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Friday, April 19, 2013
CURTIS STEVENS READY TO DO WHAT HE DOES BEST - Curtis "Showtime" Stevens vs. Derrick Findley - Sat. April 20th - The Theater at Madison Square Garden
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Tuesday, April 16, 2013
CUNNINGHAM vs. FURY April 20th at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York
♔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 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.
Monday, March 18, 2013
TYSON FURY IN HEATED ARGUMENT WITH NAZIM RICHARDSON
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Monday, March 4, 2013
James DeGale MBE to defend WBC Silver title against Alexander Brand
♔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 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
HISTORY BECKONS. FURY AND ROGAN FIGHT FOR CUCUHALIAN'S CROWN
TYSON Fury says he is coming to the Odyssey Arena to fight Martin Rogan onApril 14 to prove that he is the rightful successor to the ultimate Irish warrior Cucuhalian.
The battle between Ireland's two top heavyweights will be a memorable night and Fury, whose uncle lives just outside Belfast, says it will be a fight unlike any other ever seen in an Irish ring.
“Never before has a fight like this taken place on Irish soil between two proud heavyweight warriors who never say die – the fans know this is a once in a lifetime fight,” said Fury, who recently vacated the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles so he could focus on “unfinished business” with Rogan.
Rogan has seen himself as the Irish king of the heavyweights but Fury says he will be the man wearing the crown on April 14.
“Then ultimate Irish warrior was Cucuhalian, everybody knows that. Now Rogan and I will decide who is the rightful heir to his throne and I have no doubt it will be me.
“The legend goes that Cucuhalian could stand single handed against an army and that his sword inflicted wounds from which you could never recover and Martin Rogan is going to feel pain that he has never felt before when I land my big shots.
“There's a lot of pride on the line here, nobody is going to back down and it's going to be an absolute war. Rogan thinks he is the king of the Irish but on April 14 he will realise that I am the true king.
“I'm sure Cucuhalian will be looking down on us that night, watching two 21st century warriors showing the same pride and desire for victory that he always showed.”
Fury is convinced that victory over Rogan on the Odyssey Arena stage will then set him on the path to European and World glory.
“I've won the British and Commonwealth titles but I always said that I wanted to prove I'm the best Irishman around before I tackle the European and World stage.”
Saturday, June 25, 2011
“The Big Brawl,” featuring exciting, unbeaten British heavyweights Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora and 6’ 9” Irish giant Tyson Fury, live July 23
The 27-year-old Chisora, fighting out of London, has twice had a scheduled WBO title fight cancelled against champion Wladimir Klitschko. “Del Boy,” who stands 6’ 1 ½” and weighed 244 ½ lbs. in his last fight, has twice stopped Sam Sexton, winner of “The Prizefighter Heavyweight Tournament,” as well as Mike Tyson-conqueror Danny Williams.
The current BBB of C English heavyweight title-holder, Fury is a proud, charismatic Irishman living in Cheshire, England, whose rapidly growing fan-base is spreading across the Atlantic to America. Named after “Iron” Mike Tyson, the World Boxing Council’s No 21-rated Fury is the cousin of world middleweight contender Andy Lee. In his last action this past February, the 261-pound Fury knocked out previously unbeaten Narcelo Luiz Nascimento (13-0) in the fifth round. Other notable United Kingdom heavyweights defeated by Tyson include John McDermott and Scott Belshaw. Fury, only 22, has dedicated his fight against Chisora to former world heavyweight title challenger and European champion, Sir Henry Cooper, who recently passed away.
Chisora only first step for hot heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury
Undefeated challenger Tyson Fury believes his July 23 showdown in “The Big Brawl” Pay-Per-View event against defending British & Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora, airing live from Wembley Arena in London, is merely the first step on his chosen journey
“The Big Brawl,” presented by Hennessy Sports, will be distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 3 PM/ET – 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, and Avail-TVN, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. Check with your PPV provider for same day replay times.
The 22-year-old Fury (14-0, 10 KOs) will be challenging World Boxing Council (“WBC”) # 12 rated Chisora (14-0, 9 KOs) for his British and Commonwealth title belts in the 12-round main event. “This is a very, very important fight for me, especially having it shown live in the United States,” Fury said between training sessions. “We’re both 14-0 and don’t like each other at all. It’s a good match-up. I had to call him out recently because I was worried that he was going to pull out of our fight. All he’s been talking about is money. But my promoter, Mick Hennessy, is paying him more money for this fight than he’s made in his entire career. I’m really looking forward to July 23rd because, after I beat Chisora, the sky’s the limit for me. I’ll win the European title and then knockout one of the Klitschkos. I will be world champion.”
Fury is a 6’ 9,” 260-pound Irishman who was born in Manchester and lives in Cheshire, England, but as an amateur boxer he represented both England and Ireland because his father is from Galway and grandmother (on his mother’s side) hails from Belfast. His Irish Traveller family has a long history in boxing going back to bare-knuckles days. Named after “Iron” Mike Tyson, the WBC No 21-rated Fury is the cousin of world middleweight contender and former Irish Olympian, Andy Lee.
The personable, charismatic Fury believes Irish boxing fans in the U.S., naturally, are going to embrace him as he expands his market across the Atlantic. “Fighting on pay per view in the U.S. is good for me, particularly among the Irish over there,” Fury noted. “Once the Irish in the states watch me fight and get to know me, I’ll win them over and then I’ll go back over there to celebrate with them when I win the world title.”
Fury is deceiving, physically-speaking, largely because his obvious bulk defies his athleticism, which is a huge advantage for Tyson in the ring. “Boxers my size usually can’t move very well,” he explained. “I have good movement. My foot and hand speed is very good. I was blessed when God gave out talent. I’m in good shape now and will be in the best shape of my life for this fight. I’m a nice boxer with power. I’m going to use by height and range against (the 6’ 1 ½”) Chisora.”
EL Boxing Empress 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 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Troy Ross hospitalized Off June 24 show in Canada
Ross (24-2, 16 KOs), a two-time Canadian Olympian, is the top-rated IBF contender at No. 3 (#1 and #2 are not rated), as well as ranked No. 5 by The Ring magazine, No. 14 by the WBA, and No. 15 by the WBC. He is expected to return to the ring in late August.
NABA Lightweight Champion Logan Cotton McGuinness (14-0-1, 7 KOs), rated No. 11 by the World Boxing Association, defends his title for the first time June 24 in the 10-round main event against Daniel “Canerito” Ruiz. “Friday Night At The Fights” is being presented by United Boxing Promotions in association with Hennessy Sports and Groupe Yvon Michel.
EL Boxing Empress 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 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Friday, June 17, 2011
NABA Lightweight Champion Logan Cotton McGuinness headlines ‘Friday Night At The Fights’ Troy Ross returns for June 24 show in Ontario, Canada
The “Friday Night At the Fights” show is presented by United Boxing Promotions, in association with McGuiness’ promoter, Hennessy Sports, and Groupe Yvon Michel.
Hot, unbeaten prospect McGuinness (14-0-1, 7 KOs), rated No. 11 by the WBA, will be fighting at home where he won the NABA belt this past February, stopping veteran Hector Julio Avila (47-5) in the fourth round.
The only blemish on Cotton’s otherwise perfect pro record is a six-round draw 13 months ago with dangerous Walter Estrada, who holds victories against former world champion Nate Campbell and Verquan Kimbrough.
Ruiz (22-3-1, 16 KOs) will be fighting outside of his native Mexico for the first time. He is undefeated in his last five fights with four wins and a draw. He is the former Mexican Pacific Coast Featherweight Champion.
Two-time Canadian Olympian and world title cruiserweight challenger, Troy Ross (24-2, 16 KOs), fights an opponent to soon be determined in an eight-round Special Feature. Ross is the top-rated IBF contender at No. 3 (#1 and #2 are not rated), as well as ranked No. 5 by The Ring magazine, No. 14 by the WBA, and No. 15 by the WBC.
EL Boxing Empress 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 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reservedSunday, April 26, 2009
FROCH NOTCHES EMPHATIC VICTORY IN FIRST U.S. TITLE DEFENSE;WILL RETURN TO ENGLAND UNDEFEATED AND STILL WORLD CHAMPION;GREEN FLOORS DE LEON, JR.
"The Cobra" survived the first knockdown of his career and ended his biggest fight to date in emphatic fashion to retain his WBC 168-pound strap.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature scheduled for 10-rounds, Allan Green (28-1, 20 KOs) impressed the crowd with his astonishing power after when he knocked down Carlos De Leon, Jr. (21-3-2, 14 KOs) three times in the second round before scoring a fourth and night-ending knock down.
In the second round, a vicious left hook was the beginning of the end for De Leon. In all, four knockdowns forced the referee to stop the fight.
The evening of fights, presented DiBella Entertainment and Hennessy Sports, emanated from MGM Grand Theater at MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Conn.
Froch, of Nottingham, England, had something to prove Saturday night, not only to the American audience, but to the naysayers who hadn’t given him credit as a world class champion. Taylor, of Little Rock, Ark., wanted to show the boxing world that he still had the heart, the skills and composition of the champion he once was.
With both coming out strong, Taylor outshined Froch and sent him to the canvas with a hellacious overhand right in the third round; the first time Froch has ever been down in his career. Froch recovered and was able to find his rhythm as he pressed the action in the middle rounds.
At the start of the 12th and final round, Froch felt that he needed a knockout to win the fight. And that is just what he got. Froch dropped Taylor using his solid jabs and strong right hand and, while Taylor was able to recover, he never fully regained his legs. At 2:46 of the 12th round after sustaining a flurry of monstrous punches, referee Michael Ortega stepped in and held a defenseless Taylor.
After the fight Froch said, “My trainer (Rob McCracken) told me I needed a big round in the 12th. He was right. You saw it, everybody saw it. I’m the champ.”
Regarding the stoppage, Froch said, “You could see he was badly hurt and not defending himself. He was not even looking at me at the end. It was a great decision by the referee. I had to make a statement on American soil and I did just that.”
Taylor respectfully called for a rematch after the fight when he said, “I want a rematch. He came over here and he really is a warrior. I know he’s got a good heart. I put 110% in the gym but he stayed with it and worked it.”
Asked whether he agreed with the stoppage Taylor replied, “He thought it was time to stop it so he stopped it. My hat is off to the ref.”
Green, of Tulsa, Okla., established his jab and firm right hand as soon as the fight began. After continuing to beat and overpower him, Green set up a lead right in the second round followed by a large left hook that sent De Leon to the canvas for the first of four knock downs in the round. Never truly recovered, De Leon continued to take a beating until the referee halted the fight at 1:06 of the second round.
After the fight Green said “I was here to make a statement. I was here to serve notice to Jermain Taylor and Carl Froch. I mean no disrespect but I want the winner of this fight. Lucian Bute is sitting here. I want these guys.”
Referring to the left hook that proved to be the beginning of the end for De Leon, Green said, “I kept coming with my right. I knew once he got brave I would come over with the left. I was able to set it up and finish. No one can handle this power. It looks like I hit him with the Hammer of Thore.”
See you at the Fights.
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Monday, May 12, 2008
UNBEATEN BRADLEY UPSETS WITTER TO BECOME 25TH SHOBOX ALUM TO WIN A WORLD TITLE FROCH DISPOSES OF RYBACKI IN FOUR ON SPECIAL SATURDAY EDITION OF SHOBOX
Photos by: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Bradley celebrated with his team following a victory that made the unbeaten fighter the 25th ShoBox alum to capture a world title belt. ShoBox premiered in July 2001.
The special Saturday night edition of the popular, prospect-oriented series was promoted by Hennessy Sports from the Trent FM Arena at Nottingham, England and aired on a same-day tape delay.
In the co-feature, No. 1-ranked WBC super middleweight contender Carl Froch of Nottingham dispatched late-replacement Albert Rybacki of Poland with a fourth-round stoppage.
The undefeated Bradley (22-0, 11 KOs) had never fought professionally outside his home state of California. Earlier this week, he traveled more than 5,000 miles from his hometown of Palm Springs, Calif., to the homeland of the reigning 140-pound champion for his first world title fight.
Early on, Witter controlled a sloppy fight and appeared to be on his way to his third championship defense. But Bradley, reportedly a 6-1 underdog, rocked the champion in the sixth with a devastating overhand right sending Witter down for only the second time in his career.
That one-punch knockdown turned the tide for Bradley who controlled the rest of the contest with effective aggression.
“I knew this fight was mine,” said the newly crowned 24-year-old champion. “I’ve seen the tapes [of Witter’s past fights], and he fades in the sixth and seventh. And I know that’s when I come on. I get stronger in the later rounds.
“I have been working on that punch,” said Bradley of the overhand right that dropped Witter. “He tends to pull back with his chin up in the air and I just caught him. But I couldn’t finish him. I had to be careful in there. He’s got power in both hands.”
“This can be considered an early candidate for upset of the year,” said renowned ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood. “It is so difficult to win a world title on the road. And to do it with as little experience as Bradley has, this was something special. That one-punch knockdown in the sixth proved to be the difference maker in the fight.”
Unbeaten Timothy Bradley of Palm Springs, Calif., scored a sixth-round knockdown over defending champion and hometown favorite Junior Witter en route to winning a 12-round split decision and the WBC 140-pound title Saturday on a Special Edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.
Witter, 34, drops to 36-2-2, 21 KOs and will have to recalculate his career path. He was lobbying for marquee fights with other top 140-pound fighters including Ricky Hatton.
The undefeated Froch easily outclassed Rybacki and improved his record to 23-0, 19 KOs. Froch was originally scheduled to face Denis Inkin in a WBC final eliminator for the super middleweight title, but Inkin pulled out two weeks ago with a training injury. As a result, the WBC officially named Froch the mandatory challenger to current 168-pound champion Joe Calzaghe.
Froch didn’t have to take this fight to guarantee his title shot but said he was eager to showcase his power to the American television audience on SHOWTIME.
NEW YORK– ShoBox: The New Generation returns to the United Kingdom on May 10, 2008, with an outstanding world title showdown and a promising undercard bout featuring two undefeated prospects.
On a special Saturday night edition of the popular, prospect-oriented SHOWTIME boxing series, World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight Champion Junior Witter will defend his crown for the third time when he takes on WBC No. 1 contender Timothy Bradley at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England (same day tape delay at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME).
In a spectacular co-feature pitting two young undefeated British prospects against each other, hard-hitting John Murray will take on the slick John Fewkes in a 10-round lightweight bout. The evening of boxing will be promoted by Hennessy Sports.
In his last outing, Witter (36-1-2, 21 KOs), of Bradford, England, successfully defended his WBC title for the second time by scoring a stunning, seventh-round knockout over Vivian Harris on Sept. 7, 2007. In his initial 2007 outing, Witter defended his world championship for the first time by out-boxing Arturo Morua en route to a ninth- round TKO on Jan. 20.
“I know how to prepare for Bradley,” Witter said. “This isn’t my first title defense. Bradley will be a tough out, but I’m confident that I will be the winner. I have the strength, power and experience to take care of him.”
Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., is no stranger to the bright lights and big stage of national television, as he will make his fourth ShoBox appearance on SHOWTIME. If victorious against Witter, the promising unbeaten will become the 25th ShoBox fighter to win a world title.
Long considered to be one of the super lightweight division’s top prospects, Bradley has won his last two fights by lopsided unanimous decisions.
“This is what boxing is all about,” Bradley said. “You work hard and put in the sweat and long hours in the gym so one day you set yourself up for a title shot. This is what I’ve been waiting for all my life. I can’t see myself losing this fight. I can see myself becoming a world champion on May 10.”
*CARL FROCH TO MAKE SHOWTIME DEBUT THIS SATURDAY ON A SPECIAL EDITION OF SHOBOX;From Trent FM Arena Nottingham, England 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME
NEW YORK– Hard-hitting super middleweight Carl Froch has been added as the co-feature to Saturday’s special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, which is taking place from Nottingham, England (SHOWTIME, 10:45 p.m. ET/PT, tape delayed). The main event remains the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship bout between titlist Junior Witter of Bradford, England and American contender Timothy Bradley of Palm Springs, California.Hard-hitting super middleweight Carl Froch squares off with Albert Rybacki, who he will be facing in the co-feature of Saturday night’s telecast. Froch, who weighed in at 167 ½ pounds, is the No. 1 ranked mandatory challenger to WBC super middleweight Joe Calzaghe. Rybacki, who tipped the scales at 168 ¼ pounds, is an undefeated and hard hitting late replacement for Denis Inkin.
In a battle of previously undefeated super middleweights, No. 1-ranked Carl Froch (left) knocked out Albert Rybacki in the fourth round in Saturday's ShoBox co-feature.
The undefeated Froch (22-0, 18 KOs) of Nottingham, was originally scheduled to face Denis Inkin in a WBC final eliminator for the super middleweight title, but Inkin pulled out two weeks ago complaining of a back injury sustained in training. As a result, the WBC officially named Froch the mandatory challenger to current 168-pound champion Joe Calzaghe. Froch, eager to showcase his exciting style to his hometown fans and an American television audience on SHOWTIME, accepted the 12-round International contest against Rybacki.
"Carl Froch is an exciting and talented fighter to watch," said ShoBox Executive Producer Gordon Hall on location in Nottingham. "He's got significant power and a thrilling style. This is a great opportunity to give our viewers a first look at a guy who very well could be the next super middleweight world champion."
"Froch likes to keep busy," said promoter Mick Hennessy of his 30-year-old charge. "Even though he's got a guaranteed WBC world title fight coming up next, he likes to test himself. Froch is getting into the ring against guy with nothing to lose. Rybacki showed up here in great physical shape. We know his a rough, tough fighter and essentially he's gate crashing a world title contender.
"Froch is confident enough to put his unbeaten record on the line against anyone," continued Hennessy. "We did not want to pass up the opportunity to put on a good performance to the American television audience on SHOWTIME. Ticket sales have been strong behind our hometown boy and we expect an excitable crowd to really rock the Trent FM Arena."
*Undefeated Timothy Bradley Fun Facts, Challenging for WBC Super Lightweight Title Saturday On SHOWTIME
Undefeated 24-year-old boxer Timothy Bradley, of Palm Springs, has traveled approximately 2,100 miles total for his 21 professional fights. In fact, he has fought exclusively in California and never traveled farther than 230 miles from his hometown. Since turning pro in August 2004, Bradley has fought in Ontario (11 times), Corona (five times), Santa Ynez (three times), Los Angeles (once) and Lancaster (once).
On Saturday, that will change dramatically, however, when the WBC super lightweight No. 1 contender travels 5,300 miles to challenge WBC Super Lightweight Champion Junior Witter in Nottingham, England. SHOWTIME will televise the world title bout at 10:45 p.m. PT.
*CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES JUNIOR WITTER AND TIMOTHY BRADLEY WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
Question:Junior, can we have opening comments on you? How is training going? What are your thoughts on defending your championship on “ShoBox” on SHOWTIME, and your thoughts on the challenger, Timothy Bradley.
Witter: It’s great to be getting back in the ring. It feels like a while since I've been here. Training's gone very well. It's been a long hard slog, and I'm just raring to go. Timothy Bradley is obviously accomplished in his own right. He's done quite well for himself, and he's going to find out on Saturday night that he is in with the champ.
Question: You have improved like 1,000 percent since the last time you fought on SHOWTIME. What do you credit that to?
Witter:I put it down to dedication, hard work and listening to my trainers.
Question: Timothy, what are your thoughts on finally fighting for the world championship and trying to become the 25th ShoBox alum to win a world title?
Bradley: This is a dream come true. I've been waiting on this pretty much my whole life. It is going to be a very exciting fight, and I am expecting the best. Junior Witter is not the same fighter he was eight years ago. He is at the top of his game, and I feel I'm in the prime of my game right now. It’s going be an explosive night. I am confident I can win the fight and that I'm going to win. I'm just really anxious to get in the ring right now. Because the (Jose Luis) Castillo fight fell through, the warriors that we are, we decided, ‘hey let's get in there and let's do this you know.’ So, everybody pretty much is running for Junior Witter. He has something that I want and that's the WBC title. I'm going to go get it.
The undefeated Bradley, who is fighting in his first world title fight, stands in front of a mirror in his hotel gym and says “I’m so slick, he (Witter) will think that he’s fighting two of me.”
Question: Junior, is there anybody that you fought that you can compare style‑wise to Bradley? What kind of a fight do you expect from him?
Witter: I'm not really counting on anything. I've seen Bradley box. He is aggressive enough. He's got quick hands. He's got decent power. I'm just taking it as it comes.
Question: Timothy, what's it going to be like fighting in England? Have you prepared differently because basically you are going to be the bad guy wearing the black hat? Does that bother you at all?
Bradley: No, it doesn't bother me at all. Coming from California, and California being predominantly Latinos and me fighting a lot of Latino fighters, I am like the underdog anyway. They always cheer for their guy. I'm use to it. So, I'm used to the oohs and ahhs, and the boos, and people telling me that I am nothing. It doesn't really bother me, man. Once I get in the ring and just start doing my thing, I earn my respect that way. So, I'm not really worried about that.
Question: Timothy and Junior, can you talk about your opponent and what impresses you from the films?
Bradley: What I notice in his film is that Witter is multi‑versatile. He can fight from any position. It doesn't matter where he is in the ring or what position's he's in. He has really good power and speed. So, it's going to be really challenging to get in there, figure Witter out and break him down.
Bradley and Samuel L. Jackson
Witter: Bradley has good hand speed. He works well when he goes to work. He has belief and desire. He is going to be good to face, and one who thinks he can do it.
Question: Timothy and Junior, does it concern you that neither of you has been in the ring for awhile? What are you trying to do to overcome the lack of ring time?
Bradley: I put in the work in the gym. So, it's like I sparred over 100 rounds for this fight. So, that will be out of the question. My timing is on. It's on point. I'm not really looking forward to having any ring rust on May 10.
Witter: Ring rough is not even a question or a thought in my head. When I won the world title I had 11 months out of the ring before that, and I got in and I boxed fine. My last fight was in September, but the way I train, I am in the ring all the time training. It's not like it's something under consideration.
Question: Timothy, who were some of your sparring partners for this fight? Were they trying to emulate Witter's style?
Bradley: I sparred against Dominic Salcedo. He's a very good fighter. He switches a lot. He can punch from any angle. He has a really known style. He has fast feet and gets out of the way like Witter. I had really good preparation for the fight. I sparred a lot of rounds with him and made sure my time was going on be to point.
Question: Is Witter more of just a switch‑hitter though? Would you consider him to be unorthodox or unpredictable?
Bradley: Witter is unpredictable. He can punch from any position he is in. If you think you are in the clear, you're not because he is so fast he can leap in with punches. So, he is a very dangerous champion, and that's why nobody wants to fight him.
Question: Do you feel that maybe you are taking this fight a little bit too early?
Bradley: I really don't care about the critics, man. It doesn't really bug me at all. I know what I can do. I know when I get in there with someone that's really good, I will step up to the plate and take the challenge and beat him. You don't know until you get in the ring. I am at the peak of my career right now. I am 24 years old. I've had 21 fights with 11 KOs. I am a hard worker. I have been working hard for the past three years to get to this point.
Question: Do you wish you had more quality rounds under your belt, or do you just feel ready?
Bradley: No way. I'm ready, man. I've had some tough fights. It's all prepared for me for this. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, I'm ready for this next stage. You guys will see on May 10th. You're definitely going to see.
Question: Junior, does the tremendous amount of attention on this fight affect the way that go in to the fight? Do you feel the need to not only win, but make a statement?
Witter: It's (media attention and television coverage) not going to change the way I fight. I'll be focused on what I'm doing, the way I prepared for it. I know it's an opportunity to show the world what I can do, and reinforce the fact that I am the best light welterweight there is throughout all the federations and so forth. I have just been focusing on what I'm going to do. I'm going to get in the ring and I'm going to do what I do best.
Question: Why has it been so long since you have been in the ring? Was it because of the politics of boxing, or was that planned?
Witter: It's the politics of boxing. I had a slight injury that I had to deal with straight after the Vivian Harris fight (September 2007). It took me a little bit to get back to fitness where I thought I was ready to fight. Since then, we've had a couple of people pull out, like Demetrius Hopkins.
Question: Timothy, how is it going to be for you to challenge a world champion on his home turf without having a lot of experience on a professional level?
Bradley: I will stay focused, stay with the game plan, listen to my corner and listen to my trainers. I'm just here to do a job. I'm just going to be completely focused on Witter.
Question: What is the source of your confidence knowing Witter’s record and his experience?
Bradley: I'm just confident in my abilities. I'm just confident. I am a hard worker. I have talent and I put in the work. I put in the miles. I put in the hours of studying videos. I'm just dedicated to the sport. That's what builds my confidence. I'm ready for this big stage.
Question: Timothy and Junior, do either of you want to make a prediction for the fight?
Bradley: My prediction is I just want to win. That's it. That's just hands down. I don't care how I get the ‘W,’ I just want to win. I don't really make predictions. Fighters can sit here and say I'm going to knock Witter out. But, it's a whole different ball game once you get in the ring.
Witter: I predict an exciting fight, and the champion will remain the champion. I'm going out there and will deliver some pain. I am not about to give in.
Question: Timothy, since you are fighting on foreign soil, do you feel like you have to knock Witter out to win? Are you concerned about a close fight not going your way?
Bradley: No, I don't have any thoughts about that. They have judges who judge the fights, and they have the fight fans who judge it. They have their own opinion. Whoever wins the fight should win the fight definitely. It doesn't bother me at all. I never really think about. At the end of the day, I have to live with the decision.
Question: Is your mindset then to go out and win rounds and leave no doubt?
Bradley: I definitely think that way. You have to go out and beat the champion. You just can't dance around the ring and not do anything at all. You take it to the champion. It has to be precise, and that's what we're planning on to do.
Question: Junior, when did you injury your knee, and how is it holding up in training camp?
Witter: I injured my knee about six weeks before I boxed Vivian Harris. Surgery was the week after. I'm fine now. I have not had a problem with it.
Question: How much do you know about Bradley as a fighter?
Witter: I don’t know loads and loads about Bradley, but I'm not a studier of boxing and what everyone is doing. I look at who you are right now. I find a weakness exploit it.
Question: Why did it take six years after you fought Zab Judah in June 2000 to show the boxing world that you are a world champion?
Witter: The politics of boxing is scary. That's why it took so long. No one wanted to give me a shot after Judah. They realized that I was good. They were managing to find a way to avoid that. But, I went on to win the European International title, and I did everything I had to do. I took the long road because it was the only road that was really left for me and it's just gone that way.
Question: Timothy, do you feel any kind of nerves being in a fight like this?
Bradley: You are going to have some nerves. This is a fight. It's not dancing. I've had people around me to keep me focused and keep me on the quest that's ahead. So, I'm all right. I'm just relaxed and really anxious to get in the ring.
Question: Junior, is there any chance that you may be taking Bradley a little lightly? Are you looking forward to calling some of the other guys in the 140-pound division out?
Witter: I am not taking Bradley lightly at all. I've called out a couple of people. No one's really stepped up to the plate the way I would like them to. I accept that and I will do the job on Saturday night.
Question: Junior, if you win this fight, who would you like to fight? Do you think Hatton will ever fight you?
Witter: I think the Hatton fight will happen. It's that much of a big demand in the U.K. from the boxing world unit. The pressure is on him to take the fight.
Question: Timothy, what kind of adjustments have you made to prepare for this fight now that you are in England? What's this week been like so far?
Bradley: This has just been a pretty light week. All the hard work's been done in the gym. I have been pretty much just breaking a sweat, and that's just pretty much it. I have gotten a lot of rest and eaten quality food. I am just staying focused on the game plan, and that's all.
Question: What did you learn from your first ShoBox experience, and what do you take from that into this fight?
Bradley: I just have to get in there and do my thing. I have to stay relaxed, stay calm, stay focused and fight like a champion. Being on a big network with a new promoter on ShoBox, I felt like I had to prove myself to everybody. Things like that just kind of bit me in the ass. But, I've been through that and it's not a big deal. This is what I do for a living. I'm going to get in there and I'm going to do what I do. I just have to stay relaxed, and that's it.
Question: Did you have your body fat measured?
Bradley: I'm about three percent body fat right now.
Question: Does it motivate you that people say you are taking this fight too early in your career?
Bradley: That motivates me. Negative comments always motivate me and get me up for the challenge. I really don't care what people say, or what they think. How many people get a chance to fight for the world title as quickly and as fast as me? It has taken me a little less than three‑and‑a‑half years to get to this point. I worked my way up through the rankings and got to the No. 1 challenger spot. It's either sink or swim. It's either you do it or you don't do it. I'm going to do it.
Question: Did you do anything to compensate for the time difference in your preparation?
Bradley: No. I trained at the regular time and trained like I normally do. I am ready.
Question: What were the circumstances like for you on the actual day before word of the cancellation of the Castillo fight came out? Did you get a little bit of inkling beforehand?
Bradley: The cancellation did not really bother me at all. You know, it bothered me a little bit. But, my dream was always to fight for the title and win the title, to become the WBC world champion. So, the WBC granted me the No. 1 challenger spot. I was not punished because Castillo likes to eat a lot of burritos and stuff. I got what I wanted, and now we’re here.
Question: Timothy, who does the desert area in California (Palm Springs) have so many good fighters? What breeds all these great fighters over there?
Bradley: The heat. (Laughing). I guess it's the heat. I'm not sure. Just having about six or seven local gyms in the area helps. It's just having Palm Springs and every location, every city in the valley. We just have some great trainers come through that desert that push fighters. We train in the heat, and it's really challenging for us. So, we come in great shape. We are hungry fighters because we definitely want to be the best.
Question: When you are out running, do you ever worry about rattlesnakes and stuff?
Bradley: No, I never worry about that. I do a lot of my running in the hills, the mountains and on the track. So, when I do my distance, I like to run on the street. I run too much in the sand. Rattlesnakes like to come out in the heat, so I really don't do too much running when it gets to be midday. That's when they're out.
Question: Timothy, have you embraced the role of being the underdog, and do you feel any kind of pressure or anything?
Bradley: No, I don't feel any kind of pressure. I really don't get into all the odds and stuff like that and listen to all that stuff. I pretty much think positively the whole time. I am on Witter’s home soil. I'm definitely not going to be the favorite. So, I expected that. It doesn’t bother me at all.
Question: Is there any kind of pressure going in to this fight, or is this just another fight? Is this the fight of your career at this point.
Bradley: This is the fight of my career. This is the big stage, man. It doesn't get any higher than this. I am taking it as an opportunity. I thank Junior Witter and Mick Hennessy for putting this show on. It's exciting for boxing, and it's exciting for me. It’s going to be a great fight.
Question: Junior, since they are basically two different fighters height and style-wise, how do you go from training for someone like Demetrius Hopkins to training for Bradley?
Witter: I basically do the same training route to the end. Then, I'll just tweak my style for my opponent. I got to that level where I'm just about to tweak and the fight got cancelled. I took a little bit of time off and just eased off a bit. I kept fit, kept sharp and then just tweaked things at the end for Bradley. So, I'm cool.
Question: Timothy, what was it like going from getting ready to fight Castillo to fighting Junior Witter, a far more better fighter at this stage of their careers?
Bradley: I just trained for the Castillo fight and took about a week off. I heard they were negotiating and stuff like that and I went back to the gym and been in the gym ever since. Now, we're at this point. When you train so much, you train so hard and you get hungry. You want to fight. You need to release. Witter and I are both going to be in prime time May 10th. You are going to see some fireworks.
Question: Junior, do you have a particular routine for fight days that you've developed over the years?
Witter: I chill. I'll have something to eat, go for a little walk, have a rest, and have something else to eat. Bob comes over and cuts my hair. Then I just relax and do very little.
Question: What time do you like to get to the venue?
Witter: I like to get to the venue about two hours before the fight. I like to play the music, get into the zone, and get ready to do my stuff.
Question: Timothy, how long have you been in England?
Bradley: I've been in England since Sunday.
Question: Have you been able to acclimate to the time change?
Bradley: I'm sleeping at night, and waking up early. I am fine.
Question: Junior, do you have any plans on coming into fight here in America?
Witter: Yeah, I want to headline a big card over there. For me, it's a case of getting the next fight. The next fight can be done as soon as it can be done. If you can do one over there, brilliant. If the next one can't be over there, it can't. Just get me another fight.
Question: Junior, is this just another fight for you?
Witter: It's another dangerous fight. It's not the biggest. It's not going to be the last. I'm going to remain champion. That's what I've got to do.
Question: Junior and Timothy, do you have any closing comments?
Witter: Timothy, I am glad you took the fight. I am glad you came over. It is not your night. It's not your month. You might come again. I'm still going to remain champ.
Bradley: I want to thank my promoter Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing Promotions for making this fight possible. I just want to thank Hennessy Sports and Mick. I just want to thank the champion for giving me a shot at his title. All praises to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's do this.
If you missed Saturday’s exciting telecast, catch the replay on SHOWTIME.
Monday, May 12 8 p.m. ET/PT Showtime Extreme
Tuesday, May 13 Midnight Showtime Extreme
And anytime at SHOWTIME On Demand beginning Tuesday, May 13.
Nick Charles and Farhood called the action from ringside in Nottingham with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall.
For more information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive video, photos and news links on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and EliteXC mixed martial arts telecasts, please go www.SHO.com/sports.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young, talented fighters matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise crowd-pleasing and competitive fights while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. To date, 25 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox have advanced to garner world titles including Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paulie Malignaggi, Paul Williams and Timothy Bradley.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
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