggest stage possible and there’s no bigger stage than at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It’s a dream come true and it’s the reason I’ve worked so hard.

“Moving down in weight is an advantage. I’ve got a great team working with me to make the weight easily and rehydrate the right way. I’m going to be the bigger and stronger guy in the ring.

“I’ve had people that never thought I’d get here and I love it. It takes a different kind of person to step into that ring in front of so many people. You have to be ready to go out there and risk it all. I fight who they put in front of me and keep winning. That’s what I plan to do on July 20.”

Share SBS w/Family or Friends