Las Vegas, NV (November 25, 2016) Former World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) Heavyweight Champion BERMANE STIVERNE (25-2-1, 21 KO’s), will battle #1 ranked contender ALEXANDER POVETKIN, (30-1-0, 22 KO’s) on Saturday, December 17 in Ekaterinburg, Russia. The winner of their highly anticipated clash will be the Mandatory Challenger to current WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder.

Currently ranked #2 by the WBC, Stiverne is deep in training at his home gym in Las Vegas, the Mayweather Boxing Club under the watchful eye of longtime trainer Don House.

“I feel great, this fight has been in the making for a while so I’ve been here training at home,” said the Haitian born Stiverne.

“I’ve got a great opportunity with this fight to get back what I had. Deontay Wilder has my belt, he beat me on my worst night. All I want is the chance to win the world title again and Mauricio and the WBC say I have to go through Alexander Povetkin and that’s what I’m going to do on December 17.”

Stiverne lost a 12-round unanimous decision and his heavyweight title to Wilder on January 17, 2015 in Las Vegas.

Continued Stiverne, “I’ve watched a few of Povetkin’s fight’s, he’s similar in size to Chris Arreola but also very skilled from his deep amateur background, solid puncher but not the tightest defense.”

On April 27, 2013, Stiverne won a unanimous decision over Arreola in Ontario, California to earn the WBC Silver Heavyweight Title.

With the retirement of long reigning champion Vitali Klitschko, the WBC ordered Stiverne to face Arreola once again for the WBC World Heavyweight Title which took place on May 10, 2014 in Los Angeles. Fighting on Arreola’s home turf for the second time, Stiverne was victorious with a brutal sixth round knockout.

Most recently Stiverne won a 10-round unanimous decision over perennial contender Derric Rossy on November 14, 2015 in Las Vegas.

“I’m always training so the time off isn’t a concern of mine,” said Stiverne. “I’ve fought everywhere and a ring is a ring, no issue at all going to Russia. I’ll be well prepared for victory over Povetkin on December 17th and then it’s onto Wilder.”

POVETKIN vs. STIVERNE is presented by World of Boxing in association with Don King Productions.

I. ADVERSE FINDING

On November 11, 2016 VADA notified the WBC that Bermane Stiverne’s anti-doping test taken from his November 4, 2016 sample (the “Test”) pursuant to the WBC Clean Boxing Program (“CPB”) yielded an adverse finding for the banned substance methylhexaneamine (also known as dimethyamylamine or “DMAA”).

II. METHYLHEXANEAMINE a/k/a DIMETHYAMYLAMINE OR DMAA
DMAA is sold currently as a dietary supplement and as an ingredient is various energy preparations. Due to safety concerns, DMAA has been temporarily removed from military stores in the US. Its use has been linked to several reports of serious, life-threatening side effects which appears to be the main reason why the World Anti-Doping Agency added DMAA to its prohibited substances list in 2010.

III. MR. STIVERNE’S TEST AND RESULTS

Upon learning of Stiverne’s anti-doping test result, the WBC immediately started an investigation of the: (1) circumstances surrounding the adverse finding; and (2) history and properties of DMAA. The WBC considers those steps necessary to achieve a ruling consistent with the WBC Rules and Regulations and with the WBC CPB Protocol.

Throughout the investigative process, Stiverne has been extremely cooperative and 100% forthcoming. Stiverne informed the WBC that on the day of the Test, in order to facilitate urination, he took a dietary supplement called SUPERPHARM in front of the sample collector. He reported the ingestion of that supplement in the Declaration of Medication Use section of the doping control form he filled in connection with the Test.

Stiverne also reported that he ingested the supplement twice the same day and that he took it because the supplement staff at EOS Gym in Henderson, Nevada recommended it to him. He was looking for a product that would help him with post-work out fatigue. Stiverne is fully aware of the gravity of the mistake he made by taking an off-the-shelf supplement without investigating its ingredients in detail. Stiverne also realizes that he is ultimately responsible for anything that he ingests. In short, he now realizes that he was very naïve by following a store’s recommendation of an off-the-shelf supplement while being ignorant of its contents.

IV. WBC’S FINDINGS

Based on detailed research and information gathering, the WBC finds as follows:
1. Stiverne agreed to participate in the WBC CBP in connection with the Bout.
2. DMAA is a banned substance under the WBC CPB by virtue of its inclusion in VADA’s List of Banned Substances.
3. The anti-doping test of sample collected from Stiverne on November 4, 2016, tested positive for DMAA.
4. Stiverne admitted taking a dietary supplement that unbeknownst to him, included DMAA as an ingredient.
5. The WBC is not aware that Stiverne has ever tested positive for any banned substances.
6. There is no evidence that Stiverne intentionally or even knowingly, ingested a banned substance with the purpose of enhancing his performance in any fashion.
7. Stiverne’s ingestion of DMAA was purely accidental.
8. As the CBP’s Results Manager, the WBC has complete discretion as to the extent and nature of any penalty it imposes upon Stiverne.

V. WBC BOARD OF GOVERNOR’S RULING

The WBC Board of Governor’s ruling is based on the facts as known to the WBC at the time of the ruling. Based on the adverse finding of Stiverne’s “A” November 4, 2016 sample, and taking into consideration Stiverne ingested a dietary supplement that contained DMAA without knowledge that he was consuming a banned substance, WBC has ruled as follows:
a. The WBC CBP considers Stiverne’s adverse finding a first violation of the WBC CBP under its Protocol;
b. The WBC will not withdraw its sanction of the Bout at this point in light of the fact that there is sufficient time to put in place preventative and remedial measures to protect the health and safety of the Bout’s participants;
c. VADA, pursuant to the WBC CBP, will design a specific testing protocol for Stiverne at Stiverne’s own cost and expense. The VADA-designed protocol will commence as soon as feasible after this ruling and will continue until after the Bout and for six months thereafter;
d. In the event there is an adverse finding concerning any of Stiverne’s samples during the time prescribed above, the WBC shall immediately: (1) suspend Stiverne from participation in any WBC-sanctioned events indefinitely; (2) divest Stiverne from any WBC title or any other rights he might have at the time; and (3) impose any and all available penalties under the CBP without further inquiry;
e. The WBC shall work with Stiverne to design a program consisting of 40 hours of community or social work in the area of doping prevention education to young athletes; and
f. Stiverne shall pay a fine of $75,000 to the WBC CBP.

A purse offer was held today in New York for the WBC heavyweight interim championship bout between Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne. The winning promoter was World of Boxing with a bid of $3,165,000 dollars.

The purse offer for the mandatory defense of WBC heavyweight silver champion Johann Duhaupas against Carlos Takam was also held today in New York. The winning promoter was OPI2000, Salvatore and Christian Cherchi, with a bid of $235,000 dollars.

Representatives of former heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne will have a purse bid this Friday for a proposed WBC Interim title fight, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I would like to thank Don King and the honorable Mauricio Sulaiman of the WBC for giving me this opportunity to fight for the heavyweight title once again,” Stiverne said. “For the betterment of boxing in general, and the heavyweight division in particular, I plan to knock Povetkin out and bring this title to America. Then I will get my revenge against Wilder, when he is ready.”

“I have been taking calls, for weeks, from interested parties, and we will consider all options,” said King, who will control where the fight will take place if he wins the purse bid.

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 30, 2016) — The architect and impresario behind the legendary The Rumble In the Jungle and Thrilla in Manila and countless other historic classic boxing events, Hall of Fame promoter, Don King, has plenty of fight left in him.

King, still going strong at 85, is planning an upcoming “Salute To Greatness” worldwide boxing series in memory of Muhammad Ali.

The idea, says King, “is to do a global salute to the memory of the greatest, Muhammed Ali’’ by revisiting some of the cities and countries King helped make famous and to promote major championship events, every few months, in new locations around the world, for Ali and the people’s champions for peace globally.

“I brought international fame and acclaim to cities and countries, brought them worldwide recognition, put them on map,’’ King said. “We put Manila on the map, same with Zaire and many other places. With this series, we’re open to do things that have never happened before.

“We could go anywhere and everywhere, we’re gonna conquer the world. They’re calling me, Africa is calling me. I don’t even have to call them.

“It’s the 41st anniversary of The Thrilla in Manila, the 42nd anniversary of The Rumble In The Jungle. We could take George Foreman, Larry Holmes, go to Mexico for Julio Cesar Chavez, Panama for Roberto Duran, Puerto Rico for Felix “Tito” Trinidad, and just go around. The possibilities are endless.’’

King promotes former heavyweight champion Bername Stiverene (25-2-1, 21 KOs), a Haiti native living in Las Vegas who is scheduled to face Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs), a former world titleholder and 2004 Russian Olympic gold medalist, for the vacant WBC interim title in a fight mandated by the WBC. Negotiations have begun.

The Stiverne-Povetkin winner would face the unbeaten American, WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, once he’s fully recuperated from a broken hand and torn biceps suffered in his last defense against Chris Arreola. Wilder hopes to return to the ring by mid-January.

“I would love to make the fight between Stiverne, the WBC’s No. 2 contender and Povetkin, who’s No. 1,” King said. “We could do the fight in Russia, the U.S. even Africa. I’m friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin and I’m a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, who I’ve known a long time. Maybe the Presidents could sit together at ringside, President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump. Can you imagine??????

“The (Stiverne-Povetkin) fight would mark the first in a long journey. If Bermane wins, we take him around the world. Bermane has a lot to prove. He’s the only fighter to go the distance with Wilder, but he gave that fight away. This is his chance for redemption; the tour will go on with or without him. We shall overcome!

“This is the Love & Peace Roundup for me. I’m back in the saddle. There’s no stopping this series. It’s a ‘Salute to Greatness’ in the memory of Ali and for all the great fighters all over the world.’’

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Former world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin will not be punished by the WBC after his positive drug test before his since-cancelled fight with Deontay Wilder.

“As a result of his injuries and surgeries, champion Wilder is expected to be inactive until some time in 2017,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “Deontay Wilder is confirmed as WBC heavyweight champion and will have the time to recover from his multiple injuries and surgeries. Wilder will retain his rights as champion, including the 70 percent advantage in case his mandatory bout needs to go to purse bid, once he returns to action.

“An interim championship is ordered between the two highest available contenders, No. 1 Alexander Povetkin and No. 2 Bermane Stiverne.”

Andrey Ryabinsky of World of Boxing, Povetkin’s promoter, viewed the ruling as a victory for Povetkin.

“We won,” he wrote on social media. “Povetkin has been vindicated, and must now fight Stiverne because Wilder is injured. I’ll still keep up the legal action against Wilder’s team.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin’s “B”sample came up positive for his random drug test for his muted fight against WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Povetkin’s mandatory shot at heavyweight world titleholder Deontay Wilder, scheduled to take place May 21 at the Khodynka Ice Palace in Moscow, was called off after his “A” sample came up positive for meldonium nine days before the fight. The sample had been taken in a random urine test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association on April 27.

Povetkin, 36, had the right to have his “B” sample tested, and he did. According to the VADA testing report, which was obtained by ESPN.com, it was also positive for meldonium.

Due to a recent test failure for PED’s by mandatory challenger, Alexander Povetkin, The fight with Povetkin challenging WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has set for next Saturday has been postponed by the WBC, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“The World Boxing Council is diligently addressing the positive test result from the [WBC’s] clean boxing program for mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “Keeping the priority of safety and also the principle of justice, the WBC will continue the investigation into the case. Consequently, the event scheduled for May 21 in Moscow is hereby officially postponed. The WBC will be releasing more information in the coming days regarding the final ruling on the matter.”

“I’m very disappointed that due to Povetkin’s failed drug test the fight is not going to happen on May 21 in Moscow,” Wilder said in a statement. “I had worked very hard to prepare myself for this important title defense, spending the last two weeks training in England to get accustomed to fighting in Europe. I wanted to give the fans a great show, but we understand the WBC’s position that the fight occur on an even playing field.

“This is a huge disappointment and a setback to my goals in boxing. I want to be an active heavyweight champion and it is still my goal to collect all the belts and become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”

“The guy tested positive for a dangerous drug and the health and safety of Deontay was paramount, so the fight could not take place on May 21,” Wilder promoter Lou DiBella told ESPN.com. “Deontay would have fought King Kong without any regard for what substance was being used, but Povetkin’s use of this banned substance and the breach of the contract deprived Deontay of an opportunity to defend his title on a fair playing field. As a result, Deontay has suffered significant damages.

“He has gone through his entire training camp and expended a tremendous amount of time and money and energy. It’s awful.”

“Any talk from Ryabinsky of a rescheduled date is both unfounded and premature,” DiBella said. “We need to sit back and await further rulings from the WBC, but we will weigh all of our options.”

“He has not taken it since Jan. 1. The situation is ambiguous,” Ryabinsky told Russia’s TASS news agency before the fight was called off. “The blood sample was taken in April this year.”

Number-one ranked heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin tested positive for a banned substance, putting his fight title fight with Deontay Wilder, scheduled for next Saturday in Russia in doubt, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“This letter is to advise you that the ‘A’ sample urine specimen number 3969608 collected from Alexander Povetkin on April 27, 2016 in Chekhov, Russia through his participation in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) program has been analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, stimulants and drugs of abuse,” Goodman wrote. “The results of the analysis are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains meldonium.”

“Mr. Povetkin has the right to promptly request analysis of the ‘B’ sample at his expense,” Goodman wrote. “Please be aware that VADA does not adjudicate results nor determine whether sanctions are appropriate. As with all results, adverse findings are reported to the relevant commission(s) who may make such determinations.”

“Traces of extremely low concentration of meldonium have been found in his blood. He consumed it in September last year,” Povetkin promoter Andrey Ryabinsky of World of Boxing said, according to the Russian TASS news agency. “He has not taken it since Jan. 1. The situation is ambiguous. The blood sample was taken in April this year. We have been in contact with the World Boxing Council, which is to decide if Povetkin’s boxing bout against Deontay Wilder will take place or not.”

Promoter Lou DiBella, representing Wilder, told ESPN that he and the Wilder team were still gathering information on the situation.

“We literally have received this in the last hour and have not even had a chance to discuss this with our team,” DiBella said. “We’re in the process of doing this right now. But it’s extremely upsetting and disappointing and while I am angry, I am certainly not shocked. We’ll make a more detailed statement and figure things out when we discuss this among ourselves and with the WBC. We haven’t had enough time to digest this. We’ll have more to say later.”

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman issued a statement after learning of Povetkin’s positive test.

“The WBC’s priority is and will always be safety, fair play and justice,” Sulaiman said. “In order to continue to strive for the absolute safety of the boxers and for a just and fair outcome for all parties involved, the WBC is conducting an in-depth investigation of this matter. The WBC will make a public announcement in the very near future concerning the results of its investigation and any appropriate steps that it will take.”

Earlier this week on a media teleconference to discuss the fight, DiBella was asked about the testing.

“Deontay’s always said, a million times, he’s never been hesitant to get involved in testing,” DiBella said. “And we wanted testing to begin, frankly, before it did. But it began with what we believe is plenty of time to make sure that everything is on the up-and-up. There’s been already a number of random tests of both athletes that have turned out negative. So we’re not concerned about that as an issue. And the testing is being done by VADA and they’ve been very buttoned up and everything’s been handled appropriately.

“In a perfect world, we might have liked it to start a little bit earlier, but that’s not an issue. … It’s in the hands of VADA, and we’re very comfortable with it in the hands of VADA.”

“I’m going to tell you right now I am super-excited about going to Moscow, Russia, defending my title,” Wilder said. “You know it seems like every time I turn around — when I have the big stage and the cameras — it’s always a moment for me. And this moment right here’s putting me down in history as the first American ever to defend his title in Russia. And I’m looking to do it in great fashion and to represent my country.”

BROOKLYN (May 11, 2016) – BROOKLYN BOXING is headed to Russia where world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will promote Barclays Center’s flourishing boxing platform on his Everlast gear during training camp and fight week ahead of his title defense against Russian fighter Alexander Povetkin on May 21 at Megasport Arena in Moscow. Wilder has a long-standing alliance with Everlast.

Wilder established a strong bond with Barclays Center earlier this year when he defended his title in Brooklyn by knocking out Artur Szpilka in the 9th round on January 16, 2016.

“I’m excited to represent BROOKLYN BOXING in Russia as I get ready to retain my world championship belt,” said Wilder, who has a record of 36-0, 35 KO’s. “I had a memorable night at Barclays Center and I already consider it my home away from home.”

“We are thrilled to have world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder bring BROOKLYN BOXING to Moscow,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “The BROOKLYN BOXING brand has quickly resonated in the U.S. and we are excited to extend our reach into Russia and beyond.”

Further diversifying its BROOKLYN BOXING brand, Barclays Center has partnered with Tribune Media’s PIX 11 to produce a 30-minute television special, BROOKLYN BOXING COUNTDOWN, which premiered on April 16 before the arena hosted Errol Spence Jr.’s 5th round TKO against Chris Algieri. Following the success of the broadcast, Barclays Center and PIX 11 will continue to produce the show prior to major boxing events at the venue.

ABOUT BROOKLYN BOXING™
Upon opening in 2012, Barclays Center brought major championship boxing back to Brooklyn after more than 50 years. Over the past four years, the BROOKLYN BOXING franchise has hosted more than 100 bouts and more than 20 world title fights while giving local fighters their own shot in the spotlight. In April 2016, BROOKLYN BOXING extended its brand by creating an active wear and lifestyle apparel line that is available at www.BrooklynBoxingShop.com. BROOKLYN BOXING is proudly presented by AARP.

ABOUT BROOKLYN SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment is the business enterprise that manages and controls Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets, and the New York Islanders business operations. It is currently overseeing the redevelopment of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and will also manage the Coliseum’s future operations upon its opening in December 2016. BSE identifies and creates alliances, strategic partners and other business opportunities to ensure the success of its assets. For more information on Barclays Center, please visit www.barclayscenter.com or follow on Twitter and Instagram @barclayscenter.

LONDON (April 22) – BoxNation subscribers who join the channel ahead of pound-for-pound star Gennady Golovkin’s world title clash this weekend against Dominic Wade will be able to enjoy an incredible first month of live action.

Available at just £12 a month, fight fans who sign up to ‘The Channel of Champions’ before Saturday night will not only be able to see knockout king Golovkin take on undefeated challenger Wade but a spectacular line up of world class fights in their first four weeks.

BoxNation is to screen a host of exclusively live fights in the coming weeks including British ace Amir Khan’s biggest fight to date when he takes on lineal middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez from the new state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 7th.

Kazakh assassin Golovkin will be looking to make a big statement to prove to both Khan and Canelo that he is the top dog in the 160-pound division when he goes up against the unbeaten and talented American Wade from The Forum in Inglewood,

California. Plus, that’s not all, BoxNation subscribers will be able to see the very best heavyweight action from a division that has revived itself to become one of the sports most talked about.

And one of its brashest talkers, and most skilled fighters, WBC world champion Deontay Wilder goes up against the ruthless Russian Alexander Povetkin exclusively live from the Megasport Arena in Moscow on May 21st.

The charismatic and playful American will be looking to entertain as he takes on Povetkin in a dangerous matchup that could prove to be Wilder’s trickiest test yet.

The division is stacked with emerging talent with another Fury out to cause havoc as cousin Hughie looks to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious cousin, unified world champion Tyson.

21-year-old Hughie will look to showcase his talent and stake his claim for a shot at the big time when he meets Fred Kassi on a stacked card at the Copper Box Arena in London next Saturday night.

The card also features talented lightweight Liam Walsh who will be out to extend his unbeaten run to 20 fights when he takes on Troy James.

BoxNation will be the only place to see how all these fights play out over the coming weeks, with subscribers guaranteed to enjoy a whole summer of thrilling and unrivalled boxing action.

On top of this coming month, BoxNation will be the only place to see the megafight between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko as they lock horns in a rematch at the Manchester Arena on July 9th.

BoxNation regularly screens the best fights around, at incredible value, offering fans the chance to watch on various platforms including Sky, Virgin, TalkTalk, Freeview, online and app.

Jim McMunn, Managing Director at BoxNation, said: “Our upcoming calendar of live fights is our best to date – and that is saying something. We have shown some of the biggest and best fights around in recent years but the impending schedule is certainly something to be very excited about. For just £12 a month BoxNation will deliver to boxing and sports fans the best fights this summer at a truly remarkable value-for-money price. The world class boxing action and value we are delivering to our subscribers is unmatched anywhere else. The next few months is going to witness some historic fights and is certainly not to be missed.”

Watch Golovkin v Wade live on BoxNation this Saturday night from 2am. BoxNation is available on Sky (Ch.437/490HD), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

NORTHPORT, ALA. (April 21, 2016) -Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder hosted a media workout Tuesday at the Skyy Gym in Northport, Ala. as he prepares to become the first reigning American heavyweight champion to travel to Russia to defend his title.

In exactly one month, on Saturday, May 21, Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will put his world title on the line against mandatory challenger and native Russian, Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs), in Moscow.

Here’s what Wilder said at his Media Workout day on Tuesday:

DEONTAY WILDER

(On his expectations going to Russia…)

“My expectation is, of course, to win. To come back with that victory for America. This is a big fight, not just for myself, for America. It’s like Russia vs. America. I’ve been getting nothing but positive feedback from fans all over. Even if they weren’t a fan of Deontay Wilder they are now for this very fight. Hopefully I can win them over to stay a fan of Deontay Wilder after this fight. I think it’s a great fight. I think it’s a great thing that we’re going over to Russia defending my title in somebody else’s backyard.

“Like I said before, it’s easier for me to fight here in American but that’s not what it’s all about to me. When I have a title that says the heavyweight champion of the world, I want to travel all over the world to defend my title. I’m living my dream, I’m getting an opportunity to do that with this fight. I’m looking forward to Russia and I want to tell Russia,’Here I come.’ ”

(What it means to be the first heavyweight champion to fight in Russia…)

“It means a lot. It makes me even closer to my faith. God doesn’t make mistakes in lives. He doesn’t make a mistake in my life, your life or anybody else. Things happen for a reason and they happen at the right time in your life. Things may not come when you want it, but when they come it’s right on time. The things that have been accumulating throughout my career, it’s been amazing. How I’ve been able to make history, beat other records, and continue to make history. It’s amazing. I just want to know what else he has in store for my life. If it’s continuously history being made, what’s next? I’m excited.

“I can’t wait to see how my life unfolds at the end of my career. What happens at the end of Deontay Wilder when it’s time for him to say I’ve done all I’ve done in this sport and I don’t want to do it anymore. I want to see how much ground I can cover for those that have come before me.”

(How you predict the fight going…)

“I predict the fight as being a punishment in the first round and then knocking him out. All heavyweights want to knock somebody out so we have to say we’re going to knock them out. This is the cream of the crop division. The heavyweights. The hard-hitters. The heavy hitters, as they say. When we step in that ring, nothing is acceptable but a knockout. And I’m looking to knock him out.”

(On if he’s reached his peak…)

“Not at all and that’s the scary part about it. I haven’t even reached my peak yet and I’m still learning on the way up. I want to always learn. Each and every fight brings experience to me. It brings something that I’ve taken away from that fight and that I’ve added to the next fight. Looking forward to being very crisp and very good in this fight and showing people a little bit more of what Deontay Wilder is capable of. Especially those who haven’t seen anything thus far yet, stay tuned to this fight. This is one you don’t want to miss.”

(On unifying the titles in the future…)

“Most definitely. I really feel when I say that I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, I don’t just say it to say it, but I also feel it inside me, deep inside me that I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and add my name to the few undisputed champions that have come before me. My name will be placed in history on that. Why wouldn’t it? All the things I’ve done up to now, that will be the icing on my cake to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I won’t stop, no matter how many hours I have to put in. No matter how many fights that I have to take. No matter how many countries I have to visit to defend my title. I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”

(On concerns about going to Russia…)

“I don’t have any concerns. I don’t let my brain sit back and think about if I don’t knock him out or are they going to rob me, or anything like that. I just don’t want my mind to be on that when I’m in a fight. I want to have a clear mind. I want to go in there and do what Deontay is capable of doing. Like I said, all things are in God’s hands and if it’s in his will for me to win, it’s going to happen. If not then, I don’t stop there. My legacy is not going to stop there. But I’m very confident in what I’m about to do and what I’m going to do, and we all know that if we knock him out then we don’t have to worry about that. So of course that’s going to be my priority on my list – to knock him out.”

BoxNation will broadcast exclusively live in the UK Deontay Wilder’s WBC World Heavyweight title defence against Alexander Povetkin from Moscow, Russia, on Saturday 21st May.

The undefeated American superstar puts his title on the line for the fourth time against the Russian mandatory challenger and former WBA World Champion at the Khodynka Ice Palace.

In a real life re-enactment of the iconic Rocky IV movie that saw Rocky Balboa head to Russia and face the indestructible Ivan Drago, Wilder must enter hostile territory after Povetkin’s promoters won the purse bid to stage the fight on home soil.

The dynamite-punching and brash Wilder, 30, has lit up the heavyweight division with his explosive performances that have seen him stop all but one of his 36 opponents with a staggering 28 coming inside three rounds.

Since winning the WBC crown from Berman Stiverne in January last year, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ has made title defences against Eric Molina, Johann Dhaupas and Artur Szpilka and won all by stoppage, but now faces the most difficult challenge of his career.

Povetkin, 36, a former world class amateur winning Gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2003 World Championships, won the WBA World title in 2001 by defeating Ruslan Chagaev in 2011 and made title defences against Cedric Boswell, Marco Huck, Hasim Rahman and Andrzej Wawrzyk – winning three out of four by stoppage.

A unification showdown against then division king Wladimir Klitschko, the IBF, WBO, WBA Super World Champion followed in October 2013 and despite being floored four times in the fight, Povetkin took Klitschko the full distance only to lose on the judges’ scorecards, which remains his sole career defeat. Since then he’s knocked-out his last four opponents to earn his world title shot.

Chief-support on the card sees two-time WBA World Cruiserweight Champion Dennis Lebedev in a unification battle against IBF World Champion Victor Emilio Ramirez.

Further big live world title action coming up on the Channel of Champions in April sees Eduard Troyanovsky and Cesar Rene Cuenca clash in a highly anticipated rematch on Friday 8th April from the Krylia Sovetov in Moscow, Russia.

Russian Troyanovsky beat Argentinean Cuenca last November, halting him in six rounds with many feeling that the fight was stopped too early and now they collide again with the IBF and IBO World Super-Lightweight titles on the line.

On Saturday 16th April live coverage comes from The Barclays Centre, New York, when WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Krzysztof Glowacki makes the opening defence of his title against former two-time IBF World Champion Steve Cunningham.

Glowacki won the title in a thriller in his last fight against Marco Huck last August when he stopped the German based Serbian in the eleventh round, live on BoxNation.

Huck dropped Pole Glowacki in the sixth round and was ahead on the scorecards before Glowacki found a big punch to floor Huck in the eleventh, it could have been stopped by the referee, but he was given a chance to continue and Glowacki steamed in to get the stoppage.

Also on the card fast rising star and 2012 U.S Olympian Errol Spence aims to become the first fighter to stop former world champion Chris Algieri in a 10-round welterweight showdown.

– Ends –

About BoxNation

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

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

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

LONDON (19 October) – BoxNation will air big-punching Russian Alexander Povetkin’s showdown with Mariusz Wach exclusively live on a stacked bill on November 4th.

The imposing Povetkin is coming off a stunning first-round stoppage over the skilled Cuban Mike Perez who he dismantled in just over a minute in May.

Following that win the 36-year-old is now on course for a meeting with WBC world champion Deontay Wilder but must first get past a dangerous foe in Wach, who like the Russian has only one loss on his record to that of boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko.

A new era is shaping up in the heavyweight division with both Povetkin and Wach among the frontrunners looking to stamp their mark in what has historically been boxing’s glamour division.

Poland’s Wach has been on a four-run winning streak since his setback to Klitschko in 2012 and against Povetkin, the man known as ‘The Viking’, will be looking to use his 6ft 7inch frame to dominate his smaller opponent.

Though that will be no easy task with Povetkin having a history of toppling bigger men, as his record of 21 knockouts from his 29 wins proves.

The Wednesday night fight card, taking place at Basket-Hall Arena in Kazan, will also see a host of other exciting matchups taking place with WBA champion Denis Lebedev, who beat Youri Kayembre Kalenga earlier this year by unanimous decision facing Lateef Kayode.

Kayode is undefeated in 21 fights, with 16 KOs, and will be out to claim his first world title against the tough Lebedev who has 27 wins, 20 KOs, with just two defeats on his record.

In addition, 2008 gold medalist Rakim Chakhkiev will look for his fifth-straight knockout against California-based Londoner Ola Afolabi, with IBF light-welterweight ace Cesar Rene Cuenca looking to equal Floyd Mayweather’s 49-0 record against Eduard Troyanovsky.

Knockout king Dmitry Kudryashov, who has stopped all 18 of his opponents, challenges for the vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title against another hard-hitter in Olanrewaju Durodola, who has 19 knockouts in his 21 wins.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “This is a really exciting card featuring some of the very best fighters in the world. The main event is an intriguing matchup with the winner putting themselves in pole position for a shot at the WBC heavyweight world title. There is also the chance to see some top class cruiserweight action and the fact that the bill has some of the biggest hitters around makes for a thrilling night of boxing.”

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415, online or app) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com.

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

LONDON (22 May) – Boxing has enjoyed an incredible year in 2015 with BoxNation at the forefront having screened the biggest and best fights around.

In the past few weeks alone ‘The Channel of Champions’ has shown some of the highest viewed fights in years live and exclusive including the thrilling toe-to-toe war between Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov, heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko’s defence of his world titles against Bryant Jennings, Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez’s brutal knockout of James Kirkland and Kazakh ace Gennady Golovkin’s stunning win over Willie Monroe Jr.

Those eye-catching battles will undoubtedly go down among the top highlights of a remarkable year with BoxNation set to keep delivering with an unbelievable value-for-money lineup over the summer.

The non-stop live boxing action starts tonight when Russian kingpin Alexander Povetkin takes on the Cork based Cuban Mike Perez as both slug it out to see who will compete for the charismatic Deontay Wilder’s WBC heavyweight world title next up.

Then, next Friday night, live from the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters is back when British welterweight star Amir Khan takes on Chris Algieri as he looks to get his name into the Floyd Mayweather sweepstakes for September.

28-year-old Khan is coming-off a dazzling display against the tricky Devon Alexander in his last matchup but will have to be at his best against former champion Algieri who is fighting in his hometown under respected new head trainer John David Jackson.

A host of top fights keep coming on BoxNation when Puerto Rican idol Miguel Cotto takes on former two-time world champion Daniel Geale in a bout that could lead to a superfight for the victor.

Four-weight world champion Cotto has enjoyed a revival under Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach and is looking more dangerous than ever as he eyes a showdown with Canelo Alvarez should he prevail on June 6th.

Featherweight assassin and reigning WBA Super champion Nicholas Walters will be out a week later on June 13th as he puts his title on the line against knockout king Miguel Marriaga.

The Columbian holds a win over the unbeaten Walters in the amateurs, with the Jamaican hitter out for revenge and looking to continue his fine form that has seen him destroy 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito Donaire last October.

Top welterweight Tim Bradley is hoping to cement his name at the pinnacle of the 147 pound division but will have his work cut out against rising American Jessie Vargas who goes up against the experienced 31-year-old in his breakout fight.

Vargas is mentored by fight legend Roy Jones Jr, having once trained under the Mayweather banner, and is well aware that a win over Bradley will catapult him to the top of the division.

Plus, on July 11th from the Manchester Velodrome, lightweight Terry Flanagan will have home advantage as he challenges for the vacant WBO world title against Jose Zepeda.

Both men are undefeated but Manchester born Flanagan, with a record of 27-0, will look to capitalise on fighting in front of his home crowd against 25-year-old big-hitting Zepeda, who has knocked out 20 opponents in his 23 wins.

There is even more big-hitting to come on BoxNation when one of the world’s most feared knockout artists Sergey Kovalev defends his prized WBA, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight titles against Frenchman Nadjib Mohammedi.

The 175-pound hitman has made light work of his previous 27 opponents, putting 24 of them to sleep along the way, and will be out to do much of the same against Mohammedi as he eyes a megafight with rival Adonis Stevenson in the near future.

Jim McMunn, Managing Director of BoxNation, said: “BoxNation is enjoying an amazing year with a host of record breaking fights having been screened live and exclusive on the channel. 2015 has already witnessed some unbelievable matchups and things just get better on BoxNation with a jam-packed summer schedule featuring the biggest and best names around. BoxNation continuously looks to deliver the best fights from around the world at a genuinely affordable and value-for-money price for our subscribers. The next few weeks on BoxNation is truly a fight fan’s dream.”

To subscribe to BoxNation (on Sky/Virgin/TalkTalk/ Livesport.tv/Apps) for just £12 a month please visit boxnation.com.

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

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

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

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.525), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes will present exclusive coverage in the U.S. of the 12-round WBC World Heavyweight title eliminator between contenders Alexander Povetkin (28-1-1, 20 KOs) and Mike Pérez (21-1-0, 13 KOs) on Friday, May 22. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight belt. The card, from Moscow is presented by K2 Promotions.

ESPN3 will carry the fight live and will also include additional live undercard bouts beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET. ESPN2 will televise the fight on tape-delay at 9 p.m. leading into the Boxcino 2015 finals on the series finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights. ESPN Deportes will also televise the fight on tape-delay at 9 p.m. leading into its Noche de Combates telecast.

ESPN2 and ESPN3’s presentation will utilize the English-language world feed. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights for ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-anchor the studio.

ESPN3’s live presentation will also include:

· The 12-round WBC World Cruiserweight title fight between titleholder Grigory Drozd (39-1, 27 KOs) and Lukasz Janik;

· A cruiserweight bout between 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev (22-1, 17 KOs) and undefeated Junior Wright (13-0-1, 11 KOs);

· A cruiserweight matchup between undefeated Dmitry Kudryashov (17-0, 17 KOs) and Vikapita Meroro (28-4, 14 KOs).

LONDON (May 11) – The titanic heavyweight clash between big-hitters Alexander Povetkin and Mike Perez to see who will be next up for a shot at Deontay Wilder’s WBC title will be screened live and exclusive on BoxNation on May 22.

The pair meet at Luzhniki Arena in Moscow as they compete in a final eliminator for a chance to fight for the illustrious WBC green belt which was captured by the flashy and charismatic Wilder earlier this year when he overcame the brave Bermane Stiverne.

Povetkin and Perez, rated number one and two respectively by the WBC, are two of the very best heavyweights around and share only a single defeat each on their records, with 35-year-old Povetkin’s coming against the legendary Wladimir Klitschko two years ago.

Now though, having accumulated 28 wins in 29 fights, 20 from knockout, the sturdy Povetkin will be fighting in front of his home fans as he takes on the well schooled Cork based Cuban Perez who has 21 victories, with his one loss a narrow split decision to Bryant Jennings.

Wilder is expected to fight this summer and should he come through unscathed it would set up an intriguing battle with either man later this year.

The heavyweight division has been on the rise of late with an injection of talented new blood who are eager to put an end to the past decade of Klitschko brother dominance.

Following the retirement of older sibling Vitali, who held the WBC belt, Wladimir is still flying the flag but is set to face British heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury next up.

In other action on the Povetkin-Perez card, WBC cruiserweight champion Grigory Drozd (39-1, 27 KOs) will be facing former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (49-3, 35 KOs), with the two having met last September in a fight which Drozd won on points.

Other bouts include 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev (22-1, 17 KOs) against Mirko Larghetto (22-1-0, 14 KOs) and fearsome knockout artist Dmitry Kudryashov (17-0, 17 KOs) is up against fellow cruiserweight Vikapita Meroro (28-4, 14 KOs).

Also, former heavyweight title challengers Manuel Charr (27-3, 16 KOs) and Alex Leapai (30-6-3, 24 KOs) clash in a crossroads contest.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 525) for just £12 a month please visit boxnation.com.

-Ends-

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

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence.

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

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.525), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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

When “Diamond Boy” Manuel Charr and former WBA world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin step into the ring at Luzhniki Arena in Moscow (Russia) tonight (live on live.360fights.com / broadcast starts at noon EST / 6pm Central European Time) they will not only fight for the WBC international championship. According to Manuel Charr the fight will also be dedicated to the peace process in Syria.

“I respect Alexander Povetkin. He is a likable guy and a great champion. We will not only fight against each other in the ring – we also fight together for peace in the world and especially in Syria”, says Charr. “It is an honor to fight for the WBC international championship because the WBC has always supported the ‘Fight for Peace’ all around the world. And I know that WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman is expecially concerned about the Middle East – just like his father Don José has always been.”

José Sulaiman who passed away in January would have celebrated his 83th birthday today. So the fight between Charr and Povetkin is not only dedicated to peace but also to the longtime WBC President. The show in Moscow also features the WBC Silver cruiserweight championship bout between Rakhim Chakhkiev and Santander Silgado from Colombia and the WBC CISBB welterweight championship bout between Aslanbek Kozaev and Igor Faniyan from Ukraine.

In Germany, Austria, Switzerland, former Yugoslavia, Syria and the USA the show will be broadcasted live on live.360fights.com (starting at 12pm noon EST / 6pm Central European time).

This Friday (May 30th) former WBA heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin takes on former world title contender Manuel Charr for the vacant WBC international heavyweight championship at Luzhniki-Arena in Moscow. It will be Povetkin’s first fight since his sole career loss to supreme unified titlist Wladimir Klitschko last October. Both men know each other very well from their time as training partners when they were both under contract with German promoter powerhouse Sauerland Event.

When they met for the first time in years at the official press conference in Moscow, both Charr and Povetkin showed great respect for their opponent. At the same time both men are very confident that they will win the heavyweight clash on Friday night. “Alexander Povetkin will not stop me on my way to become heavyweight champion of the world”, said “Diamond Boy” Manuel Charr. “I want to thank him, his team and especially promoter Andrey Rabinsky for making this special fight possible. Not many guys have the guts to fight me. Povetkin doesn’t look scared right now – but he will regret inviting me to Moscow. I will beat him and continue my way to the top of the division.”

Answered Povetkin, “You have to respect Manuel Charr for accepting the challenge and coming to Moscow. He is a good fighter and shows great heart in returning to the place where he lost to Vitali Klitschko. But he will have no chance because of the simple fact that I am better than him. This is a big fight but it will only be a stepping stone for me to get to even bigger bouts. I want to become world champion again.”

The winner of the bout will line up along with a lot of great names who want to get their hands on newly crowned WBC champion Bermane Stiverne such as mandatory challenger Deontay Wilder, Bryant Jennings, Mike Perez, Tony Thompson, Carlos Takam and – last but surely not least – Wladimir Klitschko who just recently said that he would prefer a unification bout against Stiverne instead of doing his next mandatory against Kubrat Pulev.

A great former champion in attendance in Moscow and at the press conference is Evander Holyfield who will watch the fight ringside. “I am sure that this will be a great fight”, said the “Real Deal”. “It is my impression that the heavyweight division is getting better and more interesting again with fresh blood and young guys accepting big fights. Stiverne vs. Arreola was a good start. I believe Charr vs. Povetkin may even be a better fight. It’s good to see guys stepping up for the challenge.”

“Diamond Boy” Manuel Charr is heading to Moscow again to face former world champion Alexander Povetkin on May 30th for the WBC international heavyweight championship. “This will be an awesome fight”, says Charr. “I am very proud that I got invited to fight Povetkin and reached an agreement with his handlers. This is my big chance to get in line for another world title shot. The winner will move up the WBC ratings to a top position. And one thing I know for sure: If I can beat Povetkin in Moscow, I can and will definitely go on to do what I promised Don José Sulaiman years ago: I will become heavyweight champion of the world!”

Charr and Povetkin know each other well from their time as training partners at Sauerland Event in Berlin. In the meantime both men left Sauerland and go their own ways: Manuel Charr is promoting under the banner “Diamond Boy Promotion” while Alexander Povetkin joined Russian oligarch Andrey Ryabinsky who granted him a world title fight against unified champion Wladimir Klitschko in Moscow last year which Povetkin lost by unanimous decision. Charr also had the chance to face a Klitschko in Moscow for a world title when he challenged Wladimir’s elder brother Vitali for the WBC crown in September 2012. The fight was stopped because of a cut over Charr’s eye. The “Diamond Boy” still claims that he was robbed and that he could have continued.

“I know Moscow and Moscow knows me”, states Charr. “That’s why I immediately accepted the offer. I will not feel like fighting abroad. I have so many fans and friends in Moscow that I will turn this into my home crowd. And of course, I am traveling with a big team and entourage. Together we will conquer Moscow, beat Povetkin, bring the WBC international championship back to Germany and then go on to become world champion. This fight is the key.”

Charr and his trainer team with Patrick Dobroschi and Clive Salz have four weeks left to get ready and in shape for the bout. “We will only have a rather short camp but I am still in shape from my fight against Kevin Johnson on April 12th so I won’t have any problems”, says the “Diamond Boy”. “I promise to all of my fans that I will be in the best shape ever. It will be an epic battle and I will win it!”

It wasn’t pretty but Wladimir Klitscho made another title defense of the WBA/WBC/IBF Ring Magazine Heavyweight Wladimir Klistchko defended his crown against WBA regular champion Alexander with a lopsided 12 round unanimous decision in Moscow, Russia.

Pobetkin tried to start out quick but without much success. In round two, Klitschko landed a short left hook that Povetkin down for the 1st time in his career. The fight never had any flow to it due to Klitschko holding and headlocking Povetkin any time that Povetkin got close. The fight was essentially put out of reach when Klitschko dropped Povetkin three times.

The first came from a hard 1-2 combination. The second came after Klitschko rocked Povetkin with a big right hand, the champion jumped all over Povetkin and sent him to the canvas after a big flurry of punches. Klitschko hurt Povetkin with a left and sent him to the canvas for a fourth time in the fight and third in round seven with a follow up left hand.

Povetkin did well to make it out of the round and to the final bell but he never had Klistchko in any trouble despite continuing to try more then most previous Klitschko opponents. Klitschko did well to hold, grab and push Povetkin down to the canvas several more times and was even penalized a point in round eleven by referee Luis Pabon.

Klitschko went 61-3 with a decision that read 119-104 on all cards. Povetkin loses for the first time and is now 26-1.

Follow all the action from Moscow, Russia as WBA, WBC, IBF and Ring Magazine champion Wladimir Klitschko defends his title against WBA Regular champion Alexander Povetkin. The action begins at 3:30 pm eastern/9:30 pm im Hamburg, Germany / 11:30 pm in Moscow

12 ROUNDS–HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO (60-3, 51 KO’S) VS ALEXANDER POVETKIN (26-0, 18 KO’S)

Round 1 Povetkin lands a left hook..Klitschko lands a left hook..jab..jab..left hook...10-9 Klitschko

Round 2 Povetkin lands a left hook..LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES POVETKIN…20-17 Klitschko

Round 3 Povetkin lands 2 body shots…body shot…quick left from Klitschko…1-2..Povetkin lands a left…29-27 Klitschko

Round 4 39-37 Klitschko

Round 5 2 jabs from Klitschko..right from Povetkin…49-46 Klitschko

Round 6 Povetkin lands a right…58-56 Klitschko

Round 7 HARD 1-2 AND DOWN GOES POVETKIN…Big right…Klitschko JUMPIN ALL OVER POVETKIN AND GOES DOWN AGAIN…left hurts Povetkin…LEFT DOWN GOES POVETKIN…68-62 Klitschko

Round 8Klitschko lands an uppercut…Right from Povetkin…Uppercut from Klitschko..78-71 Povetkin

Round 9 Klitschko lands a left hook..3 jabs..2 more jabs..right..right…88-80 Klitschko

Round 10 Klitschko lands a jab..98-89 Klitschko

Round 11 Povetkin lands a hard jab to the body…Big combinations wobbles Povetkin..Klistchko docked a point for elbowing…107-98 Klitschko

Round 12 117-108 Klitschko

119-104 on all cards for Klitschko

It’s another big fight night LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on BoxNation as heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko puts all four of his world titles on the line against the unbeaten challenger Alexander Povetkin with the third biggest purse in history – a whopping $23million – paid to secure a home town fight for Povetkin!

The remarkable Klitschko has racked up 14 straight world title defences and has one of the longest streaks as a heavyweight world champion in the sport’s history alongside past greats Joe Louis, Larry Holmes and Muhammad Ali.

WBA World Heavyweight champion Povetkin brings a 26-0 record with 18 knockouts into the ring, and is ranked number two by ring magazine as he takes on their top dog Wladimir.

The only place you can catch the action LIVE and EXCLUSIVE is on the Channel of Champions, BoxNation, this Saturday night at 8pm. Click here now to read the full Klitschko v Povetkin fight preview.

ADDED: ORMOND v DINGSDALE AND ABRAHAM v DE CAROLIS

Nordoff Robbins charity show live THIS Monday at 9pm

Abraham’s WBO Intercontinental defence on October 26th

If you love weeknight boxing, BoxNation is the place to be next Monday night! Join us from 9pm for a fantastic charity show in support of Nordoff Robbins, who help vulnerable and disabled children and adults enjoy their lives through music. Fresh from his destructive first round TKO win last month, WBO European Lightweight champion Stephen Ormond tops the bill against the unbeaten challenger Adam Dingsdale, while former Olympian Bradley Saunders, Matty Fagan and Simon Vallily also appear on this bill.

And on October 26th, BoxNation is bringing you an absorbing double header which starts in Germany where Arthur Abraham defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Middleweight title against Italy’s Giovanni De Carolis. Later that night, we cross the Atlantic where future hall of famer Bernard Hopkins defends his IBF World Light-Heavyweight title against Karo Murat and Peter Quillin defends his WBO World Middleweight title against Gabriel Rosado.
It’s your channel. Be a part of it. Are you in?

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, World Heavyweight champions Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin will meet on October 5th in Moscow.

“I’m very happy that this fight is finally made. The fans around the world are looking forward to this extravaganza between two Olympic champions,” said Klitschko, the 1996 super heavyweight gold medalist for Ukraine. “This is the best fight in the heavyweight division and I’m thrilled that it will be staged in Moscow, where many Russian and Ukrainian fans have a chance to fill the arena. The atmosphere is going to be thrilling.”

“We had long and intense negotiations but both sides were willing to find an agreement and now we can together present the fans around the world one of the best fights that can be made,” said Bernd Boente, who manages Klitschko. “We were all waiting for this bout a long time but finally, here we go. Two gold medal winners, two heavyweight champions, two great athletes — a dream fight.”

Hrunov and business partner Andrej Ryabinsky worked for more than a month to get the terms ironed out but they are happy to finally have the fight set.

“A lot of time and effort went into this, but now finer details have been dealt with, agreements are signed and we are looking forward to October and the historic fight between these titans of boxing,” Ryabinsky said. “We would like to thank our German partners for their cooperation and joint efforts.”

New York, NY (May 30, 2013) – Boxing is back on MSG Network every Friday night at 9:00 p.m. this summer with “Friday Night Fights.” Following tomorrow night’s presentation of two recent bouts from Russia, John Duddy and Mark Breland take center stage every Friday night with an all-new look at some classic fights.

“Friday Night Fights” gets started tomorrow night with a special presentation of “Don King Presents” featuring two recent title bouts from Moscow: Denis Lebedev vs. Guillermo Jones and Alexander Povetkin vs. Andrzej Wawrzyk. In the cruiserweight fight, Jones upset Lebedev and left the former title holder with a serious eye injury. Povetkin maintained his WBA heavyweight belt after defeating Wawrzyk in the third round, setting up a fight with Wladimir Klitschko this fall.

Starting Friday, June 7, Madison Square Garden favorite John Duddy and 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time world champion Mark Breland take over Friday Night Fights as they present classic bouts featuring some of the biggest names in boxing, including Lennox Lewis, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe.

Below is the “Friday Night Fights” schedule through the July 4th weekend. Additional fights will be announced at a later date.

June 7 – Alexis Arguello vs. Aaron Pryor II (9/9/83)

The rematch of the November 1982 fight, this bout ended in the same fashion, with Arguello falling to Pryor by KO, but four rounds earlier, this time in the 10th.

June 14 – Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe I (11/13/92)

Considered one of the greatest heavyweight fights of all-time, the inaugural bout between Holyfield and Bowe went the full 12 rounds with the younger Bowe outlasting his opponent for the unanimous decision.

June 21 – Mark Breland vs. Harold Volbrecht (2/7/87)

One of the greatest amateur boxers ever, two-time world champion Breland defeated Volbrecht in Atlantic City, NJ for the WBA World Welterweight Title, his first professional world title.

June 28 – Kevin Kelley vs. Jesse Benavides (5/6/94)

With the WBC Featherweight Title at stake, Kelley defeated Benavides by unanimous decision.

July 5 – Zab Judah vs. Terron Millett (8/5/00), Zab Judah vs. Allan Vester (6/23/01)

Two IBF title defense fights by Zab Judah. In the first bout, Judah went down in the first round but regained his composure and knocked out Millett in the fourth with a series of punches. Eight months later, Judah knocked down Vester twice in the second round and finished him in the third with a left hand to the head.

MSG Networks is the exclusive local television home of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, New York Liberty and New York Red Bulls, and the official regional sports networks of the New York Giants. MSG Networks also telecasts over 100 live college basketball games and over 40 live college football games from top national conferences (SEC, Big 12, Big East, Pac 12, Conference USA), as well as horse racing, boxing and award-winning original programming. In 2013, MSG Networks received 18 New York Emmy Awards, including 16 for MSG and one each for MSG+ and MSG.com. MSG’s 85 Emmys over the past six years are more than any single network or station in the region during that time.

About The Madison Square Garden Company

The Madison Square Garden Company is a fully-integrated sports, media and entertainment business. The Company is comprised of three business segments: MSG Sports, MSG Media and MSG Entertainment, which are strategically aligned to work together to drive the Company’s overall business, which is built on a foundation of iconic venues and compelling content that the company creates, produces, presents and/or distributes through its programming networks and other media assets. MSG Sports owns and operates the following sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL), the New York Liberty (WNBA), and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL). MSG Sports also features the presentation of a wide variety of live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball, bull riding and tennis. MSG Media is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company’s venues. MSG Media’s television networks consist of regional sports networks, MSG Network and MSG+, collectively referred to as MSG Networks; and Fuse, a national television network dedicated to music. MSG Networks also include high-definition channels, MSG HD and MSG+ HD, and Fuse includes its high-definition channel, Fuse HD. MSG Entertainment is one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment. MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events such as concerts, family shows and special events in the Company’s diverse collection of venues. These venues consist of Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, the Forum in Inglewood, CA, The Chicago Theatre, and the Wang Theatre in Boston, MA. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.

Wladimir Klitschko can come. That’s what must have gone through the mind of
Alexander Povetkin on Friday night after he finished off Andrzej Wawrzyk
inside three rounds. It was obvious that the Pole was over his head from the
get go and was sent to the canvas on three occasions before the 33-year-old
Russian was declared the winner and still WBA Heavyweight Champion of the
world.

The defending champion started of slowly at the Crocus City Hall in
Myakinino, close to the Russian capital of Moscow. In front of the eyes of
Vitali Klitschko (current WBC Champion), former WBA Champion Nikolai Valuev
as well as American movie star Steven Seagal the Russian mainly dominated
with his jab. But from round two onwards, Povetkin did not hold back
anymore. The orthodox fighter started to dominate Wawrzyk, who wasn’t able
to take advantage of his superior height and reach. After pushing him into
the corner, the champion caught the Pole with a powerful right hook straight
to the chin, which sent the previously undefeated heavyweight crashing to
the floor. Still feeling the pain the 1.95 meter challenger managed to get
back to his feet and was later saved by the bell.

However, the Olympic gold medalist continued the third round exactly where
he left off with. This time it was a left hook by Povetkin which found the
target and once again the 25-year-old Pole found himself on the floor. Just
a few seconds later he was caught by another shot. This time referee Russell
Mora stopped the punishment for Wawrzyk and it was all over.

Povetkin was understandably happy about his 26th victory out of as many
professional fights. “Everything went exactly as I wanted it to,” said the
man form Chekhov, Russia. “It took a little bit of time to get into the
fight but once I got started it was pretty much over.”

The defending champion already knows what his upcoming challenge will look
like. The next time Povetkin steps into the ring he will be looking straight
into the eyes of Wladimir Klitschko, the reigning IBF Titleholder as well as
WBA and WBO Super Champion of the world. Staging the mega fight will be
Russian based Hrunov Promotions who won the purse bid by putting more than
23 Million US-Dollars on the table.

Wawrzyk on the other hand had to taste defeat for the very first time in his
career after 27 previous victories.

We’re coming to you LIVE and EXCLUSIVE from Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia, from 5.30pm tonight with not one but two World titles on the line! Unbeaten heavyweight Alexander Povetkin defends his WBA World Heavyweight Championship against the 27-0 Poland fighter Andrzej Wawrzyk. The bout is seen by many as a stepping stone for Povetkin to face the WBA’s “Super” World Champion Wladimir Klitschko, but he knows he faces a tough test against the unbeaten 25-year-old.

Co-headlining the show, Denis Lebedev (above) and Guillermo Jones finally get it on for the WBA World Cruiserweight title after previously planned clashes were disappointingly postponed.

John Rawling and Barry Jones will call the action on the night, while expert analysis will come from Steve Bunce and Steve Lillis in the studio. Join us from 5.30pm for another great night of world title action on the Channel of Champions, BoxNation!

There is only one stepping-stone left between Alexander Povetkin (25-0, 17
KOs) and the World Championship bout with Wladimir Klitschko (59-3, 50 KOs).
The current WBA Champion takes on Andrzej Wawrzyk (27-0, 13 KOs) this
Friday, a must-win situation for Povetkin. Defeat is not an option or the
hotly anticipated fight against the Ukrainian is over before it has even
begun. The champion met up with his challenger for the very first time
during today´s press conference. This is what they had to say:

Alexander Povetkin (WBA Heavyweight Champion): ?I am putting my belt on the
line, so this is a very important fight for me. I promise to give it all I
have. My opponent?s name on Friday is Wawrzyk and not Klitschko. I am fully
focused on him and want to give the fans inside the Arena a great show.?

Andrzej Wawrzyk (Challenger): ?As soon as they offered me to fight Povetkin,
I accepted. This could be the chance of a lifetime. I have been in training
anyways so I was ready from the get-go and I will try everything possible to
burst the bubble that is the fight between Povetkin and Klitschko.?

Kostya Tszyu (Coach Alexander Povetkin): ?Alexander has developed a lot
during our time together. His punches become more powerful every time we
step into the gym and I can feel them through the pads. I am glad that he
does not hit me anywhere else. Wawrzyk should better be careful because
Alexander´s strength will make the difference on May 17.?

But not only the heavyweight championship, which Vitali Klitschko will be
attending, will keep the fans on the edge. Also WBA Cruiserweight Champion
Denis Lebedev (25-1, 19 KOs) takes on ?Champion in Recess? Guillermo Jones
(38-3-2, 30 KOs).

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, manager Vlad Hryunov bid an astounding $23.3 millon to stage the Heavyweight unification bout between Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin.

The bid is the third-biggest winning bid ever and far exceeded expectations. K2 Promotions, Klitschko’s company, bid $7.13 million and Sauerland Event, which promotes Povetkin, bid $6,014,444 at the ceremony at WBA headquarters in Panama City. The minimum bid was $1 million.

Rafael’s Boxing Blog
Get the latest scoop and analysis on the world of boxing from ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael in his blog.

“We all were totally surprised,” Klitschko manager Bernd Boente told ESPN.com. “We only have to make sure that the money goes into escrow and that it’s real. We are definitely willing to go through with it, but we have to make sure this is not one of those fake Don King purse bids [where he has defaulted multiple times after high bids].”

As champion, Klitschko is entitled to 75 percent of the winning offer ($17,499,997) with Povetkin due the remaining 25 percent ($5,833,333).

Asked whether the purse was the biggest in Klitschko’s career, Boente laughed and said, “By far.” The total is also easily the biggest purse of Povetkin’s career.

“I think this fight will wind up in Moscow,” Boente said.

“Right now the most important thing is that Wladimir wins his fight on May 4 against Pianeta,” Boente said. “Wladimir got the news about the bid and he said, ‘It’s interesting, but to be honest I just take it as news. I am 100 percent focused on Pianeta.’ ”

Hryunov was required to put down a 10 percent deposit with his bid — $2.3 million — as per WBA rules.

“If he doesn’t go through with it, he loses the money,” Boente said, noting that the $2.3 million would be split between the boxers and the sanctioning organization.

Chicago Promoter Bobby Hitz refuses to take “no” for an answer regarding Fres Oquendo’s WBA heavyweight title shot against the Russian WBA Heavyweight Champion Alexander Povetkin.

“Yesterday, we put out a press release telling the truth, and today they are calling, begging us to tell a lie. But I’m not afraid to tell the world what is really going on,” said Hitz. “We were offered a heavyweight title fight against Povetkin a couple of weeks ago and we accepted Povetkin’s lowball offer because we know that Fres can knockout Povetkin. And it is absolutely true that Povetkin’s handlers informed us that they were going in a different direction, because after studying Fres they realized that Fres was too fast, too slick and too big a risk for Povetkin. Povetkin’s handlers told us themselves that they want an ‘easy’ opponent which is why they are now considering the unknown Polish fighter Andrzej Wawrzyk who has fought nobody.”

“After we put out our release, I got a call from a major boxing website saying that they were concerned that Povetkin’s promoter, Sauerland, would take action against them so they would not run the story. But truth is an absolute defense, so they can say or deny all they want, but here in the U.S., we have freedom of the press and I intend to exercise my God-given right,” Hitz continued.

“Today, I got a call from one of my associates that Povetkin’s handlers had called, begging me to shut up, that no decision had been made yet,” said Hitz. “Well I am not shutting up because a decision was already made. We were offered the fight, we accepted the fight, we had Fres sign a bout agreement for the fight and now they are chickening out because they realize they made a mistake in choosing Fres and have admitted to us they want an ‘easy’ opponent.”

“I’m told that Roy Jones, Jr. is very popular and highly respected in Russia,” Hitz continued. “Well Roy Jones and I are the co-promoters of Oquendo, and we both guarantee that Povetkin vs. Oquendo will be a great fight. So we are calling upon all the boxing fans in Russia to rise up and stop this injustice and make Povetkin and his handlers live up to their word so they get a real fight, not a Polish joke.”

ABOUT HITZ BOXING: Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the Midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of “Hitz Boxing,” a reality show airing on YouTube which has amassed over 3 million views. Over the years the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast Fres Oquendo.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) has instructed the promotional companies
Sauerland Event (SE) and Klitschko Management Group (KMG) to conduct
immediate negotiations for the fight between the current Heavyweight Super
Champion Wladimir Klitschko and Regular World Champion Alexander Povetkin.
The WBA has followed the rules of their writing originally sent to all
parties prior to the fight between Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye. The
letter stated that the winner of the bout would be declared as Super
Champion and has to face the winner out of Ruslan Chagaev vs. Alexander
Povetkin within in a time period of 18 months after the fight which took
place on August 27, 2011. Klitschko vs. Povetkin is scheduled to take place
before February 26, 2013.

Povetkin´s promoter Kalle Sauerland said: “We are very excited that Povetkin
will be Wladimir Klitschko´s next opponent. We consider Wladimir Klitschko
to be a great champion but we also consider Alexander Povetkin to be a very
serious challenger. A fight between two Olympic Heavyweight Champions is
always something special and one that will turn out to be a real treat for
boxing fans all over the world.”

Chris Meyer, Managing Director of Sauerland Event, added: “We have a four
week period to negotiate terms on the fight and will be in contact with the
Klitschko management later on today. We worked together for many fights as
co-promoters of the Klitschkos. Therefore I am convinced that we will have a
professional dialogue. However, if we should not be able to reach a
voluntary agreement we are prepared to enter a purse bid.”

He produced the songs for Dariusz Michalczewski, Graciano “Rocky”
Rocchigiani and Henry Maske, whose walk-in tune “Time to say Goodbye” is one
of the greatest songs in boxing history. Next in line could be “Golden”
Jack, who is defending his WBA Intercontinental Championship at the
Sporthalle Hamburg against Mark Thompson on Saturday. Producer of the stars,
Frank Peterson, is sending the singing monks of Gregorian (over 6 Mio. sold
copies) to the ring. The chart toppers, who jumped straight into the German
top ten with their new album “Epic Chants”, will sing their newest single
“World Without End” in cooperation with the Russian singer Eva Mali, to
perform for Culcay. And the German shooting star is already looking forward
to the show act: “I am so excited to be walking into the ring to Gregorian.
I don’t want to give away too much, but the show is going to be of the
chain.” But not only will the musical highlight be of great quality. The
sport on display will also get the crowd roaring. Right after Culcay,
Alexander Povetkin steps into the ring. The WBA Heavyweight Champion will
face Hasim Rahman from America. Also putting his belts on the line is Kubrat
Pulev who has to defend his European Heavyweight and IBF-International
Championship against Alexander Ustinov.

The tension is building. Saturday’s big fight night is just around the
corner. Three title fights are scheduled and they all have one thing in
common. The WBA Heavyweight Championship between Alexander Povetkin (24-0,
16 KOs) and Hasim Rahman (50-7-2, 41 KOs), Kubrat Pulev´s (16-0, 8 KOs)
European and IBF International Heavyweight Championship defence against
Alexander Ustinov (27-0, 21 KOs) and the WBA Intercontinental Championship
bout between Jack Culcay (12-0, 8 KOs) and Mark Thompson (24-1, 14 KOs) are
all likely to end prematurely. It would be a surprise if all of them would
last the distance.

Convinced of an early success is Hasim Rahman. Once again, the 39-year-old
stated his intentions of knocking out current WBA Champion Alexander
Povetkin and taking his throne. “I’m happy that I got the chance for the
title. I’m completely focused on myself and it doesn’t matter who is in
front of me. I will knock Povetkin out.” But how quickly could he end the
bout? “Between rounds one and twelve,“ said the challenger. Also in good
spirits was Alexander Povetkin. “My preparation has been going really well.
I have a lot of respect for Hasim Rahman and his experience,“ said the
33-year-old. His coach Kostya Tszyu added: “Since we started working
together, Alexander has progressed about 40 percent.” Therefore, Team
Povetkin has every reason to be optimistic.

The same principal applies for the defending European and IBF International
Heavyweight Champion Kubrat Pulev. Lately, the prodigy of Coach Otto Ramin
has been riding on a wave of success. “Ever since I won the European title,
Bulgaria has been pretty much ecstatic. Whenever I walk along the streets,
the people recognise me. That motivates me even more to defend my two titles
come Saturday night,” said the 31-year-old, who is known as a joker if he is
not inside the squared circle. However, inside the ring it is all about
serious business. And his opponent Alexander Ustinov is very well aware of
that. The 140 Kilo colussus stated: “If the opportunity for a knockout
arises I will take it.”

The fight for the WBA Intercontinental Championship between Jack Culcay and
Mark Thompson also has the potential to end early. “I said before that I am
not travelling all the way to Germany to lose. I will do what I have to do.
If an opportunity presents itself, I will take it,” said the man from
Heywood near Manchester via a pre-recorded video. But Culcay, who turned 27
today, does not want anyone to spoil his party in front of the home crowd.
“His record is definitely the most dangerous one out of all of my opponents
so far. But in Hamburg I will prove, that I’m the better man,” said the
German light middleweight.