BOXING’S BIGGEST HITTERS! BOXNATION SHARES OUR TOP 10 AHEAD OF KNOCKOUT KING ADONIS STEVENSON’S CLASH WITH ANDRZEJ FONFARA LIVE THIS WEEKEND

LONDON (May 23) – On Saturday night knockout artist Adonis ‘Superman’ Stevenson is back in action, live and exclusive on BoxNation, when he defends his WBC light-heavyweight title against the tricky Andrzej Fonfara at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Regarded among modern day boxing’s biggest hitters, the 175 pound champion sits in the privileged position of being the type of all-action, exciting fighter that is guaranteed to put bums on seats.

Fight fans have long adored, and yearned, for the concussive, one-punch pugilist, one who is able to end a fight in the blink of an eye.

Throughout the ages boxing has been littered with such formidable characters from the lowest weight classes all the way up to the heaviest. Names such as Ernie Shavers, Mike Tyson, Julian Jackson, George Foreman, Bob Foster, Tommy Hearns, Sandy Saddler, Archie Moore, Rocky Marciano and many more have acquired enviable reputations as some of the sport’s most feared hitters.

Ahead of Stevenson’s clash this weekend, BoxNation analyses ten of the biggest-punchers around today.

1. Adonis Stevenson (23-1, 20 KOs)

No better place to start than the man who fights this Saturday night. His reputation as boxing’s biggest puncher has risen considerably after enjoying a memorable 2013, which saw him blast his way past Chad Dawson in the first round to capture the WBC light-heavyweight crown.

The brutal stoppage of Dawson was followed by wins against Tavoris Cloud and Tony Bellew, which has seen the southpaw stop his last 10 opponents, whilst amassing a record of 20 knockouts in his 23 wins.

He recently declared himself ‘the Mike Tyson of the light-heavyweights’, with the punching power he possesses you’ll find few who will argue.

2. Deontay Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs)

Known as ‘The Bronze Bomber’, his record of having knocked out all who stand before him speaks for itself. Heavyweight Wilder is making huge impressions on a division that is hoping to restore itself as boxing’s glamour weight class.

Some critics have questioned the level of competition that the 6ft 7inch Alabama bruiser has been in with, but you can only face what is put in front of you, and next up for the heavyweight ace is likely to be a stab at Bermane Stiverne’s WBC heavyweight title.

Wilder’s only made it as far as the fourth round on one occasion and will be hoping he can prove he’s the real deal by putting the heavyweight division’s very best to sleep.

3. Gennady Golovkin (29-0, 26 KOs)

The Kazakhstani kingpin is earning a reputation as boxing’s most feared combatant. Having captured the WBA middleweight title in 2010 against Nilson Julio Tapia by third round knockout, ‘Triple G (GGG)’ has seen his stock rise considerably to the point where it’s getting hard to find him any worthy opponents.

This in a division which boasts other notable names such as Sergio Martinez, Peter Quillin, Felix Sturm and Britain’s Martin Murray.

With nearly a 90% knockout record it’s clear to see why Golovkin would be last on anyone’s list as a potential foe.

4. Sergey Kovalev (24-0-1, 22 KOs)

The current WBO light-heavyweight champion currently ranks alongside Adonis Stevenson and the veteran Bernard Hopkins as the top dogs at 175 pounds.

The 6ft chiselled Russian rarely breaks into a smile, instead preferring to break jaws with an incredible 22 knockouts in his 24 victories.

A potential matchup between the two KO kings, Kovalev and Stevenson, has yet to materialise but his impressive victory over Nathan Cleverly to claim his first world title away from home shows nothing fazes this steely Russian assassin.

5. Keith Thurman (23-0, 21 KOs)

Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman earned his moniker due to his one-punch knockout power. The Floridian is quickly emerging as a real star of a stacked welterweight division which contains boxing’s biggest names including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

His recent outing’s have seen him hammer his way past respected names like Jesus Soto Karass and Julio Diaz, to take his record to 23 wins with 21 knockouts.

He stands on the verge of a shot at the world title at some point this year, with some predicting, with his slick boxing skills and devastating power, he will be the man to go on to take away Mayweather’s famous ‘O’.

6. Lucas Matthysse (35-3, 31 KOs)

Up until his recent closely fought battle with unified light-welterweight world champion Danny Garcia, ‘The Machine’ was regarded as the man on the threshold of reigning supreme over the 140 pound division.

His incredible run of victories prior to the Garcia fight had seen him run through a host of top names including Lamont Peterson, Mike Dallas Jr and Olusegun Ajose.

A rematch may be on the cards with Garcia if the champion decides to stay at light-welterweight, but nevertheless, with 33 knockouts in his 35 wins there will be a few restless nights for anyone going in against the ferocious Argentine.

7. Randall Bailey (44-8, 37 KOs)

As a three-time world champion in two weight divisions, his nickname ‘The Knockout King’ says it all. His most recent world title victory came against the respected welterweight champion Mike Jones in June 2012.

Behind on all three judges’ scorecards the American hitter needed a knockout to win. He duly obliged with a straight right down the middle in the tenth round which floored Jones, before ending the fight with a vicious uppercut at the close of round 11 that left the champion all over the place and unable to recover.

Tellingly, Jones hasn’t fought since the loss, and they say a fighter’s last thing to go is his power and at 39 Bailey will give anyone a run for their money.

8. Marcos Maidana (35-4, 31 KOs)

Hot off a valiant display against Floyd Mayweather, the Argentine Maidana showed that he was able to make up for his lack of technical skills by out hustling and using his power to trouble the pound-for-pound king.

Mayweather was well aware of ‘El Chino’s’ 31 knockouts in his 35 wins but after once being described by former champion Kevin Kelly as having hit ‘like a building fell on top of me’, his punching power alone has probably earned the undying respect of boxing’s number one star.

9. Jhonny Gonzalez (55-8, 47 KOs)

No matter the circumstances, if you can punch you always have a chance. Unfancied against one of boxing’s upcoming stars in Abner Mares, the Mexican featherweight never read the script when he decked the WBC champion twice in the first round.

With 46 knockouts in 54 victories before they met, Mares knew he was going in with a live wire but was unable to deal with Gonzalez’s fists of fury. A rematch was scheduled before Mares pulled out due to a rib injury, leaving Gonzalez set to face Clive Atwell next.

10. Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 52 KOs)

With his sibling Vitali hanging up the gloves, and pursuing a career in politics, the younger Klitschko brother will be the one to fly the flag and continue the Klitschko domination of the heavyweight division.

At times the brothers have not got their due respect, but as the WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine heavyweight world champion and with a record of 52 knockouts in his 62 wins, Wladimir is undoubtedly one of the heaviest hitters around.

A fight with the unbeaten Kubrat Pulev is set to be next up for him, before a potential unification clash with WBC champion Bermane Stiverne.

Adonis Stevenson vs. Andrzej Fonfara is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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Video: Stevenson – Fonfara Weigh in

WEIGHTS, & OFFICIALS FOR SATURDAY’S SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING & SHO EXTREME

MONTREAL (May 23, 2014) – All 10 fighters competing televised bouts made weight made weight on their first attempts Friday at Bell Centre. The weigh-in was streamed live by SHOWTIME Sports Press Pass Live and is currently available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZp3llIKqtE

In the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader (SHO, 9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), exciting knockout specialist and 2013 Fighter of the Year, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (23-1-0, 20 KOs), of Montreal, will make his network debut when he defends his WBC light heavyweight title for a third time when he meets Andrzej “The Polish Prince” Fonfara (25-2-0, 15 KOs), of Chicago by way of Warsaw, Poland. Stevenson has won his last 10 fights by knockout. Fonfara has won 15 in a row, 12 inside the distance, and has never been defeated as a light heavyweight.

In co-featured fights, power-punching Montreal middleweight David Lemieux (31-2, 29 KOs) meets battle-tested Fernando Guerrero (26-2, 19 KOs) of Salisbury, Md., in a 12-rounder for the vacant NABF 160-pound crown, and unbeaten rising star Jermell “Ironman” Charlo (23-0, 11 KOs), of Houston, takes on Japan’s Charlie Ohta (24-1-1, 16 KOs), of New York, in a 12-round collision of world-ranked junior middleweights. Charlo is ranked No. 5, Ohta No. 9.

WEIGHTS AND OFFICIALS

Stevenson – 173½ pounds
Fonfara – 174½ pounds
Referee: Frank Garza, Jr.
Judges: Richard De Carufel (Canada), John McKaie (New York), John Woodburn, Canada.

Lemieux – 159½ pounds
Guerrero – 159 pounds
Referee: Michael Griffin
Judges: Nicolas Esnault (Canada), Ester Lopez (New Mexico), Pasqualie Procopio (Canada)

Charlo – 153¾ pounds
Ohta – 153 pounds

Referee: Jean-Guy Brousseau.
Judges: Larry Hazzard Jr. (New Jersey), Jean LaPointe (Canada), Robert Paolino (Rhode Island),

On SHO EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT), Julian “J-Rock” Williams (15-0-1, 9 KOs), of Philadelphia, faces Michael Medina (26-4-2, 19 KOs), of Modesto, Calif., in a 10-round junior middleweight scrap and world-ranked Eleider Alvarez (14-0, 8 KOs), of Montreal by way of Colombia, clashes with Alexander Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs), of Washington, D.C., in a 10-round light heavyweight bout.

WEIGHTS AND OFFICIALS

Williams – 154¾ pounds
Medina – 154 pounds
Referee: Alain Villeneuve
Judges: De Carufel, Esnault, Marie-Josee Guerin (Canada)

Alvarez – 175 pounds
Johnson – 171½ pounds
Referee: Marlon B. Wright
Judges: Jean Gauthier (Canada), Sylvain LeBlanc (Canada), Benoit Roussel (Canada)

Brian Kenny will host both telecasts on Saturday night. Mauro Ranallo calls the action on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi with Jim Gray reporting. Brian Custer calls the fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME with boxing historian Steve Farhood at his side. For SAP in Spanish, Alejandro Luna will call the blow-by-blow with former world champion Raul Marquez serving as analyst. The executive producer is David Dinkins Jr. with Ray Smaltz III producing and Mike Arnold directing.

DAVID LEMIEUX vs. FERNANDO GUERRERO, JERMELL CHARLO vs. CHARLIE OHTA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

MONTREAL (May 22, 2014) – Hometown favorite David Lemieux and Fernando Guerrero agree on one thing: their showdown on the undercard of the Adonis Stevenson-Andrzej Fonfara SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader at Bell Centre this Saturday, May 24 will likely end in a knockout.

“The knockout is going to be there,” Lemieux said. “It’s only a matter of how it’s going to be there that is going to make a difference.”

The power-punching Lemieux (31-2, 29 KOs), of Montreal, and Guerrero (26-2, 19 KOs) of Salisbury, Md., will square off in a 10-round middleweight co-featured bout live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Guerrero, who compiled a 2-0 record in Canada while fighting as an amateur, isn’t fazed by Lemieux’s power or the prospect of fighting in his hometown.

“We’ve faced punchers before and I’ve demolished them,” Guerrero said. “With a guy like David and I facing off, it doesn’t seem like the fight will go the distance.”

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, Houston’s unbeaten rising star Jermell Charlo (23-0, 11 KOs) takes on Japan’s Charlie Ohta (24-1-1, 16 KOs) in a 12-round junior middleweight match.

The 2013 Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year, “Superman” Stevenson (23-1, 20 KOs), of Montreal, will defend his WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship against Chicago’s Fonfara (25-2, 15 KOs), the IBF No. 1 and WBC No. 3-ranked contender.

On SHO EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT) from the Bell Centre, Julian “J-Rock” Williams (15-0-1, 9 KOs), of Philadelphia, faces Michael Medina (26-4-2, 19 KOs), of Modesto, Calif., in a 10-round junior middleweight scrap and world-ranked Eleider Alvarez (14-0, 8 KOs), of Montreal by way Colombia, collides with Alexander Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs), of Washington, D.C., in a 10-round light heavyweight bout.

Here’s what the participants had to say at Thursday’s press conference:

DAVID LEMIEUX:
“I’ve been preparing for a spectacular fight. We’re both great fighters, but only one of us can win on Saturday.

“(Guerrero) is one of the best fighters I’ve fought to date. I feel spectacular. My training camp has been spectacular; I’ve had the best training camp of my career. We did everything we needed to do in case there are any surprises in the ring.

“I feel the strongest I’ve ever been. I’m ready to go 12 rounds. If it has to go to the limit, I will have no problem.

On switching trainers……“It has been a big help in my career. It’s been a big turnaround. My new trainer Marc Ramsay has helped me become ready to be a 12-round fighter. There have been so many changes since the two upsets I had with my old trainer. I now see all the things that I need to be on top of my game and to be a world champion. We’ve been making adjustments and we’ve been getting the results in the ring. I’m ready to fight anybody right now.

“I’m a knockout artist. Every fight I go into I expect a knockout. And I’m feeling the strongest I’ve ever felt since the beginning.

“I expect (Guerrero) to take my head off. So I will be ready for whatever. I’m not scared – I expect the same punishment that I give to my opponents. I want to knock him out, so I expect the same thing from him.

“I’m not worried. Whatever he brings to the table, I’ll adjust and I’ll be victorious.”

FERNANDO GUERRERO:
“We’ve fought in Canada before in the amateurs and I won both times. I’m 2-0 in Canada. I’m not worried about fighting in front of his hometown fans.

“I’ve grown since the loss to (Peter) Quillin. I had one of the worst camps of my life for that fight and I wasn’t mentally or emotionally prepared. We just have to move on and not have any emotions in there for this fight.

“Lemieux and I have a lot of similarities. We both have two losses. We’ll get in there and see what happens. One of us will likely walk out with a third loss, and I’ve done everything I can to make sure that it isn’t me.

“Once we step in the ring there aren’t any excuses. If I win, it’s because I prepared as hard as I could. If I lose, it’s because I didn’t give it my all.

“I’m 2-0 in Canada. I came here and I won. When you’re a boxer, it’s not the location that matters because we all fight in the ring. I’ll step in the ring and do my job and let the judges do theirs.

“I’ve seen a lot of his fights – we’ve done our homework. We know what he does well and we also know his weaknesses.

“I consider myself a puncher just like him. He’s strong, I’m strong. He’s fast, I’m fast. He has heart, I have heart. But I never give up. I have the will to fight.’’

JERMELL CHARLO:
“I’m blessed and thankful to be here in Canada. Ever since we touched down it’s been great. I’m ready to put on a great performance and keep climbing up in the ranks at 154 pounds.

On his height advantage over Ohta… “In camp we worked on so many different things and we’re ready for whatever Charlie is going to bring. He’s 5-foot-6 and I’m 5-foot-11½ so that’s an advantage for me.

“I’m fast, I’m strong. I’m way stronger than I was for the (Gabriel) Rosado fight, so hopefully that will come out during this fight. You’ll see the strength and you’ll see that I’m ready for this next stage and level of boxing.

On being in camp with Erislandy Lara… “We push each other hard. Even with the language barrier we’re able to still communicate and make fun out of training and at the same time give it our all.

“We’ve been gaining from everything that we knew we missed out on last fight. So it’s just the process of getting better.

On Ohta not being present at the press conference… “It happens. I’ve seen him on tape. I know what he looks like, so it’s fine. I’ll see him at the fight, and I’ll see him at the weigh-in.

“He’s a short and stocky guy so he uses his compact positioning and his style to his perfection. But what fighter haven’t I faced that comes forward, that puts a lot of pressure on and is heavy?

“He has a little pop on his punches. He’s 32 years old, I’m 24 – my birthday was Monday — so I feel like I’m getting older and I’m getting better.”

CHARLIE OHTA (Prepared Statement):
“I’m in great shape and I had a great camp. This is my time.

“This is a great fight between a boxer and a puncher. It’s no secret what I’m going to do — I’m going to bring the heat and put the heat on Charlo.

“We guarantee you will see a great fight and everyone will get their money’s worth.”

WORLD CHAMPION STEVENSON GUNNING FOR KNOCKOUT THIS WEEKEND ON BOXNATION AS HE LOOKS TO ETCH HIS NAME AMONGST BOXING’S GREATEST

LONDON (May 22) – Big-hitting Adonis Stevenson has promised another sensational knockout this weekend as he looks to etch his name amongst boxing’s best ever.

The no-nonsense star takes on Polish ace Andrzej Fonfara, live and exclusive on BoxNation, at the Bell Centre in Montreal this Saturday night, with the proclamation he will continue his hot streak which has seen him lay out his last 10 opponents.

The Haitian-born pugilist, now based in Canada, has amassed a frightening 20 knockouts in 23 wins, and with a reputation as the fight’s games biggest puncher, the WBC light-heavyweight world champion has declared it will be business as usual against Fonfara.

“I’m very focused for this fight. I’m not overlooking him,” said Stevenson. “I know he’s going to be ready and I’m training for just him. I take it one fight at a time and I will take care of business. I’m ready for this fight. I’m not here to lose. I’m a champion and I’m here to win by knockout. That’s it and I’m not concerned about anything else.

“I don’t know [about his strengths and weaknesses]. I’m going to knock him out. That’s what I’m going to do. I don’t know his game plan. I’m going to knock him out,” he said.

Drawing comparisons to the formidable Mike Tyson due to his punching prowess, the 36-year-old is hoping to follow in the footsteps of boxing’s biggest names as he looks to cement his own legacy in the sport.

“I want to be a legend and I want to be on par with all the boxing legends so that gives me a lot of motivation to push my body very, very hard and at a high level and keep training and focus fight by fight. I’m very motivated,” said Stevenson.

“When you used to watch Mike Tyson fight, you knew someone was going to get knocked out. That’s what is going to happen on Saturday. Somebody’s going to get knocked out,” he said.

A potential unification fight with IBF and WBA champion Bernard Hopkins is in the pipeline should Stevenson come through the challenge of Fonfara.

However, the man known as ‘Superman’, has refused to look too far ahead with Fonfara, who has 25 wins in 28 contests, presenting an imminent threat to his reign at the top.

“I don’t care about Hopkins now. Fonfara is in front of me, and that’s it. After the fight we can talk about Hopkins,” said Stevenson.

Though the light-heavyweight star was more outspoken when asked why a fight with the ferocious Russian, and current WBO champion, Sergey Kovalev, never materialised when Stevenson switched allegiances from HBO to Showtime.

“Those people don’t understand that boxing is a business. That’s our mentality. That we negotiate with the network and we make sure that everyone gets paid. That’s why I took it [the Showtime contract] because I’m working with the best managers in the world and they make sure everything is right with the network,” said Stevenson.

“It’s not about ducking, it’s about business. I don’t have a problem fighting Kovalev. I have a feeling that Yvon Michel [Stevenson’s promoter] will one day make that happen,” he said.

Having been spotted by the late and great Emanuel Steward in 2011, Stevenson has vowed to fulfil the prophecy of the respected Hall of Fame trainer who believed he would go on to dominate the 175 pound division.

“Emanuel gave me a lot of advice and motivation. And it’s not just about training. He was a friend to me and we spent a lot of time talking about life. And we talked about boxing and what it would be like to be a world champion,” he said.

“A couple of years ago he didn’t have any money, he didn’t save nothing. And he explained that to me and I took his advice. He told me I was going to be the world champion and that I was going to be a star,” said Stevenson.

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

-Ends-

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

STEVENSON VS. FONFARA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

NEW YORK (May 21, 2014) – Andrzej Fonfara eyed WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson’s title belt during Wednesday’s final press conference at Casino de Montreal, the look of a man eager and confident heading into the biggest fight of his boxing career.

Fonfara will challenge Stevenson for the WBC crown in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, this Saturday, May 24, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

“This is not my first time as an underdog,” Fonfara said. “I’ve proved people wrong before and I’ll do it again.”

The 26-year-old Fonfara (25-2-0, 15 KOs), of Chicago by way of Warsaw, Poland, is the No. 3 contender in the WBC, the No. 1 contender in the IBF, and holds victories over three former world champions in his last five fights. Fonfara has won 15 fights in a row, 12 by knockout, and has never been defeated as a light heavyweight.

“He’s confident. I’m confident. But I have the power to end this fight quickly,” said Stevenson.

In co-featured fights this Saturday, May 24, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, power-punching, world-ranked Montreal middleweight David Lemieux (31-2, 29 KOs) meets Fernando Guerrero (26-2, 19 KOs) of Salisbury, Md., in a 10-round bout, and Houston’s unbeaten rising star Jermell Charlo (23-0, 11 KOs) takes on Japan’s Charlie Ohta (24-1-1, 16 KOs) in a 12-round junior middleweight match.

Here’s what the participants had to say at Wednesday’s press conference:

ADONIS STEVENSON:
“He’s confident. I’m confident. But I have the power to end this fight quickly.

“I’m in tremendous shape. I took a rest and my body is recovered. Now, I’m ready to get back in the ring and prove why I’m the best light heavyweight in the world.

“I’m used to fighting taller guys with long range. That won’t be a problem for me. We’ll use my speed and power to (to negate that).

“It’s a tough challenge. “I’m not overlooking him because I know he is very dangerous. I know he’ll be ready for me.

“My trainer trained me for the knockout, so I’m looking for it. I know he is a good fighter and he’s the best contender, so you have to watch Saturday night. It’s going to be a good fight, exciting.”

Regarding verbal exchange during the ‘face off’…
“I asked him if he liked the belt…And I told him the belt is going to stay in Montreal.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA:
“Everyone wants to fight for the biggest trophy and against the best fighters. He’s the best world champ in this division and Saturday is my chance to prove that I am the best.

“This is not my first time as an underdog. I’ve proved people wrong before and I’ll do it again.

“Everyone will see what I bring to the ring. I can handle his power. That doesn’t worry me.

“Everything is at stake. I have the chance to make history, so I have plenty of motivation for this fight.
“He has power, but I can knock him out, too. A knockout would be the best offense for me. With our styles, it will be a good, exciting fight.

“You’ll see on Saturday why I’m the better fighter. This is the right time for me.”

On Stevenson’s loss against Darnell Boone…
“I’ve got a good punch with both hands. He’s gotten knocked out before. It proves he goes down too. He’s not Superman like he thinks he is. He went down and he lost the fight.”

JAVAN “SUGAR” HILL (STEVENSON TRAINER):
“I know the Fonfara camp very well. Sam (Colonna) and I go back to the amateur days. I know he trains fighters as well as I do. This is another level we have to fight on, only this is a world championship level. We can’t wait to test our skills against each other.

“Everything is perfect. The training camp went well. Adonis is ready – his main focus is fighting Fonfara and the other objective is to get a knockout. I’m looking for a knockout from Adonis Stevenson and I hope everyone else is.”

SAM COLONNA (FONFARA TRAINER):
“This is a dream come true for him. He’s been working his whole life to come to this level and now he’s here.

“Andrzej has always been the underdog, but he’s always come out on top. Come the 24th we’re going to surprise some people.

“We started out sparring in Chicago and moved to Big Bear. We had some great sparring partners, we couldn’t pick better guys.”

YVON MICHEL, GROUPE YVON MICHEL (STEVENSON’S PROMOTER):
“We are very, very happy to do the first title defense of Adonis Stevenson on SHOWTIME. One of the missions that SHOWTIME and Stephen Espinoza have is to show the unification of the light heavyweight title.

“Adonis has a lot of ambition. His ambition was step by step. He had a huge task. He wanted to be a contender, then a champion, then a unified champion. He wants to be a legend and one day in the Hall of Fame. He is doing what he has to do to reach his goal.

“There will be another title that Adonis will be defending Saturday and that title is (The Ring Magazine) Fighter of the Year for 2013. His name is up there with some of the best fighters in history. He is the first Canadian fighter ever, in the 85–year history, to be recognized as the Fighter of the Year. It was not by accident.

“Sugar is the one who took the task from his uncle (Emmanuel Steward) and built Adonis as a world champion and Fighter of the Year. He is the one who showed Adonis boxing IQ to complement his power-punching.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, EVP & GENERAL MANAGER, SHOWTIME SPORTS (Prepared Statement):
“Adonis Stevenson is someone I’ve had my eye on for a long time. Long before I took the job as programmer for SHOWTIME Sports, I heard about Adonis from the late, great Emanuel Steward. Steward told me a few years ago that this young man might be the best pure power puncher that he had ever trained.

“When someone like Manny Steward makes a statement like that, you take notice.

“Now, several years later, Adonis is a world champion, universally regarded—and feared—as one of the top light heavyweight fighters in the world. He is coming off a remarkable 2013 campaign that earned him the coveted 2013 Fighter of the Year honor. To say we are excited to have ’Superman’ make his SHOWTIME debut this Saturday would be an understatement.

“Andrzej Fonfara has had an incredible journey to get to this, his first world title fight. He’s young, he’s hungry, and he may have been overlooked, which is a recipe for disaster once the bell rings.”

LEON MARGULES, ANDRZEJ FONFARA’S PROMOTER:
“We didn’t take this fight to come up here and lose. We believe we have an excellent chance to become the next light heavyweight champion of the world.

“When I signed him a year ago, I asked him who, out of anyone in the world he would want to face, and he said Adonis Stevenson.

“This is a fight my fighter wanted more than any other challenge.”

ADONIS STEVENSON, ANDRZEJ FONFARA, YVON MICHEL, LEON MARGULES & STEPHEN ESPINOZA MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

NEW YORK (May 20, 2014) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara participated in a media conference call on Tuesday as they reach the apex of preparation for this Saturday’s world title showdown live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

The 36-year-old Stevenson (23-1-0, 20 KOs) laid his claim as the world’s No. 1 light heavyweight with an exceptional 2013 campaign that included knockout victories over Chad Dawson and Tavoris Cloud, earning him The Ring Magazine award for “Fighter of the Year.” The 26-year-old Fonfara (25-2-0, 15 KOs), of Chicago by way of Warsaw, Poland, is the No. 3 contender in the WBC and holds victories over three former world champions in his last five fights. Fonfara has won 15 fights in a row, 12 by knockout, and has never been defeated as a light heavyweight.

Here’s what the participants had to say on Tuesday’s call:

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports:
“This event is a long time coming, at least for us here at SHOWTIME. We’ve wanted Adonis to fight on SHOWTIME for quite a while. Personally, I became interested a few years back when Emanuel Steward first mentioned Adonis to me. We had Adonis scheduled to fight on SHOWTIME back in 2012 until some bad luck intervened. So, we’ve been waiting for Superman, if you will, for some time.

“Andrzej is not someone to look past. He is a very good puncher. He is a very good boxer and I think his boxing skills are underrated. I believe this Stevenson-Fonfara main event is going to be a lot tougher than many of you may think. I said it about Matthysse-Molina a couple of weeks ago. And I said the same for Mayweather-Maidana. I expect a very competitive fight in our main event.”

Q: How devastating would it be if Adonis was to lose this fight?

“I don’t think devastating is the right way to describe it. My sense of Adonis is that he’s got his own motivation; whether it’s losing the title or a unification fight, that’s all secondary. He wants to win because he’s used to winning and he wants to keep winning. … No one should be ashamed in losing this fight. This is a well-matched, competitive fight. Here at the network, our goal is to televise a title unification fight eventually. We don’t have any particular preferences on who the titlists are. We would just like to be able to televise and bring to the fans a fight that would result in a unified light heavyweight title. I will say that a good amount of the fascination with Adonis and his popularity is that he is such a big puncher and he has these highlight-reel knockouts. That’s something that’s not going to go away with a loss here or a loss there. It does throw a wrench in his plans for a unification fight, but there’s still plenty of value and interest in Adonis as a fighter.”

Yvon Michel, Adonis Stevenson’s promoter:
“Adonis has won his last 10 fights by knockout. While you progress in the rankings and when you get better opposition, usually the knockout ratio starts slimming down. But it has been the other way around for Adonis. The better the opposition, the more he wanted to win the fight, and the easier it became to get better timing and knock out his opponent.

“(Adonis) is an exceptional puncher with both hands and can hurt you and knock you out with one punch at any time in the fight. Anytime a fighter comes into the fight with a plan, all that strategy goes out the window the very first time he gets hit by Adonis.”

Adonis Stevenson:
“I’m very focused for this fight. I’m not overlooking him. I know he’s going to be ready and I’m training for just him. I take it one fight at a time and I will take care of business. I’m ready for this fight.

“I’m not here to lose. I’m a champion and I’m here to win. By knockout. That’s it and I’m not concerned about anything else.”

Q: What are your motivations for seeking a path that would lead you to a fight with Bernard Hopkins as opposed to one that was talked about with Sergey Kovalev?

“You know, I want to be a legend and I want to be on par with all the boxing legends so that gives me a lot of motivation to push my body very, very hard and at a high level and keep training and focus fight by fight. I’m very motivated.”

Q: How do you respond to some of the people who look at the decision you made and say, ‘Bernard is a great name and (Adonis) has a tough fight with Fonfara, but he’s ducking Kovalev because of the deal that you accepted.’ How do you respond to those people?

“Those people don’t understand that boxing is a business. That’s our mentality. That we negotiate with the network and we make sure that everyone gets paid. That’s why I took it because I’m working with the best managers in the world and they make sure everything is right with the network, and everything. It’s not about ducking, it’s about business. I don’t have a problem fighting Kovalev. I have a feeling that Yvon Michel will one day make that happen.”

Q: You came up as a fighter who worked with Emanuel Steward. What affect did he have, not only on your professional career, but what impact did he have on you as a person inside the ring and outside?

“You know, Emanuel gave me a lot of advice and motivation. And it’s not just about training. He was a friend to me and we spent a lot of time talking about life. And we talked about boxing and what it would be like to be a world champion. A couple of years ago he didn’t have any money, he didn’t save nothing. And he explained that to me and I took his advice. He told me I was going to be the world champion and that I was going to be a star.”

Q: What is Fonfara’s style, his strengths and his weaknesses?

“I don’t know. I’m gonna knock him out. That’s what I’m going to do. I don’t know his game plan. I’m going to knock him out.”

Q: Is Bernard Hopkins next up for you?

“I don’t care about Hopkins now. Fonfara is in front of me, and that’s it. After the fight we can talk about Hopkins.

“When you used to watch Mike Tyson fight, you knew someone was going to get knocked out. That’s what is going to happen on SHOWTIME. Somebody’s going to get knocked out.”

Leon Margules, Andrzej Fonfara’s promoter:
“Andrzej is a great young fighter and we believe a future champion. We’re not discrediting the year Adonis Stevenson had and we’re certainly not predicting an easy fight, but Andrzej believes, and I believe, that he can win the world title on Saturday night.

“When I first saw Andrzej Fonfara I asked him of all the champions and all the fighters and all the opportunities that you may have, who do you want to fight? Anybody you want. And for any world title you want. And he said, ‘I want to fight Adonis Stevenson for the WBC light heavyweight championship.’ So, he is very, very excited and I know he’s thrilled to be on SHOWTIME because it will be his first experience on premium television.”

Andrzej Fonfara:
“Everything is going right. My training camp is almost ended. We trained for a couple of weeks in Chicago and then we flew to Big Bear in California. We trained in Abel Sanchez’s gym in Summit for like three weeks and then we came here. I’m ready for this fight and I’ve had good sparring partners and have had good preparation.”

Q: Do you think you’ve been overlooked by Adonis, and if so how is that beneficial to you?

“No. I don’t think like that. This business is like that and you must think about your next fight. Adonis should think about his next fight. I want to focus on this fight and it’s not a problem to talk about that. It’s normal.”

Q: What is your game plan?

“I don’t want to say it here. You will see when I get into the ring. I don’t want to say anything about my plan.”

Q: Is there a different preparation or approach you have to take when facing a guy with the knockout power as Adonis Stevenson?

“No. We do the same preparation as always. We change a little bit because he’s a southpaw and he has a different style. We have good sparring partners and I am ready physically and mentally.”

Video: Stevenson vs. Fonfara: Adonis “Superman” Stevenson Highlights

“COLLISION” UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED DAVID LEMIEUX VS. FERNANDO GUERRERO IN CO-FEATURE FOR NABF MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE

MONTREAL (April 10, 2014) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) is presenting an evening of thunder, “Collision: Stevenson vs. Fonfara,” May 24 at Bell Centre in Montreal. The co-feature will mark the SHOWTIME debut of powerful Quebec middleweight David Lemieux (31-2-0, 29 KOs), who takes on Dominican Republic-born, American fighter Fernando Guerrero (26-2-0, 19 KOs) for the vacant NABF title.

The IBF #10 and WBO #11 rated Lemieux has an incredible opportunity to break into the international scene in the 160-pound division. He has made vital changes since his loss to current WBC interim champion Marco Antonio Rubio ( 59-6-1, 51 KOs), riding a six-fight win streak, five coming by knockout, into his May 24 showdown with former world title challenger Guerrero.

The 25-year-old Lemieux has paid his dues in order to become a more effective and dangerous fighter. Last November in Laval (Quebec), IBF # 6 ranked Jose Miguel Torres (27-6-0, 24 KOs) was stopped in the seventh round, his first stoppage in his career, after Lemieux had floored him six times.

Guerrero had a great amateur career, highlighted by being crowned national champion in 2007. His more notables wins as a professional have been over Gabriel Rosado (21-8-0, 13 KOs), Ossie Duran (28-11-3, 11 KOs) and Ishe Smith (25-6-0, 11 KOs. Guerreo In his lone world title shot to date, by way of seventh-round technical knockout to WBO middleweight champion Peter Quillin (30-0-0, 22 KOs) in 2013. Guerrero has since returned to winning ways and at age 27, he is convinced that he has gained experience and maturity to deserve another world title shot.

“COLLISION,” headlined by the WBC light heavyweight championship fight between defending champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (23-1-0, 20 KOs) and challenger Andrzej Fonfara (25-2-0, 15 KOs), is presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with Warriors Boxing, and co-presented by Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.

According to the president Yvon Michel of GYM, “David Lemieux is the next big star of the World middleweight division! His presence in the ring literally mesmerizes the crowd as he intensively charges with violent intentions His arrival in the big leagues is eagerly awaited.”

Talented light heavyweight contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (14-0-0, 8 KOs) is on a mission to become world champion. The WBO # 2, WBA # 3 and WBC #10 light heavyweight is in an enviable position in world rankings and ready for anyone. His opponent will be confirmed soon..

Upon his arrival in Montreal from his native Russia, GYM announced it would not drag things regarding the activity and development of its gifted light heavyweight Artur Beterbiev (4-0-0, 4 KOs). Having completed his apprenticeship fighting four bouts Quebec, the two-time Russian Olympian moves up in rounds and clash, meeting former IBF world light heavyweight champion Jeff ” Left Hook” Lacy (26-4-0, 19 KOs) in a 10-round clash on the stacked “Collision” card. After an absence of several years, the 2000 U.S. Olympian won his last fight this past November against Martin Verdin (20-17-2, 11 KOs). Lacy is a sleek, experienced opponent and Beterbiev’s first major test as a professional.

Unbeaten welterweight Mikael Zewski (23-0-0, 18 KOs) also returns to the ring May 24 in front of his Quebec fans. Promoted by Top Rank, the popular Zewski will fight for the seventh time in Quebec. He has fought prestigious locations like New York, Las Vegas or Atlantic City. His opponent, Prince “Too Hot” Doku Jr. (18-5-0, 12 KOs), will be fighting for the third consecutive time outside of his native Ghana.

Additional May 24 undercard bouts fights will soon be announced. However, GYM has confirmed the participation of IBF # 7 middleweight Kevin Bizier (24-1-0, 14 KOs), as well as heavyweight Oscar Rivas (13-0-0, 8 KOs), young welterweight Junior Ulysses (1-0-0, 1KO), and Grant Brothers’ heavyweight prospect Erik Bazinian (3-0-0, 3 KOs) .

Tickets, ranging from $50.00 to $350.00, are on sale at Bell Centre, www.evenko.ca, GYM (514-383-0666) or Boxing Club Champion (514-376-0980).

BOXNATION’S SCHEDULE PACKS A REAL PUNCH AS ‘THE CHANNEL OF CHAMPIONS’ LINES UP THE WORLD’S VERY BEST INCLUDING MAYWEATHER, PACQUIAO AND KHAN

LONDON (April 2, 2014) – Leading boxing channel BoxNation is packing a real punch this April and May with the fight games top names including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao set to feature live and exclusive in a jam-packed schedule.

‘The Channel of Champions’ has pulled no punches in its attempt to line up the biggest and best names in the world of boxing, proving categorically that it is the undisputed pound-for-pound home of boxing.

Rising Irish sensation Carl Frampton’s world title eliminator against Mexican Hugo Cazares this Friday kicks-off a string of back-to-back world class fights on the channel.

Fan-favourite Frampton will attempt to blast his way past the sturdy Cazares in front of his adoring Belfast crowd with the hope of setting up a world title shot against WBC super-bantamweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz.

The undefeated 27-year-old will be looking to make easy work of Cazares at the Odyssey Arena with a winter showdown against the torpedo-like Santa Cruz representing an explosive matchup that could be a potential ‘Fight of the Year’ contender.

The following night, live from Germany, veteran Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli makes one last stab at the world title as he attempts to wrestle the WBA light-heavyweight belt away from the grasp of the dominant Juergen Braehmer.

The German will be looking to ensure Maccarinelli’s ‘Rocky story’ ends in tears, but the chance to seize world title glory at the latter stages of his career offers a unique opportunity for the Swansea star who will leave it all in the ring this Saturday night.

The action just keeps getting better on BoxNation, when, on April 12th, one of boxing’s biggest icons Pacquiao makes his latest ring splash when he takes on another pound-for-pound star in Tim Bradley.

Having met for the first time in 2012, amid a controversial split decision victory for the American Bradley, the rematch presents the chance for Filipino hero Pacquiao to settle an old score.

Such a task, however, will be no easy feat with Bradley having grown tremendously as a fighter following momentous wins over WBO light-welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov and Mexican superstar Juan Manuel Marquez.

With Bradley’s WBO welterweight world title on the line, the bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is certain to produce fireworks with the ever-exciting Pacquiao, the first and only eight-division world champion, eager to show that time is still very much on his side.

Earlier that evening, there is great domestic action when rising star Frank Buglioni defends his WBO European super-middleweight title when he takes on Sergey Khomitsky at the Copper Box Arena in London.

The unbeaten Buglioni, who is fast making a name for himself as one of the fight game’s hottest prospects, will be looking to continue his march towards a world title shot, with Commonwealth champion Tony Conquest and starlet Bradley Skeete also on the card.

It’s back across Stateside on April 19th when, at 49 years of age, the legendary Bernard Hopkins, the current IBF world champion, will look to unify the light-heavyweight division when he faces WBA Super champion Beibut Shumenov.

The Hopkins story is unlike any other in sport, let alone the sweet science, with the Philadelphian turning his life around following a lengthy prison stint before reigning supreme in the world of boxing, becoming the oldest champion in history.

His bout with Shumenov offers the skilled technician the chance to reach another landmark in his illustrious career by unifying the belts and achieving another remarkable feat just before he hits the age of 50.

Also on the bill that night will be welterweights Shawn Porter and Paulie Malignaggi, as they battle it out for Porter’s IBF crown, with the winner set to face British ace Kell Brook in a mandatory defence.

Middleweight menace Peter Quillin will be another one starring on the night when he takes on Lukas Konecny with Quillin’s WBO world title on the line.

Then, on May 3rd, BoxNation viewers will be in for a real treat when the undisputed pound-for-pound king of boxing Floyd Mayweather takes on Argentine knockout artist Marcos Maidana in a world title unification fight.

WBC welterweight champion ‘Money’ Mayweather will be looking to extend his renowned unbeaten record against WBA champion Maidana who shocked the boxing world by blasting past rising superstar Adrien Broner last December.

A Mayweather event is not fitting without a stacked undercard, and that’s just what fight fans get when former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan makes his eagerly anticipated ring return when he steps up to welterweight to face the skilled Luis Collazo.

Collazo is coming off a stunning victory over the tough Victor Ortiz, having ran Ricky Hatton extremely close in 2006 in a fight many felt belonged to the Brooklyn banger.

Khan will have his work cut out in a bout that could well steal the show on a card which also sees Broner step back between the ropes when he faces Carlos Molina.

The Cincinnati native will be looking to bounce back in style and silence the critics following his crushing defeat to Maidana.

It’s non-stop on BoxNation, with further exciting action on May 24th when The Ring Magazine’s ‘Fighter of the Year’, Adonis Stevenson, looks to blitz his way past another contender for his WBC light-heavyweight crown.

‘Superman’ Stevenson does battle with Andrzej Fonfara live from Montreal with the aim of making the Polish pugilist his 11th knockout victim in a row.

Further good news for the channel is that BoxNation will be the only place to see Tyson Fury’s impending matchup with Dereck Chisora on July 26th.

The heavyweight hitmen lock horns for the second time in their careers when they regain hostilities at the Phones4U Arena in Manchester later this summer, in a bout that will leave no stone unturned.

BoxNation has grown rapidly since its launch in 2011, and is now the recognised as the home of boxing for British fight fans who wish to see the very best action live and exclusive.

The upcoming schedule, packed with competitive world title fights, offers viewers the biggest bouts over the coming months, with a host of leading names, for only £12 a month (plus a one-off registration fee).

To subscribe to BoxNation, and make sure you don’t miss out on all this live and exclusive action, visit www.boxnation.com to join.

-Ends-

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

ADONIS ‘SUPERMAN’ STEVENSON READY TO SHOW SUPERHERO POWER AGAINST ANDRZEJ FONFARA LIVE ON BOXNATION AFTER BOXING’S BEST CHANNEL SECURES YET ANOTHER LEADING NAME

LONDON (March, 28) – THE RING magazine’s ‘Fighter of the Year’ Adonis ‘Superman’ Stevenson will be out to display his superhero power when he takes on Andrzej Fonfara live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The WBC light-heavyweight world champion who enjoyed a scintillating 2013, has earned a reputation as one of boxing’s most formidable punchers, with BoxNation viewers getting the chance to see the knockout artist live in action on May 24th.

‘The Channel of Champions’ is pulling no punches when it comes to adding the very best boxing action to its schedule having already confirmed a number of top fights to its roster including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s respective ring returns.

In Stevenson’s showdown, subscribers to the best dedicated boxing channel in the world will see the man who has blitzed his way past a host of leading names in the 175 pound division including Chad Dawson and Britain’s Tony Bellew.

Up against 26-year-old Fonfara he faces a highly skilled foe, who, despite losing twice early on in his career has not tasted defeat in six years, racking up 25 victories in his 28 contests.

The Polish born warrior, now residing in Chicago, is rated as number one in the rankings by the IBF and WBO, and number three by the WBC.

Stevenson has knocked out his last 10 opponents and will be looking to ensure his run continues when he does battle with Fonfara on BoxNation, live from Montreal.

Other fights on the “COLLISION” card are set to be announced in the coming days.

With a jam-packed April and May schedule coming up on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546), the channel offers fight fans a truly spectacular line-up of world class fights and is available for only £12 a month (plus a one-off registration fee).

Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

“COLLISION” WBC WORLD LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ADONIS STEVENSON VS. ANDRZEJ FONFARA May 24 at the Bell Centre in Montreal

MONTREAL (March 27, 2014)- The 2013 “Fighter of the Year,” according to The Ring Magazine and many other boxing publications, as well as the recipient of the prestigious “KO of the Year” award, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson ( 23-1-0, 20 KOs ) returns to the ring May 24 at Bell Centre in Montreal to defend his World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring and lineal light heavyweight titles for the third time against challenger Andrzej Fonfara (25-2-0, 15KO ).

Born in Warsaw, Poland and now fighting out of Chicago, Illinois, Fonfara is rated No. 1 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), as well as No. 3 by the WBC.

The world light heavyweight title fight between Stevenson and Fonfara headlines, “COLLISION,” which is presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), in association with Warriors Boxing, and co-presented of Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron. As previously announced this fascinating boxing event will air live in the USA on Showtime, thanks to Mr. Stephen Espinoza, its Executive Vice President & General Manager, Sports and Event Programming.

“Superman’s 2013 was a year well beyond all predictions, beyond all imagination so tremendous it was,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “He rose to the ranks of international superstar, considered to be the best light heavyweight on the planet! It is a privilege to see him in action again here in Montreal.”

Stevenson, 36, won his world light heavyweight title via knockout in only 76 seconds of then-undisputed light heavyweight champion, “Bad” Chad Dawson (31-3-0, 17 KOs). In his first title defense on September 28, 2014, the new champion was supposed to face a major test against former world champion Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-1-0, 19 KOs). It was quite different, however, as the powerful left-hander pushed Cloud until he retired at the end of the seventh round, after Stevenson gave him a thorough boxing lesson. Stevenson gave a brilliant demonstration of skills, finesse, speed, defense, and power. Two months later, “Superman” completed his dream year with an unequivocal defeat of the WBC No. 1 mandatory contender from Great Britain, Tony ‘Bomber’ Bellew (20-1-1, 12 KOs), who was unable to finish the sixth round. The tough Englishman later declared that he had never been hit with such powerful shots, even by heavyweights.

During his incredibly amazing run, the powerful southpaw Stevenson has knocked out all 10 of his last 10 opponents: Bellew (TKO6), Cloud ( TKO7 ), Dawson (KO1), Darnell Boone (KO6), Don George (TKO12), Noe Gonzales ( TKO2 ), Jesus Gonzales (KO1), Aaron Pryor Jr. (TKO9 ), Shujaa El Amin TKO1) and Derek Edwards (KO3). In fact, the last time a Stevenson fight went the full distance dates back to 2007.

The 26-year-old Fonfara has had spectacular victories over three former world champions in his last five fights. First, by third-round technical knockout in 2012 against former WBA monarch Byron Mitchell (29-9-1, 22 KOs), followed by a 10-round decision over multiple champion Glen Johnson (51-16-2, 35 KOs), and then last year a ninth-round stoppage of former WBA title-holder Gabriel Campillo (22-5-1, 9 KOs).

Fonfara has won his last 15 fights, 12 by knockout, and he has never been defeated fighting as a light heavyweight. He had discussions to face WBO championSergey Kovalev and he could have fought to become mandatory challenger to IBF champion
Bernard Hopkins. Fonfara preferred to fight Stevenson because he is convinced that he has the right style and resources to overthrow the world champion. According to American journalist Briggs Seekins, “Fonfara has power in both hands and undoubtedly belongs to the elite of the division. It is certainly the most serious test of Stevenson title defense.”

Other fights on the “COLLISION” card will be announced in the coming days but GYM is committed to presenting another memorable event. GYM does confirm that the IBF No. 10, WBO No. 11 and WBC No. 16 middleweight David Lemieux (31-2-0, 29 KOs) will be in the co-feature for the most important fight of his career. WBO No. 2, WBA No. 3 and WBC No. 10 world light heavyweight contender Eleider Alvarez (14-0-0, 8 KOs) will be in action May 24, along with rising light heavyweight star Artur Beterbiev (4-0-0, 4 KOs), IBF No. 7 middleweight Kevin Bizier (24-1-0, 14 KOs), heavyweight prospect Oscar Rivas (13-0-0, 8 KOs ), super middleweight Sébastien Bouchard (8-0-0, 2 KOs), and young welterweight Yves Ulysse Jr. (1-0-0, 1 KOs).

Tickets go on sale this Saturday morning (Mar. 29) at 10:00 a.m. ET, at Bell Centre, online at www.evenko.ca, calling GYM at (514) 383-0666, or Boxing Club Champion (514) 376-0980 Ticket prices range from $50.00 up to $350.00 reserved on the floor.

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About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.: Yvon Michel’s (GYM) group was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers using a support frame and carefully selected competition by management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits of top talent and organizes events. In its tenth year of operation, GYM has already produced 113 events in which some have made history in ticket sales and PPV buys, including Pascal vs. Bute (co-promoted with InterBox), Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of TV for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, Radio Canada V and RDS in Canada, as well as on HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the USA. A total of eight different GYM boxers have participated in 20 world championship fights. Under the tutelage of GYM, in 2007 Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight title and in 2009 Jean Pascal became WBC light heavyweight champion. Since June 2013, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson has held the WBC, The Ring Magazine and lineal heavyweight title. He was also acclaimed 2013 Fighter of the Year by “The Ring” and several other publications, in addition to getting the KO of the Year for his sensational victory over Chad Dawson in only 76-seconds.

Stevenson – Fonfara May 24 on Showtime

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Light Heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson will take on Andrzej Fonfara in a title bout that will land on Showtime on May 24 in Montreal.

The fight was originally ticketed for HBO which would have led to a unification fight with Sergey Kovalev but Stevenson signed with adviser Al Haymon and a bigger deal was reached with Showtime.

“We had a deal. It changed. It is not the way we do it,” HBO spokesman Ray Stallone told ESPN.com.

“We’re thrilled to have Adonis on the network,” Stephen Espinoza, the Showtime Sports executive vice president and general manager, told ESPN.com. “He’s one of the most exciting fighters in any division. I intended to get in business with him in August 2012. He was supposed to fight on the network on the undercard of the Jean Pascal-Tavoris Cloud fight but Pascal got injured and the card was canceled. It took longer that I expected but we finally got our man and we’re thrilled.

“We have a structure in place that will allow us to do the Fonfara fight and whatever big fights become available for him. Should Kovalev [who has a multifight deal with HBO] become available, we’d welcome him at the network if he’d like to fight Adonis.”

If Stevenson defeats Fonfara, the fight he will be lined up for will be against the winner of the title unification fight between Bernard Hopkins and Beibut Shumenov (another Haymon client). They headline a Showtime card April 19 in Washington, D.C.

“A unification fight is absolutely the natural progression for Adonis,” Espinoza said. “If he takes care of business on May 24 against Fonfara, the winner of Hopkins-Shumenov is the natural fight to make and one we want to do.”

Scouting Report for the Chilemba-Grachev Co-Feature Saturday Night at Sands: Can Chilemba Handle Grachev’s Power?

Bethlehem, PA: On March 15th in front of a sold out house at Sands Casino and Hotel, Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba will take on Denis “The Pirate/Drago’s Son” Grachev in the light heavyweight co-feature on NBCSN Fight Night. The light heavyweight division is one of the hottest divisions right now with world class fighters like Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, Adonis Stevenson and Bernard Hopkins and the winner of this fight could be poised to face any one of them. Currently, Chilemba is ranked #2 in the WBC and Grachev is ranked #7 in the WBC.

Isaac Chilemba
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events
Chilemba’s trainer, former IBF Light Middleweight and WBC Welterweight Champion Buddy McGirt, wouldn’t make a prediction but said, “If Isaac does what I know he can do he can do, which is frustrate the hell out of this guy and out box him, this fight should be a walk in the park. It is all up to him come fight night.”

Denis Grachev
Photo Courtesy of DiBella Entertainment
Grachev’s manager/trainer, Baruch Ferreira, said, “We have had our best training camp so far. Denis is looking sharp and he is in amazing shape. He is ready to make an exciting fight against Chilemba on Fight Night.”

Category
Isaac Chilemba
Denis Grachev
Age
26
31
Record
21-2-2, 9 KOs
13-2-1, 8 KOs
Strength
Chilemba is very poised in the ring and maintains his composure, even when he’s behind. He also has a solid defense.
Grachev has good power and the will to win. According to Main Events’ matchmaker Jolene Mizzone, “He can starch an opponent with one punch.”
Weakness
Chilemba has mediocre punching power and his accuracy is average.
Grachev has poor footwork and lacks amateur experience.
Experience
Despite being five years younger, Chilemba has nine more professional fights (25 vs. 16) than Grachev. Chilemba boxed 183 rounds compared to 80 rounds for Grachev.
Grachev’s last four opponents had a combined record of 103-1 and all were either contenders or former or current champions. Grachev’s endurance has not been tested yet.
Chin
Chilemba has a pretty good chin; he has been down and gotten back up. According to Mizzone, “Chilemba fights better when his back is up against the wall.”
Grachev was only down once against Sillakh and came back to win but later was knocked out by Edwin Rodriguez in the first round.
Style
Chilemba is more of a boxer and is better defensively.
Grachev is more of a defensive fighter and has one-punch power.
Intangibles
Chilemba agreed to fight a game underdog and that cannot be overlooked.
Grachev did not think twice before taking the fight – confident.
The Match-Up
Will Chilemba be able to stand up to Grachev’s power?
Is Grachev the same fighter after his TKO loss to Edwin Rodriguez?
Will Chilemba fold under the bright lights?
Can Grachev redeem himself?

After getting blown away by Rodriguez, Grachev needs to prove it was just a fluke and that he has what it takes to compete at this level. If Chilemba loses to Grachev, he’ll lose his #2 spot. Bottom line: neither fighter can afford to lose.

About March 15th:

The March 15th edition of NBCSN Fight Night at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem features the twelve-round heavyweight match-up between Tomasz “Goral” Adamek and Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov for the IBF North American Heavyweight Title and IBF #2 Position Eliminator. The co-feature is a ten round light heavyweight match-up between Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba and Denis “The Pirate/Drago’s Son” Grachev. Doors open at 6:00 PM ET. The co-feature and main event will be broadcast live on NBCSN Fight Night at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT. Tickets are no longer available. The card is presented by Main Events, Peltz Boxing, Ziggy Promotions, and Pushka Promotions in association with BAM Boxing and Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on March 15th.

Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

Official hashtag: #FightNight
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Twitter: @main_events
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Focused Agnew Not Distracted By Kovalev-Stevenson Hype

Atlantic City, NJ: Over the past week or two the boxing world has been consumed with the verbal sparring match happening in the media between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (23-0-1, 21 KOs) and Adonis Stevenson. But before any Kovalev-Stevenson match can take place “Krusher” will face-off against undefeated challenger Cedric “L.O.W.” Agnew (26-0-0, 13 KOs) for the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship on March 29th at the Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ and live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

Agnew has been flying under the radar, so few people know how deeply the sport of boxing runs in his veins. His uncle, Chicago’s own “Mighty” Mike Evans (38-11-1, 27 KOs), started taking Cedric to the gym with him when he was just eight years old. Agnew spent the majority of his childhood in Chicago working out with his pro-boxer uncle. His youngest brother, Frankie, is also a fighter, coming off a Chicago Golden Gloves Championship and contemplating a professional career.

Cedric had a stellar amateur career, winning 110 of his 120 bouts. During his amateur career he won gold medals at the 2003 United States National Junior Olympics, the 2003 Sweden Cup for Under-19’s, the 2004 Chicago Golden Gloves, the 2004 United States Under-19 Championships, the 2006 Chicago Golden Gloves and won a silver medal at the 2004 National Golden Gloves. He also defeated current WBA Champion Beibut Shumenov.

According to Cedric’s promoter, Malcolm Garrett of Garrett Promotions, he was not looking to sign another fighter when he first heard about Cedric. He received a call from legendary boxing trainer Sam Colonna, who has worked with such names as Andrew Golota, Angel Manfredy, Angel Hernandez and Vaughn Bean, and told Garrett he needed to come look at Cedric. According to Garrett, “Sam Colonna told me that Cedric is the most talented fighter to come out of Chicago in over 30 years. When Sam said that, I needed to listen so I signed him.”

Cedric turned pro in 2007 at the age of 20 and has not lost a fight since. He is no stranger to big fights. Agnew defeated Rayco Saunders via unanimous decision on May 1, 2008 (just one year after his professional debut) to take the vacant WBC Continental Americas Light Heavyweight title. Three years later, on November 3, 2011, he knocked out Daniel Judah in the sixth round to take the vacant WBC United States (USNBC) Light Heavyweight title. Finally, on April 12, 2013 he defeated Yusaf Mack via unanimous decision for the USBA light heavyweight title. According to Agnew, “My win over Yusaf was one of the biggest of my career thus far.”

“L.O.W.” is a student of the sport. According to Garrett, Agnew watches almost every fight but especially the fights in the light heavyweight division. He has studied Kovalev extensively and feels he is ready for this fight. Malcolm said, “He believes he is right there with Kovalev. He plans to win the fight. We are hoping for a big upset and he has the ability to upset him. Hopefully the public will enjoy the fight.” And Agnew believes he has what it takes to defeat Kovalev, he said, “My brain and the way I think will be my biggest advantage in the ring. I’m a very smart fighter. I’m just looking to fight my fight, that’s all”

Cedric “L.O.W.” Agnew
When Garrett approached Agnew about the possibility of a fight between him and Kovalev, Agnew did not hesitate. Garrett said, “I have learned when you have to convince a fighter to take a fight you are already in trouble. I was encouraged when Cedric took the fight without an ounce of hesitation. He wants this fight and he knows he’s ready.”

And Agnew is not bothered by the Kovalev-Stevenson hype; he said, “I try not to listen to the media. I’m just focusing on what I need to do come March 29th.” Malcolm is hoping the hype will work to their advantage and that the media is not the only one overlooking Agnew, “I think all the media attention about Kovalev-Stevenson is great and I hope Kovalev is overlooking Cedric like everyone else and it will work to our advantage. This is a fight Cedric wanted. He knows he’s been overlooked – out of the limelight under the radar – but when the bell rings, we will all know.”
About March 29th:

March 29th features the light heavyweight world title showdown between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, (23-0-1, 21KOs) and Cedric Agnew (26-0-0, 13 KOs) from the Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic, City, NJ. The main event and the co-feature (to be announced soon) will be broadcast live on HBO Boxing After Dark at 10:00 PM ET/PT. The event is presented by Main Events in association with Caesars Atlantic City. Tickets are on sale now through TicketMaster online at www.ticketmaster.com or via phone (800) 736-1420. Fans can also contact Main Events for tickets at (973) 200-7050. Ticket prices are $26, $51, $77 and $152. Doors will open at 6:30 PM ET. Undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

For fight updates go to www.mainevents.com, www.CaesarsAC.com, www.BoardwalkHall.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing, www.facebook.com/CaesarsAtlanticCity, www.facebook.com/BoardwalkHall or www.facebook.com/HBOboxing and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Main_Events, https://twitter.com/CaesarsAC, https://twitter.com/BoardwalkHall and https://twitter.com/HBOboxing.

About Caesars Entertainment:

Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest casino entertainment company. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 70 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on four continents. The company’s resorts operate primarily under the Harrah’s®, Caesars® and Horseshoe® brand names. Caesars also owns the World Series of Poker® and the London Clubs International family of casinos. Caesars Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to environmental sustainability and energy conservation and recognizes the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Media):

MAIN EVENTS: Ellen Haley- 973-903-6715, ehaley@mainevents.com
HBO: Kevin Flaherty – 212-512-5052, Kevin.Flaherty@hbo.com
CAESARS: Jerry Eisenband, jeisenband@harrahs.com
BOARDWALK HALL: Zack Lloyd, zlloyd@global-spectrum.com

HBO® “BOXING’S BEST” FOR 2013 PRESENTS A POWERHOUSE LINEUP OF STAR PERFORMANCES 10-FIGHT SERIES KICKS OFF DEC. 23 ON HBO2

It’s a holiday treat for HBO Boxing fans. Over five consecutive nights in late December, the HBO2 service will present 10 of the year’s standout fights, spotlighting some of the biggest names in the sport in riveting performances. Featured are signature wins by Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Timothy Bradley Jr. and Carl Froch plus breakout victories by rising stars Gennady Golovkin, Adonis Stevenson and Sergey Kovalev.

Starting Monday, Dec. 23, HBO2 will replay 10 major league showdowns from this year over five consecutive nights. Each night the doubleheader of action starts at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. Fight fans will get to revisit the most memorable, most significant and most compelling bouts that were televised on HBO, including a couple of slugfests that are clear favorites for “Fight of the Year” honors.
The “Boxing’s Best” lineup includes:
Monday, December 23 at 11:00 p.m.
Carl Froch vs. Mikkel Kessler II
Sergey Kovalev vs. Nathan Cleverly
Tuesday, December 24 at 11:00 p.m.
Timothy Bradley Jr. vs. Ruslan Provodnikov

Miguel Cotto vs. Delvin Rodriguez
Wednesday, December 25 at 11:00 p.m.
Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado II

Gennady Golovkin vs. Matthew Macklin
Thursday, December 26 at 11:00 p.m.
Timothy Bradley Jr. vs. Juan Manuel Marquez

Adonis Stevenson vs. Chad Dawson
Friday, December 27 at 11:00 p.m.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios

James Kirkland vs. Glen Tapia

*Winners names are in italics.
All times are ET/PT.
“Boxing’s Best” will be available on HBO ON DEMAND® and HBO GO®

2013 Highlights:
HBO Boxing traveled to four continents this year (North America, Europe, South America and Asia) illustrating the sport’s global appeal and reach. Fight fans were presented live fights from exciting destinations in Macau, Moscow, Montreal and Buenos Aires.
The roster of elite fighters appearing on HBO in 2013 included: Sergio Martinez, Manny Pacquiao, Andre Ward, Gennady Golovkin, Timothy Bradley Jr., Wladimir Klitschko, Mike Alvarado, Juan Manuel Marquez, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Miguel Cotto, Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Brandon Rios, Nonito Donaire and Mikey Garcia.
Emerging stars who made their HBO debut this year, launching an impressive wave of new attractions on the network included: Ruslan Provodnikov, Adonis Stevenson, Sergey Kovalev and Terence Crawford.
The two top-rated boxing series on cable television are on HBO, the leading television platform for the sport in the U.S. HBO Boxing has delivered 21 of the top 25 bouts on cable television in 2013.

Kovalev stops Sillakh in two

Adonis Stevenson retained the WBC Light Heavyweight title with a sixth round stoppage of mandatory contender Tony Bellew at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Canada.

In round six, Stevenson dropped Bellew with a perfect left hand. Stevenson then landed two more crunching lefts that snapped the head of Bellew back violently and referee Michael Griffin stopped the bout at 1:50 of round six.

Stevenson, 174 1/2 lbs of Montreal is now 23-1 with 21 knockouts. Bellew, 175 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is now 20-2-1.

Sergey Kovalev retained the WBO Light Heavyweight with a two round destruction of Ismayl Sillakh.

After a good boxing 1st round by both, Kovalev dropped Sillakh just seconds into the second round with a hard right hand. Sillakh was clearly hurt but ate a devastating three punch combination that decked Sillakh on hos side and the fight was stopped at 52 seconds of round two

Kovalev of Fort Lauderdale, FL is now 23-0-1 with 21 knockouts. Sillakh, 174 1/2 lbs of Simi Valley, CA is now 21-2.

Official Weights from Quebec City

UEBEC CITY – Saturday’s HBO Boxing telecast airs at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT). The telecast begins with the replay of welterweight superstar Manny Pacquiao’s dominant win over Brandon Rios on Nov. 23 in Macau.

The live HBO telecast from Colisée Pepsi in Quebec City features undefeated 175-pound title-holder Sergey Kovalev vs. Ismayl Sillakh in a 12-round title match that serves as the evening’s co-feature.

Sillakh and Kovalev face off at weigh in
Photo Credits: HBO/Ed Mulholland

The main attraction from Quebec City, a 12-round light heavyweight contest, features title-holder Adonis Stevenson as he defends his crown against challenger Tony Bellew.

Official Weights from Quebec City:

Adonis Stevenson: 174.4 lbs.

Tony Bellew: 175 lbs.

Sergey Kovalev: 174.6 lbs.

Ismayl Sillakh: 174.4 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter:

#StevensonBellew and #KovalevSillakh

WITH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PICTURE IN HIS VIEW “JO JO” DAN ENTERS INTO ENEMY TERRITORY TO TAKE ON UNDEFEATED KEVIN BIZIER

New York, NY / Quebec City, Canada – (11/26/13) – This Saturday, DiBella Entertainment’s (DBE) world-rated welterweight contender (WBC #6 & IBF #10) Ionut “Jo Jo” Dan Ion (31-2, 17KO’s) will look to take a major step toward once again challenging for a piece of the welterweight world crown when he faces fellow top-rated (IBF #3 & WBA #11) and undefeated welterweight contender Kevin Bizier (21-0, 14KO’s). The bout, scheduled for 12 rounds with the NABA and IBF Inter-Continental titles at stake, is also an official IBF eliminator for the #2 spot. The contest is the main supporting bout on the loaded and highly anticipated HBO Boxing After Dark championship double-header featuring defending WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson facing top-rated challenger Tony Bellew and WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev defending against Ismayl Sillakh. The card will be taking place at the Colisee de Quebec in beautiful Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

“I am going into this fight against Kevin Bizier with full confidence, a win is my only option,” said a determined Ion. “Boxing took me all over the world both as an amateur and a pro and I am convinced my opponent in Quebec City cannot bring anything that I have not seen yet in a boxing ring. Bizier is a good fighter and I have respect for him and his team, but he is in over his head in this fight. The two belts are changing owners this Saturday. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I want to thank my promoter DBE and also GYM for accepting our challenge to their fighter.”

“DBE signed Jo Jo Dan because we believe that he is one of the best welterweights in the world. This Saturday night he will have the opportunity to prove it. If he defeats Kevin Bizier, a world title shot should await,” stated promoter Lou DiBella.

The bout this Saturday will see Ion once again in a similar position entering enemy territory. Ion began his career reeling off 26 consecutive victories before traveling to Turkey to take on fellow undefeated top-rated contender and 2004 Turkish Olympian Selcuk Aydin for the vacant WBC Silver welterweight championship. Ion brought the fight to the hard-hitting Aydin and, despite suffering a questionable first-round knockdown, seemingly controlled the rest of the action, only to come up on the wrong end of a highly debatable 12-round split decision.

Ion scored three straight victories to earn himself a rematch against Aydin for the WBC Silver title. Unfortunately for Ion, the bout once again took place in Aydin’s home country of Turkey with the titlist pulling out a narrow decision victory, although this one was more deserved.

Looking to work his way back into title contention, Ion signed with promoter Lou DiBella in late 2012 and put together back-to-back victories to earn him the opportunity on Saturday night.

The Romanian-born Ion has been calling Montreal home ever since he turned pro in 2004 and the bout between the Quebec-native Bizier has been talked about for a while now. While Bizier will have the home crowd behind him, many of Ion’s fans are expected to make the trip over from Montreal, adding more excitement to what is an already stellar event planned for Saturday night.

‘THE QUEST FOR THE MAN OF STEEL’ DOUBLE WORLD LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION ADONIS STEVENSON VS. TONY BELLEW SERGEY KOVALEV VS. ISMAYL SILLAKH Saturday, November 30 from Colisee Pepsiin Quebec City, Canada Televised Live on HBO Boxing After Dark®

MONTREAL(October 17, 2013) — The World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and lineal World light heavyweight champion, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (22-1, 19 KOs), has promised to be a spectacular, popular and active champion. He is keeping his word, fighting more impressively with each other victory, as he now prepares for his fourth fight in 2013.

Stevenson’s third world championship fight in a five month period, to air in the United States on HBO®, will be in the main event against his mandatory challenger and the WBC’s No. 1 contender, England’s Tony ‘Bomber’ Bellew (20-1-1, 12 KOs), on Saturday, November 30 at Colisee Pepsiin Quebec City, Canada. The event will televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark, beginning at 10:15 p. m. ET/PT.

As a bonus, Quebecers will also have the pleasure of watching a second world light heavyweight title fight in the same ring as undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (22-0-1, 20 KOs), who like Stevenson is one of the most feared hitters in boxing today, defends his crown for the first time against challenger Ismayl “The Black Russian” Sillakh (21-1, 17 KOs) in the co-feature.

“The Quest of the Man of Steel” event, featuring double world light heavyweight championship action — Stevenson vs. Bellew and Kovalev vs. Sillakh — is being co-promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and InterBox, in association with Matchroom Boxing and Main Events, and co-presented by Mise- O -Jeu and Videotron.

According to GYM president Yvon Michel, “This attractive boxing event also helps bring international prestige to the beautiful City of Quebec for the first time since Pascal vs. Hopkins and Bute vs. Johnson. We find ourselves with valuable support, including Mayor Régis Labeaume and his team, whom we thank for their co-operation.”

“We are very happy to be participating in this event as co-promoter in the wonderful city of Quebec,” InterBox President Jean Bédard said. “We will put all our resources and knowledge at the forefront in order to contribute to the success of this event.”

The 36-year-old Stevenson, now living in Blainville (Quebec, Canada), won his world heavyweight title by way of a first-round knockout in 76 seconds over “Bad” Chad Dawson who was considered at that time the undisputed King of the Light Heavyweights. In Stevenson’s first defense (September 28), former world champion Tavoris Cloud (24-1, 19 KOs) was supposed to be a major test for the new world champion. It was quite different as the powerful left-hander pressured Cloud from the start, forcing the challenger to retire at the end of the seventh round. Stevenson gave Cloud a boxing lesson, displaying brilliant skills, finesse, speed and defensive power.

“Stevenson – ‘The Man of Steel’ – is receiving universal recognition as an exceptional boxer, as well as a superior athlete who, through his most recent performances, has risen to the level of his generation’s greatest champions,” Michel declared. “Adonis Stevenson is already considered a major international attraction in professional boxing. Every time he goes into the ring, he has an opportunity to increase its visibility and reputation.”

The powerful southpaw Stevenson is on a nine-fight win streak, all ending on sensational knockouts, over Cloud (TKO7 ), Dawson (KO1), Darnell Boone (KO6), Don George (TKO12), Noe Gonzalez (TKO2), Jesus Gonzales (KO1), Aaron Pryor, Jr. (TKO9), Shujaa El Amin (TKO1) and Derek Edwards (KO3). In fact, the last Stevenson fight that went the distance dates back to 2007.

The 30-year-old Bellew is a native of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. After a great amateur boxing career, he turned professional in 2007 and later won the Commonwealth (2010-2011) title and he still holds the WBC Silver Belt (2012). He has suffered only one loss to then WBO world champion Nathan Cleverly in 2011. He earned his mandatory challenger position by taking the measure of Isaac Chilemba on points in a WBC title eliminator this last May 25 in the co-feature a Carl Froch vs. Mikkel Kessler headlined card in the UK. Among his notable victories was a ninth-round technical knockout of the usually durable Colombian Edison Miranda (35-7, 30 KOs).

The WBO light heavyweight championship bout between champion Kovalev and challenger Sillakh has also raised a lot of interest around the world. Kovalev once terrorized boxing rings around the world representing the Russian National Team. Now a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he continues in the same vein as a professional, stopping 20 of his 22 opponents, including his last six in a row. In his WBO world title fight last August in England, he was so strong that he tore the title belt from defending champion Cleverly (26-0, 12 KOs), by way of a fourth-round knockout, putting an end to his nearly three-year reign, including six consecutive world championship fights. Kovalev has fought only 61 rounds during his pro career in 22 fights. Eighteen of his 22 fights have ended three rounds or less.

Sillakh was one of the most decorated amateurs of his time in international boxing. The former World Cup champion as an amateur turned pro in 2008. In 2012, he was ranked the WBC No. 1 contender, before losing for the first and only time to Denis Grachev (11-0-1, 7 KOs) by eighth-round TKO. Sillakh has his last four fights to reappear in the world rankings.

Undercard fights will soon be announced as InterBox and GYM are working hard to set up another memorable event.

Tickets will go on sale this Saturday (Oct. 19) at 10:00 a.m. ET, at Pepsi Coliseum box office, on www.billeteck.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666, InterBox (Marie-Josée Fontaine) (450) 645-1041 or Boxing Club Champion (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $50 in the red up to $300 on the floor.

-30 –

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.:

Yvon Michel (GYM) Group was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers with a support frame, especially in competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM is actively recruiting talent and organizing events. Since its inception nine years ago, GYM has produced 111 events, some of which like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II have made history in terms of ticket sales and PPV viewership. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of television for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX , TVA, CBC , RDS and V , in Canada; as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the USA. A total of eight different GYM boxers have fought in 19 world title fights. Under the tutelage of GYM, Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2007, and WBC light heavyweight Jean Pascal the WBC crown in 2009. Since June 2013, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson has held the WBC title, The Ring Magazine and lineal light heavyweight championships.

For Immediate Release WORLD-CLASS EVENT SAT. NIGHT IN MONTREAL JEAN PASCAL VS. GEORGE BLADES ALVAREZ VS. MIRANDA, LEMIEUX VS. UPSHAW

MONTREAL (September 26, 2013) – While media attention has focused on Saturday night’s “The Return Of Superman” main event (airing live on HBO in the United States), featuring World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and lineal world light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (21-1, 18 KOs) in his first title defense against former world title-holder Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-1, 19 KOs), the remainder of this stacked card at historic Bell Centre in Montreal also showcases five other Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) world-class fighters in action.

First, former WBC, The Ring Magazine and lineal light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (22-2-1, 16 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since defeating Aleksy Kuziemski last December. His opponent is American George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-4-2, 16 KOs). The last time the WBC #2-rated Pascal did not participate in the main bout of a major event was back in December of 2007, when he faced Brian Norman at the Bell Centre. Joachim Alcine then successfully defended his World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight title belt against Alfonso Mosquera in the main event.

Jean Pascal

“It is a privilege and a luxury to have Pascal’s participation in Saturday night’s event,” said President Yvon Michel of GYM. “He is still considered one of the biggest stars in the light heavyweight division and we all look forward to seeing him back in action. He’s fighting for all the right reasons on Saturday and it was good to see him happily smiling during training camp. Currently there is no opponent who is more important for Jean’s career than Blades. I expect an inspired performance from him as HBO executives watch him in action.”

The 39-year-old Blades has been a professional boxer since 1999. From his pro debut through 2007, he won 20 of his first 22 pro fights to join the ranks of world heavyweight contenders. In June of 2007, he had a world title shot against World Boxing Organization (WBO) light heavyweight champion Zsolt Erdei (26-0-0), who won by 11th round technical knockout in Hungary. Blades has won his last two fights, most recently against James Morrow (12-19-3), on February 16 in his home state of Indiana.

Another world light heavyweight contender from Montreal, whose return has been long anticipated, is North American Boxing Association (NABA) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) light heavyweight champion, Eleider “Storm” Alavarez (12-0, 8 KOs). The WBA and WBO #4 Alvarez faces fellow Colombian, Edison “Pantera” Miranda (35-8-0, 30 KOs). Alvarez has won his last three fights by knockout, including the last two against the world-rated opponents Danny McIntosh and Nicholson Poulard. Alvarez wants his world title shot soon and a convincing victory on his part could precipitate many things in the short or medium term.

Eleider Alvarez (R) explodes

Miranda is a dangerous puncher, whose early meteoric rise resulted in a pair of unsuccessful world title fights, seeks to revive his career. According to his promoter Leon Margules, Miranda doubled his training workouts, “Edison is only 32 years old but he is aware that he must absolutely win September 28th because it is his last chance, explaining why he has trained in Florida with so much determination.
Because he and Alvarez are both Colombian, their fight is so much more personal, passionate and emotional for both warriors.”
Another GYM fighter patiently waiting to explode on the international scene, middleweight prospect David Lemieux (29-2-0, 28 KOs), will also be in action Saturday night at Bell Centre. Now ranked #14 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and #15 by the WBC, Lemieux takes on American upset-specialist Marcus Upshaw (15-10-2, 7 KOs) . The latter is well-known in Quebec having shocked Quebec fighter Renan St-Juste three years ago in Quebec City “At 6′ 4” with an aggressive style, it is possible that David may look bad at times in this fight, but this is the kind of strong and complicated opponent that will allow David to grow,” Lemieux’ trainer Marc Ramsay commented. Lemieux has won his last four fights by KO and his opponents lasted a total of only six rounds during this sequence.

Welterweight Antonin Decarie (27-2, 7 KOs) fought his last two times before HBO cameras and, despite losing his last fight to Argentina Carlos Abregu (35-1, 28 KOs), he showed the right stuff to evolve into a potential world champion. The 30-year-old Decarie, rated #10 by the WBC, still has a very bright future ahead of him. He has also been selected to represent North America in the WBC’s World Cup tournament that should get underway in late 2013. In a six-rounder to stay active, Decarie will face the Frenchman Salim Larbi (17-3-2, 5 KOs) this Saturday evening. Larbi fought for the WBO world title as recently as 2012.

IBF I / C and NABA welterweight contender, IBF #3 rated Kevin Bizier (20-0, 14 KOs), of Quebec, will also be back in action after fully recovering from a painful ankle sprain. His opponent is veteran Giuseppe Lauri (53-14, 31 KOs), a native of Italy who now lives in Hungary. Bizier could be one of the main headliners of a GYM event tentatively scheduled for November in Quebec City.

Finally, Saturday night’s event will allow former world amateur champion Artur Beterbiev (1-0, 1 KOs) to continue learning, this time in a six-round, light heavyweight fight. To demonstrate the confidence that GYM places in Beterbiev, in only his second professional outing, the Russian prospect will fight a veteran of 47 professional fights, Rayco Saunders (23-22-2, 10 KOs). It’s highly usual for a young prospect like Beterbiev, who hasn’t lost since a cut cost him an amateur match in 2003, to fight a veteran such as Saunders so early into his pro career.

“Superman Returns,” headlined by the world light heavyweight championship between defending champion Stevenson and challenger Cloud, is being presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Don King Productions (DKP) and Gary Shaw Productions (GSP), in association with Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.
Saturday night’s gala event at Bell Centre promises to be memorable, featuring an awesome line-up of fighters in significant matches.

Doors at the Bell Centre will open Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. Stevenson vs. Cloud on HBO in the U.S. is slated to start around 10:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets are available at Bell Centre, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666 or Boxing Club Champion (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $ 50 in the red up to $ 300 on the floor.

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.: Yvon Michel (GYM) Group was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers with a support frame in direct competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its founding nine years ago, GYM has promoted 109 events, some of which have made history in ticket and PPV sales like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of television for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the USA. A total of seven different GYM boxers have participated in 17 world title fights. Under the tutelage of GYM Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight in 2007, Jean Pascal won the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in 2009, and since June 2013 Adonis “Superman” Stevenson has held the WBC, The Ring Magazine and linear light heavyweight.

‘THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN’ ADONIS STEVENSON VS TAVORIS CLOUD WBC WORLD LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday night live on HBO from the Bell Centre in Montreal

MONTREAL (September 25, 2013) — World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and lineal world light champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (21-1, 18 KOs) defends his crown for the first time this Saturday night against former Internatio0nal Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion Tavoris “Thunder ” Cloud (24-1, 19 KOs). The titanic collision will take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal and will be televised live in the United States by HBO as part of its World Championship Boxing series.

“Superman Returns,” is being presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Don King Productions (DKP) and Gary Shaw Productions (GSP ), in association with Mise- O -Jeu and Videotron .

The 36-year-old Stevenson, fighting out of Blainville, Quebec, won his world light heavyweight title by destroying “Bad” Chad Dawson (31-3, 17 KOs) in only 76 seconds this past June 8. That fight, however, is now a thing of the past. Stevenson’s immediate future is Cloud, 31, who has a style opposite of Dawson, a pure boxer, as opposed to the brawling Cloud, from Florida.

“My goal is to win by KO,” Stevenson said, “but I’m ready to do 12 rounds, if necessary, to show that I’m a complete fighter.”

Cloud believes Stevenson hasn’t fought anybody comparable to him in terms of quality opposition. “To win at this level of talent takes skill,” Cloud countered, “and power is secondary. Anyone can be hurt, if you give up. I guarantee that I will leave Montreal with all the belts.”

According to the president Yvon Michel of GYM, Cloud is the perfect opponent for the champion’s first defense. “Against Dawson,” Michel noted, “Adonis proved he was dangerous and against a seasoned fighter like Cloud, Adonis will have the opportunity to demonstrate his versatility and why his reign will last.”

Stevenson arrived in Montreal last Friday and Cloud two days later. Both are in great physical shape, as they showed during training workouts before the media on Monday and Tuesday. They were both obviously very eager to do battle in three days.

The powerful left-handed Stevenson is riding an eight-fight streak of knockouts over Dawson (KO1), Darnell Boone (KO6), Don George (TKO12), Noe Gonzalez (TKO2), Jesus Gonzales (KO1), Aaron Pryor Jr. (TKO9), Shujaa El Amin (TKO1), and Derek Edwards (KO3). In fact, the last time a Stevenson fight went to the limit dates back to 2007.

The 31- year Cloud lives in Tallahassee, Florida. During his illustrious career of more than nine years, he was the IBF 175-pound division world champion for four years. He won his title in 2009, earning a 12-round decision over Clinton Woods (42-4-1, 25 KOs) and successfully defended his world title four times. First, against former world champion Glen Johnson (50-13-2, 34 KOs), then versus an aspiring Fulgencio Zuniga (24-4-1, 21 KOs), followed by wins against Yusaf Mack (29-3-2, 17 KOs) and Gabriel Campillo (21-3-1, 8 KOs). His winning streak was stopped at 24, the same time as his reign as world champion, last March in New York as he lost a unanimous decision to the inimitable Bernard Hopkins (52-6-2, 32KOs).

According to The Ring Magazine, Cloud is ranked third among the best light heavyweights in the world, and he is considered the number one U.S. heavyweight contender. Cloud has only suffered one defeat during his professional career and he has never visited the canvas. Cloud has a definite advantage over Stevenson in terms of experience having fought a total of 123 rounds, including 68 world championship, almost as many total rounds (80) fought by Stevenson.

The Stevenson-Cloud final press conference will be held today in Montreal. Their official weigh in will take place this Friday (Sept. 27) at Delta Hotel in Montreal, starting at 1 p.m. ET.

Doors at the Bell Centre will open Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. Stevenson vs. Cloud is slated to start around 10:30 p.m. ET with Stevenson in the red corner, the challenger Cloud in the blue corner.

Tickets are available at Bell Centre, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666 or Boxing Club Champion (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $ 50 in the red up to $ 300 on the floor.

ADONISSTEVENSONVS. TAVORIS CLOUD MAKE WBC 30 DAY REGULATORY WEIGHT

MONTREAL (August 31, 2013) — World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and linear world light heavyweight champion, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (21-1-0, 18 KOs), as well as his opponent for his first title defense on September 28, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion, Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-1-0, 19 KOs), recently submitted to the WBC regulatory weigh in.

At his training camp in Traverse City, Michigan, Stevenson tipped the scales at 186 pounds, while Cloud weighed in at 188 pounds at his Florida training camp. Both fighters were below the 193-pound mark permitted by sanctioning body rules.

The next mandatory weigh in will be held seven days prior to their Sept. 28 fight at the Belle Centre in Montreal with the weight limit at 184 pounds.

Tickets are on sale at the Bell Centre, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666 or club Boxing Champion (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $50 in the red up to
$300 on the floor.

Pascal to take on blades on Stevenson – Cloud undercard

Jean Pascal will tune up for his January bout with Lucian Bute when he takes on George Blades on September 28th in Montreal as part of the Adonis Stevenson Light Heavyweight title defense with Tavoris Cloud according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“In taking this fight, we have evaluated the pros and cons and at the end when we got the assurance that Jean was physically in perfect condition and in good health, we decided to do it. He’s a professional fighter and a professional fighter should fight,” Yvon Michel, Pascal’s promoter, told ESPN.com on Thursday.

“I’m very happy to be back and I want to thank Yvon for that because boxing is my life,” Pascal told ESPN.com. “It’s not a championship fight, so I’m going to fight at a catch weight, 180. I don’t consider this fight as a tuneup fight because at my level every fight is important and a loss can damage the rest of my career.

“Also, I know that Mr. Blades won’t come to [just to] cash a check. He and his whole team are coming to win.”

“It’s a big fight with Lucian Bute on Jan. 18, but by Jean fighting on Sept. 28, it will keep him motivated to keep training and he will want to look good against George Blades,” Michel said. “Blades is not a world champion but anyone can look good if you’re not well prepared. So Jean wants to use that fight as a preparation step for the fight after against Bute. We all believe having Pascal back in the ring will revive the popularity around the Pascal-Bute fight after it was postponed. Having Jean fighting will put it back in people’s minds and after Sept. 28 we will re-launch the marketing around the Pascal-Bute fight.”

Stevenson to defend against Cloud on September 28th

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBC Light Heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson will defend against former IBF champion Tavoris Cloud on September 28th in Montreal in a bout that will be televised by HBO.

“This fight is totally different than the fight with Dawson,” said Stevenson’s promoter Yvon Michel. “Cloud is aggressive, likes to exchange, likes to fight. He was outsmarted when he fought Bernard Hopkins [in a March loss].”

“We were waiting for paperwork. It took a little while to get the signed paperwork but we had an agreement, and Cloud and Stevenson are already in training,” Michel said. “Tavoris Cloud was the fighter that HBO wanted us to make a deal with and I am happy we got that done with Don King. A lot of people said it would be difficult to do with Don King, but that was not the case. Gary Shaw (Dawson’s promoter who had an option on Stevenson) is also involved with us in this fight and he also helped to get this done.”

For that fight, Cloud had fired trainer Al Bonanni and strength coach Alonzo Johnson and hired Abel Sanchez, who brought him to his camp in Big Bear Lake, Calif. After the loss, Cloud fired Sanchez and rehired Bonanni and Johnson, and is now training with them again in Ocala, Fla.

“He’s back with Al Bonanni and I know he’ll come out swinging and be aggressive, so for Adonis this fight will be to prove that what he did to Dawson was no fluke and that he is the real deal in the light heavyweight division,” Michel said. “We have to show that not only he can punch but that he can box too because he will have to do both in the fight. We’re very enthusiastic about the fight.”

“I wish I had a chance for him to fight Hopkins again,” Bonanni said. “I really felt he wasn’t right for the Hopkins fight. If Alonzo and I were there I think he would have been much more aggressive. Bu we know this here fight with Stevenson is not an easy fight. This is a southpaw, he’s taller, he has reach advantage, he is very strong and even though he is 35, he hasn’t had a lot of wear and tear.

“But Tavoris is in great physical shape. Alonzo been here for three weeks in Ocala working with him. [Monday] was my first day in the gym and Alonzo already has him in great shape. We can beat Stevenson. I’ll do my job and we’ll work on fighting a southpaw and we’ll start sparring next week. This guy [Stevenson] has tremendous power but I’ve seen a lot of things he does that are very rudimentary. He doesn’t have a lot of experience. I think he could get caught and that we have a good chance to pull the upset. They’re taking Cloud because they think he’s done, shot, finito and that’s good. We’re going there to surprise them and to win. We’re not just going there as an opponent or for a big payday.

“I’m happy to be back,” he said. “He asked me to come back. I don’t have any animosity toward him, although I lost a big payday.”

In Heavy Training for his Upcoming Fight, Don ‘Da Bomb’ George Takes Time out to Congratulate His Friend, Adonis Stevenson

Chicago-based middleweight contender Donovan “Da Bomb” George wishes to congratulate his friend and former opponent Adonis Stevenson for his WBC Light Heavyweight title-winning KO1 over Chad Dawson last Saturday.

George and Stevenson became friends while sparring at Detroit’s Kronk Gym, after the two met in a fight in October 2012 (won by Stevenson after 12 tough rounds).

“I’m very happy for Adonis,” said George (24-3-2, 21 KOs), who is currently in heavy preparations for his upcoming ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised 10-round co-main event against Caleb Truax on Friday, June 21 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

After absorbing Stevenson’s best shots, George says he wasn’t surprised by Dawson’s spectacular exit just 1:16 in the first round at the Bell Center in Montreal.

“He hits like a heavyweight. I was hurt for a month after our 12-round war. There aren’t many fighters who can take his punches and stay upright.”

George’s promoter, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, says the Dawson fight not only made a statement about Stevenson and his abilities, but about Donovan George as well.

“This is only going to be his third fight at the weight class, but Donovan is a natural middleweight, always has been” said Margules, “and he took Stevenson’s power for 12 tough rounds and kept coming. Stevenson just crushed one of the world’s best 175-lb fighters with that power. So what does that say about the toughness of Don George? Here’s a middleweight who went to war and took everything a beast like Stevenson could throw and barely blinked. It says a lot about what Donovan brings to the table, especially now that he’s at middleweight and fighting much smaller guys. Not only is his punching power incredible for a middleweight, his chin is as well.”

George says that with every fight, he’s growing more and more comfortable shedding the extra eight pounds to make middleweight and is ready for anyone in the division, including Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

“I’m unstoppable at this weight. Chavez Jr., let’s do this any time. Even at a catchweight if you want. Bring it on. If I can go 12 rounds with the light heavyweight champion of the world, one of the hardest punchers in boxing, I’m going to walk right through any middleweight.”

For his next fight, George says he will try and walk in his friend and now-world champion’s footsteps. “Just like Adonis did, I’m going to make a major statement on the 21st. I will be going for the spectacular knockout.”

###

George vs. Truax will be held on Friday, June 21, at the Minneapolis Convention Center and televised live on ESPN Friday Night Fights. It will be presented by Seconds Out Promotions and Warriors Boxing.

Tickets to Friday Night Fights at the Convention Center start at $35 and can be purchased through www.sofights.com.

In addition to George vs. Truax, seven more fights are scheduled in support of the 12-round main event featuring Cuba’s IBF #2-rated Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (18-0, 11 KO) taking on Thailand’s IBF #5-rated Fahsai “Mountain Boy” Sakkreerin (39-3-1, 21 KO).

An eight-round crosstown battle will highlight the night’s undercard, as St Paul’s Jeremy “Lights Out” McLaurin (10-5, 5 KOs) will face St Paul’s Tony “2Sharp” Lee (7-1, 3 KOs) for the vacant Minnesota State Lightweight Championship.

Local bragging rights will be on the line for these two local scrappers, so expect fireworks. McLaurin has been in with the better opposition in his career, while Lee has fewer losses.

Also scheduled is an eight-round junior middleweight scrap between “Sir” Charles Meier (7-2, 3 KOs) of Coon Rapids, MN and Tyler Hultin (5-1-2, 3 KOs) of Fergus Falls, MN and a four-round junior middleweight contest between Gavin Quinn (1-0) of Circle Pines, MN and Kenneth Glenn (2-0, 1 KOs) of Minneapolis.

Several fighters will make their professional boxing debuts that night, including a four-round junior middleweight match-up of pro debuters between LeWayne Hardiman of Las Vegas and Dustin Petron of Rosemount, MN; a four-round heavyweight bout featuring the pro debut of Pat Quinn from St Paul, MN against John Schimon (0-1) of Minneapolis; and a four-round lightweight tilt between Milwaukee’s pro debuting Adrian Martinez and Kurtis Erhorn (0-1) of Grand Rapids, MN.

YURIORKIS GAMBOA VS. DARLEY PEREZ ALVAREZ, LEMIEUX, BENCE & BETERBIEV

ONTREAL (May 22, 2013) –The interesting battle preceding the much-anticipated showdown on Saturday night, June 8, between the most dangerous super middleweight, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (20-1-0, 17 KOs), and World Boxing Council (WBC),The Ring Magazine and linear light heavyweight champion, “Bad” Chad Dawson (31-2-0, 17 KOs), features a pair of international stars adding spectacular excitement for boxing fans in attendance as well as those watching on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark,” live from the historic Bell Centre in Montreal.

GAMBOA VS. PEREZ – 50 Cent in Montreal
Former two-time world champion Yuriorkis “El Ciclon” Gamboa (22-0-0, 16 KOs) will be showcased in the June 8th co-feature. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist from Cuba faces another undefeated boxer, Colombian Darley Perez (28-0-0, 19 KOs), as Gamboa makes a foray into the lightweight division. Gamboa is considered one of the world’s top pound-for-pound boxers, as well as one of the most exciting boxers in the world. In addition, Gamboa will be accompanied by his promoter, internationally known rapper 50 Cent.

ALVAREZ VS. GREEN
Fast-rising light heavyweight Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (12-0-0, 8 KOs) is on his way to positioning himself for a world title shot. Already ranked No. 4 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 7 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), the North American champion has every intention to impress as he confronts a seasoned veteran in American opponent Allan Green (32-4-0, 22 KOs), who participated in the famous international Super Six tournament. Green, who will be fighting in Quebec for his third time, fought two of the top super middleweights in the world, Andre Ward and Mikkel Kessler, in the Super Six. In his first Quebec fight, Green registered a win by unanimous decision over Sebastien Demers, and followed that in his last Canadian appearance when he knocked-out Renan St-Juste.

LEMIEUX VS. SWIERZBINSKI
Power-punching middleweight David Lemieux (28-2-1, 27 KOs) remains a major attraction in any boxing event. Bright, fast and uncompromising in the ring, he quickly became a Quebec favorite and on this occasion he faces Polish fighter Robert Swierzbinski (11-1-0, 3 KOs). Lemieux will be seeking his 28th career knockout, unmatched by any active Quebec fighter.

BENCE VS. BARRACK
The fight that could steal the Gala Grand Prix show finds two unbeaten heavyweights, Didier “Big Daddy” Bence (8-0-0, 2 KOs) and Eric Barrack (7-0-0, 6 KOs), in a classic confrontation between a brawler (Barrack) and boxing stylist (Bence), insuring a fight that certainly will attract attention.

BOUCHARD VS. COTRONI
Quebecers are fond of fights featuring local favorites like on June 8th when young Sébastien Bouchard (6-0-0, 2KO) is opposed by Mascouche Francesco Cotroni (7-1-0, 4 KOs).

BETERBIEV VS. CRUZ
GYM predicts a great career for former world amateur champion Artur Beterbiev, who will make his professional debut against California invader Christian Cruz (12-14-1, 10 KOs).

PEDRAZA VS. TBA
Finally, another rising star in professional boxing, 2008 Puerto Rico Olympian Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (12-0-0, 8 KOs), will also be fighting against an opponent to be announced shortly.

The gala June 8 boxing event is part of that weekend’s Canada Formula One Grand Prix activities, providing additional entertainment alternatives for visitors to Montreal for the race, highlighted by a tremendous evening of world championship boxing the day before, at centrally-located Montreal Bell Centre area where most visitors will be staying.

The overall atmosphere in the arena will reflect the high-profile fever pitch of the most anticipated week of Montreal sports. Champagne will be on all tables, vintage decorations will serves as reminders of 1960 Detroit-designed cars, and accompanying young ladies will be dressed accordingly. There will also be an exposition of vintage automobiles at the Bell Centre.

Co-promoted by Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gary Shaw Production Group. (GSP), the June 8th event is a co-presentation of Mise-O-Jeux and Videotron.

Tickets, starting at ranging from 50$ in the red section of the Bell Center to 300$ at ringside are available to purchase at Bell Centre, online at www.evenko.ca, by calling GYM at (514) 383.0666 or Club de Boxe Champion (514) 376-0980

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.:
Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through supportive coaching and management, especially in competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its inception eight years ago, GYM has presented 108 events, including some historic in terms of ticket sales and PPV views, like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced over 300 hours of TV for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the US. A total of six different GYM boxers have fought in 16 world championship fights. Under the tutelage of GYM, Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2007 and Jean Pascal the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in 2009.

PEREZ vs. GAMBOA CO-FEATURE ON DAWSON-STEVENSON SHOWDOWN IN MONTREAL JUNE 8 ON HBO

May 13, 2013 – Undefeated lightweight contender Darley Perez (28-0, 19 KOs) has signed on to fight explosive Cuban superstar Yuriorkis Gamboa (22-0, 16 KOs) in the co-feature of an HBO telecast taking place on June 8th, live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. The main event that evening will be a light heavyweight title tilt between Chad Dawson and Adonis Stevenson. Perez vs. Gamboa is a strong addition to an already stellar night of boxing.

Darley Perez is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions, while Yuriorkis Gamboa is promoted by 50 Cents’ SMS Promotions.

Perez is battletested but Gamboa will be his toughest test to date. A win could put either fighter in line for a major opportunity. Perez knows what is on the line and welcomes the challenge.

For Perez, he feels this step up in competition is coming at the perfect time in his career and he has been ready for this kind of test for quite some time.

“I wouldn’t dare take Gamboa lightly, I’ll train hard for a tough fight and he’d be well-advised to do the same because I’m a top fighter. I will prove to everyone that I am a world-class fighter and the rest of the world will figure out what I already know after June 8th,” said Perez.

Gamboa, with his aggressive style, has emerged as one of the best fighters to defect from Cuba. He’ll look to continue his winning ways on fight night.

“I keep looking to prove my worth and will now do so in trying to win a 4th world title in a third weight class, the lightweight division,” Gamboa said. “I like challenging myself. June 8th I plan on showing my best yet again.”

Gary Shaw, Perez’s co-promoter, knows how ready his fighter is for this opportunity and is also aware of the fact that a win for Perez would be considered a significant upset. However, he thinks that if people were educated enough on Perez’s ability then they wouldn’t see it as that shocking an outcome.

“You have to understand that we’ve been waiting on an opportunity like this for Perez to make his mark. Some may feel like it is Darley’s chance to pull off the shocking upset, but I see it as more of a coming out party. We’ve had him caged in waiting for the chance to unleash the beast and we could’ve pulled the trigger a couple fights back and then the world would be aware of his chances in this fight. But because we knew that an opportunity like this was only a matter of time we waited and now he will show he’s been a top contender all along,” Shaw said.

“The fight on June 8th between Yuriorkis Gamboa and Darley Perez is going to be very exciting.” said Curtis Jackson (AKA 50 Cent). “Gamboa has been training really hard and his fighting style is aggressive while Perez showcases a calmer demeanor in the ring which will make for a very competitive showing.

Alex Camponovo, general manager of Thompson Boxing Promotions said, “Darley Perez is not a simple opponent, he has the necessary tools to back up his undefeated record and he will be ready to fight a guy like Gamboa. We are excited to get him this opportunity and we trust in his ability.”

Adonis ‘Superman’ Stevenson moving up to challenge WBC light heavyweight champion ‘Bad’ Chad Dawson

MONTREAL (April 10, 2013) – The most dangerous super middleweight in the world, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (20-1, 17 KOs), is moving up in weight to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (31-2, 17 KOs) on Saturday night, June 8, live on HBO Championship Boxing from the famed Bell Centre in Montreal.

Dawson vs. Stevenson is co-promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gary Shaw Productions, a co-presentation of Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.

The boxing event is included in the Canada Formula One Grand Prix activities, which will give visitors to Montreal that weekend for the race additional entertainment options, highlighted by a great night of world championship boxing the day before the race, at the centrally-located Montreal Bell Centre area where most visitors will be staying.

The overall atmosphere in the amphitheater will reflect the high-profile fever pitch of the most anticipated week of sports activities in Montreal. Champagne will be on all tables, vintage decorations will serves as reminders of 1960 Detroit-designed cars, and accompanying young ladies will be dressed accordingly. There will also be an exposition of vintage automobiles at the Bell Centre.

Legendary ring announcer, Michael Buffer, will get fans excited and ready for the Dawson-Stevenson showdown on HBO when he says his famous line, “Let’s get ready to rumble!”

Stevenson, who lives in the Quebec City of Longueuil, was the No. 1 International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight mandatory challenger for the winner of the upcoming unification fight between IBF champion Carl Froch and World Boxing Association (WBA) title-holder Mikkel Kessler. Instead of waiting even longer for his mandatory world title shot at 168-pounds, which he qualified as last October, the 35-year-old Stevenson leaped at the opportunity to fight Dawson, a three-time world and reigning WBC and The Ring Magazine 175-pound champion.

“Adonis Stevenson’s goal isn’t to only become world champion,” said GYM president Yvon Michel. “Adonis has everything needed to become a major international attraction in professional boxing, but to get there he needed the platform offered to him on June 8, fighting a crafty, dangerous opponent on a prestigious television network for world title. The table is set for Adonis; his future is now in his fists of steel! ”

Stevenson, rated No. 4 by the WBC as a light heavyweight, has dedicated his first world championship fight to the memory of his late trainer, Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward, whose nephew, Jevon “Sugar” Hill, is now Stevenson’s chief second. Steward not only predicted a world championship for Stevenson, but that he’d be a genuine star in boxing, as well. His sudden passing was like a shooting star in Stevenson’s life but the mark he left on Adonis will last forever. Stevenson’s training camp will be held in northern Michigan at the same place the great Thomas Hearns held his.

The power-punching Stevenson, a southpaw like Dawson, is riding a seven-fight win streak, all finished by sensational knockouts, over Noe Gonzalez, Jesus Gonzales, Don George, Aaron Pryor, Jr., Shujaa El Amin, Derek Edwards and Darnell Boone, the latter on March 23, in a revenge match against the only professional fighter to have defeated him.

The 30-year-old Dawson, who has moved from New Haven, Connecticut to Las Vegas, has defeated a Who’s Who of opponents during his 11 ½ year pro career, including Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver, Adrian Diaconu, Thomasz Adamek, and Glenn Johnson twice. Dawson is 9-2 (1 KO, 1 KOBY, 1 NC) in world title fights. His lone loss as a light heavyweight, ironically, was to Stevenson’s stable-mate, Jean Pascal, who faces Lucian Bute on May 25 at Belle Centre.

In his last action, Dawson dropped down to super middleweight for his September 8 fight against WBA/WBC champion Andre Ward, who retained his belts by way of a 10th round stoppage.

Tickets, starting at and ranging from $50 in the red section of the Bell Center to $300 at ringside, are available to purchase at Bell Centre, online at www.evenko.ca, by calling GYM at (514) 383.0666 or Club de boxe Champion (514) 376-0980

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.:

Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through supportive coaching and management, especially in competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its inception eight years ago, GYM has presented 108 events, including some historic in terms of ticket sales and PPV views, like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced over 300 hours of TV for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the US. A total of six different GYM boxers have fought in 16 world championship fights. Under the tutelage of GYM, Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2007 and Jean Pascal the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in 2009.